Archive for ‘Helpful Hints’

CoolMamaStyle is taking a Vacation

By Michelle, 15 July, 2010, No Comment

We would really like to thank you so much for your support in reading and commenting on our blog over the last 6 months. As with most busy moms, sometimes life just takes over and you have to reset the priorities. Both of us are reevaluating our priorities right now and we are going to take a small break from CoolMamaStyle.

We are still here and will be checking Facebook and the comments on the blog regularly but our posts will be slowing down quite a bit. We are always available to bounce ideas off of or send questions to. We hope in the next few months we will be back at it again. Thank you again for all of your support! In the meantime, please go back and check some of our past posts that you may have missed!

Are short shorts for you?

By Michelle, 6 July, 2010, No Comment

As we’ve all seen everywhere these days, short shorts are all the rage for the teenage set. It’s amazing how short these shorts are…just barely covering the tush! As a mom of 2 young girls, I wish Bermuda shorts would come back in style! Seeing all the young girls in short shorts got me thinking…are short shorts appropriate for the over-30 crowd? Well, here’s my take on short shorts.

Basic rules for wearing short shorts:

Only those lucky women of the lean to medium build should wear them. Some styles, like short shorts, are simply not as flattering if you’re “pleasantly plump,” as I was in my youth.
Wear them ONLY with flat shoes or wedge espadrille-type casual shoes. High heels cheapen the look of short shorts–you don’t want to do hooker-esque dress.

Age limitations on short shorts:

If you’re a teen or in your early 20s…feel free to sport ‘em.
If you’re in your 30s, shy away from short shorts. If you have gams as long and lean as a fashion model, you can probably wear them on very casual days only.
If you’re 40+, don’t even think about it!

When’s the right time for Night time?

By kristen, 29 June, 2010, No Comment

I’ve noticed a couple of women lately that have been dressed for evening during the day. I started to think “Is this okay?” Well, the answer is…NO!

Now, don’t get me wrong…I am a fan of dressing up, but to be wearing a flashy look during the day is just not appropriate.

I noticed a woman at my daughter’s daytime dance recital who looked like she should have been dressed for a nightclub. Come on, now…it’s a kids’ dance recital–not the Vegas strip! The look I saw was something reminiscent of the show “Jersey Shore” that is tremendously popular for its tackiness and big hair (see photo to the right). The mom at the recital had big hair, an off the shoulder studded red top with short shorts plus very high heels. It was just plain tacky…unless, of course, she was going to her second job as an exotic dancer after the kids’ dance recital

Keep your night time looks for the evening and you can’t go wrong. Appropriate looks for a daytime dance recital should look something like this, by Ann Taylor LOFT. This is a sophisticated and feminine look. This dress is comfortable also, which never hurts. It is accessorized with a cute flowered belt and strappy heels, but you could also wear this dress with flat sandals just as easily.

DO wear a more casual look for daytime–nothing over the top and flashy! I understand women want to look sexy, but subdued and classy is always a classic look for every woman.

Rompers: Are they a do or a don’t?

By Michelle, 28 June, 2010, No Comment

Last week I spent some time in New York City. I love visiting New York for a few reasons but at the end of the day, I love to get a glimpse of some fashion trends in motion that I don’t always see in Colorado. One trend that I am seeing in many magazines and on the street is the romper. For those of you who may not be completely familiar with the romper, its a one piece item that is a cross between a dress and shorts. Think Chrissy from Three’s Company in the 70s.

A friend of mine, who was with me on a small shopping break in the city, asked me what my take was on the romper. Are they a do or a don’t for women in their 30s? I don’t actually own a romper and it is a look that I am struggling with for myself personally. When a romper is the right length for the woman wearing it and the shoes and accessories that you pair it with are just right, it can be fabulous. At the same time, it can easily be a disaster.

Just about that time, we found ourselves in a store with a very cute but simple black strapless romper. Of course, I had to try it on and see just exactly what I thought. This is me in a Theory black romper with platform heels and some simple accessories. Its a little hard to see, but I have a small skinny belt at my waist as, well. I really adored this romper and for going out on the town or to an evening party, this would definitely be a DO. I think the key for this look is to lengthen your legs visually as much as you can with heels or a wedge sandal. If worn with flats, I don’t think its as flattering. Notice example number 2. The lack of any heel height makes her legs look stumpy and the look is just blah .

As with any look, the key is to wear it with confidence. If you feel uncomfortable, you should not wear it. You have to ROCK this look, ladies! I very much enjoyed the romper that I tried at Theory and had it not been a little over my budget I would have purchased it. I still think about that romper and I am so mad that I didn’t just buy it. So is my husband!

Let us know what you think of the romper or how you are wearing it this summer!

Closet Must-Haves, Part 10, A Classic Tank Top

By kristen, 24 June, 2010, No Comment

There are days when your creativity is lacking and you need to pull together a quick outfit that’s a no-brainer. Where I live in Colorado, you really never know what the weather will be like in 15 minutes. So, layering is crucial and tank tops are the perfect versatile piece for your wardrobe.

I love a classic white tank with jeans. It’s a simple, yet clean look and you can jazz it up with a great colored beaded necklace such as this one from Fantasy Jewlery Box. You can also layer it up under a jacket, shirt or cardigan when it gets chilly.

I also love a tank with a sarong or cotton skirt for a bathing suit cover-up that works equally well poolside or having a cocktail at the pool bar.

Deal Alert – Save $15 off $75 at LOFT – In Store Only

By Michelle, 17 June, 2010, No Comment

Starting today and running through Sunday, June 20 shop at LOFT and get $15 off for every $75 you spend in store. Click the image above to get your printable coupon. Happy Shopping!

Closet Must-Haves, Part 9: Scarves

By kristen, 15 June, 2010, No Comment

Scarves are a great item to have in your wardrobe. They can be used for warmth, as a necklace or as a pop of color added to an outfit. Whatever you use them for, scarves are a wardrobe must.

These looks are from Affordable Scarves, a website dedicated to scarves where you can find any type of scarf your heart desires. I found a couple of scarves that are cute for summer, since we are in the heat of summer right now. This first one is adorable with its thin stripes and soft material and would be great with a t shirt and boyfriend shorts.

This next one is a more sophisticated look and reminds one of a vacation–it is called Jamaican Breeze, after all . I’d wear this with a white dress or top in the evening to keep the chill away. You can also wear a more flowy scarf like this as a headband or tied around your waist like a belt.

Check out the loose tie method of tying a scarf in this video post we did a while back. However you choose to wear a scarf, have fun accessorizing and send us suggestions on how you use them!

Closet Must-Have Part 8: The Camisole

By Michelle, 14 June, 2010, No Comment

Another peice of clothing in my closet that I can not live without is the camisole. I starting wearing them more and more after having my daughter to smooth out my mid section while I was still working on losing the baby weight. A stretchy cami can smooth out your tummy without being as intense as a traditional shapewear tank.

While I don’t need the shapewear aspect any more I still wear a simple scoop cami under a sheer top for more coverage. For example, burn out tees are gaining more popularity and I think that a simple cami is a must have under these tops to offer more coverage to your bra.

I also like to have a few lace trimmed camis in my closet like this one to wear under a jacket or a belted cardigan for a business look. A little peek of lace can be sophisticated and sexy.

Fashion Do or Don’t: Boat Shoes

By kristen, 11 June, 2010, 2 Comments

I’ve been reading in many fashion magazines that boat shoes, aka “Top siders” are making a comeback. Yes, boat shoes: the moccasins with the white soles. Remember those from the “preppy” days? I once had a Preppy Handbook, and everybody preppy had a pair of these bad boys. Mostly in the traditional dark brown leather with white soles.

I couldn’t believe it when I saw them In Style this month–the bible for fashion! I was like…HUH?

Well, metallics and other cool colors (some in patent leather) make boat shoes a bit more modern, these by Sperry (who are one of the original designers of boat shoes). I ’ve seen some fashion forward celebs (such as Sienna Miller) sporting these shoes with rolled-up skinny jeans or cuffed shorts. Note: make sure they’re shorter shorts, not bermudas–to ensure a modern look.

DO pair them with the ever-popular striped nautical top with cuffed shorts. Make this look work for your legs and you can’t go wrong.

Here’s another pair I found that are by Steve Madden, that are done in canvas and a bit more casualand less pricey at around $50.

Most leather boat shoes are about $90, but can go upwards of $250 depending on what designer you desire.

Keep in mind that this (like most) trends is not likely to withstand the test of time. If you live in an area that you’re hanging out on boats or at marinas, do invest the money on a cute pair of boat shoes!

I don’t know if I’d do boat shoes–unless of course, I was on a boat! Hmmm, what do you think–are boat shoes a fashion do or don’t? Let us know.

Closet Must-Haves, Part 7: The Pencil Skirt

By kristen, 7 June, 2010, No Comment

When I am choosing an outfit for work or an evening event, many times I find myself reaching for a pencil skirt. Pencil skirts are very versatile and never go out of style; but best of all always look polished if worn correctly.

Wear a pencil skirt with a fitted blouse and/or a belted cardigan for a business look.You can easily adapt this daytime look for evening by adding an embellished tank or camisole and pairing it with some cool accessories (i.e., chandelier earrings, layered necklaces or bracelets and a modern clutch).

Here’s one look I love from J. Crew…it’s a way to wear a pencil skirt in a more casual way, would be great to meet friends for Happy Hour or to your kid’s school play. You could change out these sandals for a pair of heels for a nighttime look.

This next pencil skirt is a denim one and is such a cute look I couldn’t resist, also by J. Crew. It pairs a denim pencil skirt with a t shirt and cardigan, completed with a great necklace and platforms. I love this look for the office or lunch with your friends, (although I wouldn’t wear the ankle length nylons this model is wearing. I just can’t wrap my head around this odd trend seen on the spring runways).

Another beautiful thing about the pencil skirt is that they work in every season, if the material is suitable. I have two of them, one in black and one in white. So, I’m covered for any season with a mere 2 skirts. How cool is that?

Cool Mama Style