On My Radar: Cute Pajamas for $40 and Under

I have a confession: wearing cute, or even matching pajamas is no longer a priority of mine. With a husband and two kids to take care of, plus work obligations, my priority at bedtime is sleep. But there used to be a time when my drawers were filled with adorable, printed pajama sets and lovely, silky nightgowns. I used to love taking a hot shower, slathering my skin with some fantastic-smelling body oil or cream, and slipping into a cute pair of pajamas; it was the perfect way to end my day. Since we'll be off on vacation in a few weeks, I've decided that in addition to the obvious necessities (sundresses, swimsuit, sunblock, sandals, etc), I'm also going to pack pajamas that I wouldn't be completely embarrassed to be seen in. Bonus: these cute jammies won't break the bank.   




Shop more cute PJs from H&M, Target, and more of your favorite stores here: 

10 Ways to Rock a Chambray Shirt This Spring

The chambray shirt is a staple that can effortlessly transition from season to season, making it one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your closet. Now that spring is finally on the horizon and you can shed your winter wares, mix this wardrobe essential with lighter layers, fun colors, bold prints, vintage inspiration, and even a little sparkle. 

With a fun, bright color and ladylike accessories, the chambray shirt is instantly a must-have for work and play.

A no-frills denim shirt is a perfect match for a bold, colorful print, and even more so if you're mixing prints.

Tucked into a pair of wide-leg jeans, the chambray shirt takes on a '70s vibe that feels modern and fresh.   

Throwing on a blazer instantly adds polish to a casual all-denim look.  

A more feminine take on the Canadian tuxedo, this look is extremely customizable--wear with heels for a date, Converse for running errands, etc. 

Layered under a sweater, a chambray shirt adds warmth, not bulk, for cool spring mornings.    

Overalls made a major comeback and a chambray shirt goes surprisingly well with them. A more fitted silhouette, cuffed hem, and heels keep the look feminine instead of farm hand.   

A rugged denim shirt tied at the waist lends a casual feel to a ballerina-inspired tulle skirt and keeps the look from becoming too precious.  

Just a hint of denim peeking out from under a sweater helps to tone down the glitziness of sequins.  
   

Paired with shorts, a floral print, and pastel shades of pink and peach, this looks screams springtime.


Shop chambray shirts and coordinating separates from this post here:

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

6 Reasons to Wear (and Love!) Moto Jackets

1. Vince Camuto Quilted Leather Moto Jacket  2. Blank NYC Pink Moto Jacket  3. Tulle Leader of the Pack Moto Jacket  4. Michael Stars Zip Moto Jacket with Leather  5. Max Studio Soft Leather Moto Goddess Jacket   6. H&M Biker Jacket  7. Sam Edelman Crackle Moto Jacket  8. Piperlime Collection Floral Moto Jacket  9. Calvin Klein Knit Moto Jacket  10. NIC+ZOE Sundown Moto Jacket  

There's a reason motorcycle jackets are considered one of the must-have pieces every woman should have in her closet: they're undeniably cool. Here are six reasons why you should be a fan of this jacket style. 

1. They can easily replace a basic cardigan or blazer. 
If you've been rocking the same cardigan for weeks or only wear blazers to work, you can swap them for a moto jacket and totally refresh your whole look. 

2. They add a bit of edginess to a look. 

Nothing keeps a feminine '50s-inspired frock from looking too precious or a sheath dress from looking too prim than a moto jacket. 

3. You can wear one with anything, for any occasion. 
Motorcycle jackets are surprisingly versatile. I've seen them worn with everything from wedding gowns to pencil skirts to skinny jeans, and they looked fabulous every time. 

4. You're instantly cooler when you wear one. 
Somehow a moto jacket can take any outfit and inject it with unabashed coolness.  You throw one on over a simple tank top and suddenly your Sandra Dee at the end of Grease--you're the girl everybody wants to know.

5. It looks way better than your man's flannel or ratty old college sweatshirt.
Just because all you're doing is running a few errands doesn't mean you can't look put together. A moto jacket keeps your look casual, but it's far more attractive than an oversized hoodie or grunge-era flannel from your guy's closet. 

6. They keep you warm without the bulk.
This is especially important for date night or GNO; you don't have to worry about being cold, of course, but you also don't have to worry about having your 'fit ruined by some big, puffy, and completely unflattering coat. 

Shop more moto jackets in my curated Mavatar cart:

5 Tips to Make Shoe Shopping Easier

I don't think I know a single woman who doesn't love shopping for shoes, but I know lots of women who have been disappointed with the resulting purchases. Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to shop for footwear. Here are five tips for ensuring success on your next jaunt to the shoe department.

Shop at the right time.

Avoid hitting the shoe department at the start of your day but instead go in the late afternoon have stretched and swollen a little bit (as they naturally do). This will give you a more accurate idea of the size you'll actually need.  Also, don't go near closing time because you'll feel pressure to hurry up and make a purchase, which could result in serious buyer's remorse the next day.

Go for quality over quantity.

You may love the cheap shoes, the cheap shoes may be totally adorable, and the cheap shoes definitely have a price tag to love, but the first time you actually wear those cheap shoes for more than 20 minutes, your feet will be begging you to take them off. Avoid the pain (and possible unsightly blisters) and just buy a good quality shoe, even if it means you only get to take home one pair versus four.

Buy a slightly snug fit.

Your shoes will stretch after some time so it's better to buy the pair that's ever so slightly snug over the pair that's a little too big. You can always speed up the stretching process by stuffing the shoes with newspapers and blasting them with heat from the blowdryer for a couple of minutes, or wearing them with a thick pair of socks around the house.

Sleep on it.
If you're feeling uncertain about a shoe for some reason, especially if it's a major splurge, ask the store to hold your size for you. This will give you a chance to go home and assess the number of outfits you can wear with the shoes, as well as review your bills, bank account, and credit card statement to make sure you can even afford them.

Take a walk around the store.
It goes without saying that you should always try on both shoes in a pair since your feet can actually be two different sizes, but once you've got them on take a little stroll around the shoe department to make sure there's not too much pressure on the balls of your feet. Any shoe that puts all your weight on the front of your feet is a shoe that you won't be able to wear for too long, much less walk or dance. 

10 Ways to Snap Out of a Style Rut

 
1. Shoshanna Liz Cocktail Dress  2. Ban.do Girl Talk Bobbi Set  3. Max Studio Stretch Jersey Blouson Tee  4. Baublebar Atlantis Fringe Bib Necklace  5. theBalm Girls® Lipstick in Mia Moore  6. Loeffler Randall Foldover Clutch  7. Zara Blazer  8. DL1961 Poppy in Golightly  9. Topshop Leopard Print Tube Skirt  10. French Connection Kourtney Kitten Heels  

It can happen to the best of us--you wake up one morning, pull on some version of the same trousers/shirt combo, and accessorize with the same safe and expected jewelry and handbag. You're in a style rut, and it ain't pretty! It's impossible to always feel totally inspired by what you see hanging in your closet (even when it's full of clothes) but it is possible to update your look by making small changes. Here are ten easy ways you can break out of a style rut without spending a fortune on a complete wardrobe makeover.

1. Make dressier and "going out" clothes work for day by pairing them with more casual pieces like a denim or moto jacket and light jewelry.

2. Infuse a little fun into your look by ditching the ponytail or bun and adding cute hair accessories.

3. Rethink how you wear neutrals. To keep a neutral palette from becoming stale, look for cool and unexpected design details (hidden pockets, an interesting drape, origami pleats, etc.).

4. Add a statement necklace; it's the fastest way to update your look, even if you're just wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

5. There is no better way to instantly feel more glamorous, confident, and sexy than with a beautiful, bold lip color like red, orange, or bright pink.

6. Punctuate an otherwise ordinary (READ: boring) outfit with a metallic bag. Avoid glitter or sequins though, as you don't want to look like a six-year old.

7. Switch out your basic black blazer for something colorful and bright. 

8. Reconsider the hemlines and silhouettes when it comes to your pants; try cropped trousers and jeans, culottes, high-waisted, shorts, you name it--anything that isn't your norm.

9. Treat a printed skirt like jeans and pair it with everything from T-shirts and Chuck Taylors on the weekend to blazers and heels for work.

10. Even something as simple as changing your high heel for a flat, or your flat for a kitten heel, can make a noticeable difference in your entire look.

DIY Glitter Pins/Hair Pins

I'm a big believer that a little sparkle is always a good thing, especially during the holidays. This DIY is about as easy as it gets, and it adds a sweet little dose of sparkle to make your look a little merrier. 

1. Trace the shape of your choice on a piece of wax paper (I used cookie cutters), then outline and fill it in with glue. Elmer's works well because it's really spreadable. Next, cover the glue completely with glitter and allow to dry overnight. 

2. Peel your glitter shape off the wax paper and glue fabric, such as felt, to the back to help hold the shape. It's a good idea cut your fabric as close to the same size as your glitter shape as possible. 

 3. Glue the pin and hair clip to the felt. I recommend Aleene's Tacky Glue or Fabric Fusion.

4. Allow the glue to dry for a few hours, or overnight.

You could also do smaller shapes and glue to bobby pins. 

5 Ways to Wear a Scarf This Season

Even though scarves are rarely a necessity in Southern California, I definitely have a strong affinity for them and have acquired a pretty sizable collection over the years. Since the weather has cooled, even if only slightly, I'm starting to plan my outfits around my scarves and trying to find new ways to wear them. I'm loving the way these ladies styled theirs.

I love the grunge-meets-glam look of a fur scarf layered over a plaid shirt.

This snuggly look will be perfect for a casual night out, when it's much cooler.

Head scarves seem to have a summery feel, but paired with a fur stole and maxi dress, this one totally works for fall.

Layered over a sweater, as opposed to a coat,  is ideal for the mild SoCal weather. 

Wrapped and tied--a classic look. 

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Thinking Pink: 7 Beauty Buys to Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Clockwise from top: Bobbi Brown Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection    Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder for Breast Cancer Awareness    Sonia Kashuk for Target Proudly Pink 5-pc Brush Set    Pink Honey Marc Jacobs Limited Edition eau de parfum    essie Breast Cancer Awareness Nail Polish in 'Pinking of You'    eos 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Pack    AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream   
                
Aside from the romance of the season and the fun of Halloween, October is a time to recognize the breast cancer survivors in our lives and remember those we have lost to the disease. This month, I encourage you to wear pink to show your support of breast cancer awareness, and if you are able, make a purchase to help fund the research that will find the cure. I've rounded up a few beauty products, naturally (because I'm a junkie), but there are tons of other products available.

How to Wear Summer Essentials This Fall

I love fall fashion, and I'm excited about pulling out my favorite sweaters and scarves, but I'm not quite ready to trade in all my summer clothes for cold weather essentials. If you're like me and you don't want to pack up all your summer wares just yet, here are a few ideas for incorporating some of your favorite warm weather pieces into your fall wardrobe.    

White Jeans

DL1961 Nicky In Milk

I really love a monochromatic look--white jeans paired with a chunky, winter white sweater and neutral heels or booties.

Clockwise from top left: Gap Cable Knit Sweater,  Baublebar Candy Floss Gem Collar,  Old Navy Classic Chambray Shirt,  The Edmund Heel from Madewell



Floral Print Dress

Tinley Road Pleated Waist Dress

For me, the perfect autumn gamine look starts with a sweet floral print frock. Add a black cardigan and dark tights, and suddenly that summery dress becomes a go-to for fall.

Clockwise from top left: Sweet Bliss Cardigan from Tulle,  Dorothy Perkins Black Check Tights,  Nine West Nostalgia Lace-Up Oxford Shooties,  Kate Spade Hanover Street Aster Crossbody  


Breezy Maxi Dress

Ella Moss Xander Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are ubiquitous during the warm weather months, but they can easily transition into the fall. I like to toughen up the feminine silhouette with a moto jacket, a thick, knit scarf, and boots.

Clockwise from top left: Hannah Faux Leather Biker Jacket,  Zara Metal Detail Leather Boots,  Throwback Crescent Hoop Earrings,  Ganni Snowball Knitted Scarf

Must Have: Equinox Pleated Maxi Dress

Equinox Pleated Maxi Dress by Moulinette Soeurs, $188

I'm more than a little obsessed with this dress for fall. The colors are beautiful and I love the print (flowers and tree branches). I also love the way they have it styled here with the floppy hat and chunky heels--perfect for fall. But I suspect it will be just as amazing next spring with sandals and a jean jacket. 

Must Have: Mango Dark Denim Skirt

Mango Dark Denim Skirt, $24.99

I haven't worn a denim skirt in at least eight years, but it's definitely time to revive the trend. This pencil skirt is far more chic than other denim skirts I've had, thanks to the dark denim and fitted silhouette. It can easily transition from running errands with my babies to meeting a client, and then dinner with my hubby.

Cute Travel Accessories

Passport Holders (l-r): ASOS Neoprene Watermelon Printed Passport Cover;  Flight 001 Traveling To For Pleasure Passport Cover;  Whiting & Davis Passport Cover
Luggage Tags (l-r): Flight 001 Talking Dots Luggage Tag Set;  H&M Luggage Tag;  Tory Burch Robinson Luggage Tag
Weekenders (l-r): Cleobella Harlow Weekender Bag;  Deux Lux Anais Weekend Satchel;  Kate Spade Saturday The Weekender Bag

So your flight was delayed, your seatmate smells like onion, the seat in front of you is literally resting on your knees, and you just learned there are torrential rains waiting for you at your destination--with all the things that can go wrong when you travel, at least your travel accessories should be cute!

French Twists

In honor of Bastille Day today, here are a few French-inspired bits and pieces.

The quintessential French girl shirt.
A mini Eiffel Tower that offers a daily dose of Paris from a desk or kitchen counter.
Lovely French macarons--always a good idea.
A kitchen towel that could possibly double as wall art. 
Sweet flats reminiscent of something Catherine Deneuve would have worn in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
A cute phone case by the ever stylish Garance Doré.
The ultimate French-chic lip color.

Must Have: Collina Strada Nico Clutch

Collina Strada 'Nico' Clutch, $175

I was traveling yesterday and missed posting this week's must have, but it's so good I just couldn't save it for next week. I have a thing for foldover clutches; I think they add interest and an unexpected edginess to a look. This one, with its slanted pleats and exposed zipper, is definitely on the chic side of rocker-chic, and the price is right for this buttery leather clutch--after all, it's made by hand from eco-conscious materials. The fact that the label's designer, Hillary Taymour, went to FIDM, my alma mater and former place of employment (I used to be the Fashion Editor), only makes me a little biased.