On our Summer radar…..

Summer rolls around, and everything seems lovelier.  Maybe I am just seeing things through rose-colored glasses from all of the extra Vitamin D, but I want to try new things and be more adventurous.  What’s on my radar for the month of June?

First off, I must try the Skinnygirl Mojito.  I am a huge fan of Mojitos and love having one in the summer.  But of course, I’m not a huge fan of the calories and sugar content.  Cheers to this making the cut!

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Now let’s talk about the Banana Republic/Milly collaboration.  I’m not overly impressed (I think they played it way too safe), but I do love these shorts.

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Milly Collection Feathers Short, $55

 

A collab I’m much happier with the result is that of Target and Sam & Libby.  I was in there over the weekend and wanted to buy all of them!  Great prices, great timeless yet trendy enough style.  Here’s my favorite:

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Sam & Libby Karina 3 Sandal, $24.99

 

This might seem silly, but I can’t stop thinking about ordering a few pairs of these barre socks.  You don’t have to wear them specifically for bar method, barre, or daily method classes (although the skids are super helpful during the workout) – and they will give your boring old white and black sock drawer a lift.  Aren’t the prints and colors cute?

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Who knew socks with skids weren’t just for kids?

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Barre Socks in Trekker Orange, $10

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Barre Socks in Yellow Stripe, $10

 

These past couple of months a few of my friends and family members have had new babies.  What to get a 2nd or 3rd time Mom?  I actually saw this (well not this exact one)  in a client’s home recently and had to ask her where she had it made.

Etsy, of course! The shop is called Designs by Nicolina.  You can personalized this with your own size and color choices, and I plan to head to Hobby Lobby for a pretty white frame and mat.

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‘First we had each other’ Art Print, $20.50

Lastly, I can’t get enough of Gorjana’s ‘Greer Bow Tie necklace.’  It would go with everything, and eliminates the need to have to layer your necklaces because it’s just interesting enough on it’s own.

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Gorjana’s Greer Bow Tie Necklace, $80

Hope I’ve piqued your interest with a few things on my radar this month – what did I miss?  Please tell us what you’re thinking about for the first month of summer!

Signing off in Style,

Mollie & Erin

Happy Easter = Happy Fashion

Happy Easter  =   Happy Fashion

Any excuses to wear floral prints, bright colors and/or lace this weekend?  I got one, Easter!  Not everyone celebrates, but those that do want to look their best.

These are some looks I have been scoping out for this years Easter celebration (and not only for me but for my daughters as well).

Adrianna Papell Scalloped Lace Dress

$138 at Nordstrom

Worn as is- perfection!

Xhilaration Juniors Keyhole Dress

$24.99 at Target

Pair it with a White cardigan and Nude t-strap sandals.  This one won’t break your bank either.

Jack by BB Dakota Cherry Chiffon Dress

$59 at Urban Outfitters

Wear it with shoes below and you got the look!

Rilo Wedges

$89 at Lucky Brand

Ponte Full-Skirt Dress

$130 at Banana Republic

Add a big chunky necklace and Floral-print pumps.

Miss Me Jeans, Skinny Floral-Print

$99 at Macy’s

For a more casual look, pair it with a pewter peplum tee.

i jeans by Buffalo Lace-Front Chiffon-Back Top

$25 at JC Penny

Go bold with this tank, white skinnies and shoes below (don’t forget the bunny ears though).

DV Footwear ‘Greer’ Flat

$78.95 at Nordstrom

NEXT UP, looks for my daughters (and yours as well).

Sydney, my almost 3 year old is like a princess and tomboy all wrapped up in one.  The first look is what I would like to see her in, the second look is what she will most likely end up wearing.

Isobella and Chloe Dress

$50 at Nordstrom

Darling, sweet, great color and just the right amount of tutu.

Harajuku Mini for Target Toddler Girls Short Sleeve Dress- Yellow

$20 at Target

Love Gwen’s Harajuku Mini line at Target so don’t get me wrong, just not what I would pick for Easter Sunday.

Now for Skyler my 7 month old, she has no choice but to let me pick her outfit.  I won’t pick a dress for her though because it is not functional for me to hold her with one on- they ride up so easily.  Therefore, I will pick more of a romper style.

Chambray short one-piece

$29.95 at Gap

You can add so much to this, cute hair accessories for sure and maybe even a little colorful cardigan.

‘Ardmore’ Romper Infant

$30 at Nordstrom

Love this pattern and looks so comfortable for the little one.

Here’s to the Easter Bunny putting a Nordstrom Gift Card into your Easter Basket this year!

Happy Shopping, Happy Spring, Happy Easter to all!

Signing off in Style from San Diego,

Tina Carreras

Monogramming Obsession

My name is Erin and I am currently obsessed with Monogramming.

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Yes, it is true.

Lately, I am finding myself obsessed with initials, monogramming – and it may be a problem.

From the home …

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to my girls …

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to the runway!

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My dear friend, Jodi has a business Keepsake Designs by JS that has filled my obsession for the moment and I had to share!

These are my recent purchases that I am LOVING!

For a girls night out …

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Island Clutch $35 (Avail in more colors)

At the pool …

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Floppy Pool Hat $28 (Avail in more colors)

and for my ‘not so good’ hair days!

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Baseball Cap $21 (Avail in more colors)

I ADORE every one of them!  I have already worn my baseball hat to the gym a few times and the floppy hat can’t wait to make its debut for summer!

Perfect gifts for yourself and your friends …

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Bargain Shopping Sites – Oh MY!

It is that time of year when we are supposed to be done spending and playing catch up after the holidays, right?! Well then why do I keep finding boxes from my favorite UPS driver at my door everyday … AFTER HOLIDAY SALES!!

Speaking of sales, we wanted to share with you some of our secrets when it comes to shopping …

We LOVE a bargain and these favorite sites are the best (in our eyes) when it comes to bargain shopping.  Most of these sites have ‘sample sales’ or flash sales that only last a few days and when it’s gone, it’s gone!

Here is an insight to some of today’s sales …

In no particular order:

#1: Rue La La

Today they have the amazing Foley & Corrina bags…

‘Suede City’ Shoulder Bag

$425, on Rue La La for $199

#2: Gilt 

Today’s sale = Brian Atwood. Awesome.

‘Mortessa Bootie’

$729, on Gilt for $349

 #3: HauteLook

Today’s sale is Marika, perfect for our after holiday slim downs!

‘Tek Sole Constrast Jacket’

$88, on HauteLook for $22

For the kiddos, moms and babies:

#4: Zulily

Todays, sale is Swanky Baby Vintage, a favorite in our household!

‘Ava Skirt’

$30, on Zulily for $15

For the Home:

#5: Joss & Main

Today’s sale includes a ‘French Farmhouse’ look.

‘Berdine Pillow’

$75, on Joss & Main for $45

 and last but not least …

#6: One Kings Lane

Today’s sale includes some great gift ideas for the men in your life.

‘Silver Shaving Kit’

$97, on One Kings Lane for $57

Make sure to sign up on their sites to receive daily deals.  And let us know if you have any favorite sites we are missing.

Happy Shopping!

Signing Off In Style,

Erin & Mollie

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

It is that time of year … and if you are like me, I am almost done with my big gift buying but it’s the stockings that I am always scrabbling last minute!  I don’t like to spend a ton but love to fill the stockings with love!

Here are some things that I will be running out after…

For the Hubs -

To keep his techy side stylish …

J Crew Leather iPhone Case $38

To keep his skin in check … (this smells YUMMY too)

Neutrogena Triple Protect Lotion $6.99

Practical yet always good to have …

Brooks Brothers Collar Stays $9

and for his traveling days …

Tumi Passport Holder $19.99

For the Kiddos -

Our household favorite … (in fun Christmas colors of course!)

Piggy Paint Christmas Colors – $19

The girls are OBSESSED with this new movie … got a sticker book at the school book fair!

Princess and The Popstar Sticker Book – $8

For rainy (or snowy!) days with house filled tents …

Hello Kitty Flashlight $8

And for their school lunches and no spills …

Thermos Sippy Cup $16

And just in case Santa thinks I have been a good girl this year -

A scarf that goes with everything …

J Crew Printed Scarf $19

To keep me looking refreshed after lots of sleepless nights …

Rock Eye Cream $21

and for when the kids are in bed and I grab a glass of wine …

Tory Burch Signature Candle $40

I am sure I will be throwing in more as we get closer – I love the little gifts that reflect everyone’s lifestyle.

Let us know if you have any ideas to share with us!

Happy Stocking Stuffers!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Beauty Talk: Laura Mercier Favs

Though we have a whole category dedicated on this blog to beauty, we admittedly haven’t done much with it.  Funny, since ‘beauty’ is something we dabble in during our day to day.  One of my new year’s resolutions is to make more time in the mornings to put on a little make up and be more presentable on the days I’m just running around with my kids.  I always find time to make sure my outfit is complete, but not always my face!  That just seems backwards, right?

We thought we’d enlist in the help of a professional to help us find our daily favorites – enter my (Mollie’s) good friend and manager of the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom in Overland Park, KS.  Maria Elena is a wife and mother of 2 little girls along with her full time job at Nordstrom.  She’s a longtime friend of mine from high school and we’ve always been able to agree on all things girly: fashion, beauty, dressing up, etc.

Maria Elena and her beautiful family

I asked Maria Elena to share her top 5 Laura Mercier items.  I’m sure naming just 5 items was hard for a beauty addict but to have someone in the industry pare it down for me was fabulous.  I will be checking these off my list in January as I make my resolution for more ‘me’ time in the morning before I leave the house.

 Maria Elena’s Top 5 Laura Mercier items: 

“Something that I share with many of my clients is the fact that I started in this role when Sophia (her 1st baby) was 8 weeks old.  I really keyed into certain items that would make my life and getting ready a lot easier.  I TRULY believe that even the busiest of moms or women in general, can take 5 minutes a day to make themselves feel a little prettier and put together.  It makes such a difference in your confidence. You’ll thank yourself later.” – Maria Elena
1. Eye Serum and Repair Eye Cream—-I couldn’t pick between the two.  The serum gives gorgeous luminosity for instant gratification and brightness around the eye, while also repairing lines and wrinkles.  And none of that matters if you have dry skin under your eyes, hence the eye cream.  Continuously hydrates for 24 hours.  It’s the BEST!
2.  Eye Basic in Flax—–This is by far the best eye primer on the market.  It brightens your eyes, keeps your shadow in place until the minute you wash it off, AND you can wear it just by itself, for those days when you are short on time.
3.  Tinted Moisturizer Compact—-this just came out and I can’t live without it.  It’s great to keep with you for touch ups or for travel, but it’s also great for quick, easy coverage.  And SPF 20!
4. Caviar Sticks—-The possibilites are endless!  You can wear them as a shadow, as a liner, as a base.  They are a 24 hour waterproof wear and so quick and easy.
5.  Tightline/cake liner—-This is Laura’s signature technique, and while it takes a few times to get the hang of it, once you have it down, you absolutely can’t live without it!  The way it opens up your eye and makes your lashes look fuller is insane.  I describe it as the thing models in picures have on when it looks like they have no makeup at all, but you know there has to be something making them look so flawless and yes, it’s Tightline!
There you have it – 5 great choices from a pro that won’t take more than 5 minutes to apply.
Except I have one addition.  I LOVE my new Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lipstick in Red Amour.  It is the perfect bright red – not too orange and not too blue in terms of undertones.
Maria Elena’s favorite color?  Plum Orchid.
Make it part of your new year’s resolutions to try out some of these great Laura Mercier products – and if you live in Kansas City, go see Maria Elena at the Oak Park Nordstrom store!  Not only is she an expert, but she’s super funny (always a necessity when trying new makeup!).
Signing off in style,
Mollie & Erin

Raising Style

We all have those women in our life that just know how to dress.  Whether we noticed them in the 3rd grade or High School or have just run into them at the park, their sense of style is authentic, inspired, expressive and always draws attention.

what I love- denim shorts over tights, studded black ankle boots, eggplant colored purse

what i love- hot pink cardigan, patterned skirt, taupe shoes

I asked 2 women in my life whose style I admire, when and how did it start for them?  The answers seemed simple.  They were young, given hand me downs to recreate something out of, and when they were finally able to pick out their own clothes, they were given the freedom to explore colors, textures and lots of mismatching of patterns.  The inspiration was music, friends/family and those ever famous window displays.

 

my friend Callie Karvelis- in this picture she’s pregnant and adorable, style- bohemian chic, never trendy but always put together

my friend Gayle Skidmore-  amazing musician, singer/songwriter

style- eclectic, indie, vintage inspired, thrifty

So, back to the point of this whole blog.  I have a toddler and for awhile she only wanted to wear pink stretch pants, hello kitty t-shirts and crocs- I thought that phase would never end.  Now she is exploring more girly things like tutu’s, dresses, barrettes, jewelry and sparkly shoes!  She is dressing herself and becoming more independent.

 There are times when I say to myself NO WAY is she wearing that out in public and then I remember those stylish women who have stood out in my lifetime. They have confidence in putting outfits together and I want to instill that in my daughter as well.  As long as it’s age, body and weather appropriate, anything goes.  It has become more and more fun every day to see what she comes up with.

my daughter Sydney Carreras- layers, tutu skirt, sparkle shoes

style- playful, sparkly, comfortable

Signing off in style from San Diego,

Tina Carreras

 

The Sole Dilemma

Around my house we have what I call the ‘sole dilemma’. SHOES.  I have two toddler  girls and now that they are in school we have a battle between finding cute, sparkle girly shoes and practical, play on the playground shoes.  Please don’t tell me I am the only one who has this problem!

If it were up to me – they would both be wearing their cute New Balance tennis or Pumas (they are pink!) but NOOOOO, they are not sparkly and they do not go with skirts and dresses (as my 4 yr old says).  So, I have added a few to their collection lately …

Pediped Flex Jaelyn

Cute, love the black sole (mulch does wonders to shoes!) and an alternate to pink! Score.

Converse Bungee Knot

Converse are the best – these are even better because they can slip them on and they won’t fall off! Love.

Carters Sparkle Mary Janes

Pink, sparkle, rubber sole. Enough said.

I am hoping these 3 solve our dilemma – am I missing any good ones? Please let me in on your secrets!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Back To School A+ Style

It is that time of year again – whether or not you have children or not … we all have either put a child on the school bus in the last few weeks or have fond memories of our old back packs and new shoes for the school year!

We’d like to think that this time of the year means we get to splurge on some new things too.  Whether you are dropping the kids off at school or not – being stylish and still comfortable IS possible.

Also, for those kiddos … is there an easier way to get them off to school without the hassle?  We found a solution!

Here are some great new additions we found and looks that can easily be worn for our ‘Back To School’ style -

Old Navy Outfit

Love the colored denim, leopard cardigan and booties. Comfortable, casual and chic.

GAP Outfit

Striped Cardi, Fitted button down (notice the mixing of patterns!) and tassel loafer = Cool Chick.

Shopbop Outfit

These Alice + Olivia Smoked Cargos look so yummy and the slouchy sweater is heaven. Done.

Banana Republic Men

We can’t forget our men – we love this blazer even more so with a dark jean wash (we love Baldwin Denim!), crewneck sweater and button down – HOT!

And what about the kiddos? I know we struggle with outfits for my kids – here is a brilliant idea … instead of trying to lay an outfit every night (which always seems to fail me in this house!) – I love the idea of planning for the week!!!

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Any ideas you have to make school morning easier?

And … what did you do for FNO? Do tell!

Signing off in Style, 

Erin & Mollie

The Little Ones

As most of you know, Mollie and I are not only fashion enthusiasts but full time Mommy’s to two adorable little ones each.

Our little ones …

Little V & Big E

Mr. G & Miss G

As soon as the little ones were born, something clicks inside of us that our own fashion changes and we are willing to purchase them a little something special to wear – we are silly not to think they are a direct reflection of ourselves.  Buying them the latest trends and most expensive items to look their best is the way that it should be, right?! REALITY check!  Play dates, spills, spit up, dirt, just a few of the daily occurrences in our households.  So we may not be buying ALL of the latest trends but we try!  We wanted to share a few of our favorites for the kiddos … and always want to hear what your fav’s are to add to our collection.

 

ZARA Kids

Mini Boden

 Pink Chicken NYC

Appaman

Twirls & Twigs

Joah Love

Do you have any favorites?  Enjoy the weekend …

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie