Style Lush

Style on the cheap: Forever 21 earrings

By Manda

Under normal circumstances I am a creature of habit when it comes to earrings. Every day I wear the same round cut diamond studs in a classic white gold setting that my husband got me for our second wedding anniversary. I quite literally wear them around the clock: in the shower, while I'm sleeping, I even wore them to the hospital to have our daughter! Those earrings have seen it all, and why not? They're comfortable and classic and go with everything.

Over the weekend we attended a friend's birthday party ... in other words, my husband and I went out on one of our rare DATES. Yeah baby! In anticipation of the big night I did the unthinkable and took a quick browse through Forever 21 with my one-and-a-half year old daughter in the Ergo carrier. If you have ever had a toddler, I know you understand my plight as I grabbed whatever caught my eye off the racks and then charged up to the counter where a heavily eye-lined nineteen-year-old with a pompadour could scowl at me. When I got home I was pleased to find these earrings in my bag!

{Photo credit: Forever21.com}

(Sadly, the plastic roses were missing from the set, but $3.80 for these earrings plus a pair of fake pearl studs is still a steal!)

I paired the feather earrings with skinny jeans tucked into my favorite boots and a tank top with a wrap-front cardigan sweater. I got lots of compliments on my look from the ladies at the party and my husband wasn't complaining either! The feathers are trimmed and measure just about an inch and a half ... in other words they weren't too huge or gaudy. Instead they looked perfect and dainty and let ME be the standout. I'll be swapping out my old faithful diamond studs more often in the future to add a little spice to an otherwise simple outfit!

What's your favorite easy way to spice up your look for an evening out? Red lipstick? A standout necklace? Do share ... I found a great babysitter and I need all the help I can get for Valentine's Day!

Can I still wear it? My friendly old jean jacket

By Manda

I might be tipping my hand here a bit, but I have to ask you all something:

Can I still get away with wearing my beloved ten-plus-year-old Gap jean jacket?

Before you answer that, let me tell you a few things. Number one: I never, ever wear it with jeans. I promise. Number two: This is one of the items of clothing I own that helps me gauge if I am at a healthy weight. If it slides right on, I'm good. No scale needed! Number three: I tend to pair this with dresses, and last spring/summer I wore it with my three cotton maxi dresses all the time if I needed a change-up from my usual cardigan. Yes, this has been washed and worn a million times and is patched just above the left shoulder blade (I had a run-in with a wall frame a few years ago, long story). It is a nostalgic item of clothing that I will never ever part with. I do not, however, insist on wearing it out if it's totally lame to do so. That's where you come in!

What I really want to know is this: When you see someone out in public in a jean jacket of this style, what is your reaction? Is it "Hey, 1996 called and said she wants her jacket back!" or can I still get away with it? I'm dying to know.

And while you're at it, please give me a shout-out if you're still holding on to your old jean jacket and can't bear to part with it. Thank you.

(And here's a more modern twist on the jean jacket if you suddenly MUST have one because you're sad that you put your old standby in the Goodwill bag. Just promise us you won't wear it out in public with a pair of jeans, ok?)

My go-to gift: Stacking mugs

By Manda

I love giving gifts. In fact I'm pretty sure that giving and receiving gifts is my love language! Sometimes when I'm stumped about what to give someone and don't have a lot of money to spend, these amazing mugs from Cost Plus World Market have saved the day! The price is unbelievable: just $14.99 for the jumbo version of these mugs, $9.99 for the smaller version (available in the store). They are also available in espresso cups with saucers. All versions include the rack and six mugs! The jumbo mugs are very versatile ... they can be used as small bowls for serving, late night cereal snacking, soup, and yes, that huge cup of coffee that you need to get through Sesame Street. They are dishwasher and microwave safe, only take up a little space on the counter or in the cabinet, transfer easily to the table for breakfast or brunch, I could go on and on. We have set of the jumbo stackers in white and they are in constant rotation.

{Image credit: Cost Plus World Market}

This is one of my "secrets" people. Don't be surprised if you get this from me at your next birthday party or wedding shower or find yourself scooping salsa out of one when you come to my house to play Wii!

What's your go-to, in a pinch gift?

Style that endures: Frye Campus Boot

by Manda

Once upon a time (I'm going to guess Christmas shopping of 1999), my mom and I were headed out of our suburban Chicago mall toward the car when the shoe section in Marshall Field's stopped Mom dead in her tracks. It only took a minute to track her gaze ... she'd spotted a gorgeous pair of Western-style Frye Campus boots on display. Her comment was something along the lines of "I had a pair of those in COLLEGE!" to which I probably responded "YOU GOT RID OF THOSE!?" Soon enough I was down on the floor in my socks pulling those beautiful, soft, classic boots onto my feet. My mom bought them for me on the spot as an early Christmas present. And for the next five cold Illinois falls/winters? There was rarely a day when I didn't wear them. Only my move to sub-tropical Texas in 2004 bumped these out of regular rotation. The weather has been cool enough the last month here in Los Angeles to bring them out again and putting them on is like getting reacquainted with an old friend. In their lifetime they've been re-soled once and right now they need new heel cups, but my goodness these boots are still in fantastic shape ... TEN YEARS LATER.

They are most definitely one of my top-five Christmas gifts of all time. Thanks Mom!

And so I have to ask ... what Christmas gifts from over the years are still in your rotation?

Manda's fantasy wish list

By Manda

So this year we are definitely doing Christmas On A Budget because, well, RECESSION and also we are having more fun funneling our gift money into gifts for our toddler (can't wait until she sees this and THIS on Christmas morning!!). But if the funds were unlimited, here's what I'd wish for this year!

1.  A new mop

Euro-Pro Shark Steam Mop

2. A pretty apron

Brown & Pink Floral Apron from Cost Plus World Market

3. Things That Make Me Smell Yummy

Bath and Body Works p.s. I love you

Coco by Chanel

4. New pots and pans

Bialetti 8-pc. Gourmet Cookware Set

5. DVDs

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Twilight

6. The mother of all kitchen appliances

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

7. The perfect (blue) tea kettle

Chantal 1.8 Quart Loop Tea Kettle - Bed, Bath & Beyond

8. A pretty sweater

Front Drape Cardigan - Forever 21

Doux Knit Cardigan - Forever 21

9. A little something sparkly for my right hand.

Replica 1930's wedding band

10. And some comfy glorified slippers.

Ugg Classic Cardy Boots

So what's on YOUR fantasy wish list this year?

Schedule Game Changer: The BusyBodyBook

By Manda

Over the years I have searched far and wide for the perfect planner. I have tried Franklin Covey, I have tried Google Calender and iCal (unfortunately, digital calendars aren't for me. I must have a book in which to scribble), every random weekly calendar at Staples, desk calendars, blotter calendars, wall calendars ... all to no avail. It's been a long process of self-discovery but I now know exactly what I want: a weekly calendar with lots of space for notes, and flexible categories. It must also be pleasing to the eye, have a monthly calendar in the front, extra paper to write notes on and tear out in the back, room for names and addresses and all the while it has to be portable, wire-bound, durable, and not too chunky.

Not too specific or anything, huh?

I have searched far and wide, friends, and I am now about to share with you one of my best-kept secrets: The BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Organizer.

I L-O-V-E this calendar. I'm on my THIRD! When I was pregnant I could have a category for "PREGNANT" in which to make notes and write down my doctor's appointments. Now that I have a daughter she gets her own category!! I have a "personal" category some weeks, a "coaching" category for when I need it, even a category for my husband when he's traveling or has things going on that I need to remember ... I can fill in my own categories at the top and fill things in vertically week by week, and when I look at my horizontal schedule for the day, it's all there. AMAZING. LIFE-CHANGING.

If you have kids/a job/a personal life/are pregnant/are neurotic about organizing/any or all of the above this is the calendar for you! The price is unbeatable: Just  $17.95. You have your choice of a Jan-Dec version, an Aug-Aug version for you who begin your year with a school schedule, even a fill-in-the date grid-pad or wall calendars to fit your preference.

What's your schedule-organizing secret? Do share!

The diaper bag Game Changer: Clutch purse

By Manda

Don't hate: I am a die-hard fan of the Obnoxiously Large Purse. I have many very roomy purses of the hobo-bag variety, tote-bag wannabes, even one gold number that's bigger than most air-travel carry-ons. I like to have room in my bag for my wallet, my planner, a small makeup bag (full of mostly Chapstick, hair ties and hand moisturizer, BUT ONE MUST BE PREPARED), my camera, my iPhone, my iPhone headphones, 5 billion receipts, gum, a brush, my watch, a notepad, pens and of course one must leave room for Husband's wallet and cell phone in a pinch. I do not travel light. One must be prepared! So if you accidentally get whacked by someone's gigantic bag whilst pushing down the aisles at Target or Costco in the coming weeks, oops! Sorry! That was probably me! Well, formerly, that was me.

[Enter baby. Enter diaper bag.]

As you know, having a small baby takes the amount of stuff you need to have on hand while outside the home up about one billion notches. Suddenly you need four baby outfits, ten diapers, ointment, a full bag of wipes, bottles, sippy cups, snacks, a fresh shirt for yourself just in case, A LOT with you at all times. In my case? Carrying a twenty pound diaper bag on one arm and a twenty pound purse on the other PLUS a nearly-twenty pound infant (she was ten pounds, seven ounces at birth) was just impossible. And so I had to scale back to necessities: wallet, phone, Chapstick, and baby's immunization card. I have a fantastic Skip Hop diaper bag with many "personal" zippered pockets for Mama, but for whatever reason, I couldn't stay organized enough to always remember my wallet AND phone AND shopping list. A few times through the Target line with a full cart and a baby and no wallet will spank you HARD people. I needed to get organized!

[Enter Dooce.]

I read Dooce. I know, I know WHO DOESN'T?! I love her love of Etsy, and I think it's fantastic how she supports small business. Way to pay it forward, Heather! Anyway, her post on using a clutch bag in her diaper bag made the light bulb go on. Zootaloo! I dug out a barely-used evening clutch from the bottom of my huge purse pile and started using it in my diaper bag. Gone were the days of forgetting ANYTHING (knock on wood)! I loved the idea so much that a few weeks ago I totally copied her and ordered a (more casual and functional) wristlet clutch very similar to hers from the Foster Kade Designs Etsy store.

[Enter zen-like state of organization and FASHION]

I'm in love. And my old-standby wallet is too! It is so nice to be able to grab this little number to take into a store with my keys and baby if I don't want/need to drag the entire diaper bag. Every thing about it is perfect for me! The size, the fun print and color, the wrist strap, the zippered top, the inside pockets ... LOVE IT.

How do YOU organize your on-the-go baby stuff?

Style steals that endure: Etienne Aigner wallet

By Manda

I need to get something off my chest right here and now: I am trendy. I'm 29 years old and most of my new "style" purchases are made at Forever 21 or Target, then purged from my wardrobe/costume jewelry collection the following year ... only to be replaced with MORE cheap trendy stuff. The rest of my wardrobe seems to be made up of hand-me-overs from my sisters and stuff I found on the clearance rack at Old Navy.

There, that feels better.

But for all of my cheap ballet flats, chunky plastic bracelets, gigantic hoop earrings and random over-worn t-shirts, I DO happen to have a few pieces to which I cling. And you know what? They still seem at least MODERATELY stylish, even if they ARE usually accompanied by a diaper bag and a ratty old pair of Ugg boots (and even if I DIDN'T spend an arm and a leg on them).

 
One of those pieces is my wallet, which I've had - and used - for nearly six years. It's a green leather wallet with white piping from an Etienne Aigner outlet store in Florida that I picked up for probably $19.99. At the time I loved it because of the color (my favorite) and because it was decorated with an "A" ... the first letter of my first name! Little did I know then how long this wallet would be with me. It transitioned with me from single to married woman. It has moved with me several times: from Illinois to Texas to California. It survived the swap from purse to diaper bag. And you know what? It's still the perfect wallet for me. I still love the versatile color and the little "A" makes me happy. It fits nicely inside a wide range of purse and clutch sizes (and yes, the diaper bag).

(and as it happens, it's also one of the few things that can keep my daughter occupied for at least 15 minutes)

What pieces do you have that stand the test of time? Were they a steal or a splurge?

Style on the cheap: Funky kicks for your toddler

by Manda

I'm sure everyone already knows about these, but I just had to share how much I love these Bobux Ministar shoes! Sydney is on her third pair and I always get so many compliments on her "moccasins." I love that they are real leather and the funky designs and colors ... I for one get really tired of powder pink EVERYTHING for girls. They are super comfy for her, very reasonable for Mama to buy at Target for $12.99 a pair (they are also available at Amazon), she can't get them off thanks to the elastics around the ankles (bonus points!!), and they protect her precious feet as she practices walking. WITH STYLE!

 

 

(No extra charge for stylish dog hair on your leggings)

Style on the cheap: IKEA Billy Bookcases

By Manda

A room without books is like a body without a soul. --G.K. Chesterton

In my estimation, it takes three years to really feel settled somewhere after you move. This fall marks the beginning of year three for us in California. Over the past three years we've gone through a lot of changes as a family, and thus? Most of my furniture is now arranged so as to keep a certain someone's 14-month-old hands off Mama's valuables! We've replaced nearly all our furniture with things that better fit the space and can be wiped clean. Ah, the STYLE of parenthood!

If there's one thing in abundance in my house it's books. BOOKS. My husband and I have two bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees between the two of us. While I was the college student who was at the bookstore selling her books back on the last day of class (probably just MINUTES after class ended) my husband has saved every book he's ever purchased. For the last twelve years he's been teaching in the college classroom and, you guessed it, that means MORE BOOKS.

Up until recently most of my husband's books have resided out of sight in the spare bedroom in two huge (also unattractive) floor-to-ceiling bookcases as he worked from home on this latest degree. Now that the room is being lived in and the final paper has been completed we are making an effort to move some of the books to my husband's office up the street. The rest are being displayed in our front room.

The first step was to replace the small bookcase in the front room that I inherited from my parents when I left for college with these Billy bookcases from IKEA, a whopping $69.99 each.

Normally I am hesitant when it comes to furniture to get the "cheap stuff" but I have to tell you that these bookcases in the black-brown color look pretty nice. They also come with the hardware to anchor them into the wall which is very friendly for those of us with children who enjoy practicing mountain-climbing on the furniture.

Happy rearranging!