When I first wanted to write a blog, I had no intention to write about what other people wore. Meaning.......there was no way I was going to say, "I can't believe she wore that!" But I guess rules were made to be broken!!!
So, my husband had to go to Disney World for work. Nice, Huh?!?! How could the kids and I NOT tag along with his business trip? And he just happened to have three free Southwest Airline tickets he had to use up. How convenient!!!! So off we went!!
Well, as most of you know, Disney World is THE family place to go. And, as most of you also know, you will walk and walk for miles and miles. Yes, a lot of mileage on the feet! And when you go in the summer, it will be extremely hot. Try 95 degrees and with the heat index, it felt like 103. Oh yes, and very humid, too!!!
Those things being said, you should really dress in modest attire. This is a family place, not Ladies Night at a club or bar!! Also, you should probably wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking all day. My dogs were barking at the end of each day. And we only did three days at the parks. Finally, dress for the weather. When it's very hot and very humid, dress in lightweight and light colored clothing.
So this is what I saw....A women, older women, wearing leopard print skin tight leggings (full length), a long sleeve black blouse unbuttoned way too low (I really don't think we needed to see her wrinkled cleavage!), and red high heel shoes (4 inches, I think). Very appropriate for Disney World and the weather, don't you think?!!?
Then I saw a women, probably my age, wearing a black and pick lingerie camisole that barely covered her big store bought breasts, a very micro mini black skirt, and very high heel Candie's style sandals. Now, for her credit, she dressed okay for the weather. And I do like the motto...less is more...BUT I normally use that for accessories, over the top dressing, etc., not for the actually size of the clothing. Please, did I really need to see everything she owned?!?!?!
Anyway, I could go on forever, but I won't. I don't want to be too tacky now do I? Seriously though, my family and I had such a great time, and I am exhausted from our trip and have piles of laundry to do....laundry that was appropriate to wear to Disney World, that is!!!!
Enjoy your day!!!
Lynn
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Big Sales!!!
Ok everyone...I've listed the big summer sales that have started this summer.
Here they are:
*Saks Fifth Avenue - 25% off already reduced prices for her
*TJ Maxx - new markdowns for their Runway to the Maxx apparel
*CUSP by Neiman Marcus - take an additional 25% off already reduced prices
*Last Call by Neiman Marcus - save an extra 20-50% entire store 'til July 4th
*Off 5th Avenue - take an additional 40% fine jewelry and watches
*Neiman Marcus - save up to 55% off women's apparel, men's sportswear, furnishings, and more when you take an additional 25% off already reduced prices
*Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store - 20% off entire purchase when you buy any men's item 'til June 29th
*Coach Factory Story - additional 30% off your purchase
*Barneys New York - up to 60% for her, him and home
*Banana Republic - up to 40% off summer sale
*Lucky Brand - up to 50% off
Happy shopping and enjoy your day!!!!
Lynn
Here they are:
*Saks Fifth Avenue - 25% off already reduced prices for her
*TJ Maxx - new markdowns for their Runway to the Maxx apparel
*CUSP by Neiman Marcus - take an additional 25% off already reduced prices
*Last Call by Neiman Marcus - save an extra 20-50% entire store 'til July 4th
*Off 5th Avenue - take an additional 40% fine jewelry and watches
*Neiman Marcus - save up to 55% off women's apparel, men's sportswear, furnishings, and more when you take an additional 25% off already reduced prices
*Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store - 20% off entire purchase when you buy any men's item 'til June 29th
*Coach Factory Story - additional 30% off your purchase
*Barneys New York - up to 60% for her, him and home
*Banana Republic - up to 40% off summer sale
*Lucky Brand - up to 50% off
Happy shopping and enjoy your day!!!!
Lynn
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tube Dresses!
I am really starting to love tube dresses. Why? Tube dresses are so versatile!
Now, I am not talking about the ones that are skin tight, form fitting and short enough to show everything your own!!!! I am talking about the ones that have an elastic waist or some sort of waistband and hang down not clinging to your body.
You can wear tube dresses as a swim suit cover up to the pool or beach with your flip flops. Try wearing the maxi length with a great wide belt, a statement necklace and wedges. What if the weather gets a little cooler? Wear a boyfriend cardigan over it with the sleeves pushed up, add a scarf and great bracelets and really cool boots that aren't for the snow.
I love the different styles and lengths of the tube dress. I have seen gauze to cotton to jersey. I've seen them with and without ruffles. They come in all different colors and prints and even stripes. The lengths vary between short, below the knee and maxi. And some even come with an asymmetrical bottom.
Dress it up or dress it down, I feel that the tube dress is the dress for the summer.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Now, I am not talking about the ones that are skin tight, form fitting and short enough to show everything your own!!!! I am talking about the ones that have an elastic waist or some sort of waistband and hang down not clinging to your body.
You can wear tube dresses as a swim suit cover up to the pool or beach with your flip flops. Try wearing the maxi length with a great wide belt, a statement necklace and wedges. What if the weather gets a little cooler? Wear a boyfriend cardigan over it with the sleeves pushed up, add a scarf and great bracelets and really cool boots that aren't for the snow.
I love the different styles and lengths of the tube dress. I have seen gauze to cotton to jersey. I've seen them with and without ruffles. They come in all different colors and prints and even stripes. The lengths vary between short, below the knee and maxi. And some even come with an asymmetrical bottom.
Dress it up or dress it down, I feel that the tube dress is the dress for the summer.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Father's Day
My kids have reminded me that Father's Day is Sunday. Yes, I know that!! I'm not that clueless!! They asked me what they (meaning me) should buy dad for Father's Day. I, of course, laughed at them and told them absolutely nothing. But they don't understand. See, my husband already bought himself a gift. He informed me that I didn't have to buy him a Father's Day gift because he already bought himself something, a golf club....a driver....a very expensive driver. Can't mention the cost...too much information! Then my husband asked me if we exchange gifts for our anniversary. I, of course, laughed at him for even asking me that and told him that we normally go out to dinner. Well, we try to go out for a nice dinner, but our daughter was born on the same day, so our anniversary is second fiddle. Now, you do realize that he asked me that question after he bought himself a pair of Cole Haan shoes....at full price. Has he not learned anything from me!!!!
Anyway...back to the point. To make my children happy, I will buy a very small gift for them to give their dad for Father's Day.
Wow! There are a lot of crazy gifts out there for dads, like the "Thing" of the Month Club. And when I say "Thing", I mean Beer of the Month Club or Cigar..Salsa..Bacon..Pickle..Ice Cream or Beef Jerky. Yes, I am completely serious! All of them he can receive once a month. Unbelievable!
Personalized items are another "BIG" idea for Father's Day, too. You can get anything, and I mean anything personalized these days from cutting boards to beer mugs to a gallon jug of Tabasco sauce..golf balls..prayer books..car wash kits..leather accessories..and garage shop signs. Anything goes!!
And finally, gift baskets! Yes, gifts baskets of all sorts are another way to say "I Love You, Dad!". Well, there are gift baskets for the dad who loves to fish or hunt, or for the dad who loves to golf or loves to grill or just loves drinking beer and doing nothing!!! Amazing!!!
And after all the research I did, I have still not bought the "small" gift for my husband from the kids. I will...I really will...eventually...I'll get around to it...soon. When is Father's Day?!?! Only kidding, kids!!
On a serious note...Happy Father's Day to the fathers and soon to be fathers out there. And to my dad, who is deceased...I love you and miss you tons!!!!
Lynn
Anyway...back to the point. To make my children happy, I will buy a very small gift for them to give their dad for Father's Day.
Wow! There are a lot of crazy gifts out there for dads, like the "Thing" of the Month Club. And when I say "Thing", I mean Beer of the Month Club or Cigar..Salsa..Bacon..Pickle..Ice Cream or Beef Jerky. Yes, I am completely serious! All of them he can receive once a month. Unbelievable!
Personalized items are another "BIG" idea for Father's Day, too. You can get anything, and I mean anything personalized these days from cutting boards to beer mugs to a gallon jug of Tabasco sauce..golf balls..prayer books..car wash kits..leather accessories..and garage shop signs. Anything goes!!
And finally, gift baskets! Yes, gifts baskets of all sorts are another way to say "I Love You, Dad!". Well, there are gift baskets for the dad who loves to fish or hunt, or for the dad who loves to golf or loves to grill or just loves drinking beer and doing nothing!!! Amazing!!!
And after all the research I did, I have still not bought the "small" gift for my husband from the kids. I will...I really will...eventually...I'll get around to it...soon. When is Father's Day?!?! Only kidding, kids!!
On a serious note...Happy Father's Day to the fathers and soon to be fathers out there. And to my dad, who is deceased...I love you and miss you tons!!!!
Lynn
Monday, June 13, 2011
'70's Night at the White Sox Game and Fashion?
Last Friday night, my husband and I took our kids and my mother to the White Sox baseball game. My mom is a life-long White Sox fan, as was my dad when he was alive, and really wanted to go to a game. It just happened to be '70's night at the ball park, and a lot of fans took that theme seriously and dressed up in their best '70's attire. They were wearing hugh Afro's, funky glasses and disco gear. It was definitely a good people watching night for me. And of course, there were some fans who didn't know it was '70's night and still dressed like they were stuck in the '70's. But that's besides the point.
In between innings on the big screen, clips were shown from '70's TV shows like Three's Company, Mork & Mindy, and Starsky and Hutch. Then came the big movies during that decade like JAWS, Grease, Animal House and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Then there was the music, songs from The Jackson 5, The Bee Gees, Donna Summers and "It's A Sunshine Day" from The Brady Bunch. Come on...you know the words....don't be embarrassed.
Then they showed clips of the fashion from the '70's. If you grew up in that decade, think back. Do you remember what was in style?
The jumpsuit, the wide studded belt, the hi-waist bell bottom jeans, the short shorts, and the platform shoes.
Funny how these things come full circle!
Check out any fashion magazine, and you will find all of these '70's trends back in style now. You will also find many celebrities wearing them, too, especially Blake Lively. She has been photographed in short shorts, platform shoes, and a jumpsuit. Then there is January Jones with her hi-waisted bell bottom jeans and Jessica Simpson in her wide studded belt.
Now, of course, I am probably old enough to be their mothers, but here is the question.
If you grew up in the 1970's wearing these fashions, would you want to wear them again???? Think about it.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
In between innings on the big screen, clips were shown from '70's TV shows like Three's Company, Mork & Mindy, and Starsky and Hutch. Then came the big movies during that decade like JAWS, Grease, Animal House and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Then there was the music, songs from The Jackson 5, The Bee Gees, Donna Summers and "It's A Sunshine Day" from The Brady Bunch. Come on...you know the words....don't be embarrassed.
Then they showed clips of the fashion from the '70's. If you grew up in that decade, think back. Do you remember what was in style?
The jumpsuit, the wide studded belt, the hi-waist bell bottom jeans, the short shorts, and the platform shoes.
Funny how these things come full circle!
Check out any fashion magazine, and you will find all of these '70's trends back in style now. You will also find many celebrities wearing them, too, especially Blake Lively. She has been photographed in short shorts, platform shoes, and a jumpsuit. Then there is January Jones with her hi-waisted bell bottom jeans and Jessica Simpson in her wide studded belt.
Now, of course, I am probably old enough to be their mothers, but here is the question.
If you grew up in the 1970's wearing these fashions, would you want to wear them again???? Think about it.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Friday, June 10, 2011
Shirt dresses!!!
What's the easiest outfit to put together without all the mixing and matching?
A dress!!!
And the easiest dress to wear is the shirt dress. Just throw it on and button it up. They are comfortable and stylish, and are coming in all shapes and styles...solids, stripes, prints, long sleeve, sleeveless, stand up collar or no collar.
You are seeing shirt dresses at all price points, too...from Louis Vuitton to Milly to Kenneth Cole to Old Navy. And what's great about shirt dresses is that you can wear them more than one way. Wear them with leggings or skinny jeans or just alone, with flats or boots or sky high wedges, with a belt or without. If it's cold outside, throw on a long boyfriend cardigan and a scarf to keep you warm. I really like the versatility of the shirt dress and how it can take you from one season to the next, so you can get more bang from your buck!
Enjoy your weekend!
Lynn
A dress!!!
And the easiest dress to wear is the shirt dress. Just throw it on and button it up. They are comfortable and stylish, and are coming in all shapes and styles...solids, stripes, prints, long sleeve, sleeveless, stand up collar or no collar.
You are seeing shirt dresses at all price points, too...from Louis Vuitton to Milly to Kenneth Cole to Old Navy. And what's great about shirt dresses is that you can wear them more than one way. Wear them with leggings or skinny jeans or just alone, with flats or boots or sky high wedges, with a belt or without. If it's cold outside, throw on a long boyfriend cardigan and a scarf to keep you warm. I really like the versatility of the shirt dress and how it can take you from one season to the next, so you can get more bang from your buck!
Enjoy your weekend!
Lynn
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Do-It-Yourself Cropped Jeans
Now I know what you are thinking...jeans, in the summer. Well, if you live in the Midwest and anywhere near Chicago, you know that the weather can change in a second. Yesterday, it was 95, and today it's 65. And mentally, you just can't go there...you just can't put on your jeans...the jeans you had to wear all winter long. It's not right. So turn those jeans into summertime cropped jeans.
Cropped jeans are a great alternative to capri's. Capri's are not that flattering on a lot of people. And if you are vertically challenged like myself, they can look ridiculous. So, take a pair of your skinny, straight legged or bootcut jeans and put them on. Fold up or cuff up the bottom of the jeans until they hit just above your ankle bone, the smallest part of your leg. Put your legs together to make sure that both cuffs are equal. And voila!!! You have a pair of cropped jeans, and it didn't cost you a dime. You could also take it one step further. Take the bottom of the cuffed jeans and fold them up so the cuffed part is cut in half. That creates a slimmer, leaner look to your jeans. Either one turns your jeans into a great summer alternative to shorts or skirts or capri's.
You can wear almost anything with your cropped jeans....jeweled ballet flats or high heel wedge sandals with a fun peasant top, or flip-flops with a cute tank or layered tee. Dress them up or dress them down...it's your choice!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Cropped jeans are a great alternative to capri's. Capri's are not that flattering on a lot of people. And if you are vertically challenged like myself, they can look ridiculous. So, take a pair of your skinny, straight legged or bootcut jeans and put them on. Fold up or cuff up the bottom of the jeans until they hit just above your ankle bone, the smallest part of your leg. Put your legs together to make sure that both cuffs are equal. And voila!!! You have a pair of cropped jeans, and it didn't cost you a dime. You could also take it one step further. Take the bottom of the cuffed jeans and fold them up so the cuffed part is cut in half. That creates a slimmer, leaner look to your jeans. Either one turns your jeans into a great summer alternative to shorts or skirts or capri's.
You can wear almost anything with your cropped jeans....jeweled ballet flats or high heel wedge sandals with a fun peasant top, or flip-flops with a cute tank or layered tee. Dress them up or dress them down...it's your choice!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Monday, June 6, 2011
Huge Sale!!!
Last night I was talking to another mom, and we were complementing each other on our Gap tops. We were discussing what great deals we got and she suggested that I definitely should blog about it. So Lisa, this is for you!!
Gap is having such a huge sale. Most items in the store are 40%, that includes some of their clearance items, too. No, it's not winter clothes, it's spring and summer apparel. Most of their short sleeve and sleeveless tops are $7.99 - $11.99. They are trying to get rid of their early summer merchandise to make room for new summer items. You have to check out the signs in the store to see which items are on sale and which ones are additional 40%. And I think this sale ends on Friday June 10th. It's definitely worth making a trip to a Gap near you.
And one more sale note...Nordstrom Rack marked down more merchandise this week including Nanette Lepore, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Free People, etc.
Happy Shopping!! Enjoy your day!!!
Lynn
Gap is having such a huge sale. Most items in the store are 40%, that includes some of their clearance items, too. No, it's not winter clothes, it's spring and summer apparel. Most of their short sleeve and sleeveless tops are $7.99 - $11.99. They are trying to get rid of their early summer merchandise to make room for new summer items. You have to check out the signs in the store to see which items are on sale and which ones are additional 40%. And I think this sale ends on Friday June 10th. It's definitely worth making a trip to a Gap near you.
And one more sale note...Nordstrom Rack marked down more merchandise this week including Nanette Lepore, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Free People, etc.
Happy Shopping!! Enjoy your day!!!
Lynn
ShopSmart Magazine
Okay. I have to admit it. I have an addiction to ShopSmart Magazine, hence the word "shop" in the name.
ShopSmart Magazine, and I quote, is no hype, no ads, just great buys. This magazine does not take advertisements or free samples because they are nonprofit. What they do is spend millions of dollars a year and buy products off the shelves and test them in their labs. It's a great magazine, and they always tell it like it is.
They will test everything from makeup and skincare products to automobiles and electronics. In each category, they will list the losers and the winners and the best bargain buy. They will also check out websites to see which ones are for real and which ones to stay away from, which ones have the greatest deals and which ones don't.
Here's an example. In one of their issue, they compared and tested push-up bras. They actually took before and after pictures of the testers. Some of these bras claimed that they could add two cup sizes to your current cup size. And yes, the Victoria's Secret Miraculous Push-Up Bra did live up to it's name. The B-cup testers went to a D-cup.
I felt like I really had to share this magazine with you. It's truly amazing all of the product testing they do. From shoes, to wine, to potato chips, to labtops, to cleaners, to vacuums, to dog food...they test everything!!! And their articles are so interesting and full of facts...from where to find great wall art to cleaning tips to how to get great fit and avoid shoes that look and feel cheap.
It's a great magazine.
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
ShopSmart Magazine, and I quote, is no hype, no ads, just great buys. This magazine does not take advertisements or free samples because they are nonprofit. What they do is spend millions of dollars a year and buy products off the shelves and test them in their labs. It's a great magazine, and they always tell it like it is.
They will test everything from makeup and skincare products to automobiles and electronics. In each category, they will list the losers and the winners and the best bargain buy. They will also check out websites to see which ones are for real and which ones to stay away from, which ones have the greatest deals and which ones don't.
Here's an example. In one of their issue, they compared and tested push-up bras. They actually took before and after pictures of the testers. Some of these bras claimed that they could add two cup sizes to your current cup size. And yes, the Victoria's Secret Miraculous Push-Up Bra did live up to it's name. The B-cup testers went to a D-cup.
I felt like I really had to share this magazine with you. It's truly amazing all of the product testing they do. From shoes, to wine, to potato chips, to labtops, to cleaners, to vacuums, to dog food...they test everything!!! And their articles are so interesting and full of facts...from where to find great wall art to cleaning tips to how to get great fit and avoid shoes that look and feel cheap.
It's a great magazine.
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Friday, June 3, 2011
Great Sales!!!!
Happy Friday, Everyone!!!
Who doesn't like a great sale! And when there's a great sale, people want to know about it. So, why can't I be your "sales informant"?
Here are a list of sales going on now from high end to low end:
*Saks Fifth Avenue - women's sale up to 40% off
*Barneys New York - spring sale up to 40% off
*Neiman Marcus - women's designer sale up to 40% off
*J Crew - summer sale begins
*Last Call by Neiman Marcus - TODAY ONLY (JUNE 3RD) extra 30% off all women's shoes
*Coach Factory Outlets - additional 30% your purchase, ends June 5th
*Lord & Taylor - 40-60% off "wear now" clearance
*Nordstrom - Half off yearly sale on women's and kids
*TJ Maxx - new markdowns on their Runway to the Maxx items
(Nanette Lepore $225 black skirt for $59)
*Target- select swimsuits 30% off
Happy Shopping to one and all!!!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Lynn
Who doesn't like a great sale! And when there's a great sale, people want to know about it. So, why can't I be your "sales informant"?
Here are a list of sales going on now from high end to low end:
*Saks Fifth Avenue - women's sale up to 40% off
*Barneys New York - spring sale up to 40% off
*Neiman Marcus - women's designer sale up to 40% off
*J Crew - summer sale begins
*Last Call by Neiman Marcus - TODAY ONLY (JUNE 3RD) extra 30% off all women's shoes
*Coach Factory Outlets - additional 30% your purchase, ends June 5th
*Lord & Taylor - 40-60% off "wear now" clearance
*Nordstrom - Half off yearly sale on women's and kids
*TJ Maxx - new markdowns on their Runway to the Maxx items
(Nanette Lepore $225 black skirt for $59)
*Target- select swimsuits 30% off
Happy Shopping to one and all!!!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Lynn
Thursday, June 2, 2011
White..The Hottest Color for Summer!
Okay, summer is officially here. The weather is finally agreeing with us. So, what's the hottest color this summer......WHITE!
It's pure and simple, cool and chic. It's the easiest way to dress for summer. And the newest trend with white is to wear all white, top to bottom. You could throw on a neutral colored blazer, if you like. Or if you are wearing a white blazer and pants, wear a neutral colored belt on the outside of your blazer. As for shoes, I would go for a nude or neutral color with your all white outfit.
Now, you don't have to go all white. You could wear white jeans, a white blouse, a white tunic or dress. There is so much to chose from out in the stores right now and all different price points. At the high end, a YSL dress, I won't mention the price so I don't scare you...working our way down to Nanette Lepore shorts for $198...a "Tie Hem" shirt at the Gap for $54.95...and for a real bargain, a white tunic at Target on the clearance rack for $5.74.
You can beat the heat this summer by wearing white!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
**FYI...check out my blog on Fridays to see what sales are going on for the weekend.**
It's pure and simple, cool and chic. It's the easiest way to dress for summer. And the newest trend with white is to wear all white, top to bottom. You could throw on a neutral colored blazer, if you like. Or if you are wearing a white blazer and pants, wear a neutral colored belt on the outside of your blazer. As for shoes, I would go for a nude or neutral color with your all white outfit.
Now, you don't have to go all white. You could wear white jeans, a white blouse, a white tunic or dress. There is so much to chose from out in the stores right now and all different price points. At the high end, a YSL dress, I won't mention the price so I don't scare you...working our way down to Nanette Lepore shorts for $198...a "Tie Hem" shirt at the Gap for $54.95...and for a real bargain, a white tunic at Target on the clearance rack for $5.74.
You can beat the heat this summer by wearing white!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
**FYI...check out my blog on Fridays to see what sales are going on for the weekend.**
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WELCOME!!!!
Welcome to the first day of my blog, Chicago Stylist Mom!!!
Some people might ask....why start a blog? My response....why not!!!!
As you can see from my bio on the left, I've been in the fashion industry forever. I have experience in sales, merchandising, events and styling. Since 1998, I have been working for myself as a freelance fashion stylist.
This blog is a creative outlet for me, and I hope to share the following:
*my fashion experiences
*the latest trends
*great bargains I have found
(i.e. A $325 pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs pants for only $20)
*hot sales going on
*great style/fashion events
I hope you enjoy reading my blog.
Please click on FOLLOWER on the lower left side to follow my blog.
Thanks for your time.
Enjoy!!
Lynn
Some people might ask....why start a blog? My response....why not!!!!
As you can see from my bio on the left, I've been in the fashion industry forever. I have experience in sales, merchandising, events and styling. Since 1998, I have been working for myself as a freelance fashion stylist.
This blog is a creative outlet for me, and I hope to share the following:
*my fashion experiences
*the latest trends
*great bargains I have found
(i.e. A $325 pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs pants for only $20)
*hot sales going on
*great style/fashion events
I hope you enjoy reading my blog.
Please click on FOLLOWER on the lower left side to follow my blog.
Thanks for your time.
Enjoy!!
Lynn
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