Mama Threads

Stock Up: Perfect Jacket for Fall

As summer is hitting it's peak, the really good sales start to kick off.  It's the perfect time to start snapping up pieces that will work for fall or next spring.  Check out this perfect fall jacket from Ann Taylor Loft.  It was originally $79.50, now just $39.75.  I honestly believe every mom needs a hooded jacket because who can really handle an umbrella, a child and a stroller??

New Collection: Tea Is Making Clothes for Women!

I love Tea for my kids.  The clothes are well made and so comfortable.  I am so excited about their new line of clothes for us!  Don't get me wrong - they aren't cheap.  However, their kids' clothes survive rough and tumble play with lots of washing and drying so this top totally seems worth it on a cost per wear basis.  I will also be adding their sweaters to my birthday wish list!  My only request - make those cute dresses for us too! 

Take Two: Lands' End Swimsuits

For me and my kids, this is the summer of the beach!  My youngest is now old enough that she won't eat the sand and the two kids can immerse themselves in a day of sand castle building and splashing that all of us enjoy.  At the beginning of summer, I bought two cheap tankinis at Target.  I committed a cardinal sin and didn't even try them on.  I liked the patterns so decided to just hope for the best.  They were fine, but just not amazing.  The tops were too loose and the padding in the chest would twist and turn with every wash.  After some Facebook discussions and recommendations, I decided to give Lands' End swimsuits a try.  I even ordered a bikini!  They were more than my Target suits, but everyone I talked to gave them two thumbs up for fit and style.  I even did a little online chat with their customer service to get some size advice!  They arrived today and fit like a dream.  They aren't for the teen crowd, but they aren't so dowdy that I feel like the middle aged mom that I am!  A solid five star rating!

Classic Alert: Old Navy Jersey Dress

Jersey dresses are just about the most perfect outfits for summer.  They wash and dry.  They don't require ironing.  They are cool in the heat.  They can be worn to the playground and to date night.  I really love the ones from Velvet but they are just a little too pricey for my mama pocketbook.  Imagine my delight when Old Navy came out with a version that is a dead ringer for the more expensive designer -- and only $19.50.  Jump on it now - Old Navy always sells out of these classic styles quickly!

Style Alert: Bensimon Sneakers

On a recent family trip to the Berkshires, I popped into a tiny boutique in Great Barrington.  I saw the cutest sneakers that looked insanely comfortable: Bensimon Shoes!  Found!  Piperlime is having a sale on their classic for just $29.99 with free shipping and free returns. 

They have a couple of simple styles and a million colors.  Reviews online say they are just as comfortable as they look.  Can't wait for mine to arrive in the mail.  They were too pricey at the moment but I made a note to check online. 

Overhaul: Nightime Fashion

By the time I get into bed each night, I can barely keep my eyes open much less think about what I am putting on to sleep in.  Summer days with kids are exhausting!!  BUT I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror the other day as I was rushing to make the bed and pick out clothes for the crew and realized I may have let it slide a bit too far.  My PJ's must have been more than five years old.  They were stretched out of shape and stained from too many breakfast blueberry disasters.  It was time for an update.  I found this comfortable but classic chemise from Macy's on sale for just $16.99.  Comfortable to wear, enough coverage for family breakfast time and yet not my old stretched out shapeless rags.  Whew!  Mission accomplished.

Kids Deal: Tea Collection Dresses for $10

I almost never post kids' deals but this one was too amazing to pass up.  Today only, Tea is offering three of their cutest dresses for just $10. One of them (IMO the cutest) was originally $59!  Jump on this quickly: it's only good for today and I bet sizes will go fast!

Get A Deal: Trina Turk On Sale

I love Trina Turk's swimsuits!  The patterns are just plain cool.  They are retro without being overdone.  The cuts are sexy with out being too young.  These suits are perfect for mamas with style!  And they are on sale at Nordstrom's!  This black and white halter is my personal favorite.

Open Secret: Weight Watchers Works

I took a little hiatus from blogging to live life but am back to share my fashion hints, tips and secrets.  My new best tip: lose the baby weight and shopping become even more fun! 

Everyone else has probably known this forever, but Weight Watchers is a pretty easy way to lose weight.  In fact, it's my new favorite fashion trick.  After two kids, I was about 10 pounds more than I really wanted to be.  It really showed in my face and middle.  I finally decided this February to do something about it.  After a little bit of research, I decided to go with Weight Watchers.  I did the online version and used the iPhone app -- and it worked wonders!  I lost about two pounds each week and learned a lot.  I always thought I was a healthy eater but even though I didn't gorge on McDonalds every day, I was still consuming far too many calories.  I also learned that while food is fun; it was even more fun to feel like I looked a little bit like the woman I remembered pre-baby. 

Great Find: Jeans for All Body Types!

A good friend just told me about a great jeans shopping experience.  She went to the Gap and found that they carried just about every style of jeans known to womankind this year!  No matter your body type, you can find the perfect pair of jeans!  They have Long & Lean, Bootcut, Straight, Curvy, Boyfriend - everything!  Just think of the potential time savings by only having to visit one store! Also, they won't break the bank with designer jeans prices...