Mama Threads

Casual Fun: Summer Dress for $29

During New York's mini heatwave, I was reminded how much I love summer dresses. They are so cool and comfortable.  As my toddler was hugging my knees with sandy hands and my preschooler was splashing me from the backyard wading pool, i was reminded how important wash and wear is!  My favorites right now are my casual jersey dresses.  They are comfortable in the heat and easy to wash after a long day with the kids.  This v-neck jersey dress from Newport News for just $29 comes in multiple colors and has figure friendly shirring.

Keeping Cool: Tiered Maxi Skirt for $29

It's just plain hot in New York, and it's only April! Splashing in the sprinklers at the park was heavenly, and the coolest looking mom had a beautiful tiered skirt and tank top.  The long, tiered maxi skirt for $29 makes it easy to play with the kids and also keeps you cool as the temperatures sky rocket.  Easy to wear and pretty to boot!

Style tip: Pair with a cotton tank top for cool clothes in the summer heat.

Sale Alert: Discount Codes at Gap, Kohl's, Lord & Taylor & Ann Taylor

Just in time for Mother's Day, many stores are offering discount codes across the board.  Check these deals out:

Gap is offering 20% off everything with code FRIEND through 4/29.  Good buy: simple white sun hat is a must have for summer.

Kohl's is offering 15% off everything with code SAVE15LPS through 4/28.

Lord & Taylor is offering 20% off plus free shipping with code MOM through 5/4.

Ann Taylor is offering 30% off with code FRIENDS through 5/3.

Get A Deal: Online Outlet Shopping

Recently, online sample sales like RueLaLa, Hautelook & Gilt have become big.  Now some of the web's big retailers are stepping up to compete and also looking to avoid coupon codes.  Check out these recent entries in the race for your fashion dollar:

theOutnet.com: Brought to you by uber high end designer website netaporter.com, it's an online outlet of designer clothes.  While the site has some amazing deals, the prices are still pretty sky high.  However, with a little persistence, deals can be found - especially in the short flash sales.  Look for classic pieces that will last for years.

BCBG's Final Cut: Big discounts on BCBG. The offerings include previous seasons' clothes.  My favorite search is the one that allows you look at everything under $100.  One of my favorites is the striped top pictured for $41.

Land's End On the Counter: Each Saturday, Lands' End puts a group of things on sale. Every few days until the end of the week, the prices are cut further until the item sells out.  Check this out each Saturday for the best selection but make sure to check back on Fridays to get true deals.

Get A Deal: Michael Kor Tees at Overstock.com

Time Magazine recently had an interesting features about Recession Shopping: 10 Best Things to Buy Right Now.  Number one was fancy threads.  A lot of big retailers had to place their orders for this spring before the news of the recession had really hit home for consumers.  As we common folk tightened the purse strings, the retailers have had to make major cuts in prices and unload merchandise to places like Overstock.com.  I recently found a whole group of tees by MICHAEL Michael Kors at rock bottom prices.  Many are marked down well over 50% as compared to the prices right now at Nordstroms. 

My favorites:

Sliding Halter Shirt - $29.99
Short Sleeve Pleated Tee - $29.99
Cowl Neck Top - $34.99
Bubble Sleeve Shirt - $39.99

Buying Tip: Don't forget shipping is just $2.95 on your entire order. 

Love This! Hot Top for Summer Fun

I love this top! It's flirty without being revealing.  It's feminine without ruffles or bows.  It's simple with interesting details. It goes with jeans but isn't a cotton t-shirt.  It's stylish without trying too hard.  Also, it's on sale with free shipping!! 

Shopping Tip: Shopbop has lots of good deals right now.  Check out their Seriously On Sale Section and click on 70% Off.  So many fun finds!

Must Have: A Comfy, Cosy Robe

A robe is one of those must have items for me. It's easy to toss on in the morning as I get breakfast going for the kids.  It's handy to slip on at night to relax after the kids are asleep.  It's great to pack for overnight trips where jammies just won't cut it at the breakfast table.  This version from Boden fits the bill and is on sale (Now $59, reg $118)!  It's jersey cotton will be light enough for spring and summer but provide enough coverage so you can answer the door to the UPS man if necessary!

A Little Something: Cute Hayden-Harnett Clutch on Sale at Target

Hayden-Harnett designs amazing handbags, shoes, jewelery and clothes. They are also really fun to follow on Twitter because they seem like nice, normal people.  Recently, they designed a line for Target that had some really interesting bags in it.  From the reviews, it sounds like all the bags were great looking, but the construction was a little sloppy on some bags.  They were also slightly expensive in my eyes for Target ($50+).  However, some of the bags recently went on clearance and it's a great time to pick up this cute black clutch.  I find it's really handy to have a smaller purse that I can throw under the stroller, in the diaper bag or pack in a suitcase.  This one is cute and the reviews are decent.  At less than $10, it's a real steal!  If you want to splurge on the real deal, check out this clutch wallet on the Hayden-Harnett site.  It's on sale for $102 (reg. $170).

Get A Deal: Garnet Hill on Sale!

I was browsing the Garnet Hill sale section (one of my favorite evening time wasters after the kids are in bed!) and ran across a lot of great deals!  Check out my favorites below:

Smocked Linen Skirt: Reviewers say this skirt is the perfect length and super comfortable in warm weather.  It's easy to dress up for evening or down for days on the go with kids. Now $24, regularly $118.

Cotton Gauze Skirt: This ankle length skirt offers another take on the maxi dress trend.  Pair with a monochromatic top for a simple look that will be cool in the hot days of summer. Now $34, regularly $88.

Easy Two-Way Pants: These linen/cotton pants offer great flexibility.  They can be worn long or rolled up for capri length.  Check out the three different lengths for the best selection.  At this price, it pays to shorten the long!  Now $39, regularly $88.

Surplice Knit Tank: Interesting cross over cut adds a dash of fun to this comfortable, super soft pima cotton jersey tank.  Now $16, regularly $34.

Cult Favorite: Saltwater Sandals

I first noticed these sandals on the feet of the children in my neighborhood.  Then I noticed a few moms had them as well.  They were super cute and seemed to come in a rainbow of colors.  Then I started to ask around.  The word on the street was they were super comfortable...and cheap!  I did some checking and they are Saltwater Sandals from Hoy Shoe Company in St. Louis, MO.  They got their start over 60 years ago making sandals for children.  They are crafted from high quality leather with real metal buckles.  The sandals are lightweight and very flexible.  They quickly shape to the wearer's foot.  This site has some great tips on getting the perfect fit.  They are pretty tricky to find online!

Online sources:
GotLeather.Com
BestDressedKids.Com
Ebay.com

Hoy Shoe Company also lists brick and mortar stores on their website.