My Creative Blog:
fashion

  • Swag Bag {Ladies Home Journal}

    Swag Bag {Ladies Home Journal}

    This is NOT a sponsored post. I just want to share with you some of my favorite things!

    You may remember that a few weeks ago (or was it months? I can't remember anymore!) we mentioned that we attended the new Ladies Home Journal launch in NYC. We got the chance to chat with the amazing women who are in charge of making the magazine fabulous, and had a great time brainstorming about how we can begin contributing to the magazine. But, I just have to say that one of the best parts of the day was walking away with a swag bag filled with amazing stuff! I've taken my time and used most of the products, and wanted to give you a rundown of my absolute favorites out of all the goodies. Trust me, once you try them (or try them on, in some cases), you'll be hooked too!
    Capri Blue by Aspen Bay Candles

    This candle is like heaven on earth for me. I absolutely adore it. There are several different scents in the Capri Blue line, all of which sound amazing, but ours is the Volcano scent. It's a mix of tropical fruits and sugared citrus. It's a super fresh and clean smell that I'm loving with the spring weather we've been having.
    Gorjana Leather Wrap Bracelet
    

    This bracelet is sweet and tough all at the same time. And I don't think you can tell in the picture, but it's a really pretty, metallic pale pink color. Of course it comes in loads of other colors, as well. Gorgeous.
    LeighElena Wide Jigsaw Bracelet

    This bracelet is a show-stopper. No joke- every time I wear it someone asks me about it, or tells me how awesome it is. It is so cool. Obviously, I'm at a loss for words because it's just that awesome. It's a bit pricey at about $110, but man, it's money well spent (or would be, had I bought it.)
    Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara

    Monica and I both agree that this mascara is the best. I have seriously short eyelashes, and because of this mascara, my eyelashes have never been so long (Maybelline claims this mascara actually extends the length of your eyelashes up to 4 mm, and I think I agree). And just because I do crazy things I'd never thought I'd EVER do as a result of this blog, here's the living proof:

    Ack. I'm checking off"go out in public au natural" off of my bucket list, since I just exposed my naked eyes to all of blogland. Yikes. (No, that is not really an item on my bucket list, people) But, with mascara = so much better, right?!

    And, if for some crazy reason these pictures of me didn't didn't convince you (what's wrong with you?!), go out and buy it yourself. You'll see.
    Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum & Organix Morroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

    Ok, I'll be honest. I haven't tried either of these, but after seeing those closeup pictures of myself it's clear that I need to start using the Protect & Perfect serum (find it at Target) that claims my skin will look younger after use. Monica did give it a try, and said it made her skin feel so smooth. And with all the abuse my hair takes (why can't I settle on just one hair color?!), I'm sure it wouldn't complain if I used the Moroccan oil shampoo every once in a while.
    Have you ever received a Swag Bag? If so, did you fall in love with anything you got? If not, what items would be a MUST in your Swag Bag?

    jess

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  • H&M children autumn news

    H&M children autumn news

    I can't figure out those parents buying expensive clothes for children who's growing out of them faster than the wind. H&M, for example has the cutest outfits and they are cheap as heck, so it's no problem getting new ones when they grow out of them. Have a look!

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  • Lexington

    Lexington

    Oh so pretty! This parkas from Lexington I really want for the upcoming winter. I suppose the prize will make my wallet scream so I'll probably have to find a cheaper one, but one can always dream.

    lexington parkas
    lexington parkas
    lexington parkas
  • Warm & Cozy

    Warm & Cozy

    I'm jumping the gun here a little bit, but all this rainy, cool weather has made me long for a good sweatshirt and a warm blanket. I'm with Monica: Fall is definitely my favorite season; the colors, weather and holidays just make me happy. However, my tendency is to put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt when I want to cozy up, but let's be honest, no one looks good in that combination. As a mom, I find it difficult to pull together a cute outfit when I have so many other things clamoring for my attention.

    Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Lindsey, over at The Pleated Poppy, hosts a linky party every week called"What I Wore Wednesdays", and here's what she says about it:"hey, i think just getting dressed each day is an accomplishment worth documenting. that’s what this {WIWW} is, just a place for us to have accountability to get out of the yoga pants, and have some fun while we’re doing it."
    I'm pretty sure that you won't find me posting weekly about what I wore, (because trust me, it wouldn't be pretty), but I like the concept. Especially, since the majority of my time is spent being a stay-at-home mom, putting a little effort into what I wear would probably go a long way. I bet I'd get a lot more accomplished. And I'm pretty sure my hubs wouldn't complain. Seriously. I guess this is just one more thing I'm adding to my list of areas in which I need to be more intentional. Anyway, here are some of my favorite looks for the upcoming season. (Ha! Btw, I just realized that 6 of my 11 inspiration pics include knee-high boots. Guess you know what item I'm drawn to!)

    Day at Home/Running Errands/Playdates

    Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: iamagreedygirl.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest

    Working 9-5

    Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: oldnavy.gap.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: jcrew.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Hot Date/Girl’s Night Out

    Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: polyvore.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: polyvore.com via Jessica on Pinterest

    Source: polyvore.com via Jessica on Pinterest
    And I just couldn't end this post without a shout-out to Toms shoes. Casual, comfy and cute, these shoes work with anything (no joke- two of the girls on my highschool tennis team were rocking them with sundresses and it was adorable,) Toms are a bit pricey, but for every one pair of shoes you buy, another is donated to a child in need. Big bonus, right there. I'm putting these lovely chocolate Toms on my need-to-have list:

    Source: toms.com via Jessica on Pinterest
    So, if you see me around town in scrubs, smack me please gently remind me of this post. Thank you.

  • Shoes from Gracious May

    Shoes from Gracious May

    Such pretty shoes from Gracious May. Check them out!

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    1.10AshleyAnnPhotography-67 — Copy
    gray
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    corduroy
    canvas
  • Dreamy apron

    Dreamy apron

    This cute apron can be found at Shabby Apple and not only can you shop after your specific body type, they also provide style tips and nice clothes with funny names. Their shoe collection isn't much to brag about, though.

    665
  • B2S Fashion

    B2S Fashion

    It's here! B2S Week (Back to School) here on the Real Houseviwes blog… We've got some pretty fabulous stuff planned and today we're talking about back to school fashion. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of the post because there's some crazy, exciting news we can't wait to share!
    B2S Fashion 2011 I must admit, I sorta dreaded back to school shopping this year. I have four kids and three of them are in school, so I had some serious shopping to do. My oldest is the only one that is a challenge. She's just developing her style and it's NOTHING frilly, NOTHING sparkly, NOTHING little kid, NOTHING that mom picks out- LOL. I think maybe I'll share this post with her.
    First off, here are the hot trends you should know about:
    Hot colors — jade, teal, bamboo, coffee, & orchid
    Nail polish colors — graphite, péridot and quartz
    Crackle nail polish
    Chunky funky bracelets — MeBands are cool & collectible
    Cool high tops, bold and bedazzled (Converse has an affordable line at Target)
    Funky jewelry — plastic bracelets
    Chunky rings
    Backpacks, multi-style and color
    Large watches
    Toms shoes — shoes that give back
    Retro sunglasses
    Trendy scarves (yes they are still in, and make great belts too.)
    Ballet flats
    Funky lunch bags — very eco-friendly. Think Green
    Feather earrings and hair accessories
    Crochet detailing
    Blazers Now, you might be thinking… hmm, I need this list, not my kids, but it can be for moms and their kiddos! (Oh, and just in case you don't know about hair feathers, you should… the trend moved from magazines, to Hollywood, to edgy women, and now to our kids!)

    Source: noellesalon.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    Now, let's get into some outfits. Here's the deal on where to shop… In case you missed the memo, department stores are back! I've read that, but I had to see it firsthand! JCPenney totally shocked me… My 9 year old LOVED the clothes and we did about 75% of our shopping there.

    Source: jcpenney.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    Macy's has some super preppy styles, but also plenty of retro looks as well. How happy do these catalog kids look? (hehe)

    Source: macys.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    I'm a layers junkie and this year all the stores are not letting me down. Now everyone knows that Gymboree is the king of too matchy matchy for me accessorized outfits, but did you know that their sister store Crazy 8 has some pretty cool fall looks? I love this outfit for my son Kade. Plaid shirt, cool graphic tee, and a puffy vest. I <3 vests!

    Source: crazy8.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

    How do you feel about the return of Converse? Ok, I'll be honest… I'm a big fan of a solid color Chuck Taylor with a pair of jeans. Last year Kenz was rockin' out a black pair, but we might go a little crazier this year. Not quite this crazy. I'm not a bedazzled kind of gal, but if your kiddos are, Converse has some amazing ones!

    Source: seventeen.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

    Now, what about if your kiddo has to wear a uniform?? I think they look adorable, but I know that kids still like to have some style of their own. The key to uniforms is accessories. Think belts, socks, hair bows, ties, and jewelry.

    Source: gap.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    Even though my preschooler doesn't wear a uniform, I plan to order her some adorable hair accessories from Blossom Bands! Remember Bethany from her guest post? Well, click on her button on the sidebar to check out the adorableness that I'll be choosing from.

    Source: littlelovely.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest
    Let's talk about socks for the little ladies. Little MisMatched has awesome socks! There was even a pair with sykscrapers on them!

    Source: littlemissmatched.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    I also found a fabulous tutorial to make some adorable embellished knee socks. Check these beauties out…

    Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    There are about a million other cute trends, but I'm hoping you get the idea. Now, one last fashion tip… Don't let yourself be frumpy mom! This is the pot calling the kettle black, but it's something I at least try to work at. I work from home and have four kids. If that isn't a recipe for FRUMP, then I don't know what is. However, the days that I actually put an outfit on I feel so much better! I don't even mean fancy, I'm talking jeans and a tee if that's how you roll, but I'm convinced that I'm a better mom and wife when I'm not in my sweats all day. This outfit is simple and cute and I think the preschool moms would appreciate me showing up in this and not my sweats and the hub's old teeshirt.

    Source: oldnavy.gap.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
    So, go throw on a fun mom outfit and do some B2S shopping! Let us know what you find and where you shop!

    And now for the EXCITING NEWS… We were told this weekend that we were nominated as finalists for CBS News' Best Blog of the Year for Philadelphia! Insane right? To win the final honor of MVB, we need you to vote for us! You can vote once a day now through September 9th, so please vote and tell your friends and family to do the same!

  • Grace Kelly

    Grace Kelly

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  • The princess and the pea

    The princess and the pea

    I guess most of us have heard or read 'The princess and the pea', a fairytale by Danish writer H. C. Andersen.

    Here are some pictures to remind you.

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  • Cute

    Cute

    cute
  • Catty

    Catty

    Yesterday, suddenly, our little nougat coloured cat calmly walked in the door, as if those five nights never happened. She wasn't even hungry or thirsty. Of course, it could be she had eaten outside on the porch before coming in or if not, she's honoured some other family with her cute company. She won't tell me. Now she just tip toes charmingly around my feet and purrs constantly. She's happy to be home. At least.

    purple
  1. Art Textiles Embroidery
  2. Textile Art Design Holiday with Textile Artists
  3. Book Making - textile holidays
  4. Learn textile techniques - free, weekly, online
  5. Textile Techniques - Fabric Printing with a Wood Block
  6. Maxhosa by Laduma Ngxokolo [men's fashion]
  7. The De-Crowned Collection by Designer Alina Jumabhoy [men's fashion]
  8. What’s Trending in Africa [men's fashion]
  9. Stiaan Louw Autumn/Winter 2016 Collection [men's fashion]
  10. South African Designer Adriaan Kuiters [men's fashion]