{Chic Finds} colored denim

If you don't want to spend $200 on a pair of colored denim this fall, you can find a rainbow of colors in the Nordstrom BP* department for only $42! They have red, blue, teal, yellow, fuchsia, plum, black and gray. Click here to see all the colors and purchase yours, and see my looks with colored jeans here here here and here.

How are you wearing colored denim this season?

*BP is the juniors department. Waist sizes range from 23'-30". 
*Link was incorrect before and has now been corrected to reflect juniors, not girls, sizing.

Flattering flats

Since spraining my ankles earlier this week, I've been in riding boots and flats every day. Tomorrow I have a presentation for a group of women about the latest fall trends, which would normally call for my highest of heels. Not this time. So I've put together two inspiration looks with one classic sheath dress and two different flat shoes. One for the ladies who lunch (and listen to me talk about clothes) and one for weekend brunch.

Look 1:
A fur scarf is spot-on trend this season, but still a classic with a sheath.
Simple pearl earrings and one gold watch is all you need to accessorize.
Matching shoes and handbag fit this ladylike look.

sheath dress 188 || fur shawl 298 || ballet flats 139 ||  handbag || gold watch 250 || pearl earrings 100

Look 2:
A textured triangle scarf dresses down the sheath and gives a cozy vibe.
The belt buckle mirrors the print on the tote.
A wood bracelet and riding boots add to the natural, earthy feel of this look.

sheath dress 188 || tribal bag 25 || wood bangle 258 || leather belt 336 || woven scarf 38 || Gucci boots

And since I haven't asked in at least 5 days...could you spare a minute to vote for Mommy Chic? mwah!

By Best Mom Fashion Blog

Casual Tuesdays

I sprained my ankle this evening because I wore clogs to the playground. Genius, I know. I was wearing faded jeans and my Crew Cuts tee with hair in a ponytail, so cute tennies would have just added to the 10-yr old Asian boy look. Not something I was going for - at least not today. So tomorrow, I must wear my riding boots. Real riding boots, for real equestrians. I am definitely not one, but I scored a custom-made pair in just my size. They have arch support and lots of ankle support, which is what I'll need when running around all day.

Wish I had a denim shirt to pull off this easy, pulled-together look:

Black blazer 71 || Jeans 50 || Denim shirt 20 || Cross body handbag 32 ||  Gold shawl 28 ||  Riding Boots  35

Valentino studded pump

Remember these gorgeous Valentino Studded Pumps (they also come in black with nude strap)?  Well guess what I found at Nordstrom on sale for $50?!?

No, they're not really like the Valentino's, but they're actually more practical for every day wear-to-work.  The heel is a manageable to run around all day and there's no over-dramatic ankle strap.

Which do you prefer?   

(Ok, if I didn't feel guilty for spending $900 on shoes, I'd buy the Valentino's.  Well, I'd buy them on sale.  Pre-baby, pre-stock-market-crash days.  The one in 2008.  Not the one going on now.  wonk wonk.)
 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

If you are a Nordstrom card holder, you know that today is the first day of pre-select.  This means you get first dibs at the special fall product available at a discounted price during Anniversary sale and then all product goes back to regular price (Aug 1 - if there's anything left).  This is not current product on the floor that gets marked down for a little while - this is brand-spanking new fall items that arrived just for the big sale!

I'm trying not to get too excited about fall since I still have a few more months of summer ahead, but I couldn't help but peruse through the exclusive pre-select section at my local Nordstrom today and find a few of my must-haves.

Accessories can be worn year-round, so no need to wait until fall to wear these new cuffs and watches.  And these riding boots and equestrian-inspired tote are just too gorgeous to pass up.  (Boots also available, and just as fabulous, in black.)

You can mix almost any top with any bottom on this page.  The best part?  Everything is under $100.

There is much more product available throughout the store, including home goods, mens, and childrens.  Check out the Anniversary catalog here and make a wish list for your sales associate to pull before you arrive (and before it sells out!).

Images via

{chic finds} in the kids section

I took my own advice (because it's really that good) and picked up a couple items from my favorite children's stores.  The striped top is from Crew Cuts boys and with the additional 30% off sale prices, I paid only $6.99!  The watch is a silicone slap bracelet (remember those?) from Nordstrom girls.  At $16, you can buy several colors and layer them on like you did back in the day when you were looking at Zack Morris pictures in Teen Bop magazine. It's, like, totally.

We're off to begin our Fourth of July weekend festivities which will include eating, eating and more eating.  Cause the "honey badger's a hungry bastard."  (Watch the video.  Make sure you empty your bladder first.  It's that funny.)

Copy Cat Chic

You know when you see a random stranger who looks so effortlessly put together and you think, "I want to look like her"?  Well, that's what I thought when I saw this Michael Kors ad in Vogue a few months ago.

 

And since I've spent the past few days in these pants, I thought I'd add the rest of the pieces to re-create this fall weekend look.

 Faux fur wrap, 19.99 orig 39.99

Long cardigan, 147.90 orig 248

Wedges, 89.99 orig 139

Double wrap belt, 28

Knit pants, 49.50

Leg warmers, 39

The slim fitting "un-sweatpant" is a little more universally flattering than the hi-waist harem cropped pants that the model is wearing in the ad.  And I can't tell, but is she also wearing socks with her shoes?  That's a lot of look, but she makes it all so easy.  What do you think?

Caped crusader

Click on the links below to purchase or view retailer's site:

1. Nordstrom $78
2. J. Jill $29.99 (on sale from $99)
3. Anthropologie $58
4. Old Navy $39.50

I can't say the word "pancho" without thinking about Ugly Betty, so while magazines and retailers may be using that term, I prefer to refer to them as capelets.  Whatever you want to call them, they are everywhere this season and provide the volume on top to balance your skinny jeans or leggings.  They're also great for days when you're afraid to walk by a mirror and catch a glimpse of last night's too-much-Mexican-food-bloat.  Throw them on over a long-sleeve tee or turtleneck, some boots or clogs and a big statement ring and you're done.  Bring on the margaritas, extra salt.