Don't Be Afraid of the Mall this Fall by Lauri Bonnell

Thanks to Jennifer for letting me do a guest blog post this week! I'm really excited, but I have to say right off the top that I don't really consider myself a “fashionista.” I read one definition of fashionista that said: “one who has a penchant for shopping (okay, that's me) and natural flair for combining current and vintage fashion trends” (that part is so not me). I'm your typical mall shopper. Give me Gap, Banana Republic, or the Limited over a boutique store any day.

It's not that I don't want to shop at those cute little boutiques, it's just that as a stay-at-home mom of two preschoolers, I just find shopping at the mall stores to be faster, easier, and cheaper. And once you know how they operate (sales cycles, coupons, etc.) you can really work the system to get the best deal. But that's not to say you can't be fashionable when shopping at the mall because you definitely can.

Here's my latest example; I just got this adorable ruffle skirt from Banana Republic:

It was originally $49.50, but it was already on sale and then discounted another 25% making it only $20! Woot woot! This skirt is great addition to any wardrobe because it's cute and comfortable, the nautical theme is classic, and the blue and white stripes basically act like a neutral. You can pair it with just about any color to really spice it up – red, coral, mustard yellow. The possibilities are endless.

Also, while at Marketplace Mall I discovered a great new store. Charming Charlie is a “fashion accessory boutique” located in the Bon Ton Wing, although it also has its own exterior entrance. I like to shop at Eastview Mall a lot so I hadn't heard of this store yet, but it is definitely worth checking out. It was full of adorable purses, accessories, and tons of jewelry all for very cheap. I'm talking about beautiful necklaces and earrings for between $10-$50! They also have a nice selection of clothes and shoes, which were also very cute, but not quite as inexpensive as the rest. I wanted to buy myself a necklace, but I actually had such a hard time deciding which piece was the best one to buy that I walked out with nothing! I don't think that's ever happened to me before! Check out this article for photos: http://henrietta.whec.com/news/news/charming-charlie-opens-marketplace-mall/54022

So don't be afraid to shop at the mall – and on the (gasp!) sale rack. You never know what kind of treasures you'll uncover.

Lauri Bonnell is a freelance writer and lives in Brighton, NY. She's a contributor to the MomsLikeMe Blog on HerRochester.com and writes the Brighton Blog for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Shoes

True Story.

I did a cursory assessment of my shoe collection and eyeballed about 75 pairs.  And you know what?  I want more.  I could never have enough shoes.

Here are eight styles I'm wanting and you'll be seeing (and hopefully wearing) this fall:

1.  Platform Loafers

Nine West.  Love these.
Would look adorable with wide leg jeans or paired with a dress/skirt and dark tights or socks.

2.  Ankle Wedges

Suede.  J.Crew.  Yes, please.

3.  Stacked Heel Boots

Tory Burch.  The leather is like butter.  Delicious.
Now, who wants to give me $550?  Anybody?  Anybody?

4.  Pointy Ankle Boots

These Christian Louboutins make me salivate.  

Sadly instead of buying these, I'll be replacing my oven.  Damn.

5.  Flat Ankle Boots

Love these from Zara (probably because they look like a mini version of my favorite pair of riding boots).
Either way they are adorable and under $100.

6.  Slingback Bow Pumps

Just bought these Mootsies Tootsies slingbacks for $39.95 at DSW to wear to my friend's wedding next weekend.

7.  Flat Knee High Boots

This type of boot is my go-to shoe for fall.  I fell in love with these Steve Maddens at DSW.
Once I find some cute maternity skinny jeans, they are mine.

8.  Pointy Flats

Love these by Elizabeth and James.  The pointy toe elongates the leg and looks adorable with anything.

I could go on and on but I think eight is enough.  Wasn't that a tv show?   I digress.  

What about you?  What shoes are you dying to add to your collection this fall?

Charity

So, I had an epiphany about 10 minutes ago.  I had just gotten out of the shower and was slathering cocoa butter all over my swollen belly and love handles when it hit me:  I need a spa day.  My skin is a disaster area, my body feels like its 100 years old, and my feet...let's just say a pedicure wouldn't hurt.

Unfortunately there are a few hurdles I'd need to overcome before I speed dial The Spa at the Del Monte.  Perhaps the most significant being that this stay-at-home-mom gig doesn't pay all that well (neither does a neglected fashion blog).  AND as a [broke] SAH mother, I have a two year old to take care of who probably wouldn't be willing to sit quietly in the lobby for 6 hours while mommy gets a facial, mani/pedi, and prenatal massage.  Bummer.

This should be me.

However I have come up with a solution:  I will create my own non-profit organization:  "Pamper the Pregnant" - like "Feed the Children," but different.  Obviously things are still in the preliminary planning stages, but in the meantime, donations in the form of check (made out to yours truly) or Del Monte gift cards can be sent to my home address along with a list of competent babysitters who will work for free.

What do you think?  It's brilliant isn't it?  What can I say?  I've always been a giver.  ;)

PS- Be patient with me as I get back into the swing of things... who knows, my next post might actually be about fashion!