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Shopping with Your Teenage Daughter: Have Fun & Work Your List!

Elizabeth — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:33:55 +0000

You may read the headline of this post, roll your eyes and think, “I’d rather get a bikini wax.” Me too, except I am the loving mother of three daughters, two of whom, I can shop for at will, and one of which is like shopping for a needle in a haystack. Leigh and Amelia, with a quick visit to Pear & Bears online, Target or TJ Maxx, can usually get me 90% of what they need – 100% of the time. Lucy, my oldest daughter, is 14, hard to fit and between sizes on everything including her shoes. For our shopping trip together, I truly needed a master PLAN.

Tina, Lucy and Rebecca - looking gorgeous

My first move was to call the closet organizers, Tina Adams & Rebecca Thompson, to come help pair down Lucy’s closet. That was pretty darn easy since most of what was in her closet was way too small, out of season or just ragged and tattered. When I say there was NOTHING left when they left, I mean NADA. As empty hangers dangled aimlessly, it was time to GO shop.

But, what I really wanted Tina and Rebecca to do (and they do it sooo beautifully) was to give her their sage advice on what looked good on her body type and what didn’t. Taking your Mom’s advice on current fashion do’s and don’t's is kinda like asking your husband if your pants look too tight. It is a lose-lose proposition. I was ready to win and I did.

With permission of the closet girls, I am going to share with you their list. It’s a fabulous guide for you and your daughter to stock her closet full of the right and affordable things for spring and summer. Also, they graciously met us at Green Hills Mall to give a watchful eye as we shopped ’til we dropped! To all your friends with teenage (or close to it) daughters, make sure you forward the master list to them. This is gold.

shorts (Gap)
light rinse jeans (she has a pair of Mossimo from Target that fit great – look for these bootcut jeans in a faded wash)
white bootcut jeans
tanks (white and other colors)
short sleeve scoop neck tees
long sleeve white scoop neck tee
white camisoles (no lace – try Target’s Merona brand, found in the clothing department
white cotton blouse
cardigans (try Ann Taylor’s cardigans – she needs a cream colored one)
white denim jacket (Ann Taylor Loft or Target – Lucy wasn’t sure if she would wear it, but said she would try it on and see)
dresses that can be dressed up or down
casual knit dresses (Ann Taylor Loft)
casual summer skirts (there are a couple that would be good for Lucy at New York & Co)
leather sole metallic flip flops (Gap)
solid color wedges – maybe soft metallic
cowboy boots
shoe to go with the multi-purpose dresses you find

Mission: Shop ’til U Drop

Shoes and cowboy boots. Lucy has now overtaken me in her shoe size and is approaching an 8 1/2 medium. Not too tough you’d think, except for her high arch. For all you high archers out there, you have my sympathy because it is difficult to wear lots of flats, loafers and high heels. Literally, a foot with a high arch does not even go in many shoes. BTW- for all of you pop who into Target and grab your daughters shoes – Damn. I am paying lots more my daughter’s shoes than you are.

The best source for cowboy boots in town is Kim Brewer. With hundreds of pairs, she can usually be found at the flea market (in the shed by the rabbit barn) every month, but she also can be found at many malls in Nashville. I called Kim and she plans to deliver pair of cowboy boots for us to try on. Cowboy boots work with summer skirts, jeans and cotton dresses. Kim can be reached at kimvintage@comcast.net or call her at 615.578.4693.

cute boots!

Next, we popped in Anne Klein which is owned by Nine West. Anne Klein has tons of darling shoes, especially their flats – they come in oranges, stripes, reds and animal prints. Anne Klein is consciously keeping their prices low with 20-30% off most styles.

Anne Klein has great flats

Casual Skirts, blouses, jackets. On to New York & Co. for casual skirts, blouses and tops. I have never set foot in this store and only noted it when Tina told me she was wearing one of their skirts (with a couture Ralph Lauren blouse, I might add). Lucy loved New York & Co and I did too. Unlike so many shops that cater to teens, NYCO doesn’t specialize in the vamp-polyester-tramp look, we have all become so accustomed to. Their selection of summer skirts were all 50% off and they had fun, bright blouses in stripes, florals and solids. Each blouse has a wee bit of spandex in it so they gave great shape and contour to her body. We also picked up a great denim blazer to pair with her skirts and white (not yet purchased jeans).

Great Shirts at New York & Co.-all at 50% off

After a quick break for some serious caffeine, we then headed to Ann Taylor Loft for summer dresses and shorts. One thing I will say about J Crew is they have forced other similar retailers to raise the bar. Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic and the Gap are great examples of this reality thanks to J.Crew. Ann Taylor Loft’s fabulous inventory of dresses and matching cardigans is fantastic.

Ann Taylor Loft has tons of dresses and cardigans

Jeans and T’s. I don’t think you can beat the Gap for anything Denim. The prices are unbelievable. Let’s face it, the Gap is a reliable source for t shirts, shorts, jeans and lots of accessories.

Inexpensive jewelry: I just ran out of time; however, I can say that Pangea and Fire Finch in Hillsboro Village and Francesca’s in HG Hill Center always have great jewelry which is youthful and fun. Fabu is a great resource on Charlotte and Forever 21 at most big malls, and online, has amazing jewelry.

My last attempt to use my credit card was denied. I guess when you shop with a teen, the early warning fraud department put up their radar screen big time.

I’d say we had a successful trip. But next time, Tina and Rebecca get to do the pre-shopping. Being a professional blogger requires takes more time than you’d think!

My Basic Summer Uniform

Elizabeth — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:50:53 +0000

A friend of mine was lamenting the fact that her closet was a wreck, and as a result, she was having a difficult time getting her summer wardrobe together. After leaving her high powered job, she had lots of “work” clothes, but very few hang out with the kids clothes. She asked, “What do you wear in the summer that’s casual?” My first response was ”Now that’s and easy one.” Could it be that we all gravitate to uniforms because they are both familiar and mindless? Here is my classic summer uniform…most of which is stuff that will be trashed by Summer’s end… it looks like this:

Michael Stars T-shirts. We heavily endorse these tops at StyleBluePrint.

Absolutely, a passel of M ichael Stars t-shirts. They have free shipping offers about once a month so jump on it. In my closet I have: two white, two black, a brown, and a charcoal grey. They look fabulous with skirts, shorts, and even under a business suit with pearls. One size fits all at $31.00 a tee.

Next, on to Target to get a couple of skirts or even better: skorts (Liza hates skorts, I love skorts. I don’t get her: how can she not embrace these?). I found my favorite blue jean skort there a couple of years ago. I finally tossed it when the zipper broke. If Target does not fit you or all the small sizes are gone, head to Old Navy. They have skirts in various shades of denim and white. If you hit Old Navy at the right time, it can be a gold mine. Also, while TJ Maxx fails in the skirt department, they do a great for active wear with plenty of work out pants and tennis skirts. Did I mention that I absolutely can not stand capri pants? But, I know they are a mainstay for many; the clam-digger length is more my style.

Athleta Sunburst Skirt; $49 www.athleta.com

Next, splurge on a great fitting skirt or skort from Athleta . For those of you that don’t know, the GAP just purchased them. The bad news is we now pay tax on online purchases, the good news is…not sure yet. Maybe that they stayed in business? Let’s hope the prices go down, with the quality staying fab. I have truly loved most things I’ve ordered from this catalog.

J Crew Stretch summer weight bermuda. On Sale: $39.50

J Crew Tissue Ruffle V-neck; $32.50

Shorts: I like the Bermuda, longer style. J.Crew has a stretch bermuda and I always buy a couple each summer (and they always have some fun tees that you could look through as well). If you want another splurge item, buy a pair from Tory Burch or your favorite higher-end designer. I know: they are shorts, but the pricier ones will look better and will see you through a few casual cocktail parties as well as moments of just needing to look pretty darn cute this summer. A nice short can pull you through many functions in this modern world and need not be constrained to the poolside.

J-41. Styles range from $89-$99. available from www.athleta.com or J-41 website.

Finally,look on the j-41 website for the cutest casual shoes in the history of America. I have several pairs and continually receive compliments. Not only are they happening with style, but they are made from 100% recycled and recyclable packing. I love the soles since they are also from partially recyclable rubber with a cool road map on the inside soles.

Donald J Pliner Glair Sandal. On Sale Zappos. $175-$193

My partner for this site would kill me if I didn’t put down her favorite all around, go with everything, yet pricey shoe for summer: The Donald Pliner flat Glair Sandal. And, it really does carry you from day to evening, casual to dressier. And, it is comfortable enough to make you doubt your Reefs or Rainbows. The metallic color goes with everything. They are last years model, so they are on sale at Zappos for $193. Other colors are as low as $175.

Now you are outfitted and good to go for Summer. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Hmmmm, you still need that coverup though…..more later in another post!

Christmas 2008: Buy Right. Buy Right Now.

Elizabeth — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:24:45 +0000

Every Christmas all sorts of publications print their best of holiday buys. I always love to see what items the publishers deem to be “hot items”. Most are in categories with items priced under$25, under $50, under $75 etc. What I find in magazines is by the time the ink has dried most items are already sold out due to demand.. Last Christmas there was a pair of great Lucite candelabras from Target featured in Town and Country. They were reasonable at under $50 so I jumped in my car and zoomed to Target. Sold out. I checked the website. Sold out. And then one day, low and behold, there they were reduced to $25 each. If an item is lucky enough to make Real Simple, it is guaranteed to sell out.

I called about an amazing wrap in chocolate brown with ruffles featured in Real Simple a couple of holiday seasons ago. It was a small boutique company from New York so I called the company direct and spoke with the sales associate. Her comment was they have never sold so many wraps and yes, they were sold out. .She was helpful and directed me to a similar wrap and my friend Daniel purchased it for his wife Leslie. Still to this day, it is one of her most favorite gifts.

With supply and demand in mind, I wanted to share with you some incredible deals and gifts ideas available RIGHT NOW.. Nothing better than some early Christmas shopping both locally and online.

10 great gifts under $50

1. Bobby Brown Mini Tube Tints $30 Available at Belk’s or Private Edition I received this as hostess gift a year ago and loved it. The set includes 4 small tubes all in great colors.

2. Pottery Barn Bamboo Cotton Throws $35 What a great gift for someone that has everything. They come is 4 fantastic colors: cream, paprika, camel and chocolate brown. www.potterybarn.com

3. Victoria’s Secret French Cuff Shirt $28 On sale now.. this is a must have shirt because it stretches to fit your shape, washes and holds up…little or no ironing. www.victoriassecret.com

4. Red Envelope Holiday Paper Whites in Red Vessel $39 Gorgeous presentation of 10 paper white bulbs..a fabulous hostess gift. Red Envelope is known for their packaging, simplicity and elegance. www.redenvelope.com

5. Sundance Post Modern Pearl Studs $18 Baroque freshwater pearls in sterling.. wonderful iridescent colors peach, coppery brown, white or gray. www.sundancecatalog.com

6. Envirosax..Great Reusuable Shopping Bags $8.49 Each On Amazon.com for grocery and everything else.. My sister gave me a set of 5 last year for Christmas and I love them. They are deceivingly big, come in fabulous colors and designs and can fit when rolled up in an average purse. They have small snaps that allow you to roll them up and a small carry pouch. The only challenge is to remember to keep them in your car. www.envirosax.com

7. LL Bean. Wicked Good Slippers and Scuffs Like the name says wicked in their warmth and comfort. Great Slippers for men, women, and kids in lots of styles and colors like: Chocolate brown, vintage red, cobalt blue $49.95. www.llbean.com

8. Iprint.com Photo note cube with 650 pages, color photo on 4 sides. I love gift items that have many uses.. There are great for grandparents, teachers, teenagers, and friends and cheap at $14.99 per cube. Check out I print.com for personalized ties, boxer shorts, key chains and more. www.iprint.com

9. Stein Mart Pashmina and Scarves I am not a big fan of Stein Mart for clothes and shoes, but I think they have great accessories and jewelry. If you need a hostess gift or small gift item, they always come through with good prices. Their selection of pashminas for $12.95 is worthy of a visit with a lots of colors and styles.

10. Create Your Own Bag of Favorites for a Friend Last Christmas my friend Anne put together for her walking buddies and it was incredible.. a tube of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, a small electric foot massager and tube of great lip gloss, bar of chocolate. Of everything in the bag, my absolute favorite was the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and lipstick protectorate for winter chapping and general dry skin.. It is great at night under your eyes and on your lips priced at $17.00 each. www.elizabetharden.com or at Dillards..

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping.