Category Archives: Mom Style

Mom Style: Stitch Fix No. 6 & No. 7

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about Stitch Fix and I’ve actually received two boxes since my last review in October. They were both filled with items that I loved… and that I didn’t. And, as usual, a piece or two that I’m really wishing I hadn’t sent back!

Here is my November Stitch Fix review:

Stitch Fix Mystree Chamberlin Cardigan

Mystree Chamberlin Striped Drape-Front Cardigan // $78

This cardigan was love at first sight. I had pinned it on my Stitch Fix Inspiration Pinterest board, but in another color, and knew it was a must-keep. It’s actually probably a size larger than necessary, but the oversized, super cozy feel is what I was going for, so I kept it.

There were a handful of other items in this box that I didn’t photograph. I did keep a pair of the Kut from the Kloth Denna Colored Skinny Jeans ($78). They are dark green and while I don’t regret keeping them, they stretch out a LOT when I wear them. They fit great for the first hour… and I spend the rest of the day pulling my pants up. If they were one size smaller, I would likely wear them every single day. They are so soft and the fit is awesome otherwise. Plus, the color is amazing.

Items I didn’t keep from this box included: 
Street Level Ace Studded Crossbody Tote ($58) // Great price for a bag, not my style.
Andrew Marc Manon Cable Knit Sweater Dress ($118) // Not my style & wrong fit.
Skies are Blue Maia Embroidered Cotton Knit Top ($58) // Frumpy and just no. NO.

Overall, November was a bit of a bust, the cardigan aside. But, that happens and like I’ve said before, I’m happy to get one piece I love in a box, rather than five things I kind of like, so I was pleased.

And, my December Stitch Fix review:

Stitch Fix Orion Zig Zag Wrap Scarf

Shiraleah Orion Zig-Zag Print Wrap Scarf // $38

I loved this scarf and had pinned it on my Stitch Fix Inspiration Pinterest board. It is huge and the pattern is so fun. In the end, I decided that the mustard-ish yellow wasn’t great with my skin, so I sent it back.

Stitch Fix Papermoon Tee

Papermoon Crissy Spacedye Cross-Back Knit Shirt // $44

I asked for a casual white tee in this box and this was just what I was hoping for. It’s really more of a summer shirt, but I will wear it during the cooler months layered with a sweater. The back has a cutout that dips a bit low, then has a crisscross to keep it together. I probably wouldn’t pick it up on a rack at the store, but ended up loving it.

Stitch Fix Moto Jacket

Stitch Fix December Review

Market and Spruce Elissa French Terry Moto Jacket // $74

This was another piece that I’d pinned, hoping to get it in my box at some point… and I did! The fit was great, except for the length. While it’s intended to be a cropped jacket, it really hit me in the wrong place. It’s very soft and can be worn in so many ways! I would highly recommend it.

Stitch Fix Sweater

Stitch Fix Elbow Patch Sweater

Evolution by Cyrus Abbot Crew Neck Elbow Patch Sweater // $108

Usually in every box, I have one item that I send back and regret it later. This was that piece for December. At first, I couldn’t believe that they sent me this weird, cowl neck sweater. But, when I put it on, I could see why it’s been a Stitch Fix favorite lately (according to my stylist). It was perfectly oversized and would look so cute with leggings and boots. And, those elbow patches? Swoon!

I requested a new pair of jeans in my box this time and said that I wanted some with a worn-in look. They sent me the Kut from the Kloth Denna Skinny Jeans ($58), which aren’t really what I had in mind and I just noticed that they are the same brand and fit of the jeans they sent me in November, but in denim, instead of a color. They were very nice and the fit was good, but I sent them back. I’ll be sure to give more specific guidelines in my note to my stylist for jeans in January!

You can find my previous Stitch Fix reviews on bellingFAM and Pinterest:
Stitch Fix No. 1 (May 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 2 (July 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 3 (August 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 4 (September 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 5 (October 2014)

Please note… I do list the prices here, but as I found out recently, prices for similar items at different times of the year, may vary in different Stitch Fix deliveries for different customers. In other words, you might get the same top, at a different time of year, in a different color, and pay a different price. The prices I list in my Stitch Fix delivery are only for reference.

Interested in trying Stitch Fix? Feel free to email me with any questions you have about how it works, how to fill out your profile or what I love about using Stitch Fix. You can reach me at bellingFAM@gmail.com.

Review is my own opinion and not sponsored by Stitch Fix. Please note that all links are referral links, as referenced above. I appreciate you using them if you sign up for Stitch Fix so that they know you came via bellingFAM… thank you!

6 Tips to get what you want from Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix Tips

Every time I get a new Stitch Fix delivery, I always, ALWAYS get emails and questions about how I get the pieces I do in my fixes. And, with my sixth Stitch Fix on the way in just a couple of weeks (links to the detailed posts below), I’m starting to feel like I have the hang of it and that I can share a few tips and tricks that have helped me get the most of out of Stitch Fix.

Stitch Fix Inspiration Pinterst Board

1. Start a dedicated Pinterest board
This is my No. 1 tip for getting a Stitch Fix box you love. I have a board named Stitch Fix Inspiration where I only pin styles and pieces that I want my Stitch Fix stylist to consider sending me.

Stitch Fix Social Media Settings

But, don’t stop there. Be sure to add your Pinterest board to your Stitch Fix profile. The option is almost at the bottom of the page, under Social Networks, just like I’ve shown above. Be sure to add the link to your specific Pinterest board, not your Pinterest account, in general.

Stitch Fix Instagram

2. Keep an eye on Stitch Fix on social media
This takes me to my next tip… following Stitch Fix’s social media accounts. I check in with what Stitch Fix has been pinning on Pinterest, as well as what they post on Facebook and Instagram. This way, if something catches my eye that I’d like in my next delivery, I can add it to my Pinterest board as a not-so-subtle hint to my stylist. A quick note to save time: Most of the time, if they post a picture on Instagram or Facebook, it will eventually end up on their Pinterest board too, for easy-pinning. Just keep an eye out!

 Stitch Fix Stylist Note

3. Leave a note for your stylist, every time
When you schedule your next fix, you can leave a note for your stylist and I suggest you do, every time. Be specific about things you’d like to see — or not see — in your next delivery. You can always go back into your Stitch Fix profile and add a note later, if there’s a must-have that pops up in the meantime.

Stitch Fix Sizes

4. Be honest about the size you wear
Most of the time, when I send items back to Stitch Fix, it’s due to fit. Sometimes pieces are too big, sometimes they are too small. While I can’t change the fact that not everything in every Stitch Fix box will fit me perfectly, I do find that tweeking my sizes in my profile helps them send me items that do fit better. For example, I found that the pants they were sending me, two boxes in a row, were too big, so I edited my sizes.

Stitch Fix Price Points

5. Be flexible with your price points
This is how I have my price settings set in my Stitch Fix profile and, from what I’ve found, they really do stick to what you suggest. However, I do keep a note in the “Final Comments” section (all the way at the bottom of my profile!) that I am flexible about the price categories. I found this helpful when I felt like they were sending me the same brand over-and-over again — giving them the go-ahead to send me pieces outside of my range mixed things up. For me, I’m happy to splurge on one item that I love in a box, rather than five items that I just kind of like.

Stitch Fix Romantic Profile

6. Don’t get stuck in your profile
See that collection above, I don’t really like it. But, by giving it a “Don’t really like it” rating in my Stitch Fix profile, I think I took myself out of the running of getting anything soft and pretty. I try not to get too stuck in my profile — just because I don’t like this collection, doesn’t mean I can’t request items that are on the more romantic-style side, which I did in my note to my stylist and they delivered, sending me a sweet, lace-back top that I love. Don’t let them pigeonhole you into one style category!

See the details of my previous Stitch Fix deliveries here and on Pinterest:
Stitch Fix No. 1 (May 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 2 (July 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 3 (August 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 4 (September 2014)
Stitch Fix No. 5 (October 2014)

Review is my own opinion and not sponsored by Stitch Fix. Please note that all links are referral links, as referenced above. I appreciate you using them if you sign up for Stitch Fix so that they know you came via bellingFAM… thank you!

Mom style: Oversized plaid scarves for fall

 I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect oversized plaid scarves. They’ve been teasing me on Pinterest lately, I think it all started with the very coveted plaid scarf from ZARA (listed below), which is on my wishlist, big time. What do you think of these plaid scarves? Are you into them for fall? Or, are you cringing? I’m trying to decide between the yellow plaid from ModCloth or the classic plaid from ZARA…

Oversized Plaid Scarves

Top row:
Cozy Plaid Scarf, GAP, $30
Academic Aspirations Scarf, ModCloth, $25
Driftplaid Scarf, Madewell, $58

Bottom row:
Women’s Plaid Flannel Scarf, Old Navy, $19
Checked Scarf, ZARA, $30

Which oversized plaid scarf if your favorite?

Mom Style: Stitch Fix No. 5

Just to jog your memory, here’s a run down of my previous Stitch Fix deliveries:

Stitch Fix No. 1 (May 2014): A good start! I’m still regretting not keeping that Aztec print shirt, even though it was a little big.

Stitch Fix No. 2 (July 2014): I kept two of the tops from this box and they are two of my favorites, especially the orange-ish blouse. It’s a fan favorite on Pinterest, too.

Stitch Fix No. 3 (August 2014): My favorite box so far… I kept everything and they are in constant rotation in my closet.

Stitch Fix No. 4 (September 2014): A total bummer. Loved some of the styles, but the fit was off and it wasn’t very pre-fall, as I hoped it would be.

Stitch Fix No. 5

And now, Stitch Fix No. 5, which arrived just last week. All pictures courtesy of my darling, 7-year-old photographer, who had very strict instructions on how I should stand. (Oy, bear with me, friends. Tried to get over the in-my-bedroom-selfies for this one…)

Stitch Fix Level 99 Skinny Jeans

Level 99 Briley Skinny Jeans // $108

These jeans were cute and very, very soft, but they weren’t really what I was looking to add to my wardrobe. Plus, they were a bit long, so when I rolled them up, they made my legs look extra, super short. (Did I ever tell you that I thought I was 5’8″ until a year ago, when I realized that I’m only 5’6″? I’m still traumatized.) I sent these back. I don’t seem to be having any success with pants on Stitch Fix. Maybe I should ditch them on my requests… (Tank is from Gap, nothing special. Jacket listed below. Shoes via Nordstrom Rack, no longer available, that I can find.)

Stitch Fix Kensie Blouse

Kensie Davidson Floral Print Lace Detailed Blouse // $68

I adored this blouse from the moment I pulled it out of the box. It was just what I had asked for from Stitch Fix and it fit perfectly. The sleeves and the shoulders on the back are lace, for a super sweet, flirty feeling. I’ve had Kensie tops in the past and really loved them. This was a keeper, for sure. (Jeans are Gap Always Skinny. Shoes are Tieks in Ballerina Pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)

Stitch Fix Moto Jacket

41Hawthorn Kaiya Asymmetrical Convertible Moto Jacket // $118

This jacket is so pretty. I had pinned the gray version on my Stitch Fix Inspiration Pinterest board (or, one that’s very close, I suppose!) and I think if it would have come in gray in my box, I would have kept it. But, I have a very, very similar wool navy cropped jacket already, so this felt like too much of the same.

Stitch Fix Dress

Veronica M Seth 3/4 Sleeve Abstract Print Dress // $98

I went back and forth about this dress. Did I love it? Or not? I don’t often buy brown. In fact, I don’t think I have any brown in my closet. But, there was something about it I loved. It was easy to wear and comfortable and I loved the neckline and tie around the waist. When decision time came, I realized that it just felt a smidge too short for me and a smidge too clingy. A bad combo, right? (Shoes are by Splendid from OnlineShoes.com.)

Stitch Fix Horseshoe Blouse

41Hawthorn Moni Horseshoe Print Stud Detail Top // $58

Another top that I’d pinned on my Stitch Fix Inspiration Pinterest board… but that I probably did in haste. It looked very cute on the gal who was wearing it, but not so much on me. The base color wasn’t good with my skin tone and the horseshoe print paired with the studded details didn’t feel like me, at all. I think it’s a very cute blouse… just on someone else. Can’t blame Stitch Fix for this one… they pulled it right off of my very own suggestions! Oops! It is available in other colors/prints, so maybe another time, Stitch Fix?

To sum things up for Stitch Fix No. 5, I only kept the Kensie blouse for $68… and I was pleased with that because I love it, so much.

I’ve had a few friends tell me that they’re bummed when they don’t love every single piece in their box and I suppose I come to it from a different perspective. I always hope that I’ll fall in love with just one piece. Anything else is a bonus. My clothing budget rarely allows me to splurge on more than that anyway! What do you think? Are you a fan of Stitch Fix for those perfect, rare finds you love? Or to fill your closet with ready-to-go outfits?

Another quick note… I do list the prices here, but as I found out recently, prices for similar items at different times of the year, may vary in different Stitch Fix deliveries for different customers. In other words, you might get the same top, at a different time of year, in a different color, and pay a different price. The prices I list in my Stitch Fix delivery are only for reference.

Interested in trying Stitch Fix? Feel free to email me with any questions you have about how it works, how to fill out your profile or what I love about using Stitch Fix. You can reach me at bellingFAM@gmail.com.

Review is my own opinion and not sponsored by Stitch Fix. Please note that all links are referral links, as referenced above. I appreciate you using them if you sign up for Stitch Fix so that they know you came via bellingFAM… thank you!

Mom style: Short rain boots

Are you ready to hate me? Here it goes.

I’m over my big, tall rain boots.

Over them.

We went to the pumpkin patch a couple of weekends ago and they were just too tall. Too heavy. Too much. I was crying (inside, mind you) for a shorter pair to simply keep the bottoms of my jeans out of the mud and my feet dry.

I’m not over them on other people. I think they look super cute on you. REALLY cute. But, for me, I’m ready to move on.

Here are some of my favorites that I have my eye on… Tell me what you think. I can take it. I promise.

Short Rain Boots

1. Bogs Classic Winter Plaid Mid-Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $120
2. Bogs Urban Farmer 2 Eye-Lace Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $90
3. Crocband Jaunt Women’s Boots, Crocs, $40
4. Tretorn Wings Lag Vinter Boots, Zappos.com, $80
5. Tretorn Skerry Rubber Rain Boots, Zappos.com, $55
6. Tretorn Elsa Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $85
7. Hunter Original Chelsea Rain Boots, Nordstrom, $125
8. Sorel Out N About Leather Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $110
9. Hunter Original Short Rain Boots, Nordstrom, $138

Which pair are your faves?

Mom style: Stitch Fix No. 3

** This one is a bit out of order, since I posted about Stitch Fix No. 4 before I posted about this one. But, it’s only because I’ve been wearing these clothes so much and keep forgetting to take pictures! Oops! My next fix is suppose to arrive this weekend… can’t wait! **

If you remember my last Stitch Fix, it was on the fancier-side, with a couple of blouses that I absolutely loved. This time, before I scheduled my next box, I put a note on my Stitch Fix profile requesting that they send some casual items this time. And, per usual, they listened!

Here’s what came in my third Stitch Fix box:

Stitch Fix Sweater

 41Hawthorn Abrianna Long-Sleeve Knit Cardigan // $28

I’m wearing this sweater right now and it’s so delicious. Not only is it the color perfect — a super-saturated pool blue — but it is soft, long and fits like a dream. I can see that I’m going to wear it over and over again as we transition from summer to fall weather. (Pictured above: My favorite pink boyfriend tee from Target, jeans from GAP and Sperry Top-Sider flats from OnlineShoes.com)

Stitch Fix Review

Octavia Henry Birds on Branch Infinity Scarf // $28

Such an unexpected surprise to get a scarf in my box! Most of my scarves are bright colors and plain, so this was a nice addition to my closet. (Pictured above: Boyfriend V-Neck Tee from Target, jeans from GAP, and shoes are Ballerina Pink Tieks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

Stitch Fix Review

Stitch Fix Review

Pixley Indianan Chevron Print Mixed Material Tee // $44

This shirt. It caused much debate on Instagram and Facebook this week. I wasn’t sure I loved the pattern — it’s a little bold for me… and it’s all over the back of the shirt, too. And, the fit wasn’t the best — it’s a little boxier than I usually wear (AKA, not so slimming). You all had mixed emotions about it,  just like me. I ended up keeping it, since it was essentially free. When you keep all of the items in your Stitch Fix box, you get a 25 percent discount, meaning they practically paid me to keep it. I’m growing to love it, as I do with many clothes I’m uncertain about and it fits great. We’ll see how it goes… (Pictured above: Jeans from GAP)

Stitch Fix Dress

Pomelo Rowson Striped Shift Dress // $38

I wasn’t into this dress at all when I first pulled it out of my box. But, as soon as I put it on, I realized that it was a good fit. I don’t think it will ever be my favorite dress, but I see that it will come in handy often and it fits me well, which is a first when it comes to the dresses they’ve sent. And, the price point is very reasonable, considering how well-made this dress is. (Pictured above: Shoes are by Splendid from OnlineShoes.com, purse by Under One Sky from Target)

Rune Porter Basic Leggings // $38
(Not pictured, because really, they’re just leggings. Also, they’re in the laundry.)

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a pair of leggings and I don’t think that I’ve ever owned a pair that was this nice. These are super thick, so I can wear them on their own (Yes, I wear leggings as pants. and I like it.). These were a keeper, for sure.

Like I mentioned above, I ended up keeping everything they sent me in my box! It all fit well, for the first time, and while some pieces took me out of my typical fashion comfort zone, that’s why I subscribe to Stitch Fix in the first place, so for me, that’s a win.

I noticed that the prices on these pieces were much lower than they’d been in previous boxes from Stitch Fix. Maybe it was because they were more casual, or maybe Stitch Fix is revamping a little, based on some recent controversy. Either way, I thought everything was priced very well and if cost has been holding you back from trying Stitch Fix, I’d give it another shot and see what you think now…

I’ve heard and seen that many of you have tried Stitch Fix since my last post and I’d love to know what you think and what you got in your fixes! (Also, if you used the bellingFAM referral link, thank you!)

If you haven’t tried it yet, but would like to, you can use the bellingFAM referral link to get your first fix. If you’re interested, I know that when I looked this morning, they were booking fixes into mid-September already, so grab a date… And, let me know if you have any questions as you’re filling out your profile. I’m happy to help! (You can always email me at bellingFAM @ gmail.com)

Stitch Fix No. 1: June 2014
Stitch Fix No. 2: July 2014
Stitch Fix No. 4: September 2014

Review is my own opinion and not sponsored by Stitch Fix. Please note that all links are referral links, as referenced above. I appreciate you using them if you sign up for Stitch Fix so that they know you came via bellingFAM… thank you!

Mom style: Stitch Fix No. 4

Stitch Fix 4 Review

My fourth box from Stitch Fix came last week and sadly, it wasn’t my favorite. My last box was so fun and everything fit so well that I haven’t even posted about it because I can’t stop wearing the clothes and have yet to take photos of what they sent. Oops!

There were actually a couple of pieces in this box that I really loved, but that didn’t fit well, so I sent them back.

(You can find reviews of my previous Stitch Fix boxes here and here. I’ll get No. 3 up there eventually!)

Here’s what came in my forth Stitch Fix box:

 Stitch Fix

41Hawthorn Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse // $58

I immediately loved this blouse. It is similar to a couple of others that I have in my wardrobe, but in a super soft and silky material. However, the fit just wasn’t right. It was too fitted in the bust and since it was a bit sheer, I’d need to wear a tank under it and there wasn’t any wiggle room to do so. I sent it back.

Stitch Fix Pants

Margaret M Duboce Straight Leg Jean // $68

These jeans were so fun and bright… a perfect transition piece for fall! They have a stretchy waistband, kind of like you’d find on jeggings (I’m a fan), and were soft and had a pre-loved feeling. But, they were too small. I did request that they add a pair in my next box, in one size up, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’ll make a reappearance!

Stitch Fix Skirt

41Hawthorn Iris Striped A-Line Skirt // $58

This is not a skirt that I would typically pick out. However, I did like it. Although the colors were a bit summery, the material was heavy and thick, making it a good transition piece. And, I loved the contrasting black knit waistband. It did fit well, however, I decided to send it back because I didn’t have anything in my closet to wear it with. It would have been great with the white blouse from above, if I’d been keeping that piece.

Stitch Fix SweaterStitch Fix Striped Sweater

41Hawthorn Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater // $58

I was torn about this sweater. Josh liked it and I suppose I did, too. It looked cute with my favorite torn-up jeans and I loved the softer colors. But, there was something about it that held me back. I don’t think crew necks are particularly flattering on me. At first, I kept it — even sealing up the envelope to go back to Stitch Fix. But, at the last minute, I had a change of heart and packed it up.

Stitch Fix Necklace

Bay to Baubles Sauna Curved Bar Necklace // $28

I’ll admit that I kept this necklace so that I didn’t lose my $20 styling credit! I do like it and I think that I’ll wear it often, so it was worth the extra $8 to keep. It’s much lighter and slinkier than other necklaces I have (I wore some HEAVY ones in Vegas last week and my neck was aching!), so it will be a nice change.

Overall, I was sad to send some of these pieces back to Stitch Fix. I made some notes for my stylist, as I’m starting to feel like they’re sending me the same pieces over and over again. So, for next time: no stripes, looking for tops that are more casual (rather than blouses), no crew necks, cardigan sweaters instead of pullovers, and dresses instead of skirts. We’ll see how it goes! I have faith in the process and realize that not every box will hit the mark.

I’ve heard and seen that many of you have tried Stitch Fix since my last post and I’d love to know what you think and what you got in your fixes! (Also, if you used the bellingFAM referral link, thank you!)

If you haven’t tried it yet, but would like to, you can use the bellingFAM referral link to get your first fix. If you’re interested, I know that when I scheduled my next box, they were booking fixes into mid/late-October already, so grab a date… And, let me know if you have any questions as you’re filling out your profile. I’m happy to help! (You can always email me at bellingFAM @ gmail.com)

Review is my own opinion and not sponsored by Stitch Fix. Please note that all links are referral links, as referenced above. I appreciate you using them if you sign up for Stitch Fix so that they know you came via bellingFAM… thank you!

Back-to-school with Skip Hop (Giveaway)

Skip Hop Back-to-School

// This giveaway has ended. Please click HERE to see the winner. //

It’s back-to-school time!

In Bellingham, school starts the day after Labor Day, so we’re less than two weeks away from sending off the girls to 1st and 4th grade and Ev to his last year of preschool. I’m still kind of in denial that it’s coming so fast and need to get my act together to get prepped for the first week, which I know will come very, very quickly as we try to pack some last minute summer fun into the next 10-ish days.

We’re so lucky to not have to purchase school supplies for the girls (they’re paid for by the district… amazing!), but there are always a few other things that they need for school… shoes, lunchboxes, backpacks, coats.

Lunchboxes are always fun to update each year, even if it’s not a necessity. My kids tend to thrash their lunchboxes by the time they’re out of school in June — and if you’ve ever been to school with your kids at lunchtime, I’m sure you’ll see why… those suckers take a beating!

Skip Hop Hedgehog Lunchie

I searched high-and-low for cool, unique lunchboxes this year and some of my favorites were from Skip Hop. The Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies ($14 each) come in the cutest animals, ever, and they’re the perfect size for little guys who are going to school this year, like Everett. I especially love that the  characters are unique, so it’s easy for your kiddos to spot their own lunchbox among all of the others in their class, meaning they’re less likely to leave it behind.

Skip Hop Duo Signature

I’m a firm believer that moms deserve a little back-to-school treat, too. After all, you just survived an entire summer with your kids. That warrants a reward! I’ve told you about my love for the Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag before and even though I don’t have any kids in diapers anymore, I still use this bag every day.

But, since I last swooned about the Duo, it’s gotten an update from the team at Skip Hop! Introducing the Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag ($60). What’s new about it? Check out those tote handles! I appreciate these, so much, as I’m climbing in and out of my car, without the time to get my bag settled on my shoulder — the new handles make it easy to grab-and-go. Another improved feature on the Duo Signature is that it zips closed on the top of the bag, rather than using a magnet closure, like in previous version. Lastly, not that they could improve on the storage, but somehow they did, adding bigger, more accessible pockets that even have your tech-gadgets in mind.

The team at Skip Hop wants to give one lucky mom or dad this Skip Hop back-to-school pairing to kick the school year off right! One winner will win both the Skip Hop Hedgehog Lunchie Lunchbox AND the Skip Hop Duo Signature (you pick your color!).

To enter to win a SKIP HOP DUO SIGNATURE DIAPER BAG & A SKIP HOP ZOO HEDGEHOG LUNCHBOX, please click the Rafflecopter link below: (One person will win both prizes)

// This giveaway has ended. Please click below to see the winner! Thank you for entering! //

Giveaway Button

(If you’ve never used Rafflecopter before, I promise that it’s easy and the BEST and safest way to enter a giveaway on a blog, as well as for me to run a giveaways on bellingFAM. No registration necessary. All of your information provided is kept private. U.S. residents only, please.)

Giveaway provided by the team at Skip Hop
No other compensation was provided for this post.
All opinions are our own.

Mom style: Shoes for a trip to Las Vegas

Shoes for Las Vegas

Next month, I’m heading to Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo, which in my pretty little work world, is where all of the best brands come together to debut their new products for the coming year. Think strollers, baby carriers, clothes, shoes, bottles, car seats, EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF that relates to having a child.

To say that I’m excited is an understatement. It’s a huge opportunity and while there will hardly be time to lay by the pool with Brody Jenner (whoops, id I say that?), I’m thrilled to be attending and ready to soak it all up like a kid-producing loving sponge.

But, first things first, friends. What am I going to wear?

There will be a lot of walking. A lot of meetings that involve hustling from booth to booth. A lot of standing on my feet. A lot of doing my best to play it cool when I’m really freaking out inside.

As always, I’m starting with shoes, because they bring me comfort. And calm. Here’s what I’m thinking…

For airport travel
Saucony Jazz Original, $55

Shoes for Las Vegas

I own a pair of these exact shoes and they are some of my favorites… especially for travel. They are fun and funky, but also lightweight and easy to wear. I usually wear them with cuffed jeans, a tee and a big scarf for keeping warm on the airplane.

For evening dinners & parties
Gentle Souls Fulham Booties, $250

Shoes for Las Vegas

Hello there, gorgeous. I’ve been needing an excuse to splurge on these and I think my first big work trip qualifies. I’ll be spending my evenings at brand-sponsored parties and dinners and while I’m not expecting to need to break out cocktail attire, these will easily dress up a simple dress. Add some statement jewelry and I’m ready to go. Plus, they’re Gentle Souls, so I’ll be able to wear them all night in this city that never sleeps.

For daytime meetings & walking the floor, boots
SoftWalk Rocklin Ankle Boots, $145

Shoes for Las Vegas

I’ve been very close to buying a pair of ankle boots for fall and nearly pulled the trigger on the Frye ankle boots from this post… but they were out of my size. This pair caught my eye instead. I love the soft, worn-in gray color, which I can wear at the conference with a fun skirt or a pair of black skinnies.

For daytime meetings & walking the floor, flats
Splendid Cannes Loafers, $95

Shoes for Las Vegas

Talk about a must-have. These are new from OnlineShoes.com and from one of my favorite shoe brands, Splendid. Remember these beloved Splendid sandals? I can see that these will be the perfect alternative to booties for walking the booths at the show and meeting with brands. And, I know that I’ll wear them all of the time, post-conference, too.

Any Las Vegas favorites to share?

OnlineShoes.com

All shoes featured above are available via OnlineShoes.com. They are one of my favorite Seattle companies and I love working closely with them to feature shoes. Thank you for shopping with the brands that I work with and that support bellingFAM.

Mom style: Ankle boots for fall

Ankle Boots for Fall

Yup, I’m the last one to get ankle boots. It’s such a shame.

I do have these Frye boots that I bought years and years ago, before ankle boots came back into style, but they really go above my ankles, so they are more like low-calf boots. I can’t wear them with jeans, just skirts and dresses, which kind of defeats the whole ankle boot movement, right?

These are my top contenders for ankle boots for fall. All available on OnlineShoes.com, of course. Let’s break them down…

Matisse Dodge, Natural, $167 (currently on sale for $156)

I’m not sure that this color goes well with my skin tone (pink and pale), but I do love it and think it would be great with jeans or with black pants. Love the worn-in look and I’ve had Matisse shoes in the past that have been amazing and well-worth the price. The heel is a bit higher than I’d like for an everyday boot, at 1-1/2 inches.

Kork-Ease Velma, Meteora, $185

These are so pretty and since they’re Kork-Ease, I’m sure they are very comfortable, as well. I love the color, which could be worn with practically anything. These are the dressiest of the four pair and I’m not sure that’s what I’m going for.

Clarks Desert Boots, Beeswax Leather, $110

I’ve had my eye on a pair of these for ages. They are obviously much different from the others, being much for casual, but I think that I’d wear them a lot. And, I’m a clumsy girl, so I like the look of that rubber sole!

Frye Anna Outside Zip Shootie, Camel Antique Soft Vintage, $278

Of course, at this price tag, these are my favorite. I know that spending the money on a pair of Frye are worth it, as they literally last forever, but ouch. Nearly $300? I really love that there is a side-zip on these boots, not just for the easy on/off access, but for the look of being able to leave it half-zipped for a more casual feel with jeans.

Which pair are your favorites?

All products featured above are available via OnlineShoes.com. They are one of my favorite Seattle
companies and I love working closely with them to feature their products. Thank you for shopping with the brands that I work with and that support bellingFAM.

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