2011 is going to be the year of the babies…I can just feel it.  My family is perfectly complete, but I have many friends/acquaintances who are looking to expand their families this year!  Since I am the mother of a two-year-old, being pregnant is still fresh enough in my mind to give some shopping tips.  I was wearing maternity clothes by week 16 and I remember not wanting to shell out a lot of money on clothes that I would only wear for a bit of time.  I was lucky enough to get some *hammy downs* but because of seasons and stuff, I still needed to buy A LOT of new clothes.

Here are my tips: use a BellaBand to extend the life of your regular pants,  invest in a good pair of jeans, one nice dress (preferably black), and ditch the heels for something much lower and comfortable.  I wore pretty intense heels to two different weddings at 7-8 months preggo and ended up in physical therapy for 4 weeks.  Heels will totally screw up your alignment when you’re preggo so just stick with flats (especially at the end).  Also, with leggings and tunics being the trend still, you can get away with wearing non-maternity clothing for much longer.  I would live in leggings and maternity tops if I were preggo right now!  For the remainder of your wardrobe, I recommend looking at:

*Old Navy: You can’t beat the prices…typical ON quality, but it will last for at least one pregnancy.  I stocked up on tanks and some dresses for dirt cheap.  They have the best long, beater-type tanks!

*Target: Cute styles, totally affordable.  Definitely the place to stock up on your basics.

*GapMaternity (mostly online):  Maternity line looks so similar to their regular clothing line which made me happy.  Loved their shorts and and tanks (I had an August baby).  They have great bras too!

*Nordstrom: Look here when you need something for a specific event or special occasion.  I loved pieces made by Olian, Michael Stars, and Moody Mamas.

*Pea in the Pod: Very stylish clothing but you will pay for it.  They have great sales, so keep an eye out and shop when one hits!

To those of you who this post applies to…congrats and good luck!  Please share with anyone you think it could help

The Shopaholic wishes you a happy, healthy, and stylish new year.  Shops Love!

ps…the only “normal” undies that will get you through an entire pregnancy are Hanky Panky.  Buy a few pairs and at least they will work before and after!

So there are 5 days until Christmas (I’m sure I’m not the first to remind you) – are you all ready?  I had Christmas #1 with my hubby’s family on Sunday – it was fabulous and the perfect start to Christmas week!  I am all ready for the real deal too – shopping finished, cards mailed, gifts wrapped, and toys assembled.  Phew!  Why does Santa get all the credit when Mrs. Claus does all of the real work?  Oh well…some things never change.

So in honor of the fast approaching countdown, each day I’ll name my top “however-many” *somethings* to go with that day.  For instance, today is my top 5 (five days until Christmas) ways to look super cute on Christmas morning.  Our family has a tradition  – on Christmas Eve you get a new pair of pajamas and slippers.  We come downstairs (yes, even as adults) on Christmas morning and wear our new pj’s.  I’m talking g-rated jammies, so don’t expect anything skanky.  Like my tradition or not, every girl needs some cute (appropriate) jammies.

5. Victoria’s Secret Thee-Piece Pajama Set – this is perfect for my situation because it has a cami with a coordinating cardi to go over.  Hardly look like you’re wearing pajamas, but so comfortable you must be!  Sale $39.50; numerous color combos.

4. J. Crew Flannel Sleep Set – This is making my list because it is so holiday festive and absolutely the warmest.  I just want to snuzzle on the couch with a cup of cocoa.  That is if you can afford the cocoa after shelling out $85 on pjs.

3.Gap Plaid Flannel Set – The price-point is better than j. crews version and the black/white is super chic. I”m a big fan of gapbody.

2. Victoria’s Secret Redskins L/S Boxer Set – So maybe you’re not a skins fan…get them in your own team.  I’m a legitimate fan though, so sleeping in nfl paraphernalia is hardly a stretch.  I love these…end of story.  $49.50.

1.Make + Model Striped Henley Pajamas – love love love.  If it weren’t for the solid pink, I’d wear them in public – you think I’m kidding.  Available at Nordies for $44.

Enjoy and Happy Countdown!
shops love!

Seems odd to go from a Halloween post to a coat post, but it HAILED on Halloween where I live (with sleet and a little snow).  Seem more appropriate now?  I think so.  Start thinking about your coat selection for this fall/winter season and if you’re in the market for a new one, then maybe I can help you out!  Your geographic location will determine the type of coat you need, but as an FYI, I’m already wearing my puffer!  Now would be a good time to tell you that you should never complain to The Shopaholic about cold weather – I will laugh and scowl at you at the same time.  Doesn’t sound pretty, does it?

So since it’s literally freezing here, I’m going to showcase some of my favorite WARM coats for this winter.  There are plenty of cute trenches, military style jackets, and fleeces – but they aren’t warm enough for me anymore.  So here goes (listed clockwise, from left):

Fur Coats at Piperlime
Coats by J.Crew

I love J. Crew’s Stadium-Cloth Elements Coat.  The fabric is so warm and I love the hood and gathered back (not shown above).  The look is totally casual with a touch of sophistication.  It’s regularly $325, but 25% off right now during their fall sale.  I want this coat.

So the Burberry Brit Quilted Down Jacket is my *dream on, dreamer* coat.  It just looks so warm and comfy, and the plum color is so wonderful.  Since I can’t justify paying $595…maybe you can!?

Love the Gap wool-blend Funnel Neck coat.  Such a great design and the funnel neck will keep you extra warm!  On sale for $134.40, budget friendly style.

Fur is hot this season.  No, really, fur will keep you very warm.  So this Tinley Road faux fur coat for $98 is a fashion necessity!

I love Madewell’s take on the Parka.  This coat doesn’t look too bulky, but it’s lined with shearling which makes it a great fall/winter jacket.  The olive color matches just about everything and the hood is a must for when the snow starts to fly!  $268.

stay warm and shops love!

The Shopaholic is always talking about layering.  Whether it’s because my sweater’s itchy, too short, or just because – I almost always have a long tank or tee underneath whatever I’m wearing.  By putting a thin long-sleeve tee underneath your top, you are actually able to stretch your wardrobe.  I have some sweaters that are not quite 3/4 length sleeves, but with a long-sleeve tee underneath I can wear them on even the coldest winter days.  Personally, I like the look of my tee extended beyond the length of my sweater.  Now the key is wearing a *thin* tee because no one wants to add MORE bulk on top of a sweater.

Not to talk about Ideeli all of the time, but when they had a Rebecca Beeson sale, they were offering a 3-pack (no, definitely not like hanes) of long-sleeve tees in a variety of color combos.  My pack had hot pink, camo green, and white – all for $40.  This is a steal so if you see her sale on any of the sample sites, scoop them up!  I can’t say enough positive things about this line – everything is just so soft and wearable.

Theory makes undeniably fabulous clothing – comfortable and always chic, you most certainly get what you pay for.  Their long sleeve tees are the best!  I have *one* and I’ve been wearing (and washing) for the past year…it still looks great.  Theory Carmine-Encase sells for $105. (white)

Gap’s favorite long-sleeve tee is on sale for $12.50.  (charcoal, black, white, brown, navy)

Three dots has a new, crewneck layering tee available in a wide variety of colors for only $44. (black, blue, berry, white, dark green)

Banana Republic Long-sleeve timeless tee.  $29.50 (white, grey, purple, black)

Mossimo (Target) Long Sleeve Tee. For $10, you better stock up!!!! (white)

Longsleeve Tops by Banana Republic
Clothing by Gap

shops love!

The Shopaholic had a defining moment last week – a reader sent in a request!  This is something that I am happy to do and it gives me some motivation to write about something unexpected.  Miss Jennifer T. of Maryland said, “Shopaholic – I need another pair of nice black skinnys (like the denimocracy ones).  Can you send me some ideas???????”  Well Jennifer – it’s your lucky day because I am thrilled to give you a few suggestions!

A while back I had encouraged this reader to purchase a pair of black Denimocracy Anarchy jeans.  Calling them *jeans* is a stretch since they feel more like a cotton legging, but they have stitching, front zipper/button, and 5 pockets like a pair of regular jeans. They retail for $78 and in case you care, they are a favorite of some celebs like Christina Aguilera and Jessica Alba.  Find them at Shoprobertson who is offering 35% off (code is LUCKYBREAKS6) all stock!

Black skinny leggings are everywhere and it’s a matter of your budget as to where you’ll find your next pair.  Besides picking up another pair of denimocracy – since I know firsthand they fit awesome for an amazing price – I will give you my top pick for a few price ranges.  Enjoy and keep the topics coming (You can request via commenting on a post, on Tales and Sales’ facebook page or sending an email)!!!!

Skinny Pants by Lucky Brand
Leggings by J Brand

The Gap has made it easy for everyone to hit the streets looking amazing in their “Really Skinny Pants.”  Ranging from size 00 to 20 (ankle, regular, or long), and costing only $59.50, my only question is, “why not??”

On the other extreme, there is J Brand who is an overachiever and never fails.  The 901 Hewson Skinny fits perfectly and is exactly what one would expect from J Brand.  For $158 – I would hope so.  I own these pants and if you know me, you’ve seen me in them.  Not ashamed to say it.

Now for my wildcard pick – Lucky Brand’s Ponte Pant for $79.50.  Five pockets and zipper fly – nothing else needed.

This is the greatest trend in a LONG time in my eyes – they can be dressed up or down, yet they are always super comfortable!  Also, they always look dressier than their denim counterpart while costing less too!

I hope this helps, Jennifer T.  Let us know what you decide!!

shops love!

I don’t mean little sizes like size 0, I mean *little* sizes like for my toddler.  When I was young, I was always very small for my age and always searched so hard to find cool clothes in my size – it was not an easy task!  Now, I find things for my daughter that I want made in MY grown up size.  It makes me happy to know that she won’t have the same problems as I had.  The top two companies that come to mind are BabyGap and Crewcuts (j.crew line which starts at a size 2), but now there’s a 3rd which is going to be a new fave for us!  I’m talking about 77kids which is the newest line from American Eagle.  Talk about stylish and a reasonable price! 

So my daughter’s wardrobe recently acquired this ruffled zip cardigan from Crewcuts (see below) - umm, please make me one in a big girl size – and this puffer down coat that looks identical to mine!  And check out this 77kids Moto Jacket and Cheetah Sweater – paired with leggings she can truly show her wild side!  BabyGap is our go-to denim shop, love these 1969 bootcuts which are oh-so-soft…the way baby clothes should be!

Now I don’t want my baby girl to grow up any faster than she needs to, but these clothes are stylish, trendy, and still maintain her toddler demeanor.  Priced like their “momma companies” crewcuts is the priciest (but worth the splurge), babygap is reasonable but there are so many coupons available, and 77kids is totally wallet-friendly.  Check out these great companies and your child will be a fall trend-setter in no time!!!

shops love.

ps…for the local ‘Cuse people, 77kids recently opened in Carousel Mall!

It’s that time of year – shopping for a good cause!  The Give and Get Event sponsored by Gap, Inc allows you to enjoy a 30% discount on all of their brands – Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy!  In addition to the savings, Gap will give 5% of your spending to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (the charity of my choice)!  After you participate in this sale once, you’ll be on their list for future Give and Get sales.  Once you’re on the list, you’ll pick your own charity and invite up to 50 people to share in the sale!  It’s really a win-win because we’re not only saving money, we’re helping to save lives.  That’s deep, right?  Below is a link to the savings, so enjoy!

If you’re curious as to what’s available on Gap, go back to my post “Old Friends can be the Best Friends” where I showcase a few of my favorite things from their Fall line.  But remember it’s not just Gap - Banana Republic and Old Navy have some great things too!

“Enjoy 30% off from August 26-29 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy and we’ll donate 5% of what you spend to a non-profit.”

via Give and Get is Here!.