Tag Archives: style

FALLing into Autumn Fashion for Kids

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Since today is the official first day of fall, I figured I’d do a post about my favorite fall fashion pieces for kids. Of course my perspective comes from one of a boy Mom, but I think my picks are essential must haves for any tot when things start to cool down!

1. RAIN BOOTS

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There is just something about kids and rain boots that go hand in hand. As grown ups we may wear them more out of necessity than for fashion, but with children it just seems like it should be a closet staple. There are so many fun colors and prints – my guys have fun “Spiderman” super hero rain boots, and they just love them. They are super easy to put on and will protect their feet from those wet days when the puddles are daring them to just jump in. Seriously, my kids want to wear them even when it’s hot out…so I take it they are comfy too.

2. PUFFY VEST and HAT

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I love the puffy vests. I enjoy wearing them and I like how my kids look in them too… They keep their “shell” warm but still allow their arms to be free and a little more functional than an overall puff jacket. You can easily pair a puffy vest with a long-sleeved thermal shirt or even over a sweater. PLus, you want to keep them warm up top, so keeping a knit hat handy is a good idea, especially when it starts to cool down and get windy. I love the one my son has in the photo above that covers his ears too!

3. HALLOWEEN themed PJs

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Halloween PJs are another way to get in the fall fashion swing of things. I picked up these glow in the dark skeleton jammies for my boys a couple years back and have continued the tradition every year. This year we found Halloween Elmo and Paw Patrol pajamas for the kids and they want to wear them every night! It definitely helps transition out of a summer mindset when you shift the gears to “orange and black” with lots of stuff pumpkin-related…. And, when they are really little these things are great because they can double as a costume too. I think they are fun and certainly help play up your little ones personality.

Dressing Like a…MOM!?!?

There are stacks of denim jeans I have that I wore pre-mommyhood, that still sit in my closet, because I might just wear them again. For me the issue isn’t fitting into them, although a few are on the snug side, but more like they just don’t fit the same. The same can be said for lots of the other pieces of clothing I have hanging in my closet and in my drawers. There are tops, dresses and other garments that used to be my main staples, but these days, not so much.

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I will admit becoming a Mom has influenced my “style.” The most typical of my outfits – on a day when I’m with the kids, is yoga pants and a long t-shirt or tank…flip flops or tennis shoes to keep it comfy on my feet. The days where I actually put on a pair of jeans is almost something special…and I usually opt for my most stretchy pairs too! I recall one of the first pairs of jeans I bought after having my first baby…my “Mommy jeans”..they were high-waisted and so much less about showing off my curves and more about concealing the new ones! haha!

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When it came to parent/child swim lessons, I pondered the appropriate type of swimsuit to wear for my kid’s class… it just didn’t feel quite right to wear a triangle top, 2 piece bikini if you know what I mean. But being in Miami, the other Moms didn’t seem to mind being skimpy, even though I still had an uneasy feeling about it. I finally settled on a bandeau style bikini top with a full coverage bottom!

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I applaud the Moms who can rock their bods with no shame and all the confidence they need, but for me…I do feel like I need to dress like a Mom! So, what does that mean? Well, for me that means wearing clothes that are functional and appropriate for getting down and dirty with the tots. Outfits that can go from the playground to the grocery store and for a walk around the block. By no means do I think I need to give up style, but at the end of the day, my mantra is it’s not what you wear but how you wear it!

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So here’s my fashion advice for Mommy’s who may feel like me. Keep the black yoga pants handy and invest in a few bright colored tops that will make your skin pop and keep you feeling “sunny.” Invest in a cute pair of kicks or some kind of footwear to keep up with the babies too. Before I had babes, I didn’t have any flat shoes…now I have a couple and will pick wedges over stiletto’s any day! Stay away from tops that are too low cut or clingy, maybe save those to feel a little extra special and sexy when it’s a date night with the mister. Find a couple pair of jeans that fit and compliment what may be new hips and a waistline.

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Don’t be afraid to veer away from the styles you used to wear and try on something new. Always keep some statement jewelry handy. A pretty necklace or fun earrings can dress up a plain colored tee or tank and also give it some glam. I love to keep a nice bag/purse handy too, because even if I’m in my sweats, a nice handbag can certainly up your image, even if it is your child’s character backpack! And – finally, even though I always forget mine at home….keep the sunnies handy! Sunglasses can mask the tired eyes that you didn’t have time to make-up and actually give you a chic, put together vibe.

 

Haute Mom: Erin Heffelfinger

erinName: Erin Heffelfinger
Children & Ages: Keely 8, Miles 6, and Wiley 4
Hometown/Current Location: I live at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, VA, but originally from Fredericksburg, VA
Quick Bio: My name is Erin Heffelfinger and I am the owner of Style Erin, a personal wardrobe styling company. Style Erin provides guidance on colors, patterns, designs, clothing, shoes and accessories for a given client. After attending James Madison University, I spent 3 years in NYC working in marketing/design, as well as, continuing my education at the School of Visual Arts. Upon leaving the Big Apple, I headed to Richmond, VA, while my husband, Mike Heffelfinger, finished his graduate program. After working 5 years as a creative director for a bridal company, we made our way to Virginia Beach. I became a full-time freelance designer, had 3 beautiful children and nestled into a happy beach lifestyle. Now that my kids are in school, I am able to focus on my true passion…fashion. Hence, the creation of Style Erin! I live and breathe fashion. I feel that my keen eye for color, line and design enable me to help my clients achieve their ultimate style identity. I spend a lot of time in NYC pounding the pavement to find the latest trends, the “new to me” designers and that must-have item. As a family that enjoys traveling, I’m always searching for cute local boutiques and the best places to shop wherever we may be. Style Erin is me…and my love of fashion. We offer a wide variety of in-person services: closet audits, personal shopping, style consultations and event styling. You can find more information about Style Erin by visiting our website, www.styleerin.com, following us on Facebook and on Instagram at Style_Erin.

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Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I take time out for myself everyday…even if it’s only 5 minutes. It’s important as a mother of three to carve out “me” time. Whether it’s on my 5am run or my end of day “chill time”, I take a few breaths and decompress. My husband and I also decided 8 years ago when our first child was born that we would strive to have a babysitter one night of the weekend. When we are in town, we have a date night or evening out with friends. It’s our time to connect, be ourselves and relish in our life together. It’s our therapy and we look forward to it every week.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: My best piece of advice to new Moms is to lower your expectations. There is so much pressure on Moms to be perfect and “on” all the time. I know I’m not perfect and that I’m not “on” all the time. It’s ok to be a B+ mom sometimes. A+ is what we all strive for, but the reality is is that it doesn’t always hold true. Give yourself a break, be real and embrace whatever the day may hold.

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Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: As I mentioned before, I wake up very early in the morning to work out. As an avid runner and lover of exercise, it’s an integral part of my daily life. Do I want to get up at 5am every day? No, but if I don’t do it before the day starts, it doesn’t ever happen.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: As a personal stylist, fashion is everything. I’m whatever I feel like on any given day. Classic, street, bohemian, sexy and chic are words to describe my style. That’s what is awesome about style. It’s a personal choice. The best advice I give my clients is that no matter what you put on, own it!

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Haute Mom: Rohelia Letscher

photoName: Rohelia Letscher
Child & Age: Micah Letscher – 1 year
Hometown/Current Location: Santa Clara, CA/Washington DC Metro Area
Quick Bio: A little about me…I am a working mother with a career as a controller for a technology company. I am also a small business owner (rohmestyle.com).

Motherhood has been such a wonderful experience and I feel so honored to be Micah’s mommy. I was not in a hurry to shake up my life with the experience though. I was rarely around children and more focused on establishing my life. That all changed the minute I became pregnant. The experience of having a little person growing inside of me was such a miracle. Although motherhood has its challenges, it has been the best thing I’ve done. The amount of love and patience a mother has for a child is unparalleled. To watch my baby develop and meet his milestones is so exciting to see. His smiles are like little gifts throughout the day. Being a mommy definitely connects me to the world in a different way.

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Snack – Cheese or yogurt!  Toy – Just taking him outside. He loves going for rides in his stroller.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?

A: It is so easy to get into the habit of looking crazy being a busy mom. I maintain my sense of self by making an effort to look put together prior to leaving the house (except when walking the dog!). I am a true believer that putting yourself together can impact how you feel about yourself. It does take time to put thought into your outfit, your hair, etc. especially when you have a baby who wakes up once or twice a night like me! But, it is so important and mood altering when you put that time into yourself. Date nights with my husband and girlfriend time is also very important!

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: One day at a time.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine? 
A: Ha! I try. If I can escape for a run I do. I also try to sign-up for 5ks/10ks to keep myself motivated.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style? 
A: Lots of love, hugs and kisses. Also, providing structure and consistency.

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Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: Anywhere our extended family is. It is heartwarming watching grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts interact and have fun with Micah.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: There are so many, but one that stands out as memorable is when I found him standing in his crib for the very first time smiling at me with such a sense of accomplishment. I was so pleased, but scared to death because that was a sign to drop the crib immediately!

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”? 
A: Everyday I try to be the best mom I can be. One thing that I am pretty proud of is having been able to nurse/breastfeed Micah for a full year plus. I had my fair share of challenges at the beginning, but having been able to provide this for Micah has been so beneficial to him and the bonding experience has been wonderful.

Little Man Style: 5 Ways to Wear a White Button Down Shirt

Repost from Sunshine & Rein

Every since I purchased a white button down shirt from Janie and Jack for my son to wear at his little man mustache bash (outfit shown below as look 1), it was an instant wardrobe staple. Not only should grown men have a classic white button down shirt in their closet but so should little men. Here are five ways my little man wears his.

 

Look 1: With Suspenders and a Bow Tie
 Pants with Braces: Zara (similar: here) | Suspenders: (similar: here) | Bow tie: Janie and Jack (similar: here or here) | Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider | Cap: H&M (similar: here)

 

Look 2: With a Vest (Optional: Add a Tie or a Scarf)
Vest: Nancy August (similar: here) | Jeans: Gap | Leather Belt: baby beltz (similar: here) | Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider | Tie: Nancy August | Scarf: mommy’s closet


Look 3: Under a Sweater

Sweater: Gap (similar: here) | Jeans: Gap | Leather Belt: baby beltz (similar: here) | Shoes: Vans


Look 4: Over a T-Shirt

T-Shirt: Children’s Place (similar: here) | Pants: Gap (similar: here) | Leather Belt: baby beltz (similar: here) | Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider | Straw Fedora: Gap


Look 5: Under a Polo Shirt

Polo Shirt: H&M | Plaid Shorts: H&M | Leather Belt: baby beltz (similar: here) | Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider