What We Love Right Now February 15, 2012: Bright and Bold

If you’ve been watching fashion trends for spring then you’ve probably noticed the brighter the hue, the better! Don’t shy away from bold colors. Make a statement with your wardrobe and accessories this spring. If you’re ready to try this trend, here are a few of our favorite pieces to get you started.

We love these bright shorts from Ann Taylor Loft. They are just the amount of color so if you’re not too sure about wearing such a bright shade then this is a good way to ease into the trend.

Pink has always been one of our favorite colors. This hot pink chiffon dress is perfect for a spring night out or a sunny summer day. If it’s too bold for you try toning the color down with a cardigan or denim jacket.

If you like stripes, try this boat neck tee that incorporates the pattern, plus a bright color!

If you’re still not feeling brave enough to wear a bright colored piece, then give your outfit a ray of sunshine with accessories that have a pop of color. Here are some of our favorite finds:

Betsey Johnson Red Stripe Earrings

Enamel Multicolored Bangles

Three great necklaces all at very affordable prices (bonus!)

{all images via retailers website}

What We Love Right Now September 14, 2011: The Color Purple

No, we’re not talking about the movie! We’ve been keeping up with all our favorite clothing stores and it seems that one color will reign supreme this fall season: purple! These great plum hues look perfect with jeans or black or brown slacks. There are tons of accessories out there as well in this wonderful color and we’ve even seen some kid fashions in this shade as well. Here are a five of our favorite purple finds:

1. Sweater Shawl, Newport News $34.00

Why do we love this piece? Well, to us it is a little different and we like that. Instead of wearing a bulky sweater, you can just add this sweater shawl on top of your turtleneck. We also love the flower accent!

2. B. Makowsky Flats, Zappos.com $93.50

You don’t always have to wear heels to look or feel chic. As moms we need to look for a little comfort here and there and these flats are just that PLUS they’ll give you a bit of style. Ballet flats are a hot fall trend and in this patent plum color you’ll definitely be keeping up with the fad!

3. Jacket, Mod Cloth $97.99

We think Mod Cloth said it best when they described this jacket and functional and fashionable. This piece will pair well with jeans or slacks, making it a dressy or casual item.

4. Necklace, JCPenney $15.99

We really like this necklace. Not only is the price pretty hard to beat but it offers a little more “umpfh” than other fashion jewelry that seem to be mostly beads only with no design. The flowers in necklace are just the right touch!

5. Sweater, Gymboree $20.99

Your little girl will be stepping out in style when she’s wearing this cute cardigan from Grymboree. We of course love the shade, but also the buttons!

What We Love Right Now June 1, 2011: Summer 2011 Must Haves

Wondering what you’ve GOT to have this summer for your home and beyond? Look no further! This is our list of must have item for Summer 2011:

1. Casa Recycled Glass Pitcher, Pottery Barn, $29.00

This pitcher is perfect for all your summer gatherings. It’s large and best of all can be monogrammed (so it would even make a lovely gift!).

2. Printed Ruffle Front Cami, Old Navy, prices vary

Available in a variety of prints, this cami is so cute. We love it with a pair of khaki shorts and espadrilles.

3. Jackie O-Caftan Cover-Up, Sir Alistair Rai, $28.00

Love, love this cover-up! It’s colorful and just screams beachy!

4. White Cropped Legging Jeans, Gap, $39.50

We love the color white for summer, so why not own a pair of white jean cropped pants. They will pair well with just about any top in your closet!

5. Clarin’s Lightweight Spray Sunscreen, Clarin’s, $32.00

High protection, but lightweight on your skin. This sunscreen spray is also perspiration resistant. We give it two thumbs up!

6. Land’s End, Straw Tote, $59.50

Straw totes are classic and we love this one from Land’s End. It’s just the right size for all your towels, lotions, and magazines.

7. Zig-Zag Swimsuit, Old Navy, $20.00

Maybe you’re not much on stripes, but how about a great zig-zag print? It’s eye-catching and will move the eye away from your “problem” areas. Plus, the price can’t be beat!

8. Summer Pops Dishtowel, Crate and Barrel, $4.95

This dishtowel is adorable and reeks of summer! We love the popsicle and bright colors.

9. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, Crate and Barrel, $49.00

Making your own ice cream at home is such a fun activity to do with your kids. This great maker is currently on sale at Crate and Barrel.

10. Clinique Super Moisturizing Gloss, Clinique, $14.00

We are big fans of Clinique and this gloss is wonderful for Moms on the go. Perfect for tossing in your pool bag or purse and throwing on your lips for a little extra glow.

Do you have a favorite thing you can’t live without during the summer?

What We Love Right Now May 25, 2011: White Hot Summer Fashion

One thing we LOVE for summer is the color white. It’s easy, crisp, and pairs well with lots of colors. Here are a few of our favorite white hot finds for Summer 2011:

1. Ruffle Blouse, NewPort News, $29.00

Perfect match with khaki capris or black bermuda shorts!

2.Crochet-trim Dress, GAP, $34.95

A relaxed fit and super cute crochet trim makes this dress adorable and perfect for day or night time wear.

3. Cropped Cardigan, Old Navy, $19.50

Gotta love this white, flowy cardigan. It’s marked at a great price and will look so summery with a bright tank underneath.

4. Cover Up, Victoria’s Secret, $35.50

Maybe you’re a little shy to bare a white bathing suit, but a cute white cover up never hurt anyone! We love this terry cover up from Victoria’s Secret.

5. Calvin Klein Sandal, Zappos.Com, $58.00

White sandals are hit or miss, but we do love these patent leather sandals from Calvin Klein.

6. Fossil Watch, Macy’s, Prices Vary

Gotta love a great accessory you can wear all summer long!

Get Into the Spring Spirit!

Spring is in the air. Get into the mood and put some spring in your step and style with these fun little instant spring updates.

1. Update your entryway. Bid your snowmen farewell. The birds are chirping and the sun is setting a later (yay for more daylight!) so why not welcome those who stop by with a cheery doormat.

2. Fresh cut flowers will add a hint of spring and color to any room. If you have a green thumb you can grow and pick them right out of your own garden. If gardening isn’t your thing you’ll have just as much fun choosing your favorite flowers from your local market.

3. If you have young to preteen age children brighten up their playroom and bedroom storage with some new containers. It will make keeping and putting things away a little more fun!

4. It’s Pedi/Mani time! Schedule some girl time or some spa time just for yourself and get your nails done in a springy color. OPI just announced its new line is named after the large and in charge great state of Texas. Here are a few of our favorite shades from the new line. Ya’ll be sure to pick your favorite too, ya hear .

5. White House | Black Market Your Wardrobe. The runway isn’t kidding when they keep showing black and white style trends each spring/summer. We know black and white seem drab for spring but you can add a pop of color with some bright beaded jewelry {pair it with yellow, red, hot pink or green!}. Find a black and white floral print and run with it! If you’re not into floral prints, then any black and white pattern will do!

What We Love Right Now January 12, 2011: New Year, New You! 2011 Style Trends

Ok, we know you might be tired of hearing about New Year this and New Year that , but we thought we might offer up a few style tips and trends for you to try in the coming year.

1. Big, Sleek Jewelery

A nice, bold piece of jewelry can really add to a plain top or dress while making a statement. We LOVE Diana Warner. Her pieces are unique and stylish. If you want to try this trend we suggest the Thick Cleo Hammered Cuff in Gold, $48.

For more great jewelry by Diana Warner CLICK HERE

2. Dresses with a Print

Step outside of the “little black dress” box and try a dress with a pattern-floral, dots, geometric…even stripes!

From Left to Right: NY and Co. Safari Dress, $59.95, Mod Cloth Stripe Dress, $47.99, GUESS Floral Dress, $39.98

3. Leggings

This trend is here to stay this year. Leggings are great in the winter with the right top. We’ve found two super deals at Forever21 and they would go great with leggings and boots or your favorite shootie!

The Turtleneck Dress is a steal at $19.80 and available in many other colors. The Striped Sweater Dress, $22.90, is also available at Forever21.

4. Something Tie Dye

Tie Dye is back and better than ever. You’ll see this trend in all the stores available in tops and dresses. We really like this Maxi Dress available at Macy’s, $59.99.

5. Flats

This comfy little style is in again! We love flats with dresses, leggings, jeans, and even shorts. They are great in the winter and spring and they are perfect for moms on the go. Here are a few wintry styles we liked best…

From Left to Right: Target Python Print Flat, $39.99, Tory Burch Reva Flat Available at Saks, $195, Black and Navy Simply Vera Flats Available at Kohl’s,  both $39.99

What We Love Right Now November 3, 2010: UGG Boots~More Than Just a Trend

With cooler weather finally setting in we’ve got staying warm on the brain. November reeks of winter promises: the start of the holidays, cold weather, and maybe even the chance of snow in some areas. We’ve dedicated this week’s What We Love Right Now to one of the biggest winter fashion trends of the past few years, the beloved UGG Boot!

To us these boots are more than just a stylish trend that took college girls by storm a few years back. UGGs offer women {and men and children } and opportunity to be stylish without being uncomfortable. While many of us gals have boots upon boots, most of the boots probably are accompanied by a rather high heel. Don’t get us wrong we love those boots too, but what about the days when you want to look cute BUT also be comfortable? That’s where the UGG Boot comes in.

These boots are offered in a variety of styles and, really if you love them SO much like we do, you can start quite a collection! Some of our favorite styles are the Classic Tall, Bailey Button, and Classic Cardy. Those boots offer UGG’s more signature look. UGG also offer flats, sandals, and other boots that are not so “bulky” looking and still will give you a ton of style and comfort.

Now you may be asking, “What should I wear my UGG Boots with?”.

Try them with a pair of leggings…

A pair of jeans…

Or try wearing some UGG boots or flats with these cute dresses. Go bare legged or try a pair of legging or tights under your frock…

{From left to right: blue print dress, forver21, grey puff sleeve print, modcloth.com, cream sweater dress, modcloth.com}

To purchase a new pair of UGG boots or start your collection visit UGG Australia online or visit your favorite upscale department store.

Please note that we were not asked by UGG Australia to promote their products. It’s just What We Love Right Now!

What We Love Right Now: September 22, 2010

Fall is in the air and all over the department stores. What we love right now is the great fall fashion! Here a couple of things we’ve picked out as our favorites.

Featured at Kohl’s

I’m sorry, but don’t these boots scream awesome!

From Mod Cloth

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one-shouldered number. And those flowers? They add the perfect touch! No accessories needed!

Featured Style from Redbook Magazine

We love all these colors and it’s a great look for a Mom on-the-go. Dress up your jeans and leave the sweats at home!

Want to shop this look? Belt, Betsey Johnson, $38; overstock.com. Hoop earrings, $12; shopthelook.net. Rhinestone button cardigan, Express, $50; express.com. Flats, Pretty Ballerinas, $179; prettyballerinas.us.

Short List of SharpMom’s Summer 2010 MUST HAVES

With summer right around the corner, we thought it would beneficial to make a list of the things we feel are essential for every SharpMom to have this summer. These are things you must have at home or shouldn’t leave home without!

1. Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick: This lipstick is sheer, shimmery, and PERFECT for summer. No mirror needed! Just dab on before running out the door (or at the nearest red light) and add a little glam to your look. The best part: It’s only $14.50. This is a must have item for your make up bag!

2. Old Navy Striped Dress: We totally blogged about this dress back in April, but with some styles on sale for $10.99 (YES!) we thought it was worth mentioning again. For the price, this IS a summer essential. We know all moms are super busy and this dress will work around your schedule. It’s a great  choice for a casual day at work or a wonderful alternative to a tee shirt and shorts. Perfect for your day at the park, a trip to the mall…AND for this price we think you need TWO!

3. Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash: Smell spectacular without breaking your bank. This body wash smells so good, you won’t be able to tell the difference between this brand

and the high end brands at specialty boutiques. Extra Bonus: CLICK HERE for a Suave coupon.

4. PBK Diaper Bag: We love this bag for many reasons. 1) It doesn’t look like your typical diaper bag. 2) There are a variety of patterns to choose from. 3) You can also use this a multifunctional tote the whole summer (for those of us with older children). 4) You can monogram the bag for just $6.50 extra with 3 initials or just 1 initial. Prices range from $39.00-$59.00 and we think for the style and functionality it is worth every penny!

5. Metallic Sandal: Don’t be shy about bold metallics. They are in again this season.

Metallic sandals can dress up a plain black dress or add a little flare to a pair of shorts and a cute top. We really like these strappy sandals from

American Eagle, $29.50 or, for our SharpMoms on a budget, try these at Old Navy for only $12.99.

6. A Little White Dress: Every woman has their go to little black dress, but what about a crisp, flirty white dress for the summer? We did some deep digging through many stores and boutiques and found two super cute dresses. Our first dress is a lightweight Jersey cotton dress by C & C California, $46.99. We like this dress because it is pleated so it will hide your tummy, if that is your trouble area. We also liked the price. Not too cheap, but not breaking your bank account either. The second dress is by GAP and retails for $69.50. Both of these dresses are perfect for date night, a day at the beach, lunch dates with your girlfriends, or a bar-b-que with friends. And, won’t both dresses go so well with those metallic sandals? We LOVE this look!

7. One Go-To Tee: For those moments when you don’t have time to think, we love this scoop neck tee from Banana Republic, $24.99. Available in a variety of colors, this tee is perfect with khaki shorts, a jean skirt, or jazzed up with your favorite necklace, earrings, and jeans for a night out. Why we love, love this tee? It has a hint of spandex for great comfort and fit.

8. Silver Hoop Earrings: Why do we think this is a must have? Well, for starters, it is a timeless looking addition to a solid tee, sundress, or many wear-to-work styles. It is a great little item to stow away in your glove box or purse. If you want a great pair, check out these hoops available at Macy’s. For a less pricey version, try this pair which can be found at Kohl’s.

9. Partyware: We all love a good time and, if you love a good drink every now and then, you must have this seven piece glass set available at Target, $24.99. This will be perfect for your next patio party-break out the blender!

10. Beaded Necklace: There is no stopping this trend. Wear it with your favorite solid dress. Wear it with a ribbed tank. The options are endless. The great things about a big beaded necklaces is that they can be found in a variety of styles, for a variety of prices.

These are just a few of our favorite things for summer. What are your must have items? Drop us a line and tell us about your essential pieces. If you try out some of our suggestions, let our other readers know what you think and leave a comment as well. We’d love to know how you would rate some of these items. HAPPY SUMMER 2010!