This Mom is Going Back-to-School with Fashions by Gaiam, J.Jill, Steve Madden, and Big Buddha!

Thank you to Gaiam for providing a complimentary product sample to facilitate this fashion article.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Back-to-school time is not just a time for children to start off new.  Moms and dads will likely be meeting teachers and other parents they have never met before.  First impressions are important.  Whatever you need to do to feel confident enough to put your best foot forward, whether it's to make those few gray hairs disappear or to add some new pieces to your fall wardrobe, I highly recommend it.

My own biggest insecurities would be my grays and my less-than-flat mid-section.  Because of the latter, I have found it so easy to fall into wearing the standard mom uniform where I come from, a hoodie and yoga pants, nearly every day.  Although I refuse to sacrifice comfort for fashion, as I did in my younger days, I have made up my mind to add some more style back into my daily life.

This easy-to-wear outfit includes the Wool Blend Draped Sweater by Gaiam, the Pure Jill Short-Sleeve Elliptical Pima Tee from J.Jill, the Side Seam Button Leggings by Steve Madden, the Jbowery Tote by Big Buddha, and lace-up boots by Shoes of Soul.

I have always found it difficult to layer clothing that was loose-fitting enough to hide my belly without looking frumpy, but I think I have discovered the secret.  For the bottom layer, the Elliptical Pima Tee starts off with a tailored neckline and shoulders, but continues to gradually get looser as we approach the hips. I love this tee (and now own it in 3 different colors) because I do not need to purchase two sizes up in order to camouflage my mid-section.

For the top layer, a drape cardigan is the way to go.  There are a variety of such cardigans available, but some look more tailored and elegant than others.  The Gaiam Wool Blend Draped Sweater will take you from day to night.  This merino wool blend jersey cardigan is lightweight, but surprisingly warm.  I had quite a difficult time choosing between the Purple and the Charcoal.

Both these pieces offer such freedom of movement, without the worry of anything hanging the wrong way or becoming untucked.  I love it!!!

I want to also say that this mom could never "go back to school" without a roomy handbag.  I not only love Big Buddha handbags because they usually have a little edge, I also love them because they are almost always faux leather.  This is perfect for fall and winter in New England because I do not have to worry about ruining the leather while carrying this bag in the rain and snow.  It is also big enough to house my winter gloves, as well as the hats and gloves of up to 3 children.

What do you do to prepare yourself for back-to-school as a parent?

5 Must-Have Items for Summer 2013 from 'The Hot List'

Thank you to J.Jill for providing The Hot List graphic below and for sending me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to participate in this campaign.  The image above was created by me on Polyvore.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Whether you're building a brand new summer wardrobe from scratch or would just like to round out your existing one, there are a few items that are a must.  This year we are seeing a lot of washable linen separates in tropical solids and prints.  My favorite of the bunch are coral, turquoise, and watermelon pink.

9 of the 10 item's on this summer's The Hot List from J.Jill are featured in the graphic below.  From their list of 10, I think the following 5 are absolutely essential . . .

1.  Comfortable Tanks - If you are to survive the heat and humidity where I live, comfortable tank tops are essential, no matter your size or shape.  Pick up some in neutral colors, such as black, linen, or white, and then a few more in your favorite tropical brights.

2.  Shorts in Neutral Colors - Several pairs of Bermuda or walking shorts in easy-to-match colors will make summer dressing that much easier.  They can be paired with a casual tank top or a dressier peasant top.

3.  Lightweight Cardigans or Sweaters - One or two summer-weight cardigans would be perfect to throw on during the milder summer nights or when you find yourself in an air-conditioned restaurant or theater.  Choose one that would work with denim capris, linen shorts, or your favorite summer dress.

4.  Basic Summer Dress - Owning at least one basic summer dress will likely get you through most non-formal occasions during the summer months.  I prefer tank dresses because they are cool, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, such as wrap and strappy heeled sandals.

5.  Easy Slip-on Shoes - Just as I like to slip on my laceless fur-lined boots in the winter, during the summer I want something that looks great, is versatile, and easy to slip on and off.  A simple pair of slip-on sandals is what I would recommend because they would go with most casual outfits from shorts to dresses to capris.

6.  Medium-Sized Summer Tote - (I know I only said 5, but this one is important!)  Now that you do not need to carry all your extra winter gear, you can downsize to a medium sized tote that is  just large enough for your essentials, plus a magazine or a tablet.  If you like to wear neutral tones for clothing, then try choosing a bright tropical tote for a pop of color.  If your outfits are usually bright and colorful, then choose something neutral, like linen, black, or one of your favorite metallics.


Have I left anything out?  Tell me which summer wardrobe pieces you just cannot live without.  Be sure to visit JJill.com for more wardrobe inspiring ideas.