The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

My Haul from Nordstrom Rack

I am a person who loves to shop.  I enjoy the whole process, except the havoc a good shopping haul wreaks on my bank account.  But a recent visit to Nordstrom Rack proved that I, and my whole family, can look great without breaking the bank.

I only learned about Nordstrom’s amazing discount stores recently, when I saw one pop up in Natick, Ma.  Just last week, another store opened in Burlington, Ma., and not only was the store immaculate and easy to maneuver, but the pickin’s were FAB!

Shopping at The Rack, you would never know that you were in a discount store.  The copious amount of designer racks will throw off even the most supercilious shopper.  What they will notice are the unbelievable prices!

The Rack has everything from jeans to dresses to shoes and accessories and outer wear.  You’ll also be able to dress your man and your children from head to toe (literally – including underwear, socks, and shoes).  Their designer shoe area was not lost on me – and somehow a pair even ended up in my bag.  Oops!

Ok, so I did pretty well on my mini shopping spree.  Here’s what I got:

• Franco Sarto booties for $59.90 (originally $139)
• Lucky Brand top for $19.97 (originally $49.50)
• Joe’s Jeans for $79.97 (originally $158)
• Love on a Hanger tank top for $7.97

Needless to say, I left the store feeling VERY satisfied.  I could have bought EVERYTHING but alas, my budget was done for the night.  No doubt that I’ll hit Nordstrom Rack again. Soon.

“I attended a pre-opening day event at Nordstrom Rack and received a gift card to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.”

Crocs Go Back to School

Yep!  You read correctly!  Crocs, formerly a shoe synonymous with summer, have launched a line of sneakers.  And not only are they functional and adorably cute, they are super comfortable.

I admit it – I was a reluctant adopter of Crocs.  It wasn’t until my children’s grandmother bought them the uber-popular shoes that I became aware of how useful they were.  And while I still only endorse Crocs for kids, I can’t deny that they are awesome.  They slip-on in seconds, dry on the spot, and are crazy comfortable (yes, I’ve wedged my feet into tiny Crocs to see what the brouhaha is about).  So when offered the chance to try Crocs sneakers for my daughter, we were more than up for it.

To read more about our experience with Crocs sneakers, check out my post on The Parenting Connection this week.

My "Never Again" Moment

I was inspired to write a "never again" post by one of my all-time favorite people, Sharon, who is on day 29 of a 31 day letter writing campaign to her grandkids, as part of a 365 Days of Literacy for Kids project.  But I'm writing this post for my readers, my grown-up readers, because what I'm about to show you is not something I want my kids to see.

Ever.

You see, while Sharon's "never again" moment came in the form of a haircut, mine came in the form of style.  Dresses to be exact.  Short dresses.  Very short dresses.  Dresses that were not necessarily appropriate for me (or anyone for that matter).    With no further ado:

This was just one of the lovely dresses that graced my 16-year-old body in 1991.  The style was short, tight, and cheap.  And by cheap I mean in dollars and cents.  This beauty was on sale at an otherwise lovely boutique on Montreal's Laurier Street for under $30 (can't imagine why!), which was part of the appeal.  I remember the day like it was yesterday.  My shopping companion, still a BFF even today (and many horrible dresses later), begged me not to buy it.  But I wasn't having it.  I had hit the jackpot!  It was perfect and it was inexpensive enough so that I didn't have to ask anyone.  I thought I looked hot.  (and yes, those are braces peeking out from under the gobs of red lipstick.)

I got home and modeled my new acquisition for my family.  My highly entertained family.  My family, who within minutes, dubbed this number the "garbage bag dress."  Appropriately, might I add.

Ne'er to be forgotten, the "garbage bag dress" (which was probably made of a combination of mylar, plastic, and pleather) still comes up in "best of" conversations.  And those long black satin gloves that I sported as the accessory were the icing on the cake, weren't they.

So there it is.  My "never again" moment, forever marked on this blog, my legacy to my family and to posterity.

Although there were those pleather pants I wore until they literally gave out one late night on the scene in Montreal, circa 1994.  A story for another day... maybe.

TJ Maxx & Marshalls Knock Spring Out of the Park

Aaah, shopping.  Which of us doesn’t wish they had armfuls of green bills with which they could go on a shopping spree at a favorite department store?  Especially with spring just around the corner, I can almost smell the leather of the new sandals I have conjured up in my mind.

Key to making our dreams come true are TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  Neither do we need the armfuls of cash nor do we need to store-hop; the fabulous folks at TJ Maxx and Marshalls have scoured the market to bring fashionistas the best and brightest in today’s fashion, all at a fraction of the cost of those department stores we so hate to love.

Having attended a TJ Maxx/Marshalls spring preview fashion event last week, I can attest to the fact that the buyers at these two discount stores really know their stuff.  With items ranging from dresses to shoes, and luggage to accessories, no department goes ignored inside this dynamic duo of stores.  The fashion I witnessed at the preview was so right on, I considered asking if they 
would take my money right there on the spot.  In fact, the whole vibe at the event was so contemporary and fun, testimony to the brand’s “cool” factor.

My favorite spring pieces included a colorful tunic that was $19.99 (I know!), approximately 60% less than the regular price, as well a lace tunic that would make the perfect four-season piece.  Bags from designers like Michael Kors and Cole Haan lined the room, and Calvin Klein looks dotted the racks.

Make no mistake about it - nothing about TJ Maxx or Marshalls is ‘less-than’.  The looks are today, and at up to 60% off designer and brand-name price tickets, everyone can afford a shopping spree.   

I attended a Spring Preview Event, and received a gift bag and a $50 gift card as a thank-you for participating.

A Classic Look by Ralph Lauren and a Giveaway

Dressing kids is simple - soft material, cute styles, and durable construction are what I look for when I buy clothes for my girls.  Obviously, they are such adorable models that they can make anything look great ;), but the pieces I we choose definitely have to have most, if not all these qualities.  Especially if we're spending real money on them.

Ralph Lauren has been a brand my family has trusted forever.  They made one of my oldest daughter's very first dresses (white cotton with cherries embroidered - so cute), we've been dressing in RL Polo dresses every summer since they're born, and generally deferring to the classic look Ralph Lauren offers again and again.

As a Ralph Lauren Ambassador, I was invited to design a Create Your Own Short-Sleeved Polo.  First, I had to decide whether we wanted a monogrammed shirt or the classic Pony style - I chose the Pony so it could be passed down to my younger daughter, but had I been looking for a special gift, the monogram would have been perfect.  I then selected size (tee's run true-to-size), t-shirt color (Maui Pink - obv), and Pony color (green). 

The simple ordering process behind me, I anxiously awaited my creation.  I didn't have to wait long, my package showed up just a few days later.  And true to its reputation, the Polo shirt I received was really perfect.  Don't you just love classic, grown-up clothing on kids?  And the color combination was awesome.

Win it!  Thanks to the Ralph Lauren folks, I am giving away one Create-Your-Own shirt to a reader.  Just visit the website and tell me what your design would look like.  For an extra entry, tweet "I entered to win a Ralph Lauren Create-Your-Own Polo from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://tinyurl.com/6xwuarr".  A winner will be randomly selected on Thursday, March 3rd.  Open to US residents only.

"I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren CYO shirt to facilitate my review.”

Ralph Lauren Layette

My kids wore Ralph Lauren clothes as babies.  Who could resist the little pony on the corner of those adorable tennis-style dresses?  They were easy pieces, not fussy, and just adorable.  So when Ralph Lauren sent me some pieces from their layette line, I was inspired to have another baby - ALMOST.  (Not really.)  But luckily, I have a 6-month-old niece who will benefit from this wonderful gift.

The piece, a Snap-Front Footed Coverall, is made from delightfully soft cotton jersey with snaps from the top all the way down to the tiny toes for easy on and off.  It's white, so proceed gently (read: bring a bib and change diapers frequently).  But generally, this is definitely an outfit my kids would have worn over and over again - it's so cute and the quality... well, it is Ralph-made.

I also received a Cotton Cable Hat & Bootie Set - really, the ultimate in sophistication.  The set, also 100% cotton, is the perfect finish to any holiday outfit.  And it will undoubtedly keep Baby's head and feet warm.  And stylish.

Lucky for you, my readers, I am hosting a giveaway of this newborn hat and bootie set worth $65.  Consider it a New Year's or better-late-than-never gift for someone who doesn't know what time of year it is anyway.  To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know who you will gift this to.  For a second entry, tweet "I entered to win a Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Hat & Bootie Set from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://tinyurl.com/2aspcpy".  A winner will be chosen December 28th at midnight.  Open only to US residents.  

"I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren Baby Layette set to help facilitate my review."

Wacoal Review & Giveaway

  I don't often publicly talk about my undergarments.  After all, a girl's gotta have a few secrets.  But when I was approached to check out Wacoal's products, I got over my shyness real quick.  Not only because I've been lusting after Wacoal bras forever, but because I've recently decided to up the ante on my unders.  I'm tired of my regular old stuff, and Wacoal has fabulous looking products.

The nice thing about buying Wacoal is that if you're shopping online without the benefit of a salesperson, Wacoal has "fit consultants" who are available by phone from Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm EST to help you select the perfect fit.  I called to put it to the test and was impressed.  My consultant, Kim, began the quick 5 minute call by asking what I was looking for in terms of coverage, straps (thick? thin?), etc, and gave me some suggestions based on my answers.

I typically like seamless support, and Kim talked me through Wacoal's different fabrics and options for the smooth look I sought.  When all was said and done, I selected the Awareness Underwire in Deep Jungle (risqué, right?) along with some underwear, the style of which I will keep private.  ;)

The folks at Wacoal have invited me to give away FIVE sets of intimate apparel!  To enter, go to the Wacoal website, and coment on why you'd like to wear Wacoal.  For a second entry, tweet about this giveaway - "I entered to win a Wacoal Intimates Set from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://bit.ly/hw3Xza."
Once winners are selected, you can call a fit consultant and add something new to your under-wardrobe. 

The contest will run through Friday, December 3rd, and is open to US residents.

I received a Wacoal intimate apparel set to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

New Pajamas and a Holiday Discount at Alex Casey Baby!

Holiday season is just around the corner, or maybe you have a special baby to spoil!  Whatever the occasion, these new Pajamas are perfect and only $25 each.  

 

Save 10% off your entire order at Alex Casey Baby through November 30^th, 2010.  Use code “Nov2010” at checkout.

 

Stylin' in Ralph Lauren

Being a part of Mom Central's Ralph Lauren Ambassador program rocks.  I've attended a party at the beautiful RL headquarters in New York City to launch the first interactive, digital storybook, been privy to info about their Pink Pony initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness, and now I've actually been the recipient of a little stylin' from the fashion behemoth.  Or I should say, I received a pair of Ralph Lauren Sanderson pants to try out, and I LOVE them.

No really.  I do.  Not only was I desperately in need of a standard pair of black pants that I planned
  to live in this winter, the fact that they house a fancy "Lauren" tag is a total score.  The quality of my new Sanderson trousers is super.  They are a classic fit - standard in the rise (which is nice since my plumber-style pants days are long since over), with a straight leg.  The Sanderson has a little elastene in them which just means they move with me and are comfy.  They just fit right.

Being 5'2, I ordered the petite version of the pants.  Typically petites run small everywhere so I ordered a size up (what I would normally do in a petite) and the pants are roomy.  I definitely could have ordered true-to-size in the petite and been fine.  But I can belt them, and they feel (and I hope look) great.  I'll live in them this winter.  And that's the best part.

Sanderson's are normally $109, but I just noticed they are on sale for $76.30 through Monday, November 8.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a pair of Lauren by Ralph Lauren pants to help facilitate my review.