How to stay stylish during the holidays!

My latest on Divorced Moms! With a few smart options, no matter where you're going, you can be stylish. I love the holidays and I love dressing up. So fun.

What To Wear? 3 Outfits To Get You Through The Holidays In Style
by Lizzy Smith                     

December 01, 2014

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The holidays means lots of opportunities to get out and about. From the company Holiday party, to your child's choir performance, to church Christmas gatherings, to your friends' cookie exchange, to New Year's Eve... But the Big Question is always what to wear. But with a three outfits in your closet, you'll be stylish at every event.

Dressy

For events that are dressier, like a company holiday party or New Years Eve gala, the LBD is an essential wardrobe staple. You can literally wear it during any time of year and at a variety of functions. So if you don't have a great black dress yet, spending the money on one is a good investment. I just bought this dress at White House Black  (www.whitehouseblackmarket.com) for just $130. It's really fun and festive, and a little unexpected with the fringe.
 
Another fun option is a black flair skirt with a party top. My cousin just purchased this skirt at Express (www.express.com) on sale for $39.95.

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Mommy Makeover time! My tips for looking younger without spending tons of cash

Fresh from my winter wardrobe shopping spree (which included pictured here: Ugg boots from Scheels, tights from Walmart, cream skirt from H&M, Sweater from Ann Taylor, and earrings compliments of William) over the weekend (which, admittedly, I overdid it and am feeling a bit lot guilty), I wrote this article for Divorced Moms. I could write more and explain more but it's pretty self explanatory. Now if only I can figure out how to get rid of crows feet and bags under my eyes without surgery and lots of cash.

It’s Time For A Sexy Mommy Makeover! 13 Ways To Look Younger Now
by Lizzy Smith                      

November 20, 2014

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When balancing kids, job, budgets, household management, meals, dating, and divorce stress, it’s easy to forget about ourselves. But a “refresh” may be just what the doctor ordered. Not only is shaving years off your look rather simple (and inexpensive), it’s a great emotional pick-me-up.

Color your hair
Dull or grey locks add years to your appearance. Now is a great time to chat with a good stylist and pick a flattering color for you. Avoid extremes or harsh colors, including going too blonde. Warm, natural hues are the most youthful and will soften the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Get a good haircut
Damaged ends, hair that’s too long, or frizz all make a girl look old(er). Get a good trim and add some layers. Refrain for over-styling and spraying your hair. (If you’re using loads of product or are going through a can of hairspray every few days, you’re doing something wrong.) Even if you like your hair, if you haven’t tried something different in a decade, it’s time for a switch.

Refresh your wardrobe
Pitch the mom jeans, sweats and frumpy T’s immediately. Clean out your closet and be brutal. If something is old, worn out, you haven’t put it on in years, or it doesn’t fit right, it goes. Now it’s time to replenish. You need not spend a fortune—visit Target, Walmart and Old Navy. Better yet, H&M (if you have one near you) is a fashion bonanza for inexpensive and trendy options.

If you’re starting from scratch, a good pair of figure flattering jeans are a must, as are a few good sweaters and tops in softer colors, and a great pair of shoes (no sneakers!-- look for boots or booties during cooler months). For work, skirts with tights or fitted trousers are solid choices. If you opt for a skirt, make sure hemlines are at the knee or slightly above. Mid-calf skirts are dated looks and they add on pounds (yikes). Pair the skirt with heals (not too high) or boots, and a basic sweater. And don’t forget to add a good handbag (no stains, rips, or tears).

Whatever you do, avoid trying to be too sexy or you’ll look ridiculous. Watch for plunging necklines, heals too high, skirts too short, and massive amounts of makeup and hair. No matter how great your figure, showing butt and boobs isn’t appropriate unless you’re at the beach.

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Divorced Moms: 10 Fall Fashion Trends I Can't Live Without

From Divorced Moms, this column is about one of my favorite subjects: fashion and clothes! One of the most exciting things to happen to me in a long time was going to DSW over Labor Day. That had a crazy sale and I purchased nine pairs of new shoes. It made me happy for, like, nine hours-- about one hour per pair of shoes. I thought that not a bad thing. Ok, so I am at the point now where wearing my summer clothes is just not right. It's been so hot here and I'm wearing my sundresses and shorts and I'm just over it! I love complaining about the weather, why is that?

And while I'm thinking about clothes, I have a few fun trips coming up. I am going to a family wedding with William in Kansas City that is supposed to be spectacular. In October, the girls and I are going to Long Beach for five days. And in December, I am going to San Francisco to attend the American Society of Hematologists (ASH) annual conference and convention where I can learn more about the future of treatment for those of us struggling with hematological diseases and conditions, and then I will write about them. I am on a mission. Not sure what that mission is but I am on a quest to find meaning, love and fulfillment.

Now let's get back to the fun stuff: shoes, clothes, jackets and bags. Big smile here.

10 Fall Fashion Trends I Can't Live Without
by Lizzy Smith                     

September 18, 2014

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A few weeks ago, I went through my closet and purged. It wasn't easy but if I hadn't worn something in two years, it became a Goodwill donation. Four enormous trash bags later, I have lots of extra space to fill. So as not to get distracted when I hit the shops, I made a list of items that I can't live without. Here goes.

1. Skinny Jeans
 
I absolutely love skinny jeans and if they ever go out of style, I'll be wearing them anyway. They are so comfy, go well with any top, and I'm not sure there's a shoe that doesn't work well with them, from boots to flip-flops. You can find a pair to fit any budget, from $20-$200. I have some from Old Navy, Banana Republic and Nordstrom. Personally, my favorite pair are J Brand.

2. Boots
 
I am obsessed with boots in all styles and colors. Besides summer, I wear them all year long. They are warm and stylish. I don't own a pair yet like the ones pictured here but I'm on a quest.

3. Necklace

Personally, I am not a fan of chunky necklaces simply because after a few hours, they make my neck ache. That said, a long simple necklace is one of my favorite accessories and I wear one almost every day. I've picked them up from Old Navy to The Loft to vintage shops. I have them draped on a cute hook in my bedroom so they never get tangled up and they're easy to find.

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