Lucky for me, leggings are stylish again!

Cropped leggings - DownEastBasics.com

Let me start off by saying that I know some girls – who claim to be fashionistas – who wear liquid leggings (those tacky shiny styles) to WORK and think they are being stylish. (And no, they aren’t cocktail waitresses at a disco bar.) Rarely, if ever, is this the case.

However, leggings under the right circumstances are not only trendy, but can be pretty darn hot. Who’d have thought that leggings would be stylish once again?

It’s nothing new. Leggings were a veritable staple in the eighties, and people wore them everywhere from the gym to the campus. And now, you can get them in everything from jeggings (jean leggings, which I love) to the aforementioned shiny metallic horrors. And much more inbetween in every fabric, length, and color you can imagine.

How am I wearing my leggings right now? Well, in the most traditional way of all: With a long sweater and comfy shoes. It’s been a long trip!

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The soles of your snow boots should be made from a waterproof material, such as rubber, that will not allow water penetrate the boots. Your head and feet are the places where your body loses the most heat. Therefore, keeping your feet warm and dry is vital.

The upper portion of snow boots should be made from nylon or another waterproof material that will resist wetness. Boots made of Gore-Tex are also ideal. Snow boots should be at mid-calf height or higher to keep snow and water from going into the top of your boots when trudging through the snow. Some winter boots are also lined with fur, wool or fleece around the top to keep your feet warm. The inside of snow boots should be insulated with a material that will keep your feet dry and warm, such as wool.

Though snow boots should protect your feet, they can also be stylish too. A number of companies make adorable snow boots that go from the ski resorts to the city streets. I’m a big fan of Sorel boots. You can find them online at Sorel.com and many other retailers.

Image: Sorel

The Sorel Joan Of Arctic boot features seam-sealed waterproof construction, a removable recycled felt InnerBoot, and a waterproof full-grain and suede upper.

You gotta love the faux fur snow cuff. These boots will protect you against temperatures down to -25 degrees below zero. The rubber shell and outsole are durable, warm and waterproof. These boots come in three colors and are priced at $130.

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Sxc.hu

I completely understand, and am here to help – (well, in Asia to help…), and consulted online savings expert, Alexis Caldwell.

Something cool: Even I learned from this!

First of all, here’s some things you SHOULD DO when shopping online and using coupon codes:

Compare prices between stores and brands before making purchases. Just because a store is having a sale, or a discount, doesn’t mean they are the best value.

No matter how great the price is to start out with, always seek out a coupon code or discount offer before purchasing anything online. No matter how great a deal you are getting, there’s always the possibility of a better one!

Research prices and promotional codes at sites like PromotionalCodes.com and
CouponWinner.com.

Double coupons are not just for grocery stores, and stacking is possible.  Several offers can sometimes be applied to the same purchase to save even more. For example, a 25% off coupon can be used along with a free shipping coupon to maximize savings on the same purchase.

Sometimes you will need to spend a minimum amount to get a discount, if the price is right, this is sometimes worthwhile: Especially if it adds to your overall savings.

Here’s what you SHOULD NOT DO:

If you are going shopping in an actual store – that’s fine – but first check out the online prices to see if you can get a better deal. And if they have coupons and/or free shipping, it may change your mind about venturing out.

Just like with our medications, going generic sometimes is a good thing. If you try a “no name” brand, you may get the same quality for way less money.

Don’t forget to read the fine print on coupons. Expiration dates, minimum order size and
certain exclusions may affect how you use the promotional codes.

Don’t pay for coupons. This is a sign that a website is untrustworthy. Promotional codes are provided
by retailers to shoppers for FREE.

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DownEastBasics.com

As I’m packing, I’m trying to find a way to adapt my outfits for every potential situation, and I realized this is the optimum opportunity to embrace the art of layering.

When we layer our favorite tops, tanks, sweaters, and jackets, it gives way more versatility to “out of season” pieces – and helps us to be prepared no matter what may happen! And it’s also a great way to be creative, and create totally new looks out of seasoned clothes. We all know those women who have a unique personal flair – and I bet all of them do so by taking a look and wearing it in a way you never thought of.

Like, on my current trip, I’m taking the same LBD and adapting it with different lightweight cardigans. I’m also taking a comfy pair of leggings to fly in – and making it more socially acceptable by paring it with a funky sweater. (Which doubles as keeping me warm!) If I belt it, it’s a whole new look altogether.

What are your favorite layering tricks?

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Having observed different moms in different settings, I’ve come to realize that no matter their sizes, the best looking ones have a classic style. Simple but elegant. A touch of class in accessories and in cut and fabric. However, the ones who make an impact on me are classic but with an edge, a quirkiness that’s more memorable than usual sophistication. But what do you need to have quirky and classic style?

Image: MoonCircus - Etsy

Wide-Collar Wrap Blouse

Let’s focus on the old classic, the white blouse. Every woman knows that you can never go wrong with the white blouse. It can be dressed up or down and worn with everything. There are so many versions and so many ways to wear it that it’s become a wardrobe staple on every fashion list. A gorgeous example of the blouse is Etsy seller MoonCircus’ Wide-Collar Wrap Blouse, done in “bone” and offered in several sizes. With ruffles and pleats topping off a wide collar that drapes beautifully, it’s a new take on the old favourite.

The Beret

The right hat really makes an outfit pop, but without overwhelming or cheapening the look. Recently, with the onset of fall and the threat of winter in the air, I have discovered the knit beret and I adore it. Not only do I receive compliments on it but the gray I chose as my hue complements any coat or sweater. It has a slouchy fit so it goes over my bangs, mussing them less than any hat I’ve yet tried, and keeps my sensitive ears warm. Though mine was bought on sale at Sears for a cool price of $15, Gap’s version is hot in four colours and only a few dollars more. I’ve got my eye on the “new vineyard”, a sassy purple.

Big Necklace

Accessories have always been my most fashionable aunt’s trademark, especially the oversized or wooden necklace. Though big wooden pieces can be found everywhere, what a dream the Lanvin Wood and Pearl necklace is. Imagine it with a strapless top and jeans. Any mama adorning such an ensemble is definitely the ultimate sophisticate with a twist in my books.

Image: ALDO

Boots

What dresses up a jean better than a beautiful tall boot? Modern and sleek and delicious from the knees right down to the toes, Aldo’s Matsushima boots in dark brown finish a look off. If they don’t turn heads, I’ll eat my new knit cap.

Sweater Dress

I know I’ve mentioned it before but…my favourite look right now? The sweater dress. The same fashionable aunt I mentioned earlier rocks the sweater dress like no other, topped with those big ole necklaces and a smile. You cannot look sloppy or go wrong with a sweater dress and you’ll love this beauty.

Keep lasting looks in mind as you peruse the shops this season. Big necklaces paired with beautifully tailored blouses, sweater dresses, yummy boots, and cozy berets say elegant but modern, quirky mom.

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Sears.com

Then, I open up my mailbox and am greeted with Grane Electric Stretch Denim jean-leggings.

Essentially, jeggings are a streamlined skinny jean – and I love them. Then are super-slimming, comfortable, and look great with this season’s trendy high boots.

Ladies, note, this style is Juniors-sized, so play it safe and go up a size when ordering online. (Or just go to the store and try a pair on!)

What do I love even more? I just noticed they are on sale for under $30 at Sears right now…meaning it’s totally budget-friendly to stock up!

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ideeli.com

Check out the GORGEOUS Jessica Simpson Shoes on sale at ideeli, or the hot BCBG looks at Gilt Fuse!

Modern Amusement

Spa Chakra

Arteriors Home

BCBG

DDF Skincare

Exhibitionist Jewelry by Michael Spirito

Calvin Klein Collection

ABS by Allen Schwartz

Blue Avocado

Bebe sunglasses

Jessica Simpson

Via Spiga Kids

Bindya New York

Millard Fillmore

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Zappos.com

I consulted the fabulous Ann Siner, of My Sister’s Closet and realized we concur on a lot of timeless advice: i.e. responsibility is always chic. Two great ways to do this is embracing fabulous sample sale sites like ideeli or Gilt, and finding a few key items to add to your wardrobe. This may be a great new big or fabulous shoes – but it’ll be a statement piece of great value that will kick everything else in your closet up a notch.

Some other trends to love:

Leggings

You can find them in jersey, lace, cable knit, wet look or with exposed zippers. Stick with black and pair with the great selection of tunics, boyfriend blazers and vests. Even dresses can be worn with leggings or a colorful footless tight.

Bold

Bold colors are key, as is black and white and animal print. Embellishment is there for those that dare! (See those boots pictured? Those are my fabulous Two Lips Kitty Kat boots from Zappos.com – my new favorite shoes in the world!)

Low-key luxe

I’ve always found accessories to be a great way of following a trend, but not being ruled by it. This season, that includes ribbon necklaces, sky high wedges, classic totes and embellished cuffs. Don’t forget the boot paired with everything. Whether thigh-high or sky-high, a great boot can go day and evening, to the office or a stroll in the park.

Chic with an edge

Try pairing the sky-high wedge with a skinny black pant or legging, top with a feminine flouncy tunic and a simple blazer. Finish with a bold touch of color – possibly a big red flower on the lapel. Or tuck the pant in a sleek pair of over the knee boots and layer with a long bold color tee and an oversize cardigan. Tie an eye catching-scarf on your classic tote.

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