Fashion Friday – Crossbody Bag

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I’ve been having a blast these past couple weeks joining in the Tuesday + Thursday #coasttocoastchallenge put on by Coast To Coast Central.  Yesterday, the challenge was the crossbody bag.  What I love about this type of bag is it allows me to have my hands free.  Moms like me appreciate being able to carry our purse around the park, shopping, walking the dog…and still have a free hand to hold our child’s hand.

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When I thought about this particular fashion challenge, this dress came to mind immediately!  With my craving for the Fall season, I couldn’t help but jump to the opportunity to layer.  Which explains why this dress became a top, as well as the denim dress beneath it!  Without the jeans, this look would be completely different and more summer appropriate.   Utilizing elements from summer and carrying these pieces into the cooler months, I’m excited to begin transitioning my wardrobe.

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I must mention the unconventional method I came to acquire this adorable bag.  What does one do with airline mileage that will not be used before the year is up?  Purchase items with points!  Thank you to my dear husband, for always thinking of me.

CrossbodyBag3Jamberry Nails Black Chevron and June Hostess Exclusive

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Appropriate: Shopping or Lunch with Friends/Family

Affordable & Accessible:

Dresses/Tops: Marshalls (similarsimilar)

Flare Jeans: Target (similar)

Shoes/Mules: Michael Kors via eBay (similar)

Crossbody Bag: Michael Kors

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Blessings!

What to Wear and Tips on Shopping with Kids

MichaelKorsSince last Fashion Friday was a holiday and a manicure post, today’s will be a fashion post!  I love the feel and femininity of this Michael Kors tunic.  On a typical trip to Marshalls to find a gift, this top caught my eye.  Because I am a fool for tunics…I thought I would try it on for size.

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It immediately got a permanent spot in the cart next to my son who was shopping with me.  On the occasions that I do go shopping, I take all 3 kids with me.  What?!  Am I crazy?  While I do like to shop without my sidekicks, it’s a rarity.  These kiddos keep me accountable (just ask my oldest daughter) and help me to make thoughtful choices with my purchases.  I feel that they too are learning how to shop and spend wisely.

Tips for shopping with kids:

  1. Have a purpose in mind when shopping.  You want to be wise with your time and be sensitive to the children’s attention span and their patience.
  2.  It doesn’t hurt to have healthy snacks on hand.  From when I only had one child to now with three, I’ve carried Cheerios to trail mix in my purse.  Sometimes you just need the extra few minutes to make a purchasing decision.
  3. Give yourself and your kids a timeframe and store limit.  And stick to it.  It can be easy to get caught up spending the day shopping, but not so fun for the kids.  Give yourself a time limit on your shopping…say only an hour or two.  Even if you are doing fun shopping that the kids typically enjoy (for example: Michael’s, my kids love this place!) limit the number of stores you visit during this timeframe.
  4. Set an expectation.  I remember when my daughter got into the talking age and she started expressing what she would like.  Some families allow their kids to pick out something when they shop, but I make this a rare occurrence.  I do remind my kiddos when we start our shopping time that they should not expect something to be bought for them, and remind them of the purpose of our shopping excursion.  If we do leave the store with an item for them, it is because it was purchased with money they earned, they received a gift certificate, it was one of the reasons we were shopping, or that rare occurrence to bless them.    

These pictures were actually taken while we were enjoying an outdoor mall visiting with my mom, uncle, sister & her kiddos.  Do you shop with your kids?

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Appropriate: for an afternoon of shopping

Affordable & Accessible:
Top: Michael Kors via Marshalls (similar)
Jeans: Ross (similar)
Purse: Coach (gift from my husband)
Shoes: Target (similar)
Watch: Movado
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana via LensCrafters (gift from my husband)

 

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Blessings!