By Michelle Thompson

Hooray for Fall Fashion! One of my favorite and hottest trends of the season is everything GRAY!!!  This is one trend that you will definitely want to embrace, and here are some affordable, local  and online options to get you wardrobe-ready to step into fall.

1. This belt was actually a birthday gift given  to me earlier this month from a dear friend. It is from Francesca’s Collections at Pinnacle Promenade. Add this versatile belt to a tunic, or dress to give your go-to basics a fun new look.

2. These boots are so darling and easy on the pocket book. They are from Newport News, and are on sale right now for $59.

3. Oh, this is such a gorgeous shoe. It caught my eye from across the department store.  This is a statement shoe, so show it off when you wear it.  This shoe would look great paired with a dress, skinny jeans, or leggings. These ruffled beauties are from Dillard’s.

4. This boot is also two trends in one. The lace-up bootie will be everywhere this season. There are all kinds of different options, but this one is the perfect color for the season.

5. This sweater (click here to see this beauty) is gorgeous and flattering on…perfect for everyone. It’s also darling belted for a more figure-flattering silhouette. It is at Express for $79.

6. This mixed chain necklace (click here to see this great necklace with four unique vintage brooches) is a bit of a splurge, but makes a bold statement. It will truly take a plain outfit to a WOW outfit. It is from Stella and Dot for $198.

One other fabulous find I have recently stumbled upon is Belle Boutique in Rogers. They follow all the great clothing trends at affordable prices. I just bought these $20, fabulous shoes for a Girl’s Night. They were half off, but even the items that aren’t on sale are priced well. They also have great handbags, jewelry and great men’s lines as well. Their denim line is also wonderful; I just bought a pair of boyfriend jeans that are sure to be my favorite this Fall.

Michelle Thompson is mom to two beautiful daughters, Macy and Brooklyn, and is nwaMotherlode’s Fashion Mama editor. Look for new articles from Michelle on the last Friday of the month. To read more about this local fashionista/mom/marathon runner, click here. To read her previous articles, click here.

By Michelle Thompson, nwaMotherlode.com fashion editor

It is here…SUMMER!!!!!!!

This is the best time for fashion in my opinion. Bright colors, fun patterns and bold textures are all abound during this season. People feel freer with their fashion and might even show a little skin. Also, as the school year is coming to an end, we moms are planning fun Summer activities for our fams.

Whether it be outings to the neighborhood pool, or an exotic tropical retreat the fashion options are fun, fresh and endless. My family and I are changing it up a bit this year and joining another incredible family for a cruise through the Caribbean. Seven nights, six kids and four adults on a massive ship, could really make for an interesting Summer vacay. Since we booked the cruise my mind has been reeling with outfit ideas for all the festivities we will take part in. While I might be a little more fashion focused than most, I did discern that if I was pondering my fashion choices months before the actual departure date, then possibly there are others out there that are also doing the same. So here are some easy go-to fun, flirty ideas for you to wear whatever life brings you during the carefree days of Summer:

1. Yes, I am delving in with a bathing suit! I know it is bold, but our kids do actually like when we swim with them, not just watch them from afar and wave or give a thumbs up. This darling suit is on sale at Old Navy right now for $19.00.  What a steal!!!  Let me just add, that the reason this suit was chosen, (besides the insanely great price) is that I actually tried it on in the ON dressing room and liked it. Yes ladies, I actually liked it in the dressing room with all of the unforgiving lighting and institutional surroundings.  I knew that if I loved it there, then when I got home it would be one of my favorites of all time. Sure enough, I was right. The other aspect I love about this suit, is that it is a one-piece, but still fun and sexy with the deep V, which has a little strap in the middle so you don’t feel like you are going to flop out at any moment. The illusion of the butterfly and bright colors are also so much more fun then just a plain black one-piece that a lot of women find themselves wearing.  Pair this suit with these yummy orange Tory Burch sandals, some bold earrings, a white flowy skirt, your favorite glamour glasses and you are on your way to a fashion-filled Summer.  The most important idea to remember when picking a swimsuit, is truly comfort and support.  Make sure that you feel confident in it, so you won’t feel the need to hide under your monster beach towel. 
2. My next vacation find is also another Old Navy steal.  This is a long black maxi dress that has the best fit, and incredible on all body types. I know it seems a bit plain, but it’s all in the way you accessorize it. What I love most about a dress like this is that you can put it on over a swimsuit and head to the beach or pool, but when the day is done you can add a funky pair of earrings like these turquoise and coral pair from Francesca’s collections with gold gladiators from American Eagle (link). Or, for a different look you could choose these WHBM (White House Black Market) black gladiators with metallic studding and this chunky silver bracelet from Francesca’s Collections. That is three different outfits for one simple dress!  More bang for your buck with this one! You can do this with any solid color sundress you have waiting for you in your own closet. 
3. Every vacation deserves an elegant night out, and on my upcoming cruise there is a designated cocktail night. This WHBM dress is so beautiful, but still has a fresh, relaxed vacation feel to it. I love this beautiful red ring as well. It really makes the red detailing just pop! 
4. This is my SPLURGE Summer item! I couldn’t pass up sharing it with you! It is so in-demand right now, that only the Sun Patent color is available. The white patent is my absolute fav, but the sunny color of this one is actually just perfect for Summer vacations. It is the Michael Kors Charlton Braided Grommet Bag from Nordstroms. It is just delicious! 
5. I just figured this groovy Summer idea out when cleaning out my closet, and a new scarf I recently picked up at Old Navy fell off the shelf. As I picked it up, it occurred to me that it is really wide, so much so that I find that it is a bit bunchy when I wear it around my neck.  Well, a lightbulb went on, and I realized the scarf would actually make a great sarong. Well, with it’s cute little pom-poms it was perfect and so affordable.  They are on sale right now at Old Navy in several colors. 

Michelle Thompson is mom to two beautiful daughters, Macy and Brooklyn, and is nwaMotherlode’s Fashion Mama editor. Look for new articles from Michelle on the last Friday of the month. To read more about this local fashionista/mom/marathon runner, click here. To read her previous articles, click here.

By Michelle Thompson, nwaMotherlode.com fashion editor

Girls, here are some ideas to help you step into a stylish spring:

1. The second I saw these amazing wedges I couldn’t wait to share them with you all. They are $29.99 Cynthia Vincent’s from Target. I love when Target brings in the high-end designers and they produce something that is so affordable, but yet looks like you spent a bundle on them. If you are interested in these, you’d better hurry they are running out quickly. There are more size options in the stores than online. They also offer black and yellow, but the saddle-leather is really the most versatile and on-trend.

2. This is truly a romper for all body types.  I am not a huge fan of my legs, (even though I do a million squats and lunges a week…which doesn’t seem to make a bit of difference) but I actually loved the fit of this one when I tried it on.

This little cutie is from NY and CO., and they are 50% off right now. They have quite a few color options available. 

3. This is the purse for Spring/Summer!  It will take you all the way through with it’s lovely Hibiscus print and bronzy, metallic background. SO GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!   I am so excited, because today I found this Big Buddha beauty for less than I have seen it. At ebags.com you can purchase it for 20% off, which makes it $72.00.  There are three other color options available as well.  The black and white is also fabulous.  The Hibiscus beauty is also available at Dillard’s, which is where I first fell in love. 

4. This is the perfect dress for your summer getaway to the beach. This flowy, maxi dress from Ann Taylor Loft has a beautiful, bold floral print that really makes a statement. I see silver metallic sandals and earrings with this dress. A cute wedged-heel summer sandal will take this dress from day to evening. Also, these maxi dresses are very forgiving and slimming, so great for all body types. Aruba anyone?

5. I went to the NWA Boutique Show last weekend, and truly ladies if you can make this event the next time it is here, you must take advantage of it.  There are so many unique, creative, and special items that you can’t find anywhere else.  One of the ladies I met, Larkin Akel, was a former buyer for Dillard’s and she had exquisite taste in jewelry. This is such a gorgeous cuff for $38.00. I have not seen one like it before. You can contact her and place an order at sales@larkinakel.com.  (Or click here for a link to her Facebook page.) This is really a bold piece of jewelry, and I realize not all of you are ready or willing to wear a piece like this; however, if you love this type of statement jewelry this is a must have at a great price.

6. Okay, I know this is just one more metallic sandal, but it was just too cute to pass up. I found them in a barrel of flip-flops at Francesca’s Collections at Pinnacle Promenade. They are $38.00, and I just love their sparkly, Summer goodness.  They also had black too. Oh, and by the way, these little sparkle gems would look perfect with the maxi dress and the romper that I mentioned earlier. 

7. Heading into a rainy spring doesn’t have to mean that you have to throw in the proverbial fashion towel. You can stay fashionably dry with these darling Liberty of London rain boots from Target. Tuck those skinny jeans in, cinch up the trendy trench and head out the door in spring style. 

By Michelle Thompson, nwaMotherlode.com fashion editor and lover of shoes

When I was first asked to take on the quest of finding the perfect six shoes you must have in your closet, I said “Surely you mean six shoes for each season.” Yes, I’m a bonafide shoe-horse, so I knew this would be a tough assignment.

As I started to really study the idea of the perfect six shoes, it actually became easier and more obvious to me than I expected; however, it also made me realize I seriously have way, way too many shoes. But, what’s a girl to do when she finds the perfect shoe for the perfect outfit? Sometimes it’s just too hard to walk away.

So, girls I hope this helps you in your quest to have a put-together, completed look when you step out your front door in the morning to experience whatever adventure comes your way. (If you fall in love with any of the shoes pictured below, just click on the photo to get more info about it.)

Six Basic Shoes You Must Have in Your Closet

1.  High/Low heel Tall boot:

These are a must from Fall to early Spring. You can dress these dollies up for church or a Girl’s night, or slide them under your favorite boot-cut jeans for a more casual, fun look.

2.  An Evening Shoe

Classic shaped and a neutral color. When an event comes your way, if you have the perfect sparkle showstopper you’ll be ready to go. If you lean towards the “little black dress” when an event comes along, I would definitely choose a black beauty; however, if you like to shake things up with a blast of color, then definitely go for silver. It’s a go-with-everything color!!!!

3.  A fun and flirty pair of flats

I am all about solid color flats; however, if you are going to just have one pair of flats in your closet, pick something fun. Go for a great animal print or an interesting texture with jewel embellishments. Metallics are great in this category as well. There’s not much out there you couldn’t wear with leopard flats. They will really sass up a seemingly boring outfit.

4.  Dressy black heel or pump

This one is a must for all the moms working in offices out there. These are gorgeous with the perfect pair of black pants or a black sheath with a cardigan. Also, these are a perfect choice for a date night with the hubby. A beautiful heel elongates the leg and adds shape as well. If you have a hard time tolerating a heel, just do a kitten heel which is much shorter but still has the same elongating benefits as a higher heel.

5.  Sleek Fun Fabulous Sneaker

This is not your plain old running shoe girls. This shoe needs to be in a fun color and sleek with slim lines. Sneakers are a must for every moms arsenal!!! You have to have a shoe like this to chase the kiddos around and still look fashionable.

6.  Metallic Sandal

This should be your summer staple. There are so many really cute options out there. Have fun with this sandal. It really will go with just about everything.

Michelle Thompson is mom to two beautiful daughters, Macy and Brooklyn, and is nwaMotherlode’s new Fashion Mama editor. Look for new articles from Michelle on the last Friday of the month. To read more about this local fashionista/mom/marathon runner, click here. To read her previous articles, click here.