Featuring PeaceLoveMom and GRiPPiES

Fall Style Preview

I’d like to consider myself a planner. You know, one of those women who haunt sales all year armed with a list of people to shop for, hunting down the perfect gift and crossing off the last name sometime in the Columbus Day neighborhood. The mom who has the kids in color-coordinated outfits photographed by the fall school photographer so she can start the holiday cards before Thanksgiving. The one who saves her turkey carcass and bleaches it in the sun and turns it into a gold-spray-painted sleigh to display all her holiday cards in on the mantelpiece. (Okay, I’m kidding about that last one, but I know some moms who would do that.)

That’s not me. I’m more of a “oh, is it time for the Halloween costume scramble again?” mom. The one who hopes the kids will sit together and smile, not poke each other and squabble, because this is absolutely the last possible day to take a good photo and get the prints made so the cards can get mailed and arrive before the holiday they’re honoring. The one who promised to bake a treat for the preschool last-day-before-winter-break party waaaay back in September and can’t believe she actually has to do it this week because there’s really no time to bake (and do you think the alpha moms will notice if she frosts store-bought sugar cookies and passes them off as homemade?). The mom who collapses, exhausted, in a chair on the evening of January first and heaves an enormous sigh of relief that everyone’s still speaking to each other and we’ve all survived another crazy holiday frenzy by the seat of our pants.

Well, not this year. THIS year I’m starting early. I may not have my Thanksgiving menu or my gift list ready quite yet, nor anyone’s gift purchased, etc. etc., but I’m sure going to get the wardrobe thing worked out right now. I’m taking a little help from the assumption that the holiday hullabaloo will be slightly less formal and fast-paced due to the economic morass most of the country is still floundering in, and this year we’re dressing down. That ought to streamline my planning a little, yes?

Thanksgiving: Since we’re hosting the big family dinner this year (and I think there will be under ten of us – whew!), we’re keeping it pretty low-key. Boys in corduroys or chinos and a shirt with a collar (some members of my family who shall remain nameless insist on short sleeves no matter how cold it gets; I pick my battles) – I think I’ll skip the dress-shirt kerfuffle this time around. Little girls wear a simple dress or a jumper with a blouse and leggings or tights, but no velvet. And since we’re sticking around the house, they probably won’t even have shoes on, so what’s the point of buying any? Which makes snapping up several of these adorable GRiPPiES No-Slip Adhesive Shapes a must-have for the holiday season. (And I am definitely going to grab several pair of the GRiPPiES No-Slip Tights for my daughter. She'll be able to run around these hardwood floors to her little heart's content with no worries for mommy!) Mr. Wonderful usually ends up in a dress shirt and corduroys and soft driving mocs, although he’s big into the cashmere sweater this fall. I’ll be in a sleeveless blouse or knit with a cardigan (gotta strip down when mashing and whisking) over cotton velveteen skinny jeans; there’s too much chance of a kitchen splash to wear dry-clean-only on Thanksgiving, even with a smashing apron on top. And with all that standing and walking around, sparkly ballet flats are a must – no heels today.

December holidays: Since I’m expecting our calendar to be a little less jam-packed this year, it’ll be nice not to have to orchestrate the family’s public ensembles for zillions of events. I’m betting on two casual gatherings (cookie swaps, Open Houses, etc.) and one fancy family get-together. It’s funny how the outfits are going to sound a lot like the Thanksgiving ones; in fact, I’ll probably recycle them for one of the casual parties. I’m digging a little sweater dress with matching leggings and boots for my sweetie for the other party; my little man will probably wear a sweater-vest like his daddy with these embroidered corduroys, or maybe just a flannel shirt and cargos. (Basically, these days I’m happy if he’s clean and un-stained. Preschoolers are messy!)

For the dress-up dinner, I’m looking forward to getting the kids dressed up. Not matchy-matchy (I can’t stand that), but they’ll look so cute together I’m sure we’ll get great photos. A dress with special details and rich color for her, or maybe a party skirt and a sweater, a pair of little wool trousers and a dress shirt (here’s where I’ll put the sweater-vest) and teeny little penny loafers for him. I’m going to go with either a sweater dress with opaque tights and suede heels (love the matte texture head-to-toe; so rich!), or wool wide-legs with a feminine blouse and a nipped-waist velvet blazer in a luscious jewel-tone, over stack-heel pumps with a special accent at the toe. (Mr. Wonderful will undoubtedly go for the classic blazer, shirt and tie combo with grey flannels. Predictable, yes – handsome, certainly.)

(If I’m lucky, Mr. Wonderful and I will hit a cocktail party, but I’m not holding my breath. However, I have planned a darling mini-dress, leggings, and killer not-your-average-stay-at-home-mommy shoe-boots for the occasion, just in case. And a sweet little clutch that I can definitely use again.)

Once the new year starts, it’ll be back to the whatever’s-warm-and-clean routine, but the thought of seeing my family all cleaned and pressed in one place, surrounded by the friends and relatives we love the most, adds such a warm fuzzy feeling to the distracting hectic-ness of the next two months that I think I’ll just sit down and enjoy it for a while.
Okay, break’s over - time to start those New Year’s Day Open House planning lists…

Happy hunting!

Pretty Mama 

P.S. Be sure to check out the Home Page for updates from She She Me. Also, check out our all new Hot Products in the She She Mall. We are also adding New Stores each week so check back often for updates and fantastic savings! Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

PeaceLoveMom is made up of a team of Moms with one common goal – to create “a celebration of motherhood” for all types of mothers. PeaceLoveMom, a lifestyle brand company was designed to share life’s many moments of motherhood. Established in 2006, the PeaceLoveMom team of ladies brings variant backgrounds, perspectives, and creativity to the table. Although the day-to-day business tasks are split, every PeaceLoveMom in our company possesses the same passion for motherhood and their new found careers. Creating designs that will both inspire and empower mothers everywhere, PeaceLoveMom represents a collaboration and true celebration of motherhood.

Lucky Mom Rose Cozy Thermal	Peace Sign Dot Chocolate Long Sleeve Burn Out Tee	Peace on Earth White Comfy Thermal

GRiPPiES

I just adore socks with grippers on the bottom, and can always find them for my little ones, but they are nearly impossible to find in larger sizes. That is where GRiPPiES come in. GRiPPiES are rubber adhesives in the shape of teddy bears, stars and ovals that can be applied to socks or tights and give kids the traction that they need. They are machine washable and easy to apply. They're great for kids of all ages - even adults! (Face it, no one wants to face plant in the middle of the hardwood foyer, right?) GRiPPiES are now available at your local Target. Buy three pair of GRiPPiES at Target and get a pair free from GRiPPiES!

For She She Me readers, use code TNPC10
for 10% off two or more packs of GRiPPiES!

Check Out the Ask She She Blog

The Ask She She Blog, where She She Girls go to find the latest styles and the hottest trends; where your fashion, beauty and lifestyle questions are answered, and the thoughts, ideas and comments of all She She Girls are encouraged and welcomed!