valentine's isn't for lovers

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. As much as I love the hearts, flowers, candy and making Valentine's Day cards - to me, this holiday is an excuse to wear your best pink and red outfits. I know I'm going to get a lot of flack for this, and it may be seen as a little cold hearted, but hear me out. If you love someone unconditionally - why wait until February to show that person how much you love them? Now grant it, I'm the most un-romantic person ever, in fact the whole thing makes me super uncomfortable, but still I don't believe that proclaiming your love should be limited to one day a year.

dressing for every holiday occasion

Tis the season.  That season to gift give, gather with your loved ones, but most importantly dress up for all those holiday festivities...even in the sub-zero temperatures.  With many types of celebrations that range from low-key office parties to more formal family affairs it's tough to choose what to wear, but with a great site like ShopLately  you can elevate what you already have in your closet for any holiday occasion.

Photo credit for this post: Cleodine Photography

don't call this a comeback

Fashion and outfit posts used to be 90% of what I wrote about (my blog at one point even had the word fashion in it), but while I was pregnant I strayed away and never fully returned.  Now is time for that to change because in some cases while we do let go of things we love - this shouldn't be one of them.

back to school celebration with gap

I'm absolutely LOVING all the back to school pictures that have overtaken my feed.  All the little ones are absolutely adorable and it's making me reminisce back to when I was a youngster prepping for the new school year.  I remember the excitement around buying new clothes and making sure that my first day of school outfit was absolutely killer.  That's why I'm so excited that Gap on Michigan Avenue asked me to put together some of my favorite fall looks that will be featured at their back to school celebration event this weekend.  Details on the event after the jump.

rules for outlet shopping

Mini was in need of some new kicks (can't these kids stop growing so fast?) and since I'm super adament about not paying full-price for any kids clothes it was a good time to venture out to the Chicago Premium Outlet in Aurora!  Now going to the outlets can be amazing because of all the gear you can collect at a fraction of what you would normally pay at the mall, but it is easy to go a little overboard.  So I've put together a few trusty rules that will help you stay on track when outlet shopping.

peek

I stumbled upon this fantastic kid store called Peek last Fall when I was in Scottsdale for a business trip and instantly fell in love with everything in the store.  Their style was on point with how I dress Liam and I loved that everything looked like adult clothes...just in mini sizes.  I snagged this cute tie dye hooded tee for Liam and it was my favorite shirt for him to wear, until he outgrew it.  Since I was already in love with the store, I was so excited to learn that there was one opening up in the city and even better, some of my gal pals were hosting the opening event.

throwback thought ~ price tags mean something

Growing up my mom was a Marshalls Maven even before the Maxxinista existed and I remember thinking, "URGH why can't I just buy clothes full price." It wasn't so much that I couldn't find cute things at Marshalls but more so that the price of the items meant something.  All I wanted to do was shop the non-sale racks – thinking that buying clothes full price meant that I was more fashionable. 

Now, all I do is shop sales racks and this time it’s by choice.

image via stylecaster

5 things to know before monday ~ 2.16.14

This week there was buzz in my social media feed and discoveries that had me laughing, crying, as well hosting a solo dance party in my office cube.  Check out my great discoveries of the week that include Le Tote, Happy Birthday Colin, iTunes Radio, and much more.

mom crush ~ charlotte betts

Name: Charlotte Betts

Stats: Wife, mother to daughter Neriah, owner of Preface Agency, blogger at Milk N Honee and fellow Canadian.

Why she's crush worthy:  Charlotte is one of those women you see strolling down the street and you think to yourself, "I wish I was that put together".  Her sense of amazingly unique style shines through so vibrantly and her approachable personality is just as bright.  She has a realistic and positive outlook on life that will have you aspiring to be a mom that is so calm and collected. Aside from being a great mother and wife, she runs her business Preface Agency, a styling agency exclusively dedicated to helping mothers achieve looks that are both fashionable and functional.

As a mother who makes fashion look so effortlessly chic, she proves to others that being fashionable, smart, an amazing wife and mother IS achievable.  Here's a glimpse of how Charlotte does it all with her thoughts on.....

5 things to know before monday ~ 2.2.14

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!  While I grew up in Seattle and love seeing my Facebook feed with so many hometown friends excited for the big game, I'm not a sports fan so for me it's another day.  However, to show support for the place I grew up I'll wear some blue today.  Let's be honest I don't own an ounce of sports branded gear.  On that note, here are some things you should know before you head back to work tomorrow!

5 things to know before monday ~ 1.19.14

How is it already Sunday?  Seriously.  I barely had time to close my eyes and poof here is the end to the weekend. Well for those of us that don't have the luxury of a 3 day weekend, enjoy the rest of your weekend and check out a few of my discoveries from the week.

via Lo & Sons

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | 5 things kids can wear that adults shouldn't

Let me preface this by saying that I'm guilty of wearing some (ok most) of these items.  Not recently, but at one point of my life I was proud to sport a few items that are on this list.  Now that I'm older in age, I've grown smarter to realize that there are some articles of clothing that are truly ONLY meant for kids. 

Crocs

This item tops my list.  Yes, these colorful shoes are easy to slip on and from what I hear they're really comfortable, but no grown man or woman should be calling this fashionable.  These are cute on little kids because things of miniature size are irresistible and work perfectly with play clothes, but for adults this is truly just a huge fail.

Overalls

Every time I see overalls I think of the famous quote from Clueless, "She could be a farmer in those clothes."  Overalls were so huge in the 90s for women (not girls, women) to wear overalls and I was guilty for taking part in this "trend".   I'm still scarred to this day to the point where I won't let Liam wear them, but on other kids they look cute.  Grown men and women...not so much.

Bucket Hats

This is the item that prompted this post.  A few weeks ago I was walking down the street and a man who looked to be in his late 20s was walking towards me wearing a bucket hat complete with side strings and all.  In all fairness that wasn't the only questionable item he was wearing, but I looked at the hat and thought, "Why would a man wear that that think it's ok?"  As a result, here I am listing out all the things that are made for kids...not adults.

Rompers

I'll admit I have a few rompers in my closet.  Not like the one below, but ones that are more designed for adults.  This made my list purely because of functionality.  Have you ever gone to a public restroom when wearing a romper?  Worst of all...a port-a-potty?  Rompers are great on babies and toddlers because they're made with snaps at the crotch for easy access.  The adult version isn't as sophisticated and if you ever wear a romper you essentially have to strip down just to go to the bathroom.  Not the easiest piece of garment for an adult to wear.

T-Shirts that speak for you

It's ok for a child to wear a shirt that says things like "Chicks Dig Me" or "Cute like my Mom" because honestly adults know that kids are not choosing to wear those shirts.  If an adult chooses to wear something like that they can come off really conceited or really egotistical.  Wearing a shirt that justifies your good looks only leave room for negative feedback.  Case and point, while at DisneyWorld many moons ago a man was wearing a shirt that said, "Your t-shirt says Princess...but your face says Troll." 'Nuff said.

|Do you have any others to add to this list?

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | wearing white

If you're like me, wearing white is like having a target on your back.  It attracts dirt, you're more prone to accidents and any small smudge will seem like a massive stain.  However, as long as you take precautionary measures while wearing this color, you can rock a great look.  Here are some of my white must haves for the summer.

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Here are a couple of rules to keep in mind when wearing white:

• Avoid wearing flip flops when wearing white pants.  If for some reason you walk through a puddle or a small area of dirt, the dirt will bounce back up towards the back of your legs causing splash marks.
• Don't pair with colorful items that stain.  Brightly colored shirts or even purses can some times rub their color against white.  
• This goes without saying, because every woman should know this, but please (please) don't forget to wear nude under garments.  
• Keep a Tide stick or Shout Wipes handy in case of any mishaps.  

|What are some of your white must haves? Do you have any key rules that you keep in mind when wearing white?|

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | weekender bag

Fact - I'm always on the search for something.  Fiction - I need everything I'm always on the search for.

Let's be honestly, the things we typically "need" are the things that we rarely want.  So take it lightly and read between the lines when I say I "need" a weekender bag.  The truth is it would be nice to have one when Matt and I go on our European vacation in an exactly a month.  I've been searching high and low for the perfect bag that I not only would put to good use on this vacation, but one that I could use everyday.  I came up with these finalists - right now my leading contender is the Lipault Weekend Bag (#4) just because it matches my luggage, but I can't resist the Deux Lux (#2) duffle.

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|Help me make a choice! Which one is your favorite? |

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | joe fresh for jcpenney

Dear JCPenney,

It was GENIUS that you partnered up with Canadian company Joe Fresh.  Aside from their local US outpost in the tri-state area, us Midwesterners and even West Coasters are unable to participate in the retail joy that Joe Fresh brings.  By providing an online outlet for Joe Fresh to distribute their amazing goods (at a ridiculously pocket friendly price), it shows that you care for those of us who are less fortunate and do not live in NY or Canada.  This is my letter of appreciation to you and kudos for a wonderfully genius collaboration.

XO,

Tabitha Green (aka: Born again JCPenney shopper)

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|Are you loving the Joe Fresh collection at JCPenney? What are some of your favorite items?|

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | one-piece swimwear

This Saturday Liam and I are starting his swimming lessons at the new Goldfish Swim School in Roscoe Village.  While I'm super excited about giving him more time to spend in the water, there's one thing I'm really not looking forward to - getting in a bathing suit...in front of other people.  Even though I'm within 5 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight, my body just isn't what it used to be.  It's not toned and I'm a lot bigger in places I wasn't before.  Even though the scale tells me one thing, my clothes are telling me something else.  So needless to say, I'm not confident about being in a pool and the only way I can maybe feel better about this whole situation is to find a solid one piece swimsuit.

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Thankfully one-piece suits have come a long way from the typical Speedo suits.  And, it's nice that there are a lot of suits out there now that don't just give you a uni-boob.  These days I find that more women (even super skinny ones) are wearing one piece swimsuits because they can be as flattering as a two-piece.  As I was scouring the interwebs for a few that I could pick up in time for Liam's lessons, I realized that there are a ton more options that I expected.  Now instead of fearing I wouldn't find one I like, I'm left with the difficult decision of choosing just one.  Decisions, decisions....

|What are your thoughts on one-piece swimsuits?  Do you have a few that are in your closet?|

ba·by (ba-be) | bobobib

Ahhh bibs.  Unfortunately for a teething child (or a messy adult), bibs are a mandatory accessory.  No matter how stylish a baby's outfit is, it automatically will be taken down a few notches because of a bib....or so I thought.  I never thought bibs could be stylish until I was introduced to Bobobib.  These stylish bandana like bibs compliment any mini fashinista (or fashionisto in Liam's case) perfectly, and absorbs drool/messes quite nicely.  Even when Liam isn't making a mess, I have him wear his Bobobib because I love the way it makes him look like a rockstar cowboy.

Bobobibs come in such fun different prints with a large variety of colors and are such great inspirations for outfits.  Because I love how stylish these bibs are, I've put together looks for a boy and girl inspired by two of my favorite Bobobibs. 

bobobib - lions & tigers | pants - gap | tee - gymboree | cardigan - h&m | shoes - old navy

bobobib -gingham sky | henley tee - mini boden | denim shirt - h&m | jeans - old navy | shoes - toms

If you're looking for a great gift or need to add some stylish bibs into your little one's wardrobe I highly recommend getting some Bobobibs.  The good news is that they're having a sale right now so you can stock up on all your favorite prints.

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | falconwright

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that my in-laws gave me this amazing clutch made by a company called Falconwright.  I had never seen or heard of Falconwright, but now that I have one of their pieces, I want more to add to my collection.

The designer duo hails from Toronto and I'm seriously crushing on all of their pieces.  The clutch I received is the perfect size to use on it's own, but I keep it in my larger purse to house all my loose lip glosses (because let's be honest you keep at least 5 in different colors with you), lotions, hand sanitizer, hair accessories, etc.  All their pieces have such fun vibrant colors and great patterns which are great to compliment even the most simple outfits.  Their collection includes clutches, bucket bags, clamshell bags, wallets, pouches, card holders and change holders with prices that range from $20 - $120.  Not a bad deal for a quality piece of leather.  I check their shop weekly scoping out my next purchase, but with so many great options it's hard to choose just one.  If you haven't heard of Falconwright, definitely check out their shop...you'll find yourself adding quite a few things to your shopping cart.

life (layhf) | piercings

Over 10 years ago a boy broke my heart and because I needed to bounce back quickly, I made a change. Not a permanent one but one that made me feel empowered after feeling such defeat. That was the day I got my nose pierced. Being the rebellious teen, it followed me into my early 20s and the decision to get my nose pierced was an easy one. I was young and carefree...I knew that someday I would reach a point where I was too old to do it so I said "F it!" Little did I know, this small little piece of jewelry would become a large part of who I am.

My nose ring has been a signature trait of mine and it was that small something that showed a bit of my personality. Even when I decided to start a career in the corporate world, I didn't let this small piece of non-traditional jewelry stop me.  And surprisingly, all my employers weren't turned off by it either.  So long as I didn't wear it to important meetings or anywhere that I had to look my best, there was no issue with me having it in everyday.  Throughout these many years, this small piece of jewelry truly became a part of me.  But now as I approach my 32nd birthday, I ask myself, "Am I too old?"  When I was 16 years old, I saw a young mom (maybe early 30s at the time) who had a nose ring and I remember thinking, "If I get a nose ring, I don't want to be that age and still have it!"  So now that I'm at that age (if not older) and I have a child of my own I struggle with the thought of getting rid of my trusty "friend".  Soon I know I'll have to retire my nose ring, but for now I'll enjoy my last few days wearing it while I can.

|Do you have any piercings that have become a signature trait for you?  What do you think is an appropriate age to retire piercings?|

fash•ion (fash-uh n) | tights

I love Fall mainly because I LOVE wearing tights.  I realize it's a strange thing to love, but I do.  Since I love wearing dresses, tights are a necessity during the cold Chicago days.  I love tights so much that I like to think of myself as a tights connoisseur.  You can't just run to CVS and Walgreens to buy any old pair.  If you buy the wrong pair, you end up feeling like a sausage in casing that's about to burst.  However, not all good tights have to be a high priced investment.  Here are some of my favorite brands in every price range:

1 | Merona Tights from Target - Is this a shocker that Target has good tights?  The Merona brand (not the Xhiliration ones) is great because they're thick, they have great elasticity and do not tear in the crotch after 2 wears.  Let's be honest, the crotch thing can be a problem...that's what she said. (Sorry just had to).

2 | Kate Spade - There's many reason why Kate Spade tights are amazing.  They come in fun vibrant colors, patterns that you won't find anywhere else and they fit like a glove.  They're comfy and the waist band doesn't tighten up immensely after you dry them, nor do they stretch out too much. To quote Goldilocks, "It's just right!"

3 | Hue - I swear I have Hue tights in every color.  These suckers last, and by last I mean I have Hue tights from last year that are ready for another Fall season.  There's no sign that they'll let down and for a super reasonable price this is a huge win.  Nordstrom Rack sells these tights for $4 each and a double pack for less than $10.  Money well spent if you ask me.

4 | Falke - These tights are my guilty pleasure.  They're a European brand that were introduced to me last year and these are my everything.  Even though they're around $30 and up per pair, I kid you not these are the perfect pair of tights.  Not only are they the perfect thickness, they show no sign of destruction after a full season of wear and they also have tags to indicate which way is front and back.  I've always wondered why more brands don't do that to their tights.  Nevertheless, these are truly worth every penny.  The cost may seem extreme for tights, but trust me, you'll have these pair of tights longer than you think.

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Also, my secret for buying tights (especially the name brand ones), go to your local Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory.  You'll be pleasantly surprised with the selection of name brands and extremely reasonable prices (ie: A pair of Kate Spade tights for $8!!!).

|Do you love tights as much as I do?  Any particular brands that you swear by?|