As the mom of a sock-resistant child in a “no shoes” house (a rule stemming from my Asian upbringing and immense distaste for increased need to vacuum), slippers are a must. And if you want cute slippers for kids and grownups, check out Kaya’s Kloset. Available for feet big and small (including organics), local mama Johanna Parker offers an amazing array of handcrafted baby shoes and kid/adult slippers featuring nonskid soles to prevent crash and burns and elasticized ankles so the slippers stay put. Though Laurel shuns socks, she loves her prettily patterned Kaya’s Kloset slippers; apparently part of their appeal is their lightweight-ness (“They’re so light it feels like I’m not wearing anything!”). Which means she keeps them on. Which makes me really happy.

Now, want to win a pair of Kaya’s Kloset shoes? Here’s how:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Felicia!
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Visit the Kaya’s Kloset store locator page, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Kaya’s Kloset’ in the subject), and name a store where you can purchase Kaya’s Kloset shoes.

One entry permitted per person; residents around the globe welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Wednesday, January 13, 2010.

*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive their choice of baby shoe or child's slipper, subject to stock availability ($15-21 value, depending on style).

During the bitter winter months, even summer-related crafts are welcome (let's all chant the think warm thoughts mantra, shall we?). Today, Sarah reviews Wallaroo’s art hat kit. Read on for Sarah’s review, as well as to learn how to win a Wallaroo Art Hat for your little one:
From Sarah:

Once the fall weather turns on toward winter, it gets harder and harder to convince the kids that playing outside is fun. Even with layers (“this hat is itchy!”) and planned activities (“but I don’t see any nature!”), the day’s fun usually occurs mostly indoors. And a good supply of crafty projects is priceless in passing the endless time between lunch and “Daddy’s home!”

So when offered the opportunity to test a new kid-friendly craft kit, I leapt at the chance. The Wallaroo Hat Company’s Art Hat comes in two size options (2-5 years and 5-7 years) to fit most toddlers and preschoolers. My five-year-old son was excited to make himself a hat, and could hardly wait to get home from walking the dog to get started. Although momentarily disappointed that the hat is a sunhat (“for wearing at the beach,” I told him) and not a warm one (preferably non-itchy) to wear all winter, he hoovered his snack and pulled up his sleeves.

The hat itself is a basic flat-crowned bucket hat with a four-inch brim all around, in a microfiber that promises UPF 50+ sun protection. The kit also comes with six non-toxic fabric paints and two brushes. While the range of colors is bright and zingy (not your run-of-the-mill primary snoozers, these), the brushes are the standard cheap-o black-plastic-bristled blunt-tipped kind that usually accompany Crayola knock-off watercolor kits. The bristles are so stiff and unyielding that it might have been easier to paint with the end of a stick. Also, the teensy paint pots are all attached in a line, with flip-top lids that definitely need an adult’s assistance.

Discounting the equipment quirks (and having dug up a couple of natural-bristle brushes in our craft supplies), Avery was ready to have at it. I helped him flatten the hat so he could paint his design on the front side, but to continue around the back (and not have to wait the three prescribed hours for the paint to dry) I held the hat up for him to decorate all around, including the top. (Another option might be to set the hat on something that can hold the shape and be rotated, e.g., oatmeal canister.)

While the paints definitely lend themselves to more dexterous artists on the higher end of the age range, if your crafters are comfortable with abstract composition, the Art Hat is good for at least thirty minutes of indoor entertainment. Add some of your own fabric markers, glue-on crystals, and a parent-operated hot-glue gun and you could keep going until snack time.

The resulting oeuvre (grass, tree, flower, boy, “m” birds, erupting volcano) made Avery (and, let’s face it, his adoring parents) very happy, and might even encourage him to keep a hat on next summer. And on that note, Wallaroo is committed to the elimination of skin cancer, and donates 1% of their profits to skin cancer research, education, and prevention in the U.S. I’m sure my son will be thrilled to do his part.

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Faye!
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Now, want to win a Wallaroo Art Hat? Here’s how:

Visit the Wallaroo store locator page, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Wallaroo’ in the subject), and name a store that sells Wallaroo products.

One entry permitted per person; US residents welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Sunday, December 20, 2009.

*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive the Wallaroo Art Hat in their choice of color/size (subject to stock availability) ($20 value).

It's no secret that I’m a bit obsessed with kids wearing properly fitting, comfy shoes. And what I dig about Stride Rite is that though they are a household name, they continued to push the fit and comfort envelope; most recently through their Sensory Response Technology collection. The structural support, comfort, and flexibility are evident if you handle the shoe, but the hidden coolness is that these shoes feature a built in sensory feedback system in the sole to help kids feel the ground better, which helps reduce trips and falls. Also no small matter: these shoes are super cute (I especially love the hip styling for boys) and use eco-friendly materials.

Pursuant to her fit your shape denim guide, Sarah follows up with guidance on how to navigate trends:

“Now that you know what shapes to look for to suit your figure, it’s time for some trend navigation. But you have to know your comfort level. Are you willing to push the envelope, stylistically speaking, or would you rather play it classic? This season, you’re in luck, because the denim world is full of a little something for everyone.
Tried-and-true: You’re going to choose classic shapes such as straight leg, boot cut, or trouser jeans in uniform washes in dark blue or a three-year wash. Skip the whiskering and abrasions. These jeans can take you from casual daytime looks to evening, with a high-heeled boot or sandal, and the trouser jean can even work on a casual Friday, topped with a floral blouse and a nipped-waist blazer.

Traditional/Classic: In terms of cut, you’re most comfortable with straight leg, mid-rise jeans, although you can stray into a boot cut for a little change of pace. Keep the wash on the dark side of blue, without major distressing or fading (this is also very flattering for those with curves or for petites). Add a white pair for summer and a solid black for fall and winter. For daytime, go casual in suede boots and a plaid shirt, or mix with a crisp white shirt and a navy blazer and pop some color with a bright pair of ballet flats. This look will NEVER go out of style. Nighttime outings bring a sleek turtleneck with a belt, high-heeled boots, and a clutch. Available in low, medium, and high-ticket brands.

Chic: You mamas look for a little more style from your denim. You can be found in any shape from a low-rise skinny to a distressed flare, but nothing too radical. The basic boot cut flatters every body shape and goes with any outfit. Washes can include some whiskering and fading, but not so much for anyone concerned about wide hips or thick thighs – you stick with a solid color from waistband to hemline, whether washed black, solid black or tried-and-true blue. Balanced proportions are your key to being in style without it taking over your life. Daytime looks you rely on are empire tops over straight-legs and ballet flats, a belted blouse and a long cardi over charcoal skinnies tucked into flat riding boots, or a wide leg jean with a feminine ruffled blouse. For a night out, you slip into sleek dark trouser jeans (great for the big-bum girl) with a close-fitting cap-sleeve tee and a little shiny jacket with a metallic sandal – this will work for any outing from an intimate cocktail party to a hot date. Some styles are available in the “very affordable” range (see Old Navy), but most range from mid-priced to expensive.

Trendy: You ladies live more adventurously, and have the denim wardrobe to prove it. Your light grey skinny jeans are so slim you need ankle zips to get them over your feet, then you slip them into slouchy boots. Top this with a menswear vest, a long v-neck tee shirt, and an infinity scarf. Or a darling knit tunic mini over denim leggings and stiletto shooties. Maybe on a night out you’ll show up in your abraded Rich & Skinnys and the silk top that gets everyone’s attention, with peep-toe booties. The girls get you; the men just wonder why you look so fantastic. Occasionally you can find a close-to-new-style pair from last season on the sale rack, but you won’t have much luck scoring the season’s “it” jean under $150.

Living on the Edge: There’s not a trick you don’t miss, from the runways to the front rows to the seen-on-the-street daily news flashes. You’ll try anything once, but don’t land anywhere for long. By the time the mass marketers have started selling your look, you’re on to the next big thing. Daytime finds you in shredded, faded boyfriends and a slouchy v-neck sweater over the tough boots you’re seldom without and a shrunken motocross jacket. At night you’ll wear distressed, bleach-spattered cigarette jeans with a sequined tank, cutaway tuxedo jacket, and outrageous strappy black platforms (watch out for cobblestones!) Other moms may not get you, but they can’t argue your savvy grasp of the hottest looks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe try stepping up the ladder a rung this winter – every mom can use a new look once in a while. Or stay true to your current style; just make sure that your denim isn’t as old as your kids. If we’re going to live in our jeans, it’s worth making sure they (and we) look fabulous!”

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Image credit: Flirt Trouser Jean from Old Navy

I met Allison Czarnecki of Petit Elefant this past summer at the T.J. Maxx/Marshalls event; she’s one of these people who exudes a lot of wonderfully happy mojo, whether it’s in person, through her blog posts, or via Twitter and Facebook. As a blogger, I particularly love Allison’s keen eye for style and her desire to offer ideas for a range of budgets. I’m subsequently thrilled that today, for the sixth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, Allison shares simple guidelines and great ideas for easy accessorizing.

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From Allison:

Accessorizing for the holidays can be loads of fun; there's stuff in the stores you just don't see year-round and there are bright and bold colors you might not wear any other time of year. Plus, there’s all of those scarves, mittens, and cable knit hats…what's not to love? Being a stylish mama is a piece of cake during the holidays if you follow a few simple guidelines:

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1. Stick to your style. Are you more of a J. Crew girl than a thrift store bohemian? Then go with simple accessories, only glammed up a little. Don't try to be something you're not just because you're getting a little extra dressed up for a holiday party. For example, here are some great J. Crew pieces to kick conservative looks up a notch for the holidays:

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2. Don't overdo it with accessories. Unless your signature style is piling it on, don't wear the cute hat and the scarf, plus the 5 necklaces, bracelets, big earrings, huge belt, massive bag, and ultra-tall riding boots. Girlfriend, it's too much. If you add one, maybe two statement pieces to an outfit, that is plenty and there will be more of you to look at, which is the whole point of accessorizing anyway. Here's an example of some inexpensive boho options from Forever 21; you don't need more than one or two of these strong pieces to finish your cool look:

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3. Stay within your color palette. Accessories come in a range of colors that may tempt you to go a bit crazy, but don't buy something that doesn't look good on you just because it looks great on the mannequin in the store. If you stay true to the colors you already have in your closet, you really can't go wrong. Even basic color palettes can render swoon-worthy accessories, as with this mix of examples from Gap.com.

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Now, with these simple guidelines in mind, go forth and conquer all those PTA teas, company holiday parties, and family gatherings! And have fun while you do it…these are the holidays after all.

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Allison Czarnecki is the founder and editor of Petit Elefant, where she writes about traveling with kids, fashion & style for women, recipes and crafts, home & garden…all on a realistic budget. Allison also is the mastermind behind the ultra cool SocialLuxe Lounge. You can follow Allison on Twitter at @petit_elefant.

Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations is one of these women who is insanely busy and has a bajillion people in her life, but when you’re with her, you know you have her warm and loving undivided attention; she's a wonderful friend and I feel so fortunate that we overlap with some regularity at blogger events (I'm also sort of hoping Laurel marries one of her lovely sons someday...). Audrey’s charisma and keen eye for style have transformed her into a top fashion blogger, and I’m thrilled that today – for the third in my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series – Audrey shares ideas for getting the most mileage out of your favorite little black dress.

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From Audrey:

Holiday dressing is here! Invitations to parties and events and socials will start pouring in soon, so it’s a good time to get ready for the "What am I going to wear?" question. Most women automatically think they must run out and buy a bunch of new outfits, but ladies, I'm here to tell you to STOP. Put the outfits down. That's right...put them down.

I want to show you how you can take a basic black dress, otherwise known as the Little Black Dress (or LBD) and multi-task it. A simple, well cut black sheath serves as an excellent base (my pick is a DKNY Black Sheath Dress), and I'm going to show you how to rock the same LBD from a holiday gala, to a holiday work party, to a neighborhood holiday party, to a holiday party at your kids' school, to a night on the town with your partner or special friends.

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Holiday Gala

Here's the DKNY LBD heading to a gala. Toss on something glittery and sparkling with it; I recommend a fabulous sequined shrug or blazer. Pair it with a stunning pair of high black heels and silver jewelry that picks up the sequins in the blazer. Then have some holiday fun with a festive bag, such as an adorable ruffled clutch.

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Holiday Work Party

Now, let's wear the same LBD to a holiday work function:

Find a fabulous velvet blazer; I chose a maroon one because it looks very festive. High tall black boots keep the look feminine and dressy. And I decided to go with gold-colored jewelry; nothing too fancy, mix and match what you want... I chose a gold cuff, coin drop earrings, and a gold hoop necklace. (Note, all of this jewelry can be found at H & M and Torrid.com.) I found this beautiful black leather tote from Piperlime.com; it’s a functional work bag and classic tote for a mom.

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Neighborhood Holiday Party

Stopping next door for a more casually chic neighborhood holiday party:

For a neighborhood holiday party, you want to look good but be comfortable. I suggest a mid-heel; something a little bit more functional for a neighborhood holiday party. And on top? Well, I went with my staple piece, a DKNY sweater wrap. There's nothing more cozy than a sweater wrap and you'll be able to twist and tie and turn it as you see fit. Jewelry-wise, nothing is more classic than pearls, which add to the casual festiveness of this outfit. A simple black leather hobo is all you need because, after all, you won’t be far from home!

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School Holiday Party

Heading on over to your children's school:

I wanted to keep this outfit for a school holiday party classic looking. If you're heading to a school event for your child, it's most likely a holiday concert or a class party. I started by adding simple black ballet flat from Payless to my LBD. The cardigan shawl gives the ensemble an academic look and feel. Hip, chic, and elegant. Gold-colored jewelry works very well with the beige sweater, and the handbag is the same as that from the holiday work party ensemble. It’s a perfect bag for mom to toss everything (and anything for the kids) into.

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Night On The Town

Bringing you over to a night on the town with the special partner or friends in your life:

OK, now you're "allowed" to be sexy! In my opinion, there is nothing more chic than the combination of black and brown. Find some fabulous high brown boots and a delicious sheer black blouse. A sheer blouse over the DKNY LBD adds such a fun dimension to the outfit, and then pair it with an amazing beige kimono wrap for a stunning finish. All eyes will be on you, believe me. The diamond studs are the perfect addition to this outfit; nothing flashy, just that statement piece. And for your handbag, carry a simple brown leather clutch.

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Keep these different styles in mind as you're getting ready for the holiday party circuit, and work with what you've got -- it will save both your stress and your budget! Add on, layer up, feel beautiful...and work that LBD over and over and over again.

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Audrey McClelland is the founder/editor of Mom Generations, where she uses her fashion background to offer moms online fast and easy fashion advice and beauty tips. Audrey also is the Beauty/Style editor on Lifetime Moms and the co-founder of Daily Dose of Style. You can follow Audrey on Twitter at @AudreyMcClellan.

Today, fashion addict Sarah shares the first post in a series focusing on denim. Perfect for those of us who love and live in jeans (um, that’s all of us, right?), Sarah offers tips on finding the right denim to fit your shape, as well as what to wear once you’ve found your perfect pair of jeans.

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From Sarah:

We’re moms, and it’s fall. Which means we’re wearing jeans. For me, it’s pretty much jeans-and-a-tee-and-a-sweater -- or some variation thereof -- every day until shorts weather comes around again. And even on the rare occasions I have to dress up, barring a family celebration (grandmothers don’t understand dungarees) or a black-tie affair (I wish), I’m still wearing jeans. But decidedly different jeans than the ones I skulk around the ‘burbs in all week.

Confused? You’re not alone. Even a savvy group like the Boston Mamas needs help in the denim department, judging from what I see around town of a weekday morning. But never fear, help is here. I’ll give you the hot scoop on which pair to wear no matter your figure type, budget, or destination.

Fit Your Shape

Before you decide on a trend that you like, make sure it’s one that’s the right cut for your …um, assets. There is absolutely no point in latching onto the skinny trend if you’re bootylicious, or adopting the wide-leg silhouette if you’re five-foot-one. Remember, it’s not chic if it looks horrible on you.

Petite: Select a slim, pencil, cigarette, or cropped jean with a shorter inseam to make your legs look long. A wide-leg jean will make you look as if you borrowed your mommy’s clothes for dress-up. Skinnies can lengthen the appearance of your lower body, whether with a ballet flat or a heeled bootie, although I recommend steering clear of the tucked-into-boots look. Straight trouser jeans are a great way to put together a more sophisticated outfit, especially with tailored toppers like a great jacket or a cardigan with a belt (but please keep any hemline hip-height or shorter so you don’t look like you’re standing in a bucket!).

Curvy: Your goal is to emphasize your curves without knocking people over. There are many cuts designed to hug your hips without gapping at the waist; look for a contoured waistband that rises a little higher in the back to avoid the dreaded whale-tail when you bend over! Straight-leg jeans will work much better with your figure than skinny cuts, which highlight the contrast between a slender ankle and a full thigh. Shy away from cuts that flare too wildly at the hem; you want to add length to your legs, and that is best done with a slight boot-cut that doesn’t cling too tightly to your thighs. Some stretch will caress your curves; too much will make you look like ten pounds of sausage in a five-pound bag. Some distressing can contour your thighs, but not too much! When pairing tops with your jeans, make sure to accentuate your waist with a nipped jacket, empire top, or wide belt. Do NOT wear high boots with jeans tucked in.

Apple-shaped: Latch onto the current look of an a-line top over slim jeans; this will skim your problem areas and highlight your narrow limbs. Please note, large-busted ladies, that full tops could lead to “Oooh, when are you due?” awkwardness; check yourself out in the mirror before buying and choose tops that just graze your ribcage – no gathers!

Tall: Lucky ducks. With legs that go on for miles, your sole focus is on finding hemlines long enough to accommodate your heels, too. Old Navy and the Gap have jeans in longer lengths, as do many of the designer brands (Nordstrom.com’s selection is encyclopedic). You can even out your proportions with tunic tops, boyfriend blazers or long, belted cardigans; feel free to stuff stovepipes into a pair of high boots. But too-tight tapered jeans will make you look stork-ish; choose a straight, wide-leg or slight boot-cut to balance the length of your stems.

Booty-free: Pockets. Focus on the rear pockets. Flaps are your best friends, and the higher the pockets are situated on your bum, the more they will lift it. (And that tip works for all bums!) Trouser jeans may not be your best choice, unless they are equipped with buttoned flaps; wear a top with a cinched waist and some fullness below to add volume to a flat tusche.

Coming Soon: The right pair for the right place: work the trends and shine, anywhere!

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Image credit: from the Gap denim collection.

Davis Square’s bargain retail profile recently kicked it up a notch with the addition of Buffalo Exchange (on the same block as Poor Little Rich Girl and Good Will). Giving national chain a good name, Buffalo Exchange allows for direct sale or trade of used clothing and accessories, and carries both classic pieces (such as the J. Crew print dress I scored for $23.50...sweet!) and quirkier ones. The two-level store currently offers more goods for women (including rows upon rows of shoes downstairs), though there are some racks for men. Laurel loves treasure hunting with me in Davis; she only requests that this and other stores start carrying used kid’s clothing.

Buffalo Exchange, 238 Elm Street, Somerville; 617-629-5383

Last month I guest posted about baby activities in Boston for the lovely ladies behind Rookie Moms. And today I’m thrilled to share some clever craft ideas from Rookie Moms co-founder Whitney Moss. Whitney offers three easy ideas to help you reinvent stained, outgrown, or simply worn out t-shirts. These solutions are perfect for breathing new life into old faves. Make it work.

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1. Make a Quick Newborn Hat

This is a great, fast project, well suited to novice sewers. Select a soft solid or striped t-shirt. Fold shirt in half length-wise. Outline then cut out half of a bunny head shape along the fold, using the bottom hem of the shirt as the hem of your hat. Pin the right sides of the two pieces together and sew along the outline (except for the hat opening). Turn inside out and tie the “ears” together in a top knot. See step by step with photos here.

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2. Stretch the Life of a Favorite Toddler T-Shirt Motif

A well-loved kid’s t-shirt doesn’t last forever, but if your child can’t bear to part with the shirt’s motif – whether it’s a Star Wars logo or a quirky kitty cat -- perform a transplant surgery and preserve the design on a larger shirt. Simply cut out the desired image from the outgrown t-shirt, cut a matching sized piece of fusible webbing, iron your image to the fusible webbing and let it cool, then peel off the paper backing of the fusible webbing and iron the image to your t-shirt. See step by step with photos here.

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3. Embellish Shirt with Shapes and Colors

Felt, contrasting thread, and buttons can transform a plain (or stained) shirt into a charming, personalized shirt. You don’t have to do anything intricate; simply cut desired shapes and sew on with contrasting embroidery thread to create a purposely handmade aesthetic with visible stitching. Try three circles of different colors, each with a button in the center (use a sippy cup held upside down to trace the circle shapes). For a preschooler, the child’s first initial or age is always a hit. When laundering, turn the garment inside out to reduce pilling of the felt.

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For more fun ideas from the Rookie Moms, check out their book, The Rookie Mom's Handbook. And you can read about why I loved this book here.