Just yesterday I suggested rotating your kids' wardrobes. Today, Jennifer offers inspiration to rotate yours as well:

If you're like me, you are just now swapping out the summer clothes for fall, and my fall stuff definitely needed a few fun updates. When Nordstrom Rack opened recently in Burlington (dangerously close to my 'hood; there also are locations in Danvers and Framingham), I was intrigued. I should say that prior to my recent trip, I had never been to a Nordstrom Rack and I rarely go to Nordstrom's or the mall, because I'm a frugal shopper and tend to camp out at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I like to say it's because I am committed to supporting local businesses (their HQ is in Framingham) but it's also because they are just. simply. awesome. stores. I can maximize 10 minutes wedged between a meeting and school pick-up and come out with a great Calvin Klein dress for $49.
But back to Nordstrom's. Here's my take on it -- it's a broader selection of prices than I would normally go for. I just won't pay over $100 for jeans (I think I can trace this back to the 6th grade when my pre-puberty husky-ish physique would not support the holy grail of expensive denim, Jordache). But at Nordstrom Rack I quickly found some good racks of $50'ish and under jeans and cords, some super flirty fun tops for $30'ish, and a small but decent dress section. And some good workout wear too. The shoe department was oh so delectable. No super savings, but a great value for some seriously fabulous shoes.

In my opinion, the accessories section was just so-so...a bit too trendy for me, but the sunglasses "wall" was quite inviting. Rows and rows of sunglasses, and they even offer tips to help you find the right shape for your face. That's a step above and beyond the usual department store.

I found the checkout staff highly efficient and the layout was open and airy...easy to spot stuff across the whole store. I did spot a kid's section, but when I head to Nordstrom's, it's frankly all about me, so I don't have input on the kiddo side of the store!

Overall Nordstrom Rack will serve as a good compliment to my shopping circuit (this particular trip yielded me awesome wine-colored cords for $29). And FYI, if you're up in the Burlington area and have time, you could spend a solid day shopping if you count the Burlington Mall (I do dig Anthropologie and the Lands' End Canvas stuff at Sears -- think frugal J. Crew) and there's also nearby Wayside Commons (helloooo Ann Taylor Loft).

Happy shopping!

Editor's Note: You can also shop the Rack online. While prepping this post, I purchased this red dress (possibility for my sister's wedding in December) and I'm regretting that I didn't add the adorable crusher hat (pictured above) to my order.

Per my previous post, welcome to this new series, in which I'll share everything from events to bargain alerts to other ideas and tips that spring to mind as useful and/or fun for the week. After considerable mulling, I decided to call the series Weekly Blueprint, because I think the name conveys a creative presentation of ideas and plans that are, ultimately, posed for your consideration (vs. including the term "to do," which suggests that I think you must do whatever it is I'm suggesting!). Enjoy, and please do drop me a line if you have suggestions for a future Weekly Blueprint!
October 31: Figure out how to sneak extra layers under your kids' Halloween costumes (long underwear! leggings!). Also, buy candy or other Halloween favors if you have procrastinated as I have.

November 1: Call someone you love and wish them a Happy November. Snap a photo of your kid(s).

By November 1: If this weekend's weather didn't already inspire you to action: procure winter gear. I ordered Laurel's snow bib, jacket, and boots from Lands' End last week and called in to get a priced adjustment when everything went on sale a couple of days ago. They're currently running a 30-50% off outerwear sale. Sweet!

November 1-6: Spread the Halloween wealth. Send candy to the troops (we've done this the past couple of years) or head to Magic Beans for their candy buy back (bring 1 pound+ of candy in exchange for 20% off one toy that day only...I highly recommend the Perplexus if they have it in stock!).

By November 3: Pick up easily lost items (I ordered gloves and hats yesterday) from Old Navy. They are running a 30% off sale until November 3 for cardholders.

November 4-6: Yowza, Christmas is on the horizon. The Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center runs Friday to Sunday and admittedly, mostly I want to see the gingerbread house creations!

November 4-6: Pottery Barn fans will swoon: the PBTeen pop up store arrives at the Natick Mall on Friday. Head over between November 4-6 for giveaways, design exploration, games, and a photo station.

By November 6: Buy one of these killer raffle tickets. Two dollars (or some multiple thereof) will do good + enter you to win a tote valued at $350.

By November 6: Remember that we fall back an hour on Sunday. Oh, darkness.

At your leisure: Browse the Mayor's Holiday Special website for discounted theatre tickets. I'm a big fan of experience-based, usable gifts at the holidays.

At your leisure: Score some off-season deals for yourself. I got some amazing deals at Anthropologie's sale section this weekend; not great for Boston right now, but perfect for my trip to Palm Springs next week.

At your leisure: If you haven't already, it's time to rotate your fast-growing children's clothing. If you have excess, swap with friends, or donate items to local charities such as Room to Grow or Cradles to Crayons. And/or list boxes online with thredUP (and score used gems for your kid).

At your leisure: If you're planning on getting flu shots for your family, book them now. (This reminder comes courtesy of the mom who forgot to take Violet to her flu shot appointment last week.)

Image credit: Lands' End

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).

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

The right bling can instantly upgrade your outfit (and attitude!), and if you love funky jewelry finds, check out Twisted Silver. Offering an impressive collection of unique twists on classics, today Twisted Silver contributes to our online birthday party with their flowery, asymmetrical Diva Necklace. Simply check out the rules after the jump and leave a comment on this product line to enter to win.

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Karen D.!
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Rules:

Include your name and email in the appropriate fields so we can contact you if you win (your name but NOT your email will be published with your comment. Including just first name or first name + last initial is OK.)

One comment permitted per person; US entrants welcome.

Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be discarded.

Entry period closes tonight at midnight EST, Tuesday, July 22, 2008.