Miss America

So, a week from tomorrow is the 4th of July!  I bet, if you have kids, you have their attire chosen, right?  What about you? Are you ready to rock the red, white, and blue?  If not, I have some help!

As Tara always says, "Red, white, and blue looks great on everyone!", so this should be easy and fun!  I know around here it is always burning up and the thought of anything but a swimsuit touching you sounds pretty miserable. So here are my tips:

1.  Wear a loose top or dress.  Nothing tight, it will make you miserable!
2.  Don't be afraid to look like the flag :)....we are proud Americans, wear your red, white, and blue proudly!
3.  Don't be afraid to mix your blues.  Royal, navy, and turquoise all work together when done right.

I have been shocked this year at all the options for the 4th. I always look for and get my outfits early in the summer because it always usually gone by now.  There is still so much out there!

So, here are tons of options for yall - I tried to keep it to affordable and things that if you need to order, can get to you quick (Old Navy and Gap are our friends :))...

So let's look at tops!  If you are willing to brave the heat, the blue skinnies I mentioned in my must haves (or white ones!) would look adorable with all of these.  Otherwise, add some shorts and your metallic sandals and you are good to go (don't forget the accessories)!!  

First red tops - there are not as many red tops EVER (spoken from a Razorback fan that just wants a closet full of red :)), but here are quite a few.  As I mentioned, I like to wear looser tops when it is burning up, so these should be.  If you are worried they will not be loose enough, go one size up and wear a tank under neath...warning - I am obsessing over stripes right now :)

From left to right, top to bottom...
Gap
Old Navy
Gap
JC Penney
Old Navy

Now blue tops - many more!! Add red bottoms and voila!!

Two big pics - JC Penneys ( I have the first one)
The left column of pis, top to bottom:
Gap
Impressions
Gap
Gap
Bottom three:
Gap
Old Navy
Gap

One thing I did not get pics of is the awesome vintage v necks at Old Navy!  They have all colors and are very versatile (and cheap) - I own many and wear them all the time - look at those too in red and blue.

Here are a couple really cute cardis and shorts from Old Navy - note: the 5in shorts at Old Navy are the perfect length if you are looking for a short that is not too short, but still want a short that does not go to your knees.  How cute are those navy sailboat ones!???

Want to wear a dress? Here are some dress ideas - That navy maxi would be PERFECT with some big necklaces! All of these from Old Navy as well!  That red and blue stripe one is darling!

I found a new boutique online yesterday via Twitter (thanks Erin!) and they had a couple really cute tops available that were pretty reasonably priced - I love that red and white striped one! Go check out Blithe Boutique!!  It looks right up this Suburban Strutters alley :)

Okay - that takes care of your top and bottoms!

You cannot forget your accessories!!  Here are a few necklaces that I found...like I said, layer on different colors of blue.  I love turquoise with navy especially! One more way to wear the turquoise necklace I said you must have :)...I like bracelets - but honestly don't wear them a lot because I end up taking them off or Bree ends up wearing them :)....

The blue ones are from Impressions, the red from Bridier Baubles.  Here are a couple more links to many more options for your patriotic gear:
Charming Charlie's red accessories
Charming Charlie's blue accessories
Sam Moon blue accessories
Sam Moon red accessories

Another place to look - check out the new album RiffRaff just posted, it is so fun.  There may not be much left, but go get you some ideas at least - these girls are adorable :)...oh and they put me together some fabulous red, white, and blue Lily and Laura bracelet sets that are perfect!!

We have a couple events this year where I will need my patriotic attire and we will be spending the 4th at the beach - so I will be wearing the navy and white Penney's top with khaki shorts and that Bridier red necklace.  I have a red and white chevron top I will be wearing with my turquoise necklace and denim shorts.  Last, I am wearing a navy maxi layered up with red and blue necklaces and probably a red and white fedora :).  Today I am wearing blue and white and it would work perfect for the 4th - the top is actually a cover up I found, where else, but Old Navy :)...the fabulous necklace came from RiffRaff!

Let me know if  you need any help finding something!  Please send me pics if you get any of these fun options - I want to know how they fit :).  Last - let me know if you need help finding your littles something to wear - I have seen tons of cute stuff!!

One last thing, another SS Rule :) - yall tell me if this working for you!  Need more information in my posts? Want me to present it differently - yall have to tell me!! :)

My Top Five Summer Items

So if y'all feel like me, you get so overwhelmed when you read in mags and online the list of "Must Haves" for that season...and a pair of combat boots or floral tight pants are on that list. Good Lord help me, those are not what I am going to run out and buy! Or right now, a neon dress with cut outs on the waist line might show up. I don't know about y'all, but I might scare young children in one of those dresses. Even if I could rock one, I would still feel silly when Owen asks me "Mama, why are there holes in your dress?". No hating on the young chicas that wear those dresses and I truly enjoy creeping on your Facebook pics, whilst dreaming of my Pre- baby days :).

The thing is, when we go shopping, it can be intimidating and it would be helpful to have a list of "must haves". I am not an expert, and I am sure some would not agree with me, but I have a list of things that are my "must haves" that could maybe help you out.

I will throw a rule out every once in awhile on this blog and to be a Suburban Strutter you will have to follow (there will be an oath eventually ;) ) said rules. Today's rule: quit being so serious. This stuff is about as serious as you are when you walk in Target saying you are just grabbing a gift. I don't take myself so seriously, this is all in fun and an effort to make you feel better about yourself and it rub off on other women (and girls).

So what are Rachel's must haves? Well, I am so glad you asked!;)

1. Turquoise statement necklace

Bright colored, "costume" jewelry is all the rage right now. It can be intimidating to go to a store or website and see a fabulous necklace style, and it be in 15 different colors. At $30 a pop, going ahead and buying your three favorite colors, is not the best option.  My advice is to invest in the turquoise in your FAVORITE style. Hear me out...

Turquoise is the most universal color of the summer. One can wear it with both black and brown, both royal and navy, both pink and red, and all the neons. It pretty much matches everything! Turquoise statement necklaces look great with dresses and t-shirts. You can take a plain top or dress that you just threw on, add a turquoise necklace and it will take it up a notch! For example:

Take any of these fabulous necklaces....

 1. Bridier Baubles
2. Riff Raff
3. Search "J Crew Bubble Necklace" on eBay - you will thank me when you go check out the price of the actual :)

And wear them with any top/dress and you will have instant style on an ordinary outfit. See how I did (and a few polyvores :))!

The best part about these necklaces is that they can be the only turquoise you have on and look fabulous!  If you really want to earn your fashion cred - wear a turquoise necklace with no other in your outfit (who knew fashion could be so gang-like :))) HA!).  As you can see, I wear mine really dressed up and really dressed down (like today, top right corner with a t-shirt).  The top middle (with my handsome), I wore one with a long dress to a formal event.  Leave me a comment if you want specifics on any of these outfits that I am wearing.  Make sure and leave your email for me to reply!

2. Comfortable, but well fitted, black maxi dress

I am a lover of maxi dresses. They can be worn to work, church, or even over a swimsuit. To me, it is the easiest thing to throw on year round. In the summer, a good maxi dress can make an un-showered, just rolled out of bed women look put together and stylish. My favorite one in my closet and the one I could not live without is my plain, black one (from WM two years ago!).

Why black? There are very few accessories that look bad with a black maxi dress. It is like a blank canvas and can be the most versatile piece in your closet. You could wear it once a week (I do!) with different jewelry and accessories and it will look different every time. It is very important that you feel comfortable in it and you feel it is flattering on you. To me, this piece of clothing is my go to on my days I am rushed or just don't feel like thinking too hard on my outfit, so I have to actually enjoy wearing it. Here are some examples of great black maxis and different ways to wear it...also remember, a black maxi is the perfect outfit to try new head gear and hats (turbans, headbands etc):

1. Target
2. Target
3. Old Navy
4. Gap

Each of the below items could be worn with of these maxis individually, add some jewelry and flat sandals and VOILA - instant outfit!

1. Denim white or blue jean jacket is the my favorite with it!
2. Scarves look chic year round!
3. Love me a fedora!
4. Colorful cardigan is always a winner

Guess what? All of these things and and in other colors are on Old Navy online!

3. Hoop earrings, gold and silver

Now, as I mentioned before, costume jewelry is a hot trend right now, especially necklaces. Now, a good rule of thumb has always been if you wear a big necklace, wear small or toned down earrings, and vice versa. I never leave the house without earrings, but I do try to follow this rule. My answer to it is a pair of hoop earrings. I own many pairs of thin hoops, in many sizes, in both gold and silver. These are perfect when you are wearing that gorgeous, loud necklace. The hoops will peek out of your hair just enough to make you look and feel put together. I like to wear the metallics because I am usually wearing a colored necklace and like to add the matching metal and the shine. The best part about hoops is that they are super affordable!! The hardest part is not walking out with one gold and one silver :)....here are some great examples...

All of these can be found at Forever 21! Super cheap!

4. Colored Blue Jeans

Colored jeans are what all the cool girls are wearing! If you have been looking at Pinterest and all the fabulous fashion blogs, I am sure you have seen young, skinny hottie totties rocking some super fabulous and tight bright colored skinnies. If you are like me, you may have had (or are having) small panic attacks regarding putting your booty in these colored, might as well put a big sign across my thighs, pants. Rest assured, you can get on this trend and not feel completely ridiculous or like you are dressing too young. Take these baby steps with me...

Try a pair of the blue colored jeans. For example:

I found these at JC Penney online here,

NOTE: I have not tried them on myself.  My favorite colored blue skinnies came from Old Navy and they did not have them online right now.  Check their first and get one size bigger - bummer I know, but your hips will thank you - unless you love a muffin top :)))

Here is why they work: they are blue! Just like your trusty blue jeans you have worn all your life, these will go with practically anything. It is like wearing regular jeans, the color is just amped up a bit. Therefore you will look chic and trendy but not feel like a wannabe. I wear mine all the time - here are two different ways I wore them.  My favorite way, but I do not have a pic, is with a long black top, orange or red necklaces, and black wedges.  These will also be great for the 4th of July!

5. Pair of metallic sandals

So we are women. We love pretty shoes. I love me some fabulous heels or trendy wedges and own more pairs than I should. Wedges and heels are some of the most fun things to buy. But unless you are one of those super women and have major joy in wearing them, they probably sit in your closet collecting dust until you get a date night or a girls night out....leaving your trusty flip flops to be worn every day. Now I am not hating on flops, they are necessity, but there is a time for them. What you need is a fabulous pair of metallic sandals!

Metallic sandals are our answer to fancy shoes in everyday wear. I wear mine almost everyday with almost every outfit. Just like the hoops, the metallic matches everything and adds some shine and glam. They can be worn with cut offs, maxis, sundresses, and skinnies. Think about the times when you want to wear a wedge or heel, but cannot imagine clomping around through the grocery store, hauling kids and a full car - instead throw these on!  You will look put together and finished.  These are definitely a staple for summer! Here are some great examples:

These are pairs I wear everyday - Sam Edelman you can find here, but they are a little pricey and I got them on sale at the end of summer last year.

Here are some more affordable examples from trusty ole Target...

So there you have my top five items you need right now! Do you have yours? Please send me pics if you go get these or try something you already have in a different way!


Happy shopping and have a great weekend!!

Suburban Strutting Dreams

Welcome to my newest creation "Suburban Strut".  You are probably asking yourself, "What in the world is this?" and I hope you read "Strut" as that and not as the other word that starts with an S and ends with "ut".

Ahem.

Let me tell you all about this fun, new adventure for me.

Yall probably know me as the mama over at Footballs and Crowns.  If not, go check it out, I heard the kids are adorable :).  I am a working mother of three fun kids, Claire who is 8, Owen, almost 6, and Bree, almost 3.  We live a very busy life and thank our Lord everyday for it.  My husband Shane is a hottie and my favorite :).  My blog there is all about our family, our crazy life and anything else that is running through my mind that day....and a gazillion pics.

While writing blogs at Footballs and Crowns, I did write a few that pertained to fashion or our self image and   seeing ourselves as the beautiful women the Lord created us to be.  You can read my favorite here.  I realized with these posts that there were so many other women out there struggling like me with their self image and so many wanted to feel better. I was shocked by the response and felt then that the Lord was telling me to take a step further. This scared the crap out of me.

So then came Instagram.  I started Instagram-ming over a year ago and I love it.  I feel so much more free there and post outfit pics and pics of "just me" all the time.  The many comments I receive from yall asking where I got this necklace or this pair of pants or just telling me you need help wearing the same things, started really talking to me. There was the Lord again telling me to so something.

Surely, I was not being called to do a "Fashion Blog"??!! I am no little girl or twenty something and I certainly don't have the bank account as the other fashion bloggers I daily swoon over.  I mean my highly fashionable sister Tara over at Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes is my personal stylist :).  Surely Lord, you aren't telling me that this is what I need to do??

I started praying and I realized that I didn't need to start a "fashion blog".  I needed to start a "Realistic Style and Fashion Blog for Moms and other women like me".

Now first let me tell you, I am a fashion blog junkie. I LOVE THEM!! I daily scour Pinterest for new blogs and outfits to obsess over. I love me a good outfit and I LOVE to transform them to fit my size 12 on a  very good day frame as well as make mother appropriate.  If I was younger, thinner, and had more cashola, trust me I would be wearing the same as I see on these bloggers.  The thing is I am not intimidated by fashion and I truly enjoy personalizing it for me.  So....why not do it for yall too??!!

And like that, Suburban Strut was born!

"Walking through motherhood, the neighborhood, and the grocery store fabulously!".

So here is it is ladies:

We can look good everyday.  When you look good, you feel good.  Through this blog, I am going to show yall how you can be in style effortlessly and practically.  Yall know that I run around all day and I don't have time for my boobs to fall out of my shirt or my crack to peek out the back of my skinnies.  So trust me when I tell you that I know how you feel.  We can do this the right way and without breaking the bank.  Every trend can be customized to our busy lifestyles and there is no reason we have to wear our husbands shirts and yoga pants everyday.  No matter what size or where you are all day, you should always feel confident that you are rocking what the Lord gave you.  If not just for you, but to be a better example to all the other women around you, and if you have kids, to them too!!!

I am going to show you easy outfits to wear for all occasions as well show you how you can take any trend and wear it without feeling like an idiot.  I plan to also take requests from yall.  See a pinterest outfit that you want customized to you and your lifestyle, send it to me and I will do exactly that.  We will talk accessories, clothes for you and here is the fun part, clothes for your little ones too!! I love fashion for myself, but I love dressing my kids EVEN MORE!

This blog will be always fun, pretty, and encouraging!  I want your feedback and comments!!  Please feel free to ask me anything and give me ideas!!  This is all just in the beginning stages and I am so excited to be able to help anyone.  I am not an expert in fashion. I am just a young mom determined to feel confident and look it everyday.  We have only one life here, let's not waste it worrying what others will think and strut it where we can.

Alright, what do yall think......and go!