Make a Statement (jewelry).

One of the most common questions I get as a Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Blogger is about how to accessorize.  People are always curious about rules / no rules / accessorizing OTT or not?

Well firstly, in my YummoMummo book, the number one rule in fashion is YOU HAVE TO FEEL JOY IN WHAT YOU ARE WEARING! So if you love to accessorize, go to town. If you like to keep it a little more understated, stick with minimal and you will still rock it. 

For me, the "joy" was in these earrings below.... 

I like to wear a statement piece any which way, either dressed casually or decked out in heels. Give me a plaid shirt or a black dress, I think the statement piece still works. 

I love the following combination. It gives me a chance to play with the neon, edgy trend of SS15. I found this necklace, not "supposed" to go with it, but I felt it did. You'll see the beads don't marry in with the earrings but the color does so what is what TIES them together. 

Following I have played with some stacking. It's the same necklace but in two different colors. Stack them alone or pair one with matching earrings. Fun. In the first picture, I could add some simple gold studs if I wanted to keep it simple with the earrings and still tie in the gold.

Following is a great chance to dabble with a SS15 trend. You've heard of the back/front earring? Well, check out the back/front necklace! The left necklace needs an open neck to see the detail and could be paired with some gold leaf earrings for that extra statement or a simple pair of gold studs. The one on the right looks like a pair of headphones. LOL. It had a matching bracelet but it made absolutely no sense when I put it on. I felt ZERO "joy". 

I love the idea of pairing these earrings with the bracelets pictured. $5.99 for a set of 4 (either in all gold OR gold/turquoise. These earrings are SUCH a statement and quite long, they would almost touch a necklace if I was wearing one, so for me, I think these are best worn with the bracelets. 

All pieces are inexpensive at $20 and below. Available at H&M. 

TRY THESE PAIRINGS:

• Statement earrings / statement  bracelet
• Statement necklace / less statement earrings / statement bracelet
• Statement necklace / statement bracelet
• Statement necklace / less statement bracelet
• Statement necklace / statement earrings - especially if you are trying to get dressed up and have a solid color up top to not compete with all the bling!

AND DON'T FORGET: 

• Play with stacking. Stacking necklaces, stacking bracelets for what's known as an 'arm party'.
• Play with the latest trends such as front back earrings, ear jackets, neon colors, front/back necklaces.
• Floral necklace with a striped tee is a lot of fun and a great chance to play with mixing patterns.
• When jewelry tarnishes, try spray painting gold or silver paint. I have done this on less expensive pieces and it's done a treat.
• Don't hang metals on door handles etc, I use wooden hooks. Also don't spray perfume on your neck as it will tarnish the metal, spray on clothes or wrist.

REMEMBER.......

YummoMummo can do wardrobe for YOU! If you need a wardrobe audit, outfit inspirations,  personal shopping or help finding the perfect outfit, then let's make you the Yummo to my Mummo. yummomummomelissa@gmail.com

If you want to keep up with my daily outfit of the day posts (#ootd), follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/yummomummo

For my daily fashionable Facebook antics www.facebook.com/yummomummo

Sales this Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is this weekend, so in my book, that means an extra day for SHOPPING! I had a sneak peek into three stores to give you the dish on some items on sale this weekend.  For those in the Bay Area, I adore Hillsdale Mall, it's my pick of places to take clients shopping.

Old Navy

I know this will surprise some that have seen my accessory collection for themselves, but I have been getting a little bored of what I have (insert gasp). So perhaps I might have to take advantage of this great sale at Old Navy to get myself some fun new pieces.  In fact, the entire store is on sale. Neon's and bright statement pieces are a great *SS15 item. On sale, you'll see everything from necklaces to bracelets, earrings to rings.  

Time to update your look and play with some fun summer sunglasses........

Stay tuned for next week's blog post about what glasses to wear for your face shape!   In the meantime, my 3-year old fashion intern and I found you some fun glasses to try for the summer. There are also far more sensible pairs (but I prefer the fun ones - my fav is top right!)

Below is my latest Old Navy pick this week and I certainly had fun wearing it while trying to harness summer and sunshine to a very unusually grey California week. I first found inspiration from fellow blogger Ask Suzanne Bell, who donned this dress. $22, yes, just $22! Paired with a navy cardigan that day and some white/gold statement earrings. Love the different shades of blues/purples in the dots.

H & M

Want to embellish in some fringe this season. Another *SS15 shout out!  Have some fun playing with  this fun number for only $14.99, this weekend only. 

H&M also have swimwear cover ups on sale and for only $9.95. A print for everyone. Read my post on Yummo Mummo - Swimsuit Edition for more poolside inspiration.

Gap

Gap will have 40% off the entire store. So I think this could be a great chance for you to grab a great staple in anyone's closet - the chambray shirt. Pick your wash and have some fun. Need some inspiration? Read my post on Seven Chambray Shirt Inspirations.

I am off to a White Party to celebrate a friends birthday next weekend and I have a white dress, now for the shoes. I did find these super cute white espadrilles. I love that they are a white vegan leather vs a cloth material that is sure to get stained in a New York minute, as white shoes do so easily.  These babies would be down to $40+ with the 40% off. Looks like a no-brainer, and a fun shoe, for many summers to come! 

* Spring/Summer 2015

Don't forget, YummoMummo can do wardrobe for YOU! If you need a wardrobe audit, outfit inspirations,  personal shopping or help finding the perfect outfit, then let's make you the Yummo to my Mummo. 

If you want to keep up with my daily outfit of the day posts (#ootd), follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/yummomummo

For my daily fashionable Facebook antics www.facebook.com/yummomummo

Leave me a comment below, I love to read them.

Design your own shoes!

Ever wanted to design your own shoes? I wanted to share with you an ah-mazing shoe concept that I know a lot of my girlfriends could totally appreciate. I know that I've, many times, wanted to tweak my shoe to create the perfect pair to complete my outfit. I was sent information about this shoe concept and I just had to share with my readers. And they link back to my Australian roots, now available in the USA, shipping internationally. Head to their site to start designing your own pair, I know you'll be hooked. And what would YummoMummo choose? I'd love the lower wedge. And my straps? I'll take a zebra, a brown woven and a gold, thank you very muchly. 

The Conf3ss range provides four beautifully crafted styles and a vast, colourful assembly of snappy interchangeable straps to create hundreds of different looks in an instant.
With four styles of heels and flats and dozens of designer straps on hand, they represent hundreds of shoes that essentially can fit into a handbag and are also exceedingly comfortable with extra padded lining and therapeutic magnets for extra comfort.

Catering to casual, pandering to playful or glamming it up to go out for dinner, these clever & stylish shoes save time and space at home and whilst traveling.  Never again will anyone agonise over which shoes to take and which to leave behind as well as being able to match shoes with any outfit, mood or personality in an instant.
Conf3ss offers a 365-day money back guarantee and free shipping and return policy with full refunds available according to T&Cs for dissatisfaction, discomfort or incorrect sizing.
RRP $69.95 - $89.95 AUD including 3 sets of straps, free shipping & returns, 365 day warranty.

www.conf3ss.com 

Discliamer : I did not receive product nor money for this post. I was provided the photos and written content. The opening paragraph until the first photo are my own words.

YummoMummo - Swimsuit Edition Part #1

Alright my fashionable friends, you asked for it!  You asked me to talk swimsuits, so may I present to you Part 1, Cover Ups. Be sure to read next week when I show you some of my favorite swimsuit picks for this season as well as what to wear for your body type. As my readers know, I'll be heading to Hawaii this summer to celebrate my lovely husbands big 4-0! So perfect time to put on my swimmers and show you a little YummoMummo styling.  I am showing you four VERY different looks so there should be something for every taste. All cover ups are from Target, so a very affordable fashion item.

The Long Kimono // $24.99 // Duster Kimono Black

 

I love the length of this swimmer kimono in purples, blues and blacks. It is like wearing a super flowy bathrobe. This cover up could also double up as a long kimono over a black sundress - two outfits in one. Love versatility in a piece!  

The ruching in the front is perfect for taming the tummy and mid-section. This swimsuit was gifted and is originally from Boden USA. The color is a deep purple, so fun to play with a color.

The Sarong Wrap // $19.99 // Xhilaration Skirt Black/White Ikat

A black suit is such a great staple and I love how the details of the scalloped criss-cross across the bust gives it that little bit more something. This was gifted and is Anthropologie.

The skirt is actually a sarong wrap that has been made into a skirt so the tying is already done for you, just pull it on! The tribal design will bring you right into SS15 and you can never go wrong with a monochromatic look! So classic.

The Eyelet Dress // $19.99  // Merona Cover Up Sour Cream

I had a lot of fun styling this outfit, as you can see. The cover up is perfect for putting over a wet swimsuit as the eyelets let in a lot of breeze. The tie waist brings it in for a more flattering look. I paired it with my daughters headband from Claire's to add a fun pop and tie the outfit together. 
And what a cute beach bag! Love the colors against the neutral base.

The Crochet Pant // $19.99 // Xhilaration Black Pant

These pants scream FUN! Paired with a black swimsuit, pop them on and head on over to the poolside restaurant for lunch!

WYMWBWTS (What YummoMummo will be wearing this summer)

So these are my two swimsuits I will be wearing this summer. The left is fun, colorful, patterned, ruched, and can convert for strapless wear. The right is completely different in an always flattering black, has a tie waist, and scalloped V.  Two very different pieces. 

Stay tuned for my post next week on everything this season's swimsuits and what to wear for your body type! 

Have you found your summer swimwear? 

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

YummoMummo meets Mox Shoes USA

I wish you could walk a mile in my shoes.  Meet MoxShoes USA.  Originating from Australia (makes me especially proud to be Aussie), these basket-weaved ballet flats are 100% man-made rubber that mold to your feet for pure comfort. It doesn't matter the shape of your foot, Mox Shoes can work for anyone. The weave design is very SS15 (Spring/Summer 2015) and it allows your feet to breath, which is great news for the summer months. And don't forget the weave will also allow you to catch a glimpse of your super cute pedicure.  I can't stress enough how versatile these shoes are. Dress them up for work and throw them on with your bathing suit for the pool. And being waterproof, they are so easy to clean.  I've not taken mine off since they arrived, and want them in every color. I have a feeling you will be seeing Mox shoes on every stylish foot this summer! 

YummoMummo readers can use promo code YUMMOMUMMO at check out to receive 10% off their order. This offer is only valid till May 21st so don't delay if you want this fabulousness on your feet this Spring! www.moxshoes.com

Think of it as a ballet flat met a flip flop and they had a baby. Awww.

I walked the 40 minute round trip to school drop off and pick up last week, and purposely put on my Mox Shoes as they are so comfortable for walking. Imagine how great for women on their feet all day!

Look at the rainbow of fabulous colors // Black // Coral // Blueberry // Platinum // Latte. All $39.99, free introductory offer shipping.

Mox Shoes arrive in this super cute recyclable shopping bag. So you can carry your shopping and look so stylish doing so. 

I interviewed Stacey and Amber who are heading up MoxUSA, to learn a bit more about them and MoxShoes USA........

How was Mox Shoes USA born?

Family of Stacey's friends in Australia started the business in 2011.  When they came to visit Stacey in the USA they brought her a pair and it was love at first wear.  After that, whenever Stacey visited Australia, she would bring them back for Amber and other US friends.  Every time we wore them we always got asked about them and thought the American market would love them just as much as we did.  We approached the Australian company and when they were ready to expand to the USA we were in business.  It was started by a stay at home Mom in Australia, which worked well for Amber and Stacey as well because we were both stay at home moms.  Mox Shoes USA was born in the Spring of 2015.

What is your best piece of style advice?

With being busy Mom's, we want to make sure we can look great on the run as we move from one activity to the next.  Versatility is key for us.  We love outfits that can move you from school pick up, soccer training then onto a date night with the hubby.  Oh, and we love stripes! Our closets are full of striped t-shirts, sweaters and dresses.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself?

1.  It's an all girl show here.  Amber has 2 daughters and Stacey has 3, between us they range from 12 yrs old to 4 months old.

2.  Both of us have ties to Australia.  Stacey is Australian and Amber lived there for a year.  Miss those Aussie beaches and friends!

3. We are fair weather girls.  The warm weather gives us all the opportunities to do the things we love such as hiking, swimming, backyard barbecues and of course sipping some bubbles on a summers evening.

Who is your Mox Shoes USA audience?

Mox shoes are such a versatile shoe that this anywhere shoe appeals to a large clientele. We have customers ranging from as young as 9 to as mature as 75. They are great for women from all walks of life, especially those who are on their feet continually such as teachers, hairdressers, and Mom's. Their cute basket weave pattern and comfort also appeals to tweens as well!

YummoMummo readers can use promo code YUMMOMUMMO at check out to receive 10% off their order. This offer is only valid till May 21st so don't delay if you want this fabulousness on your feet this Spring! www.moxshoes.com

All photos and written content are property of YummoMummo. Disclaimer : I was gifted one pair of Mox Shoes. YummoMummo receives a percentage of the sale through click-through to purchase. 

MORE Lights, Camera, Style! X

I have continued to have an absolute ball working with the uber talented and stylish Amber Harrison, Style and Trend Expert of Wedding Paper Divas, a division of Shutterfly.
It's not uncommon to find her in front of the camera, whether it be at media events or in her latest ongoing project, filming short videos that focus on wedding tips called "Small Talk, Big Day".
So my job is to help this lady look even more fabulous! As I have said before, Amber is one of my top five stylish Mumma's, but she has zero time, so she looks to me to support her in putting together outfits for the camera. So I wanted to give you another behind the scenes glimpse on working with the wonderful lady since my last post featuring Amber, titled Lights, Camera, Style.
You can click through to the videos at the end to see Amber in action and get some ah-mazing wedding tips for your own big day. The videos are also available at the Wedding Paper Diva's channel of You Tube HERE OR through www.smalltalkbigday.com

I adore this dress, especially the color! The tapered cuffs are just so cute, with the perfect amount of billow. Paired with a gold belt and a fabulous statement necklace.

Above is the set we are working with, where all the magic of Small Talk, Big Day takes place. We need to work with the design and colors to compliment in what she wears on set. Multiple locations are used whether it be sitting on that incredible pink lounger, standing at the desk or sitting in front of  the laptop. What FUN!

Love the design of this blouse and the black and white colors compliment the colors in the set. It's paired with a fabulous black tulle skirt!

The circular shapes in her statement necklace match the long sleeves of her sweater.  And check out that set wall - circular!
If you want YummoMummo in your wardrobe for style and inspiration,  go to my 'Work with me' page.

Want to see the full video? They run under 2 minutes each. 

Social Media Ettiqutte for Weddings

If you are watching from a mobile device, click HERE

Mailing Wedding Invitations - Tips and Advice

If you are watching from a mobile device, click HERE

What is your favorite outfit combination?

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

Yummo Kimono x

I see the oh so wonderful Kimono as comfort clothing. Much like a cozy bathrobe.  As summer approaches, I am seeing so many kimono's online and in stores. If you follow me on Polyvore (my profile link HERE), you will see some sets I have put together for inspirations on how to incorporate a fun kimono into your own wardrobe. Also, go to my Polyvore profile for pricing & details. There are different kimono lengths and trims such as black thick trim in the first set and fringing in others - another fun SS15 trend. One note on fringing - follow washing directions to the letter so the fringing does not fray - take it from from someone who learnt the hard way.

Kimono Inspiration #1

High waisted shorts are huge for SS15 which I am happy to see. I expect to see them continue into high-waisted pants for the Fall, let's see if my prediction is right! I have mixed some patterns here with the stripes and floral as well as adding some versatility in the earrings by choosing fun front/back earrings. Pop in some gold flats for a little bling.

Kimono Inspiration #2

This just screams Hawaii. And I know a certain YummoMummo who is heading there to celebrate her awesome husbands 40th birthday this summer. The above combination is very flowy and fancy free. The braiding in the sandal is so SS15.  Insert cocktail into hand to complete this uber comfortable look.

Kimono Inspiration #3

Imagine this fun set for a lunch with the girls. Some champagne colors to match your champagne in hand! 

Kimono Inspiration #4

Ready to hit the Sunday markets in this fun set. Again, high waisted shorts set the SS15 scene, and paired with the red shoes which is flattering to the eye with this streamlined look. The slogan top is a great reminder to live life to the fullest, we all need a reminder some days.  I love the painted bracelet that pulls the black and white colors and compliments a pop of color in the red.

What is your favorite outfit combination?

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

Shoe-spiration

The story goes a little something like this - I went to buy some black ballet flats, and in true YummoMummo fashion, I walked out with a beautifully fun pair of striped flats! Ballet flats with a bit of funk? Yes please! 

I think that a striped shoe can really finish off an outfit with a little something extra. I wanted to show you some outfit inspirations wearing these fantastically fabulous striped flats. 

Women's Ona Scrunch Ballet Flat // $14 // Target HERE 

Black Pants // gifted

Stripe shirt // Nordstrom Rack // past season

Women's Ona Scrunch Ballet Flat  // $14 // Target HERE

Jeans // NYDJ // past season

Black tunic // H&M // past season

Women's Ona Scrunch Ballet Flat // $14 // Target HERE

Black Skirt // Nordstrom Rack // past season

Black Singlet // H&M // past season

Women's Ona Scrunch Ballet Flat // $14 // Target HERE

Gap 1969 Girlfriend Jeans // $69.95 // current HERE

Orange Jacket // Zara // past season

White T-shirt // past season

What is your favorite outfit combination?

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

***I am not a trained photographer, and not trained in how to pose in photos. In being truly authentic, I have used my own clothes and myself in the photos. Enjoy*** 

Jump(suit)ing for joy !

I have hit three trends for SS15 in this post. Those being - tribal print, jumpsuits and fringe accessories!
I am a mama on a budget, a lot like everyone else, and I love to look for fun outfits that won't break the bank but will let me shake up my style and play around with fashion trends.
Jumpsuits were huge last Spring/Summer and I am thrilled to see them back again. This time you will see them strapless and in more daring prints, like floral and in bell bottoms. I read a wonderful post recently by a fabulous blog I follow called AskSuzanneBell www.asksuzannebell.com. For a link to this post, click HERE where you can read about different ways she has styled jumpsuits including different shoes to wear!

I love the design of this jumpsuit. The cinched waist is my favorite part as I like how it pulls me in at all the correct places for delicious juicy pear shapes. This jumpsuit is so  comfortable, I want to wear it to bed!

The only burst of color on this little number is the bright red lipstick I so adore! Marshalls is a fabulous place to hunt for designer labels at ah-mazing prices. By pairing my Marshall's buy with some items from my own wardrobe (chandelier earrings and wedges), I got this fabulousness for $65! Yes, $65! 
Jumpsuit $30 // Fringed Cross Body Bag $35

Fringed cross body bag // $35 // Marshalls

LOOK! Pockets. It's the simple things that can make an outfit awesome. The tribal print is a SS15 trend. For more on YummoMummo's 2015 trend suggestions, click HERE

Besides the fabulously fringed bag, might I suggest switching things up a bit with a black felt hat or some fun cheetah sunglasses to add some more fabric/pattern to the mix. FUN!

Black felt hat // Fall purchase at H&M // $25

Cheetah print sunglasses // Payless shoes // $8

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

***I am not a trained photographer, and not trained in how to pose in photos. In being truly authentic, I have used my own clothes and myself in the photos. Enjoy*** 

Maxi dress (12 x the) fun!

If you have been following my blog, you will know how I LOVE to dive into my wardrobe and bring you inspirations on simple outfits. Here I have taken two easy wear and care summer dresses, in two different colors, and shown you how you can accessorize them to create TWELVE outfits. It is ah-mazing how easily you can transform a simple dress by adding some fun accessories.  I recently posted about chambray shirt inspirations HERE. 

Who's ready for summer?

Same dress - different colors. 

#1 - Denim jacket and string of pearls.

#2 - Plaid shirt and wooden beads.

#3 -  White jacket, string of pearls and a simple ponytail.

#4 - Blue top, belted and wooden beads.

              #5 - Chambray shirt and summer fedora.

#6 - Belted with a summer fedora.

#7- Tied at the waist with a plaid shirt.

#8- Orange stripe top and brown beads.

#9 Lace long sleeve top with stacked flower embellished pearls. Shout out to my incredibly patient photo bomber! 

#10 - Sleeveless shearling vest and statement collar necklace.

#11 - Sleeveless denim vest, cream beaded necklace and summer fedora.

#12 - simply belted with cream beaded statement necklace.

What's your fav? 

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

I am not a trained photographer, and not trained in how to pose in photos. In being truly authentic, I have used my own clothes and myself in the photos. Enjoy.