StyleBakeryMom - stylish finds for moms & little ones

Summer packing essential: swim coverups

2013-05-21T05:00:10Z

With the three-day weekend coming and the heat, you might be getting ready to go poolside or hit the sandy beach. Be prepared to pack your weekend bag with all summer essentials including a swim coverup. From fancy caftans with embellished beading to simple striped jersey dresses, you can pick a swim coverup that matches your personality from glamourous to simple or that matches your destination from the Hamptons to Malibu because packing what you're going to wear on vacation is half the fun.

Roxy Beach Blanket Coverup Dress $48.00 - Dillard's

Splendid Marcel Striped Coverup Tank Dress $93.00 - Neiman Marcus

Trina Turk Aquarius Kimono-Sleeve Coverup Tunic $154.00 - Dillard's

Gianni Bini Swim Embroidered Tunic Coverup $89.00 - Dillard's

Xhilaration® Stripe Ruffle Tube Swim Coverup Dress -Multicolor $17.99 - Target

Lagoon Dolman Sleeve Coverup $68.00 - White House

Boho Bliss Swim Coverup Dress $54.00 - Roxy

6 Shore Road Kuna Beaded Coverup $138.00 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Post-partum shapewear for new moms

2013-05-21T05:00:00Z

When asked how she got back into pre-baby shape so quickly, Jessica Alba recently told magazines her secret was wearing a corset non-stop for the first three months after her baby was born. While some think this sounds a little extreme (and painful), lighter and more comfortable post-partum shapewear is exponentially increasing in popularity. For a little extra support as the abdomen shrinks or for full-on girdle-like shaping to, there are dozens of popular products on the market now to give new moms a little extra help to bounce back quickly. Do they work? Reviews seem to be mixed. Still, a little extra support can't be a bad thing.

Shrinkx Hips Ultra Post Natal Compression Belt, $58, diapers.com

Belly Bandit Post Pregnancy Girdle, $66, nordstrom.com

Wink Ultimate Belly and Hip Shaper, $55, winkshapewear.com
Gabrialla Postpartum/Post C-Section Girdle, $59-$66, target.com

Stretch Fabric Post Partum Support Belt, $25, destinationmaternity.com

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Support Nursing Tank, $80, nordstrom.com

Summer fun must-have: Zoku Slushie Maker

2013-05-20T05:00:10Z

Summer is on the horizon which means its time for you to start coming up with some plans for summer fun. It's going to be hot so why not cool off with a homemade treat? The new Zoku Slush and Shake Maker makes milkshakes and slushies in seven minutes or less by just mixing the frozen inner core with your liquid of choice like juice, coffee, chocolate milk, and ice cream and soda. Available in four different colors, it's probably best to get one for each member of the family so no-one will have to share their yummy treats when it's time to cool off this summer season.

Zoku Slush and Shake Maker, $19.95, at williams-sonoma.com

Memorial Day pride in red, white and blue

2013-05-20T05:00:10Z

We've all been shopping long enough to know that if you don't get your red, white and blue now, there won't be any left come July when you really want to wear it. My advice is to start early and get your stars and stripes now so you can wear it this weekend for Memorial Day and also wear it on the Fourth of July and anytime in between. There's nothing sweeter than showing the love of your country by wearing its colors proudly!

"USA" printed t-shirt $19.99 - Mango

AWAKE Flag Graphic Tee $38.00 - Lord & Taylor

Women's Printed Canvas Espadrilles $19.94 - Old Navy

So zori american flag flip-flops $5.00 - Kohl's

FOREVER 21 American Flag High-Low Tee $14.80 - Forever 21

Women's Gauze Flag-Print Scarves $16.94 - Old Navy

Flag Down Your Ride Dress $109.99 - ModCloth

Tory Burch Ahoy Heart Flag Post Earring $88.00 - Tory Burch

UO Flag iPhone 5 Case $16.00 - Urban Outfitters

Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Top, Sleeveless Flag-Print Halter $59.50 - Macy's

Get colored in summer ombre

2013-05-17T05:00:10Z

Summer is only a month away and already it's heating up outside. It's time to shed the black and grey in every way and get a whole lot of color going on in your summer wardrobe and jump on the ombre trend. Going from orange to a deep mauve has never looked prettier than on a maxi dress or a scarf that is soft yellow and fades to olive will look fantastic paired with white jeans for the summer season.

FOREVER 21 Ombré Layered Maxi Skirt $27.80 - Forever 21

Women's Tube Maxi Dresses $29.94 - Old Navy

Motel The Maude Ombre Midi Dress in Rust $68.00 - Karmaloop

Message ombré t-shirt $24.99 - Mango

Kelly & Katie Straw Ombre Tote $39.95 - DSW

Ombré Pant $79.50 - Victoria's Secret

Women's Lightweight Ombre-Fringe Scarves $16.94 - Old Navy

Fun fashion: photo real prints

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

There's just something about summertime that practically begs most of us to try new things fashion-wise. Prints and bright colors we would shun the rest of the year seem fun and doable the minute June rolls around. For those of us who are this adventurous type, absolutely nothing says "summer fun" like the season's new photo real prints. From clothing to accessories, from budget brands to high-end designers, vacation-worthy photos are finding their way onto all sorts of styles. It's a little like vintage surf shop Hobie for the 21st Century. Work appropriate? Probably not, but it's hard not to have fun getting in on this trend in some small way.

Juicy Couture Wave Print Clutch, $78, shopbop.com

Olsenboye Photo Real Print Tote, $30, jcp.com

Rory Beca Bogs Silk Henley, $209, piperlime.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese Quotation Blouse, $134 (sale), bloomingdales.com

Photo Graphic Tank, $25, americaneagle.com

Sunset Graphic Monokini, $25, forever21.com

Isaac Mizrahi Live! Photo Reel Ocean Scene Scarf, $29, qvc.com

Diaper bag essentials for the mom on the move

2013-05-16T05:00:10Z

We've all been there...you pack up all the kids and the baby and check the house three times to make sure you have everything before you head out for the day, only to remember that you forgot to pack the baby's toys, your toddler's special snack and your oldest one's bathing suit because you're going to the water park. Ugh! As a busy mom, it's nearly impossible to remember to pack everything all the time. Things that you don't need seem to find their way into your diaper bag and the items you really DO need, never seem to make their way back in. While it would be nice to be organized and have two or three spare bags all lined up and ready to go at a moment's notice, chances are...it's not going to happen.

Now, when I know I'm going to be out the whole day, I pack the diaper bag the night before and make a mental note of the top five items the baby and kids will need while we're gone. It helps to cut down on last minute stress and forgetting essential items like diapers and wipes because you know if you don't pack them, they will inevitably need them. Here's a quick checklist of my favorite essentials that keep baby happy (and mom too) so everyone can enjoy their time away from home.

Diapers are probably the most important item with which to keep your bag stocked. I also keep my car stocked with them as a backup, just in case I didn't restock my bag. After my first baby, I decided that one can never have too many stacks of diapers because chances are, they will eventually get used. However, one thing I don't like, is leaky diapers that move as the baby moves. If she shimmies too much in her car seat, it can create a leaky diaper and leaves a whole new mess for us to clean up on our big days out. That's why I'm loving the new Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers because they hug her shape without being too tight and prevent unnecessary leaks. In fact, last time we went to the store, I bought a whole pack just to leave in the car because you never know when nature will call. Don't forget to pack the wipes too!

So sometimes there is a little mishap with the diaper situation (especially with newborn babies), a spare change of clothes is always in order. For girls, the best thing is to carry a spare pair of leggings and a t-shirt and for boys, a onesie and pants will get you through the rest of the day. I carry my spare clothes in a Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened Bag, $18.99, so I can immediately put the wet clothes in the bag and seal it so it doesn't get the other items in the diaper bag wet. It also keeps the dry clothes free from crumbs and crayon marks while in the diaper bag. The Wet Happened bag is also great for bathing suits and other items that may get wet while you're out.

Babies, toddlers and kids can't seem to go anywhere without being hungry. I think sitting in the car reminds them that they want a snack. And another snack...and another. My kids are constantly eating so therefore, we don't leave the house without a diaper bag full of snacks. While newborn babies need to have either mom close by with her Hooter Hider, $30.44, or their bottles and formula packed in the diaper bag, babies and toddlers that are older can snack on other snack items to get them through to their next meal. I'm a huge fan of the pouch trend and throw several in the diaper bag to get us through a long day. The baby's favorite is Ella's Kitchen, $11.52 for a 7 pack, which mixes everything from pumpkin and parsnips to apples and pears together in one pouch. Along with the pouches, don't forget to bring one of the handy click-on spoons for easy eating on the go, Munchkin Click Lock Food Pouch Spoon, $4.49. Once finger foods are introduced, a Munchkin Snack Catcher, $7.49 for a 4 pack, is essential to avoid Cheerios and Goldfish crackers all over your car floor.

There have been plenty of times where the only toys available for me to give the baby were not really toys. My lipgloss, a pouch of Kleenex, my wallet or my iPhone. I learned my lesson after the last episode that required me to clean smeared lipgloss and baby drool off my precious iPhone. Now I try to keep a few toys and books in the diaper bag for entertainment. My favorite item to bring for babies and toddlers are the Jellycat Soft Books, $16, which are readable, touchable and fun. They are also easily packable because you can bend and fold them if you need to. For teething babies, you can't go wrong with the Sophie the Giraffe Teething Ring, $14.50, and music is always soothing for babies and toddlers with the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes, $8.99. As your baby grows, you'll definitely find that they have toys they prefer to take with them more than others which is fine as long as it still fits in your bag.

Of course, you can't be prepared for every situation but as a busy mom on-the-go, you can sure try your best. Just be sure that you're actually able to carry your diaper bag and the baby without hurting your back because then nobody will be going anywhere!

The ultimate test for Huggies® diapers & wipes is in real life - from messy first birthday parties to playground playdates. Put the new and improved products, including Huggies® Snug & Dry Diapers with NEW SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care® Wipes with Triple Clean Layers, to the test in and out of the nursery. Become an Official Huggies® Tester at Huggies.com/Tester.

Gingham prints go chic this season

2013-05-16T05:00:00Z

In the world of prints, gingham evokes some pretty heavy love and hate. Generally speaking, we either love the country inspiration of it or loathe it for the same reason. In a season where prints are everything, gingham has appeared in force for spring and summer. Oddly enough, many of us who count ourselves in the "loathe" category are warming up to gingham just a bit. In novel colors, varying scale and on very updated clothing designs, the colorful check looks fresh and a little upscale rather than down-on-the-farm. Check out the styles featured below. You may find yourself actually smitten with gingham.

Multi Gingham Shrunken Boy Shirt, $45 (sale), cwonder.com

Splendid Seamless A-Line Maternity Shirt, $105, apeainthepod.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Stacey Gingham Scarf, $138, neimanmarcus.com

Gingham Fit and Flare Dress, $128, nordstrom.com

Mimosa Skirt, $98, lillypulitzer.com

Caslon Clean-Front Five-Inch Shorts, $42.50, nordstrom.com

Halter Maternity One-Piece, $40, motherhood.com

Face the sun head on with a stylish hat

2013-05-15T05:00:10Z

Now that we're all actually aware of the damage the sun can do to our skin over time, it's silly not to be prepared and protected for long days in the sun. Be prepared wherever your summer days may take you with a stylish sun hat that will protect your face from getting more wrinkles and sun spots from direct sunlight. From bright stripes to simple straw hats, there's a hat for every style.

O'neill Sunset Straw Hat $34.00 - Swell

Hmixy $32.00 - Steve Madden

FOREVER 21 Colorblocked Straw Sun Hat $12.80 - Forever 21

Billabong Cabana Straw Sun Hat $28.00 - Swell

Women's Crochet-Straw Sun Hats $16.94 - Old Navy

Lauren Ralph Lauren Hat, Straw Sun $45.00 - Macy's

Tarnish Straw & Fabric Sun Hat $28.00 - Nordstrom

BCBGeneration Pop Stripe Floppy Sun Hat $36.00 - Nordstrom

Making Legos last longer with Pleygo

2013-05-14T05:00:10Z

If you have kids, then you probably have Legos in your house. Tons of Legos. However, once the project is built sometimes the kids are done with the Legos and want to move on to the next set. Problem is: they're expensive and take hours to build. Pleygo is a new rental and sharing service for Legos that allows you and your kids to build a wish list of the sets you want to build and they soon show up on your doorstep for unlimited playtime fun. There are currently two plans for the service, option one is $14.99 per month and you get one set at a time and can return at anytime or option two is $9.99 per set you order and you can have it for four weeks before returning. When you are ready to return, you just drop it into the pre-paid postage envelope and wait for your next set to come in the mail. As a Pleygo member, you can also earn "points" to swap for Lego sets by sending in any unused Lego sets you may already have (think...the same two sets they got for the holidays that can't be returned). New sets are being added every day and includes the popular Lego Friends sets, Lego Star Wars sets and even Lego Duplo sets. For more information on how to sign-up visit, www.pleygo.com.

Pleygo Lego Subscription Service, $9.99-$14.99 per month, at pleygo.com

Easy accessorizing: stack rings

2013-05-14T05:00:00Z

As much as we all love our cocktail rings, stacks of bracelets (a la arm party) and major statement necklaces, they can be a little too much in the summertime. Still, accessories do make the outfit, which leaves us looking for something easy but with real impact on both casual and dressy days. For summer 2013, this dilemma is solved with two words: stack rings. Worn together on the same finger or singularly across three or four, these thin, often very basic bands add some flash and flair to your right hand. For dressier occasions, you can even mimic the cocktail ring with bigger, bolder stack rings that include natural stones or textures. Go ahead, put a ring on it for summer.

Star Stack Rings, $32, rachelroy.com

Kendra Scott Set of 5 Stormy Stack Rings, $60, neimanmarcus.com

Rebecca Minkoff Heart Ring Stack, $58 (sale), zappos.com
Jules Smith Designs Edie Thin Stackable Rings, $65, shopbop.com

Bita Pourtavoosi Hammered Stacking Ring Set, $58, maxandchloe.com

Casual beach totes under $75

2013-05-13T05:00:10Z

After one season of hitting the sand, pool and water park, my summer tote doesn't make it through to the next year. Start the summer off right with a fresh tote that will take you to all your favorite places this summer and it looks great and won't break the bank!

Colorblock canvas tote $44.95 - Gap

Women's Multi-Stripe Straw Totes $19.94 - Old Navy

Ombre Straw Tote $38.00 - Anthropologie

Seashore Tote $65.00 - Vera Bradley

BENSIMON Transparent Tote $30.00 - Nordstrom

Straw Beach Tote $39.50 - LOFT

BANAGO 'Small' Beach Tote $68.00 - Nordstrom

Pretty and polished in scarf print

2013-05-13T05:00:10Z

Maybe you're not a fan of polka dots or stripes or perhaps you just have too many of both, which is why now is the perfect time to try a new print for the season -- a scarf print. Exotic in look, the scarf print takes your dresses and tops to a whole new style level and looks pretty on every shape, size and comes in almost every color.

Women's Scarf Print Sleeveless Blouses $29.94 - Old Navy

Wayf Print Tunic Top $62.00 - Nordstrom

Scarf-print Caftan $79.50 - Victoria's Secret

Scarf Paisley Print Pleated Skirt Dress $98.00 - LOFT

INC International Concepts Dress, Sleeveless Scarf-Print Maxi $99.50 - Macy's

Ark & Co. Scarf Print Dress $59.00 - Piperlime

Sabine Delphine Scarf Print Dress $79.00 - Piperlime

Sam & Libby for Target is here

2013-05-10T05:00:10Z

Once upon a time Sam & Libby was the hottest brand in shoes. They were everywhere and then they went away. Now Sam & Libby is back and what a better way to relaunch a brand than with a collaboration with Target. With over six styles and tons of colors and patterns to choose from, the shoe collection couldn't have come at a better time with ballet flats, silver wedges, gladiator and thong sandals and wedges which are perfect for showing off your pedicured toes this summer season. From $22.99 to $34.99 and available in sizes 5 1/2 to 11, this is one brand that you'll be happy to wear again.

Sam & Libby Kamila Thong Sandal, $24.99.

Sam & Libby Karli Tall Gladiator Sandal, $29.99.

Sam & Libby Bree Ballet Flats, $27.99.

Sam & Libby Kelly Wedge, $34.99.

Sam & Libby Sonia Silver Wedge, $34.99.

Getting groovy: kids' tie dye styles

2013-05-10T05:00:00Z

They (nor you, most likely) were around during tie dye's heyday in the '60s, but there's a good chance your kids will be screaming for this crazily vibrant print on some article of clothing for summer 2013. This thought may send you into a tailspin, envisioning boxy, DIY-style, hippie-esque tees on your little one, but take heart. More reminiscent of swirling water and even ikat, designers are taking signature tie dye and mixing it up into some surprisingly chic--or at least more subdued--patterns. It's cool and casual...perfect for that summery vibe everyone loves.

Blue Crown Jam Rock Boys Pocket Tee, $16, tillys.com

Short Sleeve Tie Dye Super-T, $17.50, landsend.com

First Wave Tie Dye Swim Shorts, $16, dillards.com

Guess Girls Tie Dye Maxi Dress, $42.50, bloomingdales.com

Riley Tie Dye Shorts, $34, luckybrand.com

SO Tie Dye One-Piece Swimsuit, $18 (sale), kohls.com