Summer Pops Of Neon

In keeping with the last post, I am a little obsessed with neon. I did love it in the 80's and am kind of psyched to see it making a comeback. Color is just fun. Here are some of my favorite neon, budget, and mom friendly items. I refuse to spend a lot on such a trendy item. Here is how I am tempering mine - jeans, dark blazer, and a white tee - then adding a pop of one of the above items ( not the necklace, shoes, and bag). What are your thoughts on neon, must have or must forget?

Summer Pops Of Neon by superchicmom featuring smashbox lipstick

Neon and denim

Sweater: J Crew Factory ; Shorts: LC by Lauren Conrad (old). Sandals: Old Navy ; Sunglasses: Foster Grant ( polarized and under $20. at CVS !) Necklace : gift from friends :) Cuff: Hermes inspired from Etsy. I really want these shoes but they aren't practical: Mossimo Pumps .

Well, it hasn't been THAT sunny in new England, so I decided to make some of my own sun with this citron neon sweater and sandals. Somehow, putting on yellow just makes me smile, even though at times I think....wow this is a REALLY bright outfit! The yellow even made my son say - "Mommy I like your sweater". Are you embracing the neon trend this summer, and how?

Stripes two ways

Sweater: J. Crew (old) ; Shirt: J. Crew Factory (ON SALE with extra 30% off) ; Jeans: J brand (bought on ebay for > 60% off); Shoes: J. Crew (old but similar here) ; Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shirt and Sunglasses: Same as above; Jeans: Banana Republic (old), Espadrilles: J. Crew Seville (last year) (similar here) .

I am getting a lot of wear out of this simple silk tee from J. Crew Factory. It is easy to dress up or down, and I love the red and navy nautical stripes. I know - silk is not always compatible with kids, but hey - it's one less shirt to wash because I have to dry clean it (meaning - someone else has to clean it -Yeah) ! I have heard that you can wash silk similarly to washing cashmere in baby shampoo by hand. Do you wash your silk or dry clean? Have a great day!

Flamingo Print for Moms

Summer is definitely my favorite season. I love all things tropical - including pina coladas, palm trees, and flamingos. When I saw this Tory Burch Tunic, I was in love. But, not quite enough to invest so much on something so whimsical. Luckily, Forever 21 and Zara have great, super affordable options. So - I can buy my whimsy bird print without breaking the bank. How to style it ? A beach vibe with denim shorts and sandals keeps this motif from becoming too old crazy print lady. A fedora and bright pink lip make it more young and modern. What do you think , summer fun or too much?

Flamingo Print for Moms by superchicmom featuring tory burch

How to Save not Bake

Jeans: J Crew Toothpick   Sweatshirt: J. Crew (old)  Sunnies: cheapos from airport kiosk .

As you can see, I can not bake. Turns out you are supposed to let the cake cool down before you frost it. Oh well, it still tasted okay. But I can save when I shop on-line and here are my tips for you to save too!

1) Use a search site like www.shopstyle.com to search for items you are looking for. You can save items you have your eye on, set up favorites and sale alerts. The site will send you an e-mail when the price gets reduced. I have used this even for items I have already purchased.  When I receive the e-mail that the item got reduced further I then call or visit the store to get a price adjustment. Often stores will give you the adjustment even if it is a little past their window.

2) Use sites like www.retailmenot.com to search for coupons for free shipping, percentages off etc.

3) Sign up for e-mails from the retailer. They will send you coupon codes and notify you of sales. Unsubscribe when you don't need the info so you aren't tempted to buy something you don't need just because it's on sale.

4) If there are no coupons available, you can try to place the item desired in your "online cart". Sometimes if you leave it in there for 24-48 hours, the retailer will send you a coupon to help you commit.

5) Try E-bay. I am not afraid of consignment, used items, or factory seconds sold on e-bay. You can get a great item at a fraction of the price. I got the J-brand jeans seen on all the celebs and bloggers on E-bay for 40.99 (they retail for > $180.00). They had been worn once or twice but were just like new and were worth every penny. Just be wary of purchasing a non authentic item. I am skeptical about buying handbags or pricier items unless authenticity is guaranteed.

After all, it's great to look super chic, but you don't want to become super poor doing so!

What are your tips for saving ( not baking) ?  Please share!