Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – Day #5 – Video Diary from Audrey McClelland on Vimeo.

Well, even though time has gone by – some, ahem… 12 years – plaid is back. And it’s everywhere.

Scarves. Blouses. Hats. Skirts. Hairbands. Belts. Leggings. Shoes.

You name the clothing item, plaid has made it’s way there! I have to say, I really love it. I think it’s a clean, classic look. Even Junior clothing is hitting it big with some really trendy Buffalo plaid tops and bottoms. Add a big, chunky belt and you’re good to go!

So my fashion advice today — embrace some PLAID. If you’ve got some sweaters lying around with some plaid, take them out. I live live live in my Navy Blue and Red Burberry scarf ALL winter… I swear people must think it’s attached to my neck. But I love the look. It can literally take any outfit and make it look chic… even a pair of black fleece pants and my Under Armour Fleece Running Jacket. I swear, it does.

Plaid trend – a definite FASHION DO.

So what’s a HOT (I mean, sweating like crazy “hot”) MAMA to do?

Hanes Men’s TAGLESS Ribbed Tank

(GET BLACK OR GRAY - WHITE is very - well, ahem... SHEER!)

I'm recommending MENS because they're bigger and it makes it just that much more comfortable.

Honestly... the softest, the lightest, the comfiest TANK you could wear. I live in my husband's (sorry, sweetie!)... just like I'm in one right now as I type this.

It's FANTASTIC to have one on on such a warm, sticky day... especially when I don't feel like having anything on clothing related.

So… as moms, yes… there is a respectable length/style when it comes to shorts. And even though it’s August… we still have a good 6-8 weeks left of short wearing weather.

Walking into preschool drop-off with these shorts on…

I’m assuming you’d get a “couple” stares. So it’s important to get a style/length of short that works best with your body. There’s pleated shorts, bermuda shorts, linen drawstring shorts… I recommend trying to find a pair that is NO MORE than 6 inches above your knee. That’s usually my gauge.

Here are some style shorts that I love…

The LUCKY Shopping Manual – Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece.
by Andrea Linett and Kim France

This is an oldie (came out in 2003!) – but a goodie! The advice is oh-so-logical… and timeless.

But is that the truth? Is it really a Fashion DON’T?

Can you wear white after Labor Day? from Audrey McClelland on Vimeo.

(That’s my little man Henry in the video!)

Get yourself a PINK handbag. It’s a hot color for FALL.

I just got myself one this weekend… a Kenneth Cole Pink Fringe Kiss Clutch… and I’m in LOVE!

GRAPHIC TEES for MOMS.

Fashion DO or DON’T?

In all honesty, this one depends. I love wearing graphic tees to the gym or to the beach or out to lunch; they are very cute to pair with jeans. BUT there are some tasteful graphic tees and then there are some not-so-tasteful graphic tees.

Here are some examples of tasteful ones…

As you can tell, these are appropriate for moms to wear. They are fun, chic and simply stated.

Then you have these kinds of graphic tees…

Yeah, can’t see it being too appropriate picking up William and Alexander at preschool with a “I’m Am A Good Catch” tee on.

So really use your judgment when going after graphic tees. They can be a HUGE fashion DO if you choose graphics that are “motherly” appropriate.

There was a black dress that just grabbed my attention — A Mossimo Black Sleeveless Tiered Dress.

A tiered style is GREAT for women who are trying to conceal stomachs or rears. The perfect go-to style for events, parties, weddings.

But what I love about this Mossimo Dress even more is that it also converts to a skirt.

1 piece, 2 outfits. Now that’s a good buy. I love sleeveless dress styles, so I would buy the dress for that use alone… but knowing that I can double it as an adorable summer beach skirt, I LOVE that!  So easy.  So chic. So versatile.