Style Cravings

When I was a kid, my main mode of transportation in the summer was my bike. It got me to the Dairy Queen with Franny and Cathy after dinner, to Beacon Hill Road to play soccer with the boys and have water fights and allowed me the freedom to get around my town without having to ask my parents for a ride.

Nowadays, kids have plenty of options from bikes to scooters to “surfing on land” and I showed off several options on KTLA in Los Angeles.

Ben (10 yrs old) and Bryce (9 yrs old) have already been surfing for several years. Yeah you heard right, several years. Now no matter the time of year they can get the feeling of surfing in the water and now on land with Hamboards. It’s a family that came up with the idea of producing these boards and has turned into an international phenomenon. They’re the perfect surf trainer, a cool way to get from point A to B and they also sell paddle sticks to allow to paddle surf on land. I may have only photographed the kids, but there were several adults riding the boards as well. Hamboards $375-$435, Paddle sticks, $159 Hamboards.com

Naomi (6 yrs old) is ready to create her work of art. She liked her scooter so much she went through the first sticks of chalk in less than an hour.

Now, kids can make the sidewalk their canvas and leave their mark with the new Razor Graffiti chalk scooter. Razor took their iconic kick scooter design and added a three-pronged Chalk Bar to the back. With the press of their foot, riders can lay down a trail of color.
For riders ages 6 and up, Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter $59.99 Razor.com

Sebastian (almost 3 yrs old) was already successful with the three wheels we figured he’d be ready for two soon. The Wishbone Bike starts out as a three wheel bike (for age 1) and then converts to a two-wheel balance bike. With its sustainable design and innovative 3-bikes-in-1 feature, it’s the ultimate pre-bike. Balance bikes teach children how to ride a bike better at a younger age. Start with the trike then switch to the bike. A balance bike is a two-wheel bicycle designed for children 2 - 5 years of age that does not have pedals. Why no pedals? The concept is simple. Learning balance is the most critical element to learning how to ride a bicycle.
Ages 1 – 5, Retail: $229, www.tykerider.com

Most of the kids were wearing the coolest helmets. No boring ones in the bunch, but instead a character or animal creation from dinosaurs to sharks to bunnies to even a red mohawk. A statement maker to stay safe.
Raskullz helmets, $25.99 are sold at Target and Raskullz.com

Evan ( 8yrs old) is creating sparks as he rides. Literally! The electric-powered scooter just got hotter with the new eSpark. Step on the Spark Bar and watch real sparks fly. You can reach speeds of 10mph, get up to 40 minutes of continuous electric-powered use which for kids is great since they’ll probably move onto the next toy soon enough,twist-grip acceleration control and hand operated front brake.
Ages 8 & up, $179.99, Razor® eSpark™ electric-powered scooter, Razor.com

Matthew (8 yrs old) is riding Razor’s souped-up reinventions of classic go kart. Riders can do burn-outs and fast 360-degree spins, thanks to a high-torque motor and super slick rear wheels. With speeds up to 12 mph, riders will be crowned the neighborhood drift king – or queen. Plus it’s multiple toy awards.
Ages 8 & up, $299, Razor® Ground Force® Drifter, Razor.com

Watch the KTLA Los Angeles segment:

http://www.ktla.com

My favorite flowers, Peonies, are abundant at Trader Joe’s. For $21 bucks I was able to create gorgeous, simple arrangements. Just snip, snip and voila! Don’t hesitate to add flowers to your home. They may only last a week, but you’ll notice them everyday they’re with you. And they signify wealth, luck and happiness. I should be so lucky to get them every week.

When I’m vacation bound it means packing bikinis, coverups and sandals for sun drenched days and beauty products to protect and keep my glow going day, night and for when I return to “the real world”. Once at my destination you’ll likely find me in the water or on a lounge chair with a big hat on and book in hand. (May I recommend, Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants.)

In the Sun

Sunscreen for face and body with high SPF that avoided the burn, gave me great protection and didn’t cause any skin outbreaks.
Laroche-posay.us, $29

I adore this product, particularly when I know I’ll be spending more time outdoors. It gives me more protection that a tinted moisturizer and my skin has a lovely glow.
Perriconemd.com, $50

Sun Relief

A no-rinse mask that is lightweight and smooth.
Kohgendocosmetics.com, $90

After Sun

A soothing chamomile mist that both my husband and I enjoyed after a day of sunshine and swimming. Cool and refreshing.
Jurlique.com, $21

I turned to this after I washed my face with a gentle cleanser. A nighttime treatment to help resurface and regenerate your skin and repair sun damage while you sleep.
Arcona.com, $42

Ask Alison:

Hey Alison! Been keeping up with you, girl! So cool how many people and places you are charming with your sweet self. You are rockin’ it! Way to go. My oldest son is getting married in July, outside at a country club. It is a 4pm ceremony.
As you might recall, the ladies are large! I have dropped from a size 22 down to a 16 since I saw you last, but am still on the heavy side. What would you suggest? And what about a hat? I so appreciate any ideas!

-Becky, Keystone Heights, Fl

Answer:

Hey Becky,
Outside in July means there will be heat and humidity to deal with, especially if we’re talking about Florida. If indeed the country club is in Florida then I would suggest skipping the hat unless it’s lightweight, medium to wide brimmed raffia in a pale woven color. Then you can add a ribbon or flower of your choice to match with your dress. While we’re still letting thoughts of Kate and William dance in our heads remember that affair was held in a cool interior and most women dressed in conservative suits. The hats were fun, but most of the outfits were a bit dull. Most important is to choose the dress and you can think about a hat later since depending how long the ceremony runs it can lead to a hot, perspiring mess under the hat and flattened hair.

There’s rarely I stripe I haven’t loved. Any walk into a J. Crew store has me unconsciously pick up a striped tee. A reason to walk into Petit Bateau is for a striped boat neck top and Marc Jacobs, Splendid and Ella Moss always have stripes no matter the season. Pick up a striped anything and you can add your theme whether it be parisian, nautical, prep or just simply classic.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Simone stripe dress
Saks.com, $628

Striped lagoon dress
Madewell.com, $98

Linen and cotton stripe
JCrew.com, $68

Cashmere striped sweater dress
JCrew.com, $250

Petit-Bateau.com, $78

Charming dress for the french riveira
OpeningCeremony.us, $265

Mini rugby dress
Splendid.com, $87

Stripe Elisa jacket
JCrew.com, $178

Striped maxi
JCrew.com, $98

Ami Dans La Rue striped cardigan
Shopbop.com, $75

Ask Alison:

I need help finding a white bandeau to wear with a new maxi dress this summer.
-Laura (New York City)

Answer:

Laura,
So simple. If you feel your maxi is too low cut and you need a little coverage and perhaps some oomph of support try these simple, but still pretty bandeau tops. And you’ll avoid the uni-boob effect.

Thanks, Alison

DKNY Classic Beauty lace trimmed bandeau
Nordstrom.com, $28

White lace bandeau
Topshop.com, $26

Free People Scalloped lace bandeau
Zappos.com, $28

Barely There Bandini-this style comes in white and the straps easily hide next to the bandini.
BarelyThere.com, 2 for $26

Have a question for Ali? Send to: [email protected]

Your favorite high end designers, some of whom you can only afford on sale, have now stepped into the kids designer arena and are offering up plenty of style with princely prices. Whether you choose the high price or the affordable, these kids are so darn cute.

Here are High/Low looks with fashion-forward style for kids straight from my TODAY show segment.

8 year old girls: Hamptons Getaway

Steal (Olivia): Calypso for Target khaki embroidered dress, $16.99; Havaianas flip flops, $14
Splurge (Jacqueline): Stella McCartney khaki embroidered dress, $152; Jack Rogers pink sandals, $98

4.5 year old boys: City Strollin’

Splurge (Christopher): Gucci white button-down shirt, $275; Gucci gray t-shirt, $95; Armani jeans $120; Gucci slip-ons, $185
Steal (Conor): Old Navy oxford shirt, $14.50; H&M t-shirt, $5; Gap jeans, $17.99; Old Navy slip-ons, $15

7 year old girls: BBQ Chic

Steal (Eden): Carters Cap-sleeve Graphic Tee, $11; Carters khaki shorts, $9; Old Navy gold flats: $13
Splurge (Devyn): Little Marc Jacobs cap-sleeve graphic tee, $62; Stella McCartney shorts, $72; Prada gold flats, $220

11 year old boys: Nautical Beach Club

Splurge (Sevrin): Burberry Navy Jacket, $325; Burberry Navy Logo Tee, $70; Burberry Plaid Shorts, $125; Sperry topsiders, $45
Steal (Griffin): Old Navy jacket, $25; Old Navy jacket logo tee, $10; Old Navy jacket cargo shorts, $27;
Old Navy boat shoes, $17.50

One year old girls: Pretty in Pink

Steal (Bryn)(carried by friend and mom of Bryn-Dana): Calypso for Target Dress, $15 pink Zappos loafers, $43
Splurge (Ashlyn): Burberry plaid pink dress, $175; pink Tods slip-ons, $123

Ask Alison-Question: While I absolutely love my champagne colored wedding dress, it is a bit heavy and I’ve begun to wonder how I’m going to get through the day and night in it. I was so happy to find a beautiful and affordable dress, but do I sacrifice a night of dancing to still look pretty in my wedding dress? Any advice?
-Randi (Los Angeles)

Answer: Don’t fret! Haven’t you heard of a change of wardrobe? Celebrities do it all time for awards shows and performances so why not take a cue from their style page. I had my glorious Lloyd Klein couture gown for the wedding, the amazing photos and through the first dance and meal. THEN, it was time for the party to begin and I made a dress change. I had a short Valentino dress that was similar to my pink/peach wedding gown. This is not the time to throw on just any cocktail dress and definitely not an LBD. It would be ideal to continue the elegant look of your wedding with a dress that is within the same hues of your gown yet shorter, lighter and easier to move in, particularly for the dance floor. Have a beautiful day and hit the dance floor and cut the cake in one of these under $400 options, many of them I found through thefind.com.

Embroidered strapless flowing dress by Sue Wong-$368
Bloomingdales.com and SueWong.com

Embroidered mid-driff dress with organza petal skirt by Sue Wong-$388
Bloomingdales.com

Strapless chiffon dress by ABS-$330
Bloomingdales.com

Ivory Rosette Dress by Blush-$238
SimplyDresses.com

Lace strapless dress by Alecon, $280
Amazing-Wedding-Dress.com

A-line lace dress by Alecon, $279
Amazing-Wedding-Dress.com

Packing for vacation is always fun and when it encompasses days filled with swimming in the ocean, walks on white sand beaches and days chillin’ on a fancy boat it also brings up protection in my mind. Protection from the sun. Time to shop for the best ways to get a little shade besides SPF.

Eugenia Kim’s oh so nautical and hip, navy and white striped fedora with cream cord, $247

Hat Attack’s raffia traveler, $90
Wide brim to block the rays and roll up ready to go.

Eric Javits squishee IV hat, $198
It’s bendable, rollable and looks even better when it’s broken in. Available at Neiman Marcus.com

Helen Kaminski’s Indira canvas bucket hat, $75. I found this stylish option on TheFind.com. You won’t care if it gets wet in the ocean. Available at Bloomingdales.com

Madewell’s park bench fedora, $58. Chic and simple for days long past vacation.

A card, a phone call-those are some of the simple things mom would request from you this Mother’s Day, but this year step it up and give her a gift that really says thanks.

donni charm’s line of beautiful, airy scarves that give the perfect pop of color to any wardrobe, providing mom a great way to accessorize her day-to-day outfits. The line is designed by Alyssa Wasko in honor of her father, Donny, who passed away a few years ago. Each scarf bears a special charm, designed as a tribute to Donny who always referred to Alyssa as his “charm,” and provides a thoughtful way to keep loved ones close. Celeb mommies including Halle Berry and Isla Fisher are huge fans of the scarves, which all retail for UNDER $100. donnicharm.com

Two enterprising women teamed up to found CALM (an anagram of their names), a line of summery, pretty caftans handmade in Lebanon.

Each caftan is lovingly crocheted and sewn in the homes of underprivileged Lebanese women, many of whom are widows, of diverse backgrounds. These one-of-a-kind pieces intricately trimmed with beads and printed in bold solid hues or graphic botanical patterns are more than the perfect summer frock. The resulting caftans represent a means of financial support for the women who make them. $250, calmnyc.com

Looking for a personable, unique gift? Kindred Stones is a CUSTOMIZABLE jewelry line with necklaces for mom including the Kindred Pregnancy necklace (starting at $115), which is designed for expecting mothers (the baby’s gemstone is surrounded by smaller stones that represent each family member, and the necklace is accompanied by a small moonstone — a powerful feminine stone that promotes new beginnings, intuition and calmness) and the Kindred Tree necklace (starting at $70), which is perfect for a mom, grandma, aunt or other maternal loved one (her zodiac stone is hugged tightly by smaller stones representing each family member in this unique symbol of togetherness). kindredstones.com

Provide a place for her jewelry collection to grow. Each branch and leaf has been sculpted to hold rings, bracelets and necklaces, creating a well-ornamented tree. $70, redenvelope.com

A little out of the ordinary, but a gift that will last months and perhaps years. Instead of a vase with flowers that will be tossed after a week consider sending mom a small succulent garden. She can use it as a centerpiece, put by a window or replant it in larger pot for the patio. $45, proflowers.com

Gardens grow with a little help from Mother Nature and a lot of the right tools. This stylish garden tote keeps garden tools organized and easily accessible in one place. And more than her initials, her tote will bear her name. Add a few packets of seeds to get her started. $59.95 redenvelope.com

For the moms-to-be… Ms. & Mrs. is a mother-daughter company founded by two sisters and their mom to provide fun and functional collections for almost every modern emergency. The Labor & Delivery Survival Kit ($45) helps soothe and support moms on delivery day, providing 12 childbirth essentials (including a back massager, lip balm, slipper socks, breath mints, bubblegum cigars and more) all in a portable mesh tote. msandmrs.com