Fashion | Sophistishe: Finding Zen in Being Human

August 19, 2010 4 Comments

Ralph Lauren

Child models from the RL Gang.

During my time in NYC for BlogHer, I attended an exclusive event hosted by Ralph Lauren and Mom Central. The event took place in the lavishly decorated Ralph Lauren Reading Room. While there, I had a chance to meet David Lauren, Ralph Lauren’s son. And I learned more about the brand I love dressing my little guy in. I never knew much about the history of the Ralph Lauren and I had a few preconceptions to be honest. Listening to David Lauren tell his dad’s story was simply inspiring and reassured me that the brand was not started from wealth, but an average guy with a dream. Ralph Lauren and his two brothers and sister were raised by his immigrant parents in the Bronx. His family’s last name was originally Lifshitz, but they later had it changed to Lauren.

Ralph’s passion for fashion budded at an early age. He took on an after school job just so he could purchase the stylish suits he desired. He went to business school for two years and served in the army another two years. He picked up a job as a salesman at Brooks Brothers and eventually under the name “Polo”, he started selling ties in a small store. Ralph began designing clothes for his wife and kids. His inspiration came from dreams and fantasies of the life he wanted for his family and the life of those who wore his clothing. He wanted to tell a story; write through his clothing–which brings me to the RL Gang Storybook.

The RL Gang is a shoppable children’s storybook narrated by Harry Connick, Jr. It’s an interactive fashion ~~show~~ story that provides an exciting way for children and their parents to shop the latest back-to-school fall fashions online. The eight characters in The RL Gang go on adventure their first day back to school. Each character has their own sense of style and their looks from the Childrenswear Fall collection are showcased in the virtual storybook. There’s a shopping cart integrated in the book which allow parents to purchase their favorite items directly from RalphLauren.com and Bloomingdales.com.

The RL Gang is also available as a hardcover book at Tikatok.com. Through September 15th, Ralph Lauren will donate 15% of all proceeds from the sale of the Childrenswear Fall collection on RalphLauren.com to support the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans, a cause Harry Connick is very passionate about.

This project is pretty impressive to say the least and I am thrilled to join Ralph Lauren as an ambassador for the brand. Jayden and I will be receiving clothing from from Ralph Lauren (we’ve already received a few gifts at the event) and I will be writing a series of posts as we gear up this upcoming fall. I absolutely can.not.wait. to take photos. And ~~secretly~~, I’m ~~hoping~~ begging to have Jayden featured with the RL Gang.

Oh, I have something for you. Use code RLG_SOPH to receive 10% off regularly priced Ralph Lauren Children’s and Baby products through 8/20.

Alternatively, you can shop stores such as T.J.Maxx and Marshalls who keep Ralph Lauren in stock. I shop at these stores as well as Ebay for all of my Ralph Lauren goodies. I love the lifestyle image of the brand, but it doesn’t mean I have to overstep my own lifestyle to achieve the look.

Tonight’s Twitter Party Info

What: Ralph Lauren #RLGang Twitter Party
When: Thursday, August 19th from 8-9 pm EST
Why: Talk about the new Ralph Lauren digital storybook, a children’s book that gives Moms a unique way to explore Ralph Lauren clothing and their new fall line. You’ll also be entered to win a Ralph Lauren outfit for your child or one of six $50 AMEX gift cards. There’s no RSVP required, just use the hashtag #RLGang and join the conversation!
Host: @MomCentral and @RalphLauren

Filed Under: Campaigns & Promotions, Digitally Speaking, Fashion, Parenting disclosure 4 Comments

July 22, 2010 116 Comments

Congrats to the following winners: @Southtexasstyle, AdventuresInBabywearing, Lauren (faupula), Mindi (mae), armyguardmom, Mo L., Macey (momsessential), Jennifer (madeli) and Joette L!

I’m doing some last minute shopping for BlogHer and I’m hitting up Old Navy for some cute pieces. It’s definitely going to be hot outside and possibly chilly at the hotels, so I need some basics to layer. I don’t like sweating and when I do, I get self conscious. I chill easily and can’t stand cold arms. Sometimes I shake, sometimes I twitch, sometimes I get grumpy. I don’t want to scare anyone, so I need to layer. I’m looking at dresses, skirts, cardigans, and capris. I love this look below.

old navy

And although I probably won’t be wearing polos to BlogHer, I may grab a few, they’re on sale in stores for $8 through July 29th!

BlogHer Fashion And To Pop or Not? Sophistishe Digital Mom

You can check out these polos under the “Weekly Ad” tab on Old Navy’s Facebook page. While you’re there, check out Barker’s Bones where you can dig around for unlimited coupons. This week’s highest-value unlimited coupon is $10 off $50, but I bet I have something a little more enticing…

Giveaway

I’ve been hooked up with 10 $50 off $100 Old Navy coupons, I’m choosing to keep one for myself and to give away 9. For a chance to win 1 of 9 $50 off $100 Old Navy coupons answer the following question in the comments: The collars on the women’s fashion polos reveal colorful designs when popped. Are you awesome enough to pop your collar, or are you keepin’ it down low (for lack of better words)? Nine winners from the U.S. and Canada will be chosen July 24th, 2010 at 7PM CST. The coupons are good through July 29th, so winners must reply ASAP! You may want to take a look at my basic giveaway rules. Good luck!

BlogHer Fashion And To Pop or Not? Sophistishe Digital Mom
Old Navy on Twitter | Old Navy on Facebook

Filed Under: Fashion, Giveaways disclosure 116 Comments

May 23, 2010 11 Comments

Weeks ago, I mentioned that Greg and I took a trip to Marshalls to do some Mother’s Day shopping for myself. With $50 to spend (courtesy of Marshalls), I chose…

a cutting board ($7.99), marble rolling pin ($9.99), salt and pepper shaker set ($5.99), and a fresh pod for onions ($2.99), all of which will come in handy in the new and improved kitchen I’m working on .

Oh and Greg chose a little something for me, buuut I’m not gonna air that here. It’s by Jessica Simpson, it’s purple, and ruffly. That’s all I’m sayin’ *looks down*.

Moving on…

Two weeks ago, I attended the Behind the Seams Event for Marshalls and T.J.Maxx in Berwin, IL. We were given the skinny on Marshalls and T.J.Maxx by style expert and TV correspondent, Alison Deyette.

I learned that…

T.J.Maxx and Marshalls run the off price merchandising game. They have the highest buying power with over 1800 stores nationwide. Their buyers travel the world 40 weeks a year to meet with thousands of vendors and designers to buy inventory at 20-60% off retail.

Marshalls and T.J.Maxx do not buy factory second, although I would still shop there if they did. They do buy up what department stores don’t buy from the designers. They also buy what departments stores are unable to get sold. In some cases, a designer will design articles of clothing in a certain fabric and a department store will chose not to carry that specific fabric. This is where Marshalls and T.J.Maxx come in and purchase those unwanted fabrics. Since department stores have to sell unsold merchandise back to the designers, Marshalls and T.J.Maxx offer to intervene and purchase this merchandise as well. Marshalls and T.J.Maxx don’t sell their unsold merchandise back to designers. They continue carrying merchandise until they are completely cycled out of their stores.

By doing this, Marshalls and T.J.Maxx are able to supply 10,000 pieces of in season merchandise every week. So whenever you visit a Marshalls or T.J.Maxx, you are sure to find something probably completely random, yet fabulous, at a fraction of its retail price.

After Alison’s lesson, she took us on a tour of the store. She then, gifted us with a gift bag with a super cute makeup bag set and lipstick. In the bottom of the bag was a $100 Marshalls/T.J. Maxx gift card! We were then set free to shop. We had the whole Marshalls store to ourselves!

I swore that I would only buy for myself, but the first thing I grabbed? A Rocawear polo onesie for Jayden. We are past onesies, but this one was too cute to keep on the rack.

Retail: $15 Paid: $3.99

I then hit the juniors section and found these three tops. I’m currently adding ruffles to my wardrobe because they are very feminine and compliment my slim figure. I’m also digging the layered look, so shrugs are making their way into my closet as well.

Retail: $12.00 Paid: $7.99

Retail: $26.00 Paid: $12.99

Retail: $24.00 Paid: $14.99

I also grabbed this very mature, but age appropriate Liz Clairborne Axcess handbag from a random display. I’m in limbo between grown and sexy and teen. I have alot of canvas and corduroy bags. It’s time I got a big girl bag.

Retail: $48.00 Paid: $16.99

I really enjoyed myself at the event, although I was still in a sleepy fog. In order to arrive on time, I had to wake up at 4 a.m. I think I should get brand loyalty points . Thank you Marshalls and T.J.Maxx for a wonderful learning and shopping experience.