By Megan Segura – August 10, 2011

No Need to Shop When You Can Swap

As summer wanes, the dreaded back-to-school shopping becomes an increasingly necessary evil.  And while you probably need to replenish at least part of your wee one’s wardrobe, part of you can’t help but ask, “What’s the point?” He or she will soon grow out of those expensive clothes, or worse, ruin them with grass stains and lunchroom spills. What’s a Fab & Fru mom to do?

Stop Shopping & Start Swapping

Have you ever been to a clothing swap? From designer threads to Halloween costumes, this hit or miss fashion alternative to thrift shopping really came into vogue when the recession first struck in 2008.  Well, what about kids clothes?  Open your kids closets and drawers, and I’ll bet you’ll find armfuls of items that your kids outgrew before they ever even had the chance to wear them!  Not only will a swap save you money, but it’s eco-friendly. Professional swappers – like the go-to kids clothes swapping site, ThredUp, or the ladies from Swapaholics - have already turned back-to-school shopping into back-to-school swapping – so why don’t you?!

Host Your Own Swap

A clothing swap of kids clothes can save you and other moms you know tons of money. Make a list of your favorite mom pals, send out an evite, and host a kids clothes swap!   Obviously, the clothes should be clean and and in good shape.  Encourage everyone to spread the word and invite all of their other mommy friends, too - the more the merrier!

Even More Fun Than Swapping Spit!

On the day of, set out some fun adult drinks and snacks, and let the women nosh while you sort. First, separate the clothes each mom brought by gender. Next, put each size/age group in separate bags or bins. If you want the clothes to look extra appealing, you should bring in some rolling garment racks and wooden hangers. This also makes browsing a little easier, so moms aren’t having to unfold and refold items that are sprawled out on a table. It might also be helpful for moms who have never swapped before to put some nicely worded signs around the clothes that inform friends to only take as much as they brought. Finally, let the shopping begin!

Don’t Expect to Get Everything You Need

It’s best to begin with a list of all the items your kids need for the upcoming school year. Try getting what you can at the swaps first before heading to the stores to fill in the blanks on your list.

By Stephanie Berenbaum – July 7, 2011

Tips to Help Save Your Maids Money

It is of course an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid.  Having said that, anyone who has been a “maid” knows that there are lots of costs involved – some financial, others involving your dignity!

Over drinks with a few friends, Fab & Fru started reminiscing about the good, bad and the (seriously) ugly of being a bridesmaid.  All those cocktails resulted in an open letter of sorts to brides everywhere who are about to ask their closest friends to go down the wedding path (petal strewn or otherwise) with them!  So, Brides to Be, please keep the following in mind:

Friendship Can Really Add Up

Brandi did a quick calculation and determined that over the past ten years, she has likely spent over $3,000 on bridesmaids dresses!  While she was happy to stand up for each and every friend and relative, and most of the dresses were quite pretty, she hasn’t been able to wear any of them since… So, brides, PLEASE take into account that even though this is your special day, and you want to feel like a princess, your friends almost certainly do not have the budgets to dress like royalty!

Paying to Look Like Everyone Else

And while we’re on the topic of picking bridesmaid dresses, we have to ask — isn’t it usually considered to be totally embarrassing to show up to a party wearing the same dress as another guest? We’re not sure why it’s ok to do this at weddings, but nowhere else!

But one thing we are sure of – no matter WHAT the bride says, that one dress she’s picked out will NOT look good on everyone. It just won’t. Our one friend Liz commented this really added insult to injury – to spend loads of money on a dress you’ll never wear again and then to feel like people are comparing which “maid” looks best in the dress.  So, brides: Consider choosing a color or style, and let your friends pick the actual dress so they can look their best!

Don’t Forget the Shoes!

We all sat around reminiscing of the crazy shades of shoes we’ve been forced to have “dyed to match” – this is especially useful when the bridesmaid’s dress is so long that no one can see your shoes anyway.  Our friend Kelly talked sort of wistfully of the rejected pile of sea foam green, blush, and maize colored satin-y shoes relegated to the back of her closet.  Again, brides, give your friends a break – if you’re not going to be able to see their shoes anyway, don’t ask them to spend more on matching pumps – let them shop in their own closets instead!

Is Hair & Makeup Included?

Our friend Amanda was recounting a wedding that she was in where the bride insisted that they all get their hair and makeup professionally done – and asked the bridesmaids to cover the costs!  So, brides, we understand wanting your maids to look their most beautiful, and it’s one thing if you want to treat your friends to a fun afternoon glam session, but please, do not expect your maids to cover this expense!

by Brandi Savitt – May 26, 2011

Tip Your Hat To Summer Style

Last weekend a few of my girlfriends and I took a road trip to Baltimore to attend our first Preakness (the second race in the Triple Crown).  Dressed in our ‘picnic chic’, we sipped Black Eyed Susans as we peered from beneath the wide rims of our hats to watch our favorite horses race to near victory.  But the best part of the entire day was eying all of the absolutely fabulous hats and fascinators that women totally rocked.  Whether they were crazy elaborate or practical yet elegant, I made the decision right there and then that my summer look this year would definitely include a hat or two…

And thanks to the Royal Wedding and the comeback of a little pomp & circumstance, hats, fascinators and hair accesories are all the rage – so it’s easy to find a Fab & Fru look that’s perfect to you!

Turn a Boring Outfit into Wow

Whether you’re at the beach or out to lunch, a hat is just one of those accessories that instantly turns even a t-shirt and jeans into a head turning statement- and you don’t even have to worry about doing your hair. There are so may styles to choose from, you can easily create your signature look, all while shading yourself from the sun!

Protect Yourself from the Sun in Style

Practically speaking, hats were originally designed to help protect us from the sun and the rain, and this season the styles are endless.  If you like to go to the beach, garden or spend time in the sun, protect your face and your hair from sun damage by investing a few bucks in a cute hat!

Customize Your Simple Hat

My Preakness hat was a black, semi-wide rim, $12 hat that I bought at Target to wear to the beach this summer.  I wore a short simple black summer dress to the race, but I really wanted to add a splash of color so I tied a vintage purple and green scarf around my hat and let the tails dangle behind me. The scarf completely changed the look of my hat and instantly made it more unique and fun!

Fascinators & Hair Accessories

I saw some fantastic feather and gem fascinators at the Preakness. Seriously, what better way to dress up an outfit while your hair is pulled back in a ponytail?  Whether you’re looking for something more formal or something for everyday, Esty.com and Fascinatorsnyc.com are both fabulous online sources with tons of choices under $20.

Find Your Affordable Summer Hat

We’ve found some amazing deals at some surprising places.  Ranging from $5-$55, we hope our Fab & Fru summer hat picks will inspire you to dress the part!

The Easy-to-Pack Sun Hat

If you’re looking for a practical and casual style, get a ‘crushable’ hat that easily folds up and can be thrown in a bag without loosing it’s shape. They’re easy to find in a multitude of colors, prints & shapes, and these hats are perfect for the beach or giving a little flare to any outfit!

Red Ruffled Wide Rim Floppy Hat- $29.99 on Amazon

St. Lucia Physician Endorsed- Worth the splurge!- $42 at Sun Protection Hats

White Belle Canvas Physician Endorsed- Worth the splurge! – $55 at Sun Protection Hats

by Stephanie Berenbaum – May 11, 2011

Time is Money

I was thrilled to speak with the fabulous Rita Mauceri, founder of website Dotcoms For Moms, the other day!  We all know that time is money – and this great resource can help you save more of both. Dotcoms For Moms is dedicated to finding the best of the web – handpicked for moms. Finally, someone multi-tasking on your behalf!

What’s Their Mission?

The theory behind the site is that moms – of course – love to use online resources, but there is so much information out there that searching the internet can become overwhelming and way too time consuming.  So, DFM does the work of sifting through and rating all the internet has to offer – so you dont have to!

Well, all this is right up Fab & Fru’s alley – so much so that I was delighted to be asked to be DFM’s new ‘Frugal Mom Maven’ -  and soon I will be offering my fabulous – and frugal – tips as one of Rita’s mom experts.

Three Kids…In 14 Months

But back to Rita.  Aside from loving her site, I found Rita’s personal story to be incredibly inspiring.  She found herself, as many of us do, making the transition from the corporate world to the mommy world – and in Rita’s case it was quite a shift.  She entered mommyhood on a fast track – she gave birth to 3 children in 14 months. Yes, you read that correctly. She had twins and then four month later got pregnant again.  She’s now the proud mom of twin 5 year old boys and a 4 year old daughter – this woman knows first hand about the demands of being a busy mom!

Transition Time

Rita left a career as a successful TV producer to start her own venture.  But like many of us who want to leave corporate America to become entrepreneurs, she grappled with what to do next.  Then one night, Rita had an epiphany when she was online looking for socks for her kids (proof that inspiration can come when you least expect it!) It took her 3 hours to find what she was looking for, and it dawned on her that there was a major need for a “go to” resource that could narrow down all the cool stuff moms are looking for without them having to waste a lot of time sifting through all the junk out there!

Rita’s Picks

Given that Rita is so good at finding needles in a haystack, I was of course curious to know what some of her top Fab &  Fru picks were! Not surprisingly, she had some great tips…

Ikea Hackers!

Despite my love of Ikea, I had never heard of one of Rita’s favorite sites – Ikea Hackers!  This site shows you how to turn your Ikea finds into personalized,  fabulous additions to your home.  It’s amazing how simple add-ons – like decals or paint – can do the trick in seconds . We love it!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – April 20, 2011

The Fab & Fru Spending Philosophy

The other day a friend commented to me that my new pair of rather pricey jeans “weren’t very Fab & Fru”!  While her observation may have been true at face value, she got me thinking about the Fabulous & Frugal philosophy — and why my jeans actually fit in perfectly with the Fab & Fru lifestyle.  The truth is, being responsible with your money does not always mean buying the cheapest item out there!  Using my jeans as an example – it was a much better investment to buy a couple pairs of high quality jeans that you look great in and will last you years, rather than buying many pairs of cheap jeans that will wear out within  a matter of months.  –Brandi learned this the hard when she had to throw two relatively new holey pairs of jeans just this week!

Spending within Your Means

The key to spending wisely, is to spend within your means!  This means if you choose to invest in a fabulous pair of quality jeans, you MUST be prepared to pay for them – in full – in cash.  Even if you use your credit card,  pay that bill in full at the end of the month!  If you don’t have the funds available now, start saving until you can afford what you want to buy.

Finding the Fab & Fru Balance

The trick to really embracing a Fab & Fru life is finding the balance and learning when it is worth it to spend more for something, and when you’re better off buying the cheaper product.  People tend to gravitate towards one extreme or the other – but learning how to rock a pair of $169 jeans with $15 sandals from Target is an art!

The High Waisted Jeans of My Dreams

I don’t know about you, but I have always had a really hard time finding jeans that fit.  I’ve wasted more money than I like to think about on pair after pair of so-so, “inexpensive” jeans that end up just taking up space in my closet. And while I typically have fantastic luck scoring all other frugal fashion purchases, the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans has been elusive at best.  So when I do come across a winning pair, I truly feel it’s like finding a needle in a haystack- and it’s worth every penny!

Totally Worth the Splurge

At $169 per pair, my new favorite find – the High Waisted Skinny by 7 for All Mankind -  may not seem frugal at first glance. But spending for quality – when it is worth it – is a way better investment than buying 5 pairs of crappy, cheap jeans that will wear out in a few washings, or that don’t look that great on.  Remember: A deal is not a deal if your purchase just sits in the closet.  If you’re not going to wear it – and wear it well- don’t buy it! And on the flip side…  As we like to say, half of being Fabulous & Frugal is just being Fabulous – and learning to spending wisely is a major key to it all!

by Kathy Pape – April 13, 2011

Footwear Tips to Save Your Body & Wallet

As temperatures heat up around the country, it’s time to start thinking about getting in shape for bathing suit season! I always struggle with what shoes to buy for my workouts, and I usually stumble around trying things on until I find a pair that’s comfortable – without really thinking about whether I will be running, walking or doing strength training…

The reality is, there are MAJOR differences between running, cross-training, and aerobic shoes.  Each are designed differently to prevent injury and give you optimal results depending on your workout.  There’s no need to waste money on the wrong shoe – you just need to know what the right one is for you!

Running Shoes

If you are a runner it’s important to know if you are an under-pronate runner (a high-arched runner) or an over-prorate runner (flat feet runner) when selecting a running shoe.

You’re likely to be an under-pronate runner if you have a tendency to walk on the outside of your foot, have a high arch, or if the bottom of your shoes is worn on the outside.  You’re probably over-pronate if you have a low arch, your ankle rolls inward when you walk, you have calluses under your big toe (or ball of your foot), or if the sole of your shoe is worn on the inside.

According to Mike Foley, an athletic buyer at Zappos.com, the under-pronate runner needs a neutral-cushioned shoe that encourages a more natural foot motion.  He recommends the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10.  Over-pronate runners need a more motion-controlled shoe, such as the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.

Both Brandi & I are runners, and we’re both huge fan of Brooks shoes.  I always find them to be extremely comfortable and durable.  Also, remember to replace your running shoes on a regular basis!  The general rule is every six-months or 400 miles.  Running on old, worn-out shoes is the number one cause of injury. Your running shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning and stability over time, and running in them increases the stress and impact on your legs and joints.

Zumba & Aerobics Shoes

Zumba is the newest form of aerobics, and it’s so much fun! It’s an aerobic workout that features exotic rhythms set to high energy Latin music. You feel like you’re at a giant dance party rather than the gym, and you hardly know you’re working out. You DO need the right shoes for a class like this however. You don’t want to be wearing your running shoes because they won’t support the moves.  For Zumba, dancing and aerobic classes, Foley recommends a shoe that has both flexibility and support while offering mid-foot strapping for dance moves.  He loves the Nike Musique IV for this type of exercise!

Weight Training Shoes

I have to admit I don’t do much weight training anymore. After having two kids I rarely see the inside of a gym, but I do remember that when I used to lift weights my running shoes would often wobble.  I should have been wearing a shoe that was very low to the ground to keep me balanced and stable.  Foley suggests the Nike Free TR.