Congratulations to my winner: Carmen of Mom To The Screaming Masses.

Fresh Produce Clothing Giveaway

I’m so excited about this blog post. How often does a girl get an offer to try out a clothing line and host a terrific giveaway? Answer: Not enough.  Today is a great day!

Comfortable clothing is important!

The first thing  that you need to understand about Fresh Produce Clothing (And the main reason why I am in love with them) is that their clothing is uber-comfortable. In fact, it feels as if you are wearing pajamas.  (Do I even need to expand on the importance of pajama comfort?)

I’m going to be real with you… the FIRST THING that I do each day upon arriving at home is strip off my ridiculously uncomfortable work clothing and change into something more relaxing.  (Truly. I barely say hello to my children. I RUN up those stairs to my closet.) Not so with these dresses. They didn’t bind, pinch or otherwise make me cranky from their unforgiving cut or fabric choice. I literally spent all day and all evening in them and still looked and felt as crisp as if I had just put them on.

Now THAT is saying something.
Initially I was hesitant as to both of the styles that the company provided me with. Empire waistlines aren’t usually the best look on me. (I end up looking pregnant. And that is never a look that anyone wants to rock if they don’t have to.) I was pleasantly surprised to find that these were truly flattering. (Especially since I had never worn a Maxi Dress before.) Go figure!

Both dresses can be worn equally well with both heels or sandals. Dress them up or wear them casual.  Either way they are beautiful colorful summer dresses that will make you feel like a million dollars.

I’ve worn the Café Wrap dress in two very different settings – to the office and to a summer graduation party. It worked beautifully under both circumstances. Honestly, I want to fill my entire wardrobe with this clothing.

The entire line of Fresh Produce clothing is just incredibly fun, colorful and flattering. (Love the beach clothing!) You truly can’t go wrong. (Next on my list: the Impromptu dress. So cute!)

So here is the big question: How would YOU like to win a Fresh Produce Café Wrap dress for yourself?

Yeah. I thought so!

Here is how you enter:

• Tweet: (If you are not on Twitter then post the following to  your Facebook status….) “I just entered to win a Cafe Wrap dress from @jennifergerlock and @freshproducenow http://bit.ly/l3A77W”
• “Like” Hip As I Wanna Be and Fresh Produce on Facebook
• “Like” this post on Facebook. (Button at top of this post. Hint, Hint)

Leave a comment on this blog letting me know that you have done all three.

Bonus entries: Each time that you tweet, you will gain another entry. If you use Facebook then you will have to leave a comment here each time you update your status.

The contest ends on Sunday, July 3rd at noon. The winner will be chosen at random that day and the winner will be notified via email on the 4th and updated here on the blog.

Good luck!

Disclosure: Fresh Produce provided me with two outfits to try. All opinions are my own.

Are you a fashionista with a penchant for technology?

Oh boy, have I got a treat for you!  Take a look at these two free iPhone apps:

Can’t attend fashion week? No worries!

Style.com has developed the most fabulous app for ladies who want the latest looks right off of the runways! It literally brings fashion week  to YOU. Shortly after the live shows, you’ll get all of the latest looks uploaded to your fingertips. You’ll be the first of your friends in the know! NYC, Paris, Milan, London … how cool is that?

Ms. Wintour has done it again

That Anna Wintour.  She thinks of everything! How many times have you been left wondering about an item in an ad? (Sometimes the ads are the best part!) How much is it? Where can you get it?  Well, now Vogue has put out the Vogue Stylist app. This lovely piece of technology lists out everything in the latest fashion ads, provides details, pricing  and, of course, where  shopping gals can go to purchase. Not only that but it will let you know the latest fashion trends and even provide product suggestions. Love it!

Jeggings are the new “it” thing for fall, ladies. I keep reading about them. They are everywhere.  I am even featuring them as a look for Back-To-School fashion in Frederick Magazine.

As I was researching them the other day I got to thinking that, well, that they were stupid.

At least for my body type.

Which, by the way, is a REGULAR, real-woman body.  (Translation: I have HIPS.)

Asking me to wear jeggings conjures up all sorts of images in my brain.  Mostly of being stuffed in a sausage. Or my saddlebags sticking out.  YIKES!

The saleswoman at the local shop where I got them for the shoot said, “You should pair them with billowy blouses and tall boots. So CUTE!”  The billowy blouse that she handed me had an empire waistline.  Oh. Dear. God. Puh-lease woman!  I would look like a PREGNANT stuffed sausage if I wore that ensemble.

Which lead me to this question for the real women & moms of the world:  Would YOU wear them?

“Asking if I would wear jeggings is like asking if I would walk the streets dressed in nothing but glue from the waist down.” – @mommysstillfab

“I AM going to wear them. They were like super stretchy maternity jeans that I can wear below a tunic (sans guilt).” – @makeovermomma

“Leggings, yes. Skinny jeans, yes. Jeggings, HECK to the NO. That’s a total fashion faux pas. Similar to the denim diapers.” - @2cleanornot2

“Would I wear jeggings? NO. I think they’re meant for stick insects.” – @aprilfin

“I wear them! =]” – @honestmamatalk

“They’re called ‘Jeggings!’ I can’t even begin to take that seriously.” – @temerityjane

“They look FAB on a 6ft model & R likely very uncomfortable. + I say NO to crack! My 5’3″ frame says no.” – @lisagorham

I love the Boho-Chic look.  I just think it is one of the coolest looks around.

Don’t you?

Boho-chic fashion combines all of the fun bohemian and hippie influences made popular in the past couple of years by likes of Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Nicole Richie and the Olsen sisters.

One thing all of these ladies have in common?  (Besides oodles of cash?) STICK THIN.  Which I am not.  Ahh, there is the rub.  I’m a pear shape, which does not translate well into many of the garment’s designed with these celebrities in mind.

So, if you are like moi, then you need to get a bit creative when pulling together a Boho-Chic inspired ensemble.  Some tips: Opt for fabrics with interesting texture, color, length, volume and pattern.  Try flower prints, flowing maxi dresses, prairie and peasant skirts as well as billowy fabrics like lace, silk, chiffon, macramé detailing and fringes.  And don’t forget the all-t0o-important accessories!  Invest in bracelets, anklets, necklaces, belts and sandals.