Jaw Dropping Family NYE Outfits Under $50

by Shari Stamps

Finding a sitter for New Year’s Eve is beyond difficult, not to mention getting tickets in time for your favorite shin dig by the time you get one. So a lot of families opt for a casual NYE at home in their PJs, or go to a friend’s house for a festive family NYE celebration. Whichever you choose, why not dress up and make it fun? Here are just a few jaw dropping family NYE outfits to choose from, all under $50!

Classic Suit Jacket

Since this is a casual semi-formal family NYE, the jacket is everything. Set things up with something like this Stafford Travel Stone Suit Jacket (Sale, $49). Simply add your favorite matching tie to a nice dress shirt and pair with jeans or neutral slacks.

Flirty Party Dress

A fun party dress isn’t overly dressy, but still makes you feel like you’re at a special occasion. Add a stretch top, scoop neck or V-neck line and it’s super breastfeeding friendly to boot! This $30 V Neck Lace Insert Open Back Pleated Dress is bright and screams “clean slate” for the New Year.

Mini Suit Set

How adorable would your little one look in this G-Cutee Toddler Boys’ 3-Piece Gingham Set?! The little bow tie really sets it apart, but if your kiddo isn’t a fan, it can go without. At $17 (Clearance), it’s a steal!

Little Party Dress

The little miss in the family should be able to dress up with mom, and this fairytale-like Popatu Sequin Bodice Dress for toddlers and girls is the perfect compliment tom mom’s fun party dress. Pink and gold are fantastic NYE party colors, and the flowing length is perfect for a special occasion. Personally, I’m in love with these sleeves!

Adore the outfits shown above? Don’t forget to accessorize! Check out your Totspot app for the perfect finishing touches to your look! If you’re still looking for more options, Totspot has you covered there, too. Simply use the Search tool to find your new duds.

Happy New Year!

Shari Wargo Stamps is a California-based freelance content creator, event planner/consultant and the creator of savvyeveryday.com, the lifestyle site for parents. She enjoys binge watching TV shows and films, sitting on the beach, decorating, and planning events. Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Periscope!

Tales from a Totspot Newbie

by Totspot Team

The following is a guest post by Becky Hellwig, a lifestyle and tech blogger based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She blogs at siliconvalleylodge.com and is active on Instagram.

I recently found Totspot and am falling hard.

 
As a mom of three girls I am always hoping to find that one dress that is the perfect size and is on sale. As you might expect, I really don’t have time to actually go and shop at the mall. Oh, and this time of the year can be a little overwhelming especially when valet parking is also full.

Instead what I love to do is lay on the sofa in my pajamas and have a Totspot shopping experience.

 
My first shopping experience as a newbie was not so difficult.
First, you need to download the Totspot app. Oh, I know you have space on your smart phone. You know all those photos you have saved? Yep, all 2,000 can download onto your computer or better yet those blurry ones? Yeah, just delete. Create a login account.

Next, create your Family Profile. Whom do you shop for on a regular basis? I shop for the twins and Stella. Did you know you can also shop for yourself? Oh yeah!

Add a credit card, your address and start shopping. I bet you’ll love a few things in your feed, but you can also use the search button to narrow down your choices and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Now you ask what was my first purchase?

My little Rosie and Marybelle love Frozen’s Elsa and Anna. Rosie is always “Elsa” and Marybelle is stuck being “Anna” whom she adores. Did I mention their daddy is named Olaf? Serious, their little friends love that and Olaf says “Do you need a warm hug?”

I had to order not one, but two Frozen headbands with bows from @tessaclosets. For $3.oo each, I’m thinking their cousins are getting new headbands for Christmas, too.

The Totspot app is very easy to use.

 
I say it’s like thrift shopping but you always find something you love at a very good price. It’s also a great way to earn some extra cash. I’ve thought about selling some of the girls’ clothes on Totspot but I prefer purchasing new clothes and receiving a cool package in the mail.

How was your first experience using the Totspot shopping app? We’d love to hear more tales from our Totspot newbies!

4 Breathtaking Holiday Dress Styles to Wear This Month

by Shari Stamps

‘Tis the season of holiday party after holiday get together. With so much to do this month and so many events to attend the question of “What to wear?” comes up a lot. I’m not sure about you, but I barely have time for laundry until I’ve pretty much run out, which makes it tough finding things for several holiday get togethers . . . unless the holiday duds are deeply discounted like the ones on Totspot! Here’s a roundup of some gorgeous dresses just in time for your next shin dig.

1. Tunic 

Pregnant? Take a look at this breathtaking Chiffon Tunic from @vtrini’s closet! It has the right flow for comfort and style in one, plus the color fits any occasion!

This new with tag Phillip Lim tunic from @karouselkids has a bit of shimmer and would match almost anything, too! For $30, it’s a great deal!

2. Short & Fun

Who says short dresses compromise detail? This Free People Reign Over Me Sleeveless Dress from @darap is all about the details — Just look at that back! It’s new with tag and 46% off, too.

Another cute party dress (with less plunge in the neckline), is @jtheos0311‘s party dress for sale. It’s short, detailed (kind of like an overlay) and just $25!

3. Full Length and Sleek

Not everyone’s a fan of the shorter party dresses, sometimes long and sleek fits best! This elegant holiday dress from @itsybitsyboutiqu’s closet is a steal at $45.

Want something with a pop of sparkle? Check out the Adrianna Papell floor length gown available in @jmarie86‘s closet! It sparkles, shows off a lean figure and appears to be super breastfeeding friendly (at least on the one side).

 

4. All Sparkle

Some dresses just demand to be seen, like this Sparkling Black Sequin Party Dress posted by @tanushaone. It’s a mix of sleek and short with nice long sleeves for cold evenings out.

 

If you’re not a fan of solid colors, maybe @lukin4brgins‘s Vintage Multicolored Sequin Gown would be the perfect dress for your holiday appearance. It’s full length with a high slit and a lot of glam! Now this is the dress to wear when you want to be fashionably late!

Which dress is your favorite? Whether you prefer short & fun, shiny and bright, off the shoulder, or sleek and full there are a lot of options available at Totspot! Plus, the more dresses you have, the better you’re able to take part in the Dressember Project.

What are you wearing to your next holiday party?

Shari Wargo Stamps is a California-based freelance content creator, event planner/consultant and the creator of savvyeveryday.com, the lifestyle site for parents. She enjoys binge watching TV shows and films, sitting on the beach, decorating, and planning events. Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Periscope!

The Thanksgiving Style Guide

by Totspot Team

The following is a guest post by Julianne Cronin of The Wink.

Don’t let restrictive clothing prevent you from having your second (fourth?) helping of pumpkin pie. Take a page from Joey Tribbiani’s book and opt for garments with plenty of give this Thanksgiving that will let you be comfy without sacrificing style! #thanksgivingpants

The Poncho

Image via Happily Grey

There’s nothing more forgiving than a poncho because it’s basically a glorified blanket. Pick one up in the season’s hottest plaid pattern and rock it with black leggings and sleek patent loafers to elevate the look from bland to boss.

The Relaxed Dress

Image via Kristine or Polly

A relaxed dress in a cozy material – think wool or terrycloth – makes a comfy, unconfined pick. Top it off with a slouchy cardigan and a soft scarf for extra warmth.

The Drawstring Pant

Image via My Showroom

For those who don’t want to change out of their pajamas to eat dinner, drawstring pants are the clear winner this Thanksgiving. Top the look off with a boxy top and you have a look that’s basically glamorized sleepwear.

The Overalls

Image via ATLANTIC // PACIFIC

Forgo a waistline altogether this Thanksgiving and opt for a pair of overalls! Choose them in a sleek black and wear with a fitted top to make it look like you put in, like, some effort.

The Peasant Maxi

Image via The You Way

Stick with the harvest theme of old Thanksgivings of yore with a peasant maxi dress. Dress up the look with some gold jewelry, loose waves, and a smoky eye.

The Culottes

Image via 9 to 5 chic

A high-waisted style with an elasticized waistband are about as close as a girl can get to Joey’s Thanksgiving Pants. Tuck in a white blouse and slip on a pair of heeled mules to keep them from feeling frumpy.

Check out Totspot for all these Thanksgiving styles in their NEW Women’s Shop, and click on over to The Wink for more style tips! Happy eating!

Shopping Spree for MAMA!

by Totspot Team

We are so excited to be celebrating our grand opening of our Women’s and Men’s shops with a fun game! Join some of our very favorite fashionistas on Instagram to win $250 Visa Gift Card.

 Here’s how to enter: 

 Here’s how to enter: 

1) Follow @MyTotspot and everyone in the loop: @TechSavvyMama, @StacieinAtlanta, @AudreyMcClellan, @VeraSweeney, @MomTrends, @SavvySassyMoms, @TeachMama1, @Jolynneshane, @JessicaMcFadd.

2) Like this image and leave a comment

3) Head over to follow @TechSavvyMama, the next person in the loop

4) Keep following the loop until you get back to @MyTotspot‘s Instagram page and you’re done!

Contest closes on Tuesday, November 24. All entries submitted by this date are eligible for prizing. Winner will be randomly selected, verified, and announced on Monday, November 30. For full contest rules, visit bit.ly/TotspotMoms

Let’s celebrate!

Totspot, Inc. My Favorite Things INSTAGRAM LOOP GIVEAWAY OFFICIAL RULES

Sponsored by Totspot, Inc. (“Sponsors”).

NO ENTRY FEE. NO PURCHASE OR OBLIGATION NECESSARY TO PLAY OR WIN.

Sweepstakes Details: 1. Promotion/Contest Name (the “Sweepstakes”): Totspot, Inc. Totspot, Inc. My Favorite Things INSTAGRAM LOOP GIVEAWAY 2. Entry deadline is 11/24/15 at 11:59 am ET 3. To enter: a. Follow @MyTotspot, @TechSavvyMama, @StacieinAtlanta, @AudreyMcClellan, @VeraSweeney, @MomTrends, @SavvySassyMoms, @TeachMama, @Jolynneshane, @JessicaMcFadd; b. Like the Totspot image and comment by tagging another Instagram follower.

All entries submitted by this date are eligible for prizing. Winner will be randomly selected, verified, and announced on Monday, December 1, at 10 a.m. ET. (“Entry Period”). In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a winner, the winner will be deemed to be the person in whose name the e-mail account governing the e-mail address was opened. Entrants must provide all information requested to be eligible to win. Incomplete, unreadable, or unintelligible entries will be disqualified. All entries must be received by 11/24/15at 11:59 am ET. All information provided by entrants becomes the property of Sponsor. Winners will be notified via tagged Instagram comment. b. To enter by email without obligation, email support@totspot.me. Please be sure to include promotion/contest name in the subject line. All email entries must be received by promotion/contest end date. c. There is no limit on the number of online entries per entrant during the entry period. You will receive one entry per card, and may submit as many mail-in entries as you wish. 4. Prizes and Odds: The one (1) grand prize to be awarded from the contest is: . One (1) grand prize: A $250 Visa Gift Card (US). a. Total value of all prizes to be awarded: $ $250 b. The odds of winning a prize depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

Eligibility: The Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the U.S. age 18 or older, who have an active e-mail account and Internet access as of the beginning of the promotion/contest period.

Employees of Sponsors and their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, promotion, and fulfillment agencies, their immediate family members and persons living in their same household, are not eligible to participate in the promotion/contest. Participation in the promotion/contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules & Regulations (“Official Rules”). VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

No mechanically reproduced mail-in entries are allowed and any use of robotic, automatic, programmed or the like entry methods will void all such entries by such methods.

Prize Drawing: All promotion/contest name entries meeting the requirements of these Official Rules will be entered into the prize drawing, to be held on or around 7 days after online deadline at the Totspot, Inc. offices 444 Castro Street, Suite 703, Mountain View, CA 94041 . The drawing will be conducted by independent judges whose decisions are final and binding. The winners will be selected at random from among all eligible entries received.

The odds of winning a prize depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Winners are solely responsible for any and all federal, state, provincial and local taxes that apply to prizes. No cash or other substitution of prizes is permitted, except at the sole option of Sponsor for a prize of equal or greater value. Prizes won by minors will be awarded to the parents or legal guardians, who must sign all required affidavits and releases. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prizes.

Notification of Winners: Winners will be notified by e-mail within five (5) business days of the prize drawing, and may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and publicity/liability release within seven (7) days of notification. If a selected Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim a prize and/or where applicable an affidavit of eligibility and publicity/liability release is not timely received, is incomplete or modified, prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner will be selected from remaining valid, eligible entries timely submitted. In the event of a dispute regarding who submitted an entry, the entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail account specified in the entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. No automatically generated entries will be accepted.

Privacy Policy: Any personal information supplied by you to Totspot, Inc. will be subject to Totspot, Inc.’s privacy policy posted at http://www.totspot.me/privacy  will not sell, rent, transfer or otherwise disclose your personal data to any third party other than the corresponding Sponsors whose offers you failed to opt-out. Additionally, by entering the promotion/contest you understand that Totspot, Inc. may send you additional commercial marketing email regarding Totspot, Inc. and its partners.

General Rules: By entering, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules. The promotion/contest is offered by Sponsor, Totspot, Inc., 444 Castro Street, Suite 703, Mountain View, CA 94041 , which is not responsible for late, lost, delayed, damaged, postage-due, incomplete, illegible, or misdirected entries, responses, or other correspondence, whether by e-mail or postal mail or otherwise, or for theft or destruction or unauthorized access or alterations of entry materials, phone, electrical, network, computer, hardware, software program or transmission malfunctions, failures or difficulties. By participating and winning a prize, Winner releases Sponsor, its parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, sponsors, and agents, including advertising and promotion agencies, from any and all liability with respect to the promotion/contest or the acceptance, possession or use of any prize, including without limitation (i) any condition caused by events beyond Sponsor’s control that may cause the promotion/contest to be disrupted or corrupted; (ii) any injuries, losses, or damages (compensatory, direct, incidental, consequential or otherwise) of any kind arising in connection with or as a result of the prize, or acceptance, possession, or use of the prize, or from participation in the [Promotion/Contest Name]; and (iii) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the promotion/contest. Sponsor’s decisions in all respects relative to the promotion/contest are final. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify or suspend the promotion/contest in whole or in part, in the event of fraud, technical or other difficulties or if the integrity of the promotion/contest is compromised, without liability to the entrant. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any winner, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winner is responsible for paying any income taxes on the value of the prize received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. All federal, state, provincial and local regulations apply.

Additional Conditions: Except where prohibited by law, by accepting any prize, All entries are a consent to the use of his/her name, photo and/or likeness, biographical information, and statements attributed to winner (if true) for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be acknowledged or returned. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of prizes.

Winner’s List, Official Rules: For a list of prize winners or a copy of these Official Rules, send your request and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “Totspot, Inc. My Favorite Things Instagram Loop Giveaway” Totspot, Inc., 444 Castro Street, Suite 703, Mountain View, CA 94041 or (for Winner’s list only) send an email message to support@totspot.me with “Winner’s list” as the email subject and contest name specified in the body of the e-mail.

Sponsor’s Address: Sponsor is Totspot, Inc., Inc., 444 Castro Street, Suite 703, Mountain View, CA 94041

Why I Let My Kids Dress Themselves

by Totspot Team

The following is a guest post by Totspot seller Heather Gear. Be sure to check out her closet @heathergear.

The good, the bad, and the oh-so colorful!

My kids have been involved in picking out their clothes from about 6 months on. In those early days I’d hold up two options and let them grab what they liked. Without fail favorite outfits emerged, even that early!

My oldest daughter, Smalls, always picked a Gymboree dress in blue and green floral. She has always seemed opinionated about her clothing. I’ll never forget the soft baby pink outfit my MIL bought her. Every single time she wore it she would have a diaper blow out. Every time! I guess that wasn’t her favorite.

As we’ve entered the toddler and preschool years, her tastes have changed very little. She doesn’t like her clothing too fitted and gets frustrated with too many of something (buttons, ruffles, bows, etc). She’s never been afraid of color. In fact, she never picks the basic black leggings out of her dresser. She’d rather dress head to toe in a single color while mixing patterns.

She’s extremely independent and loves the autonomy of being allowing to pick out her clothes.

Here is a selection of her past week of clothing. She likes to get dressed in her closet and yell “I’m ready” for me to come and see.

I would never label Smalls as a ‘fashionista’ she’s just creative and likes to be comfortable. While she has some great brands in her closet I don’t buy them for the fashionable element. I steer towards them for their top quality and timeless colors and patterns.

Of course we have guidelines about weather and our activities, but it opens the door to discussions on making wise decisions. Recently she got new shoes. Not just any shoes but Michael Kors sparkle mary janes. She wore them three days in a row and on the third day got a bad blister. I had warned her before leaving the house that morning to grab a second pair of shoes just in case but she did’t listen. Let’s just say I ended up carrying her most of the day because she refused to put anything on her feet in fear of it hurting her boo-boo. It was a lesson well learned.

Now that she’s 3 (nearly 4!) I let her pick things out before I buy them. Totspot has made that process so much easier. In the past I just picked out several things at a few nice consignment stores and hoped she’d like them once she grew into them. Most of the time she only wore 30% of what I bought. Now if I take her to a shop, she gets distracted and usually wants me to buy something not on the shopping list.

With Totspot I can search, like and review with her when I’m ready to buy. She loves getting the items in the mail too. Especially when they are wrapped like presents!

We live in a much more fashion-obsessed, image-obsessed culture then when we were little. I want to raise my girls with a solid understanding that fashion is fun while having confidence in themselves is so much more important. That’s why I let them wear what they want. If they are confident walking into the world wearing 10 different colors, then I’m their proud mama.

4 Tips for Selling Halloween Costumes

by Totspot Team

The following is a guest post by Justine Dorton. Be sure to check out her Totspot closet @mountainwriter.

Halloween is just around the corner, and selling your old Halloween costumes can be a great way to make some money to buy new ones!

Halloween costumes can be tricky, largely because most costumes have a gazillion details in every little corner of the costume. Photographing every little detail is hard, describing the costume fully is hard, and making sure your weight doesn’t go over is hard!

Here are 4 tips to make selling your Halloween costumes easy.

1. Taking a lot of photos is a must. @ohhaithur has a great example. She’s selling a ladybug costume and has photo after photo of all the darling details.

2. Another idea would be to show off your tot in the costume. @sarahsharp5313 has some great examples of her daughter strutting her stuff in a corpse bride costume. Pull out those photos from last year and consider adding them to your listing.

3. When you’re describing your costume, make sure to add all the words that will help someone find it when searching. For our ladybug example, words such as Halloween, costume, ladybug, red, wings, and embroidery, plus sizing info are all descriptive and searchable words to help your costume be seen by more people.

The more descriptive words, the better. Totspot gives you a lot of space to make a literary splash with your description. Don’t be afraid to dive in.

Make sure to accurately describe the condition as well. If there’s a Candy Corn stain on the leg, be sure to mention it! Other items to mention would be wash wear for knit fabrics, pilling, snags, color fading, stretched out fabric, and any other condition that would be noticeable.

You want your buyer to pull this out of the box and know exactly what she’s getting.

4. As far as shipping goes, use your kitchen scale to make sure you know where you’re at. A lot of costumes can get heavy, so check to be sure.

If you’re over 2 pounds, you should be aware that the additional shipping charges are $2 per pound. You can mention this in your listing and add that amount into your listing price, or you can plan to just pay for that yourself.

If the costume is small enough to be under 13 ounces, just remember to use your own packaging materials and not the Priority Mail boxes.

So, let’s get on it and list those costumes! Halloween will be here in no time.

Just looking to buy, you say? Check out these closets with some darling Halloween ideas, and make sure to show us your #totstyle:

@brittacx3
@janettelujan
@arron1183
@haleymarturano
@sarahsharp5313

5 Unexpectedly Fun Ideas to Fill Your Summer Days

by Totspot Team

We’ve all been there. A couple weeks into summer and all the books have been read, the games played, the toys overused. Bored kids mean unhappy kids, and that translates to an unhappy mama. Beat the summer blues with these five fun, simple ideas to spice up your days at home.

1. Write a book. You’ve read the Dr. Seuss collection forwards and backwards, so now let your kids use their imagination and take down tales of their own. Write down their stories (word for word is always hilarious) and have them illustrate for a keepsake that will entertain both you and your children for years to come.

2. Start a dance party. Lip sync, shimmy, and wiggle it out – crank up that Frozen soundtrack and get down with your littles! It is a great way to use up some of that extra energy, and it’s fun for you and the kiddos alike.

3. Create a sidewalk masterpiece. When it comes to the sidewalk, the whole neighborhood’s your canvas and there’s no need to keep to the lines. Since all you need is a little chalk and some imagination, this summer activity is as fun as it as inexpensive. Make hopscotch that runs the length of the block, or a giant dragon that scares off intruders! If drawing gets boring, there are at least 10 games and activities you can do with sidewalk here.

4. Sprinklers day. Hot day? Skip a trip to the pool and simply turn on the sprinklers. Your kids can cool off without leaving the comfort of your home, and if you don’t have sprinklers, there are easy, inexpensive ways to make one with a soda bottle. Here’s how you can make one.

5. Build a fort. Some couch cushions, chairs, and blankets and voila! You have a magic castle or a secret bunker!

 

written by Maddie, Totspot Intern

Images via Life As A Mama, Clever, Crafty, Cookin’ Mama, Pinterest

Wisdom Wednesday

by Totspot Team

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up” -Mark Twain

Make Every Day Earth Day

by Totspot Team

It’s Earth Day and that means remembering that every little bit counts. That includes turning off that light in the other room, recycling that box instead of tossing it (even if the recycling bin is full to the brim), and overall, just trying to do our part. We like to think that we’re not only helping the planet, but we’re helping our kids learn good, green habits.

That’s why when we started Totspot, we had saving money on our kids’ clothes and keeping the earth green in mind. We did a little research to see exactly how much we waste – and can save –  and the results were pretty astonishing.

Thank you, Totspotters. You make every day Earth Day, and the planet appreciates it.