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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Giveaways: One Chic Mama is giving away a mother/daughter set of Cambodian jingle bell anklets from Baby Emi Jewelry. Classy Mommy is offering up a $100 Toys R Us gift card + 5 Veggie Tales DVDs. MomFinds is giving away a giant gift basket from Neat Solutions.
Whether it’s a function of post-winter pounds or running in circles with mamas who lack the time to run for real, I’ve recently found myself amidst several episodes of collective discontent over muffin tops (as in, the unwanted roll that hangs over your jeans). To negotiate this problem, as well as that of rear crack or undie exposure, I’ve been recommending the hip-T. This shaped band of comfy stretch cotton covers the potential vulnerable zone between your outfit's top and bottom while creating a stylish, layered look. Offered in a variety of colors (some with lace trim…ooh la la!), you can breathe more comfortably in your clothes since the hip-T’s got your crack covered.
Want to win a hip-T*? Here’s how:
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Clever Parents encourages you to do your part through Operation Shower - baby showers for expectant and new moms whose husbands are deployed overseas. Moms’ Buzz features a video to help teach kids to give compliments. The Nest Baby is giving away a gift bucket from American Terry filled with a hooded towel, bubbles, toys, and more. MomFinds is offering up two Hip-Ts to cover your assets. And One Chic Mama is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Ann Taylor LOFT maternity.
One challenge for pregnant working women is finding maternity clothing that is stylish and well constructed, but doesn’t break the bank. When I was pregnant with Laurel and hunting for reasonably priced work pieces, I saw a troubling amount of highly flammable polyester construction that was ill reminiscent of the marching band and color guard (yes, color guard) uniforms I wore in high school. Designers are, thankfully, catching on to the need for affordable maternity style, and among the newcomers is the recently launched Ann Taylor LOFT maternity line.
While generally I believe in investing in key wardrobe pieces, one area that challenges me is bags. I love having a variety of styles to go with different outfits, and I just can’t stomach the idea of picking a single bag to drop a fortune on. And then when one of Laurel’s milk cups exploded inside the one designer tote I do own (a gift from a very generous friend…), I decided to look for alternatives.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Cool finds: One Chic Mama recommends catapulting your feet into spring with Keds’ vintage-inspired hi-wedges. Clever Parents features Bonkiebags from Hollister and Newman. Healthy Bump loves Obli Organics’ 100% certified organic cotton outfits. MomFinds is giving away a green EuroTote just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers tips to clutter bust and overhaul your master bedroom. Modern Mom introduces its online book club; grab a book and join the fun. Moms’ Buzz demystifies lypossage – a body contouring massage you may want to try.
Today, Kate reports on a local purveyor of glass treasures:
“With the holidays long gone and as the grey of winter persists, finding ways to keep shine and brightness in life becomes all the more important. Colorful accessories can add sparkle and happiness, and a small store in the Back Bay offers a beautiful selection of vibrant glass jewelry - rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments - that is both fun and elegant without being overly expensive. Lalo Treasures is a treat for the eyes: the cozy store is bright, welcoming, and colorful. Not to mention that Lalo's blend of materials makes for unusually durable jewelry (customers are encouraged to try on anything they want), making it terrific for moms with babes equally drawn to pretty baubles.”
Lalo Treasures, 255 Newbury Street, Boston; Tel: 617.437.6666
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Win it: Modern Mom is on location at Disney to kick off their Dream Vacation Giveaway. One Chic Mama is giving away a Gold Heart Envelope from Dante Beatrix packed full of beauty products. MomFinds is offering up a chance to win a Haute Kiley bag from HMR by Christine Price. Classy Mommy is giving away 4 board books from the Good Night Our World series.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Clever Parents details their top 5 tips for losing weight and feeling great while doing it. MomFinds has the scoop on the Hollywood buzz inspired by the spring Robeez collection. One Chic Mama features the Vicks Caring Tributes and Kiehl’s giveaway. And visit Moms’ Buzz to enter to win goodies from Hanes.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Clever Parents invites you to crunch the numbers with their 2008 Smart Spending Grocery Challenge. Healthy Bump charts where the rest of that non-baby baby weight goes. MomFinds features six simple products to babyproof your home. Moms’ Buzz features the seven new wonders of the world for family travel. Modern Mom is hosting a toddler trouble photo contest. And One Chic Mama has raves for the SoRa charm necklace.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Save time and expense with the professional laundry tips featured on Moms’ Buzz. Clever Parents highlights a way to visit Santa without leaving home. Modern Mom’s got the dish on celebrity holiday plans. Healthy Bump reviews To The Nines Maternity’s holiday tops. Visit MomFinds to enter to win a $50 Gifts.com gift card. And One Chic Mama is giving away a BusyBodyBook.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Books, books, and more books: Healthy Bump has raves for Easy Labor. One Chic Mama finds inspiration in I Love You More and Joy Is the Greatest Gift. And Clever Parents offers a fun idea to get those Christmas classics read and slow down with your family.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Moms’ Buzz features tips for a stress-free holiday season. Modern Mom presents its holiday gift guide. Healthy Bump has raves for the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. Clever Parents reviews the First Adventures of Incredible You. Classy Mommy video reviews a glam holiday tee. And up for the winning are a Lillébaby EuroTote from MomFinds and a Kaboost seat from One Chic Mama.
As promised in an earlier feature on The Handbag
:
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Good to know: You can become part of Clever Parents’ Operation Shower, a baby shower for 60 Army moms taking place in Fort Hood, Texas on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Learn more about gestational diabetes, from Healthy Bump. And Moms’ Buzz can help you get up on your Halloween trivia, with their Halloween fun facts segment.
The transition phase between “Hmm, pregnant?” and “Whoa, definitely pregnant!” (and vice versa) can be challenging in many ways. If you’re looking for a seamless way to hang onto your sense of style (and your pants), check out Jules’s report on an item that will endure use before, during, and after pregnancy - the Bella Band
As I’ve been trolling for fall shoes, I’ve come to realize that I have something of a case of foot claustrophobia. I want barely there and easy on/off (the latter being a mom essential actually), and I’m already lamenting the end of flip-flop season. With athletic footwear, however, there’s little choice but to lace up, and thanks to a review partnership with The Parent Bloggers Network and Ryka, I’ve had the chance to test a couple of pairs of Ryka sneakers and identify which ones do and do not make my feet hyperventilate, so to speak.
Although motherhood typically results in style deterioration, the combination of making it past the 100%-cotton-spit-up-absorbent-baby-care-uniform-phase, and working at one of Boston’s esteemed, male-dominated, and decidedly fashion challenged universities made me even more committed to looking stylish and feminine. So while I’m far from an ideal wardrobe (due to spending guilt and pickiness), I have, since becoming a mommy, become obsessed with pretty details, great shoes, and color, even at the casual level. But if your mommy sweats are getting you down, don’t fret. Today, our friends at The Parent Bloggers Network are offering a fun opportunity to step up your schlumpy mom outfit with a fantastic Coach bag.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Cool Finds: Healthy Bump features The Nursing Bracelet from Go Baby (shown), a pretty bracelet to help mom keep track of the time she last nursed and on which breast. Classy Mommy loves Snap Totes, a functional and special photo bag that comes in a variety of clutch, purse, or bag sizes, including diaper bags. One Chic Mama also has kudos for the cute knit hats from Maggie’s Rose (see our review).
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
First, congratulations to our friends at Coochicoos, who have welcomed a beautiful baby girl (shown), sure to inspire lots of stylish girly design finds on their site. And for another beautiful baby, check out Babyfaces’ photo of the week.
Other goodies include: MomFinds features a baby essentials guide for new moms. Coochicoos showcases the European Bloom Highchair. Healthy Bump has raves for Diaper Baggies. One Chic Mama suggests letting Spendella keep you current on fashion advice. And Clever Parents offers tips on how families can work together to ease back to school jitters.
In my opinion, you can never have enough bags; if you’re of like mind, today’s birthday contest is for you. One lucky winner (US & Canada residents eligible) will receive the Fancy Pants Bella bag from Daisy Janie, where designer Jan DiCintio has created a collection of bags and accessories based on her original fabric designs. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Monday, July 23) the answer to the following question: What is the popular “for fabulous finds” sister site of Daisy Janie?
Whether or not you know how to golf, those of the preppy persuasion will love girlsgreen’s cute, stylish polos and tees, terrific for the green or for everyday (see our review). For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (worldwide entrants welcome!) will receive a $75 gift certificate to the girlsgreen online shop. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, July 11) the answer to the following question: Who are the two sisters behind girlsgreen?
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Build your child’s confidence in the water with the adjustable buoyancy Konfidence Jacket (from Clever Parents; shown). Forget those alphabet and number playmats - Skip Hop's Playspot playmat is the perfect answer (from Coochicoos). La Leche League launches a new line of nursing bras that are both pretty and affordable (from One Chic Mama). The eBeanstalk gift series allows you to send your favorite tot a new toy every 3 months to match their stage of development (save 10% and get free shipping with code CLASSY, from Classy Mommy). Win the chic, travel-friendly Lexie Barnes Darling diaper bag just in time for your summer vacation (from MomFinds). And check out this little boy who just doesn't look innocent enough (from Babyfaces).
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Summer’s Here!: Babyfaces offers a vintage look at summer (shown). Clever Parents offers the how-to for raising your own caterpillars safely, easily, and cheaply. Classy Mommy gives kudos to Stride Rite for creating a summer shoe collection with both fashion and function in mind. One Chic Mama offers suggestions for end of the school year teacher gifts.
Dish and Deals: The Stylish Child features Jenna Elfman’s favorite baby products (her first son is due later this summer). Celebrity Moms has the latest on Keri Russell, who returns to the Hollywood scene in a hit indie film, and with a baby on the way. Coochicoos highlights a stroller unlike any other you've seen. And if you're a mom-to-be, a new mom, or a veteran toddler-wrangler, check out MomFinds’s latest discounts.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
SheFindsMom wants you to weigh in on the great Croc debate (fashionable and functional, ugly but comfortable, or you'd rather go barefoot?). Coochicoos invites you to see the freshest new baby furniture designs on display at this year's ICFF Design Show. Classy Mommy’s got raves for the vintage inspired infant and toddler wear by Jack & Jill, especially the tee and pant gift sets that come delivered in a Jack & Jill Pail. Clever Parents reviews Vincent Shoes, designs cool enough for the runway or playground. One Chic Mama advocates for Danger Rangers when it's time to teach kids safety. And check out Babyfaces’ gorgeous photo of the week, Girl with Flower.
During high school and college summers, I scooped ice cream at one of the local best, back when the tip cup was novel; reserved for truly effortful duty such as hand packing quarts of ice cream. My less physically strenuous adult equivalent is a celadon jar, in which I toss cash procured from random Craigslist sales or bills discovered in last season’s pockets. There’s something oddly thrilling about hitting the retail pavement with a wad of cash that feels like free money. It also makes me feel less guilty about splurging on a great find.
Yesterday my jar delivered a pair of shoes that I can’t wait to rock this holiday weekend. Ann Taylor’s Noel Cork Platforms (shown in red; $108) cleverly combine woven straw, patent leather, and cork into a chic sandal that will serve duty at a wedding and likely also for brunch, paired with dressy shorts. My feet tend not to be the easiest to fit (all the more reason to splurge when I find a good pair), but catwalking on the 3+ inch heels (Jon insisted…) wasn’t even that onerous thanks to the padded foot bed.
Despite the warm weather, sometimes fashion or desire dictates the need for the smoothing effects of hose. Reader Ali from South Hamilton wrote in with praise for Mama Spanx:
“Many women are familiar with Spanx, the undergarment revolution of wearer-friendly body slimmers. For pregnant moms, there are now a variety of maternity Spanx styles that support and smooth your changing body. Mama Spanx come in mid-thigh (a.k.a. power panty), footless (in nude
or black
), and full-length (in nude
or black
) versions. Bands support your belly and thighs without needing to resort to those large, harness-like pregnancy girdles.”
Ironically enough, my wild and crazy college student behavior emerged after finishing undergrad (suspiciously correlated with my meeting Jon, still an undergrad at the time…), complete with the requisite tattoo/belly ring ruminations. And while visiting a dingy Boston piercing parlor promptly scared me out of the idea, now it’s possible to make a rocker chic impression (that’s physically impermanent) through the designs of Hot Mama Ink.
Hot Mama Ink fuses rock and roll style with delicious, delicious comfort (you can never have enough machine washable clothing as a mom…). Their tattoo inspired, motherhood celebrating artwork is screen printed onto soft tanks, hoodies, tees, yoga pants/capris (including maternity), and baby slings. A great pick is the aptly named Fierce Love long sleeve tee (shown; $68), a cozy, sexy, and stylish way to proudly wear motherhood on your sleeve.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:
Cool Finds & Bargains: Learn more about Boon’s funky stuffed animal organizer/chair
Cool Candy: Check out Friday Eye Candy: TV Hotties (from MamaPop), and the report on Shiloh Jolie Pitt’s first legal battle (from Celebrity Moms)
Cool Organics: Peruse eco-friendly organic finds for babies and Earth Mamas (from SheFindsMom), luxurious Erbaorganics products for mother and child (from One Chic Mama), fun Earth Day activities and crafts (from Clever Parents), and the organic, early bond between a father and son (from Babyfaces).
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:
Put a little spring in your step with: Clever Parents’ clutter busting guide on what to do with all those shoes you have and how to make room for the ones you've been eyeing, SheFindsMom’s feature on stylish raingear for the entire family, and the Celebrity Baby Blog’s review of the new spring collection from Bumble Bags.
Also from CBB, get glowing Bridget Moynahan’s look for less. New dad Tobey Maguire opens up about his turbulent childhood and the lessons it taught him as a father, from Celebrity Moms. And check out Alanis Morrisette's hilarious cover of the Black Eyed Peas singer's hit, from MamaPop.
And last but not least, One Chic Mama’s got the latest on fashionable medical ID bracelets and necklaces. Classy Mommy previews Momzillas
And now for our weekly dose of fabulous web highlights from our stylish blog partners:
Check out four amazing modern nursery designs at Coochicoos (shown; design #3). She Finds Mom reports on readers’ picks for the best nursing bras. See a video review of a toddler testing Aqua2Go at Classy Mommy, as well as the latest vidcast at Clever Parents. One Chic Mama recommends a professional photographer based out of Raleigh, NC to capture your family summer vacations, and Babyfaces features a boy and his wagon for its photo of the week. And in the celebrity corner: MamaPop investigates how new celebrity moms seem to snap right back into shape. Celebrity Moms dishes on Halle Berry, who is ready to start a new chapter in life. And the Celebrity Baby Blog announces the winners of their first annual celebrity baby poll.
Back in January, after reading an interesting New York Times feature on the intentional – and successful – tactics of niche oriented retailers (i.e., those who cater to particular age/style demographics versus trying to cater to all), the chances of me stepping into a teen (or early 20’s at best) store like American Eagle decreased exponentially. But this morning, emboldened by a favorable AE denim pitch I recalled seeing in a non-teen source, and the need for new denim (not to mention an adventure that would get us out of the house but shield us from the wind), I stopped in with Laurel.
The experience reminded me not to judge a book by its cover. The staffers were friendly and extremely sweet towards Laurel, and I did in fact pick up a terrific pair of jeans. Check out the AE Hipster Jean; it’s got a stylishly low (but not too low) rise and boot cut similar to my beloved Lucky’s, but at a fraction of the price ($29.50). The Sunfaded Wash is particularly fresh for spring, and the back pockets feature flattering signature stitching.
We’ve recently partnered up with some fellow stylish bloggers to bring you a weekly dose of cool web finds for your weekend reading. This week’s treats include:
A very fetching round up of the best-fitting, figure-flattering maternity jeans, from SheFindsMom. Kudos for Babyproofing Your Marriage
Sometimes (particularly after a stretch of indulgent eating) serving as a fashion consultant to a friend is more fun than shopping for yourself. Yesterday I had great fun hitting the maternity pavement with a girlfriend desperately in need of bumpworthy business attire.
After checking out Target and Kohl’s, both of which have a few business separates options but are better suited for casual wear, we hit the jackpot at Destination Maternity
in Natick. Surprisingly not overwhelming in square footage, this one-stop shopping location includes retail areas each for Motherhood
, Mimi Maternity
, A Pea in the Pod
, Destination Maternity
, and Edamame Spa
, which ensures satisfying a range of budgets and clothing styles, whether you are in the market for a $10 basic vs. $300 designer dress.
Just because tees are an inevitable part of the mommy wardrobe doesn’t mean you can’t hang onto your sassy style.
Tuni & G offers comfy clothing for babies, kids, and adults (including maternity); among their collection are separates that can be paired to create punchy Mommy & Me sets. Especially cool is the My Baby Rolls/My Mom Rocks set (piece prices range from $28-36). Available in various sizes, styles, and colors, the logos are constructed entirely of chic pressed stud embellishments. We also love that this style offers a “My Grandma Rocks” baby/kid onesie or tee to honor hip and stylish grandmas.
Given my obsession with ballet flats, I was thrilled to see StyleBakery’s round up of 8 ballet flats under $60. I immediately ordered the Old Navy Satin Ballet Flats ($19.50), and they're fabulous. Word on these elegant, impressively comfortable flats clearly is spreading. There was plenty of stock when I ordered a pair in chocolate last week; now chocolate is sold out and the two remaining colors are following suit.