November 2014 - Page 2 of 2

MOMMA NEEDS… child proof furniture

Child proof furniture means a great couch, chairs and tables with rounded edges that give you piece of mind whilst still looking incredibly chic!

As my little Max grows my worries increase rather than decrease and so does my need for child proof furniture. When he first started walking I quickly put foam corners on all the sharp edges, moved everything that could be knocked over higher and out of reach and put locks on all the cabinets… What I didn’t realize is that as he grew and became more agile the baby proofing would have to get higher and higher and his ability to rip off the foam corners and undo the locks made my attempts to keep him safe seem futile. The truth is, what I should have done from the beginning is to invest in some child proof furniture. What I mean by this is, softer furniture and pieces with rounded edges – so that when he climbs, trips, falls (which they ARE going to do no matter what) my fears can be assuaged with the knowledge that I have at least reduced the risk. I’m not suggesting turning your home into a version of My Gym – child proof furniture simply means choosing pieces you love that just happen to be more kid friendly (aka – not something out of the baby booby trap catalogue). Check out some of my favorite child proof furniture and have one less thing to worry about!

Stone & Aster sofa $2899

West Elm coffee table $499

Anthropolgie chair $998

Martini side table $149

Anthropologie pouf $248

Pottery Barn cabinet $699

Ravenna Modern circular sofa $5225 – love this, it’s more of an aspirational piece – and obviously without the fire pit! (fire isn’t particularly kid friendly)

Tufted ottoman $699 (was $2099)

Vince accent stool $299

wingback dining chairs (set of 2) $159.99

Anthropologie dining table $2598

Clara sofa $1699

Anthropologie coffee table - child proof furniture

Anthropologie coffee table $1298

Vaughn tufted chair $151.99

Lumisource side table $89.99

Cassandra upholstered storage bench $699

Kansai bookcase $1298

Haute House chair $3199

Clover coffee table $189

Missoni pouf $725

Stokke convertible crib/sleeper $799

MOMMA LOVES… tuxedo pants

I absolutely love a great tuxedo pant – wether long and lean or slouchy and more masculine that stripe gives me flutters.

While menswear is an ever popular trend – this look is still incredible feminine yet powerful.

Little Max likes it too… but we’re not going anywhere until he puts on his shoes!

Tuxedo pants have long captured my eye – in fact tuxedo dressing as an alternative to a little black dress or sparkly frock has been an incredibly classy option since Bianca Jagger and the birth of the YSL “le smoking” tux. It’s quite clear that I am a fan of the tuxedo jacket as it falls in line with my blazer obsession but tuxedo pants have an equally strong appeal. The long lean silhouette with the racing stripe down the side gives a masculine edge with an undeniable feminine appeal. Strong, sexy and always stylish, tuxedo pants are easily dressed up for a formal affair or dressed down for the office or, in some cases, even just running around on errands. They can be one part track pant, one part black tie which makes them 100% a wardrobe must have. Check out some of my favorite tuxedo pants and get your unexpected chic on.

Saint Laurent pants $1150

Akris pants $595

Kate Spade pants $268

H&M pants $34.95

Vera Wang pants $595

BLK DNM pants $395

Vince tuxedo pants $295

Forever 21 pants $24.80

Gucci pants $1200

Each x Other pants $425

Maison Scotch pants $105

Zara pants $79.90

Chloe pants $1450

Stella McCartney pants $610

Rag & Bone trousers $450

J Crew tuxedo pants $198

Asos pants $56.85

MOMMA NEEDS… cold weather accessories (brrr)

We don’y get snow in LA – but in the digital world I can make it happen – for those in the polar vortex it’s time for hats, scarves and gloves!

Cold weather accessories like my favorite Missoni hat are essential for surviving winter!

Of course, try explaining this to a 2 year old who doesn’t like to be fussed over…

When the temperature drops you’ll need more than just a great coat to stay warm – cold weather accessories are an absolute must! Hats, gloves, scarves to protect your extremities and keep in the heat are essential for winter for both you and you’re little ones! Water resistant or wooly there are some great cold weather accessories that will certainly keep you bundled up and safe from the frost this season. Yes, they will do the great service of keeping you warm but they also look pretty spectacular as well so it’s really a win win situation. As for our little ones – they may not like bundling up, and at times it may appear that the frigid temperatures bother them (not when they’re having fun and playing) but keeping their little vulnerable head, hands and necks warm couldn’t be more important! Check out some of the great cold weather accessories for us and our little ones and stay warm (and fabulous) this winter!

First for us:

Eugenia Kim hat $225

1717 Olive cashmere hat $120

Echo cashmere beanie $78

The North Face hat $39.90

Rick Owens beanie $220

Rag & Bone beanie $125

Marc by Marc Jacobs hat $88

Topshop beanie $22

Canada Goose aviator hat $225

Eugenia Kim headband $100

MICHAEL Michael Kors tech hat $48

Asos hat with detachable pom pons $18.95

Missoni hat and gloves set $445

Stella McCartney gloves $255

UGG Australia leather tech gloves $115

Made of Me convertible cashmere gloves $60

Halogen cashmere touch tech gloves $42

The Elder Statesman cashmere fingerless gloves $200

Bloomingdales cashmere lined leather gloves $98

Hunter convertible gloves $60

Topshop sheepskin mittens $38

Diane von Furstenberg (tech friendly) gloves $278

Carolina Amato knit and leather gloves $160

Jocelyn rabbit fur fingerless mittens - cold weather accessories

Jocelyn rabbit fur fingerless mittens $65

Asos convertible gloves $18.95

3.1 Phillip Lim rabbit fur and silk scarf $495

Helmut Lang infinity scarf $195

MICHAEL Michael Kors infinity scarf $68

Asos scarf $28.43

Matthew Williamson scarf $585

Stella McCartney scarf $175

Aqua scarf $68

Asos infinity scarf $37.90

Stella McCartney scarf $420

Jocelyn infinity scarf $240

Topshop scarf $52

Forever 21 infinity scarf $10.90

Some adorable cold weather accessories for our little ones:

Egg Baby by Susan Lazar infant hat $32.20

Mini Boden hat and mittens set $34

Ralph Lauren infant hat and mittens set $75

Blueberry Hill hat $28

Kate Spade for Gap hat $19.95

Gap hat $21.95

Bloomingdales cashmere hat $26.25

Mini Boden hat and mittens set $34

Capellini hat and mittens set $18

Gap hat $16.95

Old Navy hat and gloves set $16.94

Old Navy beanie $12.94

Gap infant hat $16.95

Gap infant beanie $16.95

Protolano Kids mittens $48

North Face mittens $30

7 AM Enfant mittens $27

Zara mittens $12.90

Stella McCartney Kids mittens $48.72

Stella McCartney Kids gloves $57.69

J Crew gloves $32

J Crew gloves $29.50

Gap mittens $12.95

Kate Spade for Gap mittens $11.95

J Crew cashmere blanket $198

Burberry Kids snood $225

Tucker + Tate infinity scarf $28

Zara scarf $17.90

Portolano Kids snood $38

Portolano Kids scarf $44

Ralph Lauren scarf $40

J Crew scarf $42.50

Gap scarf $12.95

Gap scarf $16.95

MOMMA LOVES… a gilet (aka a vest)

A gilet is that perfect sleeveless layer that keeps your core warm and is super easy to layer over or under your jackets and coats.

It can be fur, fake fur, quilted but it gives you a cozy yet elegant injection of warmth.

The perfect vest you need for winter will also transition you during fall and spring when you just need it over a long sleeve top or sweater.

Clearly it makes me very happy. (and it might be all I need this winter, in Souther California, to keep me warm)

The other day, the weather here turned super crisp and I fell in love with a gilet. Some of you may not be familiar with the word gilet but you know exactly what it is, a sleeveless jacket (some might call a waistcoats of vest) and it’s the perfect item to transition you season to season and give you an extra layer of warmth in the dead of winter. They can be quilted, fur, fake fur, knit or any number of textures but they are incredibly stylish and that dreaded word for fashionistas – practical! The gilet is exactly what you need to layer over your knits now, over your jacket later and under your coat come any arctic spells… They can be perfect for our little one’s too keeping giving their core more warmth all while giving them the freedom to play in the leaves or snow. Check out some of my favorite gilet options and layer up this winter!

First for us:

Helmut Lang vest $1495

Joie vest $798

Moon & Meadow vest $295

BB Dakota vest $80

Pologeorgis vest $1495

Ravn vest $875

Adrienne Landau vest $495

Blank NYC vest $94.80

Yves Salomon vest $1795

Ramy Brook vest $895

Sam vest $450

Topshop gilet $130

Forever 21 vest $42.80

MICHAEL Michael Kors vest $795

Moncler vest $550

Jocelyn vest $315

6 Shore Road vest $175

Puffa vest $54.96

Some adorable gilet vests for our littlest ones:

Lili Gaufrette vest $89

Diesel puffer vest $109

Widgeon vest $58

Egg Baby vest $51.52

Gap puffer vest $24.99

Gap puffer vest $39.95

OshKosh B’Gosh puffer vest $15

Carter’s vest $15

And for our slightly bigger little ones:

Little Marc Jacobs vest $207

Moncler vest $295

Ralph Lauren reversible vest $110

Ralph Lauren reversible vest $115

Mini Boden vest $54

Gap puffer vest $33.99

Gap puffer vest $39.95

Old Navy vest $15

MATERNITY MONDAY… gliders and rockers – nursery must haves!

Our glider is my favorite part of his nursery – I spent many nights breast feeding from it – and now there’s nothing like curling up with him and reading a good book!

When you’re pregnant you start thinking of all the things you need for when the baby comes – everything from diapers to the all important gliders and rockers. Gliders and rockers are a must have for your nursery – a great chair that you can sit in comfortably to breast feed, relax in or rock your precious angel to sleep. You will spend a lot of your time in this chair and for years to come – it was one of the major purchases in our nursery we did not want to cut corners on. Gliders and rockers need to be comfortable, cute for your babies room and yet still nice enough that once your child grows and want to replace that space with a hot wheels track or my little pony stable it can still find a place somewhere else in your home… When you are doing those middle of the night feeds or soothing your little one when they’re unwell or having a night terror – this chair will be your closest ally. Check out my favorite gliders and rockers you need to check out for your little one’s nursery!

Tudor rocker and ottoman $349 – $1099

Luca glider $995

Eddie Bauer double rocker $399

Pottery Barn glider $1399

Little Castle glider $449.99

Nursery Classic swivel glider $654.95

Joya rocker $1095

Babyletto glider $299

Swivel lounger $999

Danielle Deluxe sleigh glider and ottoman set $179.99

Graham glider $899

Pottery Barn swivel rocker and ottoman $149 – $!099

Retro rocker $435

Quincy rocker $999

Eddie Bauer rocker $399.99

MOMMAS UNDER $100… fall fashion for less

Yup, that’s a fake million dollar bill there max, but you don’t need millions to look fabulous because there’s so much amazing fall fashion for under $100!

The weather outside is cooling down and the layers keep coming and price tags add up so finding fall fashion for less is crucial for looking great, keeping warm and staying on budget! Winter clothes and accessories can get pricey – you need more of and they need to be thicker and cover more of you so naturally they’re going to cost more… Boots are more expensive than sandals and coats have a heftier price tag than, well, not wearing one. Great fall fashion for less is out there and while it is quite difficult to find a quality winter coat for under $100 the layers that go underneath are plentiful and fabulous. Check out some of my favorite fall fashion for less and enjoy getting guiltlessly dressed this winter!

Zara dress $79.90

Asos tights $15.16

Nasty Gal bracelet set $18

Forever 21 boots $37.90

Forever 21 satchel $29.90

Asos sweater $66.33

Asos pants $41.69

Luv AJ earrings $45

Asos heels $66.33

Steve Madden bag $88

Nasty Gal sweater $88

Lipsy skirt $66.33

Asos ring pack $15.16

Topshop sandals $85

Asos bag $30.32

Topshop chambray shirt - fall fashion for less

Topshop chambray shirt $64

Blank Denim jeans $75

Forever 21 coat $69.90

Nasty Gal necklace $18

Halogen flats $89.95

Forever 21 bag $24.90

Asos dress $41.69

Gorjana ear crawlers $40

Shoe Cult heels $78

Natasha Couture clutch $58

MOMMA LOVES…. puffer jackets!

Max and I last year in our puffers – mine from Zara and his from Oshkosh – this year he will be sporting his new Ralph Lauren puffer!

Modern puffers are cinched at the waist or at least tailored to a feminine silhouette to give some shape all while maintaining that cozy, warm appeal.

When I started to do my coats post I got so lost in the land of puffer jackets I knew they would need their own feature. Puffer jackets are soft and cozy like your duvet – they keep you warm and comfy but also protect you from all the elements. Once upon a time they actually looked like you had left your house wearing your bedding but now a days the cuts are feminine and actually really flattering making them a winter outerwear must have. That’s right, puffer jackets actually super chic and stylish now so you can wear them in the rain, snow or just frigid weather and still look great for an evening out, going to the office or just a snowy weekend away. Of course, for our little ones they are incredibly practical and necessary for when winter hits – the soft down keeps them insulated and the techno outer layer keeps them dry! Check out some of my favorite puffer jackets for both us and our little ones so you can feel like you’re still in bed but look like you’re ready to take on the town!

Burberry Brit coat $850

Canada Goose jacket $595

Topshop parka $156

Zara puffer $59.90

Moschino Cheap and Chic jacket $1750

ADD down coat $762

Hunter puffer jacket $550

Penfield jacket $280

Forever 21 jacket $59.90

Moncler coat $1150

Diane von Furstenberg jacket $798

Mackage coat $690

BCBG Generation $199.99

MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket $112.56

Burberry Brit coat $1095

SAM coat $795

Lauren Ralph Lauren coat $245

River Island coat $113.70

Some adorable puffer jackets to keep your littles ones warm!

Moncler jacket $470

Burberry coat $295

Ralph Lauren puffer bunting $175

Ralph Lauren puffer snowsuit $155

The North Face jacket $99

Patagonia jacket $129

J Crew jacket $78 (comes in an array of colors for boys and girls)

The North Face reversible jacket $70

Gap puffer $58

Old Navy jacket $29.94

Old Navy snowsuit $39.94

And some great puffer coats for our slightly bigger ones!

Moncler coat $590

Moncler jacket $495

Stella McCartney coat $220

Add Down jacket $275

Widgeon coat $158

The North Face reversible jacket $120

Gap coat $70

Mini Boden jacket $78

Hawke & Co Coat $65.99

Gap puffer $58

Old Navy coat $39.94

Old Navy puffer $35

MOMMA WANTS… sparkly accessories

These Miu Miu shoes are several years old now but still capture my heart…

Great sparkly shoes never go out of style – perfect for an evening out or pair them with black tights and a simple dress for a day look with extra kick!

Diamonds are a girls best friends – but anything that sparkles make me happy… Sometimes it really is just that simple.

Last week I talked about the clothes but this week is all about those holiday favorites – the sparkly accessories. Metallic, embellished, beaded, shiny bags and shoes that complete your evening look and sometimes they can even work for day (of a bit of added drama). When one thinks about sparkly accessories the mind goes to jewelry but these days accessory designers have turned your bags and shoes into a different kind of jewelry. No, they may not be made of gold and diamonds but they sure are pretty and they sure do catch the light (in a larger less delicate way). Check out some of my favorite sparkly accessories and add some bling to your look and get ready to shine!

SHOES:

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $2350

Gucci sandals $850

Christian Louboutin pumps $675

Kate Spade pumps $358

Nina sandals $66.75

Forever 21 sandals $34.90

Saint Laurent ankle boots $1145

Jimmy Choo pumps $695

Kurt Geiger sandals $450

Benjamin Adams pumps - sparkly accessories

Benjamin Adams pumps $399

Steve Madden sandals $129.95

Asos pumps $56.85

BAGS:

Fendi bag $2400

Jimmy Choo bag $745

Alice + Olivia bag $395

Cleobella bag $228

MICHAEL Michael Kors bag $198

Natasha Couture clutch $58

Edie Parker clutch $1095

Phillip Lim satchel $695

Loeffler Randall bag $425

tasha clutch $298

Topshop bag $70

New Look clutch $24.62

MOMMA NEEDS… winter coats (it’s officially time)

This Marc by Marc Jacobs coat has served me well – I may not need it as much in Southern California – but it withstands the test of time and tells the tale of an outfit while being perfectly practical at the same time!

That’s right, the bathing suits have been packed away and it’s time to start thinking about winter coats. Where I am in Southern California there may not be any need for the warmest coats (we think 60 degrees is freezing) but after years of living in New York and London I have a true appreciating for great outerwear. Winter coats are going to be worn every day for months on end so its important to select a style you love because it’s going to be the first thing people see, its going to be your shelter from the cold and it’s got to withstand time and the harsh winter element. These are the pieces you will get the most use out of this season, they have to be able to be layered and go with everything – not that you have to stick with a neutral (a pop of color or a playful print can be a great option. Check out some of my favorite winter coats (for both us and our little ones) and get ready to keep warm and look fabulous this season!

First for us:

Alice + Olivia coat $797

Diane von Furstenberg coat $498

Via Spiga coat $198

Forever 21 coat $62.90

Alexander Mcqueen coat $3995

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat $878

Diane von Furstenberg coat $598

Asos coat $151.60

Carven coat $1550

Vince coat $695

Mackage coat $459.90

Madewell coat $298

Nasty Gal coat $158

Forever 21 coat $52.90

Burberry Brit coat $1495

Club Monaco coat $398

Asos coat $208.45

H&M faux fur coat $99

Some great winter coats for our littles ones:

Gucci coat $510

Gucci coat $530

Armani Jr. coat $350

Ralph Lauren coat $131.25

American Widgeon coat $74

Patagonia reversible jacket $89

Gap bundler $39.95

Mini Boden jacket $44

Old Navy coat $29.90

Great Guy peacoat $33

And winter coats for our slightly bigger little ones:

Burberry coat $525

Gucci coat $655

Milly Mini’s coat $225

Ralph Lauren coat $225

J Crew coat $198

Urban Republic coat $95

Gap coat $55

Gap jacket $68

Old Navy coat $30

Old Navy coat $35

MATERNITY MONDAY… how to style your bump

Figuring out how to style your bump may seem like one of the biggest mysteries of pregnancy but the key is not to over complicate it. There’s not need to abandon your personal taste just because you’re dressing for two and don’t be afraid to show of your growing belly. This is a glorious time of your life so you may as well dress (well) for it. Learning how to style your bump is all about embracing pregnancy and celebrating it – not trying to hide it. You can stick with a neutral palette, clean lines and figure hugging silhouettes or get a bit more wild with color and prints! The world is your maternity style oyster and there are plenty of options! Check out some of my favorite maternity clothes this week and get excited about how you’re going to style your bump!