FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE (you know you’re sweatin’)

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Flashback to my husband’s first father’s day almost 3 years ago! Obviously the best father’s day gift is a child but here are some other options!

It’s time ladies and kids, time for my father’s day gift guide to make sure they know who really is the boss in the family.  Our kids.  Whether you’re shopping for your dad your husband (for your little ones) men can be super tricky.  This father’s day gift guide isn’t necessarily about socks and ties (unless that’s what he’s into – which, ironically, my dad is)it’s about finding something that says I know you, I love you and I appreciate you.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot – it’s all about the thought.  So, relax, make him a nice card and check out my father’s day gift guide for some great ideas to put smiles on the dials of all the special men in your life.

One insanely adorable brilliant website that has been brought to my attention is: mancrates.com which you can select for the men in your life – dad might love whisky while your husband loves video games - whatever the man, there’s a perfect gift set for him – and hilariously it comes in a crate complete with crowbar for manly prying open come the big day…

Man Crates - this one is for the new dad/expectant dads in our lives

Man Crates – this one is for the new dad/expectant dads in our lives $99.99

Fitbit watch

Fitbit watch $247.99

Lomograph instant film camera

Lomograph instant film camera $139

Men in Cities travel essentials box

Men in Cities travel essentials box $60

USB bracelet

USB bracelet $38

Primitives by Kathy picture frame

Primitives by Kathy picture frame $28

Camo android watch

Camo android watch $242

Monopoly (plus 4 board games)

Monopoly (plus 4 board games) $80

Cathy's Concepts personalized cooler, backpack and chair

Cathy’s Concepts personalized cooler, backpack and chair $58

Atari console

Atari console $54.94

Levtex apron

Levtex apron $26

Rolex watch

Rolex watch $18k

Neutra book

Neutral book $70

Reef bottle opener sandals

Reef bottle opener sandals $50

Willis Judd ring

Willis Judd ring $35

Ms Pacman

Ms Pacman $3195

Go Pro camera

Go Pro camera $399.99

100 All Time Favorite Movies book

100 All Time Favorite Movies book $30

Picattoo temporary photo tattoos

Picattoo temporary photo tattoos $15

 

 

MOMMA NEEDS… black tie dresses

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These pictures were taken last year but they’re my absolute favorite – this long dress is perfect for any black tie event.

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I actually bought this 2 months after I had Max (and was nowhere near losing my baby weight) for a friend’s wedding and it truly was the perfect dress. I could have even worn it while pregnant!! Thank you lots and lots of fabric.

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The perfect black tie dress is long, elegant, and makes you feel like a million bucks!

As I mentioned, it’s wedding season, and a question I get all the time is “what’s a black tie dress?”  Well ladies, while times aren’t as rigid as they once were and some cocktail length dresses are permissible, as a general rule of thumb it means long.  When the attire request is black tie it means the men must wear tuxedos and the women must where floor length gowns.  I’m not talking about cinderella style ball gowns but long is always safest.  This can be quite challenging because we tend not to look for these black ties appropriate dresses, but the fact is, it’s always good to have one or two in your wardrobe for these occasions.  Again, you won’t get a lot of use out of them in on season so, as with cocktail dresses, opt for ones you could imagine holding on to for years to come.  Check out some of my favorite black tie dresses – we don’t get to go the Oscar’s but we do need to represent at some glamorous summer weddings!

Victor & Rolf dress

Victor & Rolf dress $2640

Elizabeth and James dress

Elizabeth and James dress $695

 

Two Birds convertible maxi dress

Two Birds convertible maxi dress $310 (15 different ways to wear it!!! super great buy!)

Bailey by Adrianna Pappell dress

Bailey by Adrianna Pappell dress $98

Marchesa Notte dress

Marchesa Notte dress $1195

Halston Herritage dress

Halston Herritage dress $595

Jill Stuart gown

Jill Stuart gown $348

V Label dress

V Label dress $112

Alice & Olivia gown

Alice & Olivia gown $1498

Halston Herritage gown

Halston Herritage gown $595

Jil Jill Stuart dress

Jil Jill Stuart dress $388

Love dress

Love dress $58

Alexander McQueen gown

Alexander McQueen gown $2985

Badgley Mischka dress

Badgley Mischka dress $615

Parker dress

Parker dress $308

Asos dress

Asos dress $81

MOMMA NEEDS… strappy heels (for all those special occasions)

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These Manolo Blahnik strappy heels have served me well – perfect for all those summer events in the calendar and great to show off tan legs and a great pedicure!

Sexy strappy heels are the perfect accessories for all your summer formal affairs and they work perfectly with any and all cocktail dresses you have picked out!  Great summer sandals are all about showing off some gorgeous pedicures and adding to your look without being bulky or distracting.  The perfect strappy heels are just the right amount of fabulous that keep your look pretty and feminine while still adding the right amount of spark.  Great accessories can transform last season’s dress into this season’s must have look, so never under estimate the power of the right shoes.  Your little black dress of yore can get a new burst of life with some super sexy heels that elongate your legs and inject instant style to your outfit.  Check out some of my favorite summer sandals and get ready for all those special occasions on your calendar, oh, and don’t forget to get that pedicure done!

Christian Louboutin sandals

Christian Louboutin sandals $1295

Stuart Weitzman sandals

Stuart Weitzman sandals $498

Schutz sandals

Schutz sandals $190

Forever 21 sandals

Forever 21 sandals $29.90

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $950

Jimmy Choo sandals

Jimmy Choo sandals $850

Joie sandals - strappy heels

Joie sandals $264.65

Topshop sandals

Topshop sandals $75

Gianvito Rossi sandals

Gianvito Rossi sandals $995

Sophia Webster sandals

Sophia Webster sandals $695

Ted Baker sandals

Ted Baker sandals $230

Asos sandals

Asos sandals $81

Manolo Blahnik sandals

Manolo Blahnik sandals $895

Alexandre Birman sandals

Alexandre Birman sandals $695

Sam Edelman sandals

Sam Edelman sandals $175

BCBGeneration sandals

BCBGeneration sandals $71.37

MOMMA LOVES… cocktail dresses for those summer weddings

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This Temperley dress has served me very well and has made the rounds to several summer time weddings – the color is unique but the cut and style feels classic (and it always goes with an ice cold glass of champagne!)

Wedding season is upon us and we may not be the bride but we’re still going to need cocktail dresses for all those fabulous summertime festivities.  Getting those invitations can seem daunting , the what to wear quandary is always a hot topic, so may as well get right to it.  Choosing great cocktail dresses is really about finding those looks that can go the distance, you don’t want a closet full you want a couple great ones that are a nice quality that will withstand trends and time to service you for all those future events you will have in years to come.  You can totally wear a dress more than once – just spread them out and repeat wearing them to events where maybe the same people won’t be attending or accessorize differently so that no one will suspect it’s the same dress.  There are so many great cocktail dresses for summer but my favorite thing is to take the warm weather as an excuse to experiment with color, sparkle and a bit more glamour.  Little black dresses will always have their place, but while you’re tan and the sun is out, now is the time to opt for more exciting options.  One last hard and fast rule for any wedding attendees – unless specifically requested to do so by the bride, DO NOT WEAR WHITE to any wedding where you are not the bride.  Period.  Check out my favorite cocktail dresses of the season and get ready to party stylishly this summer.

Roland Mouret dress

Roland Mouret dress $2470

Alice & Olivia dress

Alice & Olivia dress $898

Milly dress

Milly dress $375

Vesper dress

Vesper dress $105

Oscar de la Renta dress

Oscar de la Renta dress $1900.66

Nicholas dress

Nicholas dress $470

Keepsake dress

Keepsake dress $150

Nasty Gal dress

Nasty Gal dress $88

Giambattista Valli dress

Giambattista Valli dress $5675

Carven dress

Carven dress $950

Shoshanna dress

Shoshanna dress $395

Topshop dress

Topshop dress $95

Haute Hippie dress

Haute Hippie dress $1295

Parker Black dress

Parker Black dress $485

Bec & Bridge dress

Bec & Bridge dress $300

Asos dress

Asks dress $76

MATERNITY MONDAY… major maternity style

It has to be said that maternity style has just upped it’s game to major status.  Checking out all the latest and greatest pregnancy fashion has actually made me want to be pregnant again just to wear these clothes.  Yes, this maternity style is available in normal non pregnant versions but it’s just that much cuter on a baby bump.  Everything from classic denim with a white button front, to a super chic jumper to incredibly pretty summer dresses just look that much more adorable when you’re pregnant – so enjoy this time and get dressed for it (even when you feel like going into hibernation).  Check out some of the most major maternity style moments happening right now because you’re only pregnant for a limited time and you don’t want to miss these amazing looks.

Asos dress

Asos dress $87

Topshop maternity shirt

Topshop maternity shirt $58

Topshop maternity shorts

Topshop maternity shorts $50

Hatch dress

Hatch dress $208

Asos maternity jumpsuit

Asos maternity jumpsuit $63

Topshop maternity dress

Topshop maternity dress $60

New Look maternity top

New Look maternity top $14.50

New Look maternity joggers

New Look maternity joggers $27

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $81

Topshop maternity tunic

Topshop maternity tunic $68

Citizens of Humanity maternity denim leggings

Citizens of Humanity maternity denim leggings $158

Asos maternity dress - maternity style

Asos maternity dress $68

Splendid maternity tank

Splendid maternity tank $55

Hazel & Jaloux maternity skirt

Hazel & Jaloux maternity skirt $88

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $63

Topshop maternity top

Topshop maternity top $30

Asos maternity jumpsuit

Asos maternity jumpsuit $54

 

MOMMA PLEASE??? adorable kids swimwear

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Yes! Adorable swimwear season – little suit for the little ones in our lives!

So we’ve talked about what bathing suits we’re going to brace this summer but it’s the kids swimwear that really makes me happy because it’s so darn cute and doesn’t make me want to put down my jelly doughnut.  Little mini swim trunks and bikinis – who can resist?  So first thing on my list is to schedule some swim lessons for my little guy, and next the search for adorable kids swimwear because ’tis the season.  Whether they’ll be hitting the beach, the pool or just the park it’s time to slather them up with sunblock and bathing suit so small they would barely fir over my ankles.  Check out some of  my favorite kids swimwear for summertime and let them get there cute on.

First for our littlest ones:

Florence Eiseman swimsuit

Florence Eiseman swimsuit $70

 

Kate Mack swimsuit

Kate Mack swimsuit $50

Tucker + Tate swimsuit and sun hat

Tucker + Tate swimsuit and sun hat $26

Gap swimsuit

Gap swimsuit $19.95

Little Marc Jacobs swimsuit

Little Marc Jacobs swimsuit $82

Ralph Lauren tankini

Ralph Lauren tankini $45

Kate Mack bikini

Kate Mack bikini $36

Target bikini

Target bikini $12

Vilbrequin swim trunks

Vilbrequin swim trunks $120

Ralph Lauren swimtrunks

Ralph Lauren swimtrunks $49.50

Little Me trunks

Little Me trunks $25

Gap swim trunks

Gap swim trunks $19.95

Little Marc Jacobs swim trunks

Little Marc Jacobs swim trunks $64

Hatley swimsuit

Hatley swimsuit $44

Mini Boden trunks

Mini Boden trunks $24

Old Navy swimtrunks

Old Navy swim trunks $12

And adorable swimwear for our slightly bigger little ones:

Mara Hoffman swimsuit

Mara Hoffman swimsuit $99

Zara Terez swimsuit

Zara Terez swimsuit $58

Pop Up Shop one piece

Pop Up Shop one piece $46

Mini Boden swimsuit

Mini Boden swimsuit $24

PilyQ swimsuit

PilyQ swimsuit $80.50

Seafolly bikini

Seafolly bikini $55

Tucker + Tate swimsuit

Tucker + Tate swimsuit $32

Old Navy swimsuit

Old Navy swimsuit $14

Stella McCartney Kids 3D swim trunks and glasses

Stella McCartney Kids 3D swim trunks and glasses $115

Ralph Lauren swimshorts

Ralph Lauren swimshorts $44

Mini Boden board shorts

Mini Boden board shorts $32

Gap trunks

Gap trunks $24.95

Vilebrequin shorts

Vilebrequin shorts $120

Appaman trunks

Appaman trunks $42

Tucker + Tate trunks

Tucker + Tate trunks $29.50

Old Navy shorts

Old Navy shorts $12

MOMMA NEEDS… swimwear cover ups for summer!

What goes better with swimwear than some great cover ups for the perfect to and from the beach look.  From caftans to sarongs and everything in between these are the pieces that go with your bathing suits like peanut butter and jelly.  Fabulous resort cover ups are light and bohemian and just give that perfect on vacation feel even its just an afternoon by the pool.  Whatever amount of coverage your prefer, these pieces are the gateway between fully dressed and bikini ready. Check out my favorite swimwear coverups for summer time and get your vacation style on even before you’re officially on vacation!

Mara Hoffman kaftan

Mara Hoffman kaftan $285

Eberjey tunic

Eberjey tunic $188

Nanette Lepore beach pants

Nanette Lepore beach pants $148

Forever 21 kaftan

Forever 21 kaftan $22.90

Camilla cover up

Camilla cover up $499

Sensi Studio kaftan

Sensi Studio kaftan $310

Bata Surf top

Bata Surf top $251

Topshop beach cover up

Topshop beach cover up $85

Herve Leger coverup

Herve Leger coverup $840

Miguelina dress

Miguelina dress $295

Indah skirt

Indah skirt $132

Asos beach dress

Asos beach dress $50

Missoni cover up

Missoni cover up $990

Milly coverup

Milly coverup $285

Loli cover up

Loli cover up $125

Asos beach coverup

Asos beach coverup $40

 

MOMMA LOVES… vacation bags

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2 of my favorite bags to take with on vacation are these Marni and Chanel bags – they’re light weight, I can fit the essentials (sunblock, sunglasses and cover up) and they’re super cute but not so serious.

When I talk about vacation bags, yes I’m talking about beach bags but also the smaller versions of that work perfectly with all your resort looks.  They don’t necessarily have to be large totes, they can be smaller as long as they fit your sunblock, sunglasses and a good book.  Great vacation bags are lightweight and a bit more whimsical than your typical city bags.  These bags tend to be canvas, crochet, even rubber – often water resistant  and always fabulous.  They’re the perfect addition to your maxi dress, your romper or your swim cover up.  These vacation bags inspire you to relax, put your feet up and enjoy the summer time.  Check out some of my favorite resort accessories to tote your stuff around all while looking fabulous!

Sophie Andersson tote

Sophie Andersson tote $665

Finds tote

Finds tote $235

6 Shore Road bag

6 Shore Road bag $148

Topshop bag

Topshop bag $48

Marni bag

Marni bag $3320

Sensi studio

Sensi studio $290

Star Mela bag

Star Mela bag $179

Madewell bag

Medal bag $68

Emilio Pucci bag

Emilio Pucci bag $944

Mara Hoffman bag

Mara Hoffman bag $256

Koku bag

Kok bag $190

Raga bag

Raga bag $49

Charlotte Olympia tote

Charlotte Olympia tote $1995

Miu Miu bag

Miu Miu bag $975

Micaela Spadoni bag

Micaela Spadoni bag $350

Sam Edelman bag

Sam Edelman bag $99

MOMMA NEEDS… swimwear for swim season

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Obsessed with my Clover Canyon bikini – I can wrangle my little guy without worrying about any misfunctions…

With the warm weather comes the anxiety of swimwear – yup it’s officially bathing suit season.  For some, this is joyous event meaning trips to the beach, vacations and poolside lounging.  For others (such as myself) swimwear can be traumatizing – those changing room light judging my winter weight and pale skin… So, I prefer to order it online, try it on in the comfort of my own home and usually opt with those silhouettes and cuts I know suit me best (hello non judgmental side tie bikini bottoms).  It has to be said, there is so much gorgeous swimwear out there these days, scrolling through pages and pages of bikinis, tank suits and more online can be overwhelming and time consuming…  So, I’ve decided to do it for you – check out some of my favorite new swimwear to get this season started with your best suit forward.

Missoni reversible bikini

Missoni reversible bikini $515

Mara Hoffman bikini

Mara Hoffman bikini (top $112 bottom $106)

Zimmerman bikini top and bottoms

Zimmerman bikini top $90 and bottoms $80

Asos bikini top and bottom

Asos bikini top $33 and bottom $25

Emamo bikini

Emamo bikini $375

Vix swimwear top and bottom

Vix swimwear top $96 and bottom $100

Topshop bikini set

Topshop bikini set $44

Stella McCartney bikini

Stella McCartney bikini $320

Mikoh bikini top and bottoms

Mikoh bikini top $108 and bottoms $108

Vitamin A bikini top and bottom

Vitamin A bikini top $92 and bottom $99

Forever 21 bikini top and bottoms

Forever 21 bikini top $15.90 and bottoms $12.90

Marysia swimsuit

Marysia swimsuit $335

6 Shore Road one piece

6 Shore Road one piece $168

Vitamin A bathing suit

Vitamin A bathing suit $167

Nasty Gal swimsuit

Nasty Gal swimsuit $78

Michael Kors swimsuit

Michael Kors swimsuit $392

Tory Burch bathing suit

Tory Burch bathing suit $250

L*Space swimsuit

L*Space swimsuit $143

Forever 21 one piece

Forever 21 one piece $24.90

Norma Kamali one piece

Norma Kamali one piece $350

Zinke swimsuit

Zinke swimsuit $136

South Beach swimsuit

South Beach swimsuit $68

MATERNITY MONDAY… fashionable pregnancy wear

Finding fashionable pregnancy wear doesn’t have to be a chore and it doesn’t have to be expensive, the key is to stay true to your personal style while still acknowledging your growing midsection.  There is nothing more adorable than a baby bump so try to enjoy dressing for your temporary shape!  Years ago, options were limited but these days there is so much fabulous, fashionable pregnancy wear that you really can have fun getting dressed in the morning.  Whether you feel better in dresses or jeans, whether you work at an office or you’re a casual stay at home mom there are plenty of choices to suit your needs!  Check out some of my favorite fashionable pregnancy wear to get you through these 9 months and beyond!

Hatch maternity dress

Hatch maternity dress $268

Topshop maternity tee

Topshop maternity tee $30

Topshop maternity dungarees

Topshop maternity dungarees $70

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $109

Asos maternity jumpsuit

Asos maternity jumpsuit $63

Pink Blush maternity maxi dress

Pink Blush maternity maxi dress $55

Asos maternity top

Asos maternity top $45

Asos maternity culottes

Asos maternity culottes $33

Olian maternity dress

Olian maternity dress $138

New Look maternity shirt

New Look maternity shirt $23

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans $198

Eva Alexander maternity dress

Eva Alexander maternity dress $175.20

Topshop maternity shirt

Topshop maternity shirt $65

Rosie Pope maternity shorts

Rosie Pope maternity shorts $98

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $73

Rosie Pope maternity romper

Rosie Pope maternity romper $128