MATERNITY MONDAY – maternity clothes you’ll want to keep post baby!

So… you’re pregnant.  What does this mean?  Well, it means nausea, needing to pee every few minutes, trouble sleeping, needing to sleep all the time, total discomfort, swollen feet, thicker hair, that crazy need to nest and get organized, people being overly nice to you and a body that is no longer your own.  The question I would labor (ha ha) over every day was what do I wear? And so began my quest for maternity clothes that look stylish and didn’t make me feel like I was wearing someone else’s clothes. So, for all you expectant moms out there looking to dress your growing bump – here are some of my top maternity clothes that will allow you to keep warm this winter, look fabulous and even get glam for the holidays!

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Asos maternity dress $50.82

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Mamalicious turtleneck $54.45

tees by tina maternity dress

Tees by Tina dress $98

topshop maternity jeans

Topshop maternity jeans $76

lilac clothing dress

Lilac clothing dress $126

DKNY FEED maternity bag

DKNY diaper bag $90
*** this is in conjunction with Feed which means the profits go toward charity

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New Look maternity top $36.28

topshop maternity dress

Topshop maternity dress $60

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Asos maternity coat $95.28

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Asos maternity shirt $45.37

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Asos maternity coat $101.63

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New Look maternity super soft jeans $36.28

japanese weekend maternity top

Japanese weekend maternity top $98

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Gap maternity jacket $89.95

isabella oliver maternity tunic

Isabella Oliver maternity tunic $145

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Asos maternity sweater $72.60

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Asos velvet maternity leggings $36.30

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Asos maternity dress $72.70

 

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY

Shop the look Sunday – where I share some options of how to wear some of the trends I have featured during the week.  This week I focused on the camouflage print, the colorful bag and the blazer.  Check out some looks below for styling ideas and enjoy the weekend!

camo chic

Camouflage chic – click the pick to shop the look!

colorful accessories

The colorful bag – click the pic to shop the look!

the blazer for evening

The blazer – for a night out on the town – click the pick to shop the look!

 

MOMMA KNOWS… gift guide for women – everything she wants under $100

Women are generally easier to shop for than men… simply because we ARE women, so we know what we like.  But I wanted to do a gift guide for women under $100, great gifts for your moms, sisters, friends and coworkers.  There is so much out there and gift buying can truly be overwhelming, so I wanted to break some top gift options down into categories: beauty, accessories, jewelry, home, tech, candles and misc.  There are great options for all the women on your list… perhaps even a few things you’ll want to keep for yourself…

BEAUTY:

stila lip gloss set

Still lip gloss set $28

bumble and bumble blow dry

Bumble and Bumble blow dry kit $12

metallic nail foil wraps

Nail Rock metallic nail foil wraps $12

sephora makeup brush set

Sephora makeup brushes kit $62

bliss body care set

Bliss body wash and moisturizer set $33

ACCESSORIES:

missoni knit scarf

Missoni scarf $99
*** I have a theory that everyone would love something from Missoni.

mRC BY MARC WALLET

Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet $90

feed guatemala bag

Feed Guatemala bag $50
*** the proceeds from these bags go towards feeding 1 child for 1 year – comes in lots of beautiful designs!

N. Peal cashmere gloves

N. Peal cashmere gloves $57.75

leopard print zara scarf

Zara scarf $29.90

rebecca minkoff monogram pouch

Rebecca Minkoff monogram pouch $50

mukluks slippers

Muk Luks slippers $29.95

yarnz scarf

Yarnz scarf $60

JEWELRY:

elizabeth and james rings

Elizabeth and James double ring $95

dogeared skull earrings

Dogeared skull earrings $40

kevia cuff

Kevia cuff $95

kate spade initial pendant

Kate Spade initial pendant $58

CANDLES:

diptyque candle

Diptyque Baies candle $60

tocca candle

Tocca Stella candle $38

spiced vanilla candle bendels

Henri Bendel spiced vanilla candle $30 (or 2 for $50)

 

FOR THE HOME:

cutting board purse

cutting board purse $48

Philips hue downlight lamp

Philips Hue downlighting $60
*** control lighting in the house from your iPhone with this technology

hamilton beach juicer

Hamliton Beach juicer $59

picture frame

Argento SC picture frame $28

vanity fair coffee table book

Vanity Fair 100 years coffee table book $33.39

TECH:

diane von fursetenberg ipad case

Diane Von Fursterberg iPad case $74.70

marc by marc iphone case

Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone case $38

hmdc jam plus wireless speaker

HMDX jam plus wireless speaker $60

apple tv

Apple TV $99
*** now you can watch the shows and movies you want when he’s not around.

besties iphone cases

Besties Iphone cases (set of 2) $25

MISC:

vino 2 go

AD N ART vino to go $14.95

polaroid instant camera

Polaroid instant camera $80

tempour all in one

Tempour all in one $39.95 – chills, filters, pours and stops.

designer handbag mugs

Designer handbag mugs $21

MOMMA LOVES… accessories for kids

There is just something about getting my little boy dressed in the morning.  Choosing his little outfit – putting together his look for the day, even though it may end up covered in drool and grass stains…  I know this time is fleeting and, before I know it, he’ll want to dress himself.  I’m sure he’ll probably opt for something hideous like a Thomas the Tank Engine t-shirt and shorts, which he’ll live in for days on end.  So, while I still can, I will dress up my little guy and try to enjoy the sweetness of a miniature outfit while I can. One of the best ways to complete a look is with accessories…  Accessories for kids may seem unnecessary, and sometimes that’s true, but they sure are cute – and with the cold weather upon us  - more important than ever.  Hats, gloves, scarves may seem like an annoyance to our precious babies, but I’m not sending him out in the cold weather without proper protection – and if he looks insanely cute – all the better.  So, check out my favorite accessories for kids to protect them from the harsh winter and accent their look!

mjk knits hats

MJK knits personalized hat $55

nununu scarf

Nununu scarf $42

gap hat

Gap hat $18.95

gap mittens

Gap mittens $12.95

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Gap leg warmers $14.95

zara fedora

Zara fedora $16.90

charm it! bracelet

Charm it! charm bracelet $38

ruby and bloom earmuffs

Ruby & Bloom earmuffs $18

zara scarf

Zara scarf $19.90

jcrew mittens

J Crew mittens $27

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Gap hat $16.95

darth vader watch

Lego Star Wars Darth Vader watch $19.99

jcrew scarf

J Crew scarf $42

blueberry hill mohawk hat

Blueberry Hill mohawk hat $26

xhilaration 3 pack belts

Xhilaration belts – 3 pack $6.99

skull hat and scarf

Zara hat $14.90 Zara scarf $16.90

zara knitted collar

Zara knitted collar $16.90

monster truck rolling backpack

Popatu monster truck rolling backpack $32

little giraffe leg warmers

Little Giraffe leg warmers $35

nolan glove shark mittens

Nolan Glove mittens $14

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Gap earmuffs $14.95

MOMMA NEEDS… a colorful bag

Back in my earlier days working in magazines I was laboring over what color to get a certain designer bag I was coveting.  I was discussing this decision with a dear friend and fellow editor and I had been thinking about going with black as it goes with everything.  My friend looked at me sternly and said, “Oh no, you can’t get black.  Getting black means you’ll only ever have one!”  And that has truly stuck with me – always go with a colorful bag.  We tend to gravitate to safe, neutral colors but, in actual fact, why play it so safe??  Accessories are what MAKE the outfit.  My uniform is generally jeans, a neutral top, a little black blazer and then amazing accessories.  Since that conversation I have bought many bags and I can truly say I only have 1 black bag – and even that is patent leather so not a classic black anyway.  My greatest advice is to take a risk – let your bag make the statement. I’ve had gold, pink, yellow, red, orange and multiple shades of blue bags and never once regretted a purchase! So, take a leap of faith – choose your favorite color and invest in a bag that not only carries everything from diapers to keys but also puts a smile on your face and adds a pop of personality to your look.  Here are some amazing options…

saint laurent red

Saint Laurent bag $2550

rebecca minkoff satchel

Rebecca Minkoff bag $325

zara red bag

Zara bag $49.90

alexander wang bag

Alexander Wang bag $429

monserat de lucca bag

Monserat de Lucca bag $247

botkiershop

Botkier bag $295

Tory Burch messenger bag

Tory Burch messenger bag $304.50

Nasty Gal bag

Nasty Gal bag $60

victoria beckham colored bag

Victoria Beckham bag $945

asosyellowbag

Asos bag $57.17

balenciaga bag

Balenciaga bag $1445

cole haan yellow bag

Cole Haan bag $233

cambridge satchel green

Cambridge satchel $160

alexander wang green bag

Alexander Wang bag with studded bottom $647

Elizabeth and James bag

Elizabeth and James bag $695

marc jacobs green bag

Marc Jacobs bag $1046.50

forever21 bag

Forever 21 bag $19.80

zara shopper

Zara bag $39.90

proenza bag net

Proenza Schouler bag $1695

Joie blue bag

Joie bag $368

marcbymarcbagshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag $368

asos satchel

Asos satchel $57.17

Gucci bag

Gucci bag $1490

asos purple bag

Asos bag $99.82

tom ford bag

Tom Ford bag $2990

furla bag

Furla bag $745

ZAC Zac Posen

ZAC Zac Posen bag $550

 

 

MOMMA LOVES… the camouflage print – chic for us and adorable for them!

The camouflage print has been around for centuries and was used to conceal soldiers in the fields, allowing them to blend in with their environment thus harder for enemies to detect.  The print didn’t become fashionable, outside of the military, until around the first world war and ever since it has been a prominent print that rivals the polka dot and herringbone in popularity. It is wearable for men, women and children and the print can be seen on everything from gowns to socks and everything in between.  Recently, designers such as Michael Kors and Valentino have been using the camouflage prints in their high end designs adding a twist to otherwise very classic clothes and accessories.  The versatility of the camo print makes it enormously wearable, covetable and on my wish list for both me and my little boy.  I wanted to share some of my top picks with all of you…

First for the ladies…

Michael Kors camo dress

Michael Kors dress $997.50

zara camo top

Zara top $69.90

camouflage valentino flats

Valentino flats $1095

Textile by Elizabeth and James pants

Textile Elizabeth and James pants $228

Topshop camo pencil skirt

Topshop pencil skirt $35

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Whistles dress $145.19

stella mccartney bag

Stella McCartney bag $1235

generation love sweater

Generation Love sweater $132

tornbyronnykonodresshopcamo

Torn by Ronny Kobo dress $225.40

equipment camo tee

Equipment top $168

camo scarf

Whistles scarf $81.67

nasty gal anorak

Nasty Gal Anorak $78

valentino camo tote

Valentino tote $2645

camo denim leggings zara

Zara denim leggings $59.90

manolo camo pumps saks

Manolo Blahnik pumps $655

tracy Reese dress

Tracy Reese dress $368

Go Make Noise sweatpants

Go Make Noise sweatpants $58

Valentino reversable tote

Valentino reversible tote $1545

For them:

splendid camo romper

Splendid romper $68

kitsonT2lovecamoleggingskids

T2love leggings $38

happinesscamosweatpantskitson

Happiness sweatpants $68

splendidcamo kidssaks

Splendid set $36

ugg australia camo boots

Ugg Australia boots $65

tucker + Tate jeggings

Tucker + Tate jeggings $21.44

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Gap puffer jacket $65

Stella Maccartney one piece

Stella McCartney one piece $46.80

jcrew

J Crew jacket $98

harujuku pants

Harujuku Mini pants $18

jcrewhenley

J Crew henley $39.50

toms camo shoe

Toms shoes $35.95

jcrewgirlspuffer

J Crew puffer $188

cherokee hat

Cherokee hat $5.99

gapoveralls

Gap overalls $49.95

mini rodini camo dress

Mini Rodini dress $55

Ash camo boots

Ash boots $164.96

 

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY – styled looks from my trends of the week!

I have decided to do a new feature where I can show everyone possible style options for the trends I have featured during the week.  My friends at Keaton Row have allowed me to make look books where I can put together outfits which you can shop from directly, should you so desire.  Just ideas of how to put things together and how to accessorize with thing some of you might already have in your closet!  Enjoy and always feel free to leave comments and feedback about what you would like to see more of!  Happy shop the look Sunday!

bright dress look

The little bright dress look – click the pic to shop the look!

keaton row daytime chic

The ankle boot – click the picture to shop the look!

look fabulous in the rain

Prepared for rain look – click the pick to shop the look!

MOMMA WANTS… the fendi monster eyes peekaboo bag

Fendi Monster Eyes Peekaboo bag

The Fendi Monster Eyes Peelaboo Bag $5700

I have been obsessed with the Fendi Monster Eyes Peekaboo Bag since I first laid eyes on it.  It’s beyond major.  It’s beyond expensive – hence it’s a want… And it’s good to want things I always say.  Lady like perfection on the outside – monster in the middle.  You will be your child’s hero AND the envy of all women with this bag.  The Peekaboo is one of Fendi’s latest “it” bags – don’t we all remember when Carrie Bradshaw made the Fendi baguette the ultimate “it” bag? Well, if Sex and the City were still around Carrie would be coveting the Monster Eyes version of it.  It is the most insanely amazing bag which every fashionista will be coveting.  Of course this bag does come in various colors and the peekaboo is often a contrasting colors, fabric and not monster eyes – and not all Peekaboos are AS expensive…  But for me, this is THE bag to know about.

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Fendi Monster Eyes Peekaboo Bag – lady on the outside…

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Fendi Monster Eyes Peekaboo bag – monster in the middle!

MOMMA LOVES… fashion under 100 dollars

Money can get super tight this time of year and the person we spend money on last is usually ourself… So, I wanted to do another one of my favorite fashion under 100 dollars.  Three outfits for six different occasions and every item in the look is under $100.  Just because you don’t want to spend a lot on style doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice it. I know, as a mom, I can’t spend on myself the way I once did.  I think more about what I choose to buy – how much wear I can get out of it and how flexible it is – so I thought I would style these looks together to show you what to buy and how to wear it…

From the Park to Brunch:

zara blouse under $100

Zara blouse $59.90

hm jeans under 100

H&M skinny jeans $19.95

Puffer under $100

Zara puffer jacket $99.90

hm boots under 100

H&M boots $69.95

forever 21 tote

Forever 21 tote $24.80

From desk to date:

hm jacket

H&M dinner jacket $34.95

top under $100

Asos top $45.37

zara trousers under 100

Zara printed pants $69.90

zara ankle boot under 100

Zara ankle boot $99.90

zara bag under 100

Zara bag $59.90

From dinner to party:

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Asos camisole $21.78

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New Look necklace $45.35

under $100

Asos sequin mini skirt $54.45

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Asos blazer $81.67

zara clutch bag under $100

Zara clutch $79.90

wolford tights

Wolford matte opaque tights $55
*** these are the ultimate tights – I am obsessed and ask for them for xmas every year – they are pricey but, honestly, THE BEST!

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Asos tights $14.52 (wanted to give another alternative for tights)

under $100

Asos platform shoes $99.82 (for the more daring shoe addicts)

zara sandal

Zara sandal $99.90 (still wild but a bit safer)

MOMMA NEEDS… rain gear for us and them

Well, with winter and fall often comes rain…  Here in Southern California we may not get the snow but around this time of year we get all the rain we been missing.  My son got to experience it for the first time about 2 weeks ago and the British boy in him was just obsessed with the puddles.  He was loving jumping and splashing in the puddles (which deeply upset me since he was in a nice new pair of sneakers) and then he took things up a notch and decided to just belly flop into the tiny pool of rain water.  Well, that was it, fun over – and I hauled him inside to get him out of his soaking wet clothes and decided it was time to invest in some rain gear.  His rain coat and wellies quickly arrived and I was so excited to see precipitation in the forecast and sure enough, down it came.  I am so thrilled to have bought appropriate attire for the him because he could not get enough! He didn’t mind that the boots were heavy and slowed him down – he waddled around having the time of his life… I put on my trusty Hunter wellies and joined him and we had the most amazing afternoon splashing about.  Now that I have his rain gear (and of course still have mine from years of London living) I can’t wait to do it again!  So, I wanted to share with you some of my top picks for the rain – chic for us and fun for them now you don’t have to stay in doors when its pouring.

hunter wellies

Hunter wellies $140 ***the ultimate rain boot – just ask any Brit! The ultimate in form and function!

burberry london trench

Burberry London trench coat $1895

target women's zebra wellies

Target wells $24.99

hm women's trench coat

H&M trench coat $59.95

marc by marc boots revolve

Marc by Marc Jacobs wells $139

zara parka

Zara parka $99.90

missoni umbrella

Missoni umbrella $94.35

guess trench bloomies

Guess trench coat $158

zara burgundy wellies

Zara wellies $79.90

hunter socks for wellies bloomies

Hunter welly socks $40 *** these are key for keeping you super warm in the colder weather…

burberry brit trench bloomies

Burberry Brit trench coat $1095

eric javitts rain hat neiman

Eric Javitts rain hat $185

burberry holloway boots nordstroms

Burberry rain boots $395

bcbg anarak bloomies

BCBG anarak $258

sloosh italy boots shop

Sloosh Italy boots $190

MICHAEL michael kors parka outnet

Michael by Michael Kors parka $140

chooka boots nord

Chooka boots $54.95

fleece boot liners target

Target fleece boot socks $12.99

marc by marc pvc umbrella

Marc by Marc Jacobs PVC umbrella $60

zara black trench

Zara trench coat $139

And for the little ones…

jojomaman bebe jacket look

Jojo Maman Bebe rain coat $60

hatley wellies diapers

Hatley wellies $33.99

zara boys trench

Zara trench $49.90

zara girls wellies

Zara wellies $49.90

zara bow wellies

Zara wellies $35.90

zara baby trench

Zara baby trench $59.90

hm baby rain pant

H&M rain pants $24.95

hm boots

H&M snow boots $29.95

hm rain jacket pants set

H&M rain jacket and pants set $49.95

hm kids jacket

H&M jacket $49.95

bogs wellies

Bogs wellies $78

zara boys wellies

Zara wellies $35.90

hatley coat

Hatley rain coat $69.99

mini rodini rain hat alexandalexa

Mini Rodini rain hat $28.50

hunter kids wellies

Hunter kids wellies $50

hm waterprood overall

H&M overall $59.95

hunter girls wellies bloomies

Hunter wellies $50

hartstrings jacket look

Hartstrings rain coat $54

target circo girls rain boots

Circo rain boots $22.99

western chief superman wellie nord

Western Chief wellies $39.95

gapbabysnowsuit

Gap baby snowsuit $65

hatley boots diapers

Hatley wellies $39.99

rain gear

Old Navy Parka $32

bogs rain boot

Bogs rain boots $48.95

old navy boys jacket

Old Navy jacket $32