November 2013 - Page 3 of 4

MOMMA LOVES… the ultimate evening jackets

Its gotten colder and the days of going out without sleeves have long passed. Sure, we have our lovely coat but when we get where we’re going for the evening we lose that and then what? The jacket for evening is an essential for every woman. The classic black blazer goes a long way but can really dull down a lovely dress where as these jackets can make a look not break it… They’re tailored and sleek and with a bit of something special whether its embroidery, sparkle, a splash of color or just the special way that its been cut. You can throw it on with jeans and a white t-shirt and the jacket instantly transforms your look from casual mom on the run to glamorous woman ready to hit the town. The holidays are approaching which means tons of dinners and parties ahead and what better way to polish of your look! Here are some of my favorite jackets for a night out.

Iro jacket $1035 available at www.intermixonline.com

H&M tuxedo jacket $49.95 available at www.hm.com (also comes in cream)

Ella Moss jacket $228 available at www.shopbop.com

Milly jacket $595 available at www.netaporter.com

Vila jacket $106.79 available at www.asos.com

Sass and Bide jacket $650 available at www.netaporter.com

Forever 21 jacket $29.80 available at www.forever21.com

Isabel Marant jacket $3215 available at www.netaporter.com

sparkle cardigan evening jacket free people antik batik

Antik Batik jacket (cardigan) $492 available at www.freepeople.com

H&M jacket $49.95 available at www.hm.com

Nasty Gal jacket $78 available at www.nastygal.com

Iro jacket $422 available at www.theoutnet.com

MOMMA WANTS… the victoria beckham dress!!! what we really really want

Clap. Clap… Clap. Victoria Beckham, you are not just a spice girl. Victoria Beckham you are not just wife to one of the hottest men on earth and not just mother to his FOUR beautiful children… You are, in fact, a messenger sent from another world sent to give women what they want… the perfect little dress. Equal parts ladylike and sexy. Black, white and every color in between, you are KILLING IT! I covet everything you come out with. So, I have one request. Mother to mother. Do a diffusion line!!!!! I hear H&M do some killer collaborations (wink wink). Your insane eye should not be reserved only for those able to spend in the thousands for the perfect dress. I salute you and for those who are not familiar, here are some recent hot dresses from the posh one herself, Victoria Beckham (ps – a moderately price kids like wouldn’t go a miss either)…

Victoria Beckham dress $1895 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $1895 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2150 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2195 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2350 available at www.netaporter.com

victoria beckham little black and blue dress

Victoria Beckham dress $2350 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2695 available at www.netaporter.com

MOMMA NEEDS… for tired eyes – when all else fails, sunglasses

So, you’ve done all you can do after a sleepless night with your little one and still feel like you look like you’ve been hit by a bus. The solution – a great pair of sunglasses! Nothing can transform your look and make you feel like a million dollars (when you feel like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards) like hiding behind a hot pair of sunglasses. That layer of protection between you and the rest of the world (that probably had a good night sleep) which does an amazing job of camouflaging your tired eyes. Added bonus – the extra protection from the sun will help prolong aging around they eyes! Here are some of my favorite sunglass styles to give you that polished look when all you want to do is crawl back into bed. I have included a range of prices but it’s important to note that you get what you pay for – when you buy a cheap pair of sunglasses thats great and you don’t have to be precious about losing them or breaking them – but they don’t provide the same level of protection from the sun… That said, ALWAYS remember to wear sunblock. Seriously. Even though its winter – the sun still gets you and nothing will age you faster than the sun.

Rayban aviators $160 available at www.netaporter.com

Rayban aviators $160 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com ***these mirrored aviators are timeless and come in a range of colors – I have 4 pairs!!

Topshop aviators $24 available at www.topshop.com

Chloe sunglasses $96 available at www.theoutnet.com

Topshop sunglasses $32 available at www.topshop.com

Chloe sunglasses $325 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Balenciaga sunglasses $110 available at www.theoutnet.com

Tom Ford sunglasses $390 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Topshop sunglasses $28 available at www.topshop.com

Rayban sunglasses $150 available at www.intermixonline.com

Persol sunglasses $220 available at www.sunglasshut.com

Tom Ford sunglasses $380 available at www.sunglasshut.com

Asos sunglasses $17.80 available at www.asos.com

Chloe sunglasses $109.98 available at www.theoutnet.com

I’ve include some fun baby sunglasses as well – the Babiator line is SO cute – they’re great protection for little one’s eyes – come in a range of colors (And a range of sizes) plus they are SUPER durable and can survive the crushing blows of even the wildest toddlers!

Babiator sunglasses $22 available at www.diapers.com (size 0-3 years available in various colors)

Babiator sunglasses $20 available at www.diapers.com (these are sizes 3-7years in a range of colors)

Babiator polarized sunglasses $35 available at www.diapers.com

MOMMA WANTS… Isabel Marant for H&M

That’s right, you heard me, Isabel Marant – darling of the fashion world – is doing a capsule collection for H&M and it arrives in stores TOMORROW – November 14th! Isabel is known for her bohemian meets rock n’roll style and, basically, does EVERYTHING right. You can’t help but salivate over everything new and amazing she comes out with and the fact that she is now doing a far more affordable (though still pricey for H&M) collection is beyond major! Every magazine, stylist, blogger, celebrity and fashion editor is clamoring to get their hands on these hot ticket items. There were massive press events last night in New York and Los Angeles for said editor, bloggers and celebrities and everyone went nuts shopping to their hearts content and now you can too. But, be warned, this collection will sell out FAST. I’m talking instantly and then the only way to get your hands on the deigns will be when it ends up on ebay at twice the price. I should note that this is not just womenswear, she has done mens and… KIDS! I have highlighted some of my top picks below – its not available to buy just yet… a few more hours ladies… on your mark. get set….

Isabel Marant for H&M skirt $69.95

Isabel Marant for H&M top $99

Isabel Marant for H&M jeans $99

Isabel Marant for H&M tank $69.95

Isabel Marant for H&M boots $299

Isabel Marant for H&M dress $129

Isabel Marant for H&M blouse $69.95

Isabel Marant for H&M pants $199

A sample of adorable kids clothes…

Isabel Marant for H&M skirt $34.95

Isabel Marant for H&M boots $99

Isabel Marant for H&M cardigan $69.95

Isabel Marant for H&M boots $99

MOMMA LOVES… the union jack print – it not just for the royals!

Okay, yes, my husband is English and my grandmother is english, which makes my son more English than anything else – but I just happen to love the union jack print. For those unfamiliar with “union jack” it’s the British flag but also a long time symbol for everything from the punk movement to the monarchy and it is a print that transcends British pride and has become a part of our pop culture. No other flag has been used so often and in so many ways as the union jack. Countless artists, musicians, fashion designers and even furniture designers have used the british flag to represent everything from anarchy to just great aesthetic design. We can see it used in fashion at the highest end by designers such as Alexander Mcqueen as well as in less expensive labels and children’s lines. My darling Max has been wearing his union jack printed clothes from the moment he was born (of course he was born when the UK was hosting the Olympics so you can imagine the amount of onesies, pjs and various other union jack souvenirs we were gifted) but has continued to rock the design. I myself am obsessed with my Alexander Mcqueen spiked union jack clutch (which I have featured here in a past post) as well as my Zara tees emblazoned with the flag. Why not salute the birth place of the Rolling Stones and the Sex Pistols as well as Kates Moss and Middleton! So, here are some of my favorite union jack inspired items that will give you that effortlessly cool look whilst keeping that stiff upper lip!

First for us:

Givenchy union jack t-shirt $295

union jack clutch skull clasp Alexander mcqueen

Alexander Mcqueen union jack clutch $1695 available at www.netaporter.com
*** this comes in varying colors and textures – I have the black with silver spikes version of this

Nasty Gal sweater $78 available at www.nastygal.com

Union jack cashmere sweater Lucien Pellat Finet

Lucien Pellat Finet cashmere sweater $2290 available at www.farfetch.com

Converse sneakers $90 available at www.converse.com

Forever 21 tank $51.80 available at www.forever21.com

Alexander Mcqueen union jack scarf $636.16

Zara t-shirt $25.90 available at www.zara.com

Vanessa Bruno bag $334.80 available at www.farfetch.com

And for the little ones:

Converse shoes $19.99 available at www.converse.com

union jack london fashion sweatshirt forever 21

Forever 21 sweatshirt $17.80 available at www.forever21.com

Kapital K $28 available at www.shopkitson.com

Happiness sweatpants $68 available at www.shopkitson.com

Old Navy t-shirt $8.94 available at www.oldnavy.com

Zara sweatshirt $29.90 available at www.zara.com

Hunter wellies $95 available at www.zappos.com

Guess sweatshirt $46.50 available at www.macys.com

Rowdy Sprout t-shirt $42 available at www.ronrobinson.com

Zara t-shirt $16.90 available at www.zara.com

MOMMA NEEDS… a winter coat for us and them

Its that time of year again… Coat season! For some of you, its already below zero and snowing, while for others (such as myself in southern California) it getting into the 50′s at night and we too are freezing (thinner skin and all). So, unless you are in the southern hemisphere, its time to buy a winter coat for both you and your little ones! Buying a great winter coat is important on so many levels, first off – its something you will most likely put on everyday so it needs to be both functional (keep you warm) and beautiful (often its the only thing people are going to see). These 2 things don’t always go hand in hand – coats can often look frumpy, tired and conceal all the hard work you’ve put into choosing your nice outfits! So here it is – my favorite coats of the season for you and your little boys and girls… Please note that I do like to include some crazy expensive options, which may be affordable for a small handful of you, but more than anything they are meant to be inspirational. Seeing what the top fashion designers are doing just further illustrates how AMAZING the less expensive lines are at delivering high end designs at more affordable price points! So without further adieu…

First for us…

Givenchy Coat $4835 available at www.netaporter.com

Zara coat $239 available at www.zara.com

BCBG coat $468 available at www.bloomingdales.com

J Crew coat $398 available at www.netaporter.com

Burberry London coat $1595 available at www.netaporter.com

Free People coat $348 available at www.shopbop.com

Reiss coat $660 available at www.bloomingdales.com

Zara coat $189 available at www.zara.com

Marc New York coat $465 available at www.bloomingdales.com

Helmut Lang coat $836.50 available at www.shopbop.com

Belstaff coat $2295 available at www.netaporter.com

Asos coat $151.28 available at www.asos.com

Club Monaco coat $398 available at www.shopbop.com

H&M coat $49.95 available at www.hm.com

For out little ladies…

Zara coat $65.90 available at www.zara.com

American Widgeon coat $67.20 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Gap coat $49.95 available at www.gap.com

Cherokee coat $24.29 available at www.target.com

American Widgeon coat $98 available at www.shopkitson.com

Old Navy coat $28 available at www.oldnavy.com

J Crew coat $198 available at www.jcrew.com

and our little men…

Ralph Lauren coat $136.50 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

H&M coat $49.95 available at www.hm.com

Gap coat $42.95 available at www.gap.com

Zara coat $45.90 available at www.zara.com

Old Navy coat $28 available at www.oldnavy.com

Zara coat $65.90 available at www.zara.com

H&M coat $29.95 available at www.hm.com

Jacadi coat $97.30 available at www.bloomingdales.com

MOMMA TIPS… the miracle that is baking soda

Baking soda must be a woman because she sure can multi-task! Sure, itts been a long time trusty ingredient for baking and has also occupied space in our fridge/freezer to keep everything fresh and deodorized but it is SO much more. Its delicate enough to clean our teeth yet effective enough to scour our pots and pans. It can deodorize and clean just about anything and on top of all of that its actually eco-friendly! But here are 2 ways that baking soda has helped me that I wanted to share with all of you.

First, my son kept on getting these heat rashes when he was quite young and I didn’t know what to do… His skin is so delicate and all baby soaps and moisturizers just seemed to make it worse. Then I heard a tips about baking soda. I would run him a warm bath and sprinkle in baking soda and let him soak in it. The heat rash quickly went away. Something inexpensive that we already have in our house and was able to take discomfort away from my precious boy – baking soda gets a gold star!

Secondly, I was on a photo shoot recently and I was styling an actress in very delicate fabrics – lace, silk, cashmere and (as tends to happen) the body makeup she was wearing got all over the clothes. By the suggestion of someone on set we mixed some water with baking soda and soaked the garments, hung them to dry and the stains disappeared! So, of course, now I keep a trusty box of arm and hammer in my stylist kit!

I know everyone already has a box (or 20) in their house but explore the many uses of it that you might not be aware of – replace your harsh household cleaners with baking soda – it not only helps protect the environment but its safe to use around your kids and it really works!

MATERNITY MONDAY… this week’s top picks for all you pregnant ladies!

Welcome to my second Maternity Monday where I chose my top picks of the week for the mom’s out there who are expecting. I can’t say enough just how hard it was getting dressed those 9 month of pregnancy… I struggled every day with my new body and figuring out whether to show it off or cover it up. Its a relief for me to see so many amazing options for pregnant ladies that don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune or change your personal style. So many designers now do maternity ranges. An extra style tip, buy great maternity tank tops from the gap or target (super soft and inexpensive)n and layer them under some of your normal (more flowy) tops… This gives you the extra belly coverage but still allows you to get mileage out of the wardrobe you already have! Here are some of my favorite maternity must haves…

Gap maternity tank $14.95 available at www.gap.com

Asos maternity dress $39.16 available at www.asos.com

Topshop maternity leggings $40 available at www.topshop.com

H & M maternity sweatshirt $39.95 available at www.hm.com

Asos maternity coat $124.59 available at www.asos.com

New Look top $32.02 available at www.asos.com

Topshop maternity skirt $44 available at www.topshop.com

Asos maternity jeans $53.39 available at www.asos.com

H&M maternity puffer jacket $59.95 available at www.hm.com

Hatch maternity dress $248 available at www.shopbop.com

New Look maternity top $23.12 available at www.asos.com

Little Mistress maternity dress $124.59 available at www.asos.com
*** great if you have a wedding to go to or a special event!

Asos maternity pants $39.16 available at www.asos.com

Asos maternity dress $44.50 available at www.asos.com

MOMMA PLEASE??? floral print dresses that make me wish I had a little girl

I love my little boy. I would not trade him for anything in the world – but I have to say when I first found out I was having a boy I felt a twinge of sadness… As a stylist, I always imagines shopping on the pink side of the store and all the cute little dresses I could put my little girl in and the fun we would have going shopping… Perhaps its best that I had a little boy (for my our wallet anyway). My husband is one of 5 boys and all the boys have boys so it was always going to be in my cards – that said, I am so in love with my baby boy and having so much fun with him and even enjoying the rough and tumble world of dressing my little man. Then it happens… I come across these little floral print dresses. So sweet and beautiful and charming and I know I’ll probably never get to buy them for my offspring. The truth is I’m not actually a girly girl anyway… I don’t wear floral prints much in my life, I’ve always been more Punky Brewster than pretty and prissy… but as a stylist I sure do appreciate the sweetness of little floral dresses… So, I pass on my top floral dress picks to the mom’s of all the sweet little girls out there and hope to see pictures… With the holidays fast approaching I know every little girl needs a holiday frock!!

Zara dress $35.90 available at www.zara.com

Peek dress $68 available at www.peekkids.com

floral print dress pretty princess J Crew

J Crew dress $88 available at www.jcrew.com

floral print dress pretty princess H&M $

H&M dress $12.95 available at www.hm.com

floral print dress pretty princess US Angels

US Angels dress $107 available at www.bloomingdales.com

floral print dress pretty princess oscar de la renta

Oscar de la Renta dress $206.50 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Peek dress $42.99 available at www.peekkids.com

Zara dress $39.90 available at www.zara.com

Dolce & Gabbana dress $990 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Zara dress $42.90 available at www.zara.com

Anavini dress and bloomers $78 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

floral appliqué dress pretty princess Biscotti

Biscotti Girls’ dress $92 available at www.bloomingdales.com

Zara dress $42.90 available at www.zara.com

And for those girls who aren’t so girly… but still want to recognize the floral print with a bit of an edge… the infamous Dr. Martens boots… OBSESSED!

Dr Martens boots $78 available at www. shopkitson.com

MOMMA NEEDS… the sexy slouchy sweatpants

That’s right.. I said it. The sexy slouchy sweatpants, I’m not being ironic, they are amazing! Just in time for the weekend I wanted to feature this comfy yet stylish trend. Like a lot of you I find it incredibly difficult some mornings to get out of my sweatpants to start the day so the thought that I might not have to is mind blowing, revolutionary and a relief! They’re warm, soft and so darn comfortable. They’re sexy because they’re cut lower and fit slimmer. They’re gathered at the ankle but it streamlines the look so it can as easily be worn with converse for running errand as with heels for a girls lunch. Here are some of my top pics: