FROM FASHION AVE TO MOTHERHOOD + BACK AGAIN. 3 FRIENDS WITH 3 DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON FASHION, BEAUTY AND LIFE.... AND UNLIKE OUR CHILDREN WE LOVE TO SHARE..
I always laugh to myself when people wish me a Happy Mother's Day. It's Mother's Day everyday. Isn't it?
I was at a Kentucky Derby Party last night and found myself and my girlfriends talking about being pregnant and giving birth. Some of us liked being pregnant and some of us didn't. Some enjoyed giving birth and some of us not so much. We all however agreed as hard as it is somedays/most days raising children. Being a Mom is our biggest joy and grandest achievement!
Today Kate and I along with our daughters and countless other Haute Mamas took to the road for our annual Mother's Day Tiara 5K to benefit the Women's Fund. I have been doing this race for three years now and it has now become a Mother's Day tradition for me. This year my daughter along with Kate's two oldest girls ran/walked with us thanks to some dedicated teachers with a love of fitness. They introduced a Run Club at our children's school this year and our daughters and their friends loved it! There goal was to run this 5K they all managed to finish with a huge smile and renewed confidence in themselves that they can achieve anything if the work hard towards their goal!! I think that is so "HAUTE"!
Enjoy some pictures from our Mother's Day at the races and we hope you all had an amazing Mother's Day as well!
Girl Power! Can't get any "Hauter" than this!!
Proud Mama!!
Kate and her Glamour Girls!
Seriously?!!
This Family really got into the spirit of the race! Pink, Tiara's and Custom Sweatshirts!! Love!!
Two Sweaty Mamas!!
and we WILL get Christina here with us next year! I'll tell her she gets to wear a Tiara!!
Three Haute Mamas has been nominated for Top 25 Stylish Moms. We could really use your help to win! You can vote here everyday until April 28th 2011 when the winning Blog will be announced.
This is quite an honor and not only does it celebrate our blog but also all our Mamas who read us!! When we see your comments on our blog, Twitter or Facebook it really makes our day and helps fuel our desire to write more!
Below are some of the pictures we have received and taken over the last year. Did I mention this is our 1 year Birthday Month! Wink! Wink!
Ann, Haute Mama of three! No bad hair days in her book, way to work a scarf Ann! Haute!
J. Sybylla Smith bringing her Daughter to a fashion show during Boston's Fashion Week. Both looking hip and stylish! Love the clutch!!
Tonja, Haute Mama of three bought this piece at a party we attended for Contrary Boutique! We would not let her leave without this dress! Stunning!
Anne, Haute Mama of two. Breast Cancer Survivor and board member for the Ellie Fund! Any excuse to get Glamed up we Mamas are there with you! Tomorrow night we will be cheering on Anne as she participates in a Pageant to raise money for the Ellie Fund.
The Mamas with Michelle, Haute Mama of Five! Michelle also has a jewelry business on the side. You know in her spare time! Congrats Michelle for finding a balance and looking so good doing it!
These are only a small few of the Moms we met this year that have shown us that it is Haute to do something for yourself whether it be a new dress, charity, business, you name it. When you become a Mom you become empowered not only can we give life but we nurture, multitask and because we are women skies the limit! Be good to yourself Mamas! Remember our Motto.....
I recently took a trip into Boston to meet with the leaders of Room to Grow Boston and other members of their development committee. Every time I sit down with them I learn something new about the organization. The mission of Room to Grow is to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development.
Most women are referred by neo-natal clinics in the area. Room to Grow sees about 30 families a week. Parents visit Room to Grow every three months, starting at the mother's third trimester of pregnancy and then throughout the baby's first three years of life. At each visit, our clinicians monitor the baby's developmental progress and help parents navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of parenting. This includes helping parents understand their child's developmental stages, offering strategies to recognize and respond to their child's many needs, and providing resources and support to help cope with raising a child in typically stressful circumstances. At every visit parents also receive age-appropriate material necessities, allowing them to provide fully for their baby in an immediate and meaningful way.
This is where we all can help!
Boston winters can be frigid, so it is our priority to keep all of our babies toes warm and toasty, and their tummies full of healthy food. Fortunately, this February Room to Grow will be getting some help from the second annual Tummy to Toes Drive, supported by the Boston Globe, Boston Cares and Building Impact. New and lightly used shoes appropriate for newborns to age three will be collected at dozens of locations around the Greater-Boston area. Last year this drive received more than 800 pairs of shoes, and the Greater Boston Food Bank received much needed food.
There are several locations where you can drop off items to be donated.
If you live in the South Coast area you can email us at threehautemamas@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.
So Mamas start your spring cleaning early, make some Room to Grow in your child's closet by donating new and lightly used clothing and products. You will be helping another Mother care for her little one!
"I believe in the power of women. As nurturers, we have a unique ability to care and share and make the world a better place. Women who Inspire are women who are making a difference. - Donna Karan
Oops, I did it again. Last week I purged. Heaved it all. Tossed the goodies.
Yep. That's five and half trash bags (lawn bags! EEK!) from my closets and dressers. I'm no Carrie Bradshaw, but I do love shoes. And purses. Oh..and dresses..my weakness is a good dress. But there is something I don't like and that is "stuff". Stuff in my face, stuff I don't use, stuff that doesn't fit, stuff that fits and doesn't matter, it still looks horrid. That "stuff". I like organization the likes of a surgeon. So off I went, tossing and purging. There was no holding back. I think I actually saw shoes cowering. I packed those bags to the gills, and tossed them right out to the curb to await pick up from a local non profit. There was only one moment where I began to sweat, a top I remembered that I genuinely liked. But what bag was it in? Was it worth searching through fiveandahalfbags for? It wasn't. And a week later, I am happy to report all is well. The off the shoulder, flash dance-esque tee is on the shelves of the nearest Big Brother, Big Sister facility ready for the next dancing diva to don.
So with this new year upon us, dive in and tackle those closets. Let go of the bads, the uglies and even some goods if you don't think you'll use them. Out with the old, in with the new, yada yada. Your closet should be efficient, organized and full of key pieces you actually wear. Your closet is not a museum full of things to just look at. Well, I'll admit..I do sneak in there a bit and gaze, but I wear my clothes, my shoes and my accessories. Nothing is off limits, and if it is, off it goes.
As one friend put it, " Well..you have to make room for that Spring wardrobe!".
Lucky Kimberly, has the fabulous Christen of Christen Mitchell Styling coming over to tackle her closet tomorrow, sans Hefty bags I assume. Stay tuned for the video and follow up as we come out of the closet...Kimberly's closet!
As I was reading Kate's post on Miss America, red carpets etc. I instantly thought about this phenomenal event that has us Mamas giddy with excitement! It is the Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala. Thats right the Oscars come to boston for one night February 27th 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston. The Ellie Fund is honored to host the only Oscar's party in Massachusetts officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Kate, Christina and I have been to many Ellie Fund Events and let me tell you they know how to throw a party! Emcee's for this event are WCVB Channel 5 stars Susan Wornick, Bianca de la Garza, JC Monahan ad David Brown. I can tell you from experience Susan Wornick is " Much funnier in person than she is on TV!" and that my friends is an inside joke if you have attended past Ellie Fund events. We always have a great time and leave feeling good that we were able to help such a great charity.
Honestly, why do the stars get to have all the fun!! We are glamming it up big time for this event. Won't you Mamas join us! This would make a great Valentine's Day gift, couples night out or girls night out! All to support our Mamas and their families who are battling breast cancer.
As you know Kate, Christina and I have decided that one way we can help our fellow mamas who are battling breast cancer in our community is to show our support at some of these events.
Susan Wornick said it best. Breast cancer doesn't run in my family but it could one day, and I have friends and women in my community who have been affected by it and that is why it is important for me to help. Well I feel the same way. I have watched helplessly two dear friends in their very early thirties battle breast cancer! All with the demands of babies at home. I am so thankful to say they are survivors in every sense of the word.
This night at the fabulous Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, three women playwrights Lisa Rafferty, Pam Ahi and Jane McGovern of the Momologues wrote a scripted reading called Pink Ribbon Overdose to benefit The Ellie Fund. It was comedy and it was reality all wrapped in one. I think one of the best attributes we have as women is our strength and our ability to find the funny in life. This night we laughed and laughed and at the end of the show I looked at my sister and we were crying. Typical women!! hahaha!! Oh ya and then we all hit the bar!!
I can not say enough wonderful things about the Ellie Fund. They really throw amazing events and I know I speak for Kate and Christina as well, we hope as we grow to be able to contribute more. Our Mamas need us!!
This was indeed a fabulous night and as usual Susan Wornick had us all in stitches laughing. She joked that people would come up to her and say "you are so funny." "cause you know you're not that funny on TV." hahaha!! Little did she know my mom was saying the same thing to me about her. " I never realized how funny she was."
Hi, Kate here, and my two cents on the play. Early on I sat listening to these woman explain diagnosis, chemo, and what it meant to them. I got it, but I didn't really "get it" until I looked out at the room around me, full of survivors and women undergoing chemotheraphy on their way to becoming survivors. To imagine being in their( high heeled) shoes sent the lump into my throat, the tears in my eyes, and my pride soaring..You ladies are truly haute!
The play was read by Julie Lerner Nations Director of The Ellie Fund and mom of three under the age of 4! She was joined by channel 5's morning anchor Bianca de la Garza, daughter of a breast cancer survivor and mom of a 4 year old daughter as well as Erica McDermott mom, nurse and daughter of a breast cancer survivor and now actress! You will see her in the upcoming movie "The Fighter" as Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale's sister. Congrats Erica! and last but not least Karen Holmes Ward breast cancer survivor and lives by these prime directives: ' laughter is the best medicine', 'shop til you drop' and take time to 'uncork your inner diva!' I will give an amen to that!!!
Kate, Christina and I along with our winner Michelle Murphy of Scituate Mass had a ball, we walked the red carpet, fell in love with a great drink Iced tea vodka with lemonade!! YIKES!! and mingled with the crowd! We laughed, we cried bust most important we wanted to show our support!
The Ellie Fund has lots of fantastic events throughout the year and we will post them on our blog but you can do your part by becoming a fan on facebook and visiting their website! Mamas helping Mamas!! We think that is soooo Haute!!!!
I vote haute. When I am out and about, I like my hands to be free-to be able to text, fumble around the debit card machine at the check out line, hold little hands or dance the night away. Cross body bags, in my opinion, are a haute must!
heather cognac cross body bag from dELiAs. One thing you learn after THREE kids, is you don't need all that stuff with a baby. A diaper or two, some wipes, a snack, and you're good to go. Toss that awful diaper bag, and go with something the old you would have carried.
Some people cross train, I cross body bag. It may not tighten your fanny, but it'll certainly free your hands, and update the wardrobe and all without breaking a sweat.
This week marks Boston's Fashion Week 2010. Unfortunately with kids and school and responsibilities we can't be running around boston enjoying all the fantastic shows and after parties! Sigh! However, we were recruited to help back stage at The Rising Designs Fashion Show tomorrow night! YAY!!
Rising Design, a cooperative of independent Boston fashion designers, presenting both fashion forward and vintage inspired designs for a unique one night only viewing. Shows are at 7pm and 9pm doors will open to the public 15 minutes before show time. They will be presenting in an intimate setting with 56 seats and standing room only for the public. Tickets are $10. The show is being held at Mobius, 725 Harrison Ave South Boston. If you have a passion for fashion and can get the night off come join us!!
When it comes to fashion, Boston has a very international flair. Our community is made up of a lot of students and business people. It is a city that is not as in your face as other markets. That being said it is a smaller market very intellectual therefore, a great place to launch a product or line. Having gone to school for fashion design I am extremely excited to be able to lend a hand to these up and coming designers back stage. Stay tuned for pictures!!!
Meanwhile enjoy some pictures from the fashion shows that have taken part so far in Boston's Fashion Week.
Photo courtesy of Jay Calderin BFW Founder
Photo courtesy of JJ Miller
Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine. Donatella Versace
Every once in a while, I grab a trash bag + give myself ten minutes to purge my closet of all the misfits as fast as I can, before I regret tossing it. I am ruthless. Never mind the anything you've not worn in a year rule, my rule today was anything I hadn't worn this summer-that sundress that made me look, well, my exact weight, those shoes that were such-a-steal-how-I-could-I-not-buy-them (well I bought them and there's a reason they were so cheap. Blisters anyone?). Or how about that teeshirt from that store that only teens should be shopping at? Honestly..tees with words on the front can be a tricky line between tacky + tasteful. Ten minutes. Don't make it an all day project. Don't pull out every hanger + reminisce. Just look around you, take a deep breath + go to town.
The bonus to this tornado of clothes flying, shoes being thrown? I found two long lost pairs of jeans-a pair of Paige Premium denim and a pair of Antik denim! Archaeologists don't have digs that successful.
So mamas, what are you waiting for? Time to dig in! This is your Thursday morning wake up call and these are not my closets! One hopes though, the inspiration for a cleaner, more orderly home to your prized frocks + such.
Carrie Bradshaw. Sigh....
You love her shoes, how about her shoe closet..Jimmy Choo founder, Tamara Mellon
photographer simon upton
Eva Longoria Parker has how many jeans?
and Haute Mama Kimberly has how many scarves??!! hahaha!!!!!
Happy Saturday, I am blogging today because for some strange reason my children just want to stay home and chill! House is clean for the moment, a weeks worth of laundry is finally put away and I can sit down at my computer and write to you all.
As you all have read Kate, Christina and I love all things that will help us as well as help you have a "Haute Life" all the while being a mom, friend, daughter, sister, wife, girlfriend and all the other hats that we women wear. Making it a real challenge to make some time to focus on ourselves. However, it is so important to remember to make some time for you to live your life and fulfill your soul's purpose.
One of the things I know that makes my soul happy is when I can give to Charity. A few weeks ago Kate, Christina and I decided that one of the charity's we would like to get involved with is Room to Grow. We bought tickets to go to a fashion show were the proceeds benefit Room to Grow. The event was held at the Liberty Hotel in Boston. What a beautiful hotel! Once the storied Charles Street Jail is now transformed by marrying historic architecture with contemporary design. We entered the hotel and took the escalator up to its 90 ft. central rotunda were we got a drink and took in the sights. Clearly where the sophisticated and beautiful people know to go.
After our drink we took an elevator up to the top floor where the fashion show was being held. We were greated at the door by the women of Room to Grow charity. They were enthusiastic and so appreciative of us showing our support for their cause. That is when we met Rebecca Freedman she came up to us and introduced herself and thanked us for coming. She told us about the charity. Room to Grow helps build a strong foundation for babies born into poverty. Rebecca is a social worker for the back bay location. She told us that all donations are welcome for infants excluding cribs. She hit the jackpot with us... between all 100 kids we have we knew where to start. However, we are enlisting all Haute Mamas to help! If you have any strollers, car seats, swings, highchairs, bouncy seats, excersaucers (my savior back in the day!) anything that is no longer in need and is taking up space in your basement or attic this is the place to donate it to! These babies are in need and their families do not have the means to meet their needs. Rebecca told us about some of the babies she is helping and being mom's we instantly could empathize with her and would give the shirt off our back for them as well!!
Enjoy some pictures of our night....... below right we are pictured with Rebecca Freedman.
This is a photo of the central rotunda of the Liberty Hotel taken by Jay Calderin. What a hotel!! Room to Grow has some fabulous events coming up.. September 25th Rodman Ride for Kids in Foxboro and November 6th is their Fall Gala at the Park Plaza Castle, Boston.
We were all fashionable that night. The hotel, the guests, but I think the best fashion we were all wearing was our charitable soul!
