Three Haute Mamas

Happy Blog-iversary! The Mamas Turn ONE! Cake Please....

Happy blog-iversary to us..that's right, one year ago we sat down behind the laptops and started typing.  We weren't sure what we'd write about, and were pretty sure we'd be writing to each other only but funny things happen and readership has blossomed, our facebook fanpage is growing and our little blog that could, DID! You made it happen mamas, and we can't thank YOU enough! And we can't wait to see where the future takes all of us..

In the meantime we are busy, busy, busy working on a little HUGE fashion show that is coming up very soon, so we thought we'd recap some of our "older" works so you newbies out there could get a taste of what we were like back in the day.  Like one whole year ago, back in the day.  

Enjoy, and bring on the cake...

love, love, love all of you haute mamas! Kate, Kimberly and Christina

originally post 4/2010

Hello Haute Mamas,

A wise friend pulled me aside one day and sat me down. I had no idea what she was about to tell me. Her eyes looked so serious and I thought I saw sweat beading up on her face. I could sense that whatever she was about to tell me it was of the utmost importance to her. She said, " It pains me to see you with saggy bum jeans on!" "Look at me, have you ever seen a saggy bum on me?" I thought to myself Hmmm did she really just say that to me and yes she always looks amazing in her jeans. "Okay" I said "you are right what is your secret!" She told me designer jeans.....  she went on to tell me the price and after she revived me with smelling salts I agreed to go with her to try a few pairs on.

  Ever since then I bypass the Costco jeans, the Target Jeans, the Old Navy Jeans... and I invest in two pairs of Designer Jeans. Paige Jeans are my favorite!! 

 I have some curves on me and her woman's jeans fit like a glove. They suck my bottom in and up and they never sag!!! I looovvvveeeee them!!!! When I wear them I feel like a million bucks!! God forbid in the event of a fire... I will save the jeans!!! You can find these jeans to try on at any department store that carry's high end designers. Everyone's body is different so take your time and learn what designer fits you best. They are truly an investment. I know here in Massachusetts we haveNordstrom's, Bloomingdale's and Lord and Taylor. Once you know what designer's and styles fit your body the best, you can find great deals on Ebay, outlet stores and also take advantage of department store and boutique sales! I own a light wash for days and a dark wash for evenings!! Ahhhh the joys of Denim bliss!! By the way that friend was Christina.... and I got the lecture after my fourth child!!  Hey, that is what BFF's are for!! 

Love to all,

Kimberly 

Hey all!

It's Kate! I was kind of hoping Kim would say it was me who enlightened her, alas..

Christina really is the first know it all among us.  

Anywhooo..

Regarding jeans.  Yes. You cannot go wrong with investing in a good pair of jeans.  Spend your money on a rockin pair and you will never ever regret it.  Where Kim and I differ, however, is that I think you can find that awesome pair of jeans at a store like Old Navy or Gap, you just have to look and be prepared to try, try, try them on.  Try them alllll on.  

First off, realize you are not the size you want to be, you are the size you are.  That being said, if there's a fair amount of lycra (let us bow down and thank the heavens for Mr. Lycra the inventor of greatest fabric ever..moment of silence over), IF there is lycra involved in your denim, and honey there should be, let's get a size down.  

Lycra stretches.  

Think about it..you know how those little leggings look so small, yet they somehow manage to cover up our entire bottom half?

The magic of lycra. 

Like how your stomache looks flat but fills up with an 8 lb baby and then stretches bac.....well.  You know what..let's not go there yet on our first date.  

Jeans weren't meant to be washed daily.  Get over it.  I wash my hands a thousand and two times a day, and wash my jeans like never.  Jeans with lycra conform to your body over time.  They stretch out like a cat, and get all comfy and happy.  Wash them  and they shrink up and get all catty + tight again.  Which sounds better? Febreeze them, throw them in the dryer for a few minutes, hang them..you will survive.  It'll be our little secret you're wearing dirty jeans.  And when someone comes up and compliments you on your butt, you can thank ME!

the deets:

So I am a size 27/28 or a 4 (unless I don't stop eating this Easter candy).

Some of my favorites are:

Juicy Couture Cali fit.  I call these my "mom jeans".  Super duper comfy. Must be made of lycra and not much else. Flattering and no muffin top (holla!)

 

Paige Premium Denim Hollywood Hills.  Girlfriend when I tell you the compliments I get on my be. Hind. That's all I'm sayin'.  and it comes from other women, so you know it's actually legitamite.

 

 

who says you can't rock $15.00 jeans? Throw out that theory because I'm here to tell you, you can and you will.  

 

 

Old Navy Diva Skinnys.  

 

 

 

Cannot. Tell. You. Of. My. Love. Bought these babies on sale, and they are my go to's. Jeans fill my closet and I go to these almost daily.  Did someone say skinny's are going out? I can't see it happening.  Whether tucked into my equestrian boots or with thong sandals I turn to these old friends more than you know.  One downfall..not a ton of lycra.  Stick with normal size.  But do try the long version.  

 

and that my friends is the story of why denim and kate will be BFF

cheers!

Kate

 

The Mamas first ever TV Interview!!

Hello Mamas,

Recently we were asked by a local cable TV show called Robbi Around Town if we would like to appear on the show and talk about how we became bloggers, what we have been busy doing lately and also talk about spring fashion trends.  We thought it may be fun to come out from behind the Laptop and the flip  so we agreed! 

Robbi Around Town is a local cable show that airs on Old Rochester Cable Television. The show is  hosted by Robbi Dunn-Tracy, Haute Mama of three and brings you up to the minute information on Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. Show times are Comcast channel 9 /Verizon channel 36 Monday 2:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 pm Thursday 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am.

 

Pictured above is the host of the show Robbi Dunn- Tracy

We will be filming the show monday night so if you would like  to have any fashion questions answered on air by the Mamas feel free to email Robbi @ [email protected].  We would love to hear from you. Now on to the most important part........... What to wear!!!!!  

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

Three Haute Mamas are nominated for Top 25 Stylish Moms!

 
Hello Mamas,

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.....

Life is short, make it HAUTE!

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

Seaside Spring Lunch + Fashion Show to Help Our Local Hospital Grow

So we've been busy little mamas, working hard on all sorts of fabulous things lately, but one thing that's been keeping especially busy is a local event that is near and dear to us.  On May 19th the mamas and I, along with some generous and beautiful boutiques, will be presenting a fashion show during the 2nd annual Ladies Spring Luncheon to for Southcoast Hospitals.  

The event will be held at the exclusive Kittansett Club located in coastal Marion, Massachusetts, during the hospitals annual golf invitational.  

Gather your girlfriends and come cheer on cancer survivors and those surviving cancer as they walk our runway in some wonderful fashions donated by local vendors, such as Contrary Boutique, Sara Campbell, Serendipity by the Sea, The Cottage and Sealore Designs.  These are just a few of the vendors who will also be participating in the trunk show held on site, with a portion of the proceeds going to the cause.  Of course a luncheon isn't complete without..a lunch, and the chefs at Kittansett have created a menu that is sure to rival the fashions going down the runway.  

Tickets are going fast, and are limited to the first 100 guests, so don't miss this opportunity to spend an afternoon by the sea with your fashionable friends funding a fine cause.  

 

 

Sometimes a good dose of "retail" therapy is all a Mama needs

Hello Mamas,

Sorry for the delay in posts this week. One of my perfectly angelic children decided that they would boobie trap the stairs with toothpicks. My youngest fell victim to the prank when he ran down the stairs and stepped on one. Mom however was the one most punished as I have had to carry my 48lb 5 year old around for an entire week. Ah life as a mom of four. 

However, this mama did manage to make it out Wednesday night along with Kate and Christina to Cynthia Rowley on Newbury Street Boston for a very fashionable, enjoyable and very successful event.  The Mamas and I along with Aj Williams of Creative Events had the Cynthia Rowley Boutique filled with a very lively and fashion forward crowd. We sipped champagne, nibbled on these amazingly moist cupcakes from Party Favors Brookline, laughed, talked fashion, careers, children, laughed some more. There were Mamas getting complimentary hair styling by Shannon Walsh of Jeffrey Lyle Salon. Other Mamas trying on pieces from the Cynthia Rowley Spring 2011 line. Did I mention the amazingly moist cupcakes! Not your mom's funfetti my friend!!! 

Pictured is Satsi Chalsa of Cynthia Rowley Boston drawing the lucky gift bag winner. Congratulations to the newly pregnant Mama to be Felicia Martin Hopkins!!

Photo courtesy of Nino Sambataro


Pictured on left AJ Williams of creative events and friends/photo courtesy of Nino Sambataro

 

It was such a fun night!  As hard as it is to juggle everything to get a night out as well as living 60 miles away from Boston, Christina, Kate and I still make it a point to experience these sort of events,  because we know a good dose of laughter, friends and fashion is just enough to charge these Mamas batteries.

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

 Special Thank you to Nino Sambataro of Ninopix for amazing pictures and video!! Very talented and all around great guy!!

 

 

Win the "It" bag of the Week in Boston: Ellie Fund Oscar Night Swagbag

Like the Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala wasn't fun enough?  Then quitting time comes, and oh joy! Swagbag surprise!  You always see the celebs making out hand over fist at these award shows, and now it's our your turn! That's right mamas, we are giving you our swag bag full of amazing items worth mucho dinero if there was a price tag attached (and there isn't because this was complimentary and part of the whole Oscar night experience).   What's inside you ask? Let's pretend, for a moment, that we're high paid actresses, and take a look....

I see gift cards.....and full sized products mamas.  We love ourselves free full sized products.  What else is inside there?

Ohh..is that a fifty dollar gift card to the new Del Friscos steakhouse (opening April 23rd)!? Date night mamas! Bernie and Phyls..quality, comfort and price, another gift card-so nice!

 

You know the celebs don't do their own hair, and neither should you....how about a complimentary blow out courtesty of  Salon Capri (with two locations Newton and the new Legacy Place).  Might need a haircut first? $40 haircut gift card and complimentary manicure from Avanti Salon, located on Newbury Street and South Boston.  We always say beauty doesn't have to cost a lot.  This should further the cause. 

And when you get home, pamper those tresses with full sized Redken hair products.  Did I say full sized? Loves. 

Stars are always hitting the top spas, so why not you, mama?  The most elegant Boston Mandarin Oriental hosted this lavish event, and included in this bag is a gift certificate to the Spa at the MO.  Mamas, I get teary eyed on this one, and you may just have to pry it out of my greedy paws and I wish you nothing but utmost peace and relaxation. Om. 

Lip balms, two All Natural goats milk soap, water bottle from an upcoming movie, teeshirt from "the Last Airbender", a Groupon coupon (Certified Groupon Groupie in the house), free hummus coupon.. Seriously..there's more, but you'll have to pull a Natalie Portman and be a winner to find out what it is.  This gift bag and all it's contents is up for grabs to a randomly chosen winner to be announced next Friday, March 11.  All you have to do is answer the question below, so get your Red Sox* thinking caps on:

We love a good movie as much as you all, tell us your favorite movie of 2011.  

tell us your favorite movie of 2011 in the comment section on the blog,or facebook and for an extra chance (or three) follow us on Facebook, the blog, or Twitter (and let us know about it).  So mamas, up to four chances to win, but whatever you do, don't miss out on this chance to win the "it" bag of the week in Boston.  But get your entry in quick, because like spring training this contest ends soon too.  

 

they are actually jumping for joy over this contest

*The Red Sox cap is merely a suggestion and in no way influences the contest winner decision.  The winner will be chosen randomly using Random.org.  Even if they don a Yankees cap.  

 

Legal schmegal: contest open to residents of the US only (sorry mi amigas and mes amis).  Contest ends at midnight, 3/11/2011.  Shipments cannot be mailed to PO Boxes.  We really do hope the Red Sox win this World Series this year (we just want that noted).  

Three Haute Mamas and "OUR" Red Carpet Style

Hello Mamas,

Okay we thought we would give you a run down of how we styled ourselves for The Ellie Fund Oscar Night's Red Carpet. We had no Rachel Zoe or celebrity stylists although if anyone wants the job of stylin the Mamas next year you know where to find us! 

 Although die hard lovers of fashion we Mamas unfortunately are on tight budgets raising a family, starting a business etc. This all factored into our red carpet decision making. The great news was that we all loved what we wore and lesson learned no matter what your budget may be their is always something out there for everyone.

Kimberly: This dress I found in the 70% off rack. It is a Halston Heritage retails at $ 550.00 and it was mine for $164.99! My earrings and bracelets were from TJMaxx and my shoes were from DSW.I hate to say this but I wouldn't recommend the shoes they tortured my feet! My clutch $25.99 was purchased from a kiosk at the South Shore Mall Braintree. I scored a great camel colored faux fur wrap at Macy's I.N.C line for $34.99 (not pictured)  I knew when I tried this dress on it would have a story one day. I was told that night that I was up for Boston Magazine's Top Ten Bostonians on the Red Carpet! Holla!  

 

Notorious for last minute decisions, sure enough the Calvin Klein I'd originally planned to wear just didn't "feel" right.  Maybe because it was two sizes too big, and with a week to go I didn't want to deal with having it fitted.  Off I went, to of all places, the Lord and Taylor prom section! I died when I found this strapless, printed number with the black beaded trim that fit to a tee!  Best part, 50% off and a mere $79! Practically a blue light special.  I accessorized with earrings from my own collection, and all 247 bracelets were 16.99 from TJ Maxx.  True life story-had no idea TJ's carried such great jewelry! Moi?! For reals.  The French Connection clutch is from my faves local boutique, Contrary, and the black patent leather wedge heels a la Jessica Simpson (a quick change of plans from my original Michael Kors velvet heels-it was snowing.  Snowing.) .  All was topped off by what I've been searching for all year, a faux fur jacket, Macys juniors (don't be afraid to hit the juniors) for 14.99.  So basically I spend more on groceries in a week than I did on my entire outfit.  How 'bout them apples Joan Rivers? 

 

Christina: This dress is Ralph Lauren black dress with detailed rosettes coming down the side; originally $220 but on sale for $160. Earrings from Bloomingdales (purchased before ), Bangles (on other arm) a collection of pieces collected over the years, gold chunky ring from Banana Republic, Black patent strappy shoes with gold plates and matching clutch from Jimmy Choo (an investment I made a couple years ago and still get compliments on the pieces - my artwork). Hair (side ponytail with loose curls with a braid wrapped around the pony tail) and make-up done by my talented and haute friend Michelle Kriensky.

My best accessories for the night were my dates - Kim and Kate!!! Nothing beats a night like this when you can get all dolled up, help bring awareness and raise money for an amazing charity ... The Ellie Fund

Agreed Christina!  Who doesn't want to watch the Oscars with their besties and to do so all dolled up was the icing on the cake, or the cupcakes.  

Photo courtesy of George Weinstien

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2011 Children's wear collection a shoppable online storybook featuring The RL Gang: A Magically Magnificent School Adventure!

 

This spring, Polo Ralph Lauren expands its shoppable children’s online storybook collection with the  introduction of The RL Gang: A Magically Magnificent School Adventure. Showcasing Ralph Lauren Childrenswear Spring 2011 collection, the new RL Gang video is narrated by award-winning actress and mother Uma Thurman, and launches globally today on RalphLauren.com/RLGang and Bloomingdales.com/RLGang, and March 31 on TheBay.com/RLGang.   

“By delivering a best-in-class virtual shopping experience to both parents and their children, our customers can discover their style in a way that is engaging, informative and entertaining.”  said David Lauren, Executive Vice President of  Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications. 

 

In celebration of the launch, Polo Ralph Lauren is hosting an international search for one lucky child to be cast in an upcoming installment of the RL Gang. The contest, which will live on the RL Gang tab on Ralph Lauren’s Facebook page, will allow parents in the US and UK to upload a photo of their child and share that photo with friends and family, asking them to vote for their child.  

The winning child will be chosen from the group of children with the most votes, flown to New York and cast as a member of the RL Gang! Best of luck to all our readers who participate! How Exciting!!

As Polo Ralph Lauren is dedicated to children everywhere and the preservation of the arts and education, the Company will donate 15% of all proceeds from the first month of sales of the Childrenswear Spring 2011 collection on RalphLauren.com to Room to Grow—a charitable organization chosen by Uma Thurman. Room to Grow is an innovative program which provides parents raising babies in poverty with one-on-one parenting support and essential baby items throughout their children’s critical first three years of development.  

Additionally, Polo Ralph Lauren has again partnered with Tikatok.com, the award-winning children’s publishing platform owned by Barnes & Noble, to produce the printed version of The RL Gang. The book will be available beginning March 3 for $16.95 and readers can purchase a hard copy or download a digital version on Tikatok.com/RLGang and BarnesandNoble.com. Hard copies of the book will also be available at select Ralph Lauren stores.

 

As you may know by now we are big fans of Ralph Lauren and one of the charities we support is Room to Grow so when we were contacted to be one of their bloggers for this launch we were over the moon excited. One great American Designer, one great American Charity, and hopefully one Haute Child of our readers as the New Cast Member of the RL Gang ! 

Good Luck Mamas and Happy Shopping!

Xo Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the Oscar for the Best Dressed Goes to...The Hautes + the Nautes

We love a good dress as much as we love a good party, and man were there plenty.  While I missed my beloved live from the Red Carpet, you can be sure the gals and I were glued to our phones, Tweeting and Facebooking, looking at each other puzzled, questioning, "What's going on with Reese's hair? No one likes Reese's hair." "Everyone loves Cate Blanchett-who's she wearing?".  

Fast forward to Tuesday..So here are our choices based on what we've seen on screen.  Meaning on our computer screens.  And it's our blog so awards are handed out only after about four minutes of thought and comparison (those of you with children do not need explanation).  

So Cate Blanchett in Givenchy? Really? Everyone's favorite? Really? 

I agree Kate it is puzzling... your eye goes straight to the big circle design on her chest! Speaking as a New Englander it looks like a Lobster bib! Huh? XO Kimberly

They say it was art work... I don't get it. This gets my worst dressed award.  XO Christina

Anne Hathaway, red vintage Valentino haute couture dress and red from that embarrassing co-hosting performance put on by Mr. Franco.  We loves you still Annie! Haute

I agree! It is rumored that The Rachel Zoe was paid six figures to dress Hathaway throughout the night, RZ is the queen of Oscar Style I knew she would deliver! Beautiful!! 

This is a classic piece. I love Vintage.. You can't go wrong.. May not be the best of hers for the night but a masterpiece for sure!!!

Jennifer Hudson in Versace, never mind the Weight Watchers points, how about an all points bulletin because that girl was almost illegal in that dress.  Haute.  

I agree, this girl is on fire!!!! 

You go girl!!! And Simon said on American Idol you weren't going anywhere.. Ummmm I love me some Simon but did anyone see him there?

Hillary Swank looked just dreamy in this dress by Gucci premiere.  Now I tried on a similar dress and God bless her, because I hadn't left the fitting room and feathers were flying everywhere.  One would assume she wasn't shopping Lord and Taylor juniors department though.  Her feathers were probably hand sewn individiually with angel hair come to think of it. Haute

Kate you make me laugh! I loved this dress, so elegant and so couture! 

Kate where did you try this dress on.. Maybe I can go get it and have Kim sew the feathers on in her spare time... I HEART this dress.... This is my best dressed and all I can say is Obsessed!!! But of course I would be... It's GUCCI!!! Ahhhhhhhhh...

Some guy. Haute. 

Agreed! giggle! giggle!!

Representing bean town!!!!

There's one at every party. Tonight there were two. 

Their is always a muse for every designer!

She always wears costume (no not custom) designed dresses... Why I don't know.. isn't that what Halloween is for???

Methuen's very own Maria Menunous.  You know we love a local. Haute.

and don't forget die hard Celtics Fan!! 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection probably could have played stand in for one of the Oscar statuettes in this number, but I think she looks smashing.  Haute. 

Pretty but not my favorite.

Very Modern and I agree Kim not my fav...

 

Melissa Leo,you f#$%ing rock! No, really, I mean look at that f#@!ing gorgeous dress.  We f*&^ing love you girlfriend! F#$@ing Haute. 

It was a thrill to watch her win the Oscar with a room full of her fellow actors and actresses at The Ellie Fund Oscar Gala in Boston! The room sounded like the red sox just won the world series!! True Boston Spirit do we expect anything else!! 

Kate... your killing me!!! HAHAHA!!!!! Amazing. She looked amazing!!! Love this dress!!! 

Javier Bardem and Penelope "I just had a baby four minutes ago" Cruz.  She should have gotten an Oscar just for fitting into that L'Wren Scott dress so soon after childbirth.  Haute and hauter.

Beautiful! and Congratulations Haute Mama Cruz!

Umm.. Realy?? Really?? I am going to eat a cookie!!! Ugggghhhhh!!

So while no one really jumped out at me as being the run away best dressed, Gwyneth and Anne definitely get props, Mr. and Mrs. "we just left the hospital with our newborn, we are sleep walking" Bardem get cutest couple, "Marky" Mark Wahlberg, cutest boy at the prom, and Reese, the hair isn't that tragic.  Runner up sister. 

It's the young hip Oscars! I loved the hair  screams 60's throw back! 

I know the hair isn't the it look for now but it fits her so well!!! If I could look like a barbie doll everyday then I would... She will always be one my favs... she can't do much wrong!

for more on our Oscar night fun go here

I need to add one more picture because I loved this dress so much, it is so simple yet dramatic at the same time! Camila Alves wearing a Kaufman Franco gown! WOW!!!  XO Kimberly

He is one lucky man... she and the dress are gorgeous!!! She is a Haute Mama for sure!!!

Honestly..I can't decide who I love more.  Perfection people..perfection.

Oscar Night is here! You can watch the Ellie Fund Oscar Gala Live online.....

Hello Mamas,

 

The day is among us, our kids are with their dads, grandparents, whoever would take em!! Lol!! Which gives us enough time to get glamorous for tonight's event.  Christina, Kate and I are like teenagers getting ready for the prom! Mom's night out and a chance to feel beautiful as well as do our part to help families affected by breast cancer. It's a win! win! in my opinion. 

You can be part of this exciting event in many ways tonight! WCVB Channel 5 Boston will be airing the red carpet live at 6:15pm, we will also be tweeting live #oscarboston for all of you mamas who follow us on twitter and the event will also be streaming live  here. 

There is also an online auction going on through March 11th, check out all the fabulous auction items and help support this wonderful cause!  

Later this week Christina, Kate and I will have our own Red Carpet roundup of the night via video blog! 

and the Oscar goes too.....

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina