don't know where i found this, but i am dreaming about it. at night. during the day. ever since the sun came out and the temp rose above 50 (and it's not been long peeps, this is new england after all) i've been thinking nothing but bright colors and prints. short dresses and high heels. chunky jewels and wavy hair. winter be gone. i'm ready for this....
prepare to be fall in love here
Our spring "time" give away deadline has been extended-that's right, extra "time" to enter. Just leave us a comment telling us how you tell time during your busy day. For me, it's my trusty
that's right Kim! The oven does in fact get used.
Sad, but true. If only the mamas weren't exempt from the this most excellent give away!
Speaking of mamas, I am loving this mama to be's pregnancy style!
Please tell me she's at least wearing flip flops under that gown. I don't think in my three pregnancies I ever looked that glamorous. Even in week one. But I loved dressing up my big belly, and I loved this post from last year, so like my first (and second) pregnancies, worth repeating. Enjoy!
Rock That Belly
Oceanside yesterday I couldn't help but be in awe of a soon to be mama sporting a teeny tiny bikini while at least 8 months pregnant. Totally haute, and when she left, a simple sarong wrap to complete the look. Now I don't live in a mecca of fashion, au contraire, 8 month pregnant mamas generally sport your basic maternity suits. This left me thinking I always I wasn't always in control of my belly or "the girls" when I was pregnant. They kind of "snuck out", not in a bad way, and that was fine. Think about it..pregnancy is the one time when your fanny is finally proportionately smaller than your waist. The "girls" are full and cleavage abounds. Your stomache is tight. Maybe not six pack tight but all the same. If you've never sported a bikini by all means, now may be the time to rock and roll with your big bad belly.
Good day sunshines!
Hi mamas, hopefully you're all enjoying spring break somewhere warm and tropical! Kimberly is living it up in the city-New York City-and I just got back from Burlington, Vermont. Neither of which constitutes a tropical get away, however, anywhere we don't have to cook=vacay!
Speaking of tropical, grab those red shopping carriages, because starting May 1, Calypso St. Barth for Target is debuting their collaboration and one of us (rhymes with Late) will be front and center, Starbucks in hand.
Calypso St. Barth was first founded 19 years ago on the island of St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies. Since then, the retailer has grown from a small resort-wear line to a luxury lifestyle brand. It's no Burlington Vermont, but St. Bart sounds like a fairly nice place to spend a lifetime vacation!
Pieces will range from 1.99 to 79.99, so no need to sweat it out over high prices, this is Target after all. The line will be carried only until June 11th though so get those minivans moving.
ps: don't forget to move on over to circle of moms top 25 fashionable moms contest and vote for the mamas either. link in upper left corner. go mamas..go mamas..go mamas..
SNOW annoyed today mamas. It's fabulous Friday and four inches of snow have found it's way to my front yard.
There's one more "F" word I could throw in there but this is a PG site so onward we march.
Speaking of March, welcome to April! Baseball, Spring Break, the Boston Marathon, Earth day, and yes..open toed shoes if we are lucky. Somewhere lurking in the atmosphere is a 70 plus degree day, so let's not be caught off guard and attack those winter hooves footsies now, while there is still time! Treat yourself to a pedicure, drop those dark winter polishes, and pick something bright and springy. Snow be d@mned.
Who saw Kim's steal from TJ Maxx? I'll admit..I teared up a little bit. Those Fryes reminded me of my long gone loves. And I'd been coveting that Free People dress at Contrary, when I heard Kim had swooped in, on her white stallion in her white Sequoia and swooped it up. I have a feeling I'll be doing some borrowing this summer. Do you borrow from your girlfriends? Why or why not? I think it's the greatest thing ever, and my closet is always open for business.
So while it may not be time to put away those boots just quite yet, it is time to start adding pops of color to our wardrobe, touching up those toes, and of course, pulling out those Red Sox hats. Enjoy your weekends mamas! And welcome to April!
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
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.
Happy Valentines Day Mamas! Who doesn't love a day that starts with candy for breakfast (mini eclairs chez Lord), candy for snack, candy for lunch, it doesn't end? God bless you Mr. Cupid! Kimberly and I spent the day, and I do mean day, volunteering at the children's school and in between handing out, what else-candy!-we discussed, what else-the grammys! Oh what a night!! Pods, and wings and all sorts of things. How about the Biebs? Even my Lexi has the Bieber Fever now, he was that good. And Lady Gaga? The pod thing was, well, Gaga, but her performance made me forget she arrived in arrived in an egg (11 short of a dozen).
We had quite a few "hautes" and it's always interesting to see if we had the same. We are anxiously awaiting our own Red Carpet on February 27th, so you can be sure we paid extra close attention to the stars last night.
Kate: I am a Pucci girl, so of course I was all over J. Lo and this uber haute number. And the shoes? Sometimes ya just gotta let the shoes do the talkin'. Haute.
Kim: All the men out there who think Moms are not HAUTE!! Behold... J.LO!! I need to find a close up of the shoes.. Christian Louboutin of course! J.Lo knows how to dress for the Grammy's!!!! BAM!!!
Kate: Ciara! No idea who she is, but she also rocked the Pucci. Now, I realize this is a little revealing and no, I'd most likely not wear this, say, ever. But-this is the Grammys and she's twenty something. That's when you wear a dress like this, and she did in fact wear that dress. Haute.
Kim: It's a Grammy Dress!!
Kate: I think we have the prom court here-King, Queen, yada, yada... Although what's up with the length of Seal's jacket? Aside from that...
Kim: I popped this picture in because they are "HAUTE MAMAS, WIVES, WOMEN and they are our age! They are beautiful and inspiring!!!
Kate: My FAVORITE. Jennifer Hudson is simply my American Idol for the night.
Kim: Agreed! I love the NAVY and her new body.Way to go Jennifer Hudson! Haute Mama!
Kate: Nicole Kidman is just so darn pretty. Really. I just think she should have gone a little more rock and roll.
Kim: A note to Nicole Kidman don't ever go blonde again you are stunning as a red head. She is Couture and always will be!!
Kate: Love it all Eva Longoria!
Kim: This is my favorite award show look for her so far. Ashi Dress, Brian Atwood shoes. Perfect on her petite body!
Kate: She had me singing over this dress, literally singing. Except that cuff on her wrist almost looks like an "Oh crap! I forgot I had this on!".
Kim: She looks beautiful but how the heck are her girls staying in?? That is quite a plunging neckline! Not loving the clunky shoes!! I know they are the new trend now but the dress is so feminine.
Kate: Selena Gomez showing something teen actresses don't show enough of: class. Well done, and well done in J. Mendel (clap clap). Only wish she'd have walked the Red Carpet with her other accessory-Justin Bieber.
Kim: Agreed this was my favorite dress of the evening PERFECT everything... hair, clutch by Judith Leiber, Lorraine Schwartz Jewels. LOVE!
Kate: The fact that my favorite DWTS dancer is dating my favorite Ryan Seacrest makes the fact that this is not my favorite dress..almost forgettable. She's so beautiful that who cares, she could be wearing a paper bag in all honesty. Plus-she's-dating-Ryan-Seacrest-people!!
Kim: I disagree, I loved this dress by Catherine Malandrino she is one of my new favorite designers!! Ask Christina as I was pleading with her to let me buy a cobalt blue dress by her in New York! She kept saying your chest doesn't fit in it put it back the dream is over!! Lol!! SIGH!
Don't forget to watch The Red Carpet Review with Joan Rivers and Company tonight at 10pm on the E Channel. She kills me every time!! Hysterical!!
XO Kimberly and Kate
Oh Friday..once again, playing hard to get. Kimberly and I are in the throws of prepping for the Ellie Funds Oscar Gala happening a week from Sunday at the Mandarin Oriental Boston and working on our as yet to be discussed upcoming project in May. I think having happy things to look forward to makes it easier to tolerate the not so happy things like:
and
not gonna lie. This one hurt.
Another upcoming happy event..Valentines Day! Grab your loved ones and enjoy the day mamas!! Husbands, boyfriends, kids, best friends, or just treat yourself. My older two daughters (9 and 7) are attending a Sweetheart Dance Saturday night. They will be all dolled up and bring dates-their dad and their uncle. Seriously..too cute for school. So whether you have a romantic dinner planned or a night on the town with your besties (or with your dad and your uncle! haha!), Kimberly takes us shopping and gives us a few pointers on non traditional outfits. Red is great, but you will love her options. Speaking of mixing, she will also mix up a healthy cocktail that will put a sparkle in anyones eye. Make sure to have a cell phone handy, that's all I'm saying..
And last but certainly not least...Boston says Cheers to Ray Allen!
Happy Hump Day Mamas! Kimberly is on her way to Boston to meet with the always amazing leaders at Room to Grow who make everyday a sweet one for some very special moms and expecting moms in Boston. I am at home giving Kimberly a hand with a project on one of her other jobs, like children, she can't just have one. Or three. Or four;) We should all be blessed with that much energy!!!! How do you do it all Kim?? Or is that another post? Anyhooo..back to the matter at hand, Valentines Day. Sweet Valentines Day.
print available here
When my oldest was a baby we listened to James Taylor every night while I rocked her to sleep. Everytime I hear his Greatest Hits volume one I get teary eyed-she's now 9, and no longer rock-able. Try as I might. But still sweet as pie.
Sometimes the sweetest Valentines gifts are those with hidden meanings that only you and the recipient understand.
Relive your travels as a couple with a customized subway scroll. Even if you haven't left your state, you can certainly include local cities or streets.
Met at a friends wedding in California? Vintage California bracelet available here
I strongly believe in showing young daughters how much they are loved every day, but Valentines is a truly special time for Dad or Mom to step up to the plate and really hit it out of the park. Let them know they will always be your little princess and give them something so they remember this everyday.
Married to a francophile? This petite original watercolor of the Eiffel Tower is tres jolie.
Music! For those pesky teens that eat all your food and leave dirty laundry everywhere. Fill their iPods with all those songs you grew up singing together. They say they hate them but they totally don't. Kate Spade iPod cases help.
Still dreaming of that luxurious trip you took, or your honeymoon to where ever but can't afford to go back? Did you know most hotels sell those blankets they call "bathrobes", just call the concierge and ask. And then start saving for your return trip.
And then start saving for your return trip.
I have been dubbed the hippie mama of our trio. And Nicole Richie, hippie mama herself, is one of my top five fashionable mamas. Make no bones about it, there will never be any confusion between Nicole and I. She is a teeny, twenty something waif mama of two....I, slightly larger, thirty something mama of three. Howeverrrrr, we can share a wardrobe finally. As of today, Gilt.com is featuring Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 and it is beyond dreamy. Flowy, floral dresses and tops, chunky, statement making jewels, and the shoes....the shoes. She and I also share a love of the wedge heel. As most mothers know, the wedge is key when carrying a toddler, three grocery bags, and being towed by a 90 pound labrador. Or for a night out on the town.
Love the looks, love her style. Now mamas..shop on.
Nicole shares some of her favorites on sale at Gilt.com
