Three Haute Mamas

Feeling hot, not haute

I don't know where you live, but this week in New England it's been approximately two bazillion degrees and humid.  The only thing I want to wear is a bathing suit or maybe a piece of 2x2 piece of linen, neither of which is very acceptable outside of my closet .  Perusing the web I came across a few steals on lightweight gear that can get me from air conditioned car to air condintioned Starbucks.  Because for those of you who've ever ordered a Frappucino sporting a bathing suit + nothing else, tres not cool..

Ruffled ferry dress, Jcrew..you had me at light-as-air-cotton.....

I know you've been villigantly applying your self tanners, so you're bronzed and ready to sport this color.  You will glow! and it won't be sweat.  Target, 24.99.   What's not to love?

Nordstroms on sale! Straps optional...Gotta a love a dress with options!

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Boston Proper mixes paisley and tie dye for a dress that works for both day and night.  The fabrics a poly/spandex blend which means one thing-no hot iron! 

Well this mama is pool bound.  I can't stay home, walking around aimlessly, in my bathing suit all day long..

the neighbors are beginning to wonder..

I could beat the heat and go for a sail but I decided to go for the sale!!!!

Hello Everyone,

Yes it is 10,000 degrees here in Mattapoisett today! UGH!!! This is however the time when living in a coastal new england town does have its perks! The cooler is packed, sun screen is applied and boogie boards are in the car.... we are almost set for a day at sea literally 1/2 mile away!! 

However, now is the time when designers are hosting HUGE sales to make room for their fall lines!!! and when I clicked on the BCBGMAXAZRIA website... instantly the a/c was blasting in my face from my computer and I was comfortable right where I was. Kids in the background..... not so much! 

One of my favorite designers is having a great sale and like sticking your head in the freezer to cool off... I couldn't pull myself away!!! hahaha!!

What a Sale!!! Here are a few pieces I purchased!! 

Dress:Orig. $378 Sale $132.30        Tank: Orig. $158 Sale $55.30      Dress:Orig. $248 Sale $ 121.52

Sweater :Orig. $178 Sale $62.30!!

RIght now I feel great!!! I think it was the devil that made me do it! He made the moment right! The cool breeze, all my sizes where available!!! I know reality will hit when the bill comes the heat will return with a vengeance!! But for now I am excited, I feel refreshed and I will look cool!!!! Heat what heat!!!! 

XO Kimberly!!

live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air

-ralph waldo emerson

At one point I left Florida for a reason.  I am still trying to figure out that reason.  Boston is my home town, but the weather leaves me grumpy and depressed except for July and August.  That's when I do my best work in the closet and that's when my friends notice my personality lighten up and I start getting invited out again.  Winter? Blehhhh...

Beach style, boho chic, nautical, whatever you want to call it, I'm all over it. Show me a sundress, and I get weak in the knees.  A rockin' pair of shorts? Drool.... And sunglasses? Love me some sunnies!! I may be beachy, but I am most certainly not running around in a pair of bermuda shorts and mock sleeveless top. Oh nononono. And capris? That's an island, not something I wear on my lower half* 

There are many mamas who have gone before me and represented the look I would gladly wear day in, day out, 365 days a year.  Later I'll link up to where you can get the same looks that work for you and make you feel like the Capri beach queen you meant to be.  Minus the short pants. 

*a look that just does not work on these legs, trust me on this one.  another post for another day..sigh..

On the second day of summer vacation my kids gave to me......... 4 bored looking faces!! and now it's time to go to plan B!!

Hello Everyone! 

Kimberly back to talk about fitness with four kids in tow. My life has been in a rebuilding stage now for a few years. That is a blog for another time but I will say that I am proud of myself for finding my inner athlete! The bad part is that I have a bad knee.. torn ACL, MCL missing cartilage etc..etc. an old field hockey injury. I could get it repaired but Marathons or Iron Mans will never be in my future. Totally stinks!! 

However, I did fall back in love with GYM!! haha!! I mean my gym or should I say Spin! I started taking spin classes back in the fall of 2009 and have done really well with it in regards to my knee. Spin makes you sweat like crazy, burn at least 500 plus calories while toning your legs, glutes and core and when they have the music cranked up and the fans blowing at you, you're stress is spun away!! The problem with my gym's spin classes is that they are not offered all the time so when life happens you can't always make a class! Total bummer!! But like I had mentioned yesterday there are a lot of fun alternatives you can find online. Such as Tone it up or another fun site we just discovered and my Boston Haute Mamas he is a SOX fan is Mike Arone. His website is fun as he puts a comedic spin on fitness. They will customize workouts for you and diets and give you some tips on what to do when GYM is not there for you! Typical!! LOL!!! 

My second challenge when it comes to working out is that now I have all four of my children home with me for summer vacation. The second day of vacation I got them up dressed and out the door to introduce them to GYM! They were not impressed! They were bored stiff waiting for mom to finish spinning. They did get a kick out of seeing me with a beat red face when I was done though. They negotiated with me about returning and we all agreed to let mom spin twice a week and the rest of the time we will work out together. So five lacrosse sticks later and one for my nephew we took to the fields to train! We actually had fun, we all stink but by the end of the summer we will own that sport!! I vowed!!! Our next workout is going to be hiking Blue Hills! We have done that before and it was a blast. Not one fight or cross word was spoken among my clan during the hike and when we got to the top you can see the Boston skyline as well as the coast!! AWESOME!!!

 

 Sure enough as soon as we hit the car..... MOM!!! HE................  !!! OY!!!!!

I also added swimming to my list as well as kayaking and when the kids are with their dad I will hit the gym or go for a power walk!! Working out has great benefits we all know it is just adjusting your routine that can be hard but you can tailor it to your life and find what works for you! Be creative!! Mix it up!! :-)

 

Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles. -- Sonja Henie

Hello Haute Mamas It's Kimberly!

It seems like every time I walk into a store I get lost in the jewelry department. I can't remember the last time I was in a jewelry store that sold real gems, jewelry and watches. I am talking about costume jewelry the jewelry that we can have fun with! We can afford to pile it on... not wear it for a while... won't cry for days if we break it or lose it!!! The anti-stress Haute Mommy Jewelry!! The FUN STUFF!!! Kate and I live on the Southcoast of Massachusetts and we have a lot of summer friends we will be seeing soon and we joke with them that it is time to start our summer stacking of the jewelry. When we have our girls nights here in Mattapoisett we like to pile on the accessories!! However, to quote the Fabulous Rachel Zoe " Just be honest with yourself when you look in the mirror: if you resemble a Christmas tree with one too many ornaments from one too many trends than lose something!" We have a lot of skin showing in the summer time and it is great to dress it up and have some fun with jewelry.

 A few of my favorite pieces and I probably would cry if I lost them or broke them are by a local designer here in Massachusetts and friend of mine Michelle Murphy of SeaLore Designs. Michelle is a Haute Mama of 5 children!! YES!! 5!!! She has been creating jewelry since she was a little girl and like all great designers was encouraged to pursue her talent and passion. Michelle burst onto the scene 2 years ago and is carrying her line in many stores along the south shore such as Shop Mermaids, Spa Scape Day Spa to name a few and now the south coast at Contrary Boutique. The inspiration for Michelle is free spirited, boho, beach chic. She also designs some symbolic jewelry as well. What I love about Michelle's jewelry is her use of metal with natural stones. Pictured below are some of Michelle's design's the perfect summer piece's to compliment your outfit!! 

f SeaLore Design's Jewelry you can find at Etsy.com. Way to go Michelle! I admire you for following your passion and finding a way to balance it all!! You are truly a Haute Mama!!

XO Kimberly

The summer beauty (bargain) essential that keeps on giving-the pedicure!

Kim asked a good question yesterday on Facebook, which, by the way, if you have not become a fan of whatareyouwaitingfor?? 

Kim's question: Name your favorite beauty essential? Lots of fantastic answers, but one that was left out, and is a true bargain.. the pedicure! I know so many mamas who hesitate to spend on themselves, especially in this area, and it simply perplexes me!  Every two weeks I visit my local Hawaii Nails (disclaimer, they are not Hawaiin nor are they in Hawaii) and for a mere $25.00 ! I receive a gorgeous French pedicure (two coats please) that would easily hold up a month if I could contain myself.  But I'm a sucker for having my tootsies soft and freshly polished every two weeks, and truth be told, my little girls love to go too, so it's a win win.  I do not have pretty feet.  I run every day, and every time I walk into the salon, the nail techs practically pass out.  I, on the other hand, run to them like a long lost friend and cherish our time together because I know in a short half hour one of us will be covered in sweat and one of us will have the feet of an angel.  

I have been to upscale salons, sketchy salons, and every place in between, and prices do not vary that much.  Just choose a clean salon, word of mouth is key, and go for it.  And if you take care of your feet (applying a clear top coat once a week, as well as lotion!) you're pedi can last and last for up to a month! That's like a dollar a day! You can have your pretty piggies and your Starbucks skinny vanilla latte too!

  

 Hello everyone it is Kimberly!!

 I would like to carry on this conversation about pedi's and mani's. So lets talk about nail polish choices. We have all walking into a nail salon and have everyone stop what they are doing and stare at you then a voice shouts out at you from the distance.... "YES" I help you!" and you quietly say " Ummm, pedicure please." Then you hear in that same voice.... " PICK A COLOR!!" hahaha!! Anyway, you stare at a wall full of nail polish and say to yourself Oh God.. what do I pick, and in the background you hear.. " YOU COME HERE NOW!!" Ahhh you think to yourself the pressure to pick a color and then you grab for the Traditional Red. 

So i am hear to tell you that it pays to bring your own nail polish. There are some beautiful colors out there that are not carried in any nail salon I can guarantee. A big trend in hollywood is pastel nails. Beige and light pink. So pretty and gives you that natural look. Ageless as well. It also elongates the nails and fingers and won't compete with all that fabulous jewelry that we will be sporting this season! Oh Ya!! That will be another post! and since we are Mom's we are always in the sink so a lighter color will hide a chip here and there from that Mommy wear and tear!! 

This color below is Marshmallow Rose # 508 $9 by CND a fun website to play around on with nail color and products.

Below if you want to be bold and kick it up this season with some salsa style colors. You can try Havana Nights Mini Collection $ 18 at Sephora.

Enjoy your pampering and Haute Nails!!

XO Kimberly

Don't be hot, be haute!

Anyone not like to spend money but like to look good? Join my club.  Super cute, flattering swimsuits all for under fifty bucks! See you at the beach!

swimsuits under $50 by threehautemamas featuring GAP swimwear

Cosabella Sienna One Piece Suit With Padded Cups
$37 - asos.com
More Cosabella swimwear »

Crisscross Halter One-Piece
$37 - alloy.com
More swimwear »

Nylon Tricot Triangle Top One-Piece Swimsuit
$38 - americanapparel.net
More American Apparel swimwear »

Nylon Tricot Two-Tone Swimsuit
$36 - americanapparel.net
More American Apparel swimwear »

Merona® Women's Twist Front Ruched Side One Piece Swim Dress - Ebony ...
$28 - target.com
More swimwear »

Women's Plus Size Clothes: Swimwear | Old Navy
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
More Old Navy swimwear »

Old Navy Womens Plus Classic Ruched Swimsuits
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com
More Old Navy swimwear »

Old Navy Womens Ruffled Swimsuits
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com
More Old Navy swimwear »

Gap Asymmetrical floral one-piece
$20 - gap.com
More GAP swimwear »

Gap Beaded Ikat halter one-piece
$20 - gap.com
More GAP swimwear »

Gap Zigzag halter one-piece
$20 - gap.com
More GAP swimwear »

Volcom Swimwear - Womens - Off Dot One Piece
$25 - pacsun.com
More Volcom swimwear »

Gap Sunburst one-piece
$20 - gap.com
More GAP swimwear »

" The Best Beach Bag EVA!!!"

Hello everyone Kimberly here!

I have been so excited to share with you what we think is the best beach bag out there!! You need this bag!!! I am thinking of an excuse for your significant others right now! Hmmm.... Oooooo I know.... They were selling them through the PTA dear!! We need to support the school! hahahaha!!! 

Anyway, Kate and all my beautiful beach mamas here in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts swear by this bag!

Saltwater Canvas Mesh Beach Bag!! Ooooooo Ahhhhhhhh!!!! Perfect!!!!

 The whale bag holds up to 6 beach towels, with room for toys, sunscreen, your juicy novel or in our case US Weekly Magazine in the pleated pockets. The oval shape is about 15 inches across, and 15 inches tall. 8 pleated pockets hold everything you need. The mesh lets you see it all. Organized at last! The inside snap hook holds keys or sunglasses safely. This bag lasts.

 

Parents Magazine, July 2007 "Hot Stuff. Our favorite new products for SUN and SAND. . . The best part about this giant beach tote: Give it a shake at the end of the day and the sand comes out easily."Quick & Simple, July 2007 "Pack it in. The search is over for the ultimate bag. These totes have pockets for all your beachcombing needs, and the mesh fabric lets sand slip right out." 

"My beach bag from Saltwater Canvas is the best beach bag I have ever had. We have a summer house at the beach and I use it every day. We even have to wade through a pond to get to the beach so I love the way you can sling it over your shoulder. Mine still looks new after 4 years. At the beach, the pockets are great for suntan lotion, magazines, books, even your sandy flip flops. I especially like the clip inside where I can attach my keys. I have given these bags to my friends as gifts and they all come back asking me how to get another one! ... You couldn't find a better product or a better vendor to buy from." Andie Witt
 

Whale Bag - $31.97

I cannot begin to tell you that this is " THE BEACH BAG TO END ALL BEACH BAGS!!!" 

XO Kimberly

There are Islands and then there is Nantucket Island!!!!

Hello Everyone Kimberly again,

I know we have been flip flopping around here this week but so much has been going on and we just have to blog about it!! Last weekend myself, Kate and two of my best girlfriends took off for a 48 hour weekend get away to Nantucket Island.  Like Kate had posted with over 200 lbs of luggage between us we were ready to have some fun and had an outfit for every occasion. 

You see when girls have a passion for fashion it is incredibly hard to pack light!!! Simply impossible!!! So we teamed up and divided the clothes between us and we were cleared for travel!! 

When you arrive on Nantucket Island immediately the Island grabs you! The air races through your lungs dissolving all your stresses away. Even though we haven't even left the state and was on a plane for all of 20 minutes you feel as though you are truly away!!! I have been all over the country to the most beautiful resorts and nantucket to me is magical!!

It has so much history as Massachusetts does. Originally a booming whaling port and has architecturally changed little since the 17th century when you arrive in downtown nantucket you walk on cobblestone streets lined with old fashioned lamps. I have been coming here since I was a little girl and now that I am all grown up all I can say is if you need a little heel... wedges are the way to go! Just sayin!! 

Today nantucket has been blessed with some of the most amazing Entrepreneur's they have really given the island a modern five star feel. From the most amazing restaurants to the hippest boutiques such as Gypsy,Cheri, Cheryl Fudge, Elisabeth English,  as well as art galleries and antiques. I need a week there maybe a month to really take in all the shops!! My girlfriends and I tried to experience it all. And as we saw when it comes to fashion on the island..... anything goes!! You can go Sex and The City Glam like we did!! or Hampton's preppy with your Lily Pulitzer!  Romantic with a summer Maxi dress, or shorts, flip flops and a really cool tee!! Island Company style!! Wear what you love and love what you wear and you will fit right in!! 

Below are a few picture's of our trip....

 

After you shop at Gypsy you can have a seat outside to relax!! 

The girls at Corazon del mar

   

Cheryl Fudge Boutique
 

  
 
   I bought this Maxi Dress originally $230 for $39 dollars on SALE at Cheri!! It pays to be tall!!! LOL!!!!

   We had lunch at some old favorites like Captain Tobey's and The Tavern located down by the Wharf and at night we ate at the most fabulous latin kitchen called Corazon del Mar. Now being the last patron's in the restaurant along with some great energy has it's perks! We ventured upstairs to the bar to cheer on the Celtic's!! and that is where we met Holly definitely a "Haute" Local girl as the bartender. We met a few famous chef's and then when asked where we were headed next we replied " The Chicken Box!!" Holly told us that to arrive there before midnight was a very amateur move! LOL!! She invited us to a party at Pearl. It was Nantucket's Wine Festival, which would explain the famous chef's and all the wine!!! Turns out that the owner/chef of Corazon Del Mar owns Pearl and Boarding House. I will say as the Granddaughter of Italian immigrants his food was to die for!! hahaha!! and he had a great personality to boot!! The best part about Nantucket is one minute we were sipping champagne at Pearl and the next we were dancing at The Chicken Box to the band Joshua Tree!! If you are up for an eclectic night you are on the right island!! So Much Fun!!

And now I would like to give a shout out to all the Local's who care for the Island and give year round tourists a memorable island experience. Tourists Please Tip Well!!  There are many Festival's on the island throughout the Spring and Summer and also the Christmas Stroll. If you live in Massachusetts and you haven't been to Nantucket YOU MUST!!! If you have a love of travel and live anywhere in the world... YOU MUST!!!! You can easily do a day trip, by ferry or plane or a weekend getaway ( Calling all Grandparents take the kids PLEASE!!!) .... Men it would make a great date Island style!! They have private home rentals see Nantucket Sully, beds and breakfasts or full service hotels!! 

Life is short!! This Island wants to grab you shake the stress away and renew your soul, your love whatever!! It is its destiny!! 

XO Kimberly

A small step for one Haute Mama and a BIG step for Charity!!!

What a difference a year makes and I am talking about Kate's life! Sorry Kate to bring the memories of jet setting off to Vegas sans Kids but it is our anniversary week and we are re-blogging some of our favorite posts! Toms shoes are still haute not only for their looks but their charitable soul! Haute Mama Christina just stocked up on several pair for her little half pint I call Bella Boo! I just ordered a pair for myself and my tween Caroline!!

Enjoy Mamas and thanks for reading us!! 

XO Kimberly

Hi Haute Mamas!

I am anxiously awaiting Kate's arrival home from Vegas!! I can't wait to hear about her fabulous trip and everything she discovered out there.  I saw her wardrobe and watched her little ones while she shopped, spray tanned and shopped some more!! We girls need to tag team when it comes to important stuff like that!!! haha!!! I hope she was able to relax and really let her inner soul come out and have fun. Her children were well taken care of by her husband and her dad! What a comedic pair those two are! Her girls enjoyed donuts for breakfast, lunch and dinner!! Hair was never combed all weekend, outfits miss matched but they had a ball with Dad and Gampi!!!! As for Kate.... what happens in Vegas..... LOL!!!!!

This weekend I came across this website www.toms.com and what they were doing for charity stopped me in my tracks! With every pair of shoes you purchase TOM's will give a pair of shoes to a child in need!!! LOVE THIS!!

Tom's shoes

I know that summer sandals are all the rage now, wedge heels, gladiator's etc. But if a casual slide on shoe is what you are looking for, these shoes are ultra comfortable and remind me of the Keds that we all knew and loved in the mid 80's and 90's!! There are so many to choose from. Pair them with some cute shorts, cropped leggings etc. and give a pair of shoes to a child in need at the same time!!! 

Fellow Haute Mama Christina was telling me that they are all the rage in the celebrity world! These shoes are also very lightweight and  portable as you can throw them in your bag for a quick shoe change. You can also get a tax write off on your purchase as you have just donated to charity!!!! As Louie Armstrong would sing... "I think to myself... What a Wonderful World!!!" Oh Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

Thanks TOMS's for making a difference!!! :-)