Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Brook & Lyn

Aside from being a designer of drool-worthy jewels, Mimi Jung is also a modern style icon.  Her blog is jam packed with delicious photos of her creations, spaces and herself. 



I NEED this bracelet.

Brook&Lyn_Surrounded_Lookbook6
Brook&Lyn_MNZ7
Brook&Lyn_surrounded_night_necklace8
brook&Lyn_leather2
brook&lyn_copen2

Gilt-y!

I love a good sale, but seldom have the time to scour the brick & mortar stores for marked down merchandise.  Online retailer Gilt brings the deals to my desktop daily.  Whether it is a springy tunic for me or an adorable dress for my little girl, the prices are seriously sweet!  If you haven't joined up yet, here is an invite just for my readers!  Enjoy!



Tucker Tunic $305 $129

Karen Zambos dress $200 $89



Friday, March 25, 2011

Tiny Dallas


I am so excited about the new tinyDallas site recently launched by several local bloggers.  It is perfectly tailored to parents leading fun, fashionable and thoughtful lives while raising children!  I admit to googling "what to do in Dallas this weekend with kids" in moments of desperation and boredom.  Problem solved - the awesome editorial team will clue you in to good times (think more Cibus than Chuck E. Cheese) and good taste (KXT rather than Radio Disney).   


Their credo:

We believe in books, Netflix, Pandora, NPR, having a “uniform” and that coffee is essential.

We believe in dining with our kids at good restaurants even if it means fellow diners give us the stink-eye.

We believe an impromptu living room dance party can rescue a gloomy afternoon.

We believe there’s no such thing as “kid music”; just good music.

We believe in DIY…and sometimes we just believe in the idea of DIY.

We believe in taking our kids to the “grown up” part of the museum.

We believe in wonky homemade cards but often find ourselves settling for the store bought version.

We believe in Zara, H&M, indie labels, vintage and the occasional splurge on a good pair of “forever” shoes.

We believe in pie crust made from scratch and take-out Thai food.

We believe in being good parents…which sometimes is all about the right bribe.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Amazon for Moms!

I just recieved an invite to join Amazon Moms!  Follow this link to sign up to join the club.  Basically you get free 2-day shipping on all of your Amazon purchases.  Yay!  I LOVE Amazon!  I also love free shipping and 30% off diapers! 
P.S. - Great place to do your registry; everyone just mails the items to you, so handy!





Amazon mom
 
Amazon Mom is a free membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers, from the prenatal days through the toddler years, use Amazon to find all the products their family needs. To join, simply sign into your Amazon account and tell us whether you are a Mom, Dad, or other caregivers of a child. By providing information about your family, you can help us personalize offers, e-mails, and product recommendations to help you find exactly what you need at just the right time. Amazon Mom members receive benefits such as 30% off diapers and wipes, FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime, as well as exclusive offers via e-mail.


DVF = BFF

Diane Von Furstenberg, aka DVF to her fashion besties, knows how to make a girl look good.  She's been doing it since the 1970's with her signature prints and iconic wrap dresses.  I had to say bye bye to many of my favorite designer duds when my belly began to pop last spring, but DVF stuck with me to the end!  Her fantastic silk jersey material is an honest to gosh miracle- it drapes, it camoflages, it contains and it stretches!  Whether you re-work a wrap dress as a statement topper or use a beach cover up as a blouse, you won't be disapointed with your DVF. 

 DVF in 1976

Still looking great at 64


A few belly-friendly looks from the S/S 11 collection

Diane von Furstenberg Chiffon Blouse
Wear this translucent tunic with your maternity denim



Diane von Furstenberg 'Abigail' Maxi Wrap Dress
Wrap this loosely over a white cami and skinny white maternity jeans



large product image
Perfect frock for a warm weather baby shower!


Diane von Furstenberg 
As your belly groes, this dress turned tunic will keep you company!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Effortless Hair

As a mom or expectant mommy, you may sometimes always be short on me-time.  Instead of pulling your hair into a pony tail once again, try one of these inspired yet easy do's courtesy of A Cup of Jo.

Joanna's stable of simple styles has inspired me several times lately.  She includes pictures and very easy step-by-step instructions for each style.

I wore this for Valentine's Day dinner with my hubby.


And twisted my hair into this one while sitting at a stop light last week!

I keep a full card of bobby pins in my handbag at all times now that I have long-ish hair. 

Penny Chic indeed!

Penny Chic Blog deserves a round of applause.  Now, I pride myself on being a frugal fashionista, but an entire blog featuring only Wal Mart fashion?  What a challenge!  Take a look at some of my favorite posts...


I have this Norma Kamali "lounge dress" and I love it!  Great job with the styling!
WEEKEND CHIC


Fashion Week look featuring Norma Kamali
PENNY CHIC GOES TO FASHION WEEK.


WAL MART VS. DESIGNER: THE SLEEPING BAG JACKET


OSCAR JEWELS CHIC


Friday, March 18, 2011

Beauty Quickie

I am (sadly) one of those ladies who (almost) never leaves the house without something on my face. I will dab on concealer to disguise my undereye circles even for a quick Sunday morning dash to the market. So, in an effort to pare down my weekend beauty routine I've compiled a list of absolute neccessities.





A quick dab of tinted moisturizer will equalize skin tone without feeling heavy. I swear by Laura Mercier's classic version in regular or oil free for warm weather.


Now that bargain beauty brand, elf is available at Target, you can experiment to your heart's content with their fun range of products.  I am especially enjoying the All Over Color Stick which retails for $1.  It imparts a rosy glow on cheeks and lips, leaving you with a healthy, natural look.

Hard Candy was my go-to nailpolish addiction in high school, now they are stocking a variety of sweet deals exclusively at Wal-Mart.  This Ginormous Lash brown mascara will add just enough definition for more subtle weekend lashes.


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Sicky

I want to apologize for my absence from my blog this week.  The only product I've been drooling over these last few days is Theraflu, and trust me; it wasn't pretty.  I'm not generally one to take medications when I'm feeling under the weather, but Delicious Maven's advise to try some Theraflu really did keep me with only one foot in the grave. 

Friday, March 11, 2011

Target Go International Dress Relaunch!

On Sunday, Target is rereleasing a greatest hits collection of dresses from former Go International collaborations.  What a wonderful opportunity to snag a piece of fashion history.  These Target collections ushered in our current era of masstige, making designer looks available to everyone. 

I am eyeing these two Thakoon frocks, not sure how I missed them the first time around.

 Image Gallery
Thakoon for Target $39.99

Image Gallery
Thakoon for Target $39.99


I purchased this Tucker dress last fall and I love it!

Image Gallery
Tucker for Target $39.99

As with all Target launches, shop early to get what you want!

The 17 designers included in this revival are: Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen, and Tucker. 

Check out the complete lookbook here

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Gap Wedges

I am not generally a fan of Gap's minuscule shoe offering - however, this yummy wedge turned my head today!  It is a perfect neutral iteration of this Spring's chunky wedge trend.  I tend to gravitate toward this silhouette whether it is on trend or not, I love the drama and comfort of a platform wedge.  Stilettos and spikes just don't work for me. 


Snap up this wear-with-everything workhorse with an extra 20% off this weekend using promo code GAP2080.  What a deal!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Store Stalker - Pixie Market Maternity

If you're longing to become the Stevie Nicks of the preggo set, surf over to Pixie Market to find all your gypsy needs.  Fringe, velvet and leather, oh my!  Mix these 70's styles with your maternity basics like tank tops and leggings to create a modern incarnation of the seductive songstress. 


Velvet burnout kaftan

 
 
Velvet drape vest


Glastonbury dress



Brown curved bootie



Drift wood necklace



Big Hair

This weekend I experienced big hair thanks to the DryBar in Dallas.  My friend Jenn surprised me with an impromptu birthday trip to this chic little salon on Cedar Springs.  From the white laquer interior with bright yellow accents, to Dirty Dancing playing on the HD TV the visit was a sweet treat.  Great way to prepare for a special occasion or just when you are desperate for a good hair day! 


I asked for lots of volume and waves as opposed to curls.  Very pleased with the result!

Friday, March 4, 2011

New hair crush

Layers upon layers of dreamy, messy, effortless hair inspiration

just a little bit longer... and then add bangs, ombre highlights and curl it daily to acheive said "effortless" look.  I guess perfect hair doesn't come easy! 

images via WhoWhatWear

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

What Not To Wear - Parenting By Dummies

I just caught a great episode of What Not To Wear (such a great show, love it!) about a cute, young mommy blogger who needed a new look.  Amanda of Parenting by Dummies devoted all of her time and effort to her 3 children, leaving no time to take care of herself.  Fashion wizards, Stacy and Clinton went pretty easy on her in the 360 mirror and taught her how to find clothes to take her from frumpy (sweat pants) to freakin' gorgeous (see below).  Ted played up her natural curls and Carmindy outlined a makeup look that would be quick to recreate as a busy mom...and voila!  


before

after

Her situation is something I've heard from many moms who spend their "me" time shopping at Baby Gap and going to soccer games rather than visiting the salon and shopping for new boots.  You can be a great mom and still take time for yourself!  If you are a happy, confident woman it will make you a better mommy and role model.  

be sure to check out Parenting By Dummies, her witty take on life is hilarious.