Recovering...

Whoa, I feel OLD! My husband and I just returned from a whirlwind 2 day trip to NYC (a surprsie for his 30th Birthday) It was SO fun, but absolutely exhausting. Maybe it is all the walking? The afternoon into evening drinking? No sleep?!!!! Either way, it was a blast. NYC has an energy and vibe all its own. Not to mention the people watching...Ahhhh, I wish I could have stopped some people on the street and take their picture. I love the creativity of the fashion and the diversity of everyone around you. It was certainly refreshing...

We stayed at the fabulous Gramercy Park Hotel. It's an Ian Schrager designed hotel, which is an absolute feast for the eyes. I felt like I had walked into a bohemian dream. Lots of heavy wood, rich tapestry and bold colored velvet, harlequin black and white tiles on the floor. The attention to detail unreal. The Rose Bar in the hotel is a must-see if you have a chance. It is guest list only and they don't allow many people in, because it is small and they don't want it to get too crowded. I never thought in a million years that I would be sharing this small space with the cast of Gossip Girl, who were there celebrating Blake Lively's 22nd Birthday. Yes, I was completely star struck...like a giddy school girl...I mean, come on? Chase Crawford?!

We spent most of the first day eating, drinking and shopping. Since this was my husband's birthday, I had really hold back my urges to hit all my spots and focus on him. So, we hit up some great men's stores. My husband found a gorgeous tweed sportcoat with leather arm patches at John Varvatos. Such a great store, they really know how to take traditional menswear and give it a twist. It's also more of a tailored fit for the guy with a hip attitude and who likes a slimmer fit.

Now, in the time I was given for "me" shopping, I have to say I was completely underwhelmed. I know...hard to believe, right? It was just very 80's looking...tons of sequins and embellishment, which honestly is not really appropriate for my SAHM lifestyle! I was looking for affordable fashion at H&M, Zara and Topshop and there was nothing to be found. Maybe if I would have had more time, I could have found something great. But, in the quick run through, nothing caught my eye.

Scoop had some great things...DVF looks gorgeous for fall, probably the prettiest I have seen from her in the past few seasons. I was surprised to see a lot of the color RED, it seemed to be everywhere for fall. I also have come to terms with the fact that I need a pair of boyfriend jeans, they were also in every store.

The fashion knowledge that I returned with is get geared up for a serious throwback to the 80's...I think that this look is inevitable for Fall. I have to mentally prepare myself, because I am not sure if I am ready for the big shoulder pads...God help us all...

DVF Pita Coat in Multi $465

DVF Cobb Dress in Spectra Green $425

A nursery fit for a king...a very stylish little king...

Our good friends Kevin and Jill just welcomed into the world their gorgeous son Liam. Jill has an interior design background and is currently a custom specialist at Scandia Down in Kansas City. She has phenomenal taste and when she was telling me her nursery plans I knew it was going to be great. When she sent me the photos, I nearly fell over...it is perfect. It's modern and warm and unique and it totally reflects Jill and Kevin's style. Jill was inventive in her ideas and they used their own touches to make it personal. I am so excited to share with you Liam's stylish Pad:

Custom Missoni Crib Bedding

Ahhh, Rachel Zoe would die for a crib like this! Jill ordered fabric yardage from Scandia Down to make the bumper pad and pleated crib skirt. Scandia Down has a wide range of Missoni fabrics to choose from. She had a seamstress make both pieces using a kit from makeroomforbabykit.com. She ordered the "modern" bumper which is a slip cover, that can be removed and washed if needed! It's a great way to keep your baby crib bedding clean and in great condition. I love the colors in the classic zig zag pattern, it could go boy or girl if needed!

Custom Made Storage Blocks

I love a fellow DIY'er...Kevin and Jill made this fabulous block letter storage unit. I think it MAKES the nursery. It is SO cute and it's personal, which really adds to the room. Jill and Kevin are taking custom orders if you are interested, you can contact Jill via email at jilldorsey@gmail.com. If your child's name is too long, you could always do initials! I will be purchasing one for our next child's room, for sure.

Other design info:

They custom covered the glider and ottoman at Nebraska Furniture Mart, but the same glider is also available at USA Baby. We actually got our furniture at USA Baby, I thought they had a great selection! And the service was wonderful...

The crib is by Oeuf-it is the sparrow

The mobile is a photohanger comprised of personal photos for Liam to look up at! So cute!

The Sheepskin rug can be special ordered from Scandia Down

On the windows she used a mirrored window panel from West Elm

Jill and Kevin each wrote a personal letter to Liam that they framed using these from Pottery Barn

Va Va Va Vintage!

I spent some time last week browsing the blogosphere, which was really a big treat...I happened to stumble upon this AMAZING woman, called The Glamourai. She has unbelievable style that really is unlike anyone I have seen. She mixes High and Low end, which I love and she accessorizes like you wouldn't believe...a lot of her amazing pieces are from her own line of jewelry.

This led me to the site she sells her pieces on: ShrimptonCouture.com. This fabulous site, is STOCKED with INSANE vintage pieces as well as reworked vintage (which is more up my alley). I am talking serious, t0 die for, wearable vintage. I was immediately wanting a reason to wear a 1950's cupcake dress and a 1970's embroidered one shoulder wrap dress. If you want something different and unique that nobody else has...go directly to this site and look no further. They also give really good sizing equivalents so that you can know exactly what you are getting yourself into when you order one of their pieces.

The best part...you don't need Rachel Zoe's budget to purchase great vintage. I found wonderful dresses for $300 and under! I feel like that is quite reasonable for something vintage and special...

Here are some of my faves:

The Glamorai Holly Golightly Necklace

The Glamorai Miss Havisham Necklace

1960's Silk Chiffon Babydoll $325

1950's cupcake Dress by Re:Couture $325

1970's Bouquet Wrap Dress by Re:Couture $125

Hip Hip Hurray...it's another Giveaway!!!

I am so excited about our giveaway today! My friend and sorority sister Krista, illustrated a gorgeous children's book called Alphabetica. This book is a fun, whimsical ode to the alphabet. It uses vivid images and unique poetry to captivate your little readers and teach them their ABC's! Krista and Author Diana Spieker have been so gracious to donate a copy to one of our Scout readers! This book is great for kids of all ages and makes a beautiful additon to any nursery.

so, here is how you can win. Go to our fan page on Facebook and comment with what your favorite bedtime book is for your children. A winner will be picked next Friday. Good luck and happy reading!!!!

Birthdays on the brain...

Between thunderstorms, a bad headache and planning 2 BIG birthdays, I am just not able to sleep tonight! So, here I am...watching re-runs of Sex and the city and working on a blog post...I can't help but write about birthdays, as I am in the middle of planning Julian's first.

The big trend right now is custom birthday tees. My good friend Casey sent me 2 that I have to share with you, and I found some great options on Etsy as well. If you want your little guy or gal to look extra special on their big b-day, invest in a cute shirt!

custom cupcake tee $24 by planetpudge on Etsy

It's my Birthday tee $29 by Appaman

Birthday Dragon shirt 39.95 on Squeeze Hugs

Birthday cupcake Monster tee $39.95 on Squeeze Hugs

This little piggy...wears cotton?

organic mitten side tie onesie $24.95

On a trip to Santa Barbara a couple of years ago, we stumbled upon this darling store called This Little Piggy. At the time I didn't have a baby, but I couldn't help but gush over all of the cute things! I was so happy to find that they have a GREAT website! The thing that sets them apart from other kids boutiques is that they have their own line of cotton basics in fun, whimsical prints. I noticed that they also added a line of Organic cottons, which are SUPER soft and cozy for new babies and toddlers alike. They also have some of my favorite brands: Coccoli, Angel Dear, Petit Bateau and Charlie Rocket...just to name a few. Here are some of my favorite Piggy Brand pieces:

piggy organic boxer pant $34.95 size 2-16

piggy organic ruffle boxer pant $24.95 size 0-24 months

piggy organic hooded romper $36.95 size 3-24 months

To splurge or not to splurge, volume 1

You know I pride myself on being a bargain shopper. I LUUUUVE a great deal. But, there are times when you just have to suck it up and pay a little bit more to get what you want. In times when we are all trying to be a bit more economical, you have to weigh out the pros and cons of what is REALLY important. So it brings me to my current topic...tee shirts. I know you are all thinking, what the heck?! Tee shirts? But seriously...we have a million choices when it comes to these cotton tops, but, what do you do when you find the perfect tee shirt, AND it costs $60?!!!!

A.Olsen wearing my favorite deep vnk tee by LNA

2 years ago I purchased a Navy blue LNA deep vneck tee shirt. It was a time when I didn't have a child, I was still working and I often made frivolous purchases like this. And, of course, it has become my absolute favorite tee. It has the perfect v-neck, it's got short sleeves that aren't too tight and not too long, and it's super long through the body and it never shrunk in length. It angers me though, why does this perfect tee have to be $60!

What I found is that even though this shirt is way over priced, I have worn it to death and then some. It has gotten 3 times the wear that my cheapies from Old Navy or Target and I probably spent the same amount on 5 shirts that were worn for one season.

verdict: Once you find something you love, even if it is a "splurge" it will probably be worth it in the end because you will actually GET what you paid for!

what is your favorite "frivolous-splurge"?

The best for less...Aden & Anais

The fabulous crew of in-the-know Mom's over at Stroller Traffic recently wrote about the amazing cotton Muslin swaddling blankets by Aden and Anais. They looked so scrumptious and soft, but they are $60!!!! So, you can imagine my excitement when I found them today....AT TARGET!!! Oh yes, ladies, Target does it again. They have a whole line of wonderful cotton muslin products by this amazing Australian based company.

The product that originally caught my eye was the "Burpy Bib". It's shaped so that you can use it as a burp cloth, but then there is a snap closure so you can use it as a bib. Ummm, why didn't I think of that?! $8.99

I mean, can you even handle this little lamb?! Uh...so cute! This is one of their swaddling blankets, they come in a 4 pack for $29.99. That sounds a lot better than 1 for $60, right?

Sleep bags are wonderful when it starts to get cool. I used them a lot when we were breaking our son of the swaddle-it kept him contained and warm at the same time! Also made of the same cotton muslin. $19.99

Forever 21? Or Forever 30 plus?

Ok, so I am turning 32 this year. It gets harder and harder to not feel somewhat awkward shopping in Forever 21. I find myself going middle of the week, at 10AM when they open, just so I don't have to fight a 13 year old for a place in line for the fitting rooms. It's hard to stay away though! The fashion is great, the prices are even better and I can always find something I love!

I think my friends over at F21 know there are others like me out there, because they have been gracious enough to add a contemporary line to their stores. Let me introduce to you Love 21.

The styles are more sophisticated, the hemlines are a tad longer, and the prices are about $5 more than their regular lines. Finally there is a whole line dedicated to the more mature customer who isn't wearing short-shorts or dresses (that I would wear as a tunic!). Here are just a handful of some of my favorite items. Truly, the whole line is great...I really had to narrow it down.

I have always loved a denim dress. This one is a knock-out. It has perfect ruffle detail, and I love a wrap! $24.80

This silk top with ruffle detail is a fabulous layering piece. I would pair this under some of my blazers for fall, or belt it with my skinny jeans for right now when it is still warm. It also comes in a great soft pink. $22.80

I LOVE a great printed blouse...if it is done right. I think they nailed it with this one. It reminds me of a blouse that DVF did a couple of years ago. It has a subtle enough print that you wouldn't tire of it, and I love the blouson styling with ruffles at the neck. $17.80 (yes, it is under $20!!!)

This pintucked button down tunic is a perfect item to transition into fall. It's light weight cotton that can be paired with white jeans right now, but then pair it with your dark jeans for fall. The simple styling and relaxed feel makes it a little Theory-esque, no? $19.80

This skirt has amazing waist detail that adds interest to this simple black skirt. I would pair it with a cobalt blue tank and statement necklace for fall. $17.80

you can get the entire collection online, but for store listings check here...only select F21 stores will be carrying this line. Happy shopping!

Nicole Richie at A Pea in the Pod!

Prego ladies! Nicole Richie's line for A Pea in the Pod launched today! I was kind of disappointed to only see a handful of items...unless there is more to come, I am not sure. I do love the maternity leggings, long cardigan and the dress she is wearing in the photo. It's very boho-chic, just like her!

ShopBop's Fall Fashion recap!

I am so excited about our guest contributor today, it's my great friend Mollie who is the buyer/manager for Bop (storefront for shopbop.com)! She is a mother, she works, and still manages to look FABULOUS all the time! I always go to her for the latest and greatest. She's sensible, stylish and the fact that she too is a mom makes her understanding of the importance of quality, value and great clothes for mom's on the go! O.K., so let's get down to it...here is her recap of must-haves for Fall 09!

Bop Has a new website, what are the best new features

My favorite new feature is the 'shop your style' section. You can find it pulling down on the 'shop by...' tab in the top right corner. There are 5 styles in which to classify yourself - Bohemian, Casual Chic, Classic, Edgy, and Girly. Now, if you're like me, I find things in a lot of these 'profiles.' But, I know that I will find the most for me under Casual Chic, and Classic. And then, to accessorize, I will check out the other profiles. It takes some time out of the process of milling through the thousands of things on the site! I could probably spend my entire workday just looking for the perfect outfit it's so expansive.

Secondly, I love the 'top sellers' section. If you're trying to figure out 'what's in,' which is a question I repeatedly get from a lot of my Mommy friends who don't have as much time for themselves as they used to (ahh..the days of sitting on your couch on a Saturday, wondering what to do, milling through a Lucky magazine while watching 'What not to Wear.' Those days are SO gone!), this is the place to go. It basically is everything that's selling quick and selling out on the site, which means, the items must be 'in' for the general population of people who shop on shopbop.com.

We are nearing the end of summer, transition is always a tough time...any suggestions for this?

I know Melanie could answer this question just as well as I could, maybe she can critique my answer. Leggings, leggings, leggings!!!

They are always a great transition piece to have in your closet as you trade in your shorts and skirts for cooler weather. you can do so much with leggings these days - wear them with a boyfriendy button down, a wide belt, and some great heels (or flats!), wear a slouchy long tee over them, possibly layering a menswear vest on top of that, and as you all kknow, you can put them under dresses if need be. That is just the tip of the iceberg. this fall, it's not just black leggings either. Velvet is making some adorable snakeskin print leggings that can go with a lot, and lace is also huge for fall in leggings. Look for lace leggings from both Velvet and LnA. Finally, latex leggings are still going strong. I know you're probably thinking you can't pull them off - but if I can, you can! I love mine!

http://www.shopbop.com/reina-leggings-velvet/vp/v=1/845524441848924.htm?folderID=2534374302026222&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize
What are the key pieces that everyone should have for Fall?

1. SOMETHING LEATHER:. Probably the most versatile is a leather jacket. Almost every designer I saw for fall 09 had a leather jacket. Mike & Chris is always a great go-to for an amazing leather jacket....I am LOVING this one, in the Pinot color. Love that it has a hood, the 70's pleating detail on the chest, and and the crop style.

http://www.shopbop.com/deon-leather-jacket-mike-chris/vp/v=1/845524441848884.htm?folderID=2534374302066271&fm=other-shopbysize

2. DISTRESSED JEANS: The higher-end you go, the more ripped up they get it seems. However, you can do this trend at any price point. My favorites onshopbop.com and in our store are from AG and JBrand. These two brands seem to do the distressed look well, and the fit is still impeccable. Designers are doing the distressing in a lot of fits; skinny, boyfriend, basic bootcut, etc, so anyone with any body shape should be able to find something! here are some fav skinnies of mine by AG with a little distressing...

http://www.shopbop.com/premiere-skinny-jeans-ag-adriano/vp/v=1/845524441844335.htm?folderID=2534374302064814&fm=other-shopbysize

3. BOYFRIEND PIECES: You don't have to have any 'one' piece to get this look. Just take a gander in your man's closet and see what you can come up with! I have stolen a blazer or two out of my hubby's and worn them with some distressed jeans and a girlie top, a couple of button down shirts and paired them with leggings, flats, and a belt (as you can see that's a look i love), and even a cute JT-like vest! However, if your man isn't parting with his clothes, Elizabeth and James does a great job with boyfriend

http://www.shopbop.com/elizabeth-blazer-james/vp/v=1/845524441848039.htm?folderID=2534374302082591&fm=browse-brand-viewall

4. BOOTIES:. Think what you may about this trend, but it's not going away. I love them in either black, or a nude tone, becasue both of those colors go with everything.

For those of you who have some cash to spend, here are some FAB ones, and for those who like the look for less like me, go for these!

5. ROMPERS AND JUMPSUITS: Maybe not for everyone, but a huge trend right now. If you pull down on the 'Clothes' tab, and click on rompers/jumpsuits, you'll find 4 pages worth of them! I saw a lot for fall, and they're continuing into resort. I know some of you think you may not be able to pull these off - but give them a chance. I AM OBSESSED with finding the perfect one for me. Which leads me to the next question.....

If you could pick just one item that you will for sure be purchasing for yourself, what would it be?

Tadaaaa!

http://www.shopbop.com/harem-jumpsuit-thayer/vp/v=1/845524441848813.htm?folderID=2534374302034081&fm=other-shopbysize

Any major trends in accessories?
I know this has been a 'must have' for a couple of seasons now, but I feel I must mention it as some of even my most stylish friends are still just now hopping on the bandwagon. Scarves. They instantly make whatever you're wearing a bit more fashionable and can dress up a plain white tank top in seconds. There are so many to choose from on shopbop....but here's a cool new one I like:
http://www.shopbop.com/studded-artiste-scarf-madewell/vp/v=1/845524441848969.htm?folderID=2534374302062834&fm=other-shopbysize

Secondly, necklaces that are either part of the shirt you're wearing, or ones that look like they might be part of the shirt you're wearing, a la anything Fiona Paxton on shopbop are huge. So dramatic, and provide an easy way to dress up an otherwise boring tank top or tee shirt. Notice a theme here? The recessionista-chic thing to do these days is to spend the $ on the denim and the accessories, and maybe chince a little on the tops and things that you can get at a cheaper price.

http://www.shopbop.com/connie-necklace-fiona-paxton/vp/v=1/845524441847197.htm?folderID=2534374302024617&fm=other-shopbysize

Back to school? Book Fair cool...

Ladies, I know you are all in the throws of preparing your tots for school to resume. You've made multiple trips to Target for supplies, you've braved the kids shoe department at Nordstrom, and you've spent hours labeling things from backpacks to pencil cases...but have you thought about what you will be wearing this fall? You have book fairs to run, classroom parties to throw and field trips to go on! Put away your tight workout clothes, definitely ditch your high heels and cleavage baring tops, it's time to invest in some chic attire, appropriate for school functions. (Use Gwyneth Paltrow as your inspiration!)

On days when you may be going to a teachers conference or a fundraiser meeting, you may want to step up your game with something other than jeans and a tee shirt. A blazer is the easiest piece to add to your outfit to make your look more polished. The oversized "boyfriend" blazer is a key trend this season. If you aren't ready to tackle the big shoulders oversized look, this is a great alternative by 7 For All Mankind. I love the longer length and 1 button closure. This looks fabulous with jeans, but if you are feeling more daring, you could pair it with leggings as well. $275 on shopbop.com

The boyfriend shirt...yes this 80's look is back. The oversized shirt is a must this season. I love it because it is very versatile and comfortable. James Perse makes phenomenal cotton pieces and this shirt won't disappoint. This would be perfect for days when you help in the classroom or working the book fair. I love it styled with white jeans and then pair it with dark skinny jeans, tall boots and a big belt for fall. $195 on shopbop.com

As you can see, the trend of long and oversized is continuing this season. This fall Leggings are not going away, and either are skinny jeans. This sweater is a perfect accompaniment to either of those bottoms. It's relaxed and cozy and the easiest throw on piece for when you are running out the door. This particular style is by one of my favorite knit makers...Vince. $295 on bloomingdales.com

I hope I am not boring you with my Jeffrey Campbell obsession, but, truly...his shoes are great! These flats are perfect for the mom on the go. They are black leather (also come in tan) with just the right amount of detail on the toe. Throw these on with your leggings and sweaters or your skinny jeans! $110 on shopbop.com

Check back tomorrow for a full Fall trend report via my great friend and fashionista Mollie- buyer and store manager of Bop (storefront for shopbop.com)!!!! It's going to be fabulous!

New Mommy Must Haves!

Pretty much everyone I know is pregnant, just had a baby or is about to have a baby. It's got me thinking about all the things I could not live without in the first few months. When you are sleep deprived, trying to heal from labor and getting used to life with a new baby, it's the little things that you appreciate. Here are some of my must-haves!

If you decide to breast feed, this product is a gem! I used the tender care Lanolin multiple times a day and never had any cracking, dryness or bleeding. It's completely safe for you and the baby. Medela makes fabulous products for nursing-their pump is an investment, but it is by far the best, I would highly recommend it.

I can't say enough about Mustela's products. They not only smell wonderful, but they are completely gentle on your new baby's soft skin. These gentle cleansing cloths are the best for in between baths when they are first born. I also love their no-rinse cleansing wash for the face and diaper area. Gets rid of crusty noses and freshens up the bottom after dirty diapers.

When you are in the hospital, the nurses teach you how to Swaddle. You think you have it right when you get home and then you find that your baby has become a little escapee in the middle of the night. Kiddopotomus makes the best swaddler that is fool-proof and will help your baby sleep through the night. They come in Small, medium and large and in multiple fabrications. We personally loved the fleece ones as they were softer and we felt warmer for our baby. You can find them at Babies R Us

When your baby is tiny you want them to be warm and cozy. You also want clothes that are easy to wash and that make diaper changing a breeze. I discovered these leggings by Old Navy when my son was an infant and we literally went through 3 size runs of them, they were the best. They come in a 2 pack for $10.50 and they come in multiple color combos (they go up to 18 months). I loved them because they were slim through the leg and they looked just darling over his long sleeve onesies. They were my go-to pant for months!

I threw this in because I wish I would have known about these when I was post-prego. It's called the Belly Bandit. It is an abdominal compression binder that helps speed up the tummy tightening process after you have your baby! This binding process has been used by women all over the world for centuries...it has just taken the U.S. longer to catch on. Brooke Burke has been doing this after every baby...I am a believer after seeing her body!