Monday, May 13, 2013

Missing Pencils.

While maternity clothing has improved by leaps and bounds since our mothers were pregnant, it still has a long way to go. Shopping for the right maternity look is not impossible, it just takes a lot more searching. Biting the bullet and spending money on a temporary wardrobe seems to be one of the biggest challenges. The other one is dressing a pregnant body. One of the things that I had to come to terms with was that some styles are better left to the non-pregnant woman of the world. Right now I am really missing the pencil skirt. Especially those in one of the season's biggest trends: black and white.

You can wear a great pencil skirt to work and then out on the town. It's understated, yet sexy, and classic at the same time. Pair one of these skirts with a blouse and a gorgeous pair of heels and get out there. Adding a blazer is optional. Here are my top picks for the best way to get this non-pregnant look.

Expensive but gorgeous.
{Marc Jacobs, Stripe Techno Twill Skirt, $895.}
Super sweet dots.
{Halogen, Print Stretch Cotton Skirt, $59. $35.40}
Slimming contrast waist and side panels in a colorblock pattern.
{10 Crosby Derek Lam, Color Block Pencil Skirt, $225. $59.}  
Bold and graphic.
{Lafayette, Profound Stroke Print Skirt, $348. $208.80}
A sophisticated tweed number.
{Milly, Side Zip Pencil Skirt $254. $203.20}
I always love this midi length. So chic!
{Tibi, Elsa Striped Stretch-Jersey Pencil Skirt, $248.}
A nice way to incorporate the floral trend and the black and white trend into your wardrobe at the same time.
{Milly, Print Pencil Skirt, $235.}
I'm obsessed with this tuxedo wool and silk-blend skirt.
{J.Crew, Tuxedo Pencil Skirt, $158.}
At some point I will have my pre-pregnancy body back, but in the meantime, please enjoy these lovely pieces for me.

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Red Striped Highlight.

The third trimester of pregnancy is no party. It seems like nature's cruel joke when pregnancy becomes so uncomfortable that insomnia sets in and you start to experience the full effects of sleep deprivation before your baby even arrives. I keep telling myself it is preparation for my bundle of joy, but it's not easy. I have found that it helps to focus on baby's pending arrival to get my mind off of the fact that my body feels like a prison sometimes. Preparing our home and making sure we have what we need is a good distraction. There is lots to do!

One of the highlights of my week was a wonderful baby gift from my mother-in-law. Apparently she found it at a store in New York and I am now quite enamored by the brand. The Swedish company Polarn O. Pyret which translates into "Buddy and the Little Guy" is one of my new favorites. The Stockholm-based company launched in the U.S. three years ago but they have been around for quite a while also known as the "Stripy Company" and PO.P.


The detail and quality of their clothing is raved about and their Eco Collection is 100% organic cotton with independently certified green manufacturing. In addition to the line being environmentally friendly, I love organic cotton because it gets softer with each wash. The brand also gets great reviews for durability. The clothing does not fade between washes and can last through multiple children.

This long sleeve top is perfect. It is a classic look on its own and will act as a nice layering piece when the weather gets cooler. Paired with the matching legging, you have a comfortable sleep-and-go outfit.

{Polarn P. Pyret, Classic Stripe Eco Top, $28.}

{Polarn O. Pyret Classic Stripe Eco Leggings, $28.}

And of course, you know from reading my blog that no outfit is complete without accessories! All babies need something to keep their head and little feet warm. How adorable are these?

{Polarn O. Pyret, Classic Stripe Eco Cap, $19.50}

{Polarn O. Pyret, Best Basic Eco Cap, $15.}

{Polarn O. Pyret, Newborn Eco Booties, $18.}

This onesie also makes a great baby shower gift. The wrap front prevents new parents from having to pull the item over baby's head and makes for easier diaper changes... always a plus.

{Polarn O. Pyret, Classic Stripe Wrap Eco Bodysuit, $32.}

The classic PO.P stripe is also available in navy blue. I think the design works for a baby boy or girl. (You could always put a headband on your little girl to fem it up if you like.) The red is cute for year round use, but is also a great holiday look for baby.

If you live in the area, I'm excited to report that one of their stores will be opening in the Chestnut Hill Mall sometime later this month. Check it out!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Home Facial.

My apologies for my absence. The winter tends to get the best of me and this year was no exception. I will not bore you with an attempt to pick up where I left off, so instead I will start fresh. It's officially May and I am looking forward to:
Nicer weather.
Barbecues.
Everything turning green again.
Longer days.
And a BABY.

My husband and I will welcome our first child in July and we couldn't be happier. This may mean you will see more posts along the lines of motherhood, but not to worry, I will still stay true to the original direction of this blog. (Though please share the blog with your mom-to-be friends!)

That being said, I would like to talk about my newest miracle product that's perfect for this transition between seasons. Meet the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

Normally I have very sensitive skin that fluctuates between very dry in the winters and combination in the summers. This year is no exception, although I can add that pregnancy has made my skin even more sensitive! (Something I did not see as possible.) I stumbled onto this product by accident, thanks to another great free sample from Sephora.

{Kate Somerville ExfoliKate, $22- $85.}

I had a few extra minutes in the shower one day and after cleansing my skin I decided to give this a try. My skin had been flaky by late afternoon everyday so I knew I had to do something. I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to find that I had no skin reaction to it (which is a risk anytime I try a new product). I applied it in gently circular motion and left it on my face while I washed the conditioner out of my hair. It started to tingle right before I rinsed it off. The product is dark green in color, think seaweed, with very fine exfoliating beads. It felt similar to a sugar scrub in texture but did so much more.

I should add that I have been eyeing the Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing Brush for a while but wondered if I would get enough use out of it to justify the purchase. I'm glad that I waited. The ExfoliKate is SO much better and a product I am more likely to use.

The change in the texture and brightness of my skin is AMAZING. My skin has only ever felt this good after a professional facial at a spa, but I can now achieve the same results at home. I am loving my new healthy glow! I highly recommend that you try this product. You won't be sorry.

Treat every day like you are on the runway.