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.

Diaper Style.

There is usually a baby shower for expectant moms where they receive wonderful gifts for their newborns and tools to make those first months at home more bearable. But what happens after baby comes?

An important thing to remember is that their lovely children are in diapers for far longer than six months. We are talking years here people! I know I'm not the only one that changes handbags according to my outfit (or at least by season) and diaper bags should be no exception. Don't forget that while she does her mom duties in those first few years, that diaper bag that she received at the baby shower will get lots of mileage. Why not surprise mom with a style update of her own? Of course everyone loves to buy tiny clothes, shoes, and toys, but don't forget that mom could use a little attention too.

Make her feel special this holiday/birthday with a style update that is also practical for her lifestyle. Jewelry and high heels are nice, but does she have somewhere to wear it? Here is a collection of some of the best diaper bags that will give her some style options of her own:

Kate Spade knows classic chic. This black nylon bag has a sophisticated tote silhouette and you can never go wrong with black. I love this for a working mom because it will also look great with a business suit. The pop of red on the interior is playful touch.

{Kate Spade Nylon Harmony Baby Bag, $298.}

I love the classic brown and white stripes on this one from the iconic Henri Bendel collection. She can wear this pattern with anything.

{Brown and White Bendel Baby Bag, $348.}

This option comes in a great neutral color. The tote shape is great while the unstructured material is a more casual look. (It is also available in black.)

{Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Eliz-A-Baby Bag, $298.}

If the man in your life will be stealing it, try this felt messenger bag in a utilitarian style. (Also available in an olive color.)

{Petunia Pickle Bottom, Scout Journey Pack Compact Diaper Bag, $147.}

All of the above bags come with a changing pad. For a practical update, pick up a new one. I like the metallic lining of this one.

{Ju Ju Be Changing Pad, $20.}

Do you have a diaper bag recommendation?

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

High-Low Holiday.

Ladies (and gentlemen), mark your calendars now. On December 1st, the products of the Neiman Marcus/ Target/ CFDA collaboration will finally go on sale. 24 Designers have contributed to the limited edition collection and there is a little something for everyone. Gift giving just got a little easier this year. Here are some of the highlights:

These Jason Wu holiday ornaments are so pretty I want them on my own tree!

{$49.99 for set of three)

These Tracy Reese patterned dessert plates are the perfect gift for your next dinner party host. Showing up with a batch of homemade holiday cookies is optional.

{$39.99 for set of four}

For the man (or little man) in your life, I love these cozy textured sweaters by Rag & Bone. Let's face it, they can always use a little help in the wardrobe department.

{$69.99 for Men's, $49.99 for Boy's}

These Marc Jacobs metallic pouches will work for any of the women in your life. Use as a coin purse, to hold handbag extras (breath mints, anti-bacterial wipes, tampons, you name it), to keep receipts nice and tidy, or just to keep an ID and lipstick handy out at the bar. I love the rose gold color.

{$69.99 each}

Grab this Oscar de la Renta pink leather pet collar and leash for your neighbor, the animal lover. The die-cut floral lace detail will make a stylish statement on any furry friend.

{$39.99 for both}

The cute factor of these Jason Wu dresses is hard to top. Love the sweet simple silhouette and the unconventional holiday color of the blush polka dot version. Perfect for a holiday family portrait.

{$59.99 each} 

{All images via neimanmarcus.com}

Which is your favorite?

All of these items and more will be available at Neiman Marcus and Target stores as well as online December 1st. (To see more, look here.) This collection is sure to sell out fast so don't delay. Good luck!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Mini Style, Part 2.

In case you missed it, J Crew launched a baby line. I was so inspired by their adorable basics that I decided to use them to put together some of my favorite winter baby looks for 0-24 months in Mini Style, Part 1. Enjoy Part 2 below.

Fashion rule:

Overalls should only be worn by children under the age of seven. Outside of the onesie or footed pajama, they are definitely one of my favorite looks on a baby. Overalls paired with this darling red and white striped J Crew onesie can be tough look or sweet look depending on how you accessorize.

For a Tough Look

{Old Navy, Skull-Graphic Beanie, $8.99}

{J Crew, Nature Baby Onesie, $17.95}

{Old Navy, Denim Overalls, $16.94}

{Toms, Classic Tiny Plaid, $28.95}

For a Sweet Look

{United Colors of Benetton, Scandinavian Hat, $24.} 

{Toms, Classic Tiny Glitter, $33.95}

The leopard trend for baby:

{Old Navy, Leopard Beanie, $12.94}

{Old Navy, Leopard Corduroy Skirt, $14.94}

{Toms, Classic Tiny Leopard, $28.95}

The leopard trend for mom:  See post here.


My winning style combination for Baby's First Holiday Photo Card in three steps:

1) J Crew Cashmere Baby Sweater (Classic.)

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2) Unisex Jumper (Adorable.)

{Oeuf, Lucien Stripe Jumper, $88.}

+ 

3) Knit Booties (Nostalgic.)

{BabyGap, Cozy Knit Booties, $13.56}

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Irresistible Holiday Cheer.

Another plus is when baby looks back at the photos someday, he or she will thank you for choosing such a timeless look. (Priceless.)

**Reindeer antlers or big red bow optional recommended.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Mini Style, Part 1.

Attention new parents and their friends: J Crew has launched a baby line. Right now it's a limited collection, but like all of the brands clothing, it is full of inspiring basics that 'wow' in their simplicity. I was so enamored by a few of these items that I started looking at some other amazing baby clothes. I couldn't resist putting together some adorable winter looks for 0-24 months from these Crewcut Baby basics.

I love this clean, classic unisex look. Who says a baby girl can't wear blue? This long sleeve navy blue onesie has a great ribbed texture that is complimented by the sweetest cable knit hat ever. Everyone loves a pom-pom and there are no words for these little booties. So cute!

{BabyGap Cableknit Pom Hat, $12.99}

{J Crew, Goat-Milk Onesie, $35.}

{J Crew, Nature Baby Pants, $24.95}

{J Crew, Nature Baby Booties, $12.95}

My winning 'go-anywhere' style combination for baby in three steps:

1) J Crew Cashmere Baby Sweater   

Rich cashmere in a bright hue is a must for the softest skin.

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2) Toms for Baby

Toms will put baby, and mom, totally on-trend in plaid, neon, herringbone, and sequins. The best part? Same rule applies for the small ones: Buy a pair of Toms shoes and they will give a new pair to a child in need. (See specific shoe style for link to store.)

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3) Little Marc Jacobs Denim 

Throw-in-the-wash denim in a soft grey will look hip with a thick bottom cuff. Style Tip: Buy them big. Cuff them. Unroll the cuff as baby grows longer, and keep the jeans for longer!

=

Laid Back Baby Cool.

For Baby Boy

{Toms, Classic Tiny Plaid, $28.95}

For Baby Girl

{Toms, Classic Tiny Herringbone, $28.95}

Loungewear/ Back up Pant
Swap out the grey denim above for these comfy sweater pants. Sweater pants are great in any size, but should not be worn by adults outside of the home. Please leave that to the babies.

{BabyGap, Sweater Pants, $16.99} 

Everything looks cuter when it's miniature.

The neon trend for baby:

{Estella, Baby Snowsuit, $115.}

The neon trend for Mom: See post here.

Just because a baby is small, does not mean that he or she can't be big in fashion. I wish they had that neon trimmed snowsuit in my size... Now, if only J Crew would launch a maternity line, I would consider pregnancy. :)

Stay tuned for Mini Style, Part 2. In that post I will give you My winning style combination for Baby's First Holiday Photo Card.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.