Mommies With Style

If I didn’t already own 4 other laptop bags, I would totally scoop up this deal.  Normally $99.99, this Mobile Edge Milano Laptop Handbag is marked down to $49.99 on Amazon.  It comes with free shipping too!

It’s made out of faux croc and it’s sleek looking.  This would definitely go with anything and I love that it looks like a stylish handbag rather than a laptop bag.  It comes with a compartment for your laptop inside, too.

Now I just need an excuse to buy it.  Maybe if I put my other four laptop bags on the floor near a box of crayons and a kid, there will be a little accident?

Most of my family and friends know that I am somewhat of a paparazzi when it comes to taking pictures. Since I have gotten my digital SLR a couple of years ago, I have been carrying it around to every family function, kids school show and sporting event, vacation, and more.

My biggest issue, though, since getting my camera is lugging it around. As a mom, I of course need my bag of “stuff� including my wallet, phone, some wipes, snacks, etc. Add my traditional bulky camera bag (which needs to be big enough for a second lens, just in case!) and I am lugging around WAY too  much. I thought to myself, “there has to be a better way.�

Then I discovered Kelly Moore Bags! These gorgeous, amazing high-end bags combine the functionality of a padded, secure camera bag with the look and feel (and extra space!) of a designer handbag. My bag has room for my Nikon D60, an extra zoom lens, and all of the handbag necessities like my wallet, phone, etc. Which  means that when I carry my Kelly Moore camera bag, it’s the ONLY bag I need!

Kelly Moore has a number of gorgeous bags, both for men and women. There are styles and colors to suit anyone’s taste, and the features of each bag are awesome:

• lots of pockets
• a durable, waterproof exterior material
• fully adjustable straps
• inside the bag: removable velcro dividers
• Lots of padding to protect your equipment
• fast and easy magnetic snaps to reach your items quickly and easily

Numerous people have stopped to comment on my bag when I am out, and when I tell them it is actually my camera bag, they are shocked and have to see the inside. I love that I finally have a functional and fashionable bag for all of the times when I need my camera!

Kelly Moore Bag Promo Film 2010 from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

It’s not a new fashion trend, but there seems to be a lot of talk about the Army jacket being bigger than ever this fall.  Just last week, my niece and I interviewed fashion experts Jorge Ramon and sisters Elle & Blair Fowler, and you can see on the video when Jorge pulls out an adorable Army jacket he uses an example for a  good staple piece for your fall wardrobe.

And since the video, I’ve been seeing the Military Jacket everywhere.  Thinking of getting one, too?  Check out these great options:

Aerie Soft Military Jacket – $59.50

Express Double Breasted Military Jacket – on sale for $47.70

Old Navy Women’s Flannel Lined Utility Jacket – $44.50

Target Mossimo Military Jacket – Forest Green – $27.99

Here it is – yesterday’s video interview with Blair Fowler, Elle Fowler & style expert Jorge Ramon. Blair & Elle are sisters and YouTube sensations and fashionistas. My niece Abbie follows both of them religiously on YouTube and was thrilled at the opportunity to chat with them live Friday morning. Hear what they have to say on fall fashion trends, jeggings (still not sure I can pull them off myself!) and how to jazz up something old from your wardrobe by accessorizing correctly. They also give Abbie some tips on her first day of back to school outfit choice.

Loved all the tips they had to share.  Going into the interview I was feeling like we were going to get teen and early twenty something fashion tips only (was feelin’ a little old!) but think together with Jorge they give out some great advice that works for us Moms too!

And lastly, the Sears contest site Elle is talking about at the end of the video is Crush Your Style – check it out if you know any 8-16 year old fashionistas who like to vlog, it’s a great opportunity for sure.

My new Athleta catalog came in the mail the other day.  I’ve been waiting patiently for their new fall items to come out and I’m was not disappointed.  I only discovered Athleta this past summer and I can’t tell you all how much I love their clothes.  I’m at the gym a lot and the workout clothes are great, but they also have fantabulous casual wear that’s good for day and evening.  (I wore the Nectar dress at BlogHer and probably another 5-6 times this summer. It’s my favorite piece.)

So here’s what I’m drooling over from the new catalog:

Hindsight Half Zip Top - $69

I totally want this top for running outside in the fall. Not only are the designs on the arms and back cute but they are reflective for early morning and late evening runs.

Pair with the Whirlwind Vest for added warmth

Cute, right? Pair with any of their long black pants and you’re set.

Then you can hop on over to their skirts and dresses and drool along side with me at the comfortable yet trendy items. I’ve got the Kimono Arigato Dress in my cart because like the Nectar dress I bought in June, it appears to be a dress up or down item. And you can bet it’s slimming as well.

Love the embellishment on the Vista Skirt - great fashion item for fall

My only complaint is that Athleta can be pricey, and unfortunately I never seem to see any coupon codes. But I’ve sucked up the price and ordered twice now and everything I’ve gotten from them has become a staple in my workout and regular wardrobe – which is worth the price.

Pregnancy never fails to remind me what an amazing thing the female body is – it stretches and grows, produces life and food, and then can return back to its original size and shape.

That was a joke.

True, there are some people who seem to melt back into their pre-pregnancy bodies, but for most women it takes a specialized concoction of exercise, diet, Spanx, padded bras, and will power. And even with those, it still usually requires a healthy dose of self-acceptance at your post-baby shape and size. As amazing as pregnancy is, it can do a number on your body.

With each pregnancy, my diastasis has gotten worse, and so with the arrival of my third child a few weeks ago, I was eager to try out any possible gizmo or gadget to help my midsection return to some semblance of a stomach.

Meet the Belly Bandit.

What is the Belly Bandit? According to their website, the Belly Bandit is “an abdominal compression binder designed to help you get your body back to its former fabulousness post childbirth.” It claims to help reduce uterine swelling and bloating, provide back support, and possibly even decrease stretch marks. Plus with Kourtney Kardashian as the spokesperson and lots of satisfied customers, it’s hard not to wonder if this wrap actually works.

You use it by wrapping it around your midsection, attaching the Velcro and going about your daily life. The website recommends wearing the Belly Bandit for 6-8 weeks, day and night.

Initially I was skeptical. All I was really looking for the Belly Bandit to do was to smooth out my midsection (even if just temporarily) and make me feel better wearing my normal clothes. But after wearing the Belly Bandit (they sent me the cute Couture version in the picture above to try out) every day for the last 2 weeks, I have to say that I’m already pretty impressed.

Here’s me two days after delivery and after wearing the Belly Bandit for just 7 days.

The compression has definitely made my midsection start to shrink quicker than my past two pregnancies without the Belly Bandit, and the back support during breastfeeding and general day-to-day activities has made my posture better and my back less sore. Plus, I haven’t been as self-conscious about that especially-loose belly bulge these last few weeks.

I wish I could say it decreased stretch marks, but well…two out of three claims isn’t bad.

The Belly Bandit is available in Original, Couture, Bamboo and Limited Edition Kourtney Kardashian print and range from $45 to $65. Plus check out their Bosom Bandit and their Mother Tucker tank top.

FREE SHIPPING FOR MWS READERS! Order anything off www.bellybandit.com for the next 48 hours and receive FREE SHIPPING on your purchase! Use the code “MWSFS” during checkout. (Good on ground freight only – no expedited freight). Code effective from 9 AM, Wednesday, August 18 to 5 PM, Friday, August 20th.

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Exclusive for attendees of the Getting Gorgeous Event in New York City last night and our readers (that’s you!) - Enter Code TAKETWENTY at checkout on the e.l.f website for 20% off all makeup for a limited time.  Offer valid on purchase from 8/16 to 9/16 only.

Love e.l.f. and wear some of their products daily – it’s affordable make-up.  (Many items are only $1!)

Here I am in my Miraclebody Jeans - sorry the photo is so dark!

Last week, while I was at BlogHer in New York City, I attended Getting Gorgeous – a fab event thrown by Audrey and Vera of Getting Gorgeous Events.  Attendees were pampered with makeovers and treated to new hair makeovers.  We were also given a chance to try on and take home a pair of Miraclebody Jeans.

The woman from Miraclebody took one look at me and told me my size and what cut would be best.  Iended up with Boot Cut (Samantha Boot Cut – $110) and I simply adore them!  They are stretchy, comfortable and very slimming.  I was really amazed how actually slimming they were – and not just on me but many of the bloggers I saw trying them on as well.

Special for Getting Gorgeous Attendees and our readers, we have an exclusive 10% off coupon code for you!  You can enter Coupon Code “TakeTen” at checkout for 10% off all jeans, and FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURNS for a limited time.  Offer valid on purchase from 8/15 to 9/15 only.

At 38 weeks and a few days, I’m at the “I wish this baby would come already” phase of my pregnancy. Some great products I’ve been testing from basq Skin Care have really perked up my spirits (and my skin). basq’s Energizing Body lotion ($22), which contains a blend of green tea, aloe vera, lavender, eucalyptus and cucumber has brought some sweet relief to my poor, swollen ankles. It feels utterly delicious and I like that it absorbs quickly. It’s definitely a pregnancy must-have!

I haven’t been sleeping very much, so my eyes have been puffy — I’ve been applying basq’s Cucumber Tea Eye Gel ($22) to take care of that. Cucumber is a natural coolant that fights swelling and puffiness. The company recommends keeping it in the fridge for an even more intense, cooling pop.

One thing that I’ve been applying nightly to my huge, pregnant belly is basq’s Advanced Stretch Mark Butter Intensive treatment ($34). This intense treatment is terrific for recent stretch marks throughout pregnancy, especially the ones I’ve been getting during my second and third trimesters.It contains Essential Oils (for scar prevention), rich butters like Shea and Jojoba butters (to provide rich, creamy nourishment) and Borage, Rosehip and Grapeseed Oil to hydrate the skin to “strengthen the essential fatty acids deep within the dermis layer”. It’s amazing!!

All basq products are rigorously tested for ZERO skin allergy and irritancy and is paraben, phthalate and animal-testing Free.

Exclusive for MWS Readers: Use code: MommiesWithStyle for 20% off. Shop basq,

Thank you to basq NYC for sending samples for review purposes.

This is one of those reviews I’m writing out of profound thanks and love.  No one pitched me about this website or product.  No PR folks cold called my cell to tell me I have to sign up.  This is a, “I’ve used this service and it’s awesome and I have to tell you about it” post.

So it was my sister and family who tuned me into MyFitnessPal.com, which is shocking in and of itself as I’m the social media one in the fam who had never heard of this website.  Nevertheless, my sister and parents convinced me to join the “family diet” but joining what we’ve dubbed the Facebook of dieting – MyFitnessPal.com, a totally free calorie counting, diet & exercise journal. 

Last May, I got sick of feeling like I wanted to lose a little weight but doing nothing about it.  I joined this site with my family.  I’ve been very healthy and reasonable about it but I’m proud to report that I’m officially 10 pounds less than when I started in May!  It’s been slow and steady and it’s involved a lot of calorie counting and getting into a work out regime.

You create a profile, input your weight, height and how fast you’d like to lose.  MyFitnessPal.com will give you a daily calorie goal.  You’ll gain extra calories to eat the days you work out.  And there’s a whole community aspect (boards) where you can find other users for support if you’d like. 

I’ve really enjoyed the interface – it’s simple to use.  I do it online but when I’m in a pitch, I use the iPhone app to login (also free).  Check it out – whether you have 5 lbs or more to lose, it’s a great tool.