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?

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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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.

I’m 34 weeks pregnant with my third child and it’s time to make sure I’m ready for my third hospital stay! My first child came ten days early and I wasn’t ready, so I made it a priority to pack last week. Most of it is packed in a huge tote from Destination Maternity ($34.99), designed by Heidi Klum – unfortunately no longer available on their site. The exclusive tote bag, printed in Heidi’s hand-painted signature floral, includes items that Heidi picked herself, including: black cozy socks, a hair scrunchy–also printed in heidi’s signature floral, toothbrush/toothpaste and a congratulatory tee, awarding you with a gold medal exclaiming, ”
I did it”.  The bag also contains a hand-written letter and checklist from Heidi of what she suggests to also pack in your hospital bag.

I added to her suggestions with the following items (cause I’m not a supermodel, but a product reviewer):

• Luna Lullaby’s Bosom Buddy Nursing Pillow – in my opinion, this is the BEST. NURSING.PILLOW EVER!
• Hat for the baby, aden & anais muslin swaddling blanket – click here to see my recent review, outfit for baby to go home in (provided by my mother)
• 1 bottle of Mamatini – a great-tasting, doctor-designed organic herbal tea bottled drink for nursing moms. Get free shipping on your first order with promo code SHIPFREE.
• Gownies Hospital Gown – click here for my recent review
• Aimee Nursing Nightgown (which I reviewed for another site 2 1/2 years ago. Such a great nursing nightgown and it’s sexy too!)
• Sleepmask
• Motherhood Maternity Nursing Nightgown and robe – Faux wrap style, print no longer available, but here’s a similar nightgown and robe ($24.99).
• Fuzzy slippers
• Binsi Labor and Birth Apparel’s Go Go Top ($38) – snaps open on the side, perfect for wearing under a hospital gown or nightgown. Click here to see my original review, from 2007.
• Bravado Original Nursing Bra in Double Plus ($35) – I sleep in one of these every night, pregnant or not.
• Underwear (still in larger size from Target and Motherhood Maternity) – pre-preg underwear will happen, just not yet.
• Sensitive baby wipes (can’t stand the dry wipes they have in the hospital)
• Changing Pad (from Ju Ju Be’s Be Light Diaper Bag, click here to read my review from last summer)
• Sleepmask
• Small tubes of Triple Paste and Aquaphor.
• NUK Pacifiers and pacifier clips – click here for my recent review
• Toiletries for me
• Toiletries for baby – sensitive skin baby wash, washcloths,
• Outfit for me to go home in (Sleeveless Pull Over Double Opening Nursing Tank ($16.98) from Motherhood Maternity and maternity capris – do not think you’ll be wearing pre-pregnancy clothes home from the hospital. Don’t even pack maternity jeans).
• Small gifts for my4 1/2 year old son and 2 1/2 year old daughter

Disclosure: For this pregnancy series, thank you to Luna Lullaby for providing the Bosom Buddy, Baby Be Mine for providing the Gownies Hospital Gown, Mamatini for providing a sample of their Mamatini tea, NUK USA for providing pacifiers and a pacifier clip. Everything from Motherhood Maternity was purchased by myself, except Heidi  Klum’s Tote, which was provided by Destination Maternity. Items reviewed previously have been linked to past reviews.

I’m sure that every Mom who has a daughter can agree that barrettes and clips are made for staying in hair. They’re not for falling out and getting lost or letting hair come loose in the middle of the day! When I was introduced to No Slippy Hair Clippy many years ago, I couldn’t believe the clip actually stayed in my daughter’s fine baby hair! Now, many years later, my daughter has an extensive collection of No Slippy Hair Clippy’s since they have continued to grow and add new products. They now design gorgeous hair accessories for girls, teens and women, as well as for babies. They offer three different sizes and types of clips; a Mini, a Standard Pinch, and a French Clip for girls of all ages with lots of hair. All are non-slip clips, and they also won’t slide in fine hair of any length. They also offer no-slip headbands, including an organic cotton head wrap, the first of its kind!

Their hair clips are quite unique and beautiful, with a patent pending. Originally designed with a magnet to enhance the hold, they now use a more expensive Plush Swiss Velvet wrapped completely around the metal clip, to provide an identical snug, secure grip. It’s now lighter weight, and so soft that she won’t even know it’s there! Their clips won’t hurt if she pulls them out, either, and because they use the highest quality clips available, they don’t bend easily, like others do.

No Slippy Hair Clippy invented the no slip hair clip in 2000 and has been making meticulously handcrafted hair clips ever since. They continue to introduce new and innovative products for babies, girls and women which are Made in America, under their quality control. No Slippy Hair Clippy was created to accompany your little girl’s sense of style throughout the ages and stages of her life.

No Slippy Hair Clippy recently introduced a new modern line of value hair clips called Clipettes. Clipettes offer a moderate price range, with no skimping on quality! Each hair clip is fully lined in grosgrain and have a special non-slip grip for a soft, yet secure hold.

Here’s your chance to win $75 in your choice of products (gifts excluded) from No Slippy Hair Clippy! Visit the site and let us know which clip is your favorite in the comment section in this post. A name will be drawn at random on June 29, 2010. So make sure your entry is posted by midnight on June 28, 2010.

Want to shop now? Save 15% off your purchase (gift and retired styles excluded) through July 9, 2010 by using code Mommies610 at checkout.

The Nectar Dress, $59

Last week, I was reading a fashion post by Melissa from Girly Mama.  I found myself drooling over the dress she posted from Athleta.

Now it’s not like I hadn’t heard of Athleta – I’ve been getting their catalog (and probably trashing it without reading) for years.  And I noticed when they were added to the Gap family of companies one day when I was surfing on the Gap.com website.  But I had never really *looked*.

So after reading Melissa’s post, I looked.  And I loved.  The causal sporting and clothing company seemed right up my alley so I placed an order.

Mixed Up Burn Out Skirt, $69

I’m all about comfort – especially in the summer.  Here’s what I ordered.  I have to say, I rarely order so many items and love them all – but I did!  I will note that I was disappointed that they were out of so many sizes of so many dresses that I just loved.

The Nectar Dress, $59.  I love it.  Dress it up or down, and the cut is just right for full-in-the-hips Moms like myself!  I will note that I was sure to read a lot of the customer comments and everyone said to order a size down.  I’m typically a M but I ordered a S.  The S is great.  So definitely consider going down a normal size.  The cut around the stomach and hips is great for hiding those trouble spots.  And I love that you can dress this up for a night out or dress down for a day of errands and kids.

Fusion Bermuda Short, $54

The Mixed Up Burn Out Skirt, $69.  I was worried about ordering this one without seeing it in person, especially given the price, but I was not disappointed at all.  This double layer skirt is just what I was looking for this summer – love the thin material, love the print on the front, and the length.  As far as sizing goes, I did get a M with this and it’s maybe a teensy bit loose but it’s not bad.  I would recommend going a size down if you are on the fence on sizing.

The Fusion Bermuda Short, $54.  I couldn’t resist the sports section and these Bermuda Shorts for quick runs and trips to the gym.  I have lots of long pants and skorts but no shorts that I actually like to wear, so I took a gamble with these.  They’re long (just above the knee) and have the cutest little pockets on the butt.

So I’m totally happy with my purchase and have already bookmarked the page hoping that they’ll have more size availability in some of the cute floral dresses going forward.  What I love about their stuff is that everything rolls up and is easily portable – so great when you’re on the go with kids!  Any of their dresses can be rolled up and stowed away in a carry-on for airplane travel.  Love it – casual, comfy and cute.

When I think of myself last wearing Jelly Sandals, it’s not a pretty image. We’re talking leg warmers, a bad haircut and braces.  But apparently jelly sandals are all the rage this summer season. (For adults!) What do you think? Will you be wearing a pair? 

Here are a few options from some favorite places of 2010 “Jelly Sandals” (same plastic material, modern design and twist):

Kate Spade Obi from Zappos – $60

Tory Burch Jelly Vaughn Sandal at Saks – on sale for $90

BCBG’s Marlena Jelly Thong Sandal – $24.99-$31.99 depending on color selection at Amazon

Havianas Camu Jelly Flip Flop from Endless.com – $19.95