From My Home to Yours

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I know I did.  Even if it wasn't my most fashionable holiday ever:

Maternity shirt:  Jelly Bean Apparel (etsy)

Wishing you well in 2012!  

Love, 

Jenn

Dontcha Just Love a Good Deal?

If you're like me, you've been running around crazy Christmas shopping for everyone except yourself.  (Ok to be completely honest, if you're like me you're also shopping for yourself.  Monday night as I was headed out the door for a much needed Mom's Night Out, when my husband says:  "You're going to Pittsford right?"  I say: "yes."  He responds:  "Would it be really unromantic if I asked you to pick up a Del Monte Spa gift card for yourself?")  So yeah, I'm buying my own presents too, but that doesn't mean I wasn't thrilled to see the awesome Tory Burch boot sale going on at Suzanne's Distinctive Fashions in Pittsford.

That's right ladies:  50% off Tory Burch boots.  I've never seen them discounted this much.  I think I'll have to zip over there tonight and check out what they have.  (I already called to see what is available in size 9).  Nothing wrong with wishing yourself a merry little Christmas...right?

How about you?  Are you going to treat yourself to something this holiday season?  Do tell :)

Pregnant in Heels

Poetic License shoes via Lilipad Creations, GAP maternity jeans, 

Kate Spade bag, Old Navy maternity tee, Forever 21 sparkly cardi and necklace, 

Mossimo for Target sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, vintage ring and bracelet.

OK, so I'd love to tell you that I look like this every day and that I'm just that much of a woman that I can walk around with a 30lb bump in 4 inch heels. Sadly, this is not the case. I've spent the last few months in the same pair of Old Navy boot cut maternity jeans, some boring t-shirt and sweater, and shuffling around in these hideous KMart slide-on, slipper-looking beasts because they are comfortable and most importantly, I don't have to bend over to put them on.

On Sunday, some great friends threw me and another prego friend of mine a "Sprinkle" in honor of our babies-to-be, so I figured it was a good a time as any to try to put an actual outfit together and blow dry my hair. This was the end result:

Side View

If you had xray vision you'd be able to see the leopard slippers in my bag.
I lasted about an hour in the shoes...not bad if you ask me. :)

I have to admit that I cannot wait to have my body back and wear cute clothes again (not to mention lose the waddle). I'm 35 weeks today - so hopefully this baby will be here in 5 weeks or less and a few months after that the fashionista will be back in action. Here's to hoping!

Had to Share! Great Article and Video on the Pantone Color for 2012

Orange you glad Tangerine Tango is the color of 2012?

By Sarah Bernard | The Thread – 

Tangerine Tango, an electric orange red, is the color of 2012, according to the Pantone Color Institute,and I for one am extremely excited about the news. It’s warm, uplifting, and energizing, and it happens to look great with almost every skin tone. The vibrant shade has already made its way onto fashion designers’ radars and surely there will be even more examples to come, as Pantone’s predictions influence all manner of consumer product manufacturers from cosmetic companies to paint suppliers. We’ve pulled together some fashion and beauty options that are already available to give you a jump on your 2012 style. Watch this episode and let us know what you’d like to add to your closet.

Each year the Pantone Color Institute forecasts the color for the year ahead and the due diligence is intense. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Institute who spearheads the project, notes Pantone experts scour the world and consider what’s percolating in every possible industry. They also put Eiseman’s background in psychology to good use. “There’s a lot of homework that goes into it. But it’s also, what is it that people are needing? There are a lot of concerns out there and serious issues we are facing. Color, from a psychological standpoint, can be uplifting. We arrived at this particular orange because it’s hopeful and optimistic and also has sophistication.”

There are many fun ways to incorporate Tangerine Tango into your fashion and beauty picks—some more extreme than others.

For a bold statement, H&M has an adorable retro brocade cocktail dress ($49.95), and the fit-and-flare cut goes with the ladylike vibe of spring 2012.

If you prefer separates, Forever21 has a structured blazer ($24.80) that looks great with denim.

Use the hue as an accent with a pair of tangerine heels from J.Crew. These Mona patent pumps are a splurge at $218.

Urban Outfitters has an attention-getting fringe bag with a gold chain-link strap for $59.

My personal favorite is to go with an orange-red nail polish or matte orange-red lips. Try the look with a gold or neutral brown eye shadow so your lips can take the focus.

What do you think of the color of the year? 

Online Shopping and Prego Love from Rachel Zoe

This Black Friday, the bump and I decided to shop from home.  I just don't have the energy or the patience to deal with crowds today.  There are great online sales going on and I'm actually making money shopping online with ebates!  They are offering double cash back for Black Friday and giving a $10 gift card to new all members!  You can sign up here: yes, please!  I'm loving that  I earned 10% cash back with Barnes and Noble and 40% cash back for my 2012 Entertainment Book (what can I say, I love my coupons).  I've probably made about $50 so far Christmas shopping with ebates.  Love it!

Also love today's Zoe Report:

Haute Mama
Hatch Collection Maternity Clothing
Hallelujah—all hands in the air for the biggest shopping day of the year! Since many of you are out stampeding to score a few fabulous buys, we are spotlighting a special something for the fashionable gals among you who are opting out of the fine frenzy, due to a movement restricting bun in the oven. That’s right, if you’re preggo—or know someone who is—this one’s for you. Introducing Hatch Collection’s Maternity Clothing, a miscellany of modern, versatile and comfortable wardrobe essentials to be worn both during and after pregnancy. Ranging from a sleekbutton-down top to a dapper dinner party dress and day-to-nightdrawstring pants, this line has it all. Did we mention each piece comes in a variety of coveted colors? Applause! Shop the Hatch Collection now for yourself or another mod mama and $5 of your order will be donated to Every Mother Counts, a campaign whose mission is to increase education and support for maternal and child health. If that isn’t reason enough to shop ‘til you pop, we don’t know what is! Availability: Hatch Collection Maternity Clothing ($98-$348). For additional information, visit Hatchcollection.com

It's about time someone starting making cute maternity clothes! I refuse to buy anything else (less than 8 weeks to go! wooo hooo!) But this collection is a glimmer of hope for all you newly pregos and pregos-to-be. Happy Shopping!

Speaking of shopping: did you brave the crowds? Was it worth it? Did you get trampled or doused with pepper spray?  Score any fabulous deals? Tell, tell, tell in the comment box below!

Holiday Sparkle

So I really want this:

Starshine Bolero
Line and Dot
Anthropologie $138

Tried it on this morning (was mall walking with some other mommies and kiddos and could not walk past anthro).  This jacket is fabulous.  The sequins make it dressy, but its slouchy shape can be worn dressed down too.  I'm low on dough but,  it would be nice to have something sparkly to wear for the holidays.

Works prego: bump just pokes out the middle...

Works non-prego:  can wear with skinny jeans, LBD etc...

But its $$$ that should probably be spent on other people's Christmas presents... and I just had to buy a new oven...however, with the slightest bit of encouragement I will go back to anthro and buy it tonight.

So... do I do it?

The Great Boot Debate

I know... I know:  I'm the worst blogger ever.  It's been awhile, but I'm sure you understand how life can get in the way of your plans.  In the words of Flo, "happens to me all the time!"

I am in desperate need of WATERPROOF snow boots.  After four Rochester winters with cute shoes (and cold, wet feet) - I have decided to buck up for some FUNCTIONAL and WATERPROOF snow boots.

I am baffled by the lack of waterproof snow boots available in Rochester stores.  Come on people, don't you know where we live?   It snows every day all winter!  After finding nothing I liked at the stores, I began some intense online shopping.  I have narrowed it down to three pairs and need your help deciding.

Option 1

The North Face "Millennial" Boot
www.zappos.com
$130.00

Option 2

Pajar "Gianna" Boot
www.nordstrom.com
$194.95

Option 3

Sorel "Joan of Arctic" Boot
www.nordstrom.com
$139.95

I'm thinking I might buy all three, try them on, and send two back.  Since both Zappos and Nordstrom have free shipping both ways, I have nothing to loose.  What do you think?

In the spirit of election season, I'd like to take a vote and determine the reader favorite, so please comment below with your selection.  And if you know about a fabulous boot that I have left out, by all means, place your "write in" in the comment box.

Thanks for your help and make it snappy.  I'm in a time crunch:  the snow will be here before we know it!

Holiday Consignment Bus Tour

I don't know about you, but nothing makes me happier than a day shopping with a bunch of girlfriends.  So if you'd like to get a jump on holiday shopping or just spend a day for YOU, look no further, the Holiday Bus Tour is here!

Holiday Bus Tour!

Saturday, November 5th

9am-4pm

Visit 7 Area Consignment Shops in One Day!

Participating Stores:

Changing Closets

Second Bloom

Small Wonders

Friend To Friend Trendz

Second Time Around

Turns

Your Best Friend's Closet

Tickets are $20 and include transportation to each of the participating stores and food/wine/desserts at each location! Bus leaves from Your Best Friend's Closet parking lot at 9am.

Tickets available in all stores or order by phone 585-425-7100.

Hurry! Tickets sell out fast! Get yours today!

That's What Friends Are For

(Well, if you're lucky enough to have very generous friends who aren't afraid to shop).

It's been a rough couple of weeks for me.  I've got a lot going on in my personal life and fashion seems to be the last thing on my mind.  My time is mostly spent researching childhood apraxia of speech, which my two-year-old son was just diagnosed with, and trying to arrange the proper therapy plan for him. We've cancelled our trip to Paris in June; much of my son's therapy is not covered by insurance our vacation fund has become our therapy fund.  Since this condition is so rare, I've hit plenty of dead ends and feel a tremendous amount of pressure to get him what he needs and get it fast.  We have a long road ahead of us and I can't help but worry what it will be like for him if his baby brother (due in January) can speak before he can.  It's one of those things where you just have to let go and let God, yet this is always easier said than done, especially when it comes to your child.  I just want him to be okay.  I just want to hear his voice.

I cry, I pray, I research and repeat.  My husband has been a phenomenal support for me, keeping my head in the right place, keeping me focused on what's important, and keeping me grounded.  At the end of the day Colt is a happy, healthy little boy and we really are so blessed.

That doesn't mean I still don't struggle and some days are harder than others.  Last night, I was up most of the night and feel like the walking dead today.  To be honest, I'm not sure if I brushed my hair this morning (don't worry teeth were not neglected). My overall appearance, my fashionability, and some might argue my personal hygiene, were the last things on my mind.  So, I was utterly surprised to find a rather large package on my doorstep (that I did not order) from (gasp!) zappos.com from my dear friend Jeree.  Inside this pair of Burberry rain boots with a note that read:

"Hoping these add some sunshine to your rainy days."

It was just the sort of pick me up I needed.  Sure, they are just another pair of shoes that can't fix my problems, but they remind me that I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life to support me, love me, listen to me, and send me ridiculously extravagant gifts from time to time.  Just like Annie said:  "the sun will come out tomorrow."  And it will.  I know it will.  It just has to.

Are You Ready for Fashion Week of Rochester?

It's almost here!  And while I was hoping to be more involved with this year's Fashion Week, my pregnancy had other plans!  Even though I won't be in the thick of things, I can still let you know where to be and what to see.  

Fashion week runs Thursday October 13 thru Sunday October 16.  Here is a list of all the events with a brief synopsis and information on where to purchase tickets.  

Fashion Week Tickets & Seating

The World of Fashion

This first event shuttles guests to participating boutiques, where they will see unique trunk shows highlighting the latest fall fashions. Guests will have shopping opportunities at each location.

Thursday, Oct. 13, 5 to 9 p.m.

$15 General Admission

The Art of Fashion

Guests will be treated to a runway show featuring an innovative fusion of art and fashion featuring vintage, nuevo, and cutting edge fashion designers.

Friday, Oct. 14, 6 to 10 p.m., One Nightclub & Lounge

$15 General Admission

$40 Runway Seating

$75 VIP Seating

The Height of Fashion 

This premier event is a full-scale runway show at the beautiful Memorial Art Gallery. Guests also can explore the event’s Fashion District, where artists and designers will showcase their latest creations.

Saturday, Oct. 15, 4 to 9 p.m., Memorial Art Gallery

$15 General Admission

$25 Runway Seating, Balcony

$40 Runway Seating, Front Row

$75 VIP Seating, Front Row (includes one bottle of champagne)

$400 High Top Table (seats 4)

Runway at the Runway 

The last event of Fashion Week brings together art and music as Fashion Week of Rochester presents an exciting new event that features a fashion show and live musical performance.

Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 to 4 p.m., U.S. Airport Hanger, Rochester International Airport

$15 General Admission

$40 Runway Seating

$75 VIP Seating

Fashion Week Tickets are on-sale now and available at:

Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment
1855 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618-1921
(585) 473-5343

2 Chic Boutique
151 Park Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-2609
(585) 271-6111

The Center for Youth
905 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-1707
(585) 271-7670

Suzanne's Distinctive Fashions
40 State Street
Pittsford, NY 14534
(585) 383-1810

Scott Miller Pittsford Location
3340 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618-4612
(585) 264-9940

Scott Miller Webster Location
980 Ridge Road
Webster, NY 14580
(585) 264 9940

Need more information?  Visit www.fashionweekofrochester.org

Hope to see you there!

Free Louboutins???? Yes, Please!!!!

How would you like your pick of Christian Louboutins or Jimmy Choos?  Or if you're more of a bag gal than a shoe gal, how about Marc Jacobs or Rebecca Minkoff?  If you answered:  yes, please!  Then keep reading.

Shop It To Me launched a fabulous promotion today -- they're giving away either a designer handbag or shoe...winner's choice! The contest is for current Shop It To Me members and runs through Friday. To enter, just choose the designer style you like most (Marc Jacobs bag, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Christian Louboutin shoes, or Jimmy Choo shoes), and invite friends to join Shop It To Me. For each friend who signs up, you'll receive an additional entry!  Plus, for every 10 friends who sign up you'll earn a $10 gift card.  So far, I've earned $20 in Starbucks gift cards and I'm four friends away from another $10!  Woot! Woot!

Please comment back with which item you're trying to win.  I'm going for the Louboutins (is anyone surprised?).  Best of luck ladies!  Click here to enter.

Shop til you drop!

Love,

Jenn

Give Me 2 Years and I'll Give You Good Hair

Hello!  So getting back into blogging is not going as well as I had hoped.  I think the main culprit is this ever-growing body of mine.  It's hard to be fashionable when you waddle.  So instead of bringing you some exciting fashion breakthrough or showing you my (gag) pregnancy style, I have decided to write about my hair.

These last few years have been interesting to say the least.  Let me take you on a journey:

Sept 2009 - Hair is long.
 I have a 4 month old baby and want no part of it. (the long hair not the baby)
So, a few days after this picture is taken I donate it to Locks of Love.

Oct 2009 after I had it donated.  

This is what happened when I asked the stylist to "clean it up in the back."
I went home in tears and my husband told me I looked like KD Lang.
I've been growing it out ever since.

Finally had it one length in November of last year.

Then in April I decided to get bangs.  She made it way too thin, but the cut is cute from the front... 

And a horror show in the back.
Note:  I actually told this woman that layers do not work with my hair!  Yikes!

So now I'm growing it out AGAIN.  Had it trimmed in August to get rid of some of the scraggle.  Wish I had a picture to share, but my chubby face is avoiding the camera these days (not to mention my hair is always in a pony tail).  It's time for a change (again).  I'm thinking it's time so some length again.  I'd love something like this:

I figure in about two years or so my hair should be looking great ;)  Anyone have any tips to get me through this painful, ponytail-ridden process?

Don't Be Afraid of the Mall this Fall by Lauri Bonnell

Thanks to Jennifer for letting me do a guest blog post this week! I'm really excited, but I have to say right off the top that I don't really consider myself a “fashionista.” I read one definition of fashionista that said: “one who has a penchant for shopping (okay, that's me) and natural flair for combining current and vintage fashion trends” (that part is so not me). I'm your typical mall shopper. Give me Gap, Banana Republic, or the Limited over a boutique store any day.

It's not that I don't want to shop at those cute little boutiques, it's just that as a stay-at-home mom of two preschoolers, I just find shopping at the mall stores to be faster, easier, and cheaper. And once you know how they operate (sales cycles, coupons, etc.) you can really work the system to get the best deal. But that's not to say you can't be fashionable when shopping at the mall because you definitely can.

Here's my latest example; I just got this adorable ruffle skirt from Banana Republic:

It was originally $49.50, but it was already on sale and then discounted another 25% making it only $20! Woot woot! This skirt is great addition to any wardrobe because it's cute and comfortable, the nautical theme is classic, and the blue and white stripes basically act like a neutral. You can pair it with just about any color to really spice it up – red, coral, mustard yellow. The possibilities are endless.

Also, while at Marketplace Mall I discovered a great new store. Charming Charlie is a “fashion accessory boutique” located in the Bon Ton Wing, although it also has its own exterior entrance. I like to shop at Eastview Mall a lot so I hadn't heard of this store yet, but it is definitely worth checking out. It was full of adorable purses, accessories, and tons of jewelry all for very cheap. I'm talking about beautiful necklaces and earrings for between $10-$50! They also have a nice selection of clothes and shoes, which were also very cute, but not quite as inexpensive as the rest. I wanted to buy myself a necklace, but I actually had such a hard time deciding which piece was the best one to buy that I walked out with nothing! I don't think that's ever happened to me before! Check out this article for photos: http://henrietta.whec.com/news/news/charming-charlie-opens-marketplace-mall/54022

So don't be afraid to shop at the mall – and on the (gasp!) sale rack. You never know what kind of treasures you'll uncover.

Lauri Bonnell is a freelance writer and lives in Brighton, NY. She's a contributor to the MomsLikeMe Blog on HerRochester.com and writes the Brighton Blog for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Shoes

True Story.

I did a cursory assessment of my shoe collection and eyeballed about 75 pairs.  And you know what?  I want more.  I could never have enough shoes.

Here are eight styles I'm wanting and you'll be seeing (and hopefully wearing) this fall:

1.  Platform Loafers

Nine West.  Love these.
Would look adorable with wide leg jeans or paired with a dress/skirt and dark tights or socks.

2.  Ankle Wedges

Suede.  J.Crew.  Yes, please.

3.  Stacked Heel Boots

Tory Burch.  The leather is like butter.  Delicious.
Now, who wants to give me $550?  Anybody?  Anybody?

4.  Pointy Ankle Boots

These Christian Louboutins make me salivate.  

Sadly instead of buying these, I'll be replacing my oven.  Damn.

5.  Flat Ankle Boots

Love these from Zara (probably because they look like a mini version of my favorite pair of riding boots).
Either way they are adorable and under $100.

6.  Slingback Bow Pumps

Just bought these Mootsies Tootsies slingbacks for $39.95 at DSW to wear to my friend's wedding next weekend.

7.  Flat Knee High Boots

This type of boot is my go-to shoe for fall.  I fell in love with these Steve Maddens at DSW.
Once I find some cute maternity skinny jeans, they are mine.

8.  Pointy Flats

Love these by Elizabeth and James.  The pointy toe elongates the leg and looks adorable with anything.

I could go on and on but I think eight is enough.  Wasn't that a tv show?   I digress.  

What about you?  What shoes are you dying to add to your collection this fall?

Charity

So, I had an epiphany about 10 minutes ago.  I had just gotten out of the shower and was slathering cocoa butter all over my swollen belly and love handles when it hit me:  I need a spa day.  My skin is a disaster area, my body feels like its 100 years old, and my feet...let's just say a pedicure wouldn't hurt.

Unfortunately there are a few hurdles I'd need to overcome before I speed dial The Spa at the Del Monte.  Perhaps the most significant being that this stay-at-home-mom gig doesn't pay all that well (neither does a neglected fashion blog).  AND as a [broke] SAH mother, I have a two year old to take care of who probably wouldn't be willing to sit quietly in the lobby for 6 hours while mommy gets a facial, mani/pedi, and prenatal massage.  Bummer.

This should be me.

However I have come up with a solution:  I will create my own non-profit organization:  "Pamper the Pregnant" - like "Feed the Children," but different.  Obviously things are still in the preliminary planning stages, but in the meantime, donations in the form of check (made out to yours truly) or Del Monte gift cards can be sent to my home address along with a list of competent babysitters who will work for free.

What do you think?  It's brilliant isn't it?  What can I say?  I've always been a giver.  ;)

PS- Be patient with me as I get back into the swing of things... who knows, my next post might actually be about fashion!

It's a boy!

I'm alive!  

Finally feeling better and planning on being up and blogging in another week or so.  Just had to share the news from yesterday's ultrasound:  its a boy!

Cooper Sanzo is due January 17th (and if you ask me it can't come quick enough!).  Not a big fan of this whole pregnancy thing.

Will be back with fabulous fashion tips in September!

Thanks for being patient with me!

Jenn

Blech!

Hi Fashionista Fans!

Just wanted to let you know I am still alive over here.  So sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been feeling pretty terrible lately.  Hoping this time around it only lasts the first trimester and I will be back to my old self again soon.  It's hard to think about fashion when you are bowing to the porcelain god all day and trying to chase after a two-year-old.  Boo!

While I'm complaining, you should know that I've already outgrown my clothes.  Bought my first pair of maternity shorts this week.  I'm really not sure why designers insist on making maternity clothes so matronly and ugly.  I mean I feel bad enough, do I really need to look like a fat, sloppy mess?  It's just not fair.  Oh and that smooth silky hair that apparently results from prenatal vitamins?  Nowhere in sight; I've been rocking a Steven Seagal-esque pony tail.  Hot!

I promise to be back with actual content when I am feeling better, but for now I bid you adieu.   Hang in there - I will return (in 9 months or less *wink*).