Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

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!

Monday, September 19, 2011

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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?

Friday, September 9, 2011

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.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

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!
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