My husband is beginning to know names. Which makes it easier when I’m talking about events and conferences coming up and funny stories and tidbits that involve my SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDS.
Oh yes… my husband knows them…
Yes, they’re real. And I’ve got blog posts and tweets and facebook messages and photos from blog conferences to prove it.
It’s funny, my friends from childhood and college and even some of my present-day-mom-friends all ask me about these other “women bloggers online.” I think on some level it’s intriguing because here I am connecting and bonding with other women - not all mothers, either - right here through social networking. It’s an amazing thing. It really is.
And even though a good percentage of these women haven’t actually met me yet… they know me. They know that I have 4 boys. They know where I used to live and what I used to do. They know my goals for Mom Generations. They know when I’m planning a vacation. They know when I’m having a good day or a not-so-good day. They know what shows I watch on TV. And my favorites authors and journalists. They are the first to know when one of the boys is sick - usually because it’s easier to text or type what’s going on rather than call my friends on the phone and tell them.
This social media world. It’s incredible.
And there are some women online whom I know, if they lived down the street, I would be at their houses nearly even afternoon… whether they would like it or not!
Working in this world. Running MomGenerations.com and being online every single day - on blog and Twitter and Facebook and Skype and so many other sites… it’s a very big world out there. And it is beyond amazing to be able to find other women (and some men!) - bloggers, boutique owners, executives, PR/marketing gurus - and become friends.
7 years ago while working in NYC, my “work friends” were women and men on the 15th floor of my building. Now - they are all around the world. I’m loving this blog thing.
Day #6 of Fashion Advice for Moms - For an instant slimming trick (come on, we all love these!) choose a jacket that is single-breasted rather than double. Single-breasted jackets have a much narrower overlap, and the single-row of buttons slims you horizontally. It’s easy. And it works!
I took William, Alexander and Benjamin with me shopping last week. We hit some of my good ol’ favorites - TJ Maxx, GAP, Banana Republic, J.Crew and Old Navy. While at Old Navy, I found 4 pairs of jeans that I absolutely loved. The kind of I-have-to-buy-them LOVE.
But…
William - my 4 year old - wanted to go get some ice cream.
Alexander - my 3 year old - wanted to look at “handsome shirts.” A “handsome shirt” is any shirt that has a collar.
And Benjamin was having fun trying to pull as many hangers/tags that he could get his hands on as I pushed him along in his stroller.
The funny thing is that I had left Henry at home with my husband because I thought it would be “easier” with just the older boys.
So how was I supposed to try on these 4 pairs of jeans? That I so desperately needed and wanted to see if they fit…
EASY.
Which brings me to my Fashion Advice for Moms today! Have you ever heard of the “if the waist of the pants fits around your neck, it will fit around your waist” trick? (Otherwise knows as the neck-to-waist trick.)
Let me save you tons of time in stores when needing to try on pants…
**Updated! Yes… it may not work for all. But let me tell you… you will get a very good indication if the pants will fit. As for Joe… you are so funny… I have never tried this on MEN. You will have to tell me how it works! Men have such a different body type… especially when fitting pants. So - try it and tell me how it works!!
I am participating in my very first triathlon this morning.
I’m nervous. I’m excited. I’m everything right now.
This was one of my New Year Resolutions - take care of myself health-wise. And so, to kick off this NEW YEAR - I’m heading to the YMCA to do a mini-triathlon with my husband.
I was a competitive swimmer from the time I was 5 years old - all the way through my freshman year of college.
I haven’t touched the water in 15 years. I think that’s what I’m most nervous about. But… here I go. Attempting something new and very, very different!
Wish me luck!
(Day #4 of Mom Fashion Advice - If your bathing suit looks like something your grandmother would have worn when you were a teenager - THROW IT OUT! And if your one-piece bathing suits has frills or beads or a skirt… attached to it - THROW IT OUT, too! Just some easy easy advice on a Sunday morning… as I’m heading to the pool in a blue swirl-ish design suit… it’s not my favorite, but it will do.)
**Updated -
Finished the triathlon! First female finisher! Came in 4th overall. I wanted to beat my husband… no luck this time around. With my swimming background I was able to get a good lead, but he totally got me on the bike… and a little bit on the run! Next time, maybe!
ALSO…
I wanted to answer Christy. She mentioned she had some “extra skin hanging around the tummy area” due to hard pregnancies… she asked what I would suggest in terms of a swimming suit without a skirt that can hide that (in her words!!!) “disgusting mess.”
As a mom of 4… I totally know what you mean about the extra skin right there in the tummy area. I swear… it seems like it never goes down. One of my close friends had this same problem this summer. She refused to go to the beach with a swimsuit. So one night we scoured the internet for her… we came across SwimsuitsForAll.com. This is a fabulous site for helping women with any problem area they are trying to cover up and disguise… hips, tummy, rear, thighs, large bust and (my problem) small bust! Check the links out, I think you’ll find some really beautiful options.
Also! It terms of the skirt… I completely take it back. While refreshing myself at SwimsuitsForAll.com there are some gorgeous options with skirts! Just make sure you feel good and that your suit has a great fit for your body. Know your body type. With my oh-so-small-bust, I know I have limited option!
Today is the DAY. As much as I don’t want it to be… it’s time.
The cleaning/cleansing/purging/organizing of my closets.
I’ve been avoiding this for - well… maybe 2 years. Using my pregnant status as a great excuse… but now, it’s time. I need to get the clothes in order.
I have way too many things. Some clothes still have tags on them. Some pants have been hemmed, but never worn. Some dresses were purchased at Sample Sales in NYC… expensive dresses that I got for VERY inexpensive prices… never touched. So it’s time.
I think the funniest/saddest part is that I have completely (I mean COMPLETELY) have taken over all the closets in William, Alexander, Benjamin and Henry’s bedrooms.
Don’t believe me…
One side of William and Alexander’s closet that I have taken over.
The other side.
Benjamin’s closet - yup… I have completely taken over.
The other side of “Benjamin’s” closet.
Henry’s closet - that I have (again) completely taken over.
The other side of “Henry’s” closet.
The one unit in MY own bedroom that I use for my clothes.
So as you can see… I have my work cut-out for me this weekend. But I need to do this. Maybe you’ll see some of my stuff on eBay!
Which brings me to my Mom Fashion Advice on Day #3 - Purge/Clean/Cleanse/Organize your closets. We all have shirts and pants and sweaters and blouses and blazers and sweats that we don’t use. It’s time to clear it out. It makes it easier to start fresh. And I will say - you won’t feel bad about adding more clothes to your closets once you get rid of stuff! So go on… use the weekend to organize. Even donate the clothes. I bring mine to the Big Sisters of Rhode Island.
As most of you know, I’m doing 365 Days of Fashion Advice for Moms. What kind of advice? Well… easy/do-able/smart Fashion Advice for Moms. When we become mothers… our “me” time shifts and changes. That’s not a bad thing… not at all. But sometimes (ok, often) we begin to take a gigantic back seat to our children, our spouses and our homes.
Well - in 2009, it’s time to reclaim your fashion self. We all have to wear clothes… regardless of what we’re doing or where we are going. So why not make your clothing and styling outfits the best that they can be. Let’s get out of the “mom” rut… if you’re in it… and bring on the chicness. Regardless of your fashion budget - I’m going to be bringing you some tips and advice that will help transform your closet and the fashionista within. Come on… she’s in there somewhere.
So Day #2… Pick a COLOR! Any COLOR!
Each new season there’s a color. You know, the “it” color of the year that every woman is supposed to add to her wardrobe. (I know from working in the fashion world that this “it” color is sometimes chosen a year prior.)
I must admit, when I was living in NYC and working for Donna Karan, I was extremely up on the season’s “it” color. The “seasons” of oranges and yellows and pinks were not good for me. I don’t particularly look good in these colors. I actually recently purged my closet of “the oranges”… they made me look like I should be directing traffic. No. No. No. Not a good choice for me.
So what’s my advice when it comes to the season’s “it” color.
Pick your own.
Yup. Pick your own. I’ve been doing this now for the past 4 years. I know I look better in certain colors… mostly greens and blues and browns. Tans and whites and yellows… they completely pale me out. I can only wear these colors in the summertime or as accents. Otherwise, I have people asking me all day long, “Are you feeling OK? You look sick.” Yup… just what you want to hear when you’re feeling fine. (Huge fashion tip: If people are commenting on your health, choose other colors to wear!)
So I stay with my “safe” colors. Not so much “safe”… but the colors that I know look the best on me.
Do you know what color(s) look the best on you? My sister Jane - she looks beautiful in blues and reds. Always has. My mother? She looks great in pinks and mauves and reds.
I was at the mall this past Sunday with my son William. We went into J. Crew to check out the sales. They were having one of those 30% off the lowest price on the ticket sales. They had puffer coats on sale. 3 colors were on the rack - black, ivory and majestic purple (which is more like a blue). So I tried them all. My OWN son, my little 4 year old son - without a hint of hesitation said to me, “Mommy, you look better in that one.” And pointed to the “blue.”
So go on… pick a color! Any color! Know what looks good on you. Know what makes your eyes stand out. Or your hair shine. Know what color makes you feel good. Know what color people comment about.
When I was a little girl, I remember my mother taking me with her to a “Color Me Beautiful” girls-night-out to get her colors done. And it’s so funny, I actually remember going with her to clothing stores, and she would pull out the color palette they gave her to match with tops and bottoms when she was purchasing items. If this is what you need to do - do it. Find some colors, wrap yourself in them up to and around your neck, watch your face come to life, and then immerse yourself in them.
As mothers, we have limited time. We don’t have the time that we used to to be shopping for ourselves and reading up on all the latest fashion trends and forecasts. So go with what you “know”… add some color to your life. But make sure the colors are ones that make your eyes and hair and face dance!
Last night, with my husband and my Henry, I watched “the ball” drop in Times Square (on television!). My 3 older sons were all fast asleep… Benjamin in his crib, Alexander in his bed and William on the couch. William tried as best as he could to make it to midnight… he made it till (no joke) 11:55 PM. I went to the kitchen with Matt to get the champagne… we came back into the living room… and he was asleep. My last New Year’s Eve in NYC was in 2004… little did I know I would find out 2 weeks later I was pregnant with William! So watching New Year’s Eve in NYC with William this year was very, very special.
So… on to 2009.
And my New Year’s Eve Resolution/Pledge…
Bring you some Fashion Advice for MOMS every single day. A tidbit… a full post… a video blog… in some way or shape, something will be posted!
On Day #1 of the New Year, I am going to give you my very FIRST MOM FASHION TIP.
Are you ready!?
It all comes down to JEANS. Every mother needs a pair of jeans. They can be dressed up, dressed down… worn (really, almost) anywhere. They can be paired with a simple T-shirt or a festive top. They wash well. They don’t require ironing (please don’t iron creases in your jeans!). They are forgiving.
BUT! Make sure you aren’t sporting the quintessential MOM JEANS.
Please. Please. Please. How do you know if you’re sporting MOM JEANS? It’s very easy… does the button/snap hit above your belly button? If it does, you’re MOM-JEANSING. Or worse… if your jeans are doubling as a support system for your (ahem…) boobs! I have only seen this once. And that was enough
So ladies… my first piece of advice. Get a pair of jeans that fit well. Don’t get jeans that are too long or too short. Find a pair that complement your body and have them hemmed if necessary. Jeans are the perfect addition to any wardrobe. My favorite are my dark wash jeans. Ask anyone who knows me… I’m usually sporting a pair of these every single day.
So jeans. They are a beautiful thing.
Grab yourself a pair. And wear the jeans out of them!
**Updated**
Rachel asked “What brands would I suggest?”
I would suggest to go to places like the GAP and Old Navy - and just start trying on tons of different styles. The beauty about these 2 brands is that they literally have tons of jeans with tons of different styles. This way you can really get an idea of what looks good on you and what fits you the best. This is important. What looks good. What fits good.
I love love love the look of skinny jeans… but being 5 feet, I cannot pull off skinny jeans. I have always needed to wear bootcut jeans. It makes me appear taller (OK, a little bit taller!) - but my legs fit the best in bootcut, especially when I’m wearing heels with them.
When you want to branch out into designer jeans - 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, Paige Denim these are some of my favorite designer brands. And if you don’t want to drop full retail price on a pair of these - they are always on eBay. Which I love as a great option to search for designer anything and everything. As well as places like TJMaxx and Marshalls.
Hope this helps!
** Carrie asked - If I would be doing any maternity clothing advice.
Oh, yes… after being pregnant for the last 4 years… I have come to know the ins and the outs of the maternity fashion world. I will say - I took a cure from Donna Karan on the maternity clothes - I did lots of layered and wrap looks. More later on that… but YES!! I will be! Thanks for asking.
2008 brought many things to my life. It was a full year. And I definitely learned some things…
1. That the baby in my belly last year at this time would be a BOY! My Henry!
2. That Alexander would adapt to preschool.
3. And be potty trained.
4. That losing my Nana would be more difficult than ever imagined… but knowing that she’s watching over my family… smiling above at the daily antics of 4 boys. (She had 3!)
5. That Twitter would be a BIG as it is.
6. That my husband would be determined to lose 70 pounds. That had been his New Year Resolution ever since we had been dating… but 2008, it was THE year!
7. That my vision is absolutely, positively horrible. And finally - I’m doing something about it!
8. That my boys would all start playing together - William, Alexander and Benjamin. The 3 of them are the best of friends… and all watch out for Henry.
9. That after being pregnant for (nearly) 4 years straight… I learned I missed the taste of a glass of wine.
10. That when it comes to fashion… MOMS want to stay IN fashion. Just because we’re moms, doesn’t mean we’re not women!
So to everyone… HAPPY NEW YEAR!! May 2009 bring you all the happiness and warmth and beauty you desire!
I test drove Chevy’s Traverse earlier this month. As soon as the Traverse pulled up in front of my house… I knew I liked it. The look of it had me at “Hello… !”
But… would it be a good vehicle for my family?
You tell me.
Thanks, Chevy! I had a blast driving the Traverse!
Ever since I can remember, this week in December I do the same thing.
I start getting ready for the New Year. I always get excited for a New Year. As hokey and pokey as it sounds, it is a NEW YEAR. A new time. A new beginning. A new start. A fresh start.
I always feel fearless January 1st. You know that feeling of fearless, where you know and feel that anything is possible - because, after all… it’s a New Year.
Tonight, as I sit here on the couch writing this post, I’m thinking about the year ahead. Questions cross my mind.
What will the next year bring?…
What will the boys be doing next year at this time?…
Will we ever take that vacation to the Bahamas?…
Will Matt and I be thinking about having another baby?… (This has been a theme in our lives for the last 5 years!).
Will I keep meeting my career goals?
And the questions will keep coming and coming… all good questions. I think what I love about each New Year is that it brings accountability to me. I truly feel accountable for my goals and my dreams and my wishes. And I always feel like they can come true.
This year I am bringing my love of fashion to my blog. This year I plan to share my fashion expertise to mothers. We all fall into the fashion-mom-rut… and I want to help bring us out! I loved reading the responses from my PollDaddy.com survey on Personal Style/Shopping Habits of Moms. It became even more apparent to me that mothers put themselves second - far too often - when it comes to shopping and fashion and looking good…
So I am going to make a New Year’s Resolution. 365 Days of Fashion Advice for MOMS. 365 DAYS. Of a brand New Year. Of FASHION ADVICE. Funny. Entertaining. And oh-so-necessary!
2009.
Bring it on…
I’m getting ready for you.
December Planner almost put away? Check.
New MomAgenda? Check.
2009 Calendar up? Check.
Membership to my gym renewed? Check.
Resolutions made? Almost done…
But right now, I’m going to enjoy these last couple days of 2008. 2008 brought me my beautiful Henry. It was a very, very exceptionally good year!
