2012 January

MODE MONDAY: SPRINGTIME IN JANUARY

January 30, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

[jacket: kenneth cole (c/o lucky mag) / jeans: gap / shirt & necklace: banana republic (40% off sale) / cuff: ann taylor (40% off sale) / flats: j.crew (now 50% off) / bag: old cole haan / hat: old brooklyn industries]

Just when I thought Old Man Winter finally had a stronghold on NYC, Mother Nature sent us a little reprieve. Temps reached mid 50s and the sun smiled down all weekend long. It’s hard to believe there was snow on the ground last weekend!

It feels much cooler today but still smells like April and the forecast indicates we should be enjoying mild weather for at least the next week or so. You certainly won’t hear any complaints from me. Jacket weather is my favorite. This is pretty much as good as it gets for New York in January.

It was so nice to be at the park again with Bubba. He doesn’t do well cooped up in the apartment and last week’s rain had him bursting with energy. He came home yesterday from his new gymnastics season at Chelsea Piers and asked to go to Long Island to visit my parents, so we drove out for dinner and ended up watching the SAG Awards. As I get older, Hollywood/celebrities become less and less interesting to me but I do love a good Fashion Police and seeing what access to the best hair, make-up, and clothes can produce. Did you watch? How lovely was Emma Stone in that little McQueen number?

If you’re linking up with Monday Mingle, Momtrends is hosting the linky this week and giving one participant some fun goodies from American Eagle.

Have a glamorous week!

“Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

Photos via Valen.

I’m also linking up with The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday.

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WIN A TRIP TO NYFW FROM ROCK & REPUBLIC {SPONSORED}

January 25, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

I’m thrilled to be covering Fashion Week again this season with a bonus assignment from Kohl’s!

Rock & Republic’s new collection of denim, apparel and shoes will be sold exclusively at Kohl’s starting Spring 2012 and I’ll be at the NYFW fashion show covering the celebration. I’m even shooting a makeover series campaign so get ready for Rock Star Glamamom and stay tuned for details on the launch, the show, and the fabulous styles and celebrities I encounter.

Want to join me at Fashion Week?

Well, you’re in luck. To celebrate the launch, Rock & Republic is giving one lucky winner and a guest a trip to New York complete with a makeover and tickets to the show. For full prize details and entry form, click here.

Hope to see you at New York Fashion Week!

Disclosure: Kohl’s provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event. The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl’s in advance.

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MODE MONDAY: JANUARY

January 23, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

[coat: ann taylor / jeans: gap / shirt: h&m / boots: old, from argentina / gloves: old, cole haan outlet / beret: old, street vendor / bag: michael kors c/o artistry / lips: revlon wild orchid]

Happy Monday Ladies! After the city’s first snowfall of the year, and a weekend spent mostly indoors, I’m relieved to be starting a fresh new week with warmer temps.

Don’t I look naked without eye make-up?? I usually go completely natural when I’m just strolling with the fam but I’m sticking to my beauty resolutions and rocking bright lipstick every chance I get.

I picked up this faux shearling coat at Ann Taylor earlier this week when I popped in to make a return. I bought that amazing cobalt dress that Demi Moore was wearing in all the ads but would you believe it didn’t look the same on me? The fur collar on this guy caught my eye as I was heading out and when I saw it was marked down from $278 to $78! I had to get it. Short coats aren’t the most practical in cold weather but it sure is cute!

The Michael Kors bag was a gift bag from an ARTISTRY party I attended last week at Bar Basque. We mingled with the new Miss America and checked out the latest in skincare science. How generous??

If you’re linking up with Monday Mingle, we’re giving away ARTISTRY’s Lip Shine to TWO participants. UPDATE: The winners are Maegan and Babblings of a Mommy.

Have a glamorous week!

“Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

{I was not compensated for this post.}

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BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS {SPONSORED}

January 17, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. If you ask me, there’s no better time to re-evaluate your goals and what’s working in your life/not than the beginning of the year.

Some of my resolutions have remained constant since becoming a mom. Achieving a better work/life balance and improving my time management are two ongoing struggles (and from what I understand, for most parents in general). Undoubtedly, maintaining this blog contributes to some of these issues but it helps me honor another one of my steadfast resolutions, which is to take better care of myself. The primary reason I started writing Glamamom, and why I continue to work so hard to maintain it, is to hold myself accountable and challenge myself to keep doing new things and meeting new people. Each year that passes, and each new life complication that emerges, I realize just how important commitment to oneself really is.

If you notice from my latest beauty reviews and Mode Monday posts, I’m making an effort to try new products that will help make me feel like a million bucks but without jeopardizing my life’s energy (thanks for the analogy Manisha). I thought it would be fun to make some beauty resolutions this year too:

The first is to shop for lipstick when I’m feeling the emotional urge to buy clothes. A new shade can change everything and I’ve had amazing success with Maybelline Sensational Lipcolors. The bright reds and pinks are so fashion-forward and can really change up a look. The same goes for new nail colors from two of the best and most easily accessible, Essie and OPI. I used to hesitate about wearing color on my nails because the unsightly chipping kicked my OCD into high gear but then I realized that manicures are just a fun way to express myself so now I’m always reaching for new colors like the grays, greens, and blues.

My hair is pretty low maintenance but with the deep winter setting in, I vow to use a daily conditioner, plus a weekly, five-minute masque for the extra dose of hydration hair needs in the dryer months. I’m a huge Pantene fan and just got the Intensive Restoration Treatment.

Lastly, I want to turn the temperature down on my showers and take that extra 30 seconds to apply moisturize from head to toe. I’m religious about my face but in a time crunch, the body always gets neglected. Plus, there are so many moisturizers that work double-, sometimes triple-duty, as a lotion/sunscreen/anti-aging treatment/self-tanner/perfume.

Phew. I’m going to be busy.

Did you make any beauty resolutions? If not, it’s never too late!

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MODE MONDAY: COZY

January 16, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

[coat: old cinzia rocca (similar) / sweater: banana republic super sale / skirt: zara / booties & tights: old dvf (via gilt) / belt: gap / clutch: gift from prune / bracelets: j.crew, anthropologie super sale / watch: michael kors / ring: nest nyc / iphone case: missoni for target]

It’s officially hibernation weather in the city. Thank goodness for cozy sweaters and hot chocolate! Mode Monday’s going to get interesting over the next couple of months as I struggle to stay warm and still look fashionable. There’s always bright lipstick though, right?

How do you remain fashionable in extreme temperatures?

Have a glamorous week!

I’m also linking up with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy.

The linky is a BonBon Rose Girls today. “Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

Photos via Valen.

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NATIONAL HAT DAY {TODAY!}

January 15, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

[hat: anthropologie on super sale / coat: j.crew on super sale / scarf: unknown / lips: mary kay mango tango c/o]

Did you know today is National Hat Day?

The origin of the “holiday” is unknown but rumor has it, it was merely started by hat enthusiasts for no other reason but to celebrate their favorite caps. Works for me. Unfortunately, it’s not (yet) recognized as a federal holiday. Boo!

I suspect with the bone-chilling weather we’re experiencing in the northeast that just about everyone venturing outside is donning one, if not for fashion, then for function.

Do you have a favorite hat worth celebrating?

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BEST YEAR YET WITH GOGIRL FINANCE & MANISHA THAKOR

January 14, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

Over the past 3 weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of working with two incredible financial resources for women, GoGirl Finance and Manisha Thakor, to organize an intimate media event here in Manhattan.

GoGirl was founded by my friend and colleague of now 8 years, Caryn Effron, to empower women in all stages of life to become financially confident and independent through the development of necessary financial literacy skills. Caryn’s always been a mentor to me so I’m thrilled to see her vision come to life.

After chatting long distance, I finally got to meet Manisha for the first time this week and she is in fact, the real deal! She’s a Harvard MBA, CFA, and has worked in the financial services industry for 15 years as a portfolio manager and as an executive for an institutional money management firm. She’s authored 3 female economic empowerment books and has such an engaging way of articulating concepts so that I can easily relate and understand.

Last Monday night, at the gorgeous Warren Tricomi Salon on Madison Avenue, GoGirl and Manisha hosted a fun mix of supporters including: local bloggers Momtrends, Mama Goes Natural, A Day In My NYC, A Mommy in the City, NYC Single Mom, Fit Chick in the City, Serafino Says, Raising Three Savvy Ladies, Random Handprints, Mommy Delicious, The Mommyologist, Ramshackle Glam, Style-ology Magazine, and The Stroller Ballet; author Leslie Bennetts (The Feminine Mistake); entrepreneurs of The Levo League and Mom Corps NYC; and execs and undergrads alike, for GoGirl’s first live event, #MyBestYearYet:

To help our friends kick off the New Year in style and make 2012 their best year yet, the evening offered manis, makeovers and blowouts, and tips from Manisha on the most important financial topics every savvy woman should consider. The message is simple: think of your financial health in the same way you would beauty, style, health, and fitness regimens!

Specifically, Manisha addressed the following topics: Talking Money With Your Honey, Saving for the Future, Wills and Insurance, and Starting a Small Business. For the tips and tricks she shared, visit GoGirl Finance’s recap of the event, It’s Sexy To Be Beautiful and Money Savvy.

A HUGE thank you to Rebecca Weiss Photography for capturing it all for us (for more photos from the event visit GoGirl on Facebook), and to our amazing sponsors who stuffed our gift bags and rewarded our lovely guests for sharing their financial confessions: Olay, ARTISTRY, Jewels by Joanne and Physique57.

Physique57 is currently doing a giveaway for the One&Only Bahamas so check them out on Facebook!

{Disclosure: I am a paid consultant of GoGirl Finance. All opinions expressed herein are my own. Swag photo via Kristan Serafino.}

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE WINTER SEASON

January 12, 2012 in MOTHERHOOD

Martin Luther King Day weekend is upon us and we’re heading up to the mountains with a group of friends for a long winter weekend. The Catskills are only a 2-3 hour drive and we’re fortunate to be staying at friend’s place where we’ll surely enjoy all the comforts of home. But as we begin thinking about our travel plans for the rest of 2012, I’ll be taking into account these great tips from my fellow Residence Inn by Marriott Residence Moms for stress-free travel:

Tip One: Soar on flights
“When we’re flying, I go to the 99 cents store and I buy each kid 5 toys they have never seen before, and then when they get on the airplane they get to pick one out of the bag, and it/s exciting because they’ve never seen it before and it keeps them busy. I also always wait until everyone gets on before getting on with my kids, so there’s no extra wait time.” Laurie McDermott (LA Examiner and LA Family)

Tip Two: Get your children involved in the planning
“Involve your kids in as much of trip’s planning as possible. Let each child choose at least one favorite, must do activity.” Joyce Shulman, Macaroni Kid

Tip Three: Rest your head in a comfortable bed
“When traveling, the number one thing that appeals to me is a good night’s sleep. Meaning that I need a comfortable bed to rest my head. It is one of my favorite things about my house, so I feel more at home when the bed measures up to what I’m used to.“ Laurie Cooper, Clueless Mama

Tip Four: Room to relax (without the kids!)
“When I travel, I look for suites that have a door that closes between the bedroom and the other rooms so I don’t have to go to bed at 7:30pm at night. It’s also nice to have a balcony or patio, because then the kids can go to bed and my husband and I can sneak out and have a glass of wine and talk without having to whisper.” Colleen Lanin, TravelMamas

Tip Five: Compliment your stay with a complimentary breakfast
“A complimentary hot breakfast is key when traveling with kids. Having organic food options or grocery delivery is great; apples, strawberries, and grapes are great for my daughter.” Sarah Chang, Stroller Ballet

Tip Six: Full size fridge ahead
“We have to bring a lot of food for food allergies, so we always call ahead to see if there is a refrigerator and microwave in the room, which is helpful. It’s nice when there is a full freezer and fridge.” Shelby Barone, OC Mom

Tip Seven: Choose hotels that are child-friendly
“Great hotel experiences I have had are where the staff acknowledges my children. I love it when they treat my children as guests as well.” Carol Cain, NY City Mama

Tip Eight: The inside scoop on where to go, eat, and visit
“It’s important to plan or find child friendly restaurants in the area. I have always thought that hotels should have sample itineraries when they know families are coming with some great places that other families have enjoyed – a great cupcake shop, restaurant suggestions for kids and for date nights – the gems of the city. To have it all on one cute little card would be great.” Andrea Fellman, Savvy Sassy Moms

Tip Nine: Regroup and recharge in spacious lobbies
“I love great seating areas in the hotel because when I’m with my family I like to have our own space to regroup and chat for a few minutes.” Chelsea Skaggs, Someday I’ll Learn

Tip Ten: Quality first
“The most memorable trips we’ve had, and the hotels we’ve liked, are the ones that have offered good quality all around. Sure you want a nice room but when the restaurant is awesome and there’s a clubhouse where you can grab a great burger, it makes all the difference. People like good food and it can make a trip. What differentiates hotels is the service.” Jill Seiman, Glamamom

Do you have any trips planned for 2012? What’s your best advice for traveling with children?

Happy long weekend!

{I was not compensated for this post.}

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MODE MONDAY: LANDS’ END S/S 2012 COLLECTION {& GIVEAWAY}

January 9, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

Happy Mode Monday! I wish I had a personal style post for today but it wasn’t in the cards this week. I wore a really cute outfit Saturday night for a little date night with the huz but it was pitch black by the time we went out and the restaurant, Junoon, wasn’t really the place for a shoot. I highly recommend Junoon if you like Indian. The expansive dining room and bar are gorgeous and I pretty much devoured everything set down in front of me. The appetizer sampler was a high note.

Anyway, after the Jessica Simpson Girls’ Line launch, I headed back to my ‘hood for a preview of Lands’ End’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. Since it’s now officially winter in NYC with temps dropping below 30, I figure it’s the perfect time to dream about sun kisses and sandals. I can’t remember the last time I shopped Land’s End, if ever, so I had no idea what to expect.

The presentation and styling was really well done I was pleasantly surprised to see the brand is going through a revival similar to that of J.Crew’s over the past decade. The women’s bathing suits had me oohing and ahhing, they’re so feminine and designed to be mixed and matched. If I close my eyes, I can easily see myself wearing the cute sundresses in Montauk this summer and I was completely unaware of their adorable children’s wear line. Seersucker gets me every time.

GIVEAWAY: I’m happy to offer one reader a $100 gift card.

TO ENTER: If you too are digging Lands’ End’s new looks, visit LandsEnd.com and tell me something you might buy.

For additional entries:
- “Like” Glamamom on Facebook and “Like” any one of the posts.
- Follow Glamamom via confirmed email subscription, RSS Feed or Bloglovin.

Three entries total. Please leave a separate comment for each. I’ll randomly select a winner on Wednesday, December 18th.

Good luck and have a glamorous week!

UPDATE: The winner is Rhonda Grisham. Thanks to everyone who entered!

The linky is at Momtrends today. “Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

{I was not compensated for this post.}

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JESSICA SIMPSON GIRLS’ LINE LAUNCH

January 4, 2012 in MOTHERHOOD

I caught up with Glamamom-to-be Jessica Simpson at Dylan’s Candy Bar last month for the launch of the Jessica Simpson Girls’ Line in collaboration with her sister Ashlee.

Expanding on the success of the Jessica Simpson Collection, the Girls’ Line features apparel, footwear and accessories designed for tweens, sold in select Macys, Dillard’s, Belk, and Bonton stores.

On hand to show support for the launch were fiancé Eric Johnson, sister Ashlee, nephew Bronx, mom Tina, Dylan’s Candy Bar owner Dylan Lauren, and Baby Buggy® founder Jessica Seinfeld for the announcement that Jessica Simpson Girls’ and Baby Buggy® have joined forces for a special T-Shirt initiative.

Until January 31st, fans can submit a design of their own creation at www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/babybuggy. The winning designs will be picked by Jessica, Ashlee and Jessica Seinfeld to be sold in the back-to-school collection! A portion of proceeds will be donated to Baby Buggy® to support America’s most vulnerable families.

Radiant and grinning from ear to ear, Jessica Simpson was incredibly friendly and approachable, thanking guests for coming and posing for photographs. There is no question why she is America’s sweetheart. I’ve had the opportunity to interview a lot of celebs and can generally sense when it’s all business and that was not the case at all with Jessica. She was delightfully charismatic and her ever-expanding empire is further proof that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive. We were also both wearing leopard and leather. Coincidence? I think not. Here’s the transcript of our convo:

Congratulations Jessica, how do you feel?
Thank you! I feel great.

What an exciting time for you. The new line looks great. What was your inspiration?
It’s a combination of both my sister and me and it reflects both of our personalities. I always want what’s in Ashlee’s closet and she always wants what’s in mine so coming together to create something that has both of our personalities is a really special thing. We’re offering kids what I think is the coolest stuff to wear to school.

Any plans to do a boys line?
Maybe…eventually.

Well, do you know what’s in there (motioning to her belly)?
Not yet, I find out Monday!

Ah, so you want to know.
I think having the baby is enough of a surprise. I’m not one to prepare or anything, I just can’t keep a secret from myself (laughs). If it’s something I can find out, I’m going to find out!

What are you most excited about becoming a mom? (Serena, Mama Goes Natural)
Hmm, probably the little mannerisms. Last night my nephew Bronx was falling asleep with Eric and I watching Elf and he looked up at us and said, “Eric doesn’t have shirt on. I want my shirt off!” He then laid there looking exactly like Eric. Having a little baby look up to you is really cool.

So you’re not giving up the heels, right? Promise me after the birth you’re not giving them up.
Oh no! My feet hurt terribly when I walk in flats. I’m more comfortable in heels (laughs).

True Glamamom for real!