Blah Blah Babycakes

All Marc

Contest winner for worst outfit photos.

Shirt: Marc Jacobs
Pants: Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Isabel Marant

Outfit: Cat's Pajamas

I love pajama dressing. Especially when working from home. Later I'll put on a pair of platforms for happy hour to class it up a little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirt: Zara
Pants: Piamita
Shoes: None

Packing light - Inspiration

In-flight Shopping

It was brought to my attention recently that I'm a terrible traveler. Specifically, a "bad road-tripper", but generally terrible. Apparently, instead of just settling in for a fun ride, not only do I complain about how long it's taking, but I'm in constant need of a remedy for whatever happens to be ailing me. And a lot ails me. (Usually I'm having a panic attack or some kind of digestive issue.) Then I tend to load up on drugs and become good for nothing. (i.e.conversation, driving) I admit, I'm no fun on the road.

Phrases like, "long haul flight" and "crossing the International Date Line" make me especially anxious and my breath gets shallow every time I think about packing for our trip to Bali next month. In fact, when I think about our 36 hour, 4 leg flight to paradise I sort of want to cry, so I soothe myself with some retail therapy. 

Because for me, half the fun is never "getting there". It's shopping for the "there" that's the real joy. 

From deep in the closet I can hear my Eres bikini mocking me and the 7lbs I gained over the holidays, so today I'm going to focus on in-flight style and comfort. 

My friend Mary says that this cape from Anthropologie, appropriately named "Cover of Darkness" is a must-have for any long flight. It's incredibly soft and somehow looks chic while also being kind of a wearable blanket. I'll probably pair it with my favorite pair of David Lerner leggings and ballet flats.

One of the most important ways to keep comfortable while traveling is to stay well-hydrated. I'll have a pot of shea butter for lips and eyes, but nothing beats a blast of Evian in your face. Not only does it refresh and moisturize, but the cool spray helps prevent or recover from any mid-flight freak outs. (What? You don't have those?) Someone once told me that applying lipstick helps calm you down too, if you feel like you're about to have a spaz, because you've been on an airplane too long. (That also might just make you look crazy.)

Of course I'll need a pair of Carrera gradient lens sunglasses to wear as I'm dashing through the Hong Kong airport after the 14-hour flight from Los Angeles. The lights in the duty free shops can be so glaring.

And finally, a large, yet sleek bag to haul my entertainment, pharmaceuticals,
hydrators and any airport purchases. The Longchamps long-handled tote bag is very roomy and it has a zipper. (Lest anyone try to slip something in your bag that could land you in an East-Asian prison.) Plus, it will double as a beach bag at my final destination! 

I'm quite confident that having these material things will make my trip perfect and I'll be totally comfortable and sane. A cool and chic world traveler, right? 

 

 

Packing for NYC

Real Fake Boobs

According to WWD the median bra size in the United States has increased over the last decade from a 36C to 36DD. 

This means nothing to me, as I've stayed exactly the same over the last decade. My mom assured me that someday my breasts would arrive, but I've stopped waiting for them and have totally learned to love my body the way it is.

That doesn't mean I wasn't all over this amazing, boob enhancing bra that my friend introduced me to. The first time I saw her wearing it I gasped.  I was like, "What's happening here?  How did you do this?"

She told me it was the U-Plunge Bra by Fashion Forms and that I should buy it in nude and black and to thank her later.  Instead of adding bulk like most padded bras, this little miracle worker pushes your tits together and gives you natural looking cleavage.  The kind that looks amazing with wrap dresses and low-cut sweaters.

I'll warn you though, despite how the model looks on the box, you will not look good once you have your clothes off. You'll want to remove this wunder bra yourself.

Shades of Grey

Obsessed with Chanel's new mushroomy shade.

Available at Nordstorm.

Maliyah Brocade Sandals

Breaking my cheap shoe rule with these gold kitten-heels from Target. 

Confessions of a Recovering Shopaholic

I went to New York last weekend to see a terrible movie.  It was panned by most critics as being ill-timed and shallow, but my review of Confessions of a Shopaholic was that Isla Fisher wore bad clothes and there was not nearly enough shopping. 

When I lived in the city my office on 5th avenue was situated on top of Henry Bendel and across the street from Bergdorf Goodman.  If I took the long way home I could hit Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora.  Stopping by JCrew and Anthropologie was just a part of my day—like going to the bathroom. It seemed  part of the culture to come home armed with shopping bags.

I suppose you could say that I was a Shopaholic.

After three years in Minneapolis where the sidewalks are not quite the runway shows they are in NYC and with all the talk of recession and trends of living simply, my cravings for handbags and shoes have become more subdued and realistic. Just slightly. A girl can't be expected to walk around in dingy rags.

Bill Cunningham would love to see fashion history repeat itself with down-market hems and lots of black, but I came home with some bright new gloves, ridiculous shoes and a dress with strawberries on it.

  
Shoes by Chinese Laundry Dress by Juicy Couture Gloves by Aspinal

Contraband

 

Summer has finally graced Minneapolis and with it came a two-week visit from my sister.  She left early this morning and I'm working hard on not being totally depressed that she's gone.  A little retail therapy is in order and here are a few of my favorite things that keep me fit, pretty and protected during the dog days.

1. Lippmann's Rich Girl Hand Cream with SPF 25 keeps your hands from telling your age.  2. OPI's  Monsooner or Later (perfect orange-red!). Find someone to smuggle you 3. La Roche Posay's Fluid Extreme SPF 50+ with the superior sun protectant Anthelios XL..  Stay skinny with 4. FitFlops flip flops.  They are incredibly ugly, but give you gorgeous gams.  4. Fresh Cosmetics Sugar Lip Gloss in Rush has amazing staying power, looks fabulous on everyone and isn't at all sticky. 

Tiny TOMS

TOMS shoes are now available in tot size! Buy a pair for your little darling and another pair will be donated to a child in need, on your behalf. 

A Sole with Soul

Yo Momma's So Ugly...

I could barely look people in the eye as I drove to a Halloween party last night.  As my friends arrived they either walked right past me or averted their eyes, wondering who brought their really unfashionable aunt to the party. I couldn't stop laughing all night.  Nick could barely allow himself to kiss me as I danced and partied in my white Reebok sneakers.  He said, and I quote: "I am supremely not attracted to you right now".

When I ransacked my own mother's closet for my Halloween costume, she wondered if she should be offended.  All in good fun mom.  Thanks for being such a good sport!

Click the image below to see my extreme makeover:

Kicks

Henry's new sneakers

Japanese brand Tsukihoshi makes these super hip toddler shoes. 

Henry walked into his classroom wearing a pair and one of the older boys whispered to his friend, "look at Henry's new shoes".  The boy he shared this with was wearing shorts with tiny skulls on them.  He nodded in approval.   

By older, I mean four years old.

I wonder what they'll think of Henry's new Uggs.

Impression

I guess it's time to start hiding my US Weeklies under the bed.

Henry doing his best Victoria Beckham impression.

Makeup That Can Melt

Now that i'm in my 30s, leaving the house without makeup is not often an option.  Gone are the days when a smear of red lipgloss was all I needed.

It's been a steamy summer and humidity and makeup don't always mix as nicely as gin and tonic.

Here are my secret weapons for looking hot when it's hot:

                
1. Burts Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil 
2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
               
3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara 
4. Laura Mercier Secret Eye Brightener