Girl Crush: Coco Rocha for White Hose Black Market

I have had a total girl crush on Coco Rocha ever since I saw a version of this commercial on TV. There's a wit and humor about her that I just love! Well apparently I'm not the only one who loved that commercial, because supermodel Coco Rocha will be featured in White House Black Market’s Fall 2012 campaign. In addition to being featured in the print ads, Coco will once again be the star of White House Black Market’s television campaign, which leads to a surprise reveal, giving the spot a twist. I'm personally curious as to how they are going to top her tap dancing on a table (in high heeled, strappy sandals no less)!

Mary Jane (in my Rick James voice)

Mary Jane (in my Rick James voice) by mamafashionist1 featuring high heels

I think my first pair of legit high heeled shoes was a pair of Mary Janes: they were black suede and patent leather, done in the style of an oxford/wing tip. They had this great chunky, stacked heel and I just knew that I was grown up when I wore them. I LOVED those shoes! Unfortunately, they were lost by Delta Airlines en route to Chicago, along with another pair of my all time favorite shoes-another pair of Mary Janes. These were a little taller, and infinitely more sophisticated; t-strapped faux alligator print in a gorgeous cognac brown. It's funny-I lost a lot of things in that debacle, but the only items I still remember (and this is over 15 years later) are those two pairs of shoes. C'est la vie...

Weekend Uniform

Weekend Uniform by mamafashionist1 featuring ralph lauren handbags

Ralph Lauren Collection platform shoes

Ralph lauren handbag

Ralph Lauren aviator sunglasses

MAC Cosmetics lip liner
nordstrom.com

MAC Cosmetics eyeliner
nordstrom.com

MAC Cosmetics pencil eyeliner
nordstrom.com

Mac cosmetic
nordstrom.com

MAC Cosmetics mascara
nordstrom.com










Inspired by the Ralph Lauren Big Pony 3 fragrance for women that I wore this weekend to the mall. In case you couldn't tell, the trip included a stop by the MAC counter too :) It's actually very similar to what I wear when running errands with the fam: skinnies, tote bag, some arm candy, aviators, and sky high wedges! Until next time...




Ciao, XxO




Q




PS- This post contains affiliate links (in the thumbnail pictures and corresponding links; to either the exact item or something very similar)-if you choose to click on a picture or link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)

Swim-Proof, Sweat-Proof, Heat-Proof Eyes with Smashbox, MAKEUP FOR EVER, and Rimmel

Waterproof Eyes by mamafashionista featuring a creme eyeshadow

I may have mentioned this before, and you may have already noticed, but it's HOT outside. Even before the onslaught of heat, I was super self conscious of the dreaded raccoon eye, because of my oily complexion, so I developed methods to ensure my makeup stayed in place (especially after numerous occasions where I asked the hubby if my makeup was okay, and his response was "yes," only to discover that my eyeliner had actually made a messy migration south of my waterline). But  when it's hot outside, I don't necessarily want to pile on products, I'm looking to keep my routine as simple and light as possible. I've found a few products that help me to achieve a simple, yet chic, budge proof look in the least amount of steps possible.

Mini Me Outift of the Week

I'm excited to bring this brand new, regular feature to Mama Fashionista! Weekly (or more often sometimes) I will post an outfit of the day featuring one of my gorgeous daughters. I'll also be discussing ways to keep your little ones looking designer chic on a shoestring budget! So without further adieu, here's London...

Arm Candy

These are some of my favorite go to pieces lately (when I want to wear gold at least). I always get a ton of compliments when I wear them, so I thought I'd share them with you lovelies!

The Fox Cuff is from BaubleBar.
The Lioness Bangle and Cinema Americano Bracelet are from JewelMint.
The Marty Watch in Tortoise is from Send the Trend (if you shoot me an email @ mamafashionista@gmail.com, I'll send you a referral that will get you $10 towards your 1st purchase and a $10 credit for me too).
The Rose Gold Ring Stack is from Target. 
The bangles are a gift from my mother. She brought them back from Canada years ago ;p

If you'd like to see some pictures of the individual pieces closer up, see how I stack them, just comment below and I'll be sure to oblige you! Are you as big a fan of stacking jewelry as I am? Where are your favorite pieces from? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below a let me know. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

I'm Starting to Feel Like My Old Self Again

Chanel Chic by Mama Fashionista featuring Missoni

Items in this set:
Cowl neck knit jumper, 675 GBP
Brian Atwood Matrix leather boots, $1,170
City Bag, 1,045 GBP
Twisted Silver - Fine and Funky Jewelry Accessories, $40
Floppy Felt Hat, $19

So lovelies, I have lost 8 pounds... so proud/happy! Still have a LONG way to go to get back to my svelte figure of yesteryear (though truthfully, I'll never be a size zero again, my girls have gifted me with ample T&A), but I'm working my way to a smaller, healthier me, bit by bit. So the Polyvore ensemble above is a tribute to the sexy chic look that I gravitate towards when I'm truly comfortable in my skin. Notice the balance: though it is short, the boots cover a lot of leg, the arms are completely covered and there's even a chapeaux (I love hats!)! Lots of Chanel accessories (you can never go wrong there) and a lovely ring from Twisted Silver (LOVE those ladies; will blog about soon!). Notice that the bag doesn't exactly match. I often do that intentionally IRL, in such a way that some item I have on stands out (so that people may say "where did that come from, it doesn't really fit in with the rest") and thus sets me apart and makes my presence known.

Even the hubby doesn't get that little ism of mine; he wants everything coordinated and matching. He's very much into...not blending in... but not really making a splash by being different. Sometimes I have to remind him that if it were not for my being different from the norm, he may have never even noticed me. I've always been a bit of an oddball and kind of proud and very accepting of my idiosyncrasies. To be truthful, there may have been a time in my life when I was very overtly eccentric, it was actually very liberating. As I've gotten older, I've toned down a bit, but some of the old me is starting to shine through again. And I gladly welcome her back! I hope you all will too (some day :P )... 'Til next time...


Fashion Forever...


Quinn

PS-Don't forget the butter LONDON give away (you MUST become a follower and use butter LONDON nail lacquers in your entry (not just say pink and red)! I love the comments so far, thank you so much for being creative and telling a story with your collections because that is truly what fashion is really about! Also the 15% discount at Anique Michelle is still available. Get shopping! xoxo

Experiment

Date Night by Mama Fashionista featuring Alexander McQueen accessories

Items in this set:
Juicy Couture | Izzie leather shoe boots | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 305 GBP
Velvet Box Frame Clutch: Buy Moyna Handbags Clothing, $145
Markus Lupfer Studded jersey leggings, $360
Nancy Caten Chunky silver bracelet, $245
Brass Multi-Strand Necklace, 165 GBP

So this is my first attempt at using Polyvore on the blog. I call this set "Date Night." Let me know if you guys like it and I'll keep playing around with it. Polyvore is an absolutely awesome website. It's kinda like playing ultimate fantasy dress up for fashionistas.

I envision wearing this ensemble out with the hubby to our favorite tapas bar (Eclipse Di Luna) and maybe a little dancing afterward to sweat off the fabulous mojitoes (mango is my fave) and burn some calories consumed from the yummy dishes they have to offer (their paella is TDF). Oh to dream the dream. Here's to hoping date night (without the kiddies) happens sometime in my near future (with or without this outfit!)... 'Til next time...


Fashion Forever...


Quinn


PS-The 15% discount at Anique Michelle is good through October 31. Just enter promo code "mama" at checkout!

All the Little Birdies on Jaybird Street

So my little chickadees... I've got some goodies pour vous. I'm coasting on the euphoric high of the epic Go-Girl promo (thank you to all who participated!), so just like a regular "jay" on the street, I'm working hard for my next fix... And here it is...

The lovely people at Anique Michelle on line boutique have generously agreed to give my readers a 15% discount on their website through the end of October. I thought I'd celebrate this "mayjah" (a la Ms. Posh) coupe by putting together my ideal outfit from all the goodies Anique Michelle has to offer, just to whet your shopping appetite (as if you really needed any help!). The task was actually quite difficult; there are SO MANY TDF pretties on the site, it was hard narrowing it down. But here are "Mama's Picks." Enjoy... ; P

I would start with a pair of my favorite leggings from F21, my go to ankle boots from Bakers, and add to them:
The "On Display" Dress. I love the roomy cut and mix of patterns. It vees in the front and back so it is perfect for layering on necklaces, such as...

The "Limeade" - umm... I really don't have words for how much I like this necklace. And...


"The Cyndi"-for this outfit, I'd go with the orange one. I'd tie it close to the neck so that the fringe would fall long down the back (what good is a back vee without jewelry to accent it?)




I'd wear "Let It Be" and "Cleo" on my right hand...




... and the "Katie," "Lucky Lady," and "Up All Night" on my left wrist; which would also be carrying ...







"The Tayven"- I love this bag! I love the color and I love the size. It's perfect for me because I can have a stylish bag and still manage to fit everything I need in it AND everything LS needs.



And I'd top it all off with these lovely sparklers on my ears...


Aptly named "Goldie."


So how do you like my picks? Too much jewelry (I'm starting to learn that sometimes it really is "the more the merrier.")? How would you change it up? All together, this outfit adds up to $125.50, but if you put in promo code "mama" at checkout, it'll knock the cost down to $106.67 (+ tax and shipping, of course!). Anique Michelle has a wonderful selection of clutches, rings, scarves, hair accessories, and wallets as well. So many thing to choose from, I may have to assemble another look to post... Visit Anique Michelle on line to put together your own fall masterpiece.

It's been fun playing dress up with you guys tonight, but now the bed is calling my name (funny, the bed kinda sounds like the hubby...hmmm...) So 'til next time...

Fashion Forever...


Quinn

*All pictures in this post were obtained from www.aniquemichelle.com

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

I got a promotion! Well actually I'm running my first promotion, thanks to Shelly of Go-Girl. I'm so excited! As should you be, because for a limited time (from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11) readers of Mama Fashionista will receive 15% off their entire purchase from www.shopgogirl.com!

Go Girl products take care of those little details that can ruin an entire look: stray hairs on your shirt from that last minute comb through, deodorant marks on your LBD, and the embarrassment of realizing everyone around you knows that you're cold (that can divert attention away from even the most spectacular ensemble). And even the media has noticed that Go Girl should be in every woman's purse, overnight bag, and carry on luggage. Kelly Ripa is a fan of the Lint Sheets, the CHIC double sided tape strips were showcased on the #6 feature of E! Networks Daily 10, and the Smudge Sponge has been featured on The Insider, The TV Guide Network, and on MyStyle.com.

My personal favorites: VaVa-Voom- reusable silicone nipple covers (because my boobs draw enough attention even when they're not "perky"), the Heal-A-Heel moisture socks (because even the fiercest pair of slingbacks look ugly with cracked heels and dry feet), and Oily-Doily blotting sheets (perfect for taking care of an afternoon case of shiny face and touching up make up applications). And if you can't decide what to try, there's No Worries! a totally adorable portable kit with CHIC tape strips, a pair of Bug'N Out disposable nipple covers, a Smudge Sponge, travel size toothbrush, and mini toothpaste.

Can you see why I'm excited! My first promotion is not for some lame company with stuff that no one can really see the need for. It's for necessities no fashionista should ever be without! Visit www.shopgogirl.com and enter the promo code "GOGIRL" for your 15% discount. Happy Shopping! Til next time...
(Oh and don't forget, the discount is only good through Sunday, so hurry!)


Fashion Forever...

Quinn

(FYI-This is NOT a paid advertisement/endorsement. I have not received anything free from Go-Girl. Just so you know... So there, FTC! : p )

"Some people are just born with tragedy in their blood..."

I would say that I am at a loss for words, but obviously I am not, otherwise I would not be writing this. I just saw my first professional fashion show in its entirety (albeit on my computer). Alexander McQueen S/S 10. OMG. See for yourself...http://bit.ly/19kiwE. Don't worry, I'll give you a second...

You back? Have the goosebumps faded back into your flesh? Did you pick your jaw up off the floor? Do you need to go change your undergarments? All perfectly reasonable reactions to the SPECTACLE that was that show. The shiny floor, the two robotic cameras running parallel down the runway, the erotic backdrop. And the styling! The Donnie Darko hair (well technically, it's Frank's ears), the prosthetics placed around the eyes, and those pale, shimmery alien faces. And the stars of the show: the shoes and clothes. OMG! The shoes (especially those worn at the onset of the show) were something out of a sado-masochist shoe fetishist's dream. What that man did with cut and patterns and colors was beyond amazing. It was OOC ("out of control"). While I totally appreciate the vision, talent, and imagination that went into the creation of all of the pieces, it really got good for me at around the 9:30 mark. You know, when the shoes changed to the ridunkulous shiny, lacquered, platform pumps? And the clothes were feminine and ruffly and they moved so good it made me want to melt.

It was so uber fantastic. It gave me chills. It was breath taking. But let's be real. The majority of those pieces are just not practical for women like me. And that's okay, because a lot of fashion is truly art; and just as every one can not have a Picasso or Monet hanging on their wall, every piece of haute couture or avant garde fashion is not meant to be physically accessible en masse. And that is okay. Even though I may never fiscally be able to even purchase an outfit straight of a Paris runway (nor am I sure if the beauty of something that high end would even translate in my world), I did acquire something very valuable just from viewing that show.

I can be fearless and bold when making everyday choices, particularly stylistically. I have always prided myself on being an individual. I embrace my uniqueness. When people say I'm weird, I say "thank you." That being said, there is a difference in being comfortable with yourself and taking that extra step to actually stand out. Mr. McQueen has encouraged me to shout without saying a word. Though I know he will never read these words, I want to take this opportunity to say to him, "Thank you, sir."

That being said, I feel the need to segue to a different, yet peculiarly related topic. As I said, I am an unique individual. And I seriously and deeply respect other people that are different from myself. Even when I don't understand where a person is coming from (and though this truly applies to all aspects of my life, for the purpose of this post, the focus is on style), and don't necessarily appreciate the aesthetics of or reasoning behind certain choices, as long as it is genuine and comes from a place of personal insight and respect, I can dig it. To each his own. But really-TO EACH, HIS OWN.

In other words, let me be me, and you BE YOU. While "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery," at what point does imitation become infringement upon someone else's intellectual property? We all derive inspiration from numerous sources, but when we derive inspiration from individuals, at what point does imitation turn into disrespect?

It's been a long day, filled with many lovely things and a little bit of ugliness. But I take solace in the fact that tomorrow is another day. What is your take on inspiration/imitation? Where do you draw the line between being flattered and being offended when someone is quite obviously mimic-ing you? My inquiring mind wants to know. Post a comment and we'll further this tantalizing stream of consciousness. 'Til next time...


Fashion Forever...


Quinn



BTW: Believe it or not, I actually put a lot of thought in to the titles of my blog posts. This one is a quote from the movie Donnie Darko. And in case you've never seen it, and thus do not get the reference between it and the Alexander McQueen show... here are some pictures of Frank (courtesy of www.depooter.org and www.listal.com)

House of Worth

So... I've always been a shoe fiend, well maybe not always, but since I was at least 12. Everyone in my family is taller than me, so though I am of average height,I developed something of a Napoleon Complex having to stand next to them constantly. So I began to wear high heels. I'm sure it was nothing more than two inches at first, but that was enough to put me face to face with my mother. Then of course as I got older, my heels got higher and higher, and over time, I never wore flats unless it was absolutely mandated (like for work or P.E.). In fact, it got to the point that I actually walked better in high heels (I would literally stumble whenever I wore sneakers). Long story short, I LOVE shoes, the higher the better.

Usually a love of shoes goes hand in hand with the love of handbags and I never really jumped on that wagon. Purses were cute but sort of strictly utilitarian for me. Often times, I would stuff necessities into my pockets (or the pockets of whoever was with me), a girlfriend's purse, or my cleavage (it was astounding how much would fit in there). This does mean that my handbags were not cute; they were actually quite cute. I just didn't really view them as accessories, or as a means to accent my clothing. I did not change my bag according to what I was wearing or what shoes I had on. I used the same bag until it wore out.

It was not until I met my husband that I grew to appreciate purses. He is the type of man that likes to give gifts, nice gifts. One of the first things he bought me was a beautiful soft pink Coach bag, with a suede bottom, silver hardware and a single brown leather strap. I was in love. I've never looked at handbags the same. And then I had LS.

I HAD to carry a diaper bag. The one we used was an adorable gift from a friend, so it was chic and useful (which is always awesome). But there was no way I was lugging around that behemoth of a bag AND a purse AND the baby. So I just put everything that I needed into the diaper bag as well. So no pretty purses for me for the last 16 months. Just my big pink diaper bag. But people, it's a new day!

Baby girl no longer needs the trappings incidental to newborns and infants. She's a big girl now. Her stuff can go in mommy's bag instead of vice versa. So I have a huge decision to make. What new pretty do I get? I've done my research and here it goes. Now some of these are obviously categorized as fantasy items (how many stay at home moms do you know that carry Alexander McQueen clutches?) but most are definitely in the running as new additions to my collection. I figure I need a good size purse, a multi purpose tote, and a clutch to cover all of my bases and quench the thirst that these long of abstinence have caused.

Here are the contenders:

The Rebellious II (in black) and
Peony Clutch (in silver) from
Carrie Valentine.
Carrie's bags have been seen on Gossip
Girl, and on the arms of Fergie, Eva Longoria
Parker, and Jessica Biel. She's also my
Twitter buddy, so please check out her site
by clicking on either of the bags.

*Pictures obtained from Carrie Valentine









Now these two lovelies are from Coach. I love the bright colors and especially the shiny pink patent leather. The pink one is called Spotlight and the multi colored tote is the Pop C Glam Tote. Click on them and it'll take you straight to the Coach website.
*Pictures obtained from www.coach.com







Juicy, Juicy, Juicy. I love this tote
because I could easily toss in some
library books, LS's neccessities, and
my stuff and it wouldn't be over
stuffed. Plus at the cost ($78) I won't
be terribly upset when it inevitably gets
messed up. Click on the bag to see
all the cuteness Juicy Couture has
to offer.
*Picture obtained from www.juicycouture.com




And here is my fantasy line up. The two clutches are from Alexander McQueen (I first fell in love with the design when I saw it in red crocodile in the September issue of Vogue) and I went head over heels for the Louis when I saw it on Avelle. In doing my research, I discovered a couple of new (well, new to me at least) sites that you can link to by clicking on each bag.

*Pictures obtained from www.polyvore.com

So what do you think? What are your must have bags for the season? And what about your ultimate fantasy bag? I know, I know. I was heavy on the pink. But it's something of a signature for me, so there : P . Give me some feedback. I'd love to hear from you.


Fashion Forever...


Quinn