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Thursday, October 8, 2009

In the Great Green Room...

So sleepy, but I must write. It's been a very long day fueled by very little sleep. But this morning I was fortunate enough to have the wonderful Jennine (of The Coveted and IFB fame) actually respond to my email! I was beyond flattered and I am so grateful to her for having started the IFB; it's an invaluable resource and I'm very honored to be a part of it. She suggested that as a fashion blog, I really need to have more pictures on my site. And I have really taken her feedback to heart.

I disclosed my trepidations about putting pictures of myself up on the blog in a previous post, and it's obvi that I have not been able to get past them (yet). But a new day is coming. I'm picking the perfect outfit from top to bottom. I don't want to give off the appearance of trying to hard, but I want my debut to resonate from a place of insight and meaning. So look out world, 'cause here I come! But not tonight, because there is a quiet old lady whispering "hush..." 'Til next time...


(And don't forget-you have until Sunday to get 15% off at www.shopgogirl.com. Use Promo code "GOGIRL." Hurry!)


Fashion Forever...

Quinn


FYI- The post title and the bit about the old lady at the end are from the classic children's book GOOD NIGHT MOON , written by Margaret Wise Brown with pictures by Clement Hurd. If you grew up in an alternative/parallel universe and did not have the distinct pleasure of having it read to you as a child or conversely reading it to your own little ones, please seriously consider purchasing it (if you click on the book title, it'll take you to Amazon). Your welcome : )



Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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 )

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

"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)

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Land of the Lost

So... I'll try to keep this brief. It's a beautiful, clear blue sky, sun shiny Saturday. I should be out and about, enjoying this lovely, lovely day with the hubby and LS. We even discussed taking baby girl to the playground and taking advantage of one of the spectacular parks that our tax dollars pay for. But here I am, on the computer, my entire afternoon lost in cyberspace.

Don't get me wrong. It's been a very productive and enjoyable day. I just fell like Alice down a hole, where link after link has led me further into the land of fashion/beauty/style on the net. It's truly a wondrous world and I hope to soon be a full fledged citizen of it (as of right now, I still feel like an alien resident on the outskirts).

Anyway, I really think it's worth the time to devote an hour or so (set an alarm or something, because otherwise you too will find yourself looking up at the clock trying desperately to figure out where all the time went) to exploring what is out there in the "blogosphere." When you see something you like, click on some of the sites that they like, and so on and so forth. Expose yourself to something new and creative and beautiful. Open your eyes to appreciate styles that may be far removed from your own, but are fierce and fearless in their unique individuality. Be inspired. And then try to inspire others. Pay it forward.

If you need a way to get started, there are some lovely suggestions on the sidebar. If you have any suggestions for new lovelies for me to discover, feel free to post a comment below. Til next time...


Fashion Forever...


Quinn

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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 Valen
tine.
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 di
scovered 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

It's PINK!!!


So... This is totally going to be a two post day because I'm stupid excited over the awesome gift the hubby got me. He got me an itty bitty Dell Netbook... and it's PINK!!! I love it! So I'm super inspired and motivated because he got it in total support of my endeavors with this blog. Can you believe that?!?!

So basically every time I look at the cute little PINK netbook, I'll be reminded of the faith that my husband has in me and it will totally motivate me to write. So prepare to be inundated with my words! Lol...


Fashion Forever


Quinn
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