Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now...

butter LONDON GIVE AWAY! ENTER NOW!

Up for Grabs: Perfect Finish Foot Creme, Nail Foundation (base coat), Hardwear (top coat), HRH and Yummy Mummy (3 free nail lacquers)

butter LONDON stormed NYC Fashion Week

butter LONDON stormed NYC Fashion Week this season, with the introduction of British Racing Green. Hand mixed by our very own Creative Director Nonie Creme for the Vena Cava show, this shade has already been noticed by Vogue, W Magazine, Lucky, Ladies Home Journal, and Redbook.

butter LONDON Featured on The Tyra Banks Show!

butter LONDON nail lacquers were featured on The Tyra Banks Show - Beauty Across America!

Hardwear-Lock your lacquer. Our quick dry, ultra glossy, non-toxic topcoat protects your lacquer, extending the life of your manicure.




Nail Foundation-the flawless basecoat



Perfect Finish Foot Creme-Imagine a product that contains the same active ingredients found in your anti-perspirant, suspended in Shea and Cocoa butter. Add a touch of Camphor for cooling, some Triclosan to prevent microbial growth, and you are looking at one special foot creme.

No lovelies, my pretty pink net book was not hijacked by tricky, duplicitous advertisers. I just wanted to give a proper introduction to some of the fantastic products that can be yours (yes, yours!) if you win...MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

That's right! Thanks to the lovely Nonie Creme, Creative Director of butter LONDON, I am offering my readers a chance to win a gift pack that includes: Nail Foundation (base coat), Hardwear (top coat), Yummy Mummy (a medium beige that is simply stunning on EVERY skin colour, 3 free nail lacquer, not pictured), HRH (a proper purple, 3 free nail lacquer, not pictured), and Powder Finish Foot Creme (all together it retails for about $92!).

All of butter LONDON's polishes are "3 free," meaning that they are free of the three toxic chemicals commonly found in nail polishes: Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, and Toluene. Oh and (after such a serious statement as that this may sound silly, but hey) they give their lacquers the cutest, cleverist British names! HRH is short for "her royal highness" (as in Queen Elizabeth), which is perfect for the royal shade of purple. And Yummy Mummy is Brit slang for "impossibly slender, beautiful, stay at home mums," and you know I love that seeing as my goal in life is to be a yummy mummy and all ( I'm close, just gotta work on the "impossibly slender" part!).

"So, how do I get my hands on such awesomeness?"-you may be anxiously wondering. Well obviously by taking visit to butter LONDON's website. Or... you can win it here!

From the time I was about 8 years old, whenever I got to pick a treat or had saved some allowance, I always got Lee Press On Nails. I always felt so grown up and pretty when I had on those long, fake fingernails (albeit, they only stayed on until the first time I washed my hands and my mother had me petrified that they would stay on permanantly and suffocate my real nails if I ever slept with them on overnight). As I grew older (and my hand steadier) I would give myself a weekly mani/pedi and literally changed my polish with outfit (or mood). Then when I got my first job at 16, I began making regular trips to the salon to have my nails done professionally. So I guess you could say that nail polish (and lip smackers) is my first make up love.

Even now, when I'm not feeling my poshest, when I paint my nails, it's the perfect little pick me up. At any given time, I have on at least 3 different shades of polish (one on my toes, and two different shades on my fingers-a trick that I picked up from Greta's Guide!) My choice combination of butter LONDON shades is London Underground with Billy No Mates for my hands and Mariner for my toes. In order to win the marvelous prize pack from butter LONDON, all you have to do is become a follower of Mama Fashionista, visit the butter LONDON website and leave a comment here telling me your fave color combination for the perfect mani/pedi. Please pick two shades and specify which one you would use on your hands and which one you would use on your feet. Nonie and I will pick our favorite, most creative color combo and send you a lovely basket of goodies! Please include your name and email address in your comments (we won't spam you but you will be added to butter LONDON's mailing list to receive updates on new releases, and promotional offers). The contest is open to readers in the US only (sorry international people!) and will run until 11:59 pm EST October 31, 2009. The winner will be notified via email by November 3, 2009.
So have fun and best wishes! Remember to be creative! 'Til next time...


Fashion Forever...


Quinn


FYI-Your entry will count twice if you also become a fan of Mama Fashionista on Facebook. Just let me know in your comments!


PS- Don't miss out on your chance to save 15% at Anique Michelle on line! Use promo code "mama" at check out through October 31 for your exclusive discount.

*descriptions of the butter LONDON products and their pictures were obtained from Nonie Creme and www.butterlondon.com

Closing (in on) the Gap

My youngest daughter is the hubby's firstborn and spitting image. It would be the understatement of the century to say that he is utterly infatuated with her and has been since birth (as well he should be). So it was not a huge surprise when I realized that today is the one year anniversary of the first time we took her to have studio pictures done; in fact we have averaged at least one session a month since that first photo shoot.


Equipped with that knowledge, as well as the fact that we have been snapping pictures of her constantly (with both of our Blackberry's and the family digital camera) since her introduction to the world, it should also not be a shock to me that at this most recent photo shoot, my 16 month old daughter actually posed. And I don't mean the normal hamming it up for the camera that she's been doing for months now (though she really went to town this time; the hubby was playing her favorite MJ jams and she had an audience to perform for), but full on hand on her cocked hip, over the shoulder looking, head tilted to the side posing. Not to mention the precocious smile and animated dancing. Suffice it to say, it was a fruitful session, so much so the hubby wants to submit her photo for the Gap Casting Call.


Now of course I think she's a winner (we definitely have the makings of a little model here; not to mention her big sister, her photo session is next week) and obviously so does the hubby (he's ready to go out and get her a manager/agent). But I'll admit, we may be just a little bit biased. So I'll ask you, what do you think? Is she Gap material? Should we consider a career in child modeling? Let me know. 'Til next time...


Fashion Forever...

Quinn


BTW-All the clothes she's wearing in the pictures (including the headband and those adorable sunnies) are from GAPkids (we think that may improve our odds). Her jewelry (bangle in the first picture and earrings throughout) are courtesy of one of my lovely sponsors Bebe Bling. You'll be hearing more about them soon. Also, stay tuned...I'm starting my first giveaway tomorrow and it's HUGE!


PS-FYI: Though we really are entering our girls in the Gap modeling contest dealie, I'm so not a stage mom it's not funny. I'm my girls' biggest cheerleader in everything they do, but something about the baby/child modeling world totally skeeves me out. So take this post with a grain of salt; it was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek. Just don't want you guys to think I'm some creepy pusher. I'm just the proud, yummy mummy of two intelligent, precocious, thoughtful, beautiful girls! Okay... enough gushing. 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!

Lusitania or Titanic: You Be the Judge

When I made the decision to blog, I also made the decision to devote time to educating myself (to the best of my ability) on my chosen subject matter. To that affect, I immediately ordered subscriptions to several publications: Vogue, W, Elle, Marie Claire, etc. I anxiously began to check the mail everyday (who am I kidding, most times I sent PS out to the mailbox), in anticipation of receiving these harbingers of style, my connection to the world of fashion at large.

See, up to this point, my day, my life, my world has revolved around being a wife and mother. I live and breath for my family. Every month I got no less than four parenting magazines and Women's Health (in an effort to motivate me and give me direction as far as losing the baby fat). But my subscriptions to In Style and Glamour...I let those lapse. And somewhere along the line, I let myself lapse too.

Life is about balance. Recognizing all the things that you are (to yourself and others) and endeavoring to give them equal play in your life is a challenge we all face. I struggled in that race for equilibrium for a while. But doing this has helped to restore some of my balance.

Imagine my delight when PS came back from the mailbox with the first Vogue from my subscription (prior to that, I had purchased the September issue sometime in August and the October issue in September) and then my sudden dismay at discovering that, though it was October (and my subscription had been placed in late August), I had received...the September issue. Though slightly annoyed, I calmly called customer service and explained the situation and the nice lady on the phone was very sympathetic and understanding and resolved the issue to the best of her ability. All in all, I was appeased (though still slightly annoyed) and decided to give one of the copies to my budding fashion designer. Problem solved, right?




Not so much. A few days later, I am once again overjoyed when PS returns from the mailbox with a publication I immediately recognize because of it's distinctive size, W. While I had at a point in my life been a regular reader of Vogue, this was my first experience with W and I was beyond ecstatic to familiarize myself with it's sophisticated style. So you can bet I was crestfallen when I discovered that it is not the November (or even October) issue that one would expect at this time, but the September issue...




So I hop on the phone with customer service, once again, and come to a similar resolution, once again. Then I come to a realization-both periodicals are owned by Conde Nast. And the mothership is having issues, n’est-ce pas ? Six of their major publications have been discontinued in the last two months or so (Domino, Cookie, Gourmet, Conde Nast Portfolio and two of their wedding titles) and layoffs abound. So maybe I should just be happy that I received my magazines at all; they seriously have bigger things to deal with right now.

But now I'm worried. Are these beloved bastions of style and taste and fashion and pretty in danger? Will we wake up one morning to discover (probably on Twitter if you're anything like me) that the fashion Bible that is Vogue is no longer to be printed (though if they wanted to drop the guillotine on French Vogue it could be forgiven. I mean really, black face as an artistic statement, COME ON!)? Oh fashion gods, let that black day never come!

Well darlings, mommyhood is calling me, so I must be off. Do you have any suggestions as far as additional magazines I may be interested in? What are your must read monthlies? Let me know. 'Til next time...


(And don't forget, through the month of October, you can get 15% off at Anique Michelle boutique by using the promo code "mama" at check out!)

(Oh and the covers pictured here are both October issues and obtained from Conde Nast)

Fashion Forever...


Quinn

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

All Good Things Must Come to an End?

Long, long weekend. Up with the girls at 5am Saturday and Sunday. Got to dress us all up (my girls are pretty pretty princesses!), and see some folks I haven't seen in a long while. I am astounded by the love and kindness of some very special people in my family's life. All in all, a good time was had by all, and now I'm beyond exhausted but feel obligated to write (in a good way), so here I am.






On the fashion/style/beauty front, I made a few acquisitions this weekend (in an effort to bolster my resolve to start posting pictures) that are directly related to previous blog posts (here and here), so now I'm actually excited to take pictures to show you guys!

I also got my first tube of Kiehl's Lip Balm (in Mango, so yummy!).


It's so good you guys! So now I'm totally tempted to splurge and get the six pack special anniversary set...


It includes Original, Vanilla, Mango, Coconut, Mint, and Cranberry scents. It's $32 which breaks down to about $5.34 per tube and they're normally around $8.50, so it's a decent deal. Plus they're fabulous!

So I'm thinking... To buy or not to buy, that is the question. I'd love to get some feedback. Are there any Kiehl's users out there that can let me know if I really need 6 tubes of lip balm all at once? What's the average life span of a tube for a pretty regular user? And, since I already have a tube of the Mango, it's possible that I may work this in to a GIVEAWAY (instead of just passing the tube on to PS like I usually do)! This is all contingent on response though, so let me know: is Kiehl's the best? Or is my balm buck better spent elsewhere? Inquiring minds want to know. And who knows, maybe you'll receive a balm for your thoughts... 'Til next time...


Oh, and stay tuned... The Go-Girl promotion might be over (thank you to everyone who participated; it'd be cool if you let me know what you purchased!), but stay tuned tomorrow-Mama has something else in the works for you!


(And as usual, you can click on the pictures and it will link you to the page where you can purchase the sited products if you are so inclined. The pictures were obtained from www.kiehls.com)


Fashion Forever...


Quinn