Momma's got a brand new bag...

I am not easily seduced by a handbag. I don't like bells and whistles, chains, studs, flashy logos or status totes. And the prices...yikes! Don't even get me started about diaper bags...what new mom is organized enough to put the correct thing in the correct pocket and those changing pads are ridiculously small. So, I end up schlepping around whatever free farmer's market tote I have handy and call it a day. Chic and polished it is not...filthy and functional is more like it.

Which brings me to these gorgeous specimens from Fleabags. I was flipping through the new issue of Elle when I spotted them. Super eco friendly, exceptionally chic, roomy and sturdy. It fullfills one of favorite fashion personas 'I live in Brooklyn and summer in Maine'. Limited Edition, made in New York by hand.

I'd pair it with some....

Ray Ban Wayfarers, (or these Target knockoffs)

a cozy grandpa cardigan from American Apparel,

rolled up matchstick ankle jeans,

a white vneck men's tee a la Alexander Wang (via target men's dept),
a chunky 'found object' necklace by Lizzie Fortunato,

and some menswear inspired oxfords...hipster mom complete!

Xoxo

Michelle

as always...10% off for Pretty Mommy readers using code PM09

Spotted - Meryl Streep in Matta

Went to see Bright Star on Friday (lovely!) and spotted Meryl Streep wearing the Matta Dupatta Scarf in White in the trailer for It's Complicated with Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin...looks great on her!

fUGG be gone!

Around March 15th of every year I take off my pair of Uggs, hurl them down the basement stairs and yell "No More!!" Yes, they are comfy and warm but nothing makes me feel less cute than these frumpy boots. Combined with hat hair, itchy sweaters, and 6 months of Minnesota winter, it can make any normal girl into a grump...much less a native of sunny Austin, TX. This year, I am banning them from my closet and I urge you to do the same as I have found a perfect solution! Not only is there the classic Hunter Welly I mentioned previously but I've stumbled upon these seriously cute Clog Boots...






I vaguely remember reading about them circa 2007, but since I was in the midst of new baby madness, I filed them in my mental rolodex for another day. Fast forward a bit and I spied this cool short version on cutie pie mom Michelle Williams.



No. 6 Store - $355
**a word about the No 6 boots, I'm kind of obsessed!! They are amazing and are made to order so you can get them in any height (great for super shorties like moi!) Call 1 212 226 5759 to order - the girls at the shop are super nice and helpful! and please mention I sent you because I desperately wanted to carry them this season and they turned me down :( **




When I finally started to get proactive about my disdain for another Ugg filled winter, I put two and two together and came up with this perfect compromise from Sven. Lined with shearling for warmth, WATER proof leather (unlike that other brand that leaves me with wet feet), and a cool bendable, non skid clog sole...Sold!!





They are perfect with some thick tights and a skirt or this cool plaid cape and dark skinny jeans...sigh! I love it when comfort and practicality meet in one hip package.



Don't forget: 10% off at Pretty Mommy using code PM10 at checkout and free shipping!

xoxo
Michelle

Guest Blogging at Blooma

Check out our guest blog at Blooma today!
xoxo
Michelle

Pretty Bebe

I was very excited Wednesday to hit my favorite yoga studio, Blooma, and get back into a fall routine. It's really such a sanctuary for moms and mom-to-be and has the awesome bonus of on site child care while you practice. Unfortunately, Lila is going through a bit of a separation anxiety phase and was wailing "no yoga, go home!" as soon as we landed...pfft! I'm such a softie (i.e. pushover) that I gave in and left without hitting my mat. Luckily, the best kids store in Minneapolis, Bebe Babble happens to be right behind Blooma so I took the opportunity to browse the new goodies. For those not in the know, Bebe Babble is owned by the ultra stylish mom Kendra Lewis who used to be a trend and Product Development Manager for Target.

She has an amazing eye for kid's clothing with a vintage/modern flair (okay, I know that's an oxymoron but it's true!). A perfect example is the Pink Chicken line of cotton dresses. Gorgeous fabrics in lovely swingy shapes. A bit spendy, but as your little one grows it morphs from a dress, to a tunic over leggings, and eventually becomes a top with jeans. The cost per wear is extremely affordable. Love how I rationalize :)

Pink Chicken Isabelle Dress - $72

This little trompe l'oeil sweater dress from Egg is so cute and cozy...perfect over tights with some great boots for winter! $66

I've been dreaming about these purple cheetah print ballet flats for Miss L since I spied them last week...tres chic with jeans and a cozy sweater!

Bloch Leopardina Shoes - $66

In the end I couldn't decide between all the cute clothes and took home one of these great toy bins instead...after Lila's bday our house is overflowing with trainsets, tiaras, etc...(oh, and those polly pockets I keep trying to hide!)

3 Sprouts Storage Bins - $39

xoxo

Michelle

ps don't forget to check out http://www.shopprettymommy.com/ - New Lizzie Fortunato!!

Happy Birthday to you!!

My little Lila turns 2 on Sunday and I've been a whirlwind of party planning activities (hence the absence of blog posts lately). I've indulged my inner Martha making paper flowers, passed off baking responsibilities to Franklin Street, pulled off one playdate party with 14 small children, and have one small family party to go...whew!

The flowers are a fun way to do decorations and easily done at night in front of the Tivo (i've been catching up with Mad Man - season 2 WOW!)...Franklin Street Bakery (in Mpls) does amazing cupcakes with the perfect amount of frosting .

Of course, having a party is a perfect excuse for a couple of new outfits. However I really hate the idea of special occasion items...if I buy something I love I want to wear it all the time! This fits the bill perfectly:

Gathered Alyssum Dress - $138 - at Anthropologie. It's cotton, washable, the bubble gives it a bit of an edge and you can throw leggings and a cardigan with it as soon as the weather turns cool.

I'd throw this cute pink belt on from Etsy - $7.50
for some fun color.


and toss this Silence & Noise Moto Jacket - $128 - over it for a night out. Tough and pretty at the same time.

I adore J Crew's crewcuts collection for kids but usually refrain from indulging until it's on mega sale...however, I had to splurge on this for the birthday girl and she looked too darn cute!

Girl's Flamenco Tee - $38

Girl's Silk Bubble Skirt - $29.50




I tried to get her to accessorize but, like clips, headbands, and ponytails, this necklace was a no go...oh well! there's always next year!

Girl's Crazy Bead Necklace - $14.50

I have lots of posts in my brain so after the party weekend is over I'll be back...xoxo

Remember, check out http://www.shopprettymommy.com/

use code PM09 for 10% and free shipping

Cabin Fever

The Cabin is to the Twin cities what the Hamptons are to Manhattan. Every weekend of the summer your neighbors disappear "up north" or to Wisconsin (humorous that in the land of 10,000 lakes most lake cabins happen to be across the state line?). They fish for wall eye, swim, and make s'mores while fighting off mosquitos with 3m powered Deet. Not exactly my cup of tea but a family tradition I must participate in nonetheless. So, as everyone packs up for one last weekend of outdoor fun here are my cozy cabin picks that transition into Fall seamlessly!

Plaid shirts are big this season and I love the tunic shape of this Pattern Duo Tunic at Anthropologie - $78

(Also, it takes me back a bit to '93 when I fully rocked the grunge look)

I'm ditching my Uggs this winter in favor of some classic Hunter Wellies - $115 - perfect for wading in streams while flyfishing?, splashing in puddles with the kids, and lined with welly socks in the snow.

Who wants to worry about bad hair when you're on vacation? These super cute headbands from Live Savvy - $20 - take you from frump to fab with no effort at all!

I love this Poplin Cargo Jacket at J Crew - $78 - for early morning walks, cozy campfire nights and everything in between. Even better, it's on sale! A nice alternative to the ubiquitous hoodie.

Last but not least, a proper pair of pajamas are necessary when you have to make breakfast with the inlaws. I've been seriously obsessed with this Boyfriend PJ Top by Steven Alan - $160 - although the price tag is a little steep. Totally classic, menswear inspired Navy microdots with white piping. I'd have these monogrammed in a beautiful script and wear them to death.

Happy Labor Day xoxo!

PS - Don't forget to check out http://www.shopprettymommy.com/