Pretty Mommy

I need a fix...

2012-02-01T13:04:00.000-06:00

Is it Sunday yet...because I'm all caught up on Downton Abbey and I NEED a fix...I know, I know - you're sick of hearing about it already but peer pressure, peer pressure...just watch it! Oh, and while you're at it add Up All Night to your TiVo...seriously, you'll thank me...

I vowed to not buy any magazines this year (as I stare at the pile languishing in the corner) but I want to read this GP interview in the new Bazaar...umm wowsa!

Thanks to Kate's instagram feed I can't stop eating avocado toast with black pepper & sea salt...why has it taken me 36 years to figure out something so simple?

and Speaking of green - i finally took the plunge and ordered some pressed juicery... Not doing the full cleanse but needed a little detox action...

Although maybe it's my twitter feed that needs some cleaning up...keep getting sucked in to @Gawker's blind items - so salacious and scandalous...dirty, dirty...

And speaking of celeb news I think Rose Byrne just killed it at the SAG's - especially after the fashion snooze fest that was the Golden Globes, no?

Okay...that's my pop culture minute...what are you lovelies up to these days?

xoxo, M

Ps - new small trades tees in the shop & Heidi Merrick is on the way! Preorder to get first dibs...

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Julianne Ahn, Object + Totem

2012-01-25T07:15:00.000-06:00

In my book, you'd be hard pressed to find many other jewelry collections as special as that made by artist Julianne Ahn...hand dyed, wrapped, beautifully glazed & hand made ceramic beads...from start to finish they are completely wearable works of art...(so wearable and covetable that every time I wear a piece of Object +Totem someone tries to buy it off my neck)...and the fact that Julie happens to be one of the nicest designers I've had the pleasure of working with? well, that's just icing on the cake!

Something I Want:
A Leather Snap Wallet by my friends, Aylor and Jessica, of Absolute Classic Masterpieces

Something I Need:
A Herman Miller Ergonomic Stool for studio - i work long hours on my bum :(

Something to Wear:
The Ferus Dress in Black by Popomomo - such a simple classic piece that can be worn "as-is" or layered...

Something to Read:
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Something I Made:
my ceramics - I've been putting corks on them so they're a bit more functional and can be used for holding things like oil, salt, spices, genies, etc.

Have a cozy weekend, y'all!

2012-01-21T01:15:00.000-06:00

Howdy friends! Minnesota dipped into negatives this week so we ran away to Austin (the perks of being related to an airline pilot!) but if we were still snow bound I'd be dipping into my stash of Bellocq Tea. I had ordered some for myself and fell in love with it so of course I had to order it for the shop as well - current favorite is Hindu Holiday - yum!

also new to the shop, more amazing A Peace Treaty

scarves! Super gorgeous and soft - the perfect mid winter breath of fresh air...Okay, off to consume ridiculous amounts if texmex... Happy Weekend!

Ps - i almost forgot!! Take an extra 50% off all SALE items - enter "Halfoff" at checkout www.shopprettymommy.com

Pps - sorry for wonky post - typing it via phone ;)

An Instagram a Day..

2012-01-18T13:12:00.001-06:00

I think I may have mentioned I have a tiny instagram addiction? Sometimes it's just so easy to communicate via an image and I love seeing what everyone else is up to as well...I've been participating in the January photo a day challenge and here's how our month has been shaping up...

1. you - yeah, that's me

2. breakfast - New Year's Day panettone from my favorite bakery Patisserie 46

3. something I adore - pink sunsets

4. something I wore - Small Trades stripes and my ever rotating selection of Dream Collective

5 - something that makes me smile - ruffle butt jammies and big brown eyes

6. my favorite - evening routine...vitamins, coconut oil, RODIN olio lusso...done

7. My sky - has been pleasantly bright blue this month!

8. Daily Routine - reading Peter Pan to Lila while Louisa naps...

9. Childhood - Lila found this heart inside a nut shell and gave it to me ;)

10. Where I Sleep - the one room in the house that is usually not a complete mess

11. Close-up - of my favorite Pink Himalayan Salt

12. In my Bag - Clare Vivier of course...

13. What I'm Reading - 40 Years of Chez Panisse: The Power of Gathering - all the Alice Waters pictures are amazing

14. Happiness - watching Lila pull out some impromptu dance moves at the MIA

15. Morning - usually Lou & Me

Happy Wednesday to everyone and safe travels to all my girls headed to Alt - I will miss meeting you all in person!

xoxo, M

Awwwesome....

2012-01-12T09:58:00.000-06:00

Paul photo by Linda...

Do you ever have writer's block because you have too much to say and can't wrap your brain around it all? I feel like I'm composing great, lengthy blog posts to all of you in my head and when I sit down to write it all becomes a big jumble...so I'll just say hello and this is awesome...that's all!

xoxo, M

ps - I've been having fun with the January photo a day challenge over on Instagram...wanna join me? Find me under shopprettymommy

pps - the sale continues at the shop...take an extra 20% off using "lastcall" at checkout and look for new arrivals from A Peace Treaty & Bellocq Tea later this week - yippee!

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Melissa Coker, Wren

2012-01-05T16:11:00.000-06:00

Even if Melissa Coker of Wren wasn't one of the cutest/coolest ladies out there I'd still have a huge girl crush on her for designing some of my favorite pieces of the season including my go to date dress...always glamorous but never trying to hard - I'm super excited to get my hands on the forthcoming spring collection! Here's a peek at her holiday wishlist (yes, I'm a little behind!)... Thanks Melissa!

Something you Want:

I just moved & am wanting some John Robshaw pieces for my new place

Something you Need:

Desperately need a laptop case

Something to Wear:

Anything Dream Collective. I've been eyeing the snakes eye cuff

Something to Read:

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

Something to Gift:

Friends & family are receiving cozy sweaters to keep them warm

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T13:35:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Nice to see you on the other side...did you have a magical NYE? I'm a fan I must say - any holiday that revolves around eating, drinking, and dancing is good in my book...we took the girls on a lantern lit hike, roasted some s'mores, noshed on crab legs at my sis-n-laws, quaffed some champagne and the cousins jumped & twirled in a surprise snowstorm with snowflakes as big as their hands - mind you we were home by 9:30...

traditionally I'm not much of a resolutions kind of girl...something about rules & expectations has never been my cup of tea...and I think especially with young children you need to go easy on yourself (my husband would probably say I'm too easy) but flexibility and spontaneity are welcome attributes in my book! I think the theme of the past few years has been to take a deep breath when I'm frustrated about not doing something on my agenda and say (as the lovely Trina just reminded me) "There's always next year..." Like the fact that I just sold my ticket to ALT because Miss Lou doesn't like her mama to be away for more than a couple of hours...I'm still feeling a little sick about missing out on the fun but...there's always next year...so this year I intend to work less and mommy more...whew!

and if I manage to cook more,

declutter more,

wear a red kimono (holy girl crush right? Joslyn just blogged about this site - instant addiction),

drink champagne out of vintage coupes (I'm on the hunt after coveting my sisnlaws),

break out the candelabra once a week (I just bought this and Lila declared our Christmas Eve candlelit feast - "The fanciest meal ever!")

make it to London for our 10 year anniversary sans kiddos (reservations set - places to go? stay?)

revive my vegetable garden

and sneak in more dates with the Mr

and more brunches with my friends

it will be icing on the cake!

Speaking of work - fall/winter collections have been marked down AND you can take an extra 20% off any order over $150 using "LASTCALL" at checkout...

xoxo, M

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Breanna, Scout & Catalogue

2011-12-27T12:24:00.002-06:00

Whoa! Did Christmas just come and go? (and can I breathe a secret sigh of relief?) Hope you all had a fantastic holiday! It was a whopping 50 degrees here yesterday, sunny & NO SNOW! Which was like a huge present to me...I still have a whole weeks worth of designer wish lists to post (which can come in handy if you have some xmas money burning a hole in your pocket - speaking of, have you checked out the major sale over at the shop?)...Next up is Breanna of Scout & Catalogue fame...I know that quite a few of her constellation clutches were nestled in boxes under the tree and I just might of snuck away a neon one for myself...

Something you Want:

Obviously I'm a sucker for large beautiful scarves and I've been eyeing up this indigo A Peace Treaty wrap for awhile now.

Something you Need:

I'm in desperate need of winter shoes and the classic Swedish Hasbeens Jodhpur boots in black are calling my name. (on model photo courtesy of Wikstenmade)

Something to Wear:

This is our second true Canadian winter and this time I'm going to be ready for it with one of these amazing recycled fur hats by Rachel F.

Something to Read:

If you had the choice to travel into the past or future which direction would you choose? I would definitely head for the past but since time travel isn't an option the lovely book At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson is surely the next best thing. Using the traditional Victorian English home as a guide Bryson takes you through history and shows you how our current domestic habits have been shaped by our past.

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Sonya Gallardo

2011-12-22T13:04:00.001-06:00

I love it when multi-facted artists turn their attention to jewelry - the results are always thoughtful & organic... Sonya Gallardo and her Hi/Low collection are no exception...the simple & sexy designs are inspired by Rothko & symbols found in folk art and are already a shop favorite...Thanks to Sonya for sharing her Want/Need/Wear/Read!

Something you Want: Shino Takeda cone hanging planter
Something you Need: Caran d'Ache neon ball pen
Something to Wear: heels by A Detacher
Something to Read: Egon Schiele: Drawings and Watercolors

Something to Gift: color stack bracelet (releasing this Spring).

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Winifred Grace

2011-12-19T15:12:00.002-06:00

Yay! I'm back to kick off another week of wish lists with jewelry designer Winifred Grace Gundeck...I'm a huge fan of her glam yet earthy mix and her bold black & gold combinations strike just the right note for this time of year...I'd be a happy girl to find any of her jewels under the tree but this necklace with a bit a bright blue thrown in might be a personal favorite...and Winifred has a big holiday ahead with the impending arrival of her first born! Thanks WG!

Something You Want:

Brunello Cucinelli Wing-Tip Flat Work Boot

what every new mom needs! a $1200 boot! although I do think these would last until I'm a grandmother: impeccably-made and timeless.

Something you Need: Stylish baskets to store baby's toys

Something to Wear: a custom swimsuit (to accommodate my newest post-baby curves) from awesome NY-based company Malia Mills

Something to Read: The Happiest Baby on the Black here's hoping!!

Something to gift:
I've been wearing this non stop as it is so easy and light. Great layered or by itself, and transitions into Spring perfectly ... some family members will be seeing this under their tree!

Ballet! and a POP- up!

2011-12-16T15:50:00.001-06:00

Good afternoon friends! Lila and I had our annual Nutcracker date this morning...we're going on our third year and it really is my absolute favorite holiday thing...something about it just feels magical...I never get tired of the costumes & music...I think I've posted some of these pictures before but I just had to revisit this series Rachel Papo did last year...someday I'd love to take the girls to New York and see the ABT production...wouldn't that be dreamy?

what is your tippy top favorite thing this season??

Speaking of revisiting we decided to throw together a last minute pop-up for the locals! If you are in the Twin Cities come join me this Sunday at Spruce from 11 - 3! I'll be bringing along all the fantastic jewelry collections, new Small Trades tees, Clare Vivier handbags, Matta scarves and more...

Spruce: 4751 Chicago Ave S Mpls, MN

Happy Weekend - I'll be back all next week with more designer wishlists - yay!!

xoxo

Michelle

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Jennifer Sarkilahti, Odette

2011-12-15T15:09:00.001-06:00

Well, we might as well continue in the Brooklyn vibe with today's Want/Need/Wear/Read and check in with yesterday's studio mate - Jennifer Sarkilahti of Odette...another huge favorite around these parts (I've been sporting the rib ring nonstop and her arrow cuffs might be the most popular wishlist item of the season) I'm also totally crushing on her picks...(dreaming of a Jamaica getaway and can personally vouch that those Bea boots are the BEST) Thank you Jennifer!!

Something you want:

A few days here

Something you need:

Aesop Hydrating Cream

Something to wear:
Another pair of Beatrice Valenzuela shoes

Something to read:
An Everlasting Meal:Cooking with Economy and Grace

Something to Give:

A lot of friends and family will be finding Arrow Cuffs under the tree this

year!

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Anne McClain, MCMC

2011-12-14T14:56:00.000-06:00

Today's Want/Need/Wear/Read comes from another favorite brooklynite - Anne McClain, the lovely gal behind one of my absolute favorite fragrance lines MCMC...I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite...Hunter, Noble, Maine...they are all equally dreamy but lately I've been wearing Noble and can't get enough of smelling myself...(Is that totally weird)...and her Dude no 1 Beard Oil is the best stocking stuffer for that hipster boy in your life... Thank you for sharing your holiday wishlist Anne!!

Something you want:

Michele Quan Bell

Something you need:

Cozy Slippers

Something to Wear:

Mociun's Mismatched Triangle Stud Earrings

Something to Read:

the Love Travel Guides

and Something to Gift:

I'm gifting everyone in my family Garden - I think they'll like knowing 50% of the proceeds goes to a farm in upstate New York

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Ilana Kohn

2011-12-13T12:22:00.003-06:00

If you been around these parts for a while you know my favorite gift giving mantra for the holidays (via my awesome Mom) is "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read..." For me, it has really helped simplify the more, more, more craziness that can happen this time of year and in the past I've had some of my favorite bloggers chime in...this year though, I thought I'd invite some of my favorite designers to share their wishlists and I'm thrilled to kick things off with one of my favorite discoveries of 2011 (yes, I know - how was I not a fan before??) brooklyn based Ilana Kohn.

Something you want:

I already have a couple of Ermie dresses but I'm greedy and always want more! Jennifer's textiles are just insanity.

Something you need:

I was in desperate need of a new wallet and just got this amazing one from Rennes over the weekend. Thank goodness for this thing, I can finally find what I need! And if it looks good in the picture, it’s even better in person I tell ya.

Something to Wear:

also have quite a few Brvtvs pieces and wear them all the time. This one reminds me of a necklace my mom always wore when I was a kid. That said, I want to wear it. Everyday.

Something to Read:

Jane Eyre. This one never gets old.

As for what I’m giving to friends & family:
I’m hoping to have one of these for my partner in marbling crime Emily in time for x-mas. She’ll look way hot in it. :)
Thanks for including me in this Michelle! :)
xx-i

Thank you Ilana!

I've been living in her Samet Shirt and there are a few lucky girls on my list who might find one of her + Emily's marbled scarves in their stocking on Christmas morning...

xoxo, M

Operation January

2011-12-09T10:52:00.001-06:00

pic - Solid Frog via Miya's pinterest

So here's my beef with the holidays (oh, come on, you knew it was coming...) - December is absolutely packed to the brim with so many events, gatherings, and seasonal fun that it becomes well, a bit of a drag and the overabundance of specialness looses it's well, specialness...and then January comes along empty, gray and quiet with it's bleak depressing skies...throw in some car window scraping, some itchy sweaters, some icy sidewalks and by February I'm grumpier than all get out...so last night, while furiously trying to put together a holiday card order and realizing that I would have to pay the express fee to get them anywhere near in time to send out for Christmas..it dawned on me...why not take half my December list and move it to January? Those Christmas cards could easily be New Year's cards right? That advent calendar I still haven't gotten around to making? Why not have a January calendar with a fun treat or event everyday of the month? and you know if I skip half my baking projects I might not have to drink smoothies the first half of the new year, eh? So that's my plan...I'm taking it down a notch in December and turning it up a bit in January...balance...it's a good thing!

A couple of happy makers today...

good Christmas music...digging the She & Him holiday station on Pandora - mostly free of cheese (although a Jessica Simpson track did show up - wah?)

and finding something to put on my holiday wishlist (note to husband - Tom Dixon etch candleholder) that is

a) something I didn't already buy for myself (oh yeah, I'm one of those)

and b) not so expensive that I'm embarrassed to ask for it

okay - that's it - Louisa is trying out her typing skills so I better close it up and get going!

xoxo,

PS - Want to win a $100 Pretty Mommy Gift Certificate?? Like me on Facebook and share the contest link with your friends - let me know you did on here or facebook! I'll pick a winner on Monday...

Dear John...

2011-12-08T13:43:00.001-06:00

Have you caught the American Masters about John Lennon's years in NYC? He seemed like a really good Dad...chokes me up everytime...pay your respects here...

It's LE CATCHing...

2011-12-05T14:01:00.001-06:00

Hellllooooo long lost friends!! Anyone out there? or are you all running around trying to get up to speed since the holiday season is in full swing? Our calendar is already packed to the brim with Nutcrackers, reindeers, pomanders, tree trimming, and cookies...oh my! I really am at a loss as to where to pick up on this blog again so I thought I'd pop in with something simple and fun and then dive into what's been happening around these parts later this week - whew!

Even though I've been tweeting & facebooking daily about the shop I really have made good on my promise to be away from the computer more so I'm feeling a bit out of the loop blog wise...but I did happen to find this gem on Clare's site called Le Catch...written by Lucky's west coast editor, Marlien Rentmeester (that's her on the right with her twin sister in the new Madewell catalog), it's a fantastic hi-low how to get dressed guide...especially perfect for this time of year when holiday parties can throw you into a sartorial tailspin (although I'm completely convinced that you can almost wear sweatpants if you have one awesomely big statement necklace to throw on...I wore this one Friday night and it was a knockout).

Hope this finds you all well!

xoxo, M

ps - because it's the season - take 25% off all orders over $150 and FREE US shipping...enter "countdown" at checkout...check out the new arrivals!

pps - I have a handy "Under $50" and "under $100" section - lots of goodies!

Black Friday!

2011-11-25T10:35:00.001-06:00

I'm headed back from a dreamy mountain trip (without wifi! All week! Yikes!) so I'll keep it brief... One day... 30% off...it's all happening...(with a few exceptions)...www.shopprettymommy.com
Xoxo, M

Making a list...

2011-11-23T12:08:00.001-06:00

If you've read this blog for any length of time you probably know I'm a HUGE fan of Simone LeBlanc...I'd like to think that because we share the same last name we must be kindred sartorial spirits but the truth is Simone has a far more sophisticated eye (as befits one of LA's top lifestylists)...so I was especially thrilled to see she had picked a Matta scarf from the shop for her gift guide in the new Anthology magazine...the issue is chock full of great ideas for everyone on your list so head on over and check it out...Merci Beaucoup Simone!

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends...

2011-11-14T22:33:00.001-06:00

Whew!! How are you girlies? I feel like I completed a whirlwind Project Runway challenge this weekend... "you have $200 & 4 hours to put an entire shop together...Make it work!"...luckily I had many wonderful friends & an excellent husband to help me pack up, put up, sell, sell, sell, break down, and put in order again...( as befits a PR challenge I was still tagging items as the party started) The pop-up shop was a blast - thank you to everyone who stopped in to check it out! The best part was getting to hang out with my favorite gals in the city (and I apologize if your pocketbooks feel a little lighter friends!)...I truly appreciate your support!

So here is a little shout out to all the awesome people who made it happen...(seriously, does everything in my life takes a village?)

To Amy - who's flower shop Spruce is one of the most gorgeous, warm spaces in the city - completely reflective of her personality

To Mandee, my lovely assistant who always takes care of the nuts & bolts and keeps the show going

To Emily F, my retail partner in crime, who lent her excellent vintage curating skills to the mix, helped from start to finish, and has the amazing shop Collect

To Nadia, aka Revelry Studio, who not only lent her super awesome styling talents to the whole shebang but also rounded up all her fantastic friends AND trekked back to help pack it up...

To Emily S, who took time out from her two boys to help set up and take pictures, and might secretly be my Pretty Mommy shop muse...(did I mention how much I love those dull Diamond girls? Her and Jen are the bees knees - for real)

To Wendy, who picked up cupcakes last minute, always inspires me to want to be more thoughtful, and has a fantastic new blog, Brown Ink, about the lost art of the handwritten word...(or at least it's a lost art to me)

To Joslyn & Christine, who were there spirit - Joslyn's Pace necklaces literally flew out of the door and every little girl who walked into Spruce couldn't help but swoon over the Little Bean dresses

and To Sally who is always whipping up adverts for me at a moments notice, to Carina who gave me the one thing I wanted for the weekend - good hair, and To Vasilia who is forever getting me organized...

you ladies are all rock stars...

AND...big ups to my husband who kept the two littles happy, fed, and entertained...xoxoxoxo, M

ps - if you are so inclined...you can check out more pics on the PM facebook page...

It's all Happening..

2011-11-11T09:44:00.001-06:00

I'm feeling a little epic today...so here's a 7 minute Wilco jam to get things started...Hope to see you Minneapolitans at the POP-UP this weekend.... Tonight at Spruce (on Chicago across from Turtle Bread) 6-9 and Saturday from 10-1...and for all the rest of you lovelies - Happy 11/11/11 !

xoxo, M

Just because...

2011-11-07T12:32:00.001-06:00

Just because...every girl needs more stripes

an endless assortment of slouchy, cool clutches...

and elegant, organic basics...

new arrivals from Small Trades, Marie Turnor, and Loup Charmant now at the shop!

xoxo, M

talking points...

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

pics of Sofia have nothing to do with this post...and are here only because...she's awesome..

(via habitually chic & jeana sohn)

Real Conversations...
Watching Parenthood (which makes me cry...Every. Single. Episode)
Me: "Yay! They actually made Cristina look like a new mom...stringy hair, no makeup, pajamas..."Husband, smirking: "and do you think she'll still look like that 6 months from now?" (perhaps referring to my current state?)
fake laughter ensues...

On the Way to the Dr's yesterday:
Me: "Okay Lila, I don't think it's going to happen but just to prepare you, you MIGHT have to get a shot today"
Lila: "okay, well, I MIGHT have to run then..."
loud belly laughs from the front seat...

Seriously...where did this week go?? I've been buried under a mountain of new arrivals...seriously the store is bananas right now - really super fantastic stuff!! but I think I may have over shopped a bit...which means you can still use that extra "40off" on sale (I added a few new things) and "vip" on any order over $150...
Have a great weekend!
xoxo, m

Pipe Dreams

2011-11-02T09:06:00.001-05:00

Hey Friends! Melissa of Reverie Daydream (gorgeous SHOP!) invited me to do some wishful thinking on her lovely blog today...I managed to reference Urban Cowboy, Debbie Boone, and Star Search all in one post so head on over and check it out...

xoxo, M

ps - I spent all night uploading so many gorgeous NEW things to the shop...it's a little out of control...

pps - and don't forget about 40% off the sale - YAY! Enter "40off" at checkout

Save The Date!

2011-10-31T10:27:00.000-05:00

Good Morning friends!! Happy Halloween! I'm still getting caught up after vacation (at least the suitcases are finally put away and the laundry mostly done) but thought I'd pop in with some news...I'm finally bringing my dog & pony show to the good peeps of Minneapolis...I'll be setting up shop in my one of my absolute favorite spaces in the city, Spruce (Amy does the most gorgeous flowers and has an amazing store if you haven't had a chance to check it out)...all my favorite collections, lots of new!! (Odette, Small Trades, Loup Charmant, A Peace Treaty - online soon too!), AND special guests like Little Bean's beautiful kids clothing, Pace jewelry by Joslyn of Simple Lovely, and my lovely friend Emily will be curating a fantastic vintage collection from her boutique Collect... so if you're in the cities come hang out!!

Spruce

4751 Chicago Ave S

Mpls

Nov 11th 6-9

Nov 12th 10 -1

speaking of new - I need to do a little housecleaning to make room so all SALE goods are now an extra 40% off (Yep, that's on top of the markdowns!) head on over and enter 40off at checkout...

Okay - I'm off...I have a big date with Glinda the good witch later...who you headed out trick or treating with?

xoxo, M

Beauty Buzz

2011-10-24T00:28:00.001-05:00

Jeanine Lobell and family on Into The Gloss

Did you happen to catch Stila founder Jeanine Lobell's interview on Into The Gloss last week? I loved her fly by the seat of your pants, diy, make it work business ethos...completely inspiring - she's a total rock star mom...

I spent a couple of years behind a beauty counter in college when Stila first came on the scene and Kitten eyeshadow was a MUST have...really the first neutral, subtle shimmery eyeshadow...we were obsessed! But it's been a long, long while since I've given my beauty routine that much thought so when I passed by a Sephora sans children yesterday in Palm Springs I whipped a u-turn and hopped inside to restock my larder so to speak...
I don't use Stila anymore (and Jeanine sold the company many moons ago) because I try to stick with more eco friendly products without harmful chemicals - luckily there are some great lines out there that fit the bill! Here are some of my new favorites:

Josie Maran Mascara - most natural mascaras tend to creep down under your eyes but this has stayed put and gives a little oomph

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Jive: I love a two for one product and am a HUGE fan of cheek stains...they work so well for a natural, flushed look - in fact my desert island product would be blush hands down...I bought Jive which is a bright, of the moment orange

Josie Maran Rapid Eye Makeup Pen in Champagne & Almond: again, two for one sucked me in - gel liner on one side with brush and shimmery shadow on the other...a quick smudge, a fast swipe - consider the beauty ante raised...

Korres Wild Rose Mineral Illuminating Powder - Korres is my other go to natural line and this powder imparts a subtle glow...easy, peasy...

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes - and for those nights when even washing my face seems like too much work I scooped up these wipes to take it all off...

Speaking of too much work...we have only one more day of vacation left so I'm off to sleep so I can soak up as much as I can...Hope you had a lovely weekend - I have much to report soon!
xoxo, M

Simplify: Bathroom-guest blogger Rebecca

2011-10-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm still hanging out in Cali so here's Rebecca weighing in with some thoughts on simplifying...

We have a tiny bathroom with no storage whats so ever. none. nadda. zilch. Very tiny and old. There are four of us, so if we are not to be edged out by all the "Cranky Baby Bubble Bath" (I love products that project), simplicity is a necessity.

Simplicity in this case means that we all share a standard set of products. One soap, one shampoo and conditioner, awesome proraso shaving cream for mommy and 1 tube of anti-fungal whateverthehellitis for one husband (*gag*). Our linens are kept to a minimum: 1 white towel each, face towel, one standard grey bathmat and 1 adorable baby bath hoodie. I, of course, have my secret stash of mommy necessities, but they are carefully distributed in such a way as to not appear cluttered (a small sad bin in external linen closet in the hall).

Knickknacks are nowhere to be found. Cutesy trinkets designed to make me look like I just traipsed in fresh from the Provence countryside (presumably to pee) are verboten. No soap-on-a-rope. No Bathe-Me Elmo. The bathroom is a place where things get done.

The guiding principle is that I should be able to take a fire-hose, and clean out my bathroom if needed, with minimal loss of product. Given the 3 others I share my bathroom with, that eventuality is a very realistic scenario.

le fin

California Dreamin' & A Winner!

2011-10-19T11:23:00.001-05:00

What a difference a day makes, eh? Yesterday we spent a chilly morning at curbside check-in and today awoke to a gorgeous Palm Springs sunrise (albeit at 4:30am due to time change - yikes!) I'm ready to do a little hiking, drink some date shakes, take in a Modernist house tour and use the gift certificate I have waiting for me at the Parker - yay! Any other great recs ladies? A few days poolside and then we are headed to LA - Viva California!

and....drumroll...winner of the Object + Totem necklace is Anglopologie! Send me quick email with your details please ;)

xoxo, M

Shop Talk + A Giveaway!!

2011-10-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

...and I'm back! It must be reverse psychology but all I wanted to do this week after saying I wasn't blogging was well, blog...today, however, I have a good excuse - new goodies in the shop! First up - AHmazing silk scarves from Ilana Kohn & Emily Eibel...hand marbled, one of a kind, made in Brooklyn...(It goes without saying I have a bit of a crush on Ilana and am thrilled we will have more pieces from her fall collection in the shop soon! - that is if I don't keep them all for myself..)

the Object + Totem ceramic bead necklaces flew out of the pop up shop so I asked Julie to make a few more for us and voila! Aren't they beautiful?

and she generously sent a lovely space dyed tassel necklace for one of you lovely readers! Take a look at her work here, leave a comment below and I'll randomly pick a winner Monday...(my favorite thing about the necklaces? aside from their beauty - they are soft enough to wear with the babe and she likes to play with the beads)

and finally, on the other end of the glam scale, I had to share this shot of Wren's Lizzie Cape from the new issue of Vogue Japan...stunning, eh?

Okay, I'm shutting down and tuning out...have a cozy Thursday friends...

xoxo, M

want/need/wear/watch - Rebecca

2011-10-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

Want - Parajumpers Ski jacket

Need: Parajumpers ski jacket in navy!

Wear - Hanes for boy's sweatpants (I bought two pairs today!) Really, mommy's can rock the basic sweatpants!

Watch - a cute little video by Jeana Sohn - very charming!

Every Day Obsessions {27} Rebecca

2011-10-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

In My Closet:

Not very much. Quality over quantity. Understated, sophisticated, elegant, within the constraints of motherhood (which is to say, not very elegant at all).
The basics: MiH and Current Elliot jeans, Isabel Marant linen v-neck T-shirts(white, black and nude)
I do own a bit of Dries van Noten and Isabel Marant/Etoile too and am trying to figure out if Raquel Allegra is worth the price.
When in doubt, buy a coat. Ha!

On my feet:

Fiorentini + Baker boots (eternity suede in grey, black soda ankle and tall black pull-on basic flat riding boot). Isabel Marant Dicker boots in taupe, Sorel Caribou Reserve snow boots, Hunter Wellies tall black, LL Bean duck boots and hubby's holey socks at home.

Accessories:

I don't wear accessories, as it adds another item and weight. I do make some exceptions though: Two Tiffany Metro diamond/platinum wedding bands. They are meant to be stacked, which I mention to my husband when I feel needy. One PS1 medium black handbag.

Beauty Secrets:

Skin: Vanicream bar soap for face, Vanicream Lite lotion for the body, Clarsonic Mia and Dermaquest B5 Serum (I LOVE this product), and Aquaphor for a hand or two, feet, elbows, cuts, scrapes etc. etc. Love this stuff.
Makeup: Larua Mercier tinted moisturizer, Cle de Peau concealer, Dr. Hauschka's lip care stick. I don't wear eye makeup and only rarely wear lipstick.
Hair: Mason Pearson brush and Shu Uemura hair oil. I don't do anything with my hair ever and since the birth of my second baby, I wash my hair 2-3 times a week vs every day.
Scent:Eau du bebe (for now). Seriously, I can't find one I really love and I've tried, from Creed, to Jo Malone. Some day I'll find it. For some insane reason, I feel heavy with perfume on; another thing I don't need at the moment.

In My Kitchen:

Cookbooks: A few. Some Japanese and Korean. Joy of Cooking, Bouchon.
Gadget: Hubby's old set of Wüsthof Grand Prix knives. Kitchen Aid mixer for baking. Make me an excellent cup of coffee inthe A.M. and I'm good to go.
30 min easy recipe: Bibimbap
Can't live w/o ingredient: Salt

Home:

Walls:Photos of family (minus the new baby, who is 8 months old and have yet to order prints!), and lots, lots of my daughter's artwork. Framed all in black.
Bedding:I don't care much about sheet brands. My only must is white sheets and envelope pillow cases. the picture of the bed is what my bed looks like. Room & Board Ella and white sheets.

Flowers:In the vase, I prefer them to be of one kind of flower vs. a mixed bouquet.
Favorite design source: Everywhere.

zZzZZzzZzzzz

Pop Culture Extra Credit:

On my nightstand:Jessica Fletcher memorial murder kit. Yes, I watch Murder She Wrote to fall asleep, because doing drugs is bad.
On my Tivo: We killed our cable, and survive on Netflixvia AppleTV.
In my iPod: I do like everything from classical to Tupac. I kind of have a loathing for Indigo Girls style music, whatever that might be. Also, I don't listen to my iPod, ever. I feel like I'll fall over if I listen to it while moving.

Happy Makers...

2011-10-11T08:56:00.000-05:00

via Joslyn - could it be any truer?

Good Morning friends! Long time, no see so to speak...How is your fall shaping up?

We were a gang of sniffles, coughs, and whines all last week so I took some mental health days, put my computer far away, hid my phone and spent some quality time with my girls...

To say I've been struggling to keep it together lately is a bit of an understatement so to that end I'm going to keep my internet diet going and step away from the blog a bit...I'll pop in once a week (hmmm....maybe I should check in on Thursdays a la Gwyneth?) and you can always find me on pinterest & twitter (short, easy forms of communication seem to be easier these days, no?) and shop news on facebook...

Lucky for you though, my lovely friend Rebecca volunteered to fill in for me a bit and I can't wait to see what she has in store! Rebecca is one of those girls who always looks impossibly chic just wearing white vnecks with jeans (the fact that they are Isabel Marant tees & MiH jeans doesn't hurt) and has minimalist cool down pat...so stay tuned for that...

I'll leave you with a few of my happy makers lately...

flowers from Spruce - my mom sends a bouquet every month...

This painting by Hadley Holliday that nows sits across from my bed...love waking up to beautiful art!

my Beatrice Valenzuela shoes...so gorgeous and soft...

New albums from Wilco - The Whole Love and Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire...I had a great nostalgia piece on the 20th anniversary of Nevermind in my head and never got around to posting it ...but I will say that if Nirvana was the angsty teenage voice of my generation than Tweedy & co are the complicated adults we grew into...and no one writes sad, poignant love songs like Ryan...le sigh!

also...this stunning, WARM (yay!) Fall we are having, baby giggles (Lila knows how to get Louisa belly laughing and it is beyond infectious), and the fact that we are headed to Palm Springs/Los Angeles in one week!!

What are you crushing on these days?

xoxo, M

Shop Talk

2011-10-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

Kathryn Bentley did it again...her new Dream Collective collection is STUNNING! I love the new enamel cuffs and etched necklaces on leather...check out all the new pieces here...

(on a side note - I'm fully crushing on her home featured on Apartment Therapy - isn't it fantastic?)

New Heidi Merrick just landed...the uber chic Lindbergh Blazer with leather lapels and elbow patches & the sweeping Dalmation dress in silk chiffon...and Demi was spotted rocking the Leather Desmond trousers for a recent press appearance...

Gorgeous actress Nora Zehetner spotted in Wren's Kiera coat...

my favorite funny lady, Maya Rudolph, carrying the Clare Vivier messenger (we have them in stock!) in Up All Night (have you watched? I thought the second episode was pretty funny...)

and MCMC 's gorgeous perfume oils are here! I'm partial to Hunter...but they are all delicious - carefully crafted in small batches...swoon!

xoxo, M

ps - if anyone is interested in smelling the new pefumes drop me a line - info (at) shopprettymommy (dot) com with the scent of your choice and I will drop a fragrance card in the mail...

Tea & Tivo

2011-09-30T12:59:00.003-05:00

Summer Goals via Elissa's pinterest

Whoa! Is it Friday? For reals? I'm ready to veg out, drink tea, hit the famer's market and go for long walks...(okay, what I really want is an evening of quiet with my husband & tivo...too many episodes of Rachel Zoe, Gossip Girl, Parenthood and Project Runway are begging me to turn off the computer and zone out...yes, sad I know...). But, if perchance I get out of the house after dark I'm dying to see Drive and get a drink at the Marvel Bar...anyone want to join me?

xoxo, M

ps - so much new goodness at the shop - New, AMAZING Dream Collective - yay!!, super groovy Lizzie Fortunato, and yummy, yummy MCMC perfume oils...more on that next week...

Scarf Shop!

2011-09-27T10:31:00.001-05:00

Hello ladies! How was your weekend? (Okay, I know it's Tuesday but I'm running a few days behind...) We have had some spectacular fall days here in Minneapolis so we spent the weekend hanging outside, basking in the sun and soaking in the autumn landscape...PLUS, I made it (yay!) to a yoga class thanks to Emily and we squeezed in a date night (and I mean squeezed - an hour and a half and then we were back in time to let my sis & bro in law have a little date of their own). Yesterday we sat outside at The Birchwood cafe and noshed on what has to be the absolute best BLT I've ever had...heirloom tomatoes, bacon and this smoky sweet corn relish...mmmm... I have to give it to Minnesota - as bad is winter is, it sure puts on a gorgeous pre-show...

and I happen to LOVE transitional dressing...a little cardi, a soft moccasin, and my never do without scarves...and boy, do we have some gorgeous ones in the shop - Fringed, tassled, printed, shibori, tie-dye...new arrivals from Matta, Virginia Johnson, Upstate, & Scout & Catalogue...check em all out here... Which one is your favorite?

xoxo, M

ps - New Markdowns in sale: Erin Considine, Two, and more...

pps - and more Marais USA booties in stock - going fast!

Setting An Intention

2011-09-23T10:03:00.001-05:00

photos via Modern Bliss & Montmarte

Hello friends! Can I offer up some truthiness and tell you that it's been a doozy of a week? Pretty humbling moments both parental and professional...each a little stomach ache inducing...so when I was doing some late night blog browsing last night and came across Leanne's lovely yoga studio in Georgetown on Montmarte I had the sudden revelation that I needed to hit a yoga mat NOW...sometimes when life is out of balance the best thing to do is hang upside down for a bit, no? So I'm setting an intention to get myself to a class asap...down dog, hot tea, and some fall coziness with the fam are my only must dos...any intentions on your agenda?

xoxo, M

ps - speaking of Montmarte, Renee's shop Anaise is full of so many lovelies right now...and I'm pretty sure this pink bra by Araks would be pretty mood enhancing as well!

pps - and speaking of a shop full of lovelies, PM is bursting at the seams with new fall gorgeousness...I'll be putting up new Dream Collective this weekend that is BEYOND and the new Matta just arrived...LOVE!

Sisii Dreams...

2011-09-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

As much as I love fashion I don't spend a lot of time obsessing over things beyond my economic reach...in fact, I would say most of my favorite designers fall in that category between I feel guilty buying this, sweatshop labor cheap and oh my gawd I can't believe I spent that much on that___...and even if I were to say, win the lottery I'm not so sure I would immediately dive into a designer wardrobe of high heeled Louboutins & silk Chloe dresses...I'm more into lusting over comfy, everyday luxuries that I want to wear to pieces...which brings me to this jacket by Sisii at Totokaelo...that at $1765 is definitely not happening for me...but oh, how I would wear it until it wore out - because as you know, I live in the land of the windchill factor (hey husband - note subtle John Prine reference) and spend at least 4 if not 5 months in an unflattering black puffy parka...(as much as I'd like to, you just can't do knee high snow drifts & negative temps in a ladylike wool coat)...so the idea of a WASHABLE, flannel lined, soft leather number has my name written all over it...le sigh...

Anything you are dreaming of this fall? Let's commiserate!

xoxo, M

D.S. & Durga

2011-09-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

We hand craft perfume & cologne in small batches using premium—sourced ingredients. Taking inspiration from such diverse sources as antiquated herbal wisdom, native ritual medicine, old perfume manuals, geography, history, & gastronomy, D.S. & Durga strive to create palatable scents for gentlemen & ladies of discerning taste. Each unique scent is presented with the story of its inspiration—whether it be Early American beaver trappers or Edwardian England’s fascination with the exoticism of the East. Our processes are time—consuming & low in yield—both factors that place quality of product far above quantity — something rare today in the world of fine fragrance. - D.S & Durga

Continuing in the vein of handmade in the US, I'm so excited to introduce D.S. & Durga to the shop...(a little birdie told me about them...)...hand crafted, small batches, gorgeous packaging and the scents are AMAZING! I'm partial to the crisp but soft Coriander and My Indian Childhood would be a perfect cozy fall fragrance...oh, then there's the grapefruit....mmm...I love how complex the scents are yet none are the least bit overpowering...

xoxo, M

ps - Doesn't Kristen Stewart look unbelievable here? I hardly recognized her!

Happy Apple

2011-09-19T07:35:00.001-05:00

My big girl turned four this past Tuesday so we spent the week doing all things Lila...oh, how I love that sweet, firecracker, smarty pants of a girl...I think our diet has consisted of almost nothing but pizza and cake since then and I'm desperately in need of some detox...oh, and I almost forgot about the ridiculous amount of apple cinnamon donuts I consumed at her party yesterday...in the rain...at the apple orchard...but a good time was had by all (and hopefully none of them have colds!)...and only one llama escaped...(true story!) Hope you all had a wonderful start to fall...

xoxo, M

PS - I'm kind of newly obsessed with evite site Paperless Post - the designs are super cute, there aren't any ads like Evite, and it simulates a card opening in the email...I've also sent thank you's through them (seriously if I have to mail something it sits around unaddressed for months - see Baby announcements & thank yous that are still only half sent) - how do you feel about emailed Thanks? Eco friendly and easy - seems like a win-win to me?

One Degree of Sofia...

2011-09-15T10:10:00.001-05:00

I cross my heart promise that as soon as Lila is back in school next week I will have more time* to blog about the important things...like fall wardrobes...and comfort food...and some amazing everyday obsessions (I have an extra good one to post!)...and I know you might be sick of store news...but I couldn't resist sharing this photo of Gia Coppola wearing the Wren Leith dress with her Auntie Sofia at the premiere of her short film...

This dress is freakin adorable on...paired with tights and some No 6 clogs and you are set! A really easy, special fall piece...

and here's another cool girl who loves Wren...Alexa Chung in the Kiera coat...

okay...that's my interweb time for the day...

xoxo, M

*or when I decide to work at night instead of watching Rachel Zoe in my pjs, eating cereal...

ps - Take 20% off any order at the shop!! Enter "apple" at checkout...yay!

HandMade Girl Power...

2011-09-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Some goodies from my trip - presents for the girls from Little Bean, getting to read a whole Vogue cover to cover for me, and awesome necklaces made by Joslyn & her lovely girlies...

Things (wo)men have made with wakened hands, and put soft life into are awake through years with transferred touch, and go on glowing for long years. And for this reason, some old things are lovely warm still with the life of forgotten (wo)men who made them.~D.H. Lawrence - via Re-nest

I'm still coming off a bit of a buzz after spending Friday around some amazing women...and I have to say seeing my little shop come to life was a huge thrill (and did I take pictures? no, not a one - too busy gabbing)...of course I see all the pretty things as they come in and go out but having them all out together in such a lovely space made my heart sing a bit...and reading this quote on the way home really brought it home how lucky I feel to be able to curate a collection of things that I love made almost entirely by women designers and many made by hand...knowing that Julianne of Object + Totem was up dyeing necklaces to send me during Hurricane Irene, that the reason there is a wait on Clare Vivier bags is because she chooses to have them manufactured in LA instead of outsourcing to China, that when I place an Upstate Order Kalen & Astrid whip up a batch of indigo to dye the shawls, that Kathryn strings the record beads on my favorite Dream Collective necklaces, and on and on...somehow that lends the objects a value beyond how yummy they are to look at...

Little Bean

but truly the best part of my trip was the chance to meet and hang with some of the coolest girls on the planet...I've long admired Christine so getting to chat all day Friday, hear how she balances the shop, and Small magazine, and designing Little Bean was totally inspiring! meeting Sarah who works with Christine and makes the most amazing banners and art, getting the chance to reconnect with one of my favorite girls from Austin - Marisa of Bosquez & Beatrice Jewelry was a blast...she's in Dallas now and her jewelry was definitely the hit of the party...and of course, if you've read this blog for any length of time you know that I have a wee bit of a girl crush on Joslyn of Simple Lovely (okay...a HUGE crush) so that was reason enough to make the trip - if I hadn't had a baby to get home to I would have camped out at her house and talked all day with her and her family - those girlies are gems! (ummm, and yes her home is AMAZING in person - it just has this fantastic glow...I couldn't quite pinpoint why, but all the textures, wood, and ceramics, the stunning table her husband Bryan made...just completely thoughtful and to use one of her favorite words - soulful)

and on top of that I got to meet the gorgeous Sara of The Reluctant Dallasite, the beautiful Molly of My Favorite Things, lovely cousin Erin, Tracy Hayes the super cool editor of FDLuxe, the supermodel sisters Molly & Sally Ann behind a Piece of Toast...and so many more...Thank you Dallas!!

okay enough gushing...Lila's birthday is tomorrow and I have a million things to plan...

xoxo, M

Pretty Mommy Goes to Dallas & Lucky Deal of the Day...

2011-09-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

Pretty Mommy is in the Big D today to set up shop at the fantastic Little Bean. Come join me and my excellent hosts - Simple Lovely's Joslyn Taylor and Little Bean's Christine Visneau from 6:30-9 PM to take a look at the fall collections in person and have a glass of bubbly. I'll be bringing all of your online favorites plus a few exclusives like dullDiamond bracelets. You won't want to miss this!

Little Bean
5308 Junius Street
Dallas, TX 75214
214.370.9111

And...we've teamed up again with Lucky Magazine and Ace & Jig to bring you the Lucky Deal of the Day! Head over to www.luckymag.com today to get the 50% off discount code for the campfire chic Quilted Vest in super cozy signature cotton linen blend. Originally $234 - yours for $117 one day only! Starts Friday, September 9th at 11 AM EST and ends Saturday, September 10th at 11 AM EST...while supplies last!

Tres Charmant - Heidi Merrick Fall 2011...

2011-09-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

It's a little crazy here at the casa today and I've been rushing to tag and upload all the new fall collections...but I keep coming back to this Heidi Merrick video...completely charming (and a little soothing)...so excited to have it in the shop! (more of it to come soon...)
Here's a bit about her:

Los Angeles designer Heidi Merrick’s collection reflects her California lifestyle. "I believe in a living, working style that reflects the beauty of the coastline.” Her collections are tactile and luxe and favor a natural fabrication and tailored cut. Having been raised in a family of craftsman (her father is the famed surfboard shaper, Al Merrick), Heidi’s line is a tribute to artistry. She is one of the rare designers who began her collection by personally making each pattern and sewing each sample and continues to insure the highest quality by keeping all production within walking distance of her downtown studio. In 2006, she founded a line of women’s wear that reflects her hands on approach to beautiful living and has since been featured everywhere from Vogue and WWD to Lucky and C Magazine. Merrick resides in Silverlake with her husband and baby Hiver.

“It’s much easier to be kind when you feel beautiful."

True that! Here's to a beautiful and kind day...

xoxo, M

Marais is Here!

2011-09-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

Well, it may be too early to get out the sweaters but you can work a little fall into your wardrobe by putting away the sandals and pairing those summer dresses and skirts with some new boots and flats...to that end Marais USA just showed up at the shop...

a pretty flat ($150), a sexy wedge ($120) , a basic boot ($145), and a classic loafer ($98)...complete autumn shoe wardrobe without breaking the bank! Which one is your favorite?

xoxo, M

ps - if anyone has any tricks on getting a baby to take a bottle please tell! I may have to show up in Dallas with Louisa in tow...yikes!

A Good Start

2011-09-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! How was your Labor Day weekend? We ended it with a gorgeous night at Minnehaha falls enjoying some Bluegrass and fish tacos at Sea Salt...the weather has been amazing, as if someone flipped a switch and suddenly fall arrived overnight...(if only I could transport it to Texas, those fires around my beloved Austin are just heartbreaking)...I know many of you have littles off to school this week so here is our favorite way to start a crisp morning...a few years ago I discovered Oat Bran and was forever converted...I much prefer the texture to traditional oatmeal, it cooks up super fast, and I think is a little more palatable to kiddos as well...we mix in a healthy scoop of applesauce, a dash of cinnamon & ginger, a generous swirl of agave plus any fresh fruit hanging around...you can easily hide some healthy additions like flax or probiotics as well! Bon Appetit!

Okay, I'm off...crazy, busy week ahead..lots of new to add to the shop - Marais shoes, Heidi Merrick, Object & Totem - and Dallas for the pop up shop at Little Bean on Friday...

xoxo, M

Shop Talk: Rachel Rose

2011-09-01T10:47:00.001-05:00

Now in the shop...Rachel Rose's gorgeous easy hand painted silk tee's...perfect in these last summer days with your cutoffs...chic later under a tux jacket...a jack of all trades if you will...

I'm kind of partial to this one with a splash of chartreuse...what's your favorite?

xoxo, M

Bangs, poufs, Pigtails and pics...

2011-08-31T09:45:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! I had to play hooky yesterday to run off and finally get some love for my poor neglected tresses...I realized I've been getting the same cut (with a few color tweaks here and there) for oh, at least the last decade...but when you finally find your signature style I think it's nice for hair to not be such a trendy thing, no? Didn't the 60's/early 70's have the absolute best hair? I think Zooey & Adele have such great modern versions of that look...I'll probably be pushing 80 with long locks and bangs...adding a little tease for some glamour...lately I've been rocking some pigtails, which at 36 might be goofy but when you hang out with littles all day it's hard to not be influenced, eh?

What say you? Is there an age when you need to cut it off and have serious, grown up hair?

Speaking of pigtails...the lovely Paige Winn came over yesterday to shoot some pics of the girls & I...can you tell which one didn't want to have her picture taken? Oh lordy, Lila was in a mood (did I resort to begging, pleading, promises of chocolate and the much denied Barbie? I'll never tell... let's just say there was less than stellar parenting happening - at least my nieces were here to help) but Paige was super patient and I think the pictures turned out fantastic...Paige does amazing wedding shoots and just moved to Charleston, SC (lucky her!) but is in the twin cities working on some projects as well...

xoxo, M

Daily Duo #3

2011-08-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Okay...I know, vacation is over but I need one more day to recover...so here's a final duo...congrats to these lovely ladies!! My all time girl crush Sofia got married, gorgeous in Alaïa and Bey announced she was pregnant (did you see how cute Jay-Z looked when she rubbed her belly?)

Don't ask how I got sucked into watching all the VMA's last night...man, I'm old...all I could think the whole show was either "Who are these people?" or "Boy, does that person look like a douchebag or what?"

(with a few exceptions of course...isn't Adele just heaven?)

okay, Monday is calling...and I promise to get back into the swing of things asap...

xoxo, M

Daily Duo - #2

2011-08-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Wear this...chat here...

(via Kate & Elissa's pinterest)

kind of puts you in the mood for fall, no?

xoxo, M

a duo a day...#1

2011-08-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

Drive this...wear that...

xoxo, M

ps - whew...I almost broke a sweat...another duo tomorrow - my vacation brain can't handle much more...

Cabin Fever...

2011-08-22T23:49:00.000-05:00

Soaking up the last bits of summer...hope you are as well!

xoxo, M

Shop Talk - End of Summer Sale, + New Laura Lombardi and Virginia Johnson!

2011-08-19T10:37:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday friends! We are headed off to a cabin for a bit but wanted to stop in and let you know about a few things happening around the shop...first, some fantastic arrivals...I am a HUGE fan of Laura Lombardi's gorgeous jewelry and love the new pieces that have just arrived from her fall collection. Laura always delivers a great mix of edgy and sensual like the Sonsela necklace here...

Virginia Johnson has also arrived...loving the new snowshoe and bear prints and her lightweight shawls are as dreamy as always...

AND....there's a little special going on...

Spend More, Save More Sale!

up to 30% Off - Two Days Left!

Sorry, does not apply to previous purchases.

Spend $100 - Enter "10" at checkout for 10% off

Spend $200 - Enter "20" at checkout for 20% off

Spend $300 - Enter "30" at checkout for 30% off

Ends Saturday night, August 20th at midnight!

plus...Markdowns are now 50% Off!

Head on over to the sale section because deals like this cute Stewart + Brown knot top sweatshirt won't last long!

Ace & Jig, Ode Kids, Matta, Lizzie Fortunato, Stewart + Brown & More...

Hope everyone has a fantastic summer weekend ahead...xoxo, M

Birth Stories...

2011-08-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Greetings from the land of long lost internet service...it's been a crazy week with intermittent dsl connection - a bit frustrating when your business is online! Finally had the bright idea to pirate from my neighbor (shhh...) until the repair man arrives tomorrow...whew! It's probably a good thing as I have been mentally composing nothing but whiny, complaining blog posts in my head and they weren't really thoughts that I should share with the entire interweb! humph!

But after reading Jora's genius guest post here I felt inspired to finally talk about something life changing & magical (if possibly a wee bit painful) - my birth stories! Don't worry - I'm not going to get too gushy, touchy feely (well, maybe a little) but I thought that I have been so lucky to have had such amazing, uncomplicated experiences and you hear so many dramatic, crazy stories that it might be nice to put a couple of happy ones out in the world...

Lila, like the little Virgo she is, was almost right on time...the night she was due I went to bed feeling somewhat crampy and awoke at 4am with the first hints of contractions...unable to sleep, I got up and texted my doula Sarah...we chatted for a bit and agreed she'd check in a bit later in the morning...I wanted to stay at home for as long as possible to avoid having any unnecessary medical interventions so we hung out at the house doing a little stretching, some light yoga (hahaha - I mean I laid on my yoga mat in child's pose whimpering...) and to cope with the increasingly painful contractions I took some ridiculously long, hot showers (eco friendliness be damned, I was in labor people)...Chris nervously packed - hmmm, when were we planning on using the portable dvd player we brought to the hospital?? and when Sarah arrived at 10am I was pretty much in the thick of transition...(I ain't gonna lie - if I had been at the hospital I would have been sorely tempted to have a boat load of drugs) It was a stormy morning but we decided to walk outside and my water promptly broke so it was decided that we might be ready for that trip to the hospital...(humorously the phone rang at that point calling to confirm my hair appt for the next day) Somehow, I managed to climb in the back seat and Chris delicately drove us while Sarah massaged and held warm lavender compresses on my lower back...in triage I sat to some lovely girls in very early labor who were visibly frightened by my loud groans...the nurses informed me that I was already fully dilated (whohoo!) and they rushed to get me into a room so I could start pushing...which is where things sloooooowed down...and for the next 3 hours I pushed in every possible position known to the birthing community...friends it was not the most fun I've ever had...but I dug deep, and with the help of my lovely husband and my amazing doula I finally pushed that little light of my life out...they laid sweet Lila on my chest and I have been madly in love ever since....

Three days before Louisa was due I woke up with lower back cramping and knew that baby number two was soon to arrive...I had an acupuncture appointment that morning and spent a relaxing hour there resting up for what was ahead...and then the rest of the day trying to tie up loose ends and spend some one on one with Lila in between mild contractions (hmmm mild contractions is kind of an oxymoron if you've ever experienced them, no?)...Chris and I decided to take Lila to spend the night with her cousins and then climbed into bed to get some rest but I ended up tossing and turning til midnight and called my doula Sarah to get her on board...since I still seemed to be clear headed she advised us to stay home a bit longer and we all finally met up at the hospital at 3am...the midwife on duty checked me in and since I was only 4cm dilated we decided to walk the halls stopping along the way to enjoy a contraction or two (ha!)...while they were pretty high on the pain scale they were still far apart so I snuggled into bed for a some between contraction catnaps...I woke up around 5:45 and we discussed the possibility of going home for the day (in my head..."are you &^%&% kidding me?") but the midwife checked again and since I had progressed to 6 cm we stayed put...I climbed into the shower and spent a solid hour sitting under the hot water...it wasn't pretty ladies...I knew I was stuck because I was holding on to my first born - scared that the bond I had with her would somehow suffer with this new little one entering our lives...we had been such peas in a pod and the sun had risen and set with Lila for so long...but in the middle of the crazy contractions and shower I had a total zen moment...my mind cleared and I had this perfect vision of Lila and a sweet babe sitting in a field of dandelions and Lila was teaching her little sister how to blow the seeds into the wind...that picture somehow pulled me through and when I climbed out of the shower I was almost fully dilated...Chris, in the meantime, had left to go park the car in the garage and grab some breakfast thinking that we would be there all day and when he walked into the room they were getting ready to help me into the birthing tub to push! While he poured water over my back, Sarah & Karen, my midwife, coached me through the pushing, I focused on my little dandelion sisters and 30 minutes later Louisa was born in the water, laid on my chest and that intense love I felt for her sister flooded through me...head over heels once again...my lovely little Pearl...

So that's it...well, the warm fuzzy version at least...I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have had two beautiful, amazing births...it's pretty awesome to be a woman - to be able to grow and nurture these tiny lovely babies and bring them into the world...

and if you are ever considering natural childbirth I highly recommend a water birth! (without drugs may not be for everyone but I have to say it is pretty magical and makes you feel like a total rockstar - I dig it)
xoxo, m

Current Crushes...

2011-08-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd ease into Monday with a few pretties...

like top knots & denim

MiH behind the scenes by Vanessa Jackman

beautiful still lifes

bigBang Studio, Joanna & Simone's sublime collaborations (and seeing what they are wearing every week is just as fun!), and Caitlin's weekly vignettes (I spy an orange CV clutch)

pretty wrists

gold leaf rope bracelet, love bracelet via Kate

feathers

Roman & Williams interior, headdress via Joslyn

simple leather goods

Ancient Greek Sandals via Elizabeth, knotted belt

and Modern Macrame

Stampel mini hanger via Cheryl, design*sponge via Harper

I'm feeling kind of chill coming off a pretty laid back weekend...kicked things off with a bike ride, managed to sneak in a backyard movie - a little Hitchcock avec a yummy cocktail, poor Lila was sick and took an actual NAP on Saturday (first one in almost a year), and brunch at the new neighborhood joint Wise Acre Sunday...today Miss Lou has her 4 mo checkup so I'm bracing myself for the shots - wah! Hope everyone has a stellar week ahead!

xoxo, M

Kate Gets Married...

2011-08-11T16:59:00.001-05:00

Just taking a mid afternoon internet break (someone may or may not be eating cake and watching tv) and spied these pictures of Kate's wedding...see more here...okay that's my free minute of the day...

xoxo, M

photos - Mario Testino for Vogue via Jen @simplybreakfast

Sugar High...

2011-08-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

Cake & Photo by Nikole Herriott

I'm still coming off a sugar high from yesterday so follow me over to Molly's and check out some of my favorite cakes...

xoxo, M

ps - couldn't you just look at Nikole's photos all day?? I want to live in that world...

Now Playing / Coming Attractions!

2011-08-08T11:57:00.001-05:00

Hola! How was your weekend amigos? Aside from sweating it out at the yard sale (ugh - do they bite or what?) we had a picture perfect summer weekend...it's been completely fantastic having my mom here...the laundry is done and folded, we actually managed to cook a meal from our farmer's market goodies and Chris & I snuck off to the movies after the girlies went to bed (Crazy, Stupid, Love - which was pretty great...) Oh, the little things...If only she lived here...sigh!

On the storefront we're busting at the seams with new treats (like Ace & Jig) and restocking some sold out favorites...

a couple of new goodies from Wren are on the way...

Those amazing Lulu Frost CODE rings I was swooning over? Yep, coming to the shop...Don't they look amazing stacked?

and TEN undies - super cute, hand sewn, italian cotton that come in a chic french postal envelope...(Garance loves them - enough said)

I can't imagine a better way to spend the rest of summer than lazing about in a TWO caftan...

or walking along the beach wrapped in an Upstate shawl...

Okay - I'm off for now...my birthday is tomorrow and I have some serious relaxing to do this week...

Mom, can you move in for the rest of August please?

xoxo, M

Texas, Oh Texas...

2011-08-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

This summer I've been making Texas come to me...(that was my Dad in my last post) and today my Mom arrives to help me with the yard sale (YAY for moms, huh?) BUT....in September I'm headed to the Big D for our first ever pop-up shop!!! I'm pretty stoked to have been invited by Christine & Joslyn to hang out at the amazing Little Bean (have you checked out Christine's amazing shop and clothes for kids? This is Lila's fave...) So if you're in the Dallas area come see me - I'm going to bring lots of goodies...and I'll be sans kiddos so I might even look & act like a normal grown up...

okay, I'm off like a whirlwind!

xoxo, M

WINNING!

2011-08-02T11:21:00.001-05:00

a few bits of our summer so far...

Happy August friends!! I'm pretty psyched about my birthday month...good things are brewing...my mom comes this week to help with an epic garage sale (I think I might save a few cool pieces to sell online in a tag sale a la these girls - have you checked out their blogger's shop?), we have our annual week at the cabin soon...

and I'm still floating on a little glowy cloud after all your fantastic comments on the giveaway...so without further ado the winner of the $200 gift certificate to the shop is Kelly and Kelly!! Truly I wish I could give one to all of you but if you had your heart set on something you can use "birthday" at checkout for 25% off any orders over $150 for the rest of this week...

and the two winners of the dullDiamond giveaway are: Stephanie & Elisabeth (shoot me an email girls with your addresses please - shopprettymommy (at) hotmail (dot) com)

Be sure to check out their shop often as they are constantly whipping up new creations...did I mention their fab blog as well?

okay...my fleeting free time is about up so I'm off to (insert boring domestic chore here) before the babe awakes and the girl wonder is home from camp...

xoxo, M

ps - a couple of weeks ago I mentioned writing about Balance inspired by A Cup of Jo's series and then totally dropped the ball...Tina wrote a fantastic post about it and I would love to read more - would anyone be interested in a roving "Balance" discussion? Would love to hear from all kinds of ladies - working, stay at home, work at home - basically how do you spend your days, keep the kiddos entertained, keep your house running, your job going AND still keep your sanity?? I could set it up like the recipe exchanges in the past and we could pass the ball from one blog to another? Let me know!

Want/Need/Wear/Read - Emily & Jen, dullDiamond (+ an Arm Party giveaway!)

2011-07-29T10:03:00.001-05:00

Hola!! I'm checking out for the weekend but leaving you with a new Want/Need/Wear/Read from 2 of my favorite designers who just happen to live in my backyard, well Minneapolis that is, Emily & Jen of dull Diamond...I'm crazy about their bright, eclectic jewelry and happen to know firsthand that they have mad personal style as well (hmmm....maybe if I get ambitious we could have a closet/studio visit with these two...) AND they've generously offered up two dull Diamond bracelets to some lucky readers so keep on reading below to win!! Thanks girls!!

want! // clarinet (emily's husbands birthday is coming up and he wants to start playing!) // turkish bath kimono robe // erin considine necklace
need! // amazing swimsuit // home brewing kombucha bottles (we drink so much, its time we make it ourselves)
wear! // ikat jumpsuit // clare vivier tote // dullDiamond (hehe. what, we like what we make.) // handmade Tejido sandals by beatrice valenzuela
read! // letting loose the hounds (short odd and entertaining stories which never end up where you think they should)

Here are the goodies up for grabs...Aren't they beauts!! It makes me wish I could enter my own giveaway...

so To Win:

go visit dull Diamond and let us know in the comments below 1) your favorite piece and 2)

your favorite summer read...

okay I'm off to place a little personal order just for me...I'm dreaming of the necklace Emily was wearing when she came to visit yesterday...

I'll pick a winner Sunday at midnight...and announce it on Monday along with the winner of Wednesday's giveaway (did you enter yet??) I told you everything was coming up in two's lately!

xoxo, M

Pretty Mommy Turns Two! (+ a giveaway)

2011-07-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

It seems as though everything in my life right now revolves around two...so it's only fitting that my little blog has it's second anniversary today...amazing to think when I sat down at my computer in a funky pair of cutoffs and decided to write myself out of a sartorial slump that I would end up here, just a couple of years later with so many cherished friendships, a thriving boutique, and a little space of my own on this crazy interweb...so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to anyone who has read my goofy ramblings, has inspired me with their beautiful blogs, and who has supported my little shop...I have discovered so many amazing, creative, kind, and wise women through blogging....

I would love to reach through my screen and give all of you a great big virtual hug or a piece of cake but I thought a giveaway might be a better alternative so here goes:

Up for Grabs: One $200 Gift certificate to the shop! (been eyeing a Clare clutch? a matta scarf? a Dream Collective necklace? enter to win!)

How To Win:

Leave a comment below - Show me some love (I'm such a needy Leo you know...) tell me your favorite thing about the blog, or in the shop, or point me towards some new inspiration

want extra chances to win?

Follow me on twitter and retweet this post

and/or Like me on Facebook

(social media is so shameless, no? If you already follow & like me then you are set!)

Winner will be picked on Sunday at midnight...

xoxo, M

ps - how perfect is that Lulu Frost ring...I do have a birthday coming up... (if only the Mr read my blog he would have present ideas galore, eh?)

Mellow Lellow...

2011-07-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

Bonjour Mes Amis!! How have you been? I'm popping in after a much needed internet break - although I'm still muddling over the idea of an extended one in August - tres Euro of me, no? anyone want to join...blogger's vacation? but I have a few things to chat about this week so stay tuned!! In the meantime here's a little color crush on all things "lellow" as Lila likes to say...are you feeling it?

xoxo, M

Clair Cottrell Sporting a Clare Vivier Yellow Oversize Clutch, Bosquez Petit Cosmos Necklace, Baskets & Rug, Ice Cream & Stripes - Natalie Neal, Matta Jemu Scarf, Yellow laundry hamper, Vintage Bazaar - Photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Matta Sandhya Kamal Dress, Textiles - Big BANG Studio, Brigitte Bardot's Hammock - Impossible Cool, J Crew Lucinda Blouse

Gone Fishin'

2011-07-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Taking a little impromptu staycation...see y'all next week...Ciao!

xoxo, M

ps - photo via Funny Face (Lila's new favorite movie - nice to find some we can both enjoy, any other classics you like to watch with your kiddos?)

pps - as always, the store marches on...check out all the gorgeous new arrivals!

Want/Need/Wear/Read

2011-07-19T10:20:00.001-05:00

Want - Banquet's new year of the Rabbit print...for the 2 bunnies in the family...

Need - Call it blogger peer pressure but after seeing this Chemex coffee set up (first spied at Joslyn's - and don't I usually want everything on her loving posts?)) on a number of blogs I almost ordered one just for pure looks...but after tasting Moonshine's Chemex brewed creations at the Fulton Farmer's Market it promptly moved into the NEED category...found here

Wear - two things on my wish list - the Emersonmade Butterfly Caftan & the LemLem Tena Drape Jacket sold out the first day they went on sale...so I'd head over to their respective websites and get on the waitlists for the next round - whew!

Read - the absolutely fantastic "Balance" series on Cup Of Jo last week featuring moms like Jordan Ferney, Elizabeth Antonia, and Deb Perelman discussing how they balance motherhood with work, marriage and life...I Loved hearing their daily routines and knowing I'm not the only one trying to fit work in between naptimes and playdates...I'd love to hear how you "make it work" - anyone want to join me on Friday and write their own balance posts? Here are some of her questions...

1. What's your work or blog schedule?

2. How do you handle childcare?

3. Where do you work/blog during the day?

4. What do you like best about your current set-up?

5. What do you find tricky about your current set-up? What would you change if you had a magic wand?

6. How does your husband contribute to managing the juggle/house/childcare?

7. Do you have time for yourself? What do you do during that time?

Hope everyone is staying cool!! It's positively soupy outside...

xoxo, M

Random Mix...

2011-07-15T00:59:00.001-05:00

Hello Friday!! Whew...we are off on a mini adventure and unplugging a bit but I couldn't resist showing you a few things happening around the shop before I left...

With Fall deliveries on the way, Mandee has been working hard to get the new collections online...sneak a peek at the new Wren and Ace & Jig that should be here any day now...YEAH! and of course one of those leopard numbers will be migrating into my closet...

Our Scout & Catalogue delivery is already flying out the door...gorgeous gauzy shawls, beautiful worn in bags...the perfect collection for sultry summer days and great transition pieces for cooler weather as well...

If you missed out on the first round of Two (some pieces were gone in minutes - WOW!) we have more coming - check em out here...

it's just as hard to keep Clare Vivier in stock...but we're staying one step ahead and have lots of goodies to choose from...my current favorite is the Bando bag - seen here in action (via Clare's blog)

Of course, to make room for new the old must go - which means more markdowns in our sale section...Spring collections from Ace & Jig, Matta, Stewart + Brown, Virginia Johnson, etc are now 25% - 50% off...and when you spend over $150 you can take and extra 20% off your entire order - enter "JULY" at checkout!

and speaking of sale - I snagged this yummy bright Ace & Jig Caftan (paired with a new favorite necklace - Matta Maya in black) for myself to finish out the "Get Dressed" challenge...which I think turned out to be a successful experiment! Even if being more put together didn't equal smoother days it was so nice to recapture a sense of fun in dressing up and I felt a little more me after so many months of dressing around a baby bump...plus, thanks to the magic of instagram filters, I didn't have to cringe too much - for someone who never posts her own picture that was a whole lotta sharing...whew!! Anyone still with me?? Thank you again to the lovely gals who played along - Trina, Molly, Torrie, Estelle, Shannon, and Tina - I had so much fun seeing what they were up to we might have to make it a weekly thing?? What are you wearing Wednesdays?? Seriously, could I be more of a geek?

Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead...put a fork in me - I'm done and ready for one of these...Cheers!

xoxo, M

Picnic please!

2011-07-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

I'm having crazy tech issues so I'm taking it as a sign to unplug again today and spend the afternoon outside eating this yummy meal I spied at the gorgeous Sunday Suppers...minted rose water with quinoa, grapes, and spring garlic...

thank you for all your supportive comments over the last few days!! I read and reread them all - and felt a little teary that I have so many lovely "penpals"...which reminds me - we're headed to Palm Springs in late October (whoop!whoop!!) shall we plan a blogger meet up??

Look ma no hands! getting back in my groove...

Day 5 - J Crew top, Madewell skirt, Dream Collective Necklace, CV flat clutch...

Day 6 - Thrifted skirt, target vneck, and Kayce Hughes necklace...Lila approves!

how's your week coming along?

xoxo, M

A New Hour...

2011-07-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

a little sartorial inspiration: Jane, the lovely Elizabeth of The Littlest, Jackie, Linda, vintage, street style

A couple of weeks ago I pulled up to a birthday party after being lost for 45 minutes with a baby who screamed the entire time and immediately burst into tears...my lovely friend Katie gave me a big hug and said "Don't worry, it's a new hour"...it was so simple but just the perfect thing to say and has really stuck with me through the last couple weeks...needless to say I adore my girls but occasionally the transition from one to two has been a little rocky...and I love the idea that it doesn't have to be a new day or week to push the proverbial restart button - just simply a new hour! Case in point, Saturday night I had to put the two girls to bed by myself, which is often the case as my Mr. has to go out to shows at night, and neither one would settle down...I was not being very cool about it because, frankly, I wanted just a tiny bit of alone time...after an hour of tossing and turning Lila whined "I'm huuuunnnngry" so I threw up my hands, pulled them out of bed, gave her a bowl of cereal, and snuggled on the couch while we watched "Secrets of a Stylist" (LOVE!)...I rolled my eyes and said "You girls are driving me crazy!" and Lila and I had a good laugh...We finally all fell back to sleep together, happy & peaceful...So even at 8:30 pm it was okay to restart...

Saturday - thrifted top, J Crew pixie pant, beaded sandals, Laura Lombardi Scale necklace...

Lazy sunday - Steven Alan Catalina Dress...

Monday - J Crew linen vneck tee, Mother Denim Maxi, Lem lem scarf, No 6 Clogs...

which brings me to my little "Get Dressed" challenge...I haven't been breaking any style records but it has certainly been a mood booster...how about you?? Thank you especially to Estelle, Torrie, Molly, Shannon and Danielle for tweeting their pics too so I keep motivated & don't feel like a total goofball ;) You all look fantastic!!Anyone else want to join in?

xoxo, M

Let's Get Dressed!

2011-07-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

Do you have your own personal "breakfast at tiffany's"? By that I mean a little trick that gets you out of your head and back in good spirits?? When I'm feeling a bit of the blues coming on I head to my closet and decide to get dressed...nothing fancy but something that makes me feel lighter, happier...lately though, with a going on 4 yr old and newborn to juggle that can seem like an impossible task so when we ended up at our neighborhood restaurant this morning and I spied myself in the mirror (ugh - why the rows and rows of mirrors at 8am?) in cargo shorts (wha!) and milk stained tee with unbrushed hair I knew it was time to make more of an effort and turn this funk around...

to that end I propose a little project...seven days of "getting dressed"

real clothes, real shoes, a dab of makeup, maybe even a pedicure??

Who wants to join me?

To hold myself accountable I'll post some photos...so here goes...starting with something simple...

Day #1 - Steven Alan Seersucker skirt, J Crew VNeck, K Jacques sandals, Dream Collective Necklace & Cuffs, Clare Vivier Flat clutch in red, Target sunglasses...whew! that wasn't so hard right??

I'd love to see your sartorial happy place - tweet me or instagram me (shopprettymommy) your outfit pics...Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo, M

ps - Yes, I know, I write a version of this post about once every 6 months...but it motivates me! and yes, I know how ridiculous it is to have happiness tied up in wardrobe choices...be gentle with the eye rolling!

pps - shop news! Lot of Clare goodies back in stock, only two Two caftans left, and Scout & Catalogue has arrived!!

Want/Need/Wear/Read x 2

2011-07-07T10:44:00.000-05:00

For the next installment of want/need/wear/read I enlisted my Boston bestie Joy Stark - She's the first person I turn to for reading recommendations (she totally gets my half fluff/half substance vibe) so I can't wait to dive into her reading recommendation...and because I couldn't resist a list of my own it's a two-fer one day!

Joy Stark:

Want - I have plenty of bikes designed to go fast, but summer calls for a bike made for leisurely riding. The balloon tires on this bike will deliver a smooth ride on even the bumpiest of Boston's streets.

Need - iPad2- Apple's iCloud announcement sealed the deal for me.

Wear - Gorgeous flat sandals so that I don't tower over my boyfriend as we dance the night away at summer weddings.

Read - I can't wait to dip into this new novel, which is getting great reviews, during my own Maine vacation.

Michelle:

Want - I've long been saving my pennies for a Serena Mitnik-Miller watercolor of my own so I flipped when I saw this Earth print at a price I can afford until then...(and how lovely is she photographed by Leslie Williamson?)...plus part of the proceeds go to Charity:water

Need - while Joy towers above me at a long and lean 6 ft my shrimpy 5 ft frame leaves me a bit height challenged at times...last week my favorite kitchen stool broke and I've been borrowing Lila's chair to reach my top shelves...I love this woven stool spotted at Montmarte...any thoughts on where to score one?

Wear - my favorite Converse bit the dust a while back...and while I've had flirted with pairs of Bensimons and Toms my heart truly belongs to some beat up classics...time to invest in a new pair...photo via Trina

Read - Joy sent me The Paris Wife last week and I've already read it cover to cover...a fictionalized account of Hemingway's first wife's time in Paris it has me itching to reread Hem and Fitzgerald all over again...(although after reading Bobbed Hair and Bathtub Gin I think the women of the 20's were far more fascinating)

Hope everyone is having a lovely week! I'm still trying to find my footing as a mom of two...but finding some fun in it all (although I find myself chanting this book's title in my head like a mantra every night...)

xoxo, M

Lucky Deal of The Day!

2011-07-06T10:30:00.001-05:00

Guess what?? Pretty Mommy has teamed up with Lucky Magazine and Ace & Jig to bring you the Lucky deal of the day! Head on over to www.luckymag.com to get the 50% off discount code for this surfer cool Baja hoodie in a gorgeous red stripe...Originally $188 - yours for $94 one day only!! Starts today (Wednesday July 6th) at 11am est and ends Thursday at 11am est...while supplies last!

Perfect for beach bonfires, apres swim, and general summer shenanigans...

xoxo, M

Red, White, & Blue!!

2011-07-01T09:47:00.001-05:00

Red....

White & Blue...

Happy Fourth!! Here's to my favorite holiday...Fireworks!! Root Beer Floats!! Sparklers!! Picnics!! Sunshine!! and if the heat is getting to you duck into a movie theater for the day and stay up late to watch the light show...It'll make you feel like a kid again... xoxo, M

ps - and since it THE season for sales we're working on markdowns - whohoo!! - check em out here and use code "FIREWORK" at checkout for 20% off any purchase over $150

1- Fashion is Spinach via Joanna/2 - The Sartorialist

Two + Two + Two = LOVE!

2011-06-30T12:48:00.000-05:00

It seems serendipitous that I happened to be posting about Two on the day I went into labor with my second girl...there are two designers (Monica & Piola) who have two kids as well...and well, not to be punny, but their caftans & tunics are TOO gorgeous!

I wanted to get them in the shop asap because I had a hunch that Two was going to blow up big and I wasn't wrong...(I 'm only half joking when I say I was emailing Monica between contractions)...but babies have a way of taking over so here we are a couple of months later with our AHmazing order in hand - yeah!! We are photographing away but you can peek at a few here...

although who can beat a fantastic snap of one by the Sartorialist, eh?

and because I couldn't resist keeping one for moi I'm off to test drive it at the local wading pool...who says you need a party to rock this look?

xoxo, M

Vacationing at Domestic Reflections...

2011-06-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Inspiration, Destination, Bags Packed over here....

(I'm filling in for Jora today at Domestic Reflections today...take a little mental vacation with me today, why don't you?)

xoxo, M

1- Striped Shirt Artwork by Mary Matson (proceeds go to Japan)/2/3

Headed Upstate

2011-06-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Meet Kalen & Astrid (umm...could they be any cuter?) the amazingly talented designers behind Upstate...Brooklyn based, they create one of a kind hand dyed shawls, sarongs, and scarves shibori style (traditional Japanese technique)...I happened to pick one of these up for myself in the spring and it quickly became my go to shawl so of course I had to get some for the shop! The silk is a perfect all season weight and can be used now as a sarong or beach wrap and then seamlessly transitions to your favorite cozy piece for fall! The blue is absolutely gorgeous for all you Yves Klein cobalt addicts and the earth is a super yummy neutral....Shop Upstate Here

Orange you glad I didn't say Pink...

2011-06-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Two things are pretty ubiquitous in our house...silly knock knock jokes (got any good ones - my repertoire is a little weak?) and the color pink...my love for all things pink has been well documented in this little blog but now that a certain someone in my world has co-opted it (ahem...that would be the 3 yr old who will wear nothing else) I'm working on an orange crush...which of course looks gorgeous with all things in my other favorite hue...

xoxo, M

1 - Chioma Nnadi/2 - (help do you know who's this is?)/3/4 - Chloe Resort 2012/5 - The Sartorialist/6 - Vanessa Jackman/7 - Collected Mag/8 - Karen Walker Dress/9 - Tory Burch/10 - Rectangular Objects/11 - Wayne Pate/12 - Ione Skye's house in Domino/13 - Roasted Cumin Lime Carrots/14 - Lauren Moffatt Dress

A Little Summer Magic...

2011-06-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

After sneaking in a little skip hop around the blogosphere this morning you be hard pressed to convince me that summer isn't the most magical time of the year...people are berry picking, firefly catching, continent hopping, pool lazing, and star gazing...I sense a general mellowness settling in*...(something that never happens during the much lauded holidaze)...Hurrah for Summer!! This week we were able to pick strawberries from our little patch (all that was tended in this year's unambitious garden) and it has quickly become my favorite part of the day...Lila runs out to see which ones are ripe and because the plants are interspersed with mint comes running back with covered in a yummy chewing gum smell...

We've also discovered the joys of uncooking (mostly because my few forays into the kitchen with two littles have resulted in minor panic attacks) and since the grey and rain have kept the farmer's markets mostly vegetable free affairs I've been forced to indulge my carb/sweet tooth...

So here's to a lazy, magical summer weekend...lots of ice cream, strawberries, and movies under the stars...

xoxo, M

PS - We decided on a whim to have a flash sale today at the shop! One day only - 30% off any orders over $150 (not applicable to prior purchases - sorry!) Head on over! Be the first to know about our next sale by subscribing to the store newsletter...

PPS - I officially have the coolest readers - everyone was super nice about the breastfeeding post which helped me breathe a sigh of relief about posting on a somewhat controversial topic - yes, everyone needs to do what works for them and just be happy moms! nuf said...

PPPS - *except for those mini meltdowns that seem to happen around our house from about 5 - 7...(officially known around these parts as "is it almost bedtime? can you two stop crying/whining now?, and mama needs a drink")

Working Hard...Hardly Working...

2011-06-23T11:17:00.000-05:00

While Emily has been working hard taking pictures of the new Upstate sarongs and shawls....

and Mandee has been working hard shipping out all this Clare Vivier...

I've been keeping office hours here....

viva la 21st century...where you can work in bed next to a sweet sleeping babe...

xoxo, M

Want/Need/Wear/Read

2011-06-22T11:02:00.001-05:00

Remember my mom's gift giving mantra for the holidays? Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read...I thought I'd revive it for a weekly feature and maybe have some friends chime in as well...as always I'd love to hear your want/need/wear/read...

via Joy

Want - these amazing churros dipped in chocolate right now! (new mom's should indulge their sweet tooth, right?)

Need - A farmer's market tote that will last longer than one season...

I put my summer bags through the wringer and it would be nice to have a sturdier one to load all my veggies into...one of these from Ace & Jig just might be the ticket...

Wear - Erin Considine Glan Necklace...

I super tempted to keep this lovely piece for myself...soft enough to wear with the babe snuggled close, neutral enough to wear with anything...hmmmm

Read - The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Brigette Barrager

Chnaces are if you have a little girl in your life than you are very familiar with the entire princess lexicon (seriously it must be in their dna to like this stuff!)...unfortunately the disney schtick can get a little mind numbing so I was so happy to find this gorgeously illustrated book by Brigette Barrager...totally charming, we've read it no less than twice a day...

Okay...off to find a mexican lunch with churros for dessert...

xoxo, M

Current Crushes

2011-06-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

Midnight in Paris

Run (or stroll Parisian style) and go see Midnight in Paris...by far the most charming movie I've seen in ages...I snuck little L in sleeping and spent the afternoon transported to the 1920's - swoon! Did you ever take your babies to movies when they were tiny? Lila slept through her first 3 but I distinctly remember her wide awake while watching The Darjeeling Unlimited - hopefully early exposure to Wes Anderson can't be a bad thing, no?

photo - The Sartorialist
Sisters
Speaking of little and big L's, I was just captivated by this pair of sisters photographed by the Sartorialist in Florence...aside from their amazing style - I love how they compliment and seem to enjoy each other's company...it's fun to think about what my girls will be like at that age...(umm...and where do I find that amazing sweater!)

Loeffler Randall, Vanessa Jackman for Grazia.it, Stockholm Street Style

Polka Dots

Scrolling through my pinterest, three trends caught my eye....one, I seem to have a polka dot thing happening (starting with the stripes/dots outfit Jesse Randall posted on twitter - I need those Blaise loafers, right?)

Stella Cake by Apollinas - you have to see the rest of this gorgeous thing inspired by Stella McCartney, Clare's Orange Nails

Orange Crush

Two - my citrus obsession continues, spilling over into orange nails....

Photos from CFDA awards - Jamie Beck

B/W

and three - Black & White always looks so fresh...especially on three of my favorite girl crushes - DVF, Chloe and (sigh!) Sofia...and especially when photographed by the fantastic Jamie of From Me to You (I could look at her work for days...)

Hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day weekend - I owe mine a big plate of Silver Dollar pancakes at the Original Pancake house when he comes to visit next month...

xoxo, M

A Rainbow of Fruit Flavors...

2011-06-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

Just a few of the colorful Clare Vivier clutches headed to the shop...

Pochettes, Wallets, Flats, Foldovers, and Oversize back in stock!

1..2..3..GO!