Set your Tivo

Calling all Anthropologie addicts..."Man Shops Globe" (10pm Sundance Channel) follows buyer-at-large Keith Johnson as he travels the globe searching out those "unique" finds for the chain to reproduce for the masses...I kid - you know I eat that stuff up :) Premieres tonight!

Happy Birthday to you!!

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Girl's Flamenco Tee - $38

Girl's Silk Bubble Skirt - $29.50




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

Girl's Crazy Bead Necklace - $14.50

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

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

use code PM09 for 10% and free shipping

Cabin Fever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Labor Day xoxo!

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

Parlez Vous Francais?

Inspired by my adventures at sea, I'm having a bit of a late summer Gallic moment...this is the quintessential Sailor T by St. James and Calypso has washed it worn to create an instant lived in favorite - $135
(If you google a bit you can also find the original for about $60)
I love it with a rolled up boyfriend jean for a gamine effect.

How can you go wrong with the Parisian version of Converse?
Bensimon La Tennis Lacets in Marine - $55

Tres Cool!

Once the weather gets crisp I'll throw this Ponte Beau Blazer by Cartonnier - $98 - over the whole ensemble. J'adore the fact that it's been done in a cozy knit and predict it will be your new fall favorite...C'est magnifique!

Finally, like any good French girl, I know that an outfit isn't complete without a bit of sexiness, so I'm cutting my nails super short and laquering them with a gorgeous, classic rouge
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour - $20
Ooh la la!






Til next week - Au Revoir! A Bientot! A tout a l'heure!
(okay - think it's all out of my system now - whew!)
xoxo - M

What's In My Bag

My hubby and I are leaving for a quick trip tomorrow, sans baby, for someplace tropical and I thought I'd share a few of my travel essentials.

The bag: something roomy enough for a few choice reading materials and beach supplies but kicky enough to pair with a sundress for dinner.

I love this one from Anthropologie

Knickknacks-and-Notions Tote - $78 and it functions a great diaper bag!

Everyone needs a pair of giant sunglasses to hide behind...these are great first thing in the morning to hide dark circles (and what mommy doesn't have tired eyes and no time for makeup). They lend a slight air of mystery and I like that they look a little 70's tacky - sort of a Golden Girls feel...

Xhilaration Plastic Vintage Square Sunglasses - $12.99

The most important thing in my travel bag, winter, spring, summer or fall is a great scarf. It 's a shawl, sarong, blanket, nursing coverup, baby playmat...you name it, I've used my scarf for it.

Matta Dupatta Scarf in Tikka Almond - on sale $130 (was $202)

This is the one that all the celebs have been loving - Jennifer Aniston, Rachel Bilson, Julianne Moore, etc...and I have to say it is lovely - cotton and silk so lightweight enough for summer.

A great chunky necklace can turn a plain tee shirt from basic tourist into eccentric artist's muse. I love em big, colorful, and bold.

This is a good pick from Anthropologie -

Oscillating Coral Necklace - on sale $29.95 (was $48)

but you could always raid your Aunt Maude's jewelry box as well!

Finally, my must have beauty product -

Shiseido's Accentuating Color Stick in Peach Flush - $33

This is a gorgeous cream blush in the perfect shade of sunkissed peach. Use all year to fake a heathly glow - especially when baby is up all night!

Bon Voyage!

I'll be using my precious reading time to research some great Fall picks...til next week xoxo

Summer Sale!

Okay, before I get too ahead of myself with all this talk of Fall...let me mention a few of my favorite summer purchases all of which happen to be ON SALE!! Yeah for you!!

I've worn this Simplicity Dress by Ella Moss a dozen times, a dozen ways...all gilded with gold necklaces and flats for a beachy vibe, with a long multi colored, chunky necklace for a Picasso's Wife feel, and with black leggings, black & white scarf and chunky 3.1 Philip Lim sandals for a punkier edge...worth every penny full price but now just $69.95

Matta's Piar Dress with a cute belt was special enough for my Grammy's 75th Birthday party, a date night, and New York with the girls. Gorgeous color and exquisite detailing. On Sale now for $133.50

Last, but not least, this Kimchi Blue Skirted Swimsuit has been a close to wonderful version of a "mom" suit. Great Marilyn retro styling and some extra coverage for chasing your youngster around...it's a steal at $39.99