I ♥ Steven Alan

Shopping economically doesn't have to mean hitting bargain stores like h&m and forever 21.  It can simply mean choosing chic, timeless pieces that you'll love and wear forever.  My personal favorite source for this is the NYC based Steven Alan.  It perfectly captures that East Coast preppy with an edge/nyc hipster vibe I adore. 

I'd start with this Tippi coat - $495 - it could be sophisticated Hitchcock heroine with long gloves, a bit mod with a mini, or 80's prep with a navy cardigan and khakis.

I've been on a huge skirt kick lately and looove this Ella corduroy - $158 - I'm tossing mine over some cute Bleu Foret patterned tights and my No 6 short boots

add a great sweater - Hayley - $345, a sleek over the shoulder bag - Rachel Nasvik Eleanor Mini - $296, and an unconventional cashmere button hat - $98 - mix and match to your hearts content...xoxo

Columbus Day Sale

20% off your entire order at Pretty Mommy - 4 Days only! Friday October 9 - Monday October 12th! Enter Code: COLUMBUS at checkout...Save on Matta Scarves, Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry, John Robshaw quilts, and Fleabags Handbags...Shop Now!
xoxo
Michelle

Momma's got a brand new bag...

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

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

I'd pair it with some....

Ray Ban Wayfarers, (or these Target knockoffs)

a cozy grandpa cardigan from American Apparel,

rolled up matchstick ankle jeans,

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

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

Xoxo

Michelle

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

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