Black Friday!

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...

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...

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..

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...

 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...

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

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!

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

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

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!

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!!

...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

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

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 Netflix via 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.