Chezmama

Mama in LA and I are blogging here:

http://chezmama.tumblr.com/

Check us out!

xoxo,

mama in manhattan

My Red Valentinos

Flashback: It must have been fate in the Spring of 2009. With no agenda in mind, I went to a Valentino sample sale and was casually browsing the shoe section when I saw her.....my beautiful red, satin bow heels - shoes that I bought as an option to wear to my Valentine's Day wedding in LA. In the end, I went with a different pair but I was so happy to be reunited with her. Ahh, the joy that it brought me, those Valentinos were mine again.
These days in the heat of summer, I've been craving color and height and wearing my Red Valentinos makes me feel flirty and fun.

xoxo,
mama in manhattan

Chic After Baby

i never thought i would hate dressing up for work but i dread it. i have a new body: i'm going through a transition period...I'm POSTpregnant and transitioning into a new role: being a good mommy and learning to embrace my new 'temporary' body. I was unprepared with my new shape - i miraculously thought that i would spring back into my old self and all the baby weight would disappear but it didn't. i suddenly felt so insecure, so unsure of myself and unprepared to face the world.

returning to work was challenging: adjusting to a new schedule and lifestyle and then on top of that, my weight gain. I didn't know what to wear! It wasn't about accentuating the bump anymore, the new rule was about hiding the belly or drawing attention to another point of interest: a sparkling necklace or bright shoes.

The trick is to add HEIGHT to any outfit when you're feeling low. Heels, platform shoes any shoes that add inches will help you appear taller, thinner. i know it's a lot of work but you will instantly FEEL leaner!

Rule #1: Pretty Distraction: Draw Attention to a sparkly accessory! My trick was to draw the eyes to my bib necklace and red satin bow shoes.

Details of Look #1:

• Off White Fleece Blazer - A fitted blazer is a must - it helps draw in the waist so you are creating a waistline.


• Stripe Tank in Faded Blue/White - Layering tanks, camisoles are so comfortable and add texture and color to your overall look.


• Elastic Waist Skirt in Charcoal - Need I say more? Elastic is your best friend. It creates a waistline and is very comfortable. A Dark color skirt minimizes your imperfections.

• Sparkly Necklace - A fun necklace adds interest to your neck and is a pretty distraction or "attraction" - again, the rule is to draw attention away from the belly!


• Red Shoes - A pop of color brings a whimsical flair and adding height to your frame is always good!

A Brand New Year

Our 1 year anniversary is quickly approaching! Why do they say the 1st year of marriage is the hardest, when in fact it's the best, happiest year of your life?! I love being married to Chris. It's been glorious!

Homecoming

Chris and I flew to LA to spend quality time with our family. It was a very short and last minute trip (we arrived Friday morning and left Sunday afternoon) to celebrate Mother's Day and Dad's birthday (actual bday is on the 13th). It was such a special weekend, to come home with my wonderful Chris - it was our first time back as a "married couple!" We had such a fun time and had an amazing homecoming filled with love and happiness...we visited grandma and grandpa, celebrated two big occasions with our parents and hung out with our loving siblings!

Here are some pictures from our trip:

An Inspiration!

Last night, Chris and I had the amazing opportunity to meet President Bill Clinton!!! Chris' former boss invited us to a reception at the St Regis to host the former President and his foundation: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/

The Clinton Foundation has done incredible work transforming ideas into action and taking a global stand in poverty alleviation, the eradication of AIDS and Malaria, to combat childhood obesity, and fight climate change. The results that the foundation achieved in 5 years is so remarkable because of the collective action brought forth from all citizens across the world!

The reception was in a very intimate setting, inside a Hotel Suite. I still can't believe that I was in his presence! I was so moved when I shook the President's hand...I said to him "You Are An Inspiration." His grip was so warm and confident, his aura peaceful yet commanding and quietly powerful. He looked me straight in the eye after he shook my hand and said, "Thank you, bless you."

I am moved by his call to action, his dedication to create new possibilities for the world and his love and passion for bringing people together to fight for the causes they believe in. What an extraordinary human being, what a HERO!

What is your cause - what is the possibility that you are creating for yourself?

*I will post more pictures that I took with my camera - this was taken with my Iphone!

The streets of New York were alive and bustling this past weekend. Residents, tourists, all walks of life joined the celebration, rejoicing in the beautiful 70 something degree weather.
Christine and I went to the Chelsea Art Galleries and were quite moved by some of the pieces! We're planning to go back and feel inspired again. We enjoyed the rest of the day shopping, eating a late but delectable lunch, drinking Proseco and wandering the streets aimlessly, basking in the warm weather with no agenda or obligations. What good fortune we have; to enjoy the guilty pleasures of life....our escape while brief, proved to be too fun and therapeutic. It was truly a happy day... I know we will look back and think fondly of our little adventures in the city.