Affordable Elegance

Last weekend's Emmy Awards brought us some intriguing new fashion trends. One that stood out were the diamond encrusted stackable bangles worn by Kate Walsh and Tina Fey. Not your typical diamonds, the updated bangle style brings a chic and modern approach to accessorizing on the red carpet.

This is an easy look to duplicate, yet not everyone has the budget to afford $1M worth of Neil Lane bangles. To get this look for less, try:

Karat Platinum creates diamond bracelets that are still a tad pricey, but more affordable than the celeb's versions.

Ross Simons offers some great cubic zirconia alternatives that will make stacking an option. Use code 20OFF to save 20% and get free shipping.

Diamond bangles create a luxurious look and are the perfect finish for your next red carpet event, cocktail party or just a date night with your hubby.

Budget Chic: WorkStyle

The term "working mom" can almost be an oxymoron, as all moms work hard. Yet moms who work from home or outside the home have to work doubly hard, making sure everything is lined up for the kids so they can focus their attention on clients. Lunches must be packed, snacks planned, carpool scheduled to the nth degeee...pulling all this off while looking great can sometimes seem an impossible feat. Yet moms don't have to spend a lot of money, or a lot of time to look chic. Especially when starting with such basic pieces as this Jersey Dress by Converse for Target ($11.49). It's an easy dress to wear around the house with flats while you see the kids off to school. Then it becomes transformed with the addition of an Elle Crop Trench Coat from Kohl's ($40), a pair of black tights and these chic Mirabelle Studded Boots ($55). Add an armful of black bangles ($7) and an Urban Expressions Loft bag ($45) for a shot of color and you've got a great outfit that takes you to client meetings or the office, in style.

Total Budget: $158.49

Carrie and Danielle

You moms have all heard me talk about Carrie and Danielle before, and how much I adore their book, Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design. Well, now these two groovy ladies have launched their own website. Created to help you live an inspired life, Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte discuss topics that can help us all feel a little better about ourselves. One of my favorites, "Can looking good save your life? Yep." gives a whole new perspective on how powerful the act of taking care of ourselves can be in our lives.

Oh, and the fabulous Guy Kawasaki is one of their guest contributors. That's one more great reason to hop on over to Carrie and Danielle and say hello!

Tousled Tresses, Celebrity Style

I just love Brooke Shields. She's got such great style, and always looks fabulous! Emmy night was no exception, where she wore her gorgeous chestnut-colored tresses sexily tousled with gentle curls. This is a great way to spruce up long hair for a special evening out, or to give your style (and mood!) a boost first thing in the morning.

To get Brooke's look, you'll need a hair gel or mousse, a blowdryer, hot rollers and a light mist hairspray. Follow these easy steps and you'll look hot in no time flat:

1. Start off by running a little mousse or gel through hair with fingers before you blow it dry.

2. Section off hair using a rattail comb to make rolling easier.

3. Set hair with hot rollers, rolling hair sideways on sides (rather than under), and towards the back as you go down the center of the head. Let rollers set for about 10 minutes.

4. Unroll and marvel at your gorgeous, flowing curls! Brush very gently and spritz with a lightweight hair spray.

5. Enjoy your sexy look, whether you're driving carpool or having a hot dinner with hubby.

** Don't miss Brooke tonight on the season premier of Lipstick Jungle. I know I'll be watching to see what adventures the girls are up to!

Chic Scrapbook Pages

Preserving memories of our kids is something moms have done for years. Yet it's only been in the past couple of years that scrapbooking has been elevated to an artform. With many companies devoted to offering creative forms of expression for our memory albums, we moms are a lucky lot.

Looks like we just got a bit luckier. The scrapbooking website, How Fast They Grow, has just teamed up with Jennifer Sbranti of Hostess With the Mostess to bring us a fresh crop of scrapbooking page selections. With three themes, indcluding Mostess Days, Mod Squad and Metro Sorbet, there are a total of 81 clever and colorful designs to choose from, all printed on high-quality 12 X 12 sheets of cardstock.

So next time you're ready to create scrapbook pages of your child's days, try a page or two from Hostess With the Mostess and watch your scrapbooks come alive!

Mama's Little Helpers

"Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic."
-- Rosalind Russell


Photo courtesy of Parents.com

Viciously Clean

The secret to a happy life may well lie in having clean hands. That is, if your kids use eco-friendly foaming handsoap from Daisy Vicious.

Getting kids to wash their hands isn't always a piece of cake. But ask them to lather up with the chemical-free formula from the likes of Daisy Vicious and Dude Vicious, and they'll be giggling their little hands clean in no time! Daisy and Dude Vicious soaps ($3.99 - $13.99) are the concoction of a couple of moms (who else?) and are made using only the best pure and natural ingredients they could get their hands on. Not only are these meant for little hands, but they're perfect for the bathtub and can double as body wash and shampoo, too! The foam is great for your little dudes (or daisies) to pretend shaving with, and they'll love the name!

Daisy and Dude Vicious take the mean out of clean. With ingredients such as coconut oil, essential oils and fatty acids, you can rest assured what your kids are washing themselves with is safe enough to eat - but shhhh.... let that be our little secret. They just need to know that washing up can be fun!

Mama's Little Helpers

“It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”

- Anonymous

Budget Chic: Playground Style

With all eyes on the economy, it can be challenging to think about splurging on designer jeans or those hot new shoes you've had your eye on this season. Yet, you still want look chic - don't despair, you can! Here's one suggestion for a Playground Chic look that will keep your budget in check and will have you waving bye-bye to your sweatpants:

1. Start with a great pair of jeans. These boot cut jeans ($49.50) in a dark wash from Gap are a classic style that work well on all body types and won't leave you flashing the world when you bend over.

2. Top it off with a Plaid Tweed 3Q Jacket from Forever 21 ($30) to incorporate this season's plaid trend into your look and give you a twist on a classic.

3. Layer the jacket over a cotton cami from Old Navy ($5).

4. A Big Beaded Bracelet ($6.50) adds a punch of color and picks up the red in the jacket.

5. A pair of red slingback flats from Report ($40) bring the season's hottest color afoot.

6. Tote your stuff in style with a Hobo Tote with a fringed accent ($25) in faux suede and faux leopard to make for a stylish and vegan-friendly bag.

Total Look: $156

Editor's Note: Budget Chic is a new series that we'll be offering to help you get the latest looks without breaking the bank. Looks will range from playground to office to evening and more, with a $150 budget. Stay tuned for more budget-friendly options.

A Different Kind of Daily Planner

As you leave the house on busy mornings, you grab your cell phone, your keys and your daily planner. Here's a different kind of daily planner to consider grabbing to take with you. The Petite Planner from Trish McEvoy is a great way to sort and store your makeup while taking it on the go. With refillable pages created to store all your cosmetics for easy access, it's a wonderful way to keep everything organized and in it's place, while keeping it portable, too.

The pages of the Petite Deluxe Planner have separate pockets for your makeup, keeping the powders from flirting with the creams. It has a zip-out side pocket for your beauty tools and other necessities, and the whole kit and caboodle allows you to keep all your cosmetics in one simple location. This is one truly customizable makeup organization system that will have you looking chic despite your busy schedule.

Accessorize with Silpada

The right accessories can make or break an outfit. They can also give your wardrobe more versatility than you ever imagined. Just think how a chic necklace just sets off a beautiful dress and enhances your features. Yet change out the necklace for a pair of sparkly earrings in your eye color, and voila! Your look and your appearance have been transformed!

If you're looking to transform your wardrobe and give your basics a stylish boost for fall then take a peek at the fabulous designs from Silpada. Their wonderful jewelry is designed by two dynamic women and handcrafted by artisans in .925 Sterling Silver to create stunning and memorable creations.

But the best part is that Silpada is sold through home shows by independent sales reps, many of them moms. I'm hosting a Silpada party of my own this coming Friday evening, September 26 from 7 - 9. If you're in the Raleigh/Durham area and would like to come by for a girls' night out, send me an email and I'll give you the deets. Leave dad at home with the kiddos and come have a glass of wine with us! You can come and play dress-up with the latest looks from Silpada and see what styles work best with your look. I'll work with you help you find the colors and styles that are right for you and am offering up my Image Consultant's advice for free. I'll even whip up a batch of my famous spicy pecans to boot! Plus, you can register to win a gift certificate for One Chic Mama Image Consulting Services. I hope to see you on Friday!

Fashion Forecast

Fashion seemingly moves at the speed of light, and it can seem that by the time you incorporate one trend into your look, it's gone from being "in" to being "out". No, fashion's not against you, it's just the fickle nature of the beast. But with a little planning and an insider's scoop from Fashion Week, you can boost your wardrobe for spring while you add pieces to get you through the fall. Here are a few suggestions for additions to your wardrobe that will have you looking fabulous this season, and on into next:


Moody Blues - If you incorporated blue into your wardrobe last spring, hang on to it. It'll come back around next spring and it looks better than ever.

Red Hot - Red is one of the colors du jour, and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Indulge in red blouse, a red purse or some red high heels to keep you looking fabulous!

My Boyfriend's Back - Whether you'd rather refer to it as the "boyfriend jacket" or the "husband jacket", this chic cropped, blazer-style jacket is perfect to throw on over a tee shirt and jeans or to give a comfy look to a pretty dress.

Belt it - No more skinny belts (thank goodness!) Wide belts are back and provide the finishing touch over a top, sweater or dress.

Ruffles - Romantic is the buzzword for next spring, and this season's ruffles will get you in the mood. Whether it's a ruffled purse, a ruffle-trimmed dress or even a ruffled tee, you can't go wrong with this soft touch. Just beware the location of the ruffles. Avoid wearing ruffles where you are largest. For busty women, opt for ruffles at the hem of a blouse or on a skirt.

Go ahead, mamas, add a little spice to your wardrobe and you'll feel like a fashionista in no time!

Mama's Little Helpers

"Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic."

-- Rosalind Russell




Photo courtesy of Parents.com

Friday Blog Roundup

On MomFinds: Win a $125 Shopping Spree from PictureMyPurse.com and get started on your holiday shopping.

On Clever Parents: Healthy Home Tips - Cleaning Can Make Things Worse. Did you know that a conventional vacuum cleaner may spew out allergens in its exhaust, or that a sponge or mop contaminated with bacterial growth can make the broom closet or surfaces you wipe stink? Read these 10 tips to help you clean without “dirtying” the air.

On Classy Mommy: 101 Dalmations Giveaway. We've got 3 DVD giveaways running right now for 3 versions of the 101 Dalmations Family of DVD's.

On Boston Mamas: Art at the Right Level. Your kid will appreciate the view (and will love playing curator) with this cool home decor solution.

Let Them Paint Their Nails

Going for a spa pedicure is something I regularly treat myself to. I mean, with all the walking, carrying of kids and exercising that I do, my feet just need to be de-calloused and pampered by a professional on a regular basis. But manicures? I (almost) always shy away from indulging in one. While I deem pedicures a necessity, a manicure just doesn't seem worth it to me. Plus, I don't have all the time in the world to sit and wait while my nails dry - what if I get an important phone call and have to fish for my phone? What if my nose itches? What if...

While I don't treat myself to regular manicures at the salon, I have discovered that I can have great looking nails by doing them myself at home. It's quick and easy, and if the polish chips after two days (as it always seems to do on me) then it's no biggie. I can just do them again without dropping another $15 - $25.

One of my favorite quick and easy looks has been to match my nail polish to my skin color. Revlon Nail Enamel in Sheer Rose is a great shade for me. It's like my skintone, but with a hint of pink to it, so it gives a very natural and elegant look to my hands - even when my nails are super short. Revlon Nail Enamel offers wonderful coverage and seems to dry quickly (is it just me?), even with two coats. I top it off with a quick coat of Sally Hansen Hard As Nails topcoat for a long-lasting finish. What's great is that I can do this at home after the kids go to bed, and each of these costs less than $5!

Hospital Ready

As your due date nears, you’ve got your list of what you want to take to the hospital or birthing center. But you just wish someone else would pack it for you. Order a The Labor and Delivery Survival Kit and let Ms. & Mrs. take care of it, knowing your essentials will be there.

The Labor and Delivery Survival Kit is a roomy and portable mesh tote that includes 12 essentials for an expectant mom’s comfort including a stopwatch, slipper socks, a headband, a back massager, body lotion, lip balm, Preggie Pops®, breath mints and more. Add an outfit for going home and you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of. The Labor and Delivery Survival Kit offer peace of mind for just $45.

A Good Bag Is Hard to Find

I have a dilemma when it comes to handbags. As a mom, I want something that's durable, has pockets and can handle a leaky sippy cup or spilled snacks and still look great. As a woman who loves fashion (and as an image consultant), I want something that's chic - an investment bag, or something of that ilk. So I struggle. Do I invest in something fabulous that may not make it through a long weekend with the kiddos? Or do I suck it up and sacrifice style for something that will hold up to the perils of childhood?

Now that I've discovered Rosetti handbags, I may have found the best of both worlds. They may not be Marc Jacobs or Louis Vuitton, but Rosetti sure knows how to create a chic handbag that’s long on style and function, too. Armed with plenty of interior pockets for safe keeping of cell phones and valuables, many Rosetti styles also come equipped with a mini-umbrella. With styles ranging in color from black faux-croc, embossed taupe or fire-engine red, Rosetti lets you express your style without breaking the bank! Rosetti handbags can be found at Kohl’s, JC Penney and Sears stores for around $50.

Exclusive for One Chic Mama readers
Three lucky winners will receive a Rosetti handbag. Just leave us a comment and tell us whether you'd prefer black, tan or gold and tell us how you reconcile your handbag dilemma. Deadline is Midnight, September 21st.

Tiny Prints Winner

The winner of our Tiny Prints gift certificate is Kristen G. Congratulations, Kristen! Your kiddos are sure to look fabulous on some of their invitations, announcements or cards.

A Day in Eric Daman's Shoes

A Day In My Shoes: Gossip Girl Stylist Eric Daman Goes Inside Fashion Week from Payless Fashion Week 09 on Vimeo.

Many of you may be fans of Gossip Girl, that hot show spotlighting Leighton Meister as a fashionista. Eric Daman is the fab stylist of Gossip Girl, and he brings us a glimpse of fashion week through Payless on the Runway. Featuring shoes designed by Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Abaete, along with fashions from Lela Rose, Laura Poretzky and Stacey Bendet, to create a stunning show for Spring, Payless merges high-fashion with budget prices - and does it in style!

Wave Bye-Bye to Puffy Eyes

As a Cookie Queen Bee, I have been treated to a some fabulous new products before they hit the shelves. One of my most recent faves has been the Anti-Puff Eye Roller from Garnier Nutritioniste. I've been using this for a while and have found my new favorite quick fix.

I must admit, now that I'm in the '40 and up' category, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I'm not complaining. I think my skin has fared quite well. Yet in the mornings (Mondays, especially!) I now wake up with puffy eyes and circles under them that didn't used to be there. Not the best way to start my day. So I began using the Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller as soon as I get out of bed. The Anti-Puff Eye Roller is a cool gel that you simply roll on your skin. It gives it a shot of caffeine (if only it made coffee, too!) and helps to decongest puffiness and diminish dark circles. It contains vitamins that nourish the eye area, and the cool gel helps to hydrate skin for a refreshed look. This stuff has done wonders for my under-eye area. Sure, I still dab on a bit of concealer, but the puffiness is treated and I emerge from the house looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, even if what I'd rather be doing is crawling back into bed for another hour.

The best part about the Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller is its price tag. With eye creams costing a pretty penny these days, and we mama's having to watch our budgets, the eye roller does what it claims to and will only set you back a cool $10. Plus, you can pick it up from your local Walgreens, Target or Wal-Mart while you shop for household necessities. Even better!

Mama's Little Helpers

"To see the beautiful, we must carry it with us"

-- Anonymous

Editors note: Our 'Quote for the Day' has now become 'Mama's Little Helpers'. These are quotes, tips and tricks meant to offer a dash of inspiration to your day! See more Mama's Little Helpers to get your day started off right!

Good For Kids and Tastes Good Too!

I have to admit that on a trip down the aisles of our local Harris Teeter this summer, my daughter spotted Dora the Explorer on a package of yogurt and freaked! After she begged me to buy it for her, I was reluctant. I'm so used to products targeted to kids to be bad for them, that I was on auto-pilot. Then I saw the product was yogurt from Yoplait Kids and quickly came to my senses.

My kids love yogurt. My daughter would happily sit down and eat 2 or 3 cartons if I'd let her (I sometimes do!). So it's nice to see the great options that Yoplait Kids offers. I'm packing two lunches most mornings, and love the convenience of popping in something from Yoplait Kids - either the drinkable yogurt, or the yogurt in a cup - to help my son and daughter get their calcium for the day. Plus, they get an added boost because there are actually 16 mg of naturally sourced Omega-3 DHA in each serving. With no artificial sweeteners or flavors, and 25% less yogurt than other leading brands, Yoplait Kids is something my kids love - and I can feel good about.

Yoplait Kids was reviewed for Parent Bloggers Network.

Friday Blog Roundup

Heard around the mom blogs this week...

On Boston Mamas: We love Vincent's fall line up; stop by to enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Vincent Shoes!

On Clever Parents: Protect your family from deadly child-proofing products. Imagine your child’s life being put at risk by something you bought to protect her. That’s exactly what happened to George DeCell. Those outlet plugs you have all over your house in the name of child-proofing? Turns out they could do more harm than good.

On Mom Finds: Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Tea Collection. Tea Collection's Fall line-up is all about Norwegian-inspired looks. Tell us your favorite piece and you can win a $100 gift card.

Fashion Marries Technology

OK, fashionistas, get ready to salivate because you're gonna love what I'm about to show you. Last night on the catwalk, designer extroidinaire, Vivienne Tam, debuted something fabulous! She has teamed up with HP to create the first-ever HP digital clutch. I want one already!

You all know how much I love collaborations, and this is certainly one to clamor for. Vivienne and HP teamed up to create a notebook PC that offers all the style and power needed for a delightful technology experience. Tam also worked with HP to design the notebook’s accessories and packaging. “When I was approached by HP to create a special edition notebook, I could see the design in my head instantly,” said Tam. “The notebook is a true reflection of the needs of a modern woman who cares about fashion but is also passionate about her technology. I wanted to create a notebook that would appeal to women of all ages, ethnicities and income levels across the globe.”

We say it's simply gorgeous. And useful. And cool. But we're gonna have to wait, because no matter how chic they are, they won't even be available before 2009. So, go ahead - drool.

While you're waiting you can get your Vivienne Tam fix using the Virtual Catwalk, also created by HP. This "design bot" gadget inspires users to dress up their computers with Tam-designed wallpaper, screensaver and icons – all of which are available now in the United States and in early October worldwide.

Fashion Week Hits NC

While New York is all aflutter with models sporting the best designs for next spring, North Carolina is busy showing off a little fashion of it's own. Last week I had the pleasure of attending a fashion show and mimosa brunch at The Mint Restaurant on Fayetteville Street in Raleigh, and the fashions coming down the spiral staircase were enough to make me feel in was right in the heart of the Big Apple.

Hosted by the Carolina Ballet, clothing from the very fashion forward boutique, SoHo, located here in Raleigh, were on display. And boy, were there some lovely creations! Designs from Dianaira (many of them reversible!), Elm and Rundholz were on display, complemented by handcrafted jewelry by Mirinda Kossoff with Salon 21 providing hair and make-up for the Fall Fashion Event. Models sashayed around the dining room wearing creations that would make any mom look glamorous for an evening out. I took note of several designs (including a faux fur stole lined with a colorful printed silk) that would be perfect for a few events coming up this fall.

While Fashion Week in New York is sponsored by Mercedes Benz, the Mint teamed up with Maserati to bring red carpet luxury to the show. Set to the sounds of classical music, this was a wonderful event. The Mint takes pride in offering the best in local and organic foods, and the food was delicious. Plus I had the opportunity to meet some fabulous fashionistas from around the Triangle! It was a delightful way to celebrate my first day of mommy freedom, while both kids enjoyed a wonderful day in school with friends.

Light As Air

Music created for children can be fun for the whole family. Yet sometimes we parents need to listen to something that's meant to appeal to our grown up sensibilities. The new CD from Lee Ann Anderson, "Light As Air" is just perfect for these times.

Featuring all original music, Lee Ann Anderson's collection of songs is full of beautiful, child-friendly poetry set to melodies we moms can appreciate. It has an ethereal feel that makes it relaxing, yet upbeat. Children will surely enjoy this as much as their parents, recognizing a few phrases throughout. The song, Black Eye Peas, is a wonderfully fun song about food with a folksy nod to Michelle Shocked that will have you tapping your toes.

Reminescent of Kate Bush, with a little Joni Mitchell thrown in for good measure, Light As Air is a delightful and upbeat compliation evocative of fairy tales and pirates. Created to draw you into an imaginary world "where love is the hero and everyone is a shooting star", this is music you can share with your kids or keep all to yourself. Set to inspiring music with positive phrases, "Light As Air" will lift you up and carry you away!

One Hundred Must Haves

Fashion is continually in motion. Always changing. What's hot one minute is out the next. Yet there are some items in a women's closet that seem to transcend the fickle nature of fashion and to stand the test of time. Nina Garcia knows exactly what they are.

An authority in the realm of fashion, Nina Garcia may be best known for her work on Project Runway, cheering on the next would-be Marc Jacobs or Isaac Mizrahi. In her book, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own she draws upon her years of experience to offer readers a guide to those classic pieces that create the backbone of a woman's wardrobe, no matter what's in fashion.

In alphabetical order beginning with the A-Line Dress and ending with a Zippered Hoodie, Garcia answers the questions she has been asked over the years about what items she deems essential for any woman who wants to create her own timeless style. The One Hundred gives us guidelines for our shopping lists and helps us determine what items to add to our closets. Garcia also brings us useful tips on how to spot a fake designer bag, how to wear fishnets and gives us tips for buying the perfect cocktail ring (hint: fakes are completely acceptable here). In short, she dumbs down fashion to make it accessible to all women, in a user-friendly way.

To complement Nina's must-haves, Ruben Toledo has done it again with his chic and fabulous illustrations. I have loved this illustrator since his days at Details (back when I was a fashion student and it was mostly a women's magazine) and his beautiful style accessorizes a wonderful book.

The One Hundred is highly recommended for any woman who wants to create her very own style. It's not about wearing the trends, but about creating a wardrobe that's just right for you. Once you have the "bones" of your wardrobe (buy the best you can afford!), with a little fashion know-how they will carry you through any occasion with grace and style. Because fashion is what you buy, but style is how you wear it!

Tiny Prints

After becoming a parent, I have gained an understanding of the joy parents feel in sharing cute photos of their kids. I, too, revel in showing off pics of my little ones, and marvel over how fast friends' kids have grown (really!). So when it comes time to create birthday invitations or holiday cards, I get giddy with all the possibilities there are to show off my brood.

Creating cards can be fun, and with the fabulous, contemporary designs of Tiny Prints, there's the chance to create chic cards and announcements for any occasion. Having a baby? Tiny Prints has some of the hippest photo birth announcements around. Planning a birthday party? Create a fantastic and fun birthday invitations that are perfect for the occasion. Whatever you have planned, modern graphics and chic designs make cards from Tiny Prints as memorable as the occasion itself.

Exclusive for One Chic Mama readers
Win a $50 gift certificate to use on invitations, announcements or cards of your choice from Tiny Prints (remember, Christmas isn't too far away...). Simply leave us a comment telling us your favorite Tiny Prints design and your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, September 13, 2008. Please note, all comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.

Shower Hug Winner

Congratulations to Annette A. She has won the Shower Hug for her daughter, who is due in about 2 weeks. This will surely come in handy!

Beauty Blooms at Avon

Great design is all around us, and these days it's becoming more and more common to find partnerships merging high design with budget-friendly products, making it accessible to us all. Avon and Marimekko joined forces this past spring to conjure up some of the most lovely face palettes around.

You're probably already familiar with the designs of Marimekko, the Finnish textile and clothing design company who have been going strong since the 1950's. Marimekko's philosophy is to create design that is part of a person's everyday life. Avon is a fitting choice, with their quality products and their prices that won't break the bank. They are committed to making beauty accessible to all women, and that they do. With their All-Over Face Palette at just $10, it's a beauty treat that we can all indulge in. Keep an eye out for this to be back on the shelves very soon!

She's One Chic Mama!

Amanda Lamb is one chic mama. She's also one busy mama. She has authored not one, but two books: the hilarious and entertaining, Smotherhood: Wickedly Funny Confessions from the Early Years, and the much more serious crime thriller, Deadly Dose: The Untold Story of a Homicide Investigator's Crusade for Truth and Justice. She also works full-time as a crime reporter for WRAL in Raleigh, NC, is happily married to Grif, and the proud mother of 2 daughters, ages 5 and 8. We caught up with Amanda to find out how she does it all, and looks great too!

How do you juggle being a crime reporter and an author with being a mother? I try to be very organized- that helps to keep my stress level down. I also prioritize tasks based on immediate needs. My family always comes first, but they also understand that when I'm on deadline it has to be a real emergency for them to bother me.

What is your favorite way to unwind? Take a bath, light some candles, grab a glass of wine and soak!

What is your morning routine like? I exercise, shower and get dressed before I wake the kids up. Then I help them get dressed, make breakfast, pack book bags and yell at everyone to brush hair and teeth. I drive carpool, then head to work to start MY day!

What beauty product(s) could you not live without? The skin care regimen from Arbonne.

Describe your style and how it has evolved after becoming a mother. I have 2 modes-work (business suit and makeup) and Mommy (usually workout clothes or jeans and a t-shirt and little or no makeup), there's very little in-between. I find that being comfortable when I'm with the kids is priority number one since we always seem to be rushing around or doing things that are physical. I also find that if I put on workout clothes eventually I might make it to the gym!

Anything else you'd like to add? Style isn't nearly as important when you become a mom because you're so busy. At the same time you need to be healthy and feel good about yourself as a woman. For me regular exercise is the key to this equation!

Photo by Jennifer Robertson

A Love Story

It all started back in May of 2006. One Chic Mama was the first beauty and style resource created just for moms, and with your love and support we have grown and evolved into so much more. Now you can vote for us to win a fabulous Blog Award from Divine Caroline. Many thanks!

We love you, too, dear readers, and want to thank you for all your warm generosity and support over the years. We want to do everything we can to bring beauty and style to you busy mamas, and help make it easy to look great and feel fabulous. You are all beautiful, amazing women working hard a one of the hardest jobs there is - parenting! We want to celebrate you as women, as well as mothers, and help you stay in touch with that part of yourself that may have gotten lost somewhere between diapers and daycare. Because inside every woman there really is one chic mama!

Mood Indigo

Trends are brewing this week under the tents as fashion week kicks into high gear. One notable beauty trend from the Toni Maticevski show was the use of a deep, metallic Indigo nail polish from Zoya. Featured as an Elle UK top 10 color pick, this deep, dramatic shade brought a starry night feel to Toni's flirty and feminine designs, and looked stunning while adorning the fingertips of the models. It would look equally stunning with a little black dress, or even with a crisp shirt, pencil skirt and boots for a bold daytime look.

“style is what you’re born with while fashion is what you buy"

Creative director, Dhav Naidu, selected the shade that set the tone of the show. This hard-working Australian has a voracious appetite for fashion. He eats and breathes all things stylish and turned his hobby into a full-time career - and passion!

"beauty is about enhancement not disguise.”

Halle Berry Loves Belli

Halle Berry is one smart mama. She's treating her lovely daughter, Nahla, to Belli Skincare, the world’s safest skincare line available that addresses issues specific to pregnant women, new moms and babies.

New moms who want to find safe skincare for their little ones love Belli Skincare. With its gentle line of products that includes diaper rash cream, body wash, lotion and talc-free powder, Belli Skincare lets you baby your baby. Using the best nontoxic ingredients from science and nature with the benefits of aromatherapy and massage therapy, Belli Skincare creates a holistic wellness approach perfect for your pint-sized pumpkins.

Fe-Mail Bonding

Sending a card goes a long way in creating a connection with a friend or a loved one. Online stationery creators, Bond Bond, realize this and work hard to create attractive products with humorous sayings, encouraging words or expressions of love. With note cards and pads designed to encourage kids and inspire confidence in women, Raleigh, NC-based Bond Bond's designs help to keep the written word a thing of the present. Find Bond Bond's offerings for between $5.99 - $9.99.

Space Treat: Are You In an Organizing Rut?

Have you been reading these Space Treats but procrastinated implementing the solutions to your organizing woes? If so, it's your day to wipe your slate clean and start fresh.

I propose you look at it this way… you're not getting "back on track"… you're getting on a new track all together. Obviously the previous track wasn't working so why bother trying to get back on it. Instead, let's just move on! It's more of a mental shift. Rather than continuing to beat yourself up about what you're not doing, now let yourself off the hook and see what you can do when you're not bogged down with guilt, pressure and perfection.

Today is your guilt-free, get-out-of-jail pass to start fresh, no questions asked. What can you do tomorrow to chip away at your organizing marble block? Take it slowly and watch as you reveal your own organizing masterpiece.

Have you been reading these Space Treats but procrastinated implementing the solutions to your organizing woes? If so, it's your day to wipe your slate clean and start fresh.

I propose you look at it this way… you're not getting "back on track"… you're getting on a new track all together. Obviously the previous track wasn't working so why bother trying to get back on it. Instead, let's just move on! It's more of a mental shift. Rather than continuing to beat yourself up about what you're not doing, now let yourself off the hook and see what you can do when you're not bogged down with guilt, pressure and perfection.

Today is your guilt-free, get-out-of-jail pass to start fresh, no questions asked. What can you do tomorrow to chip away at your organizing marble block? Take it slowly and watch as you reveal your own organizing masterpiece.

Space-tacularly,
Erica
The Spacialist
New York Magazine's 2008 choice for BEST SPACE ORGANIZER!
212.924.4383

Friday Blog Roundup

On Boston Mamas: Poufy Perfection - if you've got a girly girl in the house, she'll be sure to love the stylish balloon skirts at hip & tickle.

On Classy Mommy: Robeez for Fall! We're giving away 2 pairs of Robeez Fall Collection to 2 Lucky Winners.

On Mom Finds: Win a $200 Shopping Spree at PicStreet.com. Choose from home décor and fashion accessories such as photo pillows, photo jewelry, photo handbags, photos on acrylic and more.

On Moms Buzz: Checking Homework - PNP Method. Here is a quick tip about checking homework. If you did not know, PNP stands for “Positive-Negative-Positive”. Learn how it works.

Give Yourself a Hug

Once you have a baby, a shower can seem like a stolen pleasure. Yet pregnancy and nursing can take a toll on your chest, and what was once a welcome refresher can quickly turn to an exercise in pain as your tender, enlarged breasts are exposed to stinging shower sprays.

The Shower Hug™ was created by a mom, and made of the softest, most luxurious knit terry velour to provide expectant and new moms with gentle bust line support and to soothe sensitivity associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Simply wrap the The Shower Hug™ around your chest and back and attach with a Velcro closure to secure for comfort.

The Shower Hug™ can act as a warm compress to soothe soreness and ease engorgement, and can help hold cold or heat packs in place. It can also be worn at nighttime to absorb any breast milk leaks. The Shower Hug™ is machine washable, and available for $28.

Exclusive for One Chic Mama readers
Win The Shower Hug™ to experience for yourself. If you're a pregnant, or a new or nursing mama, this is for you! To enter, just leave us a comment (don't forget your email address) and tell us how this can bring comfort to you. The deadline is Midnight, EST, September 8, 2008.

Let Them Drink Water

As school lunches crank into high gear, we moms face the dilemma of what to pack the kiddos to drink. We want to make sure it's something they'll actually consume, yet with the obesity statistics being what they are and kids being challenged on many fronts to eat food that's healthy, the last thing they need is a sugar-laden chocolate milk, a soft drink or even an orange juice (that's pretty full of sugar too, although it's naturally occurring). How about water?

The makers of Evian have introduced Evian Les Petits, the perfect packable size for lunchboxes made with the same delicious water from the French Alps. Just the right size for little hands, Evian les Petits features kid-friendly graphics to make them more enticing. Look for Evian Les Petits at your local Target or grocery store and treat your kids to something cool, refreshing - and sugar-free.

A Little Nip and Tuck

I’ll admit it – even though most of the time a chic outfit and the right accessories should be enough to have me feeling confident in my appearance, from time to time I’ve thought about plastic surgery. After all, who hasn’t even once? There is definitely nothing wrong with that, though there are different factors to be considered.

For example, the cost can drastically vary depending on the procedure that you’re considering. According to Cosmetic Surgery News, the average cost for breast augmentation (among the top five most popular procedures in the country, and a favorite for many moms after breastfeeding is over and done with) is about $3,100, and that’s for the surgery alone – never mind the down time from work and the recovery involved! Meanwhile, another popular post-pregnancy trick – the tummy tuck – can set you back a cool $4,100.

Of course, there are reasons behind the price. Neither augmentations nor tummy tucks are the most simple and contained of procedures, and you get what you pay for – which is why it is imperative to make sure that you seek out an experienced, well-qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Do your research, and talk to several different surgeons if you have to, but make sure that the two of you are on the same page when it comes to your values, goals, and expectations.

Now, the cost alone of plastic surgery can be enough to put off a lot of people, but if it’s within your means and you have the right motives at heart, then I say, “Go for it!” That said, I’m all about living and shopping within your means, so I ask: what do you think? Would you consider plastic surgery, or is the matter of confidence and self-image nothing a new pair of shoes couldn’t fix? I'd love to hear your thoughts.