Feeling kind of BLAH...

I'm just out of it lately. I don't feel like doing anything. I mean, NOTHING. Except for sleeping and well, that's just not possible with three year old who wakes up early and doesn't nap.

Even sitting at this computer now is a major effort. All the brilliant ideas I had just a few days ago seem so dim. I need some serious reviving.

I have plenty I need to get done, lots of fun and interesting things I could write and share with you, but it's like I'm on a lock down,  just frozen still. It's when things in your personal life get hairy that it affects your entire being. I have no patience with the Mr and Little M and despite always liking to "talk things out" I just want to be left alone.

It will be five months since we've been back in the US from the UK and the stress of living in someone else's home, not having your space, nearing the end of our savings and not having a set routine really takes it toll. And for the first time since I was on maternity leave, I am not working. I've never been a stay at home, but now I'm a stay at home in my mom's home. Not the same.

Some days I miss our flat in London. The silence, our space and no one around. Then I realize just how lonely were were so far away from family. That's why we moved back and this transition period will soon be over. OH PLEASE LET IT BE OVER SOON!

So you can understand when you just can't be bothered to take a picture, write a post or even try to sound cheerful when you just feel BLAH.

But, I have to be strong, get back up and shake it off. I can't let that dark cloud loom over my head for too long. I've been there before and it's not a pretty sight.

Oh, but wait! On the plus side, I started the Medifast diet last week and I've lost 5 lbs. Whoop whoop! I have my official one week weigh in tomorrow morning and I'll tell you all about how it works. I have teamed up with them and I will be blogging my journey. I say, hooray for loose fitting jeans!

I'm getting back to normal, but maybe a bit of retail therapy would speed things along? Hmmmm?

Capitol Hill chic

We were heading to Capitol Hill. I didn't really know what to wear. You know how it is, "I have NOTHING to wear" I said to the Mr. He just shook his head quietly.

What do they know?? Anyway, despite a few new items here and there everything is quite old and I'm constantly trying to come up with new combinations and looks. I settled on my usual jeans, flats and a long red cardi. But what I should have been paying attention to was the weather.

By the time we made it there it wasn't just raining, it was POURING.

Anyway, we still made the most if it,. We hit Eastern Market which is DC's oldest operating fresh food public market and then had a lovely lunch at Marvelous Market a bakery/cafe/deli. We wanted walk around but even after an hour the rain had not passed.

I wasn't really dressed for heavy rain, especially my shoes! Oh well.

Eastern Market

Capitol Hill as you guessed it is a DC neighborhood. It is a mix of politicos, young families, and lots of "young professionals" as my mother calls them.

Little M and I at Marvelous Market

The Capitol Building on a clear day

I enjoy the quaintness, the simplicity and the power of this area it all at once. It's a very un-intimidating area, but then you walk a few blocks and you are met face on with the Capitol building and you quickly remember where you are standing.

Truly spectacular.

What I'm wearing:

Jeans - Primark (seen all over the place)

Necklace - Primark (as seen here)

White embroidered top - Gap

Red cardigan - Zara (2009)

Mac - Mark & Spencer (as seen here)

Flats - Clarks (seen here)

Belt - Gap (2005)

Bag - Gap

Nothing is new, just items I take out of our storage boxes! I'm still working on working with what I have. I guess it's because I know how old something is, so sometimes it doesn't feel that great. But I'm learning you don't need to shop every week to have a good look (and besides, I can't shop very much!)

Do you have a difficult time re-vamping older pieces to look new?

Bringing denim {shirts} back

 I'm not personally bringing denim shirts back, but when I came across a light blue denim-linen mix shirt at Old Navy last week when I was shopping for Little M *cough*  I thought I would go for it.

I don't think I have worn once since...oh, like 5th grade. I have a few other loose fitting tops and they are great to dress up or down depending on what look you are going for.

Today it was 70 degrees here in the DC area.... SEVENTY! In FEBRUARY! Talk about seasonal confusion. Which also means I didn't know how to dress because most of my spring/summer stuff is still in storage, so I opted for the light shirt, a white and blue striped scarf, leggings and comfy flats.

We decided to head over to Old Town, Alexandria which is just 4.5 miles from DC to walk by the water and enjoy the sun.

Let me just tell you, it was a GORGEOUS day!

I've mentioned that the suburbs and I aren't' getting along too well and I try to get out to DC, Arlington or Alexandria at least two times a week (for those of you not familiar with the DC Metro area, these are places right outside of the capital). It makes me feel more alive and just happy to not be stuck inside a shopping mall. Sorry Fairfax, you are not for me.

Little M loved it! He ran around all afternoon, we had a picnic by the water,  we watched the planes land into National airport, and we just soaked up the sun. Just look at that clear sky - the clouds were picture perfect.

I promise you I left the house with an ironed shirt! I guess that's the linen in it. I also brought out another pair of my flats -  I just love the knotted bow.

So what about you? Will you be rocking a denim shirt? The rule back in the day was never mix denim with denim. However rules where meant to be broken and I wore it with black jeans, but I'm pretty sure it would look terrific with a pair of colored jeans (red preferably).  

Denim shirt - Old Navy $10 on sale

Scarf - Loft

Leggings - Hold your Haunches 

Earrings - Target

Glasses - A J Morgan: Found in my sister's bathroom this weekend

Flats - Clarks

Linked up with Fashion Friday at All Things Chic

Here and there...

Lots going on over here at the very busy family. The Mr. has been interviewing and I'm just trying to keep sane living in my mother's house. That wears a person out I tell you!

I don't get much time during the day to blog or be online because you know, I've got a very handsome 3 foot toddler to look after and until he goes to pre-school it's all me.

However, today I have a rare child-free afternoon off and it's crazy because I don't know where to start! So I thought I'd show two of the posts I have done for sites that I am contributing to.

First you can check out my post for The DC Ladies about Re-discovering Washington, DC with a Child (totally different I tell you).

And then you can pop over to Spanglish Baby and see my review of the PBS KIDS GO! Arthur spin-off series Postcards from Buster called "Vamos Buster" where he visits my homeland of Chile.

That's all for now. I have a few clothing and beauty reviews and giveaways coming up and I'll tell you how my first day on Medifast has gone. 

I'm on a mission to lose weight so that I can have a healthier pregnancy the second time around (nothing in the oven yet, but getting ready). 

 Fingers crossed!

What every girl needs: Kushyfoot ballet flats-to-go

Working and living in a big city forced me to learn to run in heels. But that also meant I needed to give my feet a break and that usually required me to have a pair of flats in my bag. Which also meant I had to carry my shoes which added weight to my already heavy enough bag. I was always looking for something lighter or even something that folded, but no luck.

Anyway, that was then. I don't wear heels as often anymore or run around a city but I still do love my flats. Last week Kushyfoot the makers the popular leg wear products and socks sent me their newest foldable and stashable ballet flats-to-go that fit into a cute little bag which can be carried around in your handbag without adding extra bulk or weight.

Check them out! How cute are these?!

The zebra print are the newest design to be added to their collection out now. They have an elastic back and they are perfect for indoor and smooth surfaces (like an office) or they can also be a more stylish alternative to house slippers.

I've been wearing them all week around the house and I will keep them in my bag in the event that I have to take off my shoes at someone's home. And you know how much I despise taking off my shoes!

Anyway, as the owner of many MANY pairs of flats over the years, some of which have had no support or cushioning whatsoever I can tell you that these babies haven't hurt my heels or the balls of my feet at all.

They have a unique non-skid wavy sole that cushions and massages your tootsies. See the ridges on the inside? Yep, those protect and give you a smooth feeling with each step.

Oh and it gets even better...they only cost $9.99. Stylish, comfortable and affordable. Sweeeeeet!

You can buy Kushyfoot flats in zebra, alligator, snake print or solid colors online or at a few retailers such as: Walgreens, Nordstrom Rack, Rite Aid, Publix, Food Lion and Kroger. 

What I'm wearing:

Flats: Kushyfoot

Leggings: Hold your Haunches (review coming soon!)

Blouse: Gap from ages ago

Wrap scarf: TopShop

Cardigan: Loft

*I was provided a complimentary pair of flats to go for this review*

*Only 8 more days!

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Damn you muffin top! Why are you back?!

Ahhhhhh! Not loving this at all. I have never been able to keep weight off. EVER. But since moving to the US from London in October I have put on 10 lbs. YES, 10 lbs. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

For this I blame the suburbs. They can be toxic like that.

I mean, I the truth is don't move at all. From the house to the car, then back out again and then only to sit again. I can feel my bottom sinking into the car seat. It's terrible.

Living in the city one is forced to move. I was constantly in movement. Popping out to the store, walking a few blocks, then coming back with heavy bags. Running to catch the bus. Going up and down stairs - lifts and escalators are few and far between in London.

In a day I could easily walk 6 miles depending on what I was doing. And Little M too. He's put on some weight too. Seriously, I walked EVERYWHERE and my legs and backside where toned and firm. I still had to watch what I ate and worked out, but my overall fitness was pretty decent.

Now I'm living a very sedentary lifestyle and the other day it really hit me. I was walking to the car and I quickly turned to grab Little M's hand and....my tummy and butt jiggled. WHAT?! Yes, like jelly.

The alarm bells rang in my head. I had already felt my jeans and shirt getting tight. Even my winter coat felt a big snug. But I had ignored it. I thought, it can't be more than a few pounds. I'll work it off soon. But that night I weighed myself and I just could not believe what the scale was flashing back at me. Dios mío, I said. And sat in disbelief. When did I let myself go?

I have been running and training for the Rock n' Roll Half marathon in Washington, DC but only once or twice a week. And even the longer 7 or 8 mile runs aren't doing much if I'm not eating well.

It's pretty clear what went wrong: I drive everywhere.I don't have breakfast, then I'm starving and eat too much and I don't work out. That jiggle made it clear to me that I need to sort my fitness and eating habits out NOW!

So once again I am working my way down and trying to get rid of this damn muffin top. I have teamed up with Medifast as an official blogger (more to come on that) and I will be starting their plan soon.

Although, one thing I am proud of is the fact that I am very good at hiding my problem areas (thanks to Trinny and Susannah!) I have learned to dress appropriately over the years and not draw attention where there is most weight.

The other reason is that we would like to start doing some serious baking...you know, working on baby number two. And ideally I would like to start at a lower weight to avoid problems such as high blood pressure like I had with Little M. I had a horrible time, spent nights in the hospital before he was born, was on medication and he wasn't growing at the normal rate.

And then I had complications after he was born. All because of my weight. And it terrifies me. I don't want to go through that again. And I'm only 5ft tall so even the smallest amount of weight added on is noticeable and uncomfortable. Mine is all in the middle and backside. Not cool.

Everyone knows their own body, what is acceptable to them and I know what is healthy and right for me. So it's time to get back on track. And since I can't leave the suburbs just yet,  I will have to get my butt into gear.

Tell me how you keep fit?

Do you find the suburbs contribute to weight gain?

Fo & Tell: The Surreal Life (Grammy edition)

*Guest post by Francisca Ovalle - recapping her Grammy experience and of course, what she wore*

Last Thursday morning I got up nice and early to make my 9am flight from JFK to LAX. Ouch. With all four dresses sealed in tissue paper and stuffed in my suitcase, I made my way to the airport and onto the plane wearing the dressiest, most comfortable outfit that looked west coast cool and could take me from 6am EST to 10pm PST — literally. 


I sported a silk long-sleeved Tibi blouse in a summer orange with paisley and polka dot yellows and browns, my usual black Levi jeans, my brown hooded Vince undercoat, and my new pair of 2-inch patent leather Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. That look was supposed to take me through middle seat naps, various car rides, the taping of a Conan show, and dinner at a rodeo-themed restaurant next to the Andaz (our glamorous home for four amazing nights) — and I’m proud to report it did just that.

Unlike day 1 of Grammy weekend 2012, day 2 required HOURS of preparation for the evening’s Music Cares silent auction and dinner. From 12:30pm to 3:30pm my boyfriend’s mother, sister-in-law and I bounced from chair to chair getting our hair and makeup did by professionals to the stars at the Arglye Salon & Spa at the Sunset Tower Hotel. 

With no planned look in mind, the venue's stylists and December issue of NYLON inspired a smooth classic wave/deep right part and a super smokey eye on this rarely made up gal. 180 minutes later I had a new and expensive addition.

Ummm, hello Uncle Jesse! Meeting John Stamos

Back at the hotel and pretty in pink (I decided on dress #1), the night and its festivities officially kicked off. A beautiful black limo picked up our group of seven from West Hollywood and chauffeured us to the Convention Center in downtown LA to bid, dine and gawk at the stars. 

Sightings, handshakes and brief ‘hellos’ scaled Paul McCartney (obvi), Neil Diamond, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, the Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys and John Stamos. After numerous stellar performances and tributes to the knighted Beatle — as well as an all vegetarian dinner in his honor, thank you very much — the night concluded with an unnecessary super generous bonus (as if it NEEDED to get any better): we were gifted with large heavy swag bags filled with lotions, polishes, hair crèmes and more. It simply seemed too much.

At last Sunday, SUNDAY (à la Al Roker) arrived, but it turned out we weren't exactly ready for it. That morning found my boyfriend’s sister-in-law and I fretting over how we were going to successfully transform ourselves into the same beauties from Friday. You see, we hadn’t booked any hair or makeup appointments, and when we called at the 11th hour we were practically hung up on — EVERYONE else in town was ALSO getting dolled up for the same event.

Luckily, the glamour gods up high weren’t about to let us down. With three hours to spare we answered a call from a referral salon that had just received two cancellations due to traffic. EJ Alejo (former stylist to Paula Abdul) turned out to be a bedazzled water paddle that just drifted over to our windless sail — we were saved. In under two hours our Asian Polly Pocket speedily made us over with his gazelle-like hands, Angela's brushes and some of my Rite Aid makeup. What were we thinking not calling ahead for an appointment!?  But our lesson was learned AND our crisis was averted; we lucked out.

With our looks complete, we hustled — we had to be IN our seats by 5pm PST. My gold dress glittered amongst a sea of bling that night (I clearly got the memo) and I appropriately felt like a tinsely Tina Turner. The show’s producer abruptly addressed us, the house lights dimmed, and the production crew counted backwards from 5, 4, 3…

I assume most of you watched from your living rooms what I got to experience just yards away, so you don’t have to be told Rihanna looked rockin and fit, that Adele is now blonde, and that Jennifer Hudson succeeded in eerily channeling Whitney in vision and in sound Sunday night. 

But I will tell you that after it all ended with Sir Paul jamming with his band, Bruce and Dave on stage, we Staples Center revelers were ushered over to the Convention Center for a grand after party that served the food and alcoholic beverages I was too excited to consume beforehand. There were also intricate Carnival-themed scenes complete with headdresses, aerobatics, jiu-jitsu  and Kenny Loggins. 

This weekend was my definition of a surreal life.

My jean-o-graphy

I've been seeing wide leg, colored and flare jeans all over the place. They kind of scare me.

For years I have worn nothing but slim fit or skinny jeans in either grey, blue or black. I haven't worn "jean" coloured in a long time. 

And as a child I couldn't really wear jeans because I could never find ones that fit over my curvy frame. For real. My mother even MADE me a pair of jeans just so I wouldn't feel left out. I was thrilled, but they didn't go over too well at school. Talk about childhood trauma. Yikes!

In high school I wore baggy (don't judge me!) jeans. I'm not talking hanging off my backside, but it was 1994 and being girly was not cool. I wore Chuck Taylors, flannel shirts, t-shirts and wide-ish jeans a la Claire Danes in My So Called Life. I even dyed my hair a darkish red (sadly I wasn't making out with a Jordan Catalano look a like under the bleachers). 

My mother hated it . Tan fea la moda de hoy! She would say "fashion is terrible these days!" She wanted nothing more than to see me in a dress or  more fitted clothing. But it was the style. And styles change as do we. 

Later on I discovered Gap and Old Navy and welcomed the invention of lycra in jeans. Seriously, stretch has saved my life. If it don't stretch, this mamá isn't wearing it. 

I did the bootcut thing and wore that style for years. When I moved to London I discovered a whole new world of jeans and never wore a light colored pair of jeans again. 

Now I'm thinking I need to add some variety to my look. Don't get me wrong, I love my slim/skinny jeans, but maybe I should branch out?  Besides, black and blue fade! I only have four pair, but mainly wear two of them.

So here's what I'm thinking:

 Red jeans - slim or skinny but I'm terrified of color below the waist!

Old Navy

Wide leg - NOT SURE?? I'm 5 feet tall with some serious hips so I don't know how these would make me look.

Gap

Slim flare - Again, would have to wear heels or wedges

Thoughts?? Do I need long legs to wear these?

Do you ever update your style or take a chance with a new look? 

Or should I just stick with what works?

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Yucky & Poo. Boots & Tweed

Yucky is one way of describing how I feel.
Poo is could be another.

Anyway, you get the point. I'm feeling rough, but as a mami you don't have a choice but to get out of bed and go about your day. In my case, with my main man Little M. 

I really didn't feel like wearing jeans, especially because they may just be a bit snug around the waist (okay, okay! I've gained a few and need to lose them ASAP!) 

Today was a hang loose kind of day. So I pulled out my comfy knitted blue dress that ties at the waist, black leggings and striped white and black top. It was like being in PJ's but better looking. I dug out my knee high low heeled boots and tweed blazer and I was good to go. And forget makeup. No way. Just a ponytail and sunnies. 

I really didn't have anywhere to go, but I did take the little guy to get his hair cut then did some food shopping and we made Chilean alfajores, mmm!

Oh and it being love day and all, I wanted to look presentable when the Mr. got home. 

And you know when everything in the day seems to go wrong? 

Yeah, well, no chance of getting any good pics. First Little M wanted to be held. Then he wanted to be in the pictures. Then he wanted to take the pictures. It was way too much drama and I gave up. These images describe my day perfectly...hazy, blurry, and messy.

But I just had to show you how gorgeous this H&M blazer is and the boots I snagged at TJ Maxx a few months ago. I love the elbow patches and the leather collar on it - perfect to liven up any outfit. 

And the boots...oh the boots! First I'm happy I found something that fit around my calves and second they have amazing insoles which make them super comfy for walking around. 

So that's it for me. I'm still pulling out clothes from my boxes and suitcases. So each week I discover something new. 

How was your Valentine's Day? Did you wear anything special? 

Knitted dress: Gap

Striped long sleeve: Primark

Blazer: H&M

Boots: Arturo Chiang from TJ Maxx

Leggings: Walmart

*Toddler and clothing all my own - Nothing was provided for me for this post*

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Happy love day!

How has everyone's day been?! Did you get lots of LOVE??

I received lots of kisses from my boys and...the flu!

I went to bed at 7.00 last night, imagine that. I was in the middle of doing a post and I felt weak and had the chills.

Today I had to pass up on a Valentine's Day party with Little M and we opted for making those Chilean alfajores I had promised to bake yesterday and the little man got his hair cut.

The Mr. and I had a weekend in Georgetown, so not doing anything tonight. I'm just going to lounge on the sofa and watch GLEE!

So, happy love day everyone!

How did you spend the day? Any big plans for tonight?

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Weekend getaway in Washington, D.C.

I cannot even begin to tell you just how bleeping cold it was here this weekend in Washington, D.C. It was absolutely freezing! You can't tell by the pictures, but I thought my face was going to fall off. 

But despite the arctic temperatures, the Mr. and I left Little M with my mother as planned and we spent the weekend in Georgetown. 

I had booked a room at the quaint boutique Latham Hotel on M Street and without going into too much detail, we took advantage of some much needed time alone (ahem) and enjoyed being back in our capital city like the good old days. 

And of course I planned what I was going to wear. I had brought along both jeans and dresses just to have a choice and I'm glad that I did, because in the end, I had to choose the warmer styles.

On Saturday morning we went to see the advance screening of The Secret World of Arrietty (which hits theaters on the 17th) and then we were going to go for an 8 mile run. I decided to wear a casual striped blue and white dress, purple tights, patent brogues, my chunky red scarf and my tweed coat. I was a bit cold walking to our car, but the cold winds didn't start until later. 

Unfortunately we got caught in a mini snow storm on our run, but we survived! 

On Sunday we went to mass at St. Matthew's then we had brunch at the Circle on Dupont where the old Jury's hotel used to be. We could hear the wind blowing from our hotel room and I decided against my flowered dress and went for jeans, grey suede boots, flowered blouse, blazer and red scarf. 

I took off my coat to take these pictures to show the outfit. Luckily the wind stopped for a few minutes and which made it bearable.

After brunch we tried walking around for a bit, but we decided it was best to head back to the 'burbs, relieve my mother of her babysitting duties and see our little man. He was so happy to see us he kept shouting "MAMI. PAPI. MAMI. PAPI" and jumping on us. 

This was possibly one of the best weekends we have had in a very long time. It re-energized me for the weeks ahead, reminded me of why I love Washington, D.C. so much and of course, I had my lovely husband all to myself. 

Nothing better than that!

What I am wearing

"The old hood - back in Dupont"

Jeans: Primark

Suede Boots: Benetton

Floral top: Cath Kidston

Scarf: Banana Republic

Blazer: Uniqlo

Tan bag: Esprit

"A stroll through Georgetown"

Patent brouges/oxfords: Me too

Purple tights: Marks & Spencer

Striped dress: Uniqlo

Coat: H&M

A cup of love

Don't you just love having your coffee in a super cute cup?

I do!

Happy Saturday!

Psst, it's from Starbucks
---

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Fo & Tell: What to wear to a Grammy party?

*This is your weekly FO & Tell brought to you by Francicsa Ovalle, my lovely cousin in The Big Apple*

Is it Friday yet?

What a week.  As if getting my hair highlighted, my fingers and toes painted a black blue satin, and finding an amazing jaw-dropping dress that could rival a celebrity’s on the red carpet wasn’t keeping me busy enough, the New York Giants had to go and win Super Bowl XLVI. Because I work for New York City’s marketing and tourism agency, and because Mayor Bloomberg is my big big boss, I was commissioned to tweet live from the 1 million person parade – and show up to work outdoors in the cold for six straight hours early Tuesday morning.

Whatever fashion memo the rest of the press truck received before gathering I clearly missed, because I showed up wearing my signature red J. Crew coat, hooded brown Vince undercoat, thick rimmed Chanel glasses, tight black Levi jeans and studded pointy hipster shoes. I stuck out like a sore thumb in a black sea of sweatshirts, leather coats, knit caps, sneakers and knee pads (you heard me). It was every man for their coveted shots that day, and I got mine, so with the unexpected project behind me I was finally able to turn my attention back towards the Grammy’s and my trip to LA.

Though I’ve known I’d be attending this event for months, I of course did not start seriously looking until it was only three weeks away. And it wasn’t until I wasn’t really looking anymore (I had settled on a black strapless corset dress with half of an asymmetrical train) that I found ‘it.’ Shopping is like dating, I guess.

Walking home from a brunch Saturday afternoon – taking a street I don’t normally walk – I found the dress I had only before drawn up in my head.  It was sexy and glittery and smiling at me with golden threads, right from the large window of – a consignment store? Its sign read Limited Supply and its shopkeeper was a talkative Russian, but I proceeded. 

Upon investigation I learned it was in fact a designer consignment store that carried the likes of Prada for $130 and Chanel for a mere $1400. But how much was that beauty in the window I wondered? The tags on it read Derek Lam along with a number I could stomach. “It’s never been worn,” chanted the excited blonde running the place, “I bought it online – it’s from the 90s.” 


I  knew I had to make myself fit into it, but to my surprise I didn't have to try too hard. It fit like a body glove. A one-shoulder knee length Romanesque body glove that I knew was going to blind people from across a room full of cameras and flashing lights. With that said, I left with my dazzling designer look in toe. 


Now I’m just left figuring out what I’m pulling from my closet to wear to a benefit dinner this Friday. It’s called Music Cares and will be featuring several Grammy nominees performing different Beatles’ classics. It’s a dinner, silent auction and music show all rolled into one. But did I mention it was honoring Paul McCartney???

I’m having to decide between three looks  from different stores, different years and purchased for different occasions and nude Prada pumps. 


I know what outfit I'm leaning towards, but tell me what you think:

Look 1: Dress from Nordstrom
Look 2: Dress from Zara 
Look 3: Dress from Thakoon bought in East Village boutique Pas De Deux

Which one should I wear to the benefit dinner with Paul McCartney, 1, 2, or 3? 

Leave your comment and votes below and see you next week with a full recap!

FO

Could you...would you...vote for me por favor?

I have to start off by saying THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me yet again on my new blogging adventures and to all the lovely new readers and online friends I have made along the way.

This is my newest baby, but it was not too long ago that my "other" baby, Mummy's Busy World was a finalist in not one, but two MAD Blog Awards categories last year, Runner Up for a Gurgle Award and  Winner of the Brilliance in Blogging Award from the former British Mummy Bloggers (now BritMums) thanks to your votes. I couldn't be prouder and thankful for all of the AMAZING support over these past two years.

So yes, I'm back again, asking for your vote to make this here blog part of the Circle of Mom's Top 25 Fashion & Beauty for 2012 list. If you have enjoyed it so far, I would love your vote please.

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Just click on the image below which takes you straight to my page then click on the THUMBS UP.

That's it!

I'm not winning a Benz, a shopping spree or a cruise. Just a feature on The RoundUp, Circle of Mom’s editorial channel which includes an interview, my favorite posts, and a photo. Along with a shiny new badge for my site and a big boost in blogging confidence. 

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! 

Seriously, thank you. 

Designer beer goggles: Jason Wu for Target

I guarantee you will laugh at me when you read what happened this weekend. But remember this: I am not alone!

What I am going to recap was a real eye opener and it made me realize just how much brand names and designer labels affect our purchasing power.

So here I go.

Until a few weeks ago I had no idea who Jason Wu was.

Wu, who?!

But it's been difficult to ignore the blogs, ads and tweets talking about this designer making an affordable range for us normal folks to be sold at Target on Sunday the 5th of February.

So I looked. I liked. But that was it. I was not going to battle the crowds on a Sunday morning, wait to get into a fitting room and then have to decide what to leave behind because I just don't have money. Anyway, that was that.

On Sunday we drove south to Williamsburg to stay with my inlaws for a week. They were going to watch the Super Bowl ( I don't do football) and I was going to hit the target to get the Mr's birthday shopping done.

I walked in and saw a few Jason Wu ads. "Oh yeah..." I thought. I walked over to have a look. There was an entire rack of blouses, skirts and a few dresses. I quickly skimmed the sizes. Mostly XS, S...ummm, not for me. I went around the other side and there was a cute blue skirt and a striped skirt both in L. I'm a M/L so I never know how things will fit.

Suddenly I got rush of excitement and thought "maybe I will get a designer frock after all!" I took the skirts and tried my luck with the S blouse to the fitting room. The blouse didn't make it over my head. The blue skirt fit. A bit big, and I would have to work with it, but I could deal with that. Besides, it was Jason Wu. Who cares if I didn't know him before, I did now! And it was $19.99. Oh this was so coming home with me.

By then, I just bursting with excitement! I STILL couldn't believe I had snagged a designer skirt, without the crowds and at an amazing price. I was already thinking about where I would wear it, what I could team it up with and of course when I would blog about it. It was all too much.

After putting Little M went to bed and the Mr. was on the computer I slipped into the bathroom to try on my new Wu skirt with tights and heels. "Oh man, oh man oh man. This is going to be gooooood!" I sang to myself.

I pulled up my purple tights, picked up my neatly folded skirt and then... I saw it. The label. I was confused for a few seconds. Even blinked fast a few times. There were pink letters looking up at me spelling out XHILIRATION. No, it can't be. It's a mistake.

I looked at the label on the inside and there were the pink letters again. How could I have missed this. ME! The most careful and detail oriented person. I was in shock. How could I have been so blind? Then I replayed everything back in my mind:

It had been under the JW rack
It didn't really look like the rest of the collection, but I hadn't seen everything online
The material was different from the rest
I had held in in my hands
I had looked at the price more than once
I had tired it on
I had watched the cashier take the tag and scan it

By then I had broken out into a combination of laughter and cry. Even though I was all alone, I felt utterly embarrassed about what clearly had been a purchase led by the thought of owning a brand name and designer piece.

The best explanation I can give is that I had been wearing "designer beer goggles" earlier that evening and now I was seeing clear again.

Suddenly the skirt wasn't as desirable as it had been a few moments ago. I thought, I don't NEED it anyway.  The next day it was returned. I then paid a quick visit to the scene of the crime and I realized most (not all) of the clothing under the Jason Wu sign were other brands and this time it was obvious.

However, I did see a shirt I hadn't seen the night before. It was a grey t-shirt with a black lace like design down the front. Very cute. In my size, fit well, no adjustments needed and $19.99. I looked it over and thought "What the hell. Ok".

This whole thing really made me think about how much power a brand can have on you. There I was, having never heard of JW and the night before I bought something that didn't even fit very well just because of the hype.

Laugh all you want, but I know I am not the only one guilty of this, it happens all the time and not just with clothing, but with food, cosmetics, cars, services, etc. As a PR myself, this entire circus act is brilliant. They hyped it up, got into our heads, then sold out in a few short hours and we are all still talking about it. A+

Ok, so I ended up with a Jason Wu shirt. But believe me, it gave me a massive wake up call as to how and why I shop and to not be led by the name alone. Oh and I got a good story out of it.

So fess up, aren't we all guilty of wearing "designer beer goggles"?

And if by some small miracle Jason Wu does read this, your clothing is lovely. Apologies for the mistake. I'm just a mama who thought she would be rocking a designer skirt for her man this Valentine's Day.

Beer Goggles Defined (according to Wikipedia): The term is often humorously applied when an individual is observed making, or later regretting, advances towards a partner who would be deemed unattractive or inappropriate when sober. The "beer goggles" are considered to have distorted the "wearer's" vision, making unattractive people appear beautiful, or at least passably attractive.

Shirt: Jason Wu for Target (hahahaha!)

Blazer: Uniqlo

Boots: Benetton

Jeans: Gap

Brilliant Beauty Find: Comodynes Make Up Remover

I have a terrible, terrible habit.

I know I shouldn't but I do. It's really just laziness after a long day and staying up late.

I wake up feeling guilty and my skin pays for it big time.

I, Maria José Ovalle, sleep with my make up on at least 4 of the 7 nights of the week and I need help.

When we moved back from the UK I stocked up on a few of my favorite beauty products that I knew I couldn't get here. After all, you get used to one and you roll with it!

Believe it or not, I stocked up on Simple Make Up Remover and Boots own brand Make Up Remover towelettes. BEST PRODUCTS EVER. They are by far the best I have come by in all my years of wearing (and taking off) makeup.

Nothing has come close here in the US. Most towelettes have perfume or irritate my skin. And using remover oils is just not my thing. Are you kidding?! It's way too much work. I just want to wipe my face at night, a quick splash of water, moisturize then to get some Zzz.

So after running out of my face wipes faster than expected I needed to find an alternative. I would forget during the day, then I'd remember at night when it was too late.

A few weeks passed and my mother came home from Trader Joe's with a pack of Comodynes Make Up Remover for Sensitive and Dry skin with Oats and it was MAGIC!

My face felt fresh, clean, it was soft and smooth, it didn't have a funny smell, it took off all my makeup (even the tough mascara bits) and didn't leave my face feeling like it was on fire. One word: SOLD!

I had never heard of this brand before, but I quickly found their site and discovered a new range of products. Their twitter (@ComodynesUSA) profiles says: "Our products are easy to use, fast, convenient, practical, efficient and economical. Hollywood and professional makeup artist use us everyday, why don't you?"

Well now, all the words us busy mamas like to hear, no?

They seem to be mostly based in California, but obviously we found it at our local Trader Joe's in good ole' Virginia and you can order online. I think I found me a new favourite beauty range.

And yes, I've been taking off my makeup every night since then.

Have you used Comodynes before? Do you have a product/brand that you are loyal to?


*I was not sent this product or asked to review it. This is my own personal opinion because I think it's just flippin' terrific and I no longer have to sleep with makeup on*

Felt hearts to 'love up' your outfits

This is possibly the easiest and cutest Valentine's style and craft idea. EVER.

I was making paper hearts with my son last week  when I put one through the button of my blouse and it just looked so darn cute. It was genius! Sadly, my sister said she had seen it somewhere, but I'm choosing to ignore her.

All you need is felt, scissors and a few items from your wardrobe with buttons. Cut out a few hearts of different colors (I made purple, pink and red ones) then fold in half and cut a slit to slide over buttons.

I got way too overexcited and "loved up" more than a few of my favorite wardrobe essentials with these cute little hearts. 

Here's a selection from my heart felt collection

I started with a blouse, then I remembered this lovely dress that has buttons down the back. 

I just loved the idea of little hearts adorning it!

Cute, flirty and perfect for a Valentine's Day party, happy hour or simply  just because.

I *heart* blazers, I have them in all colors.  

Here is one simple larger red heart to spice up a darker look.

Purple hearts on a chunky cardigan. Very subtle and flirty. 

No need to do all the buttons otherwise it gets too crowded.

Again, just a little touch of love on this simple mac. 

Instead of the front, I added the heart to the middle button of the belt holder on the back. 

So what do you think about that? Easy, fun and cute! And kids will love it too. Just add one or two to their coats or shirts on that special day to really get them in the Valentine's Day spirit. 

We have no major plans for the 14th, but still want to dress up on the day and NO JEANS allowed.

And if you are writing about your style or plans for Valentine's Day don't forget to join in my 

Wear it. Love it. Share it linky that will be open until next week. 

What are your plans for Valentines Day? Any special outfits? 

What I'm wearing:

Flowered dress from Debenhams London

Red belt: Primark

Striped dress: Uniqlo

Blazer: Coldwater Creek

Necklace: Loft

Mac: Marks & Spencer

Chunky cardigan: Primark

Patent Brogues: Me too from DSW