Why are you here?

My late Father could ask that question in a way that would make you debate your very existence on earth. Like for real, Lord, why am I here? You would forget your rehearsed manifesto and acknowledge defeatedly that you most probably had no good reason for being wherever you were, in that moment.

Today, I'm addressing the critics of social media junkies (I happen to be a card carrying member- hello!):

It's been discussed countless times, outright or with disdainful insinuations.  What makes social media junkies tick?

We must (be):

Narcissistic
Vain
Self absorbed
Have low self esteem
Need validation from strangers
Have no friends in real life - this made me chuckle
Be ugly- ha!
Have nothing better to do

I won't even debate the above, but let me throw the question back to you, non-social media junkie, that might agree with the above - OR- the proud non social media junkie that eschews posting or commenting or liking any post- but still yet knows a SM junkie's every single move?

Are you a:

Stalker
Hater - ha!
Lonely
Jobless
Pathetic
Cowardly
Not confident
Uncreative
Low self esteem having
Obsessed
Unmotivated
Non innovative
Judgmental
Secret Fan?

I didn't think so. So, again I ask- why are you here?

Don't forget to secretly subscribe before you leave!



*Seriously, when I found this mirror at T.J Maxx, I started looking around for my 'peoples'. We're out there, it's a movement, get into it!

Love your selfie, pp

Sunday was not a good day...

Why, you ask?

Church things.

Life things.

But then you have faces like these:






And this:

And sneakers like these:  'I see your chuck taylors, and I raise you a unicorn.'  Dontcha just die?? Too cute, I say!




And moments like these:


Disclaimer: Not me in the photo (since I was taking it), but that is the one and only Principessa.

Caveat: Technically, the lego tower thingy didn't happen on sunday. But it could have. :)

And you just know. It ain't all that bad.

Sunday was a good day.

Grateful, pp

Push Presents

Oh, the controversial 'push presents'. Why should women be 'compensated' for having a baby? Isn't the 'gift of a baby' enough for her? What does the father get for his contribution? Yada, Yada, Yada.

I speak from experience as one who has been there and is firmly 'pro- push presents'. Make that, "pro, pro, pro.'

Here are my answers:

Ofcourse, women CAN'T be compensated for having a baby, even though I think they should be, most definitely. Why? Talk to me after you've done it - I doubt this conversation will be necessary then, though.

Nothing can compare to the 'gift of a baby'. Absolutely nothing. That new baby scent alone is worth its weight in gold. But I fail to see what is wrong with getting even more gold. You know, like the real kind.

Does Dad get- No. He's gotten enough, if you know what I mean. So sue me.

Although I am a die hard 'Pradist', I do not recommend turning one's nose up at the Cartier trinity rolling ring - especially the 'les must de cartier' collection. White, Rose and Yellow interlocking rings on one's right hand are just so... chic. Plus, they are so much fun to play with - that is, if your fingers are not still too fat from pregnancy. Ah, the joys. And they come in the fun red Cartier box, which frankly, is quite refreshing after the sea of tiffany blue boxes, don't you think?

And yeah, that is/was my push present/ birthday present/ anniversary present ( repping 3 decades and 3 babies - You do know there is a recession, right? Combo gifts are the ONLY way to go, trust me). Mama Like. :)

All blinged out, pp

p.s Smooches to SnowCone, for your sweet comment. you are the reason I came out of my hiatus! :)

Fashionphile & going green

Where hast thou been all my life? I need to know so that I can make sense of all the wasted years and dollars that my thirst for fashion has produced.

I shop. Alot. I have. Alot. Of clothes. And guilt, naturally. So I assuage my guilt in two ways: a) telling myself that my mandatory once a year purchase of Tory Burch flats and Ugg boots are investments in classics, since I do keep my clothes forever. I mean I do, really, and I can afford to because they are made so well, and I have, well, alot. I also 'give back' - by this I mean I purge my closets ever so often and sell anything I have not worn in a while on eBay, craigslist, facebook.

But if you have ever sold anything on ebay, you know the hell it can sometimes be. people seriously want a real Louis Vuitton for $50. I know it's a buyers market, but um.. yeah, no.

Which is why Fashionphile is my new best friend. They have gently used (really gently used) designer bags and accessories for less than you will find and the better quality than you will find on eBay - with all the worries about authentication safely out of the way. And get this - they also will sell your gently used designer stuff for a price that is not insulting and you get to make some other fashion-obsessed person's day. Now if that's not the most fabulous way to 'go green', I don't know what is.

Flaky

I cannot be trusted because I do not know my own mind. Or rather my wants change almost as soon as they become 'wants'. The boots I coveted last month, are not the boots I must have this month. The coat I bought (and returned) two weeks ago, I purchased again this week. All of a sudden I cannot live without this here body hydrating butter - which is, flakiness aside- totally wicked awesome.



My purplish lip gloss phase? Is now a nude/chocolaty brown obsession. Why I went crazy over these Wolford tights last month, I have no clue? Just flaky I guess. :-(



In shopping Rehab, pp

Hard Times

There is so much I don't have to have anymore. With the recession, I am sure I'm not alone in this. The obligatory designer 'it bag' - at least two a year (for my birthday and Christmas) - eh. My husband is off the hook, and frankly, I'd rather have the cold hard cash. These Tory Burch boots would SO have been in my closet by now, justified by my 'fashion rationale' - "i'll have it forever.', 'why else do I work so hard?'. Er... to pay bills. Basic bills. Like cable, gas and BGE. Mmm hmm. For my boys - cause, they stay fly - recession or no recession. But I do wait for sales though, even for them. And I obsessively utilize the free returns for my online shopping expeditions. And Marshalls is my friend - especially for pajamas, singlets and winter coats for the kids, sweaters and the like for yours truly. Don't get me wrong, I'm no 'frumpy Molly' (no offence to Molly's across America.) but I rethink decisions. Alot. Like this adorable melton coat by Laundry. And this camel coat by Via Spiga. Cocktail dresses by Vera Wang, BCBG, etc. How often do I go anywhere at night, anyway? Exactly. And when I do, I am not hurting for stuff to wear. Hardly. Like a birthday party I will be attending this weekend. It's this outfit for me, a Calista Clothiers creation- accessorized with a red croc belt and some killer platforms and I'm all set. So I am all 'growed' up and so not superficial. But still fab. :)

for richer, for poorer, pp

Who's in The News?

Me! memememe! Shameless plug of me and the Gilt Groupe - which I have plugged already in a previous entry - gilty pleasures. Look at me! Please...



p.s I apologize for the lack of posts. I just hate not having any photos along with an entry, seems so empty, you know? I have a camera now, so it's all good. But just look at ME, will ya?






We caught this member wearing her Gilt Groupe purchase. Chinwe shows off a little shoulder in this smoldering, statement-making number. With a bright, eye-catching color and the right accessories to boot, this member makes styling look all too easy.
Dress: Cynthia Steffe
Hometown: Columbia, MD
Current residence: Ellicott City, MD
Favorite food: Anything spicy (over white rice)
Restaurant: Cindy Wolfe's The Charleston in Baltimore is great ... But then, there's Le Cinq in Paris...
Reading material: Autobiographies, anything by Chimamanda Adichie, fashion magazines, blogs.
Momentary style obsessions: Tory Burch boots, searching for the perfect shade of purplish/lavenderish gloss, Bottega Venetta bag and at least one Roland Mouret dress.
Style secret: Confidence is sexy. Invest in good quality, timeless classics and never pay retail for anything!
Favorite Gilt brand: I love them ALL. Equally.
Fashion icon: These days, Genevieve Jones.

I could so be Rachel Zoe...

I mean, like totally. Just a browner, heavier, less fabulous version. But I would kill to shop for people and style people and let them know what worked for them or what would revamp their whole look. I would do it for free- that's how much I love doing it. And to get to sit through tons of fashion shows during fashion week, front row, nonetheless? Are you kidding me? Sign me up! Of course I would share the same challenges of wanting to keep most of my merchandise for myself, but what true fashionista wouldn't? Maybe I could be the cheaper, everyday stylist to the average woman who doesn't have the a) time, b) inclination, or who just needs that extra set of eyes and expertise for that special occasion {we all have those}. Would you hire me? :)

This is just business venture number 111000220034400000...

Dial-a-style*, pp

* Don't steal this - it's patent pending!! :(

** Check out the Rachel Zoe project on Bravo every Tuesday night. You'll just die.

Chictopia

It is always extremely gratifying when I find out that indeed there are folks just as nutty and quirky as myself. See, fashion is truly something I am passionate about. I love to wear nice things, attempt to design clothes, enjoy watching people's fashion choices. So I was overjoyed to discover chictopia.

Have you ever put together an outfit so clever or maybe so simple yet so utterly divine? Or maybe you just liked the way you looked that day? Well, there are fellow fashionistas on chictopia waiting to learn from you and admire you. And you can pick up quite a few tips yourself. In less than 15 minutes, I picked up three different ways to tie my scarf and an innovative way to wear a man's shirt(as a strapless dress!) Even if you just like to people watch, this site is worth it. And I am so adding it to my reader feed.

Juicy Butt

In my husband's mind, I am a size zero. I don't know if this is due to some kind of weird body dysmorphia thingy, (that is, if you can have body dysmorphia for other people?) or if because he is a lot bigger than me but he thinks I am (and refers to me on occasion as) a "wee thing."

While extremely flattering, it is also very frustrating, as my closet is now home to all kinds of junior- sized, teeny tiny items of clothing, that my hubby (with the best of intentions) has gone out of his way, mind you, to purchase for me. 'Barbie- doll' clothes I call them, these exquisite yet tiny jeans, dresses that come only up to my hip bone and more recently, this box of 'Juicy couture' underwear.

We will leave the discussion of whether a 30- something- year- old -mother- of- two has any business wearing 'day of the week' panties (or ANYTHING by Juicy for that matter) for another day. Let us focus for a mo', on the fact that the underwear can barely fit over my wrist, much less my bum. Sigh. I got your 'Juicy' right here, babe.

The Bootylicious, pp

'Gilty' Pleasure - by invitation only.

I'm just a regular Jo(sephina). As in, I put my Loubou(tins) on one foot at a time, just like y'all and there is something about a deal - any deal - that makes me want to spend copious amounts of money. This must be true for all of us, or Costco and BJ's would be out of business. But I am learning to recognise (and wait for) real deals. Ergo, the one shouldered Jay Godfrey dress from Neiman's (though aching cute) is not as much of a bargain as the one shouldered Cynthia Steffe dress from 'the Gilt groupe', (which costs $179 at both Neimans and Saks) where a deal is truly a deal. How much of deal, you ask? try $70 versus $300 and something? Plus, you never ever pay full price for a trend, because you'll ALWAYS regret it. Remember, celebs get this stuff for free. And we(non-celebs yet fabulous all the same) get our stuff from 'the Gilt Groupe', cause "our mama's didn't birth no fools...". Besides the 'handwritten' note from the owners was so classy, in all its 'black scratch paper and gold inked' glory. Nice touch, no? Exactly.

pp

Fierce Purple Lips

Lately, I have been obsessed with finding the perfect purple lip gloss. Well, not exactly purple , more like purplish. I must explain, I'm weird like that. i get caught up in the little things that I just have to have. You know like the perfect black briefcase (for going to court to do my pro bono case), The perfect diamond studs, the perfect purple- sorry purplish lip gloss.

Now, the good thing is I always know exactly what I want. First off, it must be a gloss and not a lipstick. Lipsticks are too old ladyish for me right now and certainly too much for these sunny summer days. It cannot be sticky, as there is nothing more annoying than hair stuck on your lips - so this disqualifies the Victoris Secret Beauty Rush gloss I got. It must not be too sheer - I have dark chocolate colored lips, so it has to stand up to and conquer my lip color, which brings me to my last point - without being overpowering. So, it can't be waxy or plastic looking - you know, overpowering. You do not want to be looking like you have purple plasticine on your lips.

So I have tested quite a few - one by MAC ( I didn't realise that this was also a 'plumper', so I was writhing in agony from the intense tingling and wondering why.), Sally Hansen - My usual go to gloss, not quite purple enough, Victorias Secret - too sticky and too sheer, Now I'm on to Dior Addict. Wr'll see how that goes. And I will be updating with pictures of my fierce pucker. Do with that information what you will.

the puckering prada principal...

shopping. philosphically speaking.

My philosophy of spending is simple. How much I spend on an item of clothing depends alot on how many times as well as how long, I will use said item. And since I wear clothes for literally, EONS, this makes a whole lot of sense.

For example, a lush Lycra long skirt in a wonderful Merlot color that I bought in college. And I still wear it - like to work and stuff. And the crazy thing is, it didn't even cost a lot of money, as it was sewn by a tailor in some shack in Nigeria. I also have an express black wrap dress that I got some eight years ago, and I always get compliments on it, like today for instance, paired with a lacy anthropogie ruffled cami and sky high Cole Haan shoes.

That's not to say that I don't do 'high-end', cause I do. Maybe more than I should. But my point is, I'll keep them forever. Like my purses - classic Chanel will be bequeathed to my daughter and maybe her daughters, vintage Gucci's look pretty cool in my opinion too. Rock and Republic Jeans make my butt look fabulous and that's enough justification for me. Besides, I live in jeans so I get a lot of use from every pair.

Then there are the sunglasses. Some are of the view that you should never pay more than $15 for them, as you lose 'em anyway. Not this Mama. I will spend over $300 on my frame of choice and I will NOT lose them or sit on them. I really do think that when they are above say, twenty bucks, you kinda take pains not to. My fixation of the moment? This smoky gray, wide rimmed square shaped pair from Chloe. Very 'Jackie O', no? Besides don't you find that no matter how crappy your makeup is or how raggedy your outfit, a pair of Chanel sunglasses always make you look instantly pulled together? This is why I have been known to jog in mine. :-)

So I will be doing a closet purge as I do tend to hold onto somethings a wee bit too long. First on the list, incredibly comfy but raggedy red gap track pants, used for sleeping and jogging. Farewell, loyal friend. Old bras and underwear. Pink flats and pumps that I never wear. Stained white Banana Republic T-shirt that I only wore once and hoped that I could salvage. I couldn't. Etc, etc.

My must-haves and staples for this year:

Couple of layering tees and camis from Banana Republic and Gap or Old Navy.

A couple of applique (I am loving the fabric roses and pin tucked styles) tops from anthropologie - great for pairing with black pants, topped with a shrunken jacket.

A couple of the all in one dresses that look like a skirt and top and even come with a belt! This excites me - can you tell?

Sandals, flats, platforms - all gladiator style.

My Chloe sunglasses.

New underthings and 'jammies'

Dior lip glosses and Chanel nail polish.

The suburban mama's uniform - velour and terry cloth hoodie and pant set from 'Juicy'. Don't judge Me - those things are lifesavers on Saturday mornings when your son has swim class...

A tankini and a glamorous ruched one piece to such in all the jiggly bits without looking like a full on girdle.

Workout clothes - cause we will be fabulous in any situation (or die trying).

Spanx. After two kids, this my dear, is non6negotiable.

One dress and ONE top that is one shouldered. I am crushing on one by Jay Mendel, but no way I am spending over $300 on such a 'trend that will be dated by like, tomorrow'.

Anything ombre.

A couple of long, fab Maxi print dresses from Calista Clothiers.

And I am done. This is really not a whole lot when you consider I will be wearing most of this for the next decade to come. What are your fab must haves? Do share.


purging furiously, pp

Target Wonderland

Target be rocking, yo. You know the one about the lady who went into Target to buy some gum and then ended up spending $100? No? Oh, you know what? That's just my story. I went into Target to get a few of their ridiculously cheap 'Osh Kosh' shorts for my boys - Numero Uno who is now going down in pant sizes from a size 3T to 2T, and monkeyboy who is growing rapidly, wearing his teensy tiny, but oh so cute 6M shorts. I learned the hard way not to pay $20 for anything for babies under 18 months. So armed with this noble mission and full of purpose and financial prudence, I am bewildered to find myself at the checkout counter with not only a cart full of shorts for both munchkins, a travel comfort set (blanket, pillow and eye mask), cause I just know that soon we will be bringing our own seats,to travel on airplanes, mark my words. Two sets of hot wheels cars (Numero Uno is a car fiend and Aunty Carmen's grandson would appreciate them too, right?), a pair of incredibly cute 4th of July flipflops, for ONE Dollar. Stickers, T shirts (on sale for $1.49) - I Love this Mr, Grumpy one. More T shirts. Toddler underwear with Thomas the Tank on them. Hoping and praying that Numero Uno would respect the train and not pee on them until Mama is able to get proper training pants. Um, nope. But they were just $4 for a pack of 3. Ridiculously cute 'faux crocs' for MB. $6.99. But you know any footwear in that size is insanely adorable. All told for a whopping $60. Before you judge me, I challenge you to try spending just $10 at a Target - let me put a caveat there, a good Target. The crappy oes you just wanna get in and out. Virtually impossible though, in a clean, brightly lit Target such as mine. And when you think of all the things I could have gotten ( organic shopping totes, lotions and potions from the 'Boots' line, those delicious soda- seltzers from Target's 'Archer Farms' and every other yummy or in trend or so affordable-why-not? thing), but didn't, I really am disciplined. No, really.

The ever so prudent pp

Travel Torture Chamber

Travelling with two children could be a new form of torture. Easily. Add cramped seats and no pillows or blankets to the mix and it is literally, hell. This is why I would happily kiss the printing press that Cookie is produced on. It is the best, hippest and one of the truly useful magazines for modern mamas out there, if you've never heard of this literary phenom before. Once you get past the Prada dresses for children, they actually do cater to regular people. Well, kinda.

This months' mag is packed with useful articles, like the 'anatomy of a trip' which gives handy tips from national caregiver directories to sending bulk baby items ahead. (babiestravellite.com). I also appreciated the heads up on cool family vacation spots where the kids are treated like royalty and parents actually get to have a vacation, without it being a noisy, chaotic kids fiesta like some Holiday Inns turn out to be. That kind of environment can really suck the joy out of your vacation, like being in one giant daycare, if you know what I mean. Even if breakfast is free.

Filed under 'why didn't I come up with that idea?' www.babiesplay.com is a toy rental online site where toys are vetted for lead poisoning and recalls and sent to your home for a nominal monthly membership fee. Like Netflix meets Toysrus. I like it!

toodles, pp

Giver of Good Gifts

I love to give nice gifts. The occasion is irrelevant - birthdays, kids birthdays, housewarming, 'just because' gifts. I just get immense pleasure from seeing the recipients face when I have given a thoughtful, 'think-out- of- the- box' gift which the person ultimately I hope, finds useful. Things that you wouldn't think of, know where to look for or realise that you totally couldn't do without. Until, of course I give it to you. Maybe even one of those things you'd like but never thought to buy for yourself. I love to give these Carolee sentiment bangles to Mom and baby daughter, I 'puffy heart' these adorable chunky little books from babystyle and I give them as gifts to almost every one year old and/toddler I know. And this 'Best Grandma' quilt for Grandma, complete with all her grand kids names? Priceless AND on sale at Lillian Vernon (how precious is that?) - and then I discovered 'Uncommon Goods.' Dude. Can you say "Prada Principal in wonderland?". It is now my one stop shop for everything and everyone, even my extremely 'hard -to- buy -for' hubby. If going green looks this fab, why ever not? Made from 100% recycled cotton, it is a 100% ME. I did however also cop a 'look for less' version at Target for 99 cents. No kidding. It's sassy red and zips into a small pencil case like thingy. Uberchic and ubercheap, which always works, right?

Anywho, I really envy good friends of mine with ANY (and I do mean any) occasion coming up. Y'all just made out like bandits.
The ever so generous PP

PS. Oh and OMG Puella now has dresses at anthropologie. I first heard of them through awesome Melissa, whom I adore and hope to morph into some day. Go to her blog NOW (she was my inspiration to use this blog as my creative outlet during my maternity leave and now it looks like I'm here to stay!) and I promise you'll be hooked. Never actually worn Puella Girl stuff, but I surfed their site and Melissa's word for it and preordered their grab bag sight unseen. It is due this June and I for one cannot wait. Will dish all about it when it comes. I promise.

Hey Mama!

The phenomenal Bea, her beautiful daughter, Zawi and Diego, her adorable pooch.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is, this is your lucky day. I am offering super cute, amazingly soft 100 % cotton T-shirts from my maternity T-shirt line 'bellies by calista' at a discounted price of $35 for two or $20 for one (they usually retail for $25 for short sleeved and $30 for long), through May 20th. Just email me and we can sort out shipping details.

For ONE lucky reader though, you get a free maternity T-shirt. All you have to do is either send me a picture (covered or uncovered) of your baby bump (past or present) OR tell me what havoc pregnancy has wreaked on your body (misery loves company) or how GREAT it has made your body (in which case you won't win, cause I totally hate you. Just kidding.) Note: I will post the picture and or letter on the blog, so it should be tasteful.

Good Luck and Happy Mama's Day!

PP

Chasing Fireflies

If I were a rich girl, nananananananana*...I would shop EXCLUSIVELY at chasing fireflies. Or maybe I'd shop there regardless if I had a little girl. I mean, I have two adorable boys and I shop there - not exclusively, but more than I should. You see, while I love my Old Navy/Gap staples (any mom with a kid in preschool knows how well they hold up to the 'play doh' and paint) I cannot resist a saucy T-shirt, or this pair of 'dragon appliqued' pants. Let's face it, this is the only time when he'll be able to wear those and get away with it, so I'm going for it. Yes, the prices are a bit steep (sometimes even when they're on sale) but they hold up SO well, are totally adorable and unique and I promise you, you'll never see any other kid in them.
That's why if I was a rich girl (nananananananana), I would live in this saucy, lime green, glorious tutu. And sleep in this disgustingly fabulous bed. Yes, I totally would.

*Sung by Gwen Stephanie, Butchered By Prada Principal

La Dolce Diaper

I'm a simple girl at heart. Really, I am. But I love nice things, I mean who doesn't, right? It's not an obsessive, all consuming love for nice things, as in I can totally do without them. I mean, I'm the girl who goes for half a year without buying anything for myself. Until something triggers it - like these gorgeous, dark purple suede flats (so dark mind you, that you would swear they were black in some lighting) adorned with outsize flowers that I scored at DSW. The flowers somehow just make this demure style of shoe tres, tres chic. Love them!

But I was trying to make a point before I got caught up in rhapsodies. The other day I went into BJ's on a budget. A $100 budget. Now we all know how difficult it is to spend just $100 at BJs, Costco or any of those bulk warehouses. The temptation of a 'deal' is just too much for me to resist, so I always come home with a ton of stuff that I don't really need that much - like Mr. Clean Magic erasers for days. But on that occasion, I had somehow managed to avoid the pitfalls and I made it to the diaper aisle only to find that they had increased the price of Huggies diapers from $29.99 to $37.99. Highway robbery in the 'burbs, if you ask me. So I decided to go generic with the BJ's brand. Gasp. I know, bad bad momma. Can his butt really tell the difference though? The guilt has plagued me for days, especially when I remember that I will be toting around those diapers in a burberry diaper bag. Am I going to mommy purgatory? In my defence, that kid should be potty trained by now. I'm just saying.

Fondly, PP