Doing the Bump at Elton John's Oscar Party

How cute is this photo of second time Moms-to-be Alessandra Ambrosio and Kourtney Kardashian at Elton John's Oscar party? They must have been doing the bump all night long because these fashion mamas are absolutely glowing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The First Mom Fashion Show at NY Fashion Week

All of us fashion loving moms know that it’s fashion week season; from Paris to Milan and from Montreal to New York, now is the time to see what’s trending for Fall 2012. We are of course looking forward to see what all the top designers have in store for us, but one of the shows we are most looking forward to seeing is Strut – The Fashionable Mom Show. This new fashion show specifically for moms is the first of its kind and is coming up on closing day of New York’s  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on  Thursday, February 16th at Lincoln Center.

 

Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney of Getting Gorgeous, Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein of The Moms and Holly Pavlika, the managing director of  Big Fuel, a New York full-service marketing and communications company, and founder of Momentum have all come together to create this fabulous new fashion show for moms that will have real and celebrity moms strutting  their stuff down the runway in attainable and affordable styles while the show streams live on the Net.

“Vera and I started Getting Gorgeous two years ago because we really wanted to bring attainable fashion tips to moms,” said McClelland. “For us, this was the next logical evolution and what’s remarkable about this is we can bring fashion to every mom through the live stream, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.”

The buzz about Strut – The Fashionable Mom Show is building fast and we cannot wait to see this show! To show at Mercedes-Benz fashion week is every fashion mom’s dream! We wish we could somehow be a part of this show and attend in person, but fortunately they’ll be streaming live online, and we’ll be glued to our screens.

Watch the preview video below and visit www.thefashionablemomshow.com for more information.

Fashionable Moms from Big Fuel on Vimeo.

Alessandra Ambrosio Expecting 2nd Child

Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio has recently revealed a secret of her own; she’s expecting her second child with long-time fiancé, businessman Jamie Mazur. The 30 year old Brazilian beauty, already mom to 3 year old Anja, is four months along and is very excited to be adding her brood.

"Family is the most important thing for me and I'm thrilled to be adding to the family," Ambrosio told Us in an exclusive statement. "I'm fortunate to have a loving and supportive family. It's a blessing that it will soon be growing."

The supermodel mom surprised her man with the happy news and a positive pregnancy test on his birthday in September. It must have been a great day of celebrations. Congrats to the happy couple!

Glowing at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Kourtney Kardashian Expecting Baby No. 2!

Just the other day, we were talking about Kourtney Kardashian’s new mom blog web series, and it comes at a great time, because Kourtney has just announced that she and Scott Disick are currently expecting their 2nd child. That’s right! Cute baby Mason, who will turn 2 in December, will soon be a big brother! The fashion mom revealed the pregnancy in an exclusive cover story for US Weekly magazine.

“Now I’m nine weeks along. You’re supposed to wait to 12 weeks to tell people, but I feel confident.” The excited expecting mom told US.

Guess there will soon be another Kardashian (or Disick rather) to Keep Up With! We can’t wait to see Kourtney’s maternity style the second time around. Let the bump watch begin!



Rachel Zoe Interview with LilSugar

Check out this one-on-one interview LilSugar.com did with fab fashion mom Rachel Zoe at the Fisher Price and Sherwin Williams event Room to Bloom in New York. They talk all about fashion and motherhood, from baby Skyler's first fashion week to how wearing flats was the moment she knew she was a mom. Rachel also shares some great mom advise she's received along the way.

Sarah Jessica Parker, the Minivan Mom

Are you a minivan mom? Well so is Sarah Jessica Parker! And proud of it, might I add! The fashion mom of 3 recently sat down with Katie Couric for Nightline, to discuss motherhood, her fabulous minivan and her new film I Don’t Know How She Does It. I can’t wait to see this film! It is based on the 2002 bestselling book about a working mother trying, and sometimes failing to have it all. I’m sure it will be a great movie to go see with all our mom friends, and one that we will likely relate too.

Check out SJP’s full interview with Katie Couric below. It’s nice to see how passionate she is about motherhood, and her latest project.

Chic Sleeper Recommended by The Zoe Report

Are you a busy mom on the go, often traveling with your little one?

Check out this fab Alma-mini crib by Bloom, recommend by famed fashion stylist and new mama, Rachel Zoe. The chic sleeper is one of her latest recommendations from her daily newsletter, The Zoe Report.

“Nothing relaxes me more than knowing that my bundle of joy is secure and cozy, and this crib does the trick. Helping both Skyler and myself sleep at night, it is compact in size with a foldable structure for easy transportation from one place to the next. Oh, and did I mention Bloom created it in five fun colors? Ba-na-nas!” Zoe writes.

This is definitely a great product if you often travel with your baby, especially when you want your child to feel a little more comfortable and at home with a ‘real crib’, rather than a portable play-pen. Though, at $340 it might be a little out of your price range, Rachel also suggests a more affordable version, The Delta Fold Away crib from Target at only $119. A-mah-zing!

Zoe even recommends other products you can “style it with” like this gorgeous Marc Jacobs baby bag, a Barefoot Dreams receiving blanket, and a large Jellycat Truffle Dog plush toy.

I absolutely love that Rachel now includes great recommendations for moms on The Zoe Report, among all the other fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips she offers.

To sign up for the free daily newsletter that features all of Zoe’s favorite must-have obsessions, visit RachelZoe.com, and a little glamour will be sent directly to your inbox every day.

Also check out this previous Montreal Fashion Moms post to read more about Rachel Zoe’s views on motherhood, baby boy fashion, and designing a kids collection.

Mom Advice from Nicole Richie's Friend Kelly Sawyer

Last month, fashion mom, Nicole Richie, opened her blog up to a Q&A session with her good friend, Kelly Sawyer-Patricof, to offer moms a chance to ask for her advice.

“You can consult all the experts in the world, but the opinions you value most are the ones that belong to your friends.” Nicole expressed. 

When pregnant with her first child, Nicole felt a little unprepared as a young, first time mom. She read all the books, but the transition to motherhood seemed out of reach, and she was feeling overwhelmed. That’s when she turned to her friend Kelly, who seemed to manage it all. 

“Kelly is one of those great women who seem to take the juggling act of motherhood, marriage, and work in stride — while wearing 5-inch heels and drinking a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.” She wrote.

As a working mom of 2, creative director of fashion boutique Satine’s Private Label, and co-president of Baby2Baby charity (as seen in our previous post – Fashion Moms Unite for a Good Cause), Kelly was the ideal person to ask for advice, and Nicole wanted to share that with her fans as well. So we submitted a question on behalf of Montreal Fashion Moms. Check out what advice Kelly had to share us!

Dear Kelly,
Could you give us and our readers some tips on how to balance work and family life, and how to stay fabulous and fashionable while keeping up with everyone’s hectic schedules.
Thanks,
Joanna & Yussie
http://montrealfashionmoms.blogspot.com/

Dear Joanna and Yussie,
It’s definitely a tough balance, and some days you want to throw your hands up in the air and scream. That being said, I definitely have some tips. Both Nicole and I are very schedule-oriented. Our kids wake up at 7, nap from 12:30 to 2:30, and go to bed at 7. Not only is it great for the kids because they feel secure in their routine. It’s also great for us to know when we’ll have free time. In the beginning, when I wasn’t working, I knew I had two hours in the middle of my day when I could work out, schedule an appointment, or have lunch with a girlfriend. Getting your children on a sleep schedule, where you know your mom time ends and your grown-up time starts at 7, keeps you sane. There’s always going to be guilt that you’re not spending enough time with your children because you’re working too much – or letting your work slide because of the kids. You just have to have the attitude that you’re doing the best you can, and enjoy the time you get to spend with your kids.

Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you aren’t still fashionable, fun, and allowed to do your own thing sometimes. After the kids’ bedtime I still look at fashion magazines and fashion blogs, shop on-line and keep up with what’s going on. Plus, Nicole and I have been on a few mommy trips without our kids to London and Paris. (We leave the dads in charge at home. They need some kid time, too!) You come back feeling so refreshed and happy to be back with your kids, and so glad you had a few days alone to recharge.

Love,
Kelly

Thanks to Kelly for all the great advice, and to Nicole for providing the avenue to ask. Hope you all can take something away from Kelly’s helpful advice on how to manage work and family life all while remaining a fabulous, fashionable mom.

Check out Nicole’s official website blog here (part 1) and here (part 2), to see what other advice Kelly had to share with fans.

Looking for some relationship advice as well? Nicole and brother-in-law Benji Madden are no experts, but they are taking questions now to share their advice too.

SJP Talks Fashion and Parenting with Vogue

Fashion Mom of 3, Sarah Jessica Parker, graces the cover of Vogue yet again for the magazine’s August age issue. In the article, the 46-year-old actress discusses her career, fashion and family.

While it seems hard to believe, in her interview with Vogue, SJP insists that she could not be more different than her Sex and The City character and fashion aficionado, Carrie Bradshaw.

“[Carrie] Bradshaw’s life is nothing—nothing—like mine,” she said. “I loved playing her, and it changed my life in lots of wonderful ways, but I’m not a crazy shoe lady, I don’t think about fashion all day long, although I have a great respect for the industry.”

SJP, who has a son, James Wilkie, 8, and 2-year-old twin daughters Loretta and Tabitha with fellow actor Matthew Broderick, can however relate to her latest role in the upcoming film I Don’t Know How She Does It. In the film, she plays a successful businesswoman and mother who balances a busy career with family life.

While SJP is a very busy and successful actress, her role as a mother has always come first. "It wasn't hard when I didn't have children," Parker says of shooting Sex and the City. "I loved it. But I ultimately chose to stop doing the television series because I felt like it required, and deserved, a lot of time when I really wanted to be a parent."

Posing with twin daughters Loretta and Tabitha

'Vogue'-ing with son James Wilkie and friends

In fact, SJP prides herself on being an active parent. "We don't have any live-in help. We're pretty hands-on parents," she says of herself and husband Matthew Broderick, "That's something that's important to both of us, and we don't shirk it, because what's the point in having a family if you're not going to really participate in it, you know?"

We couldn’t agree more! Being a famous actress can be pretty hectic, stressful and time consuming, but we love that this fashion mom make sure she takes the necessary time out to be present in her children’s lives, and to experience the joys of motherhood to the fullest.

The amazing Vogue photo spread, shot by Mario Testino, is the perfect blend of fashion and family. While Sarah Jessica Parker may not in reality, prance around the house with her husband and kids in Bottega Veneta, Proenza Schouler and Chanel, we can certainly imagine Carrie Bradshaw’s life looking a little like this if she ever had children. Regardless, I love these photos of SJP and her real life family. Not even Suri Cruise can say she’s been featured in a spread for American Vogue.

To read SJP’s complete Vogue article, check out their website or pick up a copy of the August issue on newsstands July 21.

Beyond the Rack

Ever heard of Beyond the Rack?

Well, it is a fabulous, Montreal-based, private shopping club for men and women who want to buy designer brand items, online at discounted prices, up to 70% off retail. Wow!

If you are into high quality, brand name labels, Beyond the Rack is the perfect site for you to shop for the whole family! They have exclusive, limited time events (typically 2-3 days), where you can by everything from women and mens apparel and accessories, to childrens items and home goods all in one place, at these amazing prices.

Check out one of today’s sales for Melissa and Doug educational toys for kids. They have a great selection of high quality children’s toys for great prices. The sale runs today through to July 11th, so don’t miss your chance to get your hands on these must-have products.

We are inviting you to visit Beyond the Rack here to sign up and start saving! You will receive e-mail notifications in advance of all the upcoming events, so you won’t miss out on all the fab deals. There is even a Mega Bloks sale coming up on Monday that you may want to look out for as well.

Happy Shopping Montreal Fashion Moms!

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

Mama-to-be Victoria Beckham, who is rumored to be giving birth to a baby girl tomorrow via scheduled c-section, recently sat down with Women’s Wear Daily to discuss her latest collection for Spring 2012, ‘Victoria by Victoria Beckham’.

The busy fashion mom designed a line of super girly dresses that focuses on a much looser silhouette with 60's shapes, perfect for a flirty summer look. The designs are much more fun and have a much less structured look then her current collection of dresses.

"These are the kind of dresses I've been searching for," Beckham told WWD , "The perfect little summer dress, something that was fun, something that was girly, something that was easy to wear, and something that would take you from day through the night."

The Victoria by Victoria Bekham collection is also geared towards a much wider audience then her super chic existing line of women’s wear. Not only is it available and designed for women of all different sizes, it has a much lower price point. At prices ranging from $550-$900 a dress, this collection still ain’t cheap, but it sure is more affordable than her other line that ranges in the thousands.

"I'm opening these designs to women and girls of all different shapes and sizes, people who maybe want something less tight and clingy and structured. It also makes it more comfortable for during the day. You can wear them with a pair of flats or a pair of heels and they look great."

Uh, did Victoria Beckham just say Flats?? Must be the pregnancy hormones!

They say the stylish mom took inspiration for the collection from teenage cartoon character Emily The Strange, but it seems to me like she was truly inspired by her current pregnancy style, with looser fitting, more comfortable clothes. I guess being big and pregnant gives Victoria a better understanding of clothing for comfort. That’s the look Victoria seems to be going these days, always modestly covering up her baby bump. You'd barely even know it was there!

We’re sure Victoria’s little baby girl will be just as stylish as her mama. She says her closet is already fully stocked “But not in an obnoxious way at all, I love the French clothes for little girls. I like little girls to look like little girls.” Can’t wait to see what her wardrobe has in store!

Collection Photos: Ben Wright/ Women's Wear Daily

The Art of Louboutin

I am looooving this new Fall/Winter 2011 look book for Christian Louboutin. The famous shoe designer partnered up, once again, with iconic photographer Peter Lippmann to re-create classic 15th century Renaissance portraits, with an added Louboutin touch. Amazing!

The theme for the shoot is ‘the power of femininity’. The painting’s timeless women are meant to “embody the spirit of the Christian Louboutin woman” and “each portrait acts as a setting for key creations from the upcoming collection twinned with the artist whose individual technique and subject defines their distinct character.”

Some of the historic and powerful figures and images in art, transformed by Louboutin and Lippmann include, 'Whistler’s Mother' by James McNeill Whistler. In this photo, the model is holding a 'Tootsie' ankle boot.

Another photo inspired by Francisco de Zurburan’s ‘Saint Dorothy of Caesarea’, shows a model displaying an ‘8 Mignon’ strappy sandals on a fruit platter.

  
The 'Artemis' shoulder bag is featured in other image inspired by Jean-Marc Nattiers' ‘The Portrait of Marquise D’Antin’.

And the 'Balda' Booty is not the only thing on full display in this re-interpretation of Marie-Guillemine Benoist’s 'Portrait d’une Negresse'.

The blend of powerful women, femininity, art and fashion is simply genius in this campaign by Louboutin. As if the red-soled stunners weren’t fabulous enough, they provide great eye candy for our Montreal Fashion Moms. Love it!

Heidi's World

Heidi Klum is one of our favorite fashion moms, and today is the debut of her new 'world' on AOL. This personal lifestyle website is a fabulous mix of things she loves and real-life insight and demos from experts she’s worked with for many years. Heidi and Full Picture Entertainment, producers of Project Runway, are developing content for the site including blog posts, slide-shows, and video on everything from fashion and beauty to parenting and relationships.

“During my 15 years in the business, I’ve received so many questions on a variety of topics from my favorite toothbrush to juggling family and a busy work schedule. I’m bringing in the experts that have helped me over the years to help inspire you!” said Heidi. “Women are looking for content that speaks to every part of their lives. Right now, advice seems so scattered online. I have created a place on AOL that’s really one-stop-shopping: for women as moms, wives, workers, friends and their most creative selves. “

We think Heidi is a great, down-to-earth, role model for women and moms, and we can’t wait to find out all her insider tips on how she juggles life, work, family, and travel. She is actually said to be a regular reader of other mom blogs, and hopes that her site will become an educational forum for mothers. “Apart from sharing my tips on toys or snacks, I’m open to hearing new ideas from other moms, I want to learn, too.” She said.

Check out Heidi’s fabulous new ‘world’ at http://heidiklum.aol.com/