Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

Elmo is, without a doubt, a international icon. He is loved by so many children, but how many people know the real person behind the muppet... Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a movie that will take us beyond the cute fuzzy muppet, and let us meet Kevin Clash. Shown at this year's Sundance festival and narrated by the amazing Whoopi Goldberg, this inspirational documentary shows us the story of a talented young man who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. It gives viewers a glimpse on how Kevin used his creativity and talent to do what truly makes him happy, which ultimately brought him to Sesame Street. The movie looks intriguing, inspirational and touching, and  I would love to be able to see it. It comes out October 21st in the U.S, and I'm not sure if it will be showing in Canada.

Just goes to show you, never give up on your dreams. The fact that Kevin fought through so much adversity to become what he wanted to in life and keep doing what made him truly happy, makes me love Elmo (and Kevin) that much more.

Chocolate Me

Perez Hilton isn’t the only one adding children’s book author to his resume. Actor Taye Diggs has co-written a children’s book with his childhood friend and illustrator, Shane Evans. Similar to the theme of Perez’s new book, Chocolate Me is about celebrating your differences.

"You should be proud and embrace your differences regardless if its race or religion or if something is looked upon as a handicap," says Diggs.

The book is based on a poem Taye wrote in college and his experience growing up in a neighborhood where nobody looked like him, which resulted in him being bullied and made fun of.

“My mother sat with me and convinced me to embrace my differences and that I should love the qualities and features I have regardless of what others thought. 
The book is directed towards young people from 4 years and up. I’m excited for Chocolate Me to come out this fall, but I was more excited to read it to my son. He may be too young to understand the complexities but he loves it when I read it to him,” Diggs said.

I am really looking forward to buying Chocolate Me and reading this book to my son. I think it has a great message and is something that he will be able to relate too. Chocolate Me hits bookshelves today and is available on amazon.ca

Happy Birthday To A Shining Star

I would like to wish my best friend, business partner and fellow fashion mama a very Happy Birthday.

Joanna, you are my best friend. You are so incredibly talented, smart, funny and not to mention an amazing mother to the ever so adorable Jagger. I am so proud of you. Not many women can handle the idea of putting their life and career on pause and share it with someone else. But you do it with grace, joy and even through the tough days, you always seem to keep a smile on your face. I can't believe how long we've been friends and how we've continued to grow together. Being able to ride this new journey of motherhood with you has been amazing and a real blessing. I look forward to the many more years we spend as friends, sharing fashion tips, mommy stories, our sad and happy moments.

Happy Birthday Joanna, I wish only the best for you. You are an amazing person and truly a shining star. Love you girl!

Lookin' fabulous at Montreal Fashion Week

"See I just want you to know
That you deserve the best
You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, Yeah
And I want you to know, you’re far from the usual, Far from the usual"

- Weezy F Baby

Duet with Elmo & Muppet Bieber Look-A-Like

Looks like Bieber fever is still going strong! Check out this super cute video of Elmo and a muppet Justin Bieber look-a-like singing "Measure, Yeah, Measure," a spoof of The Bieb's hit "Never Say Never." Haha so adorable!
 

Extreme Makeover: Aldo Edition

We always say that we love to see fashion that gives back, and the Aldo Group is one Montreal based Fashion Company that does just that. Aldo’s latest project was the 5th edition of their “Extreme Makeover” event.

This year, 300 Aldo team members gathered to paint, decorate and green four elementary schools of the St-Laurent borough. They not only chose the four schools in St-Laurent because that is where their headquarters resides, but because they rank among the 50 most underprivileged schools in the city. Another thing these schools have in common is that they all share a large presence of different ethnicities.

Left: Colleen Bradish - Senior Products Developer, Aldo Group
Right: Douglas Bensadoun - Creative Director & General Manager Marketing, Aldo Group

“The idea is to give newcomers a warm welcome and give them hope for a better life”, says Mr. Aldo Bensadoun, founder and Executive Chairman of the ALDO Group.

Aldo Bensadoun and his team planting a tree at Ecole Bois Franc-Aquarelle

Aldo Group not only jump started the school year for the kids with a fresh new school look, they also supplied the students with boots, winter accessories and school supplies. Amazing!

Library at Ecole Henri-Beaulieu - BEFORE

Library at Ecole Henri-Beaulieu -AFTER

Library at Ecole Henri-Beaulieu -AFTER

What a fabulous effort on Aldo’s part to give back to our local community. We must admire companies like this that utilize their resources to do something great, especially for children who are our future. Montreal Fashion Moms loves fashion for a cause, and giving back to children and education is definitely at the top of our list. We commend the Aldo Groupe for their great efforts. We’re sure Ty Pennington would be proud!

Classroom at Ecole Enfant-Soleil - BEFORE

Classroom at Ecole Enfant-Soleil -AFTER

Fashionable Family Time

Too cute! Even after a recent accidental fall causing a minor injury to his forehead, little Mason Disk, couldn’t look happier frolicking in the grass as he spent the day playing in the park with mom Kourtney Kardashian and dad Scott Disick.

The super fashionable family was looking fabulous as usual while they enjoyed a beautiful day together in New York City. We are loving Mason’s adorable Burberry sweater and super cool shades. He is definitely following in his parents’ footsteps when it comes to fashion.

Photos: Fame

Michelle Williams Graces The Cover Of Hobo Magazine

The gorgeous Michelle Williams graces the latest cover of hobo magazine. We've seen Michelle is countless films, and she is currently working on My Week with Marilyn, in which she reprises the role of the legendary Marilyn Monroe. But it seems acting isn't her dream for her future. She tells hobo, "I’m always trying to figure out what kind of life I want to live. What do I want to do? Where is the best place to be? How do I want to spend my time?" When you are such an accomplished actress I guess you can then choose when and how you want to leave the business, and what you want to pursue afterwards. She adds "I often dream of quitting acting. Walking away and becoming a laundress or a sous chef, or maybe writing other people’s love letters for a living Clearly, I don’t like to be in charge. And thinking of quitting is just keeping going in disguise. When you have options, anything is bearable. It’s when a situation is inescapable that it becomes hell. It seems to me that as soon as you get good at something, it is a sure sign that it is about to walk out of your life because it ceases to hold your mind and creative energy hostage."

Through it all, it seems her daughter Matilda is her number one priority and what matters to her most is being a good mom. "How do I live my life and work in a way that makes me the best parent I can be? I think it’s the ultimate creative act. If this doesn’t turn out well then there is no success or awards in the world that can make up for it. So I’m always wondering what that balance is, and where it is." She is great actress, a strong women and an amazing women. Whether she becomes a laundress or a sous chef or whatever she decides, I'm sure she'll be amazing at it. There's nothing not to love about Michelle Williams.

Image: Mark Segal

Suri Cruise Is Way To Young For Red Lipstick

I just came across this picture of Suri Cruise out and about in NYC. All I can think of, when I see these pics, is why the hell is Suri Cruise wearing lipstick? She is FIVE years old. I think it's totally creepy. I know little girls love to put on their mommy's makeup, but usually they have no choice but to wash it all off before they step one little toe out of the house. Suri drinks coffee, refuses to wear coats in the winter, is spotted wearing heels more often then not and now red lipstick. Ugh. Red lips are usually associated with being sexy and it really creeps me out. Also, doesn't it look like someone else put in on for her? Like there's not one smudge... oy.

I really wish parents would put more effort in letting children be children. It's such a short period in their lives, and there really is no reason to speed the process up even more. Do you think it's weird or is she just being a kid?

Image: Spalsh News

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Gorgeous new mommy Selma Blair, along with her adorable 7-week-old-son Arthur Saint, were seen at the Guess Portrait Studio in Toronto last week. The duo was in the TDot to promote her latest film, Dark Horse. Also in attendance for Take This Waltz, was Sarah Silverman, who was lucky enough to grab a quick snuggle with Arthur.

I have just have to say, this photo is hilarious. From Sarah's nonchalant smile, Selma's watchful mommy gaze to Arthur's "I'm makin' a poopie face". This picture is worth a thousand words.

Image: Charles Leonio/Getty

Beyonce's Unborn Baby Tweets From Within Her Famous Belly

It's seems everyone in the entire world is talking about Beyonce and Jay-Z's unborn baby. Some excited, some not sure what the big frickin deal is. Someone (besides us, lol) who is really excited is, well their unborn baby. Yep, you heard right. @BeyonceJayFetus is giving us up to date info on what it's like to be one of the most famous baby bumps in the world. I don't know if it's because I am deathly ill or whatever, but I am finding this hilarious, slightly creepy, but overall pre-tttt-yyyy hilarious. So what exactly could an unborn baby have to say? Well here are few previews: "What if I was born on a jet and then literally descended on the world? You'd like that.", "Please stop inquiring about my gender. That question is super personal.", "My kicks and heart beats are being sampled for my dad's new album. And it will make trillions." LOL.

Check out @BeyonceJayFetus for more funny tweets. 

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.

Up All Night

One thing I love about September is cozing up on the couch after a long day and watching some good prime time TV. "Up All Night" starring the hilarious trio Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph is one new show I was excited to watch. Now that I am a mom, anything that is relatable to my everyday baby world, I'm interested in. "Up All Night" is about a modern, party loving couple raising their newborn daughter Amy, while struggling with a balance of work and parenting. Aren't we all! Maya Rudolph plays a needy talk-show host who is also Applegate’s boss and who is absolutely oblivious to Regan's new role as a mommy.

I just finished watching it, and while I thought it was pretty funny, I hope as time goes on it only gets funnier. I found it a little dry and wonder what kind of antics Will Arnett's character will come up with if they focus most of the show on Applegate and Rudolph at work. I will say, it was pretty funny to watch them battle a baby during  diaper changing duty while hungover from their anniversary dinner and their constant battle to cut out the cursing (oh, can I relate to that). Only time will tell if it be a hit or get cancelled as many, many new shows do these days. Here's hoping!

Check out the trailer below, and if you're interested be sure to catch the next episode Wednesday on NBC.

Anatomy Lesson

LOL! If you didn't already know that Mommies don't have penises, you should definitely check out this hilarious video of a little girl giving her aunt a lesson in anatomy. Kids sure do say the darndest things!

Beyonce at New York Fashion Week

Ms. Beyonce sure is one busy Bey! After attending the US Open yesterday with hubby Jay-Z, Beyonce and her baby bump hit up New York Fashion Week along with her sister Solange.

The absolutely glowing mama-to-be was taking over the front rows, attending 3 different shows this morning. She first attended J. Crew in a nude sequin dress and minimal, natural makeup and then made a wardrobe change into a strapless mini-dress with a puffball skirt and leather bustier before attending Vera Wang and Rodarte.

 

Beyonce is radiating with happiness and we are really looking forward to seeing even more of this fashion mama’s maternity style. We told you we’d be watching! ;)

Photos: Getty Images

Missoni for Target

The Missoni for Target collection officially hits stores today! The world renowned fashion house, founded in 1953 and known for their knitwear and colorful prints, patterns and fabrics has created a huge 400 pieces collection for Target that boasts their signature style. Target’s biggest designer collaboration yet consists of everything from baby clothes to womenswear, menswear, a home line and everything in between. Basically, it has tons of fabulous designer items for the entire family! 

 

 “Working with Target to create a mass collection that reflects the spirit of Missoni has been extremely energizing,” said Angela Missoni. “Each piece is special to me because so much thought and care went into every aspect of the design. I can’t wait to introduce the collection to Target’s guests across the United States.”

Incredibly priced between $7.99 and $199.99, this collection is totally affordable and can add tons of designer flare to your family’s home and/or wardrobe.  We totally appreciate these types of collaborations between designers and mass retailers like Target, because it makes the designs we generally covet from a far, easily available to us.

 
Another thing we love about Missoni is that it is a family business. Check out this video of Margherita Missoni (Missoni’s unofficial muse and granddaughter of founders Ottavio “Tai” and Rosita Missoni) discussing what inspired the family business and sharing a behind the scenes look of the Missoni for Target collection.

This limited edition collection will only be available in Target stores now until October 22, or until supplies last, so there is no time to waste if you want to get your hands on some items from this collection.

Perez Hilton - The Queen Of The Blogosphere

There's no doubt about it, Montreal Fashion Moms, love Perez Hilton! We follow his celebrity gossip blog Perez Hilton, his fashion blog Coco Perez as well as checking in from time to time on his animal friendly blog Teddy Hilton and Fit Perez, the blog for all things you need to know about living a healthy lifestyle. He sure has a lot going for him these days!! And now he can add author to that list. As we mentioned he recently launched his children's book, The Boy With Pink Hair. Well now that same boy with pink hair is the new face of Perez Hilton's latest blog, Perezitos. Yes, another blog! This blog will update you on everything that's happening with celebrity parents and their famous tots. Loves it!

He's known as the Queen of all Media, but he should consider changing that to Queen of the Blogosphere! Is there anything this guy won't write about? I am really excited about this latest venture, and you can count on me reading it daily.

Click here to read this famous blogger's latest venture.

Denim and Diamonds

As we previously mentioned, after hitting up a few shows at Montreal Fashion Week, we attended a fabulous charity event called Denim and Diamonds, one of the most talked about fundraising events of the season.

Every year, the Denim and Diamonds event supports Hope & Cope; a Montreal based non-profit, psychosocial support organization for cancer patients and their families.  This year, they celebrated the launch of the CANCERFIGHTCLUB, Hope & Cope's newest initiative to help young adults living with cancer.

“The battle to beat cancer is a huge challenge at any age, but for the young adult, it’s like stepping into a ring, putting on a pair of boxing gloves and preparing to have the fight of your life,” says Deborah Bridgman, three-time cancer survivor and past Co-Chair of Denim & Diamonds.

The mission of CancerFightClub.com is to ‘Fight the Fright’ that comes with a life-altering cancer diagnosis, often aggressive and prolonged medical treatment as well as ongoing psychological and social distress that so many of our young Montrealers will unfortunately experience this year.

The theme of the event was based on the CancerFightClub premise, with hanging punching bags for décor, and a big boxing ring for the stage, which hosted performances by Jamaican/Canadian singer and cancer survivor Jonathan Emile and Montreal-based rock band Play the Angel.

Tons of delicious food from local sponsors like Dunns Famous and Moishes were also being served, as well Voss and Fiji water and yummy cocktails from Skyy Vodka mixed with Rose’s Infusions. Sephora was also on hand to spruce up your makeup and send you home with a beauty goody bag, all while a silent auction was taking place to raise more funds for the cause.

The chic soirée held at Espace Reunion was also hosted by the super sweet Nikki B from Virgin Radio, whom we had the pleasure of meeting ring side. What a doll!

Joanna, Yussie & Nikki

Montreal Fashion Moms were invited to Denim and Diamonds by Jacob, one of the event’s major sponsors (along with other major fashion retailers like Diesel, Parasuco and Steve Madden as well as Samcon condos) and of course could not pass up a chance to support such a great cause and attend this amazing event.  We had a lovely time, but then of course, mommy duty called and we headed back home to our baby boys.

For more information on this important cause and to offer your support, please visit any of the following websites: Denim & Diamonds, Hope & Cope, CancerFightClub

The 21st Edition of Montreal Fashion Week

This past Tuesday night, Montreal Fashion Moms, hit up day 2 of the 21st edition of Montreal Fashion Week presented by Sensation Mode. We got all glamed up from head to toe, and were excited to be back in the fashion scene once again. 

Montreal Fashion Moms
Yussie & Joanna

We arrived just in time to see the Barilà SS12 presentation. The collection was without a doubt, a cool, suave vision of summer. For Barilà, their inspiration was obvious; a bohemian vibe combined with Japanese culture. The collection was flowy, beautiful, casual and best of all, totally wearable.

 

We saw fabulous long shirt dresses, jumpsuits, skorts and wide leg pants.The feel was light and flowy which was a perfect combo with the soft pastel colors and floral prints. We loved the Kimono style inspired cut, seen on the wider sleeves and pants. 

We could just picture wearing the clothes in an open field, picking fresh wild flowers and putting them in our hair. In all, the Barilà SS12 collection was ultra feminine and wearable for many body types. We loved it! We do think, however, that the collection would have been brought to life a little more on the runway, but at the same time, it was nice for a designer to do something a little different and create a presentation in the middle of the cocktail lounge. It also made for great looking photos.

  

 

The beautiful Claudia Barilà (right)

After Barilà, we sipped some champagne in the designer lounge before heading to see Anastasia Lomonova's debut runway show. The Ukrainian born designer decided to reinvent her label by leaving her usual florals and pastels (typical of the spring/summer seasons) at the door and brought in more sculptural dresses, draped tops and elaborate voluminous pieces. And the change definitely worked! 

 

 

The looks she presented were unique and fabulous. She showcased a color palate full soft tones of bronze, beige, coffee and charcoal grey, and we can't forget that pop of neon yellow she threw in for some pizazz. The materials were flowy, transparent and almost weightless. We saw lots of chiffon, linen, jersey and some multi-textured materials. The collection was strong and powerful, but not taking away from it's femininity. We can't wait to see what she will bring to the runway for the next MFW.
 

 

Designer Anastasia Lomonova

After the show, we hit up the Denim & Diamonds charity event, but we'll tell you all about in another post. Meanwhile, enjoy all the fabulous pics! Cheers!

 

All the beautiful fashion photos are courtesy of our fab photographer Hugo Trottier of Superstar Photos.

First MFM photo credit: Rowenta Canada