The Wow Mom

A few weeks ago I had the honour of being featured on The Wow Mom. The blog features an array of amazing moms who share their insights into motherhood, their everyday must haves and how they juggle it all. It includes interviews with inspirational women like ET Canada's Natasha Gargiulo, Yummy Mummy Club's Erica Ehm and Editor-in-Chief and Founder of COCOLILY Magazine, Renee Dimitrovski (just to name a few), along with fabulous must haves and wow tips for moms.

It is an amazing site run by the original Wow Mom herself - Tuti Do. She's a colleague, a friend and someone I personally look up to, so you could imagine how flattered I was when she asked me to be a Wow Mom. Tuti is a PR maven and owner of her own public relations and marketing agency - Rev Communications, a mom of 2 beautiful kids and somehow on top of it all, she still finds time in her days to showcase all these fabulous women on The WowMom!

So if you want to get to know me a little better, and see my Wow Mom secrets, tips and must-haves check out my interview here and visit The Wow Mom to be inspired by all the other amazing, strong and hard working women that are featured on the site. I almost feel unworthy to be among them! It is a really empowering site, and a wonderful celebration of women. So go ahead and take a look, because it will definitely make you say Wow!

Photos: The Wow Mom & Photography by Amy Grauer

Oh Joy! A Fabulous New Party Collection for Target

We were recently invited to attend a Spring celebration event for a special viewing of the new Oh Joy! Party Collection for Target - 1 of 3 exclusive party collections Target collaborated on with top Pinterest pinners including Jan Halvarson, co-founder of the design blog Poppytalk, and Kate Arends, the creative mind behind lifestyle blog Wit & Delight.

We appropriately dressed for the occasion in the latest duds from Target’s most recent designer collaborations. Joanna, rocked the head to toe spring floral trend in Sarah Stevenson for Target, and Yussie donned a figure flattering, perfect for spring dress from the Peter Pilotto collection.  

But enough about us! The oh-so-cute party collection was amazing! It’s the perfect outdoor dining set that will make future get-togethers easy to plan, but will also make your set up look effortlessly fabulous!

The founder and creative director of Oh Joy! is a blogger, designer and Pinterest aficionado, Joy Cho, and her passion for pattern and color really come through in her designs for this particular collection.

“I drew inspiration for my collection from the summery colours that surround me in Los Angeles, and from the kinds of patterns I love to mix and match on a daily basis.”

The event was completely set up using all her collection pieces and we died for all of them. We could not get enough of the amazing color palette of coral and teal with a touch of gold that added an extra element of chic to every item! Take a look below for some of our favourite pieces (warning; we loved everything so get ready for picture overload lol).

Loved these unique rectangular shaped paper dinner plates with fun patterns and the colorful napkins with scalloped edges. (it's all in the details!)

Serve in style with this matching melamine serving tray and fun paper cups and straws.

These pitchers are super chic with their stand out golden handles.

Keep your drinks cold with this nice ice bucket,  and super cool, layered juice cube tray that the kids would definitely enjoy!

Use this European water bottle to put your water on ice, and don't get your drinks mixed up with this cute multi-colored set of gold rimmed goblets.

It's not a party unless there is cake! Keep it fresh in this Cake Stand with fun cake topper/stir sticks.

Light up the night with super cute strands of color-dipped mini lanterns. The best part? They are battery packed so you can put them anywhere from your gazebo to the fence.

Add that extra splash of gold glam to every table with this jumbo gold confetti!

At the end of the night, you can pack it all up in this fabulous reusable tote bag, until your next party or shopping spree!

Even the trash bags have style! 

To see the full collection with prices and details, click here.

Don’t you just love everything about this collection? We cannot wait for some nicer weather (it is coming soon, we hope!), so we can plan a backyard party and have the opportunity to blow our guests away with some of these super cute pieces. They are perfect for spring and summer parties, get togethers, or just every day outdoor dining if you’re the type of person who spends every evening out on the back patio enjoying every last minute of the warmer weather.

The collection is available in store now for a limited time only, so ladies, make sure you head over to Target and grab some of your favourite pieces now!

Also be sure to keep an eye out for the following Summer collection - Poppytalk, coming out at the end of June.

North West Stealing Mama's Spotlight!

So I bet you thought Kim and Kayne were the stars of the ever so talked about April cover of Vogue magazine. Well I hate to break it to you, but in true Kardashian style, little miss North West stole the show! The oh-so-cute 9 month old can be seen posing along side mom and dad, and she is werking the camera! Check out her facial expressions!

The photo shoot was done with the famous Annie Leibovitz and it is absolutely stunning. In one photo Kim is just, you know, lounging about in a gorgeous Nina Ricci gown, while baby daddy Kanye rests his head on her lap, topless but sporting some cool leather pants. And then there’s North; just look at her! She looks super adorable with that inquisitive look on her face wondering what the heck is going on, while mama makes sure to cover her bare baby bum. Even Hamish Bowles, Vogue editor-at-large and writer, describes Nori as “pretty” while noting that the baby has "inherited her father's furrowed, quizzical brow." That’s for sure!

This issue of Vogue got a lot of attention, both negative and positive, and whether you’re into them or not, I don’t think anyone can deny that the photos are simply gorgeous. Kim looks beautiful and Kayne is quite handsome, and all together I think they make one pretty good looking family.

If you want to see more of baby North with mom and dad, be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes video posted on Vogue.com. 

Maleficent - Being Bad Never Looked So Good

Disney’s upcoming film, Maleficent, which explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, is not only exciting for movie goers and Disney fans, but it is inspiring the world fashion and beauty as well!

Angelina Jolie, who stars as Maleficient in the live-action film, teamed up with fashion designer Stella McCartney to create a kids costume collection inspired by the film.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Disney growing up, as was my mother, and I grew up watching all the films like most kids did,” McCartney told WWD, “When the opportunity presented itself and I was invited by Angelina Jolie to visit the film set, I jumped at the chance.” – And who wouldn’t?

The capsule collection will include eight styles including sparkly princess, bow-adorned sandals, dragon-print tees and cool sneakers for boys and girls aged 4 to 14. It will range in price from $75 to $145, and will be available online, at Stella McCartney Kids stores and Disney stores worldwide at the end of April.

I love that they included items for boys as well, who often get left out in these types of collaborations, but I’m sure Angelina made sure to have something all of her own kids could wear. Especially the 3 that made a cameo in the film, including Pax, 8, Zahara, 7, and 4 year old Vivienne who was cast as a young Aurora because she was the only one who was not afraid to approach her mom in costume.

Don’t worry moms! You can get in on the Maleficent fun too, because Mac Cosmetics is also releasing a limited edition collection inspired by the film. It will include 11 products that cover everything, from eyeshadow and lipstick to powder and polish in dramatic shades of red, gold and brown. So if you too, are feeling inspired by evil, you can check out the collection which will be available in stores at the beginning of June.

If that doesn't make you excited enough, here is the movie trailer to get you in the mood. Maleficent hits theatres May 30^th, 2014.

Will you be watching?

Isaac Mizrahi x Kleenex

You know a brand is a true innovator with a long standing history in the industry when the Products they created are more often referred to by Brand Name rather than their actual name. Like Kleenex! (Does anyone really just ask for a facial tissue?). 

Well, this year the Kleenex brand is celebrating their 90th anniversary! And to commemorate this amazing milestone, the brand is elevating its passion for design by partnering with fashion designer, Isaac Mizrahi to introduce four new and unique designs to the Kleenex Expressions line of products! 

“Innovation has been a critical element to my personal success as a designer and something that is at the crux of the Kleenex brand and its design philosophy,” said Mizrahi. “The brand has an impressive history of design and it’s an honor to be included in the celebration of this important moment in time."

As a staple, in just about everyone’s homes, Kleenex has often pulled design inspirations from trends in home décor, but for a change, these fresh new Kleenex designs by Mizrahi are driven by the latest trends in fashion!  

I love that the outside design of each Kleenex box is just as important to the brand as the quality of the product itself, because they know that we want designs that will fall seamlessly into our home décor look or that speak to our own personal style. Who knew cleaning the makeup off your face after a long day, or wiping the boogers off your kid’s runny nose could be so fashionable?

These fresh new contemporary designs are perfect for spring if you want to add that seasonal touch to your home and also offers us fashion-lovers an affordable, high-quality designer accessory that we can enjoy on the daily.

The new designs have already started rolling out to stores this month, so be on the lookout the next time you go shopping!

Which is your favourite design?

Kourtney Kardashian Covers Mini Magazine

Have you heard of Mini Magazine? If not, its time to check it out! It’s a fabulous digital magazine for moderns moms like us and I am loving their playful new photo spread and interview with their Spring issue cover mom, Kourtney Kardashian! The mom of two posed in Mason and Penelope’s play room as well as in her daughter’s beautiful pink nursery for these fun photos!

In the interview, Kourtney discusses the recent launch of the Kardashian Kids collection, balancing work with motherhood, and her style inspiration for the kids spaces in her Calabassas home.

Check out the full article here. 

Trendy Tuesday - Oversized Pearls

These are not your mama’s pearls! Karl Lagerfeld puts a modern day twist on Coco Chanel’s classic strand of pearls, with statement making over-sized pearl necklaces for spring. The stand out accessories were all over his spring 2014 runway, especially the ear-phone inspired choker necklaces, that accompanied almost every single look.

“My favourite thing is the new necklace like an earphone, its two huge pearls, but in fact it’s very flattering because the huge pearls give a beautiful light on the girl’s face.” Lagerfeld said.

The giant pearls were also an editorial hit, dominating fashion magazine covers earlier this year including Harper's Bazaar UK, Vogue Australia and Vogue Italia.

This must-have spring trend even trickled into Chanel’s fall show in Paris this morning with cluster necklaces, a little like this oversized faux pearl necklace I recently bought from Forever 21, because of course I had to hop on this trend!

Looks like the one I bought is already sold out online! (with no surprise) but here are some other affordable options for you to enjoy this fab spring trend as well!

1. Iconic Tweed Headband, Forever 21, $5.80, 2. Regal Faux Pearl Cuff, Forever 21, $7.80
3. Juliet & Company Oversized Pear Studs, Shopbop, $24.16
4. Nicholas Kirkwood Black Suede and Pearl Platform Pumps, SSENSE, $1100
5. Choker with Pearls, Zara, $25.90, 6. Daphne Pearl Necklace, Stella & Dot, $104

This is definitely a trend I think anyone can pull off, so what do you think? Is it one you’re willing to try?

Oscars Fashion Roundup

Last night was the biggest event in Hollywood- The Oscars! And they didn’t disappoint! Ellen Degeneres was great as host, everyone we were rooting for won, and the fashion was fantastic!

So let’s get to it! Our faves and faux pas of the Oscars!

Fashion Faves

1. We are OBSESSED with Lupita N’yongo! We could not wait to see what the beautiful Hollywood newbie would be wearing, and of course, she delivered! Lupita was absolutely stunning in her baby blue crystal embellished Prada gown, and we could not be happier for her win in the best supporting actress category. Always so beautifully spoken, her speech was eloquent and inspiring. It was truly her Cinderella moment!

2. The gorgeous Kate Hudson dazzled in a low cut, beaded Atelier Versace gown. The hot mama paired her ensemble with classic side-swep curls and a smoky eye, for the perfect Hollywood glam look!

3. It comes at no surprise that rounding up our top 3 favourite red carpet looks is the always stunning, Charlize Theron in Dior. This mama knows what works for her and hits the mark every time.

Fashion Faux Pas

1. Anna Kendrick disappointed in this black J. Mendel dress. While she tried to channel Angelina Jolie with her thigh high slit, the awful floral patterned stomach detail, asymmetrical neckline, and pleated ruffled skirt proved to be too much.

2. The legendary Liza Minelli missed the mark in this head to toe cobalt blue ensemble. The ill fitting satin pant suit looked more like satin pyjamas, and didn’t seem Oscar worthy.

3. Sally Hawkins petite frame is just drowning in this heavily embroidered Valentino dress.  Even she looks unsure of the look!

Baby Bumps

We always love to see how stars dress their growing baby bumps for the red carpet, and while we are usually dazzled by all the glow, the maternity fashion at the Oscars last night totally fell flat.

1. Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky’s sparkling green Elie Saab gown seemed stretched to its limits to accommodate her big bump, exposing an unfortunate side boob. With twins on the way, she should have opted for a more forgiving gown.

2. Olivia Wilde’s plain black column gown by Valentino was nice, but bored us. We would have loved to see her in something a little more glamorous like she wore at the Golden Globes.

3. Kerry Washington’s subdued purple draped design by Jason Wu was pretty but just didn’t wow us.

Posh Parents

1. No matter what they wear, Brad and Angelina always make a grand entrance! Ange shimmered in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, and Brad looked dapper of course in his Tom Ford suit. We’ve really been feeling that under-cut do’ he’s been sporting lately too – it makes him look younger and fresh as ever.

2. Matthew McConaughey looked handsome in a black and white Dolce&Gabbana tuxedo alongside his gorgeous wife Camila Alves in a beautiful blush Gabriela Cadena gown. We loved Matthew’s heart warming acceptance speech for Best Actor. His emotional tribute to his family was just the sweetest! Alright, Alright, Alriiiight!!

Daddy-Daughter Dates

We love that these award winning dads brought their daughters as their dates!

1. Jamie Foxx’s beautiful 20 year old daughter Corinne Foxx is no stranger to the red carpet, often accompanying her dad to star studded events.

2. The legendary Sidney Poitier, walked the red carpet with his namesake daughter Sydney Tamiia who looked amazing in a silver metallic  Giorgio Armani dress.

After Party People

1. Kim and Khloe Kardashian Killed it last night at Elton John’s Oscar Party. Kim finally wore some color and stunned  in this amazing red Celia Kritharioti gown while sister Khloe has never looked better, channeling Jessica Rabbit in her uber-sexy red velvet Marc Bouwer gown. Wow!

2. Gabrielle Union looked amazing in a black Nicholar Oakwell gown at the Vanity Fair party. The sparkles and deep V really took this LBD to the next level! 

So who are your faves? Let us know in the comments!