Category Archives: Fashion/Beauty/Style

A Spring into Summer Mom Mixer Was Just What I Needed

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Me and (left) Whitney and Colleen at #MomMixer

By Estelle Sobel Erasmus

So I belong to an amazing group of bloggers called the Philly Social Media Moms (PSMM). Two of the lovely ladies from the group, Colleen of Classy Mommy @classymommy and Whitney of Mommies with Style @WhitneyMWS, hold what they smartly call “Mom Mixers” (#MomMixer)  to introduce the bloggers to brands like Land’s End, Lee Jeans and QVC, and reintroduce new products from perennial favorites like Clean & Clear and Neutrogena.

So, hubby and daughter in tow, in mid April I hightailed it out to Philadelphia (hey, I hope this and my next weekend there for the Type A Advanced Conference) doesn’t count as family vacation. I enjoyed the array of brands and got to meet some of the amazing moms like Linda, Jennifer, Sarah, Jessica, Erin, Nicole and Jo-Lynne.

Over 150 influential bloggers met at the Hyatt XIX Restaurant in downtown Philly and the fun began.

The brands and their fresh messages for Spring were cool. Here are a few that wowed.

Lee Jeans (@leejeans): I loved that Lee Jeans had stylists on site to showcase their spring line and provide one-on-one fit and style consultations. I got a boot-leg pair, with cool detail on the sides and back pockets. The material is thick enough for spring into summer weather, and the boot-cut makes my legs look super slim. Best of all, I can pass some savings to you: you can get an extra 10% off and free shipping from Lee.com with the code, MIXER10 until May 13th–so hurry to take advantage of this offer.

Land’s End (@LandsEndPR): They had an array of the latest and hottest style swimsuits for every shape and size. I had my eye on a red bustier top suit. The lovely stylist there gave me some tips on the best way to measure myself, and even wrote down my measurements for me (but I’ll never tell). Mainly she taught me how and what to measure on three areas: the torso (from the shoulders, down through the thighs and up the front); the bust (run the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust); waist (at the narrowest point); hips (place feet together and measure the fullest part of the hips).

QVC & Send The Trend (@QVC and @SendTheTrend): Had a fun style bar where I bedecked myself with bracelets and necklaces and felt like a little girl playing dress up (but with the coolest costume jewelry around). I received a Susan Graver Braided Seed Bead Necklace, which hung a little lower than my usual shorter style, but I ended up pairing it with some of my deeper necked shirts and the pale purple and blue tones of the necklace add a nice shimmer to my spring outfits.

So while my hubby and daughter enjoyed themselves at the restaurant next door, I noshed on McDonald’s Philly’s (@McDPhilly) newest creation-the Premium McWrap. Several flavors of a mixture of chicken (grilled or crispy), veggies and sauces (from mild to spicy) in a wrap. Noshed perhaps isn’t the right word. Although I started by gingerly nibbling the wrap, unsure if it would suffice, let’s just say that devoured would be a more appropriate word as to how it um, all went down.

I also, tasted Koru Creamery YogHurt (@korudairy) right before I left (passion fruit, pomegranate + cherry and strawberry + goji were a few of the five flavors offered) and I found it so creamy and delicious that I could never go back to plain yogurt again. I’ve been checking Whole Foods but so far haven’t found it. Need. To. Find. It. Again.

And since I had forgotten to get dessert, on my way home in the car with my very patient hubby and my passed out from exhaustion daughter,  my hubby got the gift of the delicious Hershey’s kisses I found tucked away in my swag bag, and I, in turn,  popped a couple of the yummy Adora Calcium Supplements (in chocolate) in my mouth and called it a day.

A wonderful day full of friends, fun, food and fashion (four of my favorite things). Here are some more pics from the event.

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Some of the PSMM crew.

 

Disclosure: I received samplings and products for my participation in this event; but the opinions and experiences are all my own.

What’s your spring into summer beauty or fashion tip and/or favorite brand?

 

The Flawless-Finish Face Cream I Just Had to Try

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By Estelle Sobel Erasmus

As a former magazine beauty editor, editor-in-chief (Woman’s Own, Hachette Filipacchi’s Body by Jake, Esthetique) and co-author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking her Best at Any Age (Adams Media), I’ve seen just about every kind of beauty product come across my desk.

From Dior to Avon, the new makeup lines appeared on my desk or in boxes waiting to be unwrapped for the staff to ooh and aah over. It was anathema to me to not put on a full face of makeup for work or play. I also used makeup to cover up the reddish tone to my skin caused by my sensitive skin and mild case of rosacea.

That all changed once I became pregnant with my daughter. Since it was hard enough to move around grounded by the weight of my belly, any kind of artifice lost its allure, and  I found myself eschewing makeup and focusing on just keeping my skin looking its best. Less is more became my mantra.  So I washed with Cetaphil and used a moisturizer from my dermatologist. And that was my routine. Period.

It took a year or so after giving birth to my daughter that I realized I wanted to start wearing coverup or foundation again . But, this time, I was super picky about what I was putting on my face. It had to feel good, look better; and be moisturizing as well as luminizing, to replace the glow I’d lost after late hours and indulging in worrying, my special favorite pastime as a new parent.

Searching for products in the drugstore or even retail stores was hard. Many did not do a good color match, and the result was an orangey sheen or so yellow that I looked like I had a mild case of scurvy. I found a foundation I liked by MAC, but recently they have stopped making it since they say they are reformulating it, read: I’ll never see it again. Sad horns.

Then as if by magic, I recently discovered L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifying BB Cream in the color Fair, a perfect match for my skin tone.

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I was ready for a change. So I  washed my face and dotted it on it on-just one side for starters, making sure to blend carefully with my fingertips.

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See the blotchy and red tone to my skin here. Before applying the beautifying cream.

IMG 0435skin 224x300 The Flawless Finish Face Cream I Just Had to TryThe invisible beads in the products instantly changed to my skin tone and It made the blotchiness (that I normally cover with a dab of foundation) go away. I also don’t think anyone needs to wear primer or foundation if you’re wearing this product.

549860 10200685323844847 1217548027 n 300x300 The Flawless Finish Face Cream I Just Had to TryAnd here I am out that night with my hubby. Doesn’t my skin look flawless? (And by the way, the only redness on my cheeks is from blush.) I think I’m also going to check if they have a product for more mature skin that offers even more hydration to my super dry, sensitive skin.

In the meantime, I’m so glad to finally have a go-to-product I can just throw in my bag for an anytime glow.

What’s your go-to-beauty product?

Disclosure: I received a free sample of the product from the SheSpeaks Blogger Society to review. However, as always, the opinions and comments are my own. 

Fall Beauty Solutions for Stressed out Moms

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DSCN0094 e1350307287458 225x300 Fall Beauty Solutions for Stressed out MomsNow that summer is over and the leaves are turning brown and red, I need beauty products that will help, not hinder my routine. With that in mind, here is a roundup of some of the best new items to soothe, clean, moisturize and help you glow as you effortlessly glide through the season.

Wakeup Your Makeup

He’s been named the “Brow King,” but did you know that Ramy Gafni also has a line of cosmetics? Sweep Alive Blush (a blend of pink, gold and brown tones) over cheeks and lids for a healthy glow and to bring out your eyes. Sold atDuane Reade LOOK Boutiques; www.ramy.com. Want to keep your lips lush? Kinerase Ultimate Volume Lip Conditioner SPF 20 does double duty by moisturizing, protecting and plumping lips. Available at Ulta and www.ulta.com. SXY by Unforgettable Moments is Payless’ new affordable beauty brand. The double-sided Fat Eyeliner Pencil (in cool combinations such as Ebony/Ivory Emerald Princess/Daring Jade, and Silver Dust/Bold Blue) comes with a built-in sharpener in the cap, and a fantastic Light-Up Lip Gloss in mouth-watering colors like Tropical Tease and Raspberry Martini (I know, I’m thirsty now) has a mirror and lighted applicator wand for those all too infrequent mom’s night outs in dark restaurants.

Hey Bright Eyes

Naturopathica’s Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum (www.naturopathica.com) reduces dark circles, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and decreases puffiness with anti-inflammatory chamomile oil. Have a headache or just want to soothe tired eyes? If you don’t have time to get plastic surgery (aka an eye job), The Dream Look Instant Eye Lift (www.GetDreamLook.com) is an instant fix for tired-looking eyes and ideal for when you want to look wide-eyed for “date night” or after being up all night with your little terror. Simply apply gel to the strips and place them on the crease of the eyelids (with or without makeup) to lift the upper eyelid and reduce wrinkles and bags. Available at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid.Whether you’re fighting a headache or just want to soothe those tired peepers, EyeCandy Soothing Eye Coolers (www.eyecandycoolers.com) are reusable, soft gel rounds (in four styles and colors, such as Classic Chillin’ Cucumber) that you chill and then place over your closed eyes. Ah, sweet relief…in just minutes.

For the Skin You’re In

If you’re like me, you don’t just want to be moisturized, you want to look moisturized. Well look no further. Calgon (of “Take Me Away” fame has a new multi-scented Sensual Collection featuring fragrance mists, shimmering moisture mists and shimmering body creams. Available at Walmart andwww.calgonstore.com.Toss the travel size Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer into your bag so it’s handy for when you need it. At www.Sephora.com .

Dare to Care for Your Hair

Hate washing your hair? Me, too! Dry shampoos were created for people like us. Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo (www.sexyhair.com) has a talc-free, mineral and clay-based spray formula that offers UV protection and maintains color, while it absorbs dirt, excess oil and product build-up. If you love how your hair looks after a day at the beach, you’ll like how the natural sea salt in Sea Mist Spray from John Masters Organics (http://johnmasters.com) gives your hair body and waves. When my gray hairs pop up, I hide them instantly with TouchBack hair marker (at Ulta stores and www.TouchBackGray.com).The pocket-sized marker delivers temporary hair color instantly in eight natural shades, and unlike mascara, crayons, gels or powders, it won’t flake or rub off when you brush your hair.

Nail Down Your Look

Toxin-free Piggy Paint polish for little girls has grown up. The new line for women: Piggy Paint Refined (www.piggypaint.com) polishes are just as eco-friendly (pregnant women can even wear the polish) and come in six cool shades such as How Merlot Can You Go, Coffee Talk and Not Your Mama’s Mauve. You’ll want to take your polished little piggy’s not just to market….but everywhere.

What are you doing to help your beauty or fashion style for Fall?

Blame It On Barney

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By Estelle Sobel Erasmus

My daughter has a passion for the color purple. If an article of clothing doesn’t have some shade of purple in it, forget about it. She shakes her little head, tendrils of curls flying around, and says, “no, mommy. I want the purple shirt…purple pants…purple socks…purple backpack…purple sneakers.”

Ok Ok. I get it. You want it because its pretty? No. You want it because its functional? No. Oh, that’s right. You want it because its…purple!

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Loving the Color Purple

Now I must admit I was always a red girl, and for some reason as I’ve gotten older my loyalties have shifted to blue and green. I don’t have a problem with purple per se. What I have a problem with?  Identifying the need for an item solely based on its color.

I blame it on Barney! There, I said it. That adorable purple dinosaur who sang, danced and encouraged her to “use your imagination”, he’s the culprit in this purple kiddie caper.  But I’m to blame, too. Wasn’t I the mommy who sang along with him, encouraging my daughter to bond further to me with the hypnotic words from Barney’s theme song, “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family“? Did she somehow in her developing baby brain connect the color purple with the feeling of love she gets from me and her daddy?

Of course I reassure myself that its just a phase she’s going through–and hope that when she falls in love and ties the knot one day it won’t be in a purple dress.
What is/was your child’s obsession?

Finding a Cool Costume This Halloween

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By Estelle Sobel Erasmus

I don’t know about you, but I normally buy my daughter’s Halloween costume well before October. In fact,  It’s not uncommon for me to decide what she’s wearing in mid to late August.

She’s had some cute costumes. When she was six months old, she was a Fairy, at a year and a half, she was a Pumpkin Princess, and last year she was a Ladybug.

Up till now what I wanted her to wear has been the deciding factor.

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At six months, she was a fairy

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Here’s our little Pumpkin Princess

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Ladybug Power!

But the times they are a changin!

This year, I haven’t bought her a costume yet because my daughter has been weighing in with her opinions on what she should wear.

And although I normally encourage her to make her own choices (within reason) this time around I’ve been fighting it.

First she wanted to be a Dragonfly. “You’re sure you want to be another bug, I asked her, “last year you were a Ladybug, remember?” Then she decided to be a princess. “You’re going to be a Princess when we go back to Disney World this year, I reminded her. ” Are you sure you still want to be a Princess for Halloween?”

Meanwhile, she grabs catalogs that come in the mail and creates her own vision board by folding down the pages showing costumes she likes. And what she likes runs the gamut from Princess dresses to Spiderman, to some sort of jester-looking character. Sheesh!

It might be a while till we’ve figured it out. Luckily for us, there are online stores like Anytime Costumes.com which offers a variety of  KIDS / TODDLER COSTUMES Finding a Cool Costume This Halloween so whatever she decides, (whether bug, bird, Princess or something in between) I won’t get stuck dressing her from the leftovers from my local convenience store’s  bargain basement section.

What are your kids dressing as this Halloween, and when and where do you shop for their  costumes?








 Finding a Cool Costume This Halloween


Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning that if you click over and make a purchase from that site, I receive a small percentage. This is one way that bloggers help support the cost of running our websites and justify the time and effort that we put into providing content every day. We are all so very grateful if you do some of your shopping from our links.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Open Your Eyes

			
						

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By Estelle Sobel Erasmus


DSC00153 300x168 Open Your Eyes
Back in the baby days


Most people I know are aware that I’m a journalist, but few people know I got my start in journalism as a beauty writer. In fact, I co-authored the book Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age with prominent dermatologist David Bank, MD.


book pic Open Your Eyes


Back when I was the associate beauty editor at Woman’s World (my first job in publishing), I would spend hours in the beauty closet (which was big as a small apartment) trying on makeup and testing skincare products before I wrote about them. Although I’ve suffered from rosacea, since I was in my twenties, I believe that testing some early version alpha hydroxy products on my oh-so-sensitive skin exacerbated that condition.


What really always got me, though were eye makeup products. Although my lashes are dark, they curl straight down, which necessitates my need to use an eyelash curler at all times, lest I look like I’m peering through a thicket. During my pregnancy and for the first year, it was hard for me to summon the energy to put on any makeup on at all, but now that my daughter is three, I’m rediscovering makeup, particularly eye makeup in a big way.


My newest obsession, trying to make my eyes look bigger, my eyelashes longer. I love the look of false lashes, but hate the “work” of putting them on, only to find one or both drooping off my eye in the middle of dinner or a work-related function.


So, I was happy to find the products by Too Faced Cosmetics, especially their 3*Way Lash Lining Tool, Too Faced FALL Collection Introduces 3*Way Lash Lining Tool. Make Lash Emphasizing Dots, Tight-Lining And Traditional Lash-Lining Easy As 1-2-3. Open Your Eyesthat uses a three tiny tips to offer you the opportunity to create beautifully lined eyes with precision. Trust me, I’m a total dud in the eye-lining department; and often look like a raccoon after multiple attempts, so this product makes you look like an expert (even if you’re more fumble fingered than adept, like me). I’m also a fan of Better Than False Lashes, by Too Faced, part of the new Fall Collection, Discover The Art of Sexy. Shop Too Faced NEW Fall 2012 Collection Now! Open Your Eyeswhich are brush on false lashes that actually extend the length of your lash and adhere for longer than it takes to get to the appetizers.


 


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Best of all: As per the Too Faced website, if you put in the code: INSUREME with your order, you will get a free sample of their best-selling eye shadow primer Shadow Insurance.


Here’s looking at you!


What eye makeup (or other) products do you find you can’t live without?


 


 


 


 


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
With Diagnosis and Treatment the Future is Rosy for Rosacea Sufferers

			
						

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Cynthia Nixon 211x300 With Diagnosis and Treatment the Future is Rosy for Rosacea Sufferers


Most people see me and tell me I have beautiful skin–and I do (heck, I even co-authored the book on it: Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age.


book pic With Diagnosis and Treatment the Future is Rosy for Rosacea SufferersBut, I have a secret: I have suffered from rosacea for years, but I’ve kept it in check with the help of a dermatologist.


Fair-skinned folk like me typically are prone to the vascular condition that is thought to be caused by inflammation. Before I got treatment, I used to get embarrassed by my nearly perpetual red face (I could always feel when it started to go on “fire”), random breakouts, and bloodshot eyes and thought I was simply stuck with my self-proclaimed “sensitive, easily irritated skin.” Once I wised up, got myself to a dermatologist and started treatment for the condition to keep it under control, I began to feel—and happily for my social and professional life—speaking engagements, TV and radio appearances—look better.


That’s why I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. The National Rosacea Society has undertaken a campaign to spread awareness on the condition, starting with an easy to navigate site www.RosaceaFacts.com that offers a quiz to see if you have it; an immediate way to find a dermatologist that lives near you, and of course, facts about rosacea…lots of them. And the facts are astounding. Over 16 million Americans (to give you some perspective that’s more than double the entire population of New York city, which the 2009 Census Bureau measures at a little over 8 million) suffer from rosacea, but only 10% get treatment for it. To help them in this effort, actress Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes from the beloved show of women of a certain age everywhere, Sex and the City), who suffers from the disease herself has filmed a public service announcement where she discusses the impact of rosacea on her self-esteem and professional life, and emphasizes how important it is to find out if you have it, so you can get medical treatment.




 


Cynthia serves as a prime example that no one (not even a celebrity) is picture perfect. So take the quiz and check to see what your symptoms are to see if you have rosacea. If you have it, find a dermatologist. I’m glad I did. Based on my own personal experiences and professional background I feel the pain of fellow sufferers and want to spread the word that there is help out there. Let’s face it: information is power.


Just the Facts Ma’am (or Mom)


1) Rosacea is a vascular condition (so don’t worry you can’t catch it from someone who has it, like me), caused by inflammation and the cause of it, like most mysteries in life, is unknown. As mentioned, symptoms include facial redness and possibly in advanced stages, a red nose (and who wants to even let it get that far), accompanied by a lovely array of pimples, red bumps and irritated eyes. If left untreated, it can worsen over time and progress to thickened skin and permanent visible blood vessels (think, W.C. Fields territory).


2)There is no cure. Ok, it’s not like it’s an ‘you’re at death’s door’ disease, but if left untreated you can certainly end up looking like something out of a crypt. And just to make matters worse, its exacerbated by several of mine and Cynthia Nixon’s favorite activities: being out in the sun (which dilates blood vessels and weakens collagen by the way), taking a hot bath or shower, eating spicy food, drinking hot liquids (aka hot cocoa, coffee and soup), drinking red wine and exercise (ok, scratch exercise for me).


3) Think Maintenance Just like you give your car a check-up, you need to keep your skin feeling and looking its best (after all, your skin is the largest organ of your body). So if you do have rosacea, it’s important to get medical treatment and follow the recommendations of your dermatologist. After taking the Rosacea 101 quiz and reading about the triggers at www.RosaceaFacts.com, the site will even help you find a local dermatologist. Now that’s service!


Bottom line: don’t let having rosacea keep you from having a full and fulfilling life. I got help from my dermatologist (and now my skin looks beautiful and I’m filled with self-confidence), and with a little help from Rosacea Facts you can, too!


dbc30f430071a7b52acbbd467178a3b 300x300 With Diagnosis and Treatment the Future is Rosy for Rosacea Sufferers


 


Find up-to-the-minute information at The RosaceaFacts facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rosaceafacts. Follow them on twitter at #RosaceaFacts


MusingsonMotherhoodmidlife.com is a blogger, journalist, author, advocate for women’s and mothers’ issues, content curator, former magazine Editor-in-Chief and most importantly I’m a mom. I can be reached at musingsonmotherhoodmidlife@gmail.com


www.MusingsonMotherhoodmidlife.com was not paid for this blog post.


Disclosure: This post enters me into the running to be a RosaceaFacts Ambassador, sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus

			
						

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ATCollapse Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus



Mom’s Talk Q&A: Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site


A weekly column on issues in mothering. Ask away, moms!









Tutu’s by Kelli feature floor length as well as shorter styles for your little Princess Credit DayanaAnlas-Marchisioofdayanaphotography.com








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Q: I am getting tired of wasting time and money at stores that sell children’s clothing. Frankly, I would rather do my shopping (and savings) online. Are there any NJ-based online vendors that I should look up?


A: I, too, love trying new outlets for fashions and accessories for my daughter. Lots of moms in my mothers’ groups on meetup.com (The Parent Connection, North Jersey Moms Meetup Group, Hip Mamas of Northern NJ) are starting their own online retail businesses, borne out of frustration with the limitations (and high cost) of existing venues. Many of the moms offer their products at crafts fairs, such as at the recent Fort Lee Arts & Music Festival, where the company, little z, showcased their wares, and I purchased an adorable sailor dress for my daughter that reminds me of a dress Shirley Temple (who my daughter is said to resemble) once wore. Here are a few online clothing/accessory sites worth checking out:


Diva Jordan’s Boutique


Owner: Kim Krentcil, mom of 14-month-old “diva” Jordan


Find At: www.facebook.com/divajordanboutique and Diva Jordan’s Boutique at the eBay Store.


Birth of a Business: My friends and coworkers kept asking me where I was buying all of my daughter’s adorable accessories, and I began to realize that I could save money for myself and others by making them myself. So now I bring all these great deals to you, and the accessories add just the perfect “pop” for your photos.


Items Sold: Hats, headbands with flowers on them; flower barrettes and bows in a variety of styles and colors for girls; and we recently added hats and neck ties for boys. We also offer bows for the 4th of July and to celebrate your favorite team, whether it’s the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets or Knicks. 


Hip To Be Wear


Owner: Chasity Glazer, mom of son, Ryan, 6 and daughter, Rachel, 5.


Found At: Hip To Be Wear on Facebook, or at hiptobewear@groups.facebook.com. Our website www.hiptobewear.com will be up this fall. Mention this column and receive 10% off your first order.


Birth of a Business: For the past several years, I was busy raising my children. Once they started school, and I had more free time, I was ready to pursue my long-held dream of owning my own children’s clothing company. Hip To Be Wear was born in August of 2009. Every article of our clothing is custom designed and made-to-order. Our motto is “Personalized for Personalization.”


Items Sold: Our vast collection offers “hip” accessories such as jewelry for women and children (peace sign bracelets and jewelry boxes with matching cupcake necklaces are hot sellers), as well as clothing: dresses, t-shirts, sweat-shirts, pettiskirts, tutus, tank tops, bibs, onesies, boys shirts and more. We also carry quilted, stain-proof beach bags; diaper, laptop, and iPad bags, backpacks and lunch boxes. Each item can be personalized (from over 40 fonts), or monogrammed. Gift wrapping is free, and we will include a personalized note.


lil threadz


Owner: Nicole Imbriale Yampolsky, mom of Nikko, 21 months


Find At: www.lilthreadz.com; we’re also on Facebook, or go to esty.com and visit the lil threadz store.


Birth of a Business: From the moment I found out I was having a boy I became obsessed with finding cute and comfortable clothes for my little bundle of joy. Once my son turned 19 months old, and I was able to get a decent night’s sleep, I started putting my own design ideas to the test. Our motto is “lil threadz…a lil bit of heart goes into each stitch.”


Items Sold: Hip, handmade, one-of a kind t-shirts using natural, organic materials. The designs are hand-cut; applied to the shirts using a non-toxic adhesive and then sewn securely to the fabric. Shirts (many in vintage/retro prints) can be personalized with your child’s name on the back. My best sellers include customized birthday shirts, owl designs and rocket tees. For some of the newer designs I am using imported cotton and linen fabrics from Japan. I’m planning to start making organic children’s blankets this summer.


little z


Owner: Sandy Zeccardi, Stay at home mom of Max, 2, and Eliot, 15 months


Find At: Facebook.com/littlezkids. We have an online store there, too.


Birth of a Business: I’m a stay at home mom of two boys who became tired of seeing the same old boring “chain store” clothing on every child. A frequent traveler before kids, I always was so impressed by the way other children dressed around the world. This is why I began importing select pieces from around the globe and introduced “little z” limited designs.


Items Sold: My current collection includes dresses, short/tee onesies, tops, skirt and legging combinations, vintage t-shirts, not so boring tights (my bestselling item, which can be worn alone or under a skirt and is also ideal for fall/winter). My sons suffer from eczema so most of my items are 100% cotton, and I’m extra careful about choosing comfortable designs and fabrics.


Tutu’s By Kelli


Owner: Kelli Caltabilotta, mom of three children: son, Josh, 13, twin girls, Shelby and Ashley, 5.


Find At: Tutu’s by Kelli on Facebook and www.tutusbykelli.com


Birth of a Business: I started making tutus for fun for my girls last year, and loved doing it. Then some moms asked if I could make tutus for their daughters. They were so happy with them, that they suggested I sell them. I signed up for my first craft fair this month and was surprised at all the positive feedback I received, and that I almost completely sold out.


Items Sold: Handmade tutu dresses in a variety of colors and lengths for girls, newborn to 6 years old. All my dresses are made up of a soft halter crochet top with adjustable satin ribbon ties, and yards of tulle. I also take custom orders, where I can add little embellishments to the dress, like flowers, crystals and pearls.


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 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Credit Kim Krentcil of Diva Jordan’s Boutique


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Credit Chasity Glazer of Hip to Be Wear


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Mary McConville of tearsofjoyphotography.com


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Diane Fields of dianefieldsphotography.com


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Diane Fields of dianefieldsphotography.com


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel Erasmus Dayana Anlas-Marchisio of dayanaphotography.com


 Online Couture for Kids to Keep in Site by Estelle Sobel ErasmusCreditBy Dayana Anlas-Marchisio of dayanaphotography.com












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