PoshCravings Community

LP 2 CD ASAP

Allie — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:32:00 GMT

From first glance, this post title looks like it could be a Prince song, and therein lies a portion of my motivation!

Musical purity is of the utmost importance to me; but for me, "clarity" is less digital remastering, and more recreating/replicating how the tune in question sounded as it first hit my ears. The sputters. The scratches. The hollow hums. In many instances the more muddled the music traversing those 33 1/2 rotations per minute, the greater the testimony to my repeated childhood playings.

Inherited album copies of the Clash's London Calling, Queen's Night at the Opera, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and Frank Sinatra's Ring A Ding Ding have a heritage that deserves to be heard.

As they've done so often, Hammacher Schlemmer pulls through in a personal passion pinch. Now with this home conversion system, old albums -- complete with all their beloved imperfections -- can be transferred to CD and listened to in locales formerly LP-unfriendly.

Shhh...don't tell Syd, but I'm recording selected tracks from my Travolta/Newton-John soundtrack of Grease for tomorrow's playgroup...and everyone will be leaving with their own copy!

I remain ----
Hopelessly Devoted to You,
-Allie

PS Did you catch Eliza's packed lunch precious finds? Forever fresh!

Lunch Time Terror

Eliza — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:30:00 GMT

My culinary skills being what they are, packing a lovely lunch for Ben to tote off to pre-school presents something of a problem for me.

I guess I can go with the usual – grilled cheese, raisins and a couple of chocolate chip cookies, but I fear he’ll be the only kid whose mom still packs it old-school. Hopefully by the time he starts "classes" next week, I’ll have found some sort of prepackaged gourmet perfection that can be delivered to my doorstep fresh and fantastic on a weekdaily basis.

Failing that, maybe I’ll sneak Tricia Chin’s exceedingly adorable take on things into the Superman lunchbox Ben’s been toting around empty and eagerly these past few weeks. Her friendly faced trio is sure to be a hit with busy moms everywhere -- their shelf life is indefinite, they're high in fibre and you'll never have to worry about those nasty juice-box stains!

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. Any simple and healthy and portable kid-friendly meal ideas would be much appreciated, Posh Mamas. (Allie, you gourmet goddess, I’m looking at you...)

The Art of Noise

Allie — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:57:00 GMT

Well, one could hardly describe the zen-spiring tones of a breeze-activated chime as "noise." Check out the sculptural, sound-sensitive stylings of artist Tim Kline!

Ornamental and audibly pleasure-bringing -- now just to find the ideal garden locale...

Peace---
Allie

PS - Did you catch one of our feature pieces this week on the importance of singing to your sweeties? This twin mama cannot carry a tune, but apparently, Mai and Ringo won't mind!

A Miami Vice Ride

Isabelle — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:18:00 GMT

This new stroller from Maclaren was designed by Akira Minagawa, the creator and chief designer behind Japanese fashion house Mina Perhonen. So why does this s-c-r-e-a-m Miami Vice/Don Johnson to me? Couldn't you just see your little sockless Sonny Crockett taking the city by storm in one of these?

It's got all the usual safety and style we expect from Maclaren, but whether this retro-fabulousness is for me or not - well, truthfully, I'm undecided. But if you covet one of your own, you'd better hustle to SoHo. The Mina Perhonen line is available there exclusively through the end of 2008.

One Cute Cup of Joe

Eliza — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:14:00 GMT

Now that I’m past the first trimester, my doctor said it would be okay for me to indulge in the occasional cup of coffee. Real coffee. (For me, decaf is tantamount to deserting the faith!)

I don’t partake every day... just those vexing morns when a little java jolt is especially called for. It’s not just the coffee I crave, it’s the ritual, the relaxation, the reflection. So when I see a cute mug like this, I often can’t resist...

This tongue-in-cheek tasse from The MoMA Store – one of my all-time favorite shopping spots, both online and in person – brings me back to the long days and late nights of my editorial internship in New York City. Even if my taste has evolved from the muddy, bitter brew which I braved long before those sugar-free-vanilla-non-fat-lattes-with-an-extra-shot spoiled my palate, the ceramic version of the classic crappy NYC coffee cup is still something to love and cherish.

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. As if there weren’t already enough to love about Miami, check out this week’s Red Ribbon picks for more of the Magic City’s mojo...

Water (and sand) on the Brain

Sydney — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:02:00 GMT

Is it just me, or is summer -- in all of its sweet, sexy and hot glory -- drawing to a bittersweet close far too quickly? The realization that August will soon be but a memory just hit me this morning, and I must say, your Syd is a bit sad!

Thank goodness for Miami Week, reminding us all that, while the weather in our corner of the world may be less than desirable, hot fun in the sun is but a hot little hop and a cute li'l skip away, my jetsetting jaunters!

The endless summer that is Miami was evidenced at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week which took place July 18-21, when the rest of the domestic retail world was busy stocking their stores for fall (which, by the way, is set to be a superlative season for fashion!).

Now, back to (sigh) Miami. Here are some of my favorite pieces to hit the runway there last month:

Diesel did it big with bold solids ...

Ed Hardy made history with his tatted variation of the monokini, which made its presence known again, having been locked in the trend vaults for some time ...

Pistol Panties shot from the hip ...

and Red Carter got kinkayyy!

So, feeling a bit like spontaneously hittin' the beach now? I know I do, and, hmm ... think I just might! See you on South Beach, Sunshines!

A Voyage to Versace

Allie — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Oh Gianni.

We miss your smile. We miss your style. We miss your designs.

When in Miami, we still feel the impact of your presence, and your passion for all things beautiful -- especially when passing by your former Miami home, the amazing Casa Casuarina. Brought back to its sumptuous Spanish glory by your loving, restoring, embellishing hands, the mansion is now the residence of one of Miami's -- if not the world's -- most exclusive private clubs. Fine Dining. Spa treatments. Elegant accomodations. Exquisite gardens. International appeal.

Wonder if they're seeking any new Mama members? ;)
-Allie

PS - Have time for a li'l lime? Check out Eliza's piece of the pie!

My Posh Craving: Key Lime Pie

Eliza — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:41:00 GMT

Miami is marvelous, no doubt about it.

Lately, though, it’s not the nightlife or the shopping or the music or even the mesmerizing moonlight that has me missing the Magic City.

It’s the pie. Specifically, the Key lime pie.

Though it may not be PC to admit this, my favorite slice of this heavenly treat isn’t found at any of the dozen or so restaurants and hotels claiming to have invented the confection, or even in the Florida Keys themselves, but rather at Joe’s Stone Crab in the heart of South Beach.

Mercifully for me and my burgeoning bump, the legendary seaside seafood outpost actually ships its signature dessert overnight right to your front door. Pregnant pals will be delighted to learn that operators are standing by, 24 hours a day.

Or, for those of you so inclined, the resto now altruistically includes the recipe for its famous Key Lime Pie on its website. Personally, I wouldn’t risk it – in this case, the price of perfection is one I’m more than willing to pay.

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. What are you waiting for? Be the first to know when I post anew... head on over and subscribe to my RSS feed!

Cuckoo for KoKo

Allie — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:51:00 GMT

Hot and bothered from all of last week's blather on boots, ballet flats and Blahniks? Inspired by this week's insights on Miami's heat? Sail on Silver Girl, I'll be your bridge over troubled water! Let us cruise down Miami's Cocowalk and survey the selection of shoes extraordinaire at KoKo & Palenki.

Name a designer, any designer. If the skilled staff at K & P cannot fulfill your footwear fantasy with in-store stock, the connected crew will pursue all avenues to accommodate your acquisition.

My former dreams of finding a Floridian (Cocoa Beach?) wish-providing genie/Jeannie no longer seem necessary. Wonder if I can rub my newly-discovered KoKo & Palenki "bottle" for these Fall 2008 high-steppers from Casadei?

Meet you on the red cushions, my Miami-bound Mamas...we'll do a li'l shoe shoppin'!

--Allie

PS - Did you catch Syd's li'l organic orgie? (Doesn't the "-ie" soften it ever so nicely?) Go see!

Christian Siriano for Moody Mamas

Eliza — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:42:00 GMT

Hot hot hot off the presses!

Oh-so-sassy Christian Siriano of Project-Runway renown has announced he will be launching his own line of mat wear this spring:

He plans to call the line Fierce (which makes me love it already), and he’ll be creating it for the already-fantastic bumpwear designers delightfully known as Moody Mamas. Judging by the preliminary sketches, the frock-heavy collection appears to be flowy, fun and – like everything else we’ve come to expect from reality TV’s fashion boy wonder – a little bit off-the-wall. Only problem is, I don’t know if I can wait till next spring!

Yup, I think I may just be planning Baby # 3...

XOXO

Eliza

It's an Organic Orgie at Maternique!

Sydney — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:12:00 GMT

Calling all green dreamers (Allie-Oop, this means you, Love!): Was shopping for an extraordinary mama-to-be and happened across Maternique. Um, I think I just bought something from each and every category. Is that healthy? Of course it is, because Maternique is taking care of Mother Earth by making sure that each and every precious product gracing the pages of their gorgeous site is eco-friendly, so Syd says, buy up, Baby!

Love, love, love:

Birth Blessing Kit by Two Plums Paper: Everything a heavenly hostess could possibly need to host a birth blessing party for the special gestating goddess in her life. As the site says, "baby showers are for babies!" The art of carrying a new life deserves very, very special recognition, and this kit has it all: a locket, a footsoak, aromatic candles, bracelets for the mama-to-be and her guests to wear until Baby makes the big entrance, and a guide for the hostess to do it all right.

The Morning Wellness Bucket, by Earth Mama Angel Baby

A relaxation CD, tea, teapot and aromatherapy ... in a bucket (just in case). Love that.

Organic maternity gauchos by Jessica Scott, Ltd.

Preggos, if you have yet to discover the gaucho secret to burgeoning-belly nirvana, you are quite simply remiss. Pick up a pair of these most perfect pregnancy pants, and see if you aren't still rocking the same pair even years later! Bonus on the sequins detail down low, calling the eye to ogle your still-sexy gams instead of the beach ball above.

(And speaking of preggy fashion, did you see Christian Siriano's new line of mat wear? Lovely, Eliza!)

I really could just go on and on, but instead, implore you to check out Maternique's marvelous offerings. Let me know what you find!

Keds Peds for Pregs?

Sydney — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:04:00 GMT

Word association time. Think quick. Don't ponder. When I say the word, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

"Keds."

Ooooh! I know, I know! The 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s, yes? I can just see them now, in clusters at strip malls and multiplexes: a sea of white canvas shoes and twice as many little blue tags.

It seems though, that as quickly as the Keds kick came, it left, leaving behind a trail of dusty, machine-washed grey-white shoes with peeling blue tags.

So I was hoofing around on the net when I happened across this, most ... interesting find, from zazzle.com

Does the sight of these send your decade-ometer into a tailspin, or might you see the merit of putting your preggo state on a Ked-estal, which has recently popped out of the same vault where Lisa Frank -- the hottest ticket to Radtown -- must have been hiding all these years.

What say you, Sisters? Keds can? Or can't?

Regardless of opinion on aesthetic, I'd like to commend Keds for their valiant attempt at imploring that baby-bearing mamas-to-be wear "sensible" shoes, just like our mamas always said.

Prototype to Production: Pronto, Please!

Sydney — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Behold this ped-prostrating piece of perfection I happened across in the Virtual Shoe Museum:

Now, while I really am doing my best to brain-wrap around the concept of a virtual shoe museum, some of styles contained within these e-walls are simply superb, but especially these, from Marte den Hollander, who created this shoe in a sheer stroke of graduate-project genius!

Is this shoe but a sketch for a reason?

Would such a shoe be harder to prototype than I understand?

What, pray tell, are the physics secrets that are stowed so surreptitiously in the slender -- and ever-painful -- confines of the high heel?

And, last: Why, in Sweet Skye's name, has this never been considered heretofore?!

Just imagine the potential ... on a date! For which you are late! Taking public transport! Gotta run? No biggie -- simply scale down that heel and pound the pavement without worry, only to arrive just in time to slip it right back up to the greatest of heights -- and hotness factor!

Modern Mobile Madness

Eliza — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:21:00 GMT

The joy of decorating Baby’s room is one of the greatest gifts a pregnant Posh Mama receives from her little blessing. I’ve spent many pensive hours daydreaming about the nursery – the perfect form of procrastination if ever there was one – lost in my own thoughts and surfing the web for ever-more-marvelous finds, many of which I’ve shared here with you.

In so doing, I’ve made no secret of my aversion to many of the boring baby products out there, from silly juvenile prints on diaper bags to tired room themes and crib bedding. When there’s so much beauty and style available, I say why limit yourself to the same old stuff everyone else chooses?

I recently came across these retro-modern mobiles from Julie Frith and knew I had to share:

Her incredibly restrained yet elegant redesign of an old standard offers a fresh and funny take on the traditional, and I especially love that you can customize the colors of the model you choose to match with your own decor. Some of these mobiles are a little bit buggy, others are simply beautiful, but all of them are incredibly unique... just like you and the babe in your arms.

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. Allie gets my vote for top pick of the year with the perfectly posh Heelarious High Heels she found!

Teetering Tots

Allie — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Not tater tots -- teetering tots....

Check out these aptly named Heelarious High Heels!

Naturally, the "heels" are non-weight supporting, but for little ladies on the stroll (or more accurately, in the stroller), what a glam way to go!

What better way to get Baby ready for Blahniks?
-Allie

PS - What finds are your faves for the baby brigade? Pop on over to our Baby Fashion Forums and share!

A Little Lift from the Laundry

Allie — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:57:00 GMT

Chinese Laundry, that is.

Ever since my college days, I've loved their trendy looks; and even though I've already opined on my disaffection for the renaissance of the gladiator sandal, here's one that works for me:

The orange faux croc uppers update the redux...making them a bit less "toga," and a little more terrific! And if the piece Syd cites is true, well, well, well...might be time to sandal up with the double stroller!

Happiness and High Heels-
Allie

The Perfect Plastic Purse!

Eliza — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:09:00 GMT

When it comes to handbags, I’m not normally much of a logo girl – I’ll take Prada over Louis Vuitton and Pucci over Gucci any day. But I’ve recently come around to one very cool concept: plasticized canvas.

Since I’ve been a little impatient lately, waiting on this big ole’ bump of mine to be born, I decided to get me a new baby in the meantime:

The Gucci Joy Medium Tote – with gorgeous gunmetal leather trim – offers the best of both worlds: The quality and cache we love about high-end Italian luxury goods, as well as the durability of plastic thanks to its subtle vinyl-coated classic GG logo canvas.

I think there may be another name for a beautiful bag that can’t be scuffed, scarred or stickied up by little hands or visits to the park: priceless.

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. Have you seen Isabelle’s tiny cotton-and-cashmere sets for newborns? Too cute!

Tiny Pastel Cardigans...

Isabelle — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:21:00 GMT

I know we're talking shoes this week, but Ladies, I had to show you this adorable little cotton and cashmere set from Angel Dear...

Sweet in pink and green for little girls, or charming and adorable in blue and green... if only I knew which one to get! Maybe one of each...

One Pair at a Time

Sydney — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:10:00 GMT

Syd here, just wanting to call attention to a most fabby cause: Soles4Souls.

In the least flippant and minimally facetious manner I can muster: Who doesn't feel more of a human when wearing a pair of shoes, than when without?

This is a most amazing organization, and I simply had to spread the word:

(From their site:)

"Soles4Souls has a simple mission: To impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes."

Through Soles4Soul -- a 501c3 -- shoe companies, retailers and individuals can donate new or used shoes. Soles4Souls started as katrinashoes.org as a relief effort for Katrina with their Billion Pair March, where they called for people to donate shoes to hurricane victims, but quickly expanded to encompass relief efforts for friends from all walks of life in need of a pair or two.

Just thought this week would be perfect opportunity to shed some loving light on a cause most appropriately complementary, while Eliza places our most lauded and adorable accoutrement on pedestal this week.

Hot High Heels Study: Syd's Take

Sydney — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:24:00 GMT

So maybe we all know that the perfect pair of heels can do wonders for our love lives, but it appears that the extra height gives our libidos a boost in another way, as well!

Because of the way we must walk when strutting around in high heels, we are working those muscles in the pelvic floor, which, when strengthened, can intensify ... pleasurable experiences! That's fabulous and all, but I'd like to know why it seems no one is opting to note yet another fantastic side effect of strengthening that pelvic floor: easy labor!

Preggos know that working those pelvic floor muscles by way of the infamous Kegel can do wonders for the childbirth experience, so wouldn't it naturally follow that wearing high heels while with child is of benefit, and not detriment, like our foremamas and grandmamas have always admonished?

I've been waiting patiently like the prudent girl you all know me to be for the perfect opportunity to pull this one out -- and what better time to do so than in light of Miss Eliza the Super Preggo's Dish!

High heels are hot. I know flats can have their merits on select days with certain outfits that just call for a cease-higher on the heel front, but, really, I can think of verrrrry few occassions when I could argue that I actually feel sexier in flats than in a perfect pair of posh plats or stilettos. Maybe on the beach. At noon. Skye and a giant bag full of beach gear in tow -- but come sunset and the sitter, and you better believe I'm breaking out the Blahniks for some beachfront lounge time with Hot Daddy.

Here's to heels, whether for getting hot 'n heavy or just ... 40 weeks of feeling hot and heavy!

Sexy Symbols

Eliza — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:20:00 GMT

Somehow, this tricked-out maternity T-shirt from Uber Goober Designs really does it for me:

The idea of that sexy – and oh-so-sexist – mudflap girl with a big ol’ baby belly just makes me laugh! What’s next? Baby showers at the Playboy Mansion? Nursing bras with tassels? Biker babes with baby bumps?

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. Have you seen the debate over gladiators sandals raging at the Forums? Come on -- let us know where you stand on the matter!

Cool Supplies

Eliza — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:26:00 GMT

With all the great kids’ clothes my gal pals have been showcasing around here lately, we surely have no shortage of chic shirttails and puppy-dog tails. But isn’t the huge September shopping surge lurking around the corner about more than just sweet togs for our tots? Personally, I find the annual procurement of paper products equally thrilling... even though Ben is just barely able to hold a pen properly!

So here’s some fun stuff for him: An adorable lunch box and a set of MUJI "no brand" colored pencils...

But just because I’ve been out of school for more years than I care to remember – or reveal! – doesn’t mean I can’t get on board with all the fun, right? So here’s one for me, too: The Cherry Blossom Journal from the slightly-too-aptly-named Old School Stationers. This incredible Oregon-based outift offers a stunning selection of cards and paper goods printed on an old 1917 letterpress.

This year, I think we’ll both be too cool for school!

XOXO

Eliza

P.S. Check out Allie’s Olympic offerings for your offspring – they’re not just sporting-good gear... they’re great!

Olympic-Influenced Apparel for the Offspring

Allie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:44:00 GMT

The Olympic Opening Ceremonies always move me to tears (much to Mai and Ringo's daddy's amusement). With our talk of togs for tots this week, and Beijing's beginnings, it's a perfect storm (or rationale) for me to deck out my darlings in Olympic-themed outfits. From the comfort of my sports watching sofa, I can order mascot rompers for my munchkins from China Sprout!

For Mai, "NiNi" :

And for Ringo, "HuanHuan" :

China Sprout also offers miniature cheongsam and dragon jammies for when the babes blossom into big kids. I'm sold!

Enjoy the Games, Mamas!
--Allie

PS - Did you read Syd's seminal Dish this week? (She's lookin' right hot, too!) Go check it out!

Babies, Bags and Betsey

Allie — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:14:00 GMT

Spending time a la laptop this afternoon, spurred by the article on designers serving our diminutive darlings, and still stimulated by our weeks of focus on diaper bags and things retro, how could I not share this find?

For those last treks of summer, for future fall excursions, take your tot's (or in my case, tots') tiny togs along in this sequined bowling bag by Betsey Johnson. Terrific in teal, even when the kiddos are college bound, Mama may make her weekend trips with this timeless travel bag...made even more marvelous by the memories.

Peace (and doesn't the airplane insignia resemble the peace sign?)---
Allie

In with the Mad-ding Crowd

Allie — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:23:00 GMT

Rarely does a television show keep me genuinely entranced. Rarely do I mark both my paper planner and PDA to watch a program as it actually airs. (DVR typically works well enough for all others) Rarely do I recommend a series without reservation.

With a hubby in the ad biz, and a personal pull toward all things '60's, AMC's "Mad Men" is our no twin-sitter required, Sunday night date night -- and wonderful weekend wrap-up. From the series' first episode (last year), the superlative set design and inspired art direction alone compelled further viewings; but the crackling dialogue, simmering storylines and phenomenal fashion encouraged us to not only watch weekly, but to purchase the first season DVD in order to re-watch in anticipation of Season 2 (which premiered last week).

Swagger and swilling. Cigarettes and scotch. Three martini lunches? Why wait 'til lunch? Why only three?

Draper. Don Draper.

Watch him, along with his debonaire, searingly sexist (anachronistic now, but historically accurate) compadres. Enjoy les femmes, well-aware of their gender and society imposed limitations, work their wiles -- and womanly wisdom -- to their advantage.

Know where I'll be tomorrow at 10:00pm. Tune in and we'll touch base Monday!

Advertising and Amore-
Allie

PS - Did you see Isabelle's tote reco? Betty Draper would surely take it to the shore...