Fashion Week anticipation

Fashion Week is quickly approaching and I am beyond excited. Not because I'll be attending multiple shows, but because the sight of lanky models in impossibly beautiful clothes always helps me stay on track with my diet. In fact, I'm pretty sure I left a show one year and ordered up a batch of Blueprint Cleanse from my cell phone while hailing a cab. Don't judge. We all have our methods.

Last fall my favorite shows were Costello Tagliapietra and Alexander Wang, and I am *always* googoo-gahgah over Halston, Yigal Azrouel, and Max Azria. Quite honestly, if I could camp out all week in Bryant Park to catch every last show, I would. After all, tents are for camping, and the pretty ones at Bryant Park are just my style: hairspray not bug spray, stilettos not... sleeping bags. Stop judging. I know it's a stretch. I do not venture into the forest to sleep. That is where Freddy and Jason live.

Anyway... which collections are you most excited to see?

Top image: Yigal Azrouel | bottom images: Tibi. L-O-V-E!

My Five Things by Melanie

Well, wouldn't you know...today's 5 Things post comes from my BFF, Melanie! Here is Mel's list of the five things she'd like to do in this lifetime:

1. To volunteer in SEAsia, helping to free and rehabilitate young girls forced into the prostitution slave trade.

2. To have enough wisdom and strength to become a foster parent.*

3. To grow my own veggies & fruits and become somewhat sustainable.

4. To live to see the day we find a cure—AIDS, Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer's...

5. To create the first modern day Pensieve, the big stone bowl Dumbledore keeps all of his memories in (in the Harry Potter movies). What I wouldn't give to go back in time and be sitting on the couch with my grammy and mom watching Julia Child on TV as the smell of her freshly baked cake comes wafting in.

PS: I post these lists in the order I receive them, so lest you think Melanie is receiving favoritism, I can assure you she is not. The fact that she is NOT receiving favoritism no doubt angers Melanie, since Melanie is what one might call...bossy. When Melanie and I first met and she realized that both of our nicknames were Mel, she decided that she would be Mel 1 and I would be Mel 2. BOSSY.

*PSS: Point #2 pretty much sums up why I love this girl so much. She has the biggest heart in the world. Thank you for being you, Mel!

Image of Melanie and a Thai Ronald McDonald from our trip to SEAsia in 2004.

The perfect shade.

Last week I went out with my girlfriends for cocktails. It felt good to put on a cute top, perfume, and some lip gloss. Only problem was, I couldn't find my favorite lip gloss. I'd estimate there are 27 in my medicine cabinet, but the one I wanted was missing. So, I made a new shade...two parts Nars, one part DvF. Mwah!

The whole process reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from a movie, Kissing Jessica Stein. Have you seen it? It's a hilarious film set in NYC in which Jessica Stein (Jennifer Westfeldt) is a frustrated single girl who decides to become a lesbian. In one scene she asks her date, Helen, what brand of lip gloss she's wearing. It goes something like this:

Jessica: I'm looking for that perfect one.

Helen: Trust me, you'll never find it. Blend.

Ohhh, how true it is.

I couldn't find the exact scene, but here's the trailer. If you haven't already seen the film, rent it this weekend... perfect for a snowy day.

Rockabye, baby

Exhaustion can do funny things to you.

The other night, while I was feeding Devon, Paul came upstairs to keep me company. We turned on her U2 Rockabye Baby CD (baby girl likes Bono on the handbells), and as Sunday Bloody Sunday tiptoed through the speakers, I looked up to find Paul doing a mock interpretive dance! I'm talking wild gestures with genuflecting and high kicks. It was hysterical and reminded me that late nights aren't so bad when you've got live entertainment and a comfortable chair.

Whether you have a bebe or just like falling asleep to peaceful music, I think the Rockabye Baby CDs are delightful.

Dear Devon,

Exactly one year ago today I found out I was pregnant. I was freelancing at a magazine and had the sneaking suspicion that I might be with child. So, I did what any self-respecting woman would do—I bought an EPT at Duane Reade and took a pregnancy test in my office bathroom.

Stay classy, San Diego!

It was...not exactly how I'd pictured that moment growing up. But as with any life-changing experience, I'll never forget it.

Nor will I ever forget the day, ten weeks later, when our doctor looked at the sonogram and said he was 80% sure that we were having a girl. A GIRL! Daddy went white as a ghost and backed up into the wall, and I cackled in delight. We left his office that afternoon and bought you your first stuffed animal, a soft brown owl. Your dad picked it out to commemorate the special occasion.

It's been one full year since I brought home that white stick with the two pink lines, hugged your father, and took a giant leap of faith in becoming a parent. I had no idea what I was doing, and I'm still figuring it all out. But thankfully I have you to teach me new things every day, like how much fun it is to sing together and how the tiniest arms I've ever held can give the biggest hugs.

I love you, baby girl. Here's to continuing on this adventure together.

Feather Report one-year GIVEAWAY!

Happy hump day, kittens! Let's kick off the morning with a giveaway, shall we?

Last week we celebrated Feather Report's one-year anniversary. And, as promised, today we've got a really special giveaway. ONE lucky reader is going to win a fashionable prize package filled with ALL of the following:

• The Pleat Front Stripe Dress by Anna McCraney of Bravo's The Fashion Show
• A Gorjana Olive necklace
• An 8x10 print from the Looking In collection of Bergdorf's window displays, by Monica L. Shulman
• The Duck Beach dress in red by Shabby Apple
• An Alena Hennessy Two Sparrows tote from Reverie-Daydream
• A set of shoe notecards by Richie Designs, as featured on Rachel Zoe

To enter and view the complete giveaway package, just leave a comment at Feather Report by next Wednesday, February 10. Good luck!

Groundhog's Day

Today is that annual holiday when a tiny groundhog pops up from the earth and predicts the fate of our upcoming season. That animal is Staten Island Chuck.

Chuck is a juiced up, tanned, meathead of an animal who makes Punxsutawney Phil—his more renowned cousin—look like a glorified squirrel.

Whereas Punxsutawney Phil does the two-step, Staten Island Chuck is a fist-pumping, faux-hawk rocking animal known for beating up the beat. Our boy Chuck creeps the groundhog ladies and dodges the grenades. Chuck is the Sylvester Stallone of Staten Island.

And so at approximately 7:30am this morning, Staten Island Chuck emerged from his den to make his prediction. His fur still gelled from the night before, an Ed Hardy shirt on his back, Chucky rubbed his eyes, looked up from the ground and said,

"No shadow, bro. Spring is just around the corner, bro. "

And the crowd went wild.

The animal up top is an actual image from SILive. Staten Island Chuck. For REAL.

Below is Staten Island Vinny from Jersey Shore. Obvs.

Happy birthday, Paulie!

I hope this year brings you happiness and lots of laughs with your family. We love you so much and are so proud of you. Thank you for being such a great dad and husband.

We always have so much fun together. You make me laugh and you're very haaaandsome.

When you get home, we will take a family walk.

Happy birthday, Papa!

Acid-washed jeans and a fried-out perm

Do you remember Meredith's less-than-apropos take on Casual Friday? Nasty pants! Well, I'm talking about some of my own most memorable fashion faux pas today over at Feather Report. One of them may have involved a Bedazzler. Come visit and, por favor, feel free to share your own style mishaps, too.

The one that got away.

I made my decision. After much ado, I chose the black and white Tibi cherry-print dress. The sleeves promised to conceal my arms (which I'm still a bit self-conscious about), and the deep v-neck was perfectly suited to my Booby Brenda body.

But.

New, busy, back-broken mom that I am, I waited too long to purchase my friend and she is now sold out. SOLD OUT. Two horrifying words that make me cringe. They're right up there with Last Call, Bill Collector, and Dress Barn.

I'm still holding out hope that the sweet sales girl at Tibi SoHo will track down my beloved.

However, if she is unable to find my dress, I may opt for the Anthro red and black. As much as I loved the ruffles on numero dos, I felt that a sleeveless top was too revealing for my bat wings and might give the impression that I was readying myself for a flight down south for the winter.

Black kimono was sold out, too.

I need an assistant!

Love,

Bee

PS: Just because...

Truffles for breakfast

Karey Mackin is a writer. In every sense of the word. It's in her bones, it pumps through her veins, the girl just can't help herself. Here's proof:

She makes a plaid couch heartwarming... (click the pic...you NEED to read this)

...and leaves you gulping back tears over a row of cherries...

Gets me every time, that Karey.

And miss Mary Ruffle? The lady behind the lens? Well, now she's a photographer, through and through. You've seen the cherries, right? But did you know she can make strawberries talk? Not kidding.

T.ruffle girls, you're the best kind of truffles I know.

Giveaway: Mystree dress

I love discovering new shops, especially when they're off the beaten path. So I was excited when PB&J Boutique contacted me to offer a giveaway to my readers. The above dress by Mystree looks so sweet and cozy, and would be perfect with navy tights and flats or a cute pair of slouchy boots.

To win, just leave a comment here by Friday at noon. One reader will be chosen at random. Good luck!

And the winner is Callie Grayson! Callie, email me to claim your prize. Thanks!

Feather Report turns one!

One year ago today I launched my little blog, Feather Report. Happy birthday, Feather!

At the time, I never thought it would evolve into an app or change my life in any sort of way, but it has... and I'm forever grateful for the crazy but fulfilling ride it's been.

In honor of Feather's one-year birthday, I'll be hosting a giveaway later this week, so stay tuned. Meantime, here are a few recent outfits I put together that I've had to restrain myself from buying. Kisses and hugs, my little love bugs!

Tutu Tank, $68, Urban Outfitters; Joomi NYC Antique Gold Mesh Bow Ring, $30, Max And Chloe; Darshini Sweater, $225, Calypso; Dolce Vita Halo Two Buckle Sandals, $174, Shopbop; Marc By Marc Jacobs New Q Groovee Satchel, $498, Shopbop; 3" Chino Short, $39.50, J.Crew; Haus Haus Knee Hi, $28, Hansel From Basel.

Knitted Crop Jumper, $70, Topshop; Free Rein Necklace, $48, Anthropologie; Girly Skirted Coat, $190,Topshop; Kimchi Blue Flapover Saddle Bag, $38, Urban Outfitters; Wanted Horizon Boot, $70, Piperlime; Maisy Denim, $45 (On sale from $128), French Connection; Sheer Ribbed Daily Tank, $45, James Perse.

Floral Strappy Smock Dress, $100, Topshop; Gorjana Leaf Studs, $35, Shopbop; Tegan Sweater, $149 (On sale from $250), Calypso; Cynthia Vincent Titus Sandal, $295, The Shoe Box; Botkier Venice Satchel, $476 (On sale from $595), Muse Ten.

Minor setback.

Yesterday morning I threw out my back. I was bending down to pick up the baby and suddenly felt my muscles tighten and freeze. After lowering myself to the ground and calling out to Paul for assistance, I spent the rest of the day lying on the floor, sucking down Tylenol and Advil. Annoying, to say the least, but I've been here before, so whatevs, I'll deal. Thankfully I have a mother and mother-in-law who can help watch D-Dubs while I recover from my Zelda-like state.*

To keep you in good spirits, I've selected an image of Mark Sanchez for today's post. Because a) he's someone who's feeling worse than I am right now, and b) I mean... look at him...

Back soon.

*When I stand up, my body makes an "S" shape, due to my misaligned back. Similar to Zelda, the slithery, green thing in Pet Sematary. I am currently available for private parties and special events.

My Five Things by Dana

Today's list is by Dana Córdova, the talented designer behind my favorite little peanut cards. Here are five things Dana wants to do in her lifetime...

1. Buy a new camera and start shooting again.
2. Buy a letterpress and start printing my own wedding, party, and stationery designs.
3. Travel Europe for one month.
4. Have a child.
5. Own and run a bed and breakfast/spa in Playa del Carmen.*

*I'll take a room with a view just like this, please. Thanks, D!

***

And thank YOU for your sweet and helpful comments yesterday on my dress dilemma. I think I've made my decision and promise to let you know which one I choose. Happy weekend!

Image from here.

The Barber Shop

Every week Paulie gets a haircut at a local barber shop near his job. It's an old school shop, complete with straight-edge razors, steaming hot towels, and shoe shines.

When he first told me about it, I imagined a striped pole and top hats and Big Band music on the radio. Not exactly, said Paulie. Still, this image* shot by Jamie is proof that such relics exist if you know where to look for them. Kind of makes me want to get my hair set in rollers and my toes painted pink.

*My favorite part is the reflection on the barber shop floor. How neat is that?

**BTW: Did you know that the striped poles at barber shops date back to medieval times, when barbers performed tooth extractions and bloodletting? No joke.

Dress dilemma

I used to be skinny.

I realize that a) you don't care, and b) statements like this hold about as much credibility as the number of girls in the Niagara Falls area that Brian has bedded.

However, seeing as I have the first of two weddings next month, and keeping in mind that I'm not used to having to look cute at my inflated size (40 down, 20 to go), I'm going to need your help in selecting a flattering dress. I've narrowed down my options to the following:

Anthropologie, Anthropologie, Tibi, and Paul & Joe Sister

Please weigh in.*

Your friend,

Frank the Tank

*Oh, fat joke, you've reared your ugly head... yet again.

1-2-3

Happy three-month birthday, little girl! Let's celebrate by sleeping in till 10am (check!), taking a walk outside in the fresh air, singing your favorite songs, laughing uproariously at our reflection in the mirror, and continuing your five-day boycott on mid-afternoon naps.

I LOVE YOU, Devon.

xo,

mommy

Flying high

Last night on The Bachelor,* Jake and Vienna bungee jumped off a bridge. It was both of their biggest fears and definitely one of mine. And though I've tried over the years to conquer my fear, somehow I always get derailed...

There was the parasailing excursion I went on with a friend in Mexico. Just as we were about to get hooked up to the boat, another parasailer flew straight into a flagpole on the beach. I took that as a sign.

And there was the skydiving expedition that my guy friends bought me for my 24th birthday. As we were getting ready to drive out to the plane, it started pouring rain and the dive was canceled.

Since I don't think I'd ever willingly fall from the sky now that I am a mother, I might just hold onto my fear of heights for a lifetime. I can live with that.

How about you? What are your biggest fears?

And on a totally unrelated note, my little app was on CNBC's Planet of the Apps! The development company I worked with to produce Feather Report was interviewed, and so they talked about it along with a bunch of other apps they've created. Take a peek (and jump to 6:47 if you're as impatient as I am!):

*Yes. In addition to Jersey Shore, Rock of Love, and The City, I now watch The Bachelor. I may be afraid of heights, but I'm not above stooping to record lows.

Dear Devon,

Yesterday I rearranged the clothes in your dresser drawers. Your 0-3 months wardrobe no longer fits you, and it was time to move your bigger clothes up to the top. Just 90 days old and already you've grown in ways I can hardly comprehend.

When you were first born, your cries started off with an "etta-etta-etta." Now you kick things off with more of a "brrr-brrrrr" sound. You have at least five different cries and I have learned them all.

You have at least that many nicknames, too. There's Toons, Tooncie, Little Girl, Monchichi, Stinky Pants, and Sil, which you earned from the face you make when you're just waking up from a nap... you stretch and scrunch up your face and look just like Sil from The Sopranos.

And last week you started holding your bottle. It's not a skill you've mastered yet, but you're trying. You have such determination.

Sometimes I find it hard to put into words how much I love you... or to make sense of the fact that all these little moments that make up your life are whipping past me faster than I ever thought possible. There's a song by Natalie Merchant called How You've Grown that says it all perfectly. Listen.

I love you, little peanut.

Send supplies to Haiti

There’s a plane leaving NYC for Haiti on Tuesday, 1/19, and charity: water needs your help filling it with cargo.

Members of the charity: water staff have been in close contact with their field partners; they are turning the charity: water office in Manhattan into a drop-off point for the following items (those most urgently needed in Haiti this week):

Blankets*
Tents*
Soap
Feminine hygiene products
Sleeping bags*
Medical gloves
Bandages/gauze
Cases of bottled water

If you can make a donation, please stop by the charity: water office at 200 VARICK STREET on Monday, 1/18, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. DO NOT MAIL THESE ITEMS TO THEIR OFFICE.

IF YOU CAN CARRY THE DONATIONS BY HAND IN ONE LOAD: Please enter through the front door at 200 Varick St. You will need a photo ID to enter the building. charity: water is located on the 2nd floor, Suite 201.

IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR ARE DONATING IN BULK: Please email Lane Wood to schedule a drop-off time. Lane's e address: lane.wood[at]charitywater[dot]org

All supplies will be transported this week by Partners in Health and distributed where they are needed most. charity: water's other partners in Haiti, Concern Worldwide US, are sending supplies from Ireland and still have a pressing need for donations.

*These items can be gently used.

The above was originally posted by Diana of Swoond. Thank you, Diana.

Image from Boston.com via Ciao, Chessa!

My Five Things by Rachel

Monchichis,

I hope you had a wonderful week and can enjoy the long weekend. Here to help you get there is Rachel, who's put together a list of the five things she wants to do in this lifetime. If you'd like, send me your list, too. Have a great weekend!

1) Restore and live in an old historic house.

2) Travel all over the world (really, there are very few places I'd not like to see).

3) Open up my own home/decor/antiques shop.

4) Have children.

5) Reach the age of 85 and be happy with my life.

Thanks, Rachel!

PS: If you'd like to donate to the Haiti relief efforts, just click the Donate Now button at right.

Image from Inspire Please via We Heart It.

Game on.

I am the Jay-Z of Scrabble. Yes, I just put Jay-Z and Scrabble in the same sentence. Please take a moment to regain your composure.

Fact is, I just can't be beaten. Sure, there was the time in Jamaica where Paul "schooled my ass" during happy hour by the pool. And my mom has, on at least one occasion, stolen my title. But, if you take a look at my overall Scrabble record, I have a 98% rate of success. Sort of like the bend and snap.

Which brings me to today's agenda. This afternoon, following a morning of thrifting and antiquing upstate, my out-of-town family and I will be playing Scrabble. It may get heated. And I may have to pull out my arsenal of Q words that don't require a U. There are quite a few, did you know that? Shi-, it's getting craaaazy all up in this--

The Jay-Z of Scrabble.

So, what is your favorite board game?

PS: Dear Stuff White People Like: you're welcome.

Image from Leo Reynolds' flickrstream.

Small town

Yesterday my aunt and cousin flew in from Steamboat Springs, CO, to meet our little girl. They arrived just in time for wine and cheese, and we spent the night laughing and telling stories and eating and taking turns holding the baby. 2010 is about making the most of every day and so far we're off to a good start.

Today we're taking a drive two towns away to our hometown. I've mentioned before that Paulie and I went to high school together, but I might not have told you that my mom and aunt went to that same school. In fact, my grandfather taught at that school and my mom and I had many of the same teachers. Two square miles and lots of stories in that little town...just two towns away.

PS: Many of you blogged about Haiti and clicked thru to donate to the Red Cross yesterday. If you haven't gotten a chance to do so yet, you can click the red DONATE NOW button at right or text Haiti to 90999 and $10 will be donated to the Red Cross via your phone bill.

Image from Moon River via We Heart It. Something about it reminds me of being a kid. Maybe the bike?

Help.

I had a post planned today—we all did—but I can't think of anything more important right now than supporting the relief efforts in Haiti. The idea that someone just like me, with a child just like mine, has lost her home and cannot feed her family, is too horrifying to brush over.

I saw on the news last night that most Haitians live on just $2 a day. If you can donate $5 to the earthquake relief efforts, well then think about how far your money could stretch. Over 80% of Haitians live in poverty, so this event is particularly devastating.

Please think about using your blog to encourage donations to Haiti today. Or next week, when the world has returned to its daily routine and Haitians are still without homes. Spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, whatever you can do. I am always an advocate of finding the cause you believe in and supporting it wholeheartedly, but this is one cause that needs everyone's support.

Click here to donate to the Red Cross.

I've turned off comments for the day, so as not to distract anyone. Please click the link above and do whatever you can to help these human beings.

Care packages.

Remember care packages? Those little gifts that magically appeared when you were at sleep-away camp, and then again at college? They came stuffed with homemade cookies, postage stamps, and quarters for laundry. It didn't even matter what was inside... all that mattered was that it came from home.

Last week my mom put together a care package for my cousin Zach, who's stationed in Iraq. I hope it brings him that same sense of comfort I remember feeling back in the day as a homesick 6th grader... a freshman during finals.

Image here.

GTL, baby.

I've been thinking a lot about The Situation's daily ritual of Gym, Tannin', Laundry—otherwise known as GTL, baby. (Don't act like you don't know.) These days, we've got our own sort of ritual. It goes something like this:

eat burp giggle coo kick spit-up nap cry pee poop change diaper smile play sing laugh cry repeat.

And it never, ever gets old.

photos from my iPhone

Feather à la mode

Hi munchkins! How was the weekend? Oh, I worked so much my head nearly spun off. But, it's OK! Because on Wednesday my aunt and cousin fly in from Colorado and we have lots of relaxing and cooking and cooing at the bebe planned. Hourra!

And speaking of Colorado, a sweet little site called Denveralamode did a fantastic feature on Feather Report yesterday. Take a looky. The article kicked off a week-long series on what to wear in Denver for any occasion under the sun (and snow), courtesy of moi. Yesterday's look was après ski inspired and today's is all about happy hour. Salud!

I hope you'll check out the rest of the week's outfits. There are a few fun surprises up my sleeve—which today is decidedly furry and faux. Check it.

Tootaloo, looky loos!

My Five Things by Cathi

I don't know about you, but this has been the longest week ever. Work, work, and more work. I'm thankful for the weekend and the fun events I have planned, including my sister-in-law's birthday, a good friend's shower, and downtime with P-didds and my little girl.

Before we say goodbye, let's enjoy another Five Things list. This one's from Cathi:

1. Learn how to tap dance

2. Go to Europe

3. Expand the charity* I started to a lot of different locations

4. Watch my kids raise kids.

5. Laugh with my guy, my family and friends everyday for the rest of my life.

*Cathi started her own charity a few years ago, in honor of her father's memory—how amazing is that? I asked her to share a little more about it, so here it is:

Everyday Matinees For Seniors provides free movies and theatre tickets to seniors in assisted living homes and board and cares in the San Fernando Valley. Since the seniors pay an average of $3,000/month in assisted living, it doesn't leave much money for activities. I love to just sit and chat with them about movies and life and have formed so many awesome friendships with them. Seniors have so much to offer and have wonderful stories, if only people take the time to listen.

Thank you, Cathi... and have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Imagen de Salvador Sabater de Baile via We Heart It.

My beauty file

Good morning, sweet peas! Lisi's on vacay today so I'm over at her place holding down the fort. Come visit, k?

Shopping credits and other tasty treats over at Lisi's. Come, come!