Fashion Week - Stella Style

Fashionista, trendsetter or stylish have never been used to describe me.

I am not the world’s worst dresser, but on my good days, my style is attributed to whatever fashion-forward person I copied.


One of her favorite things to wear...and not on Halloween.

Sometimes I wish I could be that person who could throw on random clothes and accessories and look absolutely dashing. But I am not.

Stella appears to have been born with some generation-skipping gene that allows her to do just that. She has a certain style about her and knows what she wants. Some days her outfits are “crazy” as she likes to call them, but I can only appreciate the uncensored choices that she makes for herself.

This is all good until it is time to step outside. We (before parenthood mostly) have all looked at little kids with the crazy outfits on and thought to ourselves: “Their parents REALLY let them go out in public like that?”

Like many other situations since becoming a parent, those things are now being said about me.
I have chosen to not care. I have decided that my daughter’s (and one day my son’s) creativity and fashion freedom are more important to me than those judging stares that I get when she is in a tutu, leggings, her dad’s beanie and purple rain boots. Or, like a couple of days ago, the stares I got at Rite Aid when I took her in with her pants inside out (she happens to like the inside piping.)

Shouldn’t the strict dress codes come later on, like in her teenage years? Is it really hurting anybody that she often looks like a hobo (as my mom likes to say) or like some odd princess or garden fairy (depending on her dress up mood.)

Am I wrong here? Was my common sense more in line when I used to look at other children and wonder why their parents didn’t change their clothes? What are the fashion rules for a toddler and where can I find them?

Until I get ahold of the rule book, I am going to live vicariously through my daughter and enjoy watching her in her fashion glory with all the glitter that it holds.

In case you want to join me, just look for us around town. She is easy to spot.

Too Itsy Bitsy?

I am officially in countdown mode with my due date just 9 short weeks away. Being pregnant, as I am sure you remember, increases your awareness of other pregnant women. Yesterday, we took a "quick" trip to Ikea where I noticed dozens of fellow preggies, of all shape and size, wandering around.

There have been other sightings of pregnant women which I have noticed, and that is in the gossip mags. Yes, I read that smut. If you haven't noticed, many of our favorite gossip magazine have begun to capture the "pregnant styles" and watching "baby bumps" of celebrities. Is this a new things that I am becoming aware of, or has it always been this way. I love a cute pregnant lady. One thing I have not enjoyed so much, are all of the pictures of these pregnant celebs rockin' the bathing suits.

Maybe bathing suits are not the right word choice here. I know it gets hot, and yes, pregnant women enjoy to splash around too. Lord knows I will be doing the same as my last weeks of pregnancy will be in some of the hottest months Southern California sees. I'm talking bikinis and thanks to Tori Spelling, the now famous preggie in a monokini. I would expect someone like myself to appreciate these women, for standing up for those of us with swollen tummies and wearing swimsuits that many non-pregnant woman wouldn't go near. But for some reason, I just think it's inappropriate.

I have thought long and hard to my feelings on this matter to try to pin down exactly what bothers me. I think pregnant women are beautiful and being pregnant is something that we should be proud of. However, I have to say that we just seem to look better covered up. While I appreciate the fact the pregnant Kourtney Kardashian and Tori Spelling do us proud by looking fantastic in skimpy swim wear, I wonder if anyone really wants to see their big bellies. Photos of expecting celebs look much more attractive when wearing a one-piece or a cute, short sundress. And hello, you are mothers. Last time I checked, frolicking in a pool or beach with Stella was no activity fit for an itsy-bitsy bikini.

Do I have it all wrong here?

As I pull on my maternity tankini tight over by 31 week swollen tummy and head out to the beach, I think that most will appreciate the fact that I have chosen to keep the tummy under wraps. I guess in the long run, it doesn't really matter. If they look good and are comfortable sporting the skimpy gear, then more power to them. I just feel like I must be missing something by fostering less than positive feelings about the pictures of the pregnant beach babes.

Is there a line that we draw with what pregnant women should wear much like we do with young girls, or maybe women who are carrying a few extra pounds. Does that "She should not be wearing that" thought count here (we all have those, admit it.) At the end of the day, just like everyone else, they have the right to wear whatever they want but honestly, I am wondering if anyone really wants to see it.

Sexy or not?

Fashion Friday

This Fashion Friday is featuring something for both moms and the little ones, from the same great designer. Kris Petit grew up as a knitter, weaver, and sewer. Therefore, it was only natural for her to do some knitting when she became pregnant with her daughter, Willa. One of her greatest creations was a pair of knit, angora booties which turned into Yo My Booties, the hautest baby item around. So haute, they have been seen on many celebrity babies.



Stella with her Cotton Candy Signature Booties


Yo My Booties has been described a “Manolo Blahnik’s for tykes” and they are FABULOUS. I got my first pair of Cotton Candy Signature Booties for Stella when I was on The Ellen Degeneres show for Mother’s Day. I have been hooked ever since. Stella has multiple pairs of Yo My Booties and her first metallic pair is on the way. The newest haute items are the Slipper Booties which are designed for 6 months to 5T shoe sizes. They are gorgeous and are a mix of alpaca and angora. Stella cruises around town in her fluffy little booties and they often draw more attention than our cute little baby girl herself. Are you in a cold weather state? Check out the Woolly Mammoth Booties. You will not be disappointed.

Kris along with Violet Marut, both designers and vintage collectors officially opened a showroom and design space called VOK in January of this year. “We wanted to create a showroom with high end designer vintage clothes and blend in our own line” the designers explain. Kris and Violet whose fingers are continually on the pulse of what’s next, bring VOK shoppers an eclectic and unique mix to their downtown showroom. The VOK line has launched with Leather pieces laced in Vintage Embellishments and the Vintage Designer collection ranging from the 20’s to current cannot be found anywhere else. Shoppers will find some of the most sought-after vintage labels at VOK such as Chanel, Gucci, and Dior, to name a few. Haute Moms, this is right up our alley. The stuff they have a TO DIE FOR. After all, we need to match our haute little babes and their booties.  Go and shop now!

 Haute Mom Special: Kris has offered to give all Haute Mom readers a 10% discount of any pair of the Signature Booties. To claim your discount, go to Yo My Booties, select your color and size and then send an email to kristinapetit@gmail.com requesting the Haute Mom discount with your order. For all other booties, go directly to the site and order away! Check for deals on free shipping as well!

Fashion Friday

For this Fashion Friday I would like to ponder jeans because you all know that I am obsessed. I am proud to report that just shy of nine months after having Stella, I fit into all of my pre-pregnancy jeans and even have room to spare. Although my jeans fit, I have to say that they fit DIFFERENTLY. I weigh less than I did when I found out I was preggy but still, my haute jeans fit FUNNY. Haute moms, you know what I mean don’t you?

There is something that gets…uh…left over from ten months of pregnancy and it is not pretty. My hubby thinks I am crazy but there is something softer and well, looser about my skin in my stomach region. What’s up with that? I always think I am rockin’ the jeans and love the way they fit until I lean over and feel that extra MOM thing that wasn’t there before. Stella likes to jump on it and grab it. Yikes.

I have been seeing a lot of new things come out in the jean arena that boast comfort and a “slimmer” you. There are brands like Skinny Jeans, Ryders by Lee and Not Your Daughters jeans that are made to make the female have a tighter rear, slimmer thighs, and the appearance of no muffin top. I’m curious if they really work or not or if this is just another scam to get all of us haute moms to spend our precious money. Anyone have a pair? Are they fashionable? Do they do the trick? Or do they look like jeans your mom would wear because that is what I am afraid of. Those jean companies sure know how to draw us in don’t they?

And what about the Pajama Jean? Really?! I do love pajamas…

Fashion Friday

Today I have another classic piece to share with you from Carilyn Vaile. I don’t know about you but I am always searching for the perfect tank top to wear under a blazer, cardigan or sweater. I often just buy inexpensive layering tanks from Target or something and wear those. The problem that I have noticed is that they don’t last very long and that they look inexpensive. Don’t get me wrong, they are great for the weekends but I often feel that when I wear them under my work clothes, you can tell that the quality is not up to par. I also have had issues with wearing them under open jackets or cardigans because they are so thin. When you work in a school district, thin has “inappropriate” all over it. Add my oh-so shapely nursing boobs to the equation and I am the poster woman for scandal.



Carilyn Vaile makes the perfect white tank (and other colors too). Even more perfect because it is in her no dry cleaning, wrinkle resistant fabric. She calls it “The Lady’s Tank” (CVC 5) and I can assure you, this is the best, basic white tank your wardrobe could have. It is comfortable and form-fitting with just the right amount of fabric to hide any of those haute mom rolls you may have hanging on for dear life. The neckline is flattering and just low enough to wear a cute necklace or accessory. Even better, it has a built-in shelf bra for added support. As we get older, I know we tend to spend more on quality items of clothing, especially for work, or other more formal events. This is a piece that will last the haute mom a long time!



Check out the versatility of the tank top at http://www.carilynvaile.com/collections/fall-1-2010 - Carilyn shows it as a tank and how it can double for a vest. Two for the price of one! 



Fabric in the right places!





My little white tank under my jacket.



Fashion Friday

This dress is one of my faves!

So I haven't posted a Fashion Friday in a couple of weeks but I have been sick and let's face it, nobody looks good when they are sick.  I was lucky if my socks matched when I got to work. 

This is perfect timing though for a little Carilyn Vaile update since she is launching some AMAZING dresses for Los Angeles' Fashion Week.  As always, her dresses are versatile, low maintenance, and designed to fit us haute moms.  The folds, drapes, and dips are all in the right place! 

Check out some pictures from the 2011 Runway show for LA's Fashion Week...just a little sneak peek. :) 

Carilyn Vaile's Photos

Fashion Friday

The Carilyn Vaile pants that I tested this week were Carilyn’s TZ23 pant. As I described last week, these pants are super comfy and have a waist band that can turn the pants into a low, middle, or high waist. Even more fun, my personal favorite, you can pull the waist all the way up to wear it like a strapless jumpsuit! This is great for warmer weather AND the nursing mom (that’s me).

I first wore the pants to work and the first thing I liked about them was the wrinkle free fabric. One of my pet peeves is when you get out of the car or stand up from sitting at your desk and the pants are wrinkled. The pants survived the day without one wrinkle! The elastic waist (I wore a mid-high waist that day, almost like a cummerbund) was very comfortable and the wide legs even more so. I was thinking that next time I could probably wear some knee-high boots underneath without them showing a bulge. I have the dark grey ones that go with just about anything.

I haven’t tried them out as comfy pants but just from wearing them for one day, I know that I could go home, throw on a hoodie and flip flops and be able to be haute while hanging around the house with Stella or running errands.

These pants are QUITE the bargain considering you have dress pants, comfortable loungers and a stylish jumpsuit all in one! Stay tuned for next week when I test these babies out as part of my casual vacation since we are trekking home to chilly Northern California for Stella’s first Christmas at my parents’ house! I bet they will look great tucked into my winter furry boots!

Check them out at Carilyn Vaile!

Fashion Fridays

Welcome to Fashion Fridays!  One of the things I was reminded of during my first week back at work after nine months off, was the hassle of playing the “What to Wear” game. For me, it has been even more challenging as I try to see which of my old work clothes are forgiving around the last seven or eight pounds that I have left to lose. In the spirit of my obsessive need to stay haute, I looked to my good friend, ultimate haute mom and fashion designer, Carilyn Vaile for advice.

Carilyn Vaile is someone who makes juggling a career, kids, and home life look as easy as filing your nails. She has designed her clothes, Carilyn Vaile, for over 20 years, with the woman-on-the-go in mind. She believes that clothing should be fun, fashionable, and forgiving in a world where the multi-tasking woman should not have to worry about what she wears. Her designs can be described as “multi-functional” with dresses that can be worn forwards or backwards and skirts that double as tunics or dresses. Even better, she saves us all time and money by using fabrics that do not require dry cleaning, and are wrinkle resistant. You can find endless possibilities with just a few, key pieces from Carilyn’s line and a quick change from heels to flip flops.
Here is an excerpt from Carilyn’s article “Runway to Momway”:

“Thinking of Wonder Woman…as i often do heroically (i like to think) hustling throughout my day… The tight, shiny blue granny panties (my personal favorite) adorned with stars of excellence, the long luxurious and obviously organic-conditioned hair, the thick gold bracelets (solid, I’m sure) and of course her most defining accessory… the all-ensnaring Lasso of Truth! At many times in my career (not to mention my relationships) I would have loved to have had that lasso thrown around the writer’s and editor’s of countless women’s magazines, exposing the widespread misrepresentations, half-truths and ill advised directions regarding the daily fashion demands of the REAL Wonder Women of this world who juggle daily family, career, and countless demands and expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not my intention to take away anything from the innovators of “art as fashion” that provide us with dazzling eye-candy and the can’t-live-without knowledge as to what country Brangelina’s next baby will come from…but, we all don’t live on Paradise island, and in the midst of all the smoke and mirrors the fashion industry has to offer, I am a realist and I’ve created a “Real-List”. I’m an entrepreneurial mother of 2 with a career and lifestyle that never sleeps. You’re not going to find me in thigh-high stilettos and leather boy shorts with a sheer shirt and vest as suggested in last seasons fashion pages unless I’m moonlighting as a stripper to put my girls thru kindergarten.

“Free time” is a commodity hard to find in a lady’s life these days. Split a mother’s day into a pie chart and using a microscope you’ll see the slice called “self-time”. Which is why over the last twenty years as a designer and stylist I’ve made it my mission to make women’s daily fashion realities much easier to swallow. Our cover mom Nicki Taylor was one of my first muses in regards to making multi-functional, easy-to-understand yet stylish fashion. My idea for “effortless-chic” attire came from seeing her extremely fresh and relaxed look and attitude all while keeping up with her twins. Given my understanding and first-hand knowledge that a woman must often be many things at many times I have felt my obligation was and remains to provide women a wardrobe that does the same.”

To help this mom stay haute and go from “Runway to Momway” as I return back to work, Carilyn has supplied me with some key pieces from her latest collection. The pieces she selected for me are versatile, comfortable, forgiving, and give me easy access to my new side kick at work, my Medela Breastpump. Over the next few weeks, Haute Mom’s new addition, Fashion Friday, will update all of you out there with these pieces in action (yes, I will take pictures), fashion tips and hints from Carilyn to help us stay haute, and even special Haute Mom access to Carilyn Vaile and her collections. I will be putting an awesome pair of pants to the test at work. In the meantime, browse her fabulous collections on the Carilyn Vaile website!

I will leave you with a couple of what Carilyn calls her "C2C"s (Catwalk to arpool) in the realm of working, keeping up with your kids, and looking haute while doing it.

• (Muffin-top concealer): Architecture inspired apparel works wonders for the baking region of the belly. A well engineered “sack” dress can look very chic when worn over skinny jeans or Xanadu Style leggings.
• (Be prepared): always keep a signature accessory in the diaper bag, your purse, the lunch box, trunk or all of above. A lightweight scarf, large pins, and chunky jewelry can be a life/face saver! I’ve learned this lesson the hard way! More than once I’ve needed that scarf to drape over unexpected leaking breasts and then tied down around my waist to hide the gum I sat on in the car. I thought I said “no chewing gum in the car”? It’s amazing the places gum shows up.