EWP Gift Guide 2011: A Night Out

There's no better gift for the harried parents on your Christmas list than a night out. 

Give them a gift certificate to a restaurant

or 2 tickets to a movie

AND (and this is hte big part, gotta do the and)

Promise to babysit for them.  We get gift certificates to things but never make it out because we can't ever find anyone to watch BabyWP.

So let a couple near you reconnect and speak to each other without raisins flying in their face and give them the gift of a night out.  I swear you'll be their most favorite person ever.

EWP Gift Guide 2011: For the Little Fashionista

I saw this book at Land of Nod and clearly BabyWP HAD to have it.  It's just too cute.

Amazon, $6.99

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers!

Today we have a very exciting giveaway. Well, at least for a diaper-buying mama like me. The kind folks at Seventh Generation are giving away their Free & Clear Diapers.


When BabyWP was on her way, I wanted to be a cloth diapering mama. Alas, I have a crappy apartment washer dryer which I can barely rely on to get my regular clothes clean, let alone poopy diapers. Cloth diapers were sooooo not happening.

I only had one choice, as far as my green leaning self was concerned - Seventh Generation Diapers.


Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.


And when I'm putting something on my precious little one, being free of chemicals is VERY important to me. Wouldn't want anything to happen to this cute little pumpkin. Not to mention the scent of scented diapers is really gross. Scent-free for me please!

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers’ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available.

And, the cherry on my eco-diaper cake, they are wonderfully absorbent. That's very important when you wear super cute outfits like this.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear for BabyWP!

And because I'm so nice, and because the people of MyBlogSpark and Seventh Generation are so nice, I'm giving away a packet of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers in the size of your choice. Hey, who can say no to free diapers??!

Just leave a comment saying what you love about eco-conscious baby products and with a way to get in contact with you - email, twitter handle, etc. - and winner will be posted on Friday.

In addition, you can visit http://bit.ly/seventhgendcoupon to download a printable coupon for $2.00 OFF any ONE Seventh Generation Baby Product (Diapers, Training Pants, or Wipes)! Not gonna lie, I love me some diaper coupons.

This was a compensated review. Seventh Generation provided me with the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark. All opinions, however, are my own.

Introducing BabyWP

BabyWP is here! She made her fashionably late arrival on Feb. 15.

She is the sweetest baby. Mr. EWP and I are totally in love.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some baby fashion shoots to do.

Golden Globes 2011: Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman in Prada
First off, congrats to Nicole and Keith on the birth of their daughter Faith via surrogate. Very excited for them!

Now back to being judgey. I think she cuts a gorgeous silhouette in this look. The hair, the dress, it all looks great. But then when you got up close you saw this random turquoise brooch at her shoulder that just. did. not. go. It was all very confusing. Why mess with a good thing? The brooch was definitely unnecessary.

B

BabyWP Actually Wears Stuart Weitzmans

Contrary to her name, BabyWP will not be wearing Prada. Even I'm not that ridiculous. But she will be reading Prada. I received this book from a friend and just died. I had no idea it existed but I am totally in love.

It has little nursery rhymes for the EWP set.
And yes, I want to be the young woman who lived in her Choos. Sounds like a great plan to me!

Although BabyWP will not be wearing Prada, she will be wearing Stuart Weitzmans.

How cute are these?? And no, I did not buy them. They were a gift.


But let's be honest, had I known they existed I probably would have bought them.

BabyWP may have more fabulous shoes than I do now!

EWP Gift Guide: For the Bambinos - Stella McCartney Kids

Stella McCartney recently came out with a line of clothing for kids. Mothers everywhere rejoiced. The clothes are adorable, many are organic. This mama-to-be is in love with all of it.

organic cotton cashmere blend cardigan, $68

wool blend coat, $124 @

wool cashmere blend jumpsuit, $88

organic cotton pajamas, $30 @

@ Available in more colors

Reader Question: Diaper Bags

Hola! Would love a post on cute and functional diaper bags some time...most I've found are super ug!! :)

Cute I can definitely do. Functional I'm not so sure about. Not actually having had a baby, I'm not sure what makes for functionality. I know the Kate Spade bags have stroller clips (I'm sure others of these brands do too, I just didn't read the specs on them). And many, if not all, of these bags come with changing mats.

As far as cute, I love a diaper bag that looks like a handbag. I don't need something that screams "baby!" I think the baby I'll be carrying around will do just fine at letting people know I have a little one. My diaper bag, however, should just be another cute accessory. An accessory, mind you, that does NOT need to match your baby. I don't know how many times I've heard people worry they can't have a pink diaper bag because they have a boy. A) your diaper bag is your accessory, who cares what gender your baby is. B) what on earth do you want a pink diaper bag for??? This goes with the whole not screaming "baby" thing. If I wouldn't carry a regular handbag in pink, I'm not carrying a diaper bag in pink.

Below are many diaper bagoptions at a range of prices. I've also included a link for a changing mat on its own in case you go the route that many people do - just buy a nice, big, cute bag and stick baby things in it. It's a totally viable option!

Nest, was $220, sale $199.95

Caden Lane, was $140, sale $89 @

Nest, was $389, sale $340

Skip Hop, $89.99 @

Burberry, $1,095 @

Storksak, $450 @

Storksak, $198 @

Kate Spade, $395

Kate Spade, $395 @

Timi & Leslie, was $163.99, sale $114.79 @

Timi & Leslie, $158.99 @

Skip Hop, $30 @

@Available in more colors

Things That Worry Me

1. I got a very long handwritten thank you card from a store I recently shopped at. Does this mean I spent way too much money there?
2. The state of my hair. These early April highlights are grown out and faded; I just wish they'd grow out a little faster! Come on, prenatal vitamins, work your magic.
3. The state of my closet. I just tried on every dress I have and put away everything that no longer fits. This has left me with 2 things to wear. I'm in trouble.
4. What kind of world BabyWP will grow up in. All the hate speech and attacks on people for being Muslim or Muslim-looking have taken me back to post-9/11 when shots were fired at my mosque, my house was egged, I was chased down the street by men screaming "bin Laden!", and I just generally felt unsafe. I want so much better for BabyWP. No one should ever feel that way.

BabyWP

Mr. EWP and I are very excited that we're expecting our very own BabyWP!

Now, don't worry, this is still a fashion blog and will not be filled with preggo posts. But if that's your thing, you can head over to Meet the Steffens and get lots of pregnancy updates.

I also promise to not just post maternity clothes. Though I may post some that I think are cute, because, guess what, cute maternity clothes are REALLY hard to find. And when I find some, I'll be so proud of myself that I'll just have to post them :)

And I'm definitely glad I just wrote that new mom post, looks like I'll have my wardrobe options covered after BabyWP arrives.

xoxo,
EWP

Reader Question: New Mom Basics

Hello!
After recently sorting through my closet I found that I don't have much that I like, or that is user-friendly for my new life as mommy. Plus, tops that once fit perfectly are now a little shorter because I'm nursing (I can't blame it on the dryer for shrinkage any longer). So, my husband and I decided to use some of our tax refund for a clothing fund for me! Typically I've been a Seven/Joe's/James jeans girl with a Gap/Michael Stars shirt girl. Nothing fancy, mostly things on sale.

I am looking for a new put-together look, but that's mommy-friendly (less dry cleaning, ironing). I need help figuring out which items to get. What would you consider staple items? Are there a couple necklaces that you'd recommend to spice up an outfit? Cardigans?

Thank you!

First of all, congratulations on the new baby!

Second of all, congratulations on the new ample bosom! It's definitely a problem a lot of women would kill for :)

Thanks for the great question - it let's me reiterate something I say all the time - it's not hard to look great. I feel a lot of moms play the "mom" card as an excuse to get away with dressing sloppily (sweat pants, flip flops, no makeup. oh the horror!), but having a baby doesn't mean you can't be put together. You just have to adjust a couple things in shopping and you'll be a-ok: 1) stay away from dry clean only clothes. With all the poo, vomit, and other things that will end up on your clothes, you'll be racking up a fortune in dry cleaning bills, as well as ruining some really nice items. 2) Knits are your friend. With the new curves and larger chest, knits will sit the best on your new figure and not pull or gape or be too tight.

So here are my suggestions on putting together your fabulous new mom wardrobe:

1) The Jackie Cardigan

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE this cardigan. Not only is it a really reasonable price. Not only does it come in a million colors to fit all your needs. But it's also made from cotton - i.e. no dry cleaning necessary cotton. I've worn my Jackie cardigans a million and ten times and they still look great. Okay, I may also dry clean them because I'm a dry clean-aholic, but I promise I've also thrown them in the wash and they're fine.

Why a cardigan? Because cardigans are so functional but so stylish and feminine at the same time. Add a pop of color to your tee or dress. Keep yourself warm but soft. And just add a belt over your cardigan to accentuate your new curvy figure. It's really that simple to be stylish and comfortable at the same time!

J.Crew, $62 @

2) Transition tees

With a limited budget, it's best to buy pieces that are the most versatile, like the cardigan above. But also helpful for the stay at home mom, the transition tee. Dress it up, dress it down. It can take you from shopping at the grocery store to dinner with friends. Pick a nice tee with a little embellishment or detailing to give it a little extra interest. Here are some cute (and on sale!!!) ones I found:

This one I thought could distract from any spitup that might find its way onto your clothes :)

J.Crew, was $45, sale $19.99 @

J.Crew, was $49.50, sale $19.99 @

J.Crew, was $29.50, sale $14.99 @

3) Pair your basic tee with something cute and easy to match

I know you're busy. I know there are a million things on your mind - when did the baby eat? does she seem sick? will I ever sleep again? - so the best way to make sure you wear your new wardrobe if it is super easy to put together. Sure the tees and cardigans are easy, but what on earth will you wear on your bottom??? Jeans are not your only option. How about a cute and simple tulip skirt? Pick a nice neutral - blues, black, white - and you'll never have to worry about matching again. Wearing a nicely structured skirt always makes a person look way put together, but it won't even have taken any effort to throw it on or pick it out! Wow them with the least effort, you'll be the hottest mom on the block.

Banana Republic, was $69.50, sale $39.99-$49.99 @

4) Dark wash jeans

What's easier to throw on than a pair of jeans? Not much (this is a lie, I list all dresses here, especially maxi dresses, but you get what I mean). And talk about washer-friendly! But we don't want dumpy jeans, drab jeans, or grungey jeans. We want a sleek, polished jean that will look adult and hot. When looking for a jean, look for a uniform dark wash jean. What do I mean by uniform? No whiskering, no fading, just one color throughout. A dark jean will look nice and slimming, and can be dressed up for a night out.

I highly recommend these Banana Republic skinny jeans. They're pretty inexpensive as far as jeans go, and they are a skinny jean that can be worn by a girl who isn't actually model skinny. With your new baby curves, these jeans will fit great. And look great, which is what it's all about.

Banana Republic, $89.50

5) Cute flats

While I am the biggest proponent of heels around, and I mean high. Even I would feel uncomfortable lugging a baby in a car seat, a diaper bag, and the groceries while wearing 5 inch heels. But that doesn't mean I give you a free ride to wear flip flops or, even worse, sneakers. No, what you need to arm yourself with are an adorable pair of flats. Imagine how cute these would look peeking out from your skinny jeans, or paired with your new tulip skirt!

Safron, was $40, sale $29.99

Naturalizer, $69 @

6) Dress your best in a dress!

I know so many people who have been like, "ugh, how do you wear dresses all the time?" and then they actually buy one and it changes their life. They come back to me and rave "omg, it is so easy to wear a dress! It's just one item!" It's true. Easier than a transition tee plus jeans, a dress is literally just one piece of clothing and will make your entire outfit! No matching, no coordinating. Just pick up one thing in your closet and you will magically look super cute and well-dressed. And if you pick a nice jersey or cotton dress, you can wash it over and over. How fun and easy is that? Start out with a solid dress so you can make the most of it. A printed dress sticks in people's minds and they'll wonder why you keep wearing the same dress over and over. But take a plain dress and add a long chain one day and a cardigan another, and you can keep switching it up.

J.Crew, was $69.50, sale $49.99





Gianni Bini, $118




Okay, this one isn't plain, but it really makes me feel like an adorable 50s housewife, no?

Jessica Howard, $80






Max and Cleo, $108

M.S.S.P., was $118, sale $70.80

7) Spanx

I would suggest this next item to anyone wearing a dress, but I know if I had a post-pregnancy body, my belly would probably not be something I was super excited about. Well, just throw on some spanx, and worry no more! If you haven't tried them yet, do so immediately. They'll change your life.

Spanx, $36 @

8) Headbands

From there we move on to accessories. First up: headbands. You're a busy mom. Hey, you may not even get a chance to wash your hair everyday (though, actually, no one should wash their hair everyday - strips away essential oils. You should stick to every other day). But anyway, if you want to cover grungey hair, or don't have time to style your hair, all you have to do is throw on a big headband and voila! An adorable, fashionable look with just the addition of an easy accessory. I highly recommend staying away from plastic and any headbands that have those pokey things underneath - ouch city, people!

Anthropologie, $32 @

Forever 21, $4.80

Tasha, $24 @

9) Jewelry

Another quick way to make your look put together, cute, and looking like it took more time than it did is the addition of some well-placed jewelry. How about a long chain over your new dress or transition tee? Maybe spice things up with a big cuff. It's very easy (and can be very cheap!!). But you will look like a million bucks.

Forever 21, $6.80 @

Forever 21, $5.80

Forever 21, $7.80

10) Outerwear

Something people forget to think about in their polished look is outerwear. What's the use of putting on an adorable dress if you throw on a hoodie (AAAH!) when you go outside to run errands? You've just taken 8 steps backwards in your hot mommy look. So arm yourself with a cute jacket. Maybe a nice, belted trench?

Banana Republic, was $198, sale $129.99

11) Diaper Bag

I know we're being budget-rific here, but if there's one thing you'll be carrying around with you everyday, it's your diaper bag. Why not make sure it's the best quality and cutest it can be? Sure you can do cheapy jewelry and even economical jeans, but I would def splurge when it comes to your diaper bag.

Kate Spade, was $475, sale $333 @

@ Available in more colors

And there you have it! Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions, or even just shoot me links of things you like that you might want my opinion on. Happy shopping!