Princess Awesome on Spring Break

Disclosure: I received a sample to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Last week's re-entry from spring break has been a bit rough, but today some warmth finally arrived here in Boston! We've been looking back at some of our favorite moments from the cruise, and I love this one especially:

Isn't Nia everything? 

Beauty in Green: My Customized eShakti Dress

Disclosure: I received a dress from eShakti to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Have you ever looked at your child's wardrobe and been inspired? I recently was. Since taking Nia shopping for fall clothing a couple months ago I noticed a green shirt of hers has quickly become her favorite, and it made me realize I don't own green clothing. Green happens to also be Mr. Lovebird's favorite color, but it had never dawned on me to wear it so when eShakti invited me to try a customized dress I decided to hone in on green. 

They really have some stunning options...

Celebrating National Women’s Small Business Month with zulily

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of zulily; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Running Harlem Lovebirds as well as my own small business has made me a champion of fellow entrepreneurs and when zulily reached out to me highlighting their efforts to celebrate National Women's Small Business Month I was excited to join in!

Introducing zulily's 4th Trimester Closet Concierge

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of zulily; all opinions expressed are my own.

Lately I've been having thoughts about my pre-baby body and while I'm extremely thankful for my two little people, I'm in awe that my body's gone through in the past 7 years! I've learned how to dress in a way that covers up my "most changed" areas and I've become pretty good at it but when zulily reached out to me about their new 4th Trimester Closet Concierge service I was excited to learn more. 

Dressing Up on My Caribbean Cruise with eShakti

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eShakti dress to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Remember my eShakti dress from my last cruise? I still get so many compliments on it and am already counting down to summer when I can break it out again here around Boston. We're currently buried under so much snow that keeps coming down, but today I'm reflecting on our recent cruise. 

Score Name Brand Fashion Finds at Kids for Less

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Kids for Less. All opinions expressed are my own.

Each season there's one truth that resonates with me as I consider my children's wardrobe: they grow too fast! Nia and Grayson both inherited their father's height (he's 6'8"), and while it's easier to ignore the crazy growth of their legs in the spring and summer months, by the time we hit fall and need long pants those pesky jeans genes smack me right in the face. 

On the Go with Robeez Shoes

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pair of Robeez to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

In Grayson's last fashion post did you see those adorable shoes he had on?  They're Robeez. Our first Robeez experience was a hand-me-down pair from a friend and I purchased our second pair from a flash sale site - I instantly became a fan!

Grayson's Happiest in His Doodle Pants

Disclosure: I received complimentary Doodle Pants to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

As Grayson nears 2 years old (he just turned 21 months on Sunday - GAH!), I'm remembering how opinionated that age is, and lately he's getting plenty of practice! We were recently introduced to Doodle Pants, a New England-based company which makes the most adorable leggings for babies and toddlers. These aren't regular leggings - they have bright motifs full of personality that your little one will be excited to wear (and you might wish they were in your size too!). When Grayson received his Blue Alligator Doodle Pants I held them up to show him the back, and he immediately started growling - that's his automatic sound for any animal lately!

Celebrate November With My L'eggs Fall Fashion Giveaway!

Disclosure: I received a samples to review and giveaway; all opinions expressed are my own.

I'm in complete shock that it's November, but if it brings me that much closer to sweet potato pie I'll get over it! This past weekend was such a blur of activity and I was so excited that my friend and fellow mompreneur Courtney, a personal stylist, came over to help me reorganize my closet. I had posted a collage of the blank canvas here when we moved in last year, but lately it hasn't been living up to its potential cause I've been using it as partial storage as well as being in between seasons and sizes (meanwhile Marie Kondo's infamous book sits forlornly on my dresser). Here's a sneak peek of Courtney working her magic (a dedicated closet post is in the works!):

It took us about 2 hours to get through everything, but it quickly became apparent that I have some embarrassingly huge gaps in my wardrobe mostly due to being pregnant two winters ago and then this past winter not quite being ready for my old clothing which, as Courtney (gently) confirmed, is very much outdated. 

Wardrobe-wise there is one thing going in my favor: the awesomeness of L'eggs Energy Footless Tights. They have Graduated Compression which at 35 years old, really does make a difference in how my legs feel after a long day of activity with the kids (it's all about the blood circulation!). I've been pairing them under my skirts, dresses with booties and flats. 

Here's how I styled my L'eggs Energy Footless Tights over the weekend:

The team over at L'eggs has been great about keeping me stocked with pantyhose and leggings this year and to inspire your fall fashion, I'm giving a lucky reader a trio of L'eggs Energy Tights (size M), Trouser Socks (2 pair, shoe size 5-9) and Footless Tights (size L) - sizing chart is here. 

Giveaway runs November 3 - November 8, 2015 at midnight EST with the winner announced on Monday, November 9, 2015 (open to US residents, ages 18+ only); enter via Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Be sure to visit L'eggs website and follow Facebook and Twitter for the latest product news.   

 

We're Going Back-to-School with Carter's (and a Coupon!)

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Carter’s. I received a complimentary gift card to facilitate my review and thank me for my participation.

This time tomorrow Nia will officially be a Kindergartner! These past 5 years have gone by so fast and lately Uka and I have been reminiscing over her baby pictures. Over the years we've enjoyed dressing her in Carter's (and now her brother too!), and I was thrilled to learn that Carter's has extended their sizes: they now carry clothing up to Size 8 and shoes up to 3y so the cuteness factor can be extended. Their stuff really is adorable!

We live about 7 minutes from Carter's and Nia was thrilled when we received our gift card in the mail for back-to-school shopping. We planned a special mommy-and-me trip to select a few items. It was our first trip to the store and I was so impressed by how clean and organized it was. Not every item was in the larger sizes, but just enough that both Nia and I were pleased with what we were able to select. I really appreciated how helpful the staff was and especially thorough in making sure we received our discounts (when we visited pretty much everything was 50% off!). Much to my surprise a woman ahead of us in line even helped out with a 25% off coupon allowing us to squeeze in a raincoat and matching rainboots! Shopping can definitely be a team effort, right?

We did a little photoshoot of Nia's favorite outfits in preparation for her big Kindergarten debut. I think she's ready for days filled of play at her new school!

She's mastered buttoning . . . cautiously! 

I can't stand the cuteness! (And yes, I'm totally saving the rain set for Grayson!)

Carter's classic colors always are a favorite of mine, but Nia adores prints plus anything that glitters, like these ballet flats:

The ability to mix and match pieces will give Nia a bit of independence and freedom in her outfit choices this fall making getting dressed in the mornings less of a hassle. We had a dry-run last week during her Kindergarten orientation and she selected this outfit - I think she did a good job!

As a savvy shopper, I like how Carter's puts many of their items in value packs, from leggings to undershirts. Carter's is known for their heritage of quality, and it's a brand that really has longevity for our family (Grayson is still wearing Nia's Carter's items from when she was a baby!). I'm also sensitive to dressing the kids in characters and logos and I appreciate how Carter's keeps their clothing playful and classic.  

Here's to my big girl and her first day of Kindergarten - I know she'll love it!

There's still time to get some back-to-school shopping in with Carter's 50% (or more!) off the entire store ending today September 7. Plus the doorbuster is pretty sweet: $12 5-pack bodysuit, $9 2 pack pants, $10 turn me around sets (9/3 -9/7 only). We really cleaned up at this sale last week! To make it even sweeter here's a 25% off coupon you can use:

Be sure to visit Carter's website and follow on Facebook and Twitter to stay on top of their latest adorable fashions for your little ones!

 

My Best Dress of the Summer by eShakti (& a Coupon Code!)

Disclosure: I received a dress from eShakti for review purposes; all opinions expressed are my own. 

If you've been following my Instagram and Facebook feeds this spring and summer there's a particular dress that keeps popping up, and it's getting quite a bit of feedback:

It's the Scalloped Blooms Voile Maxi Dress by eShakti. Haven't heard of eShakti? It's an online dress retailer that allows you to select a style you like then they customize the dress to your specific size. This was a dream come true for me as I'm an avid online shopper and while I usually have good luck with sizing there are times that I have to return items and I don't always have time (or patience) to go to a tailor, especially when I often have my kids in tow. 

On our April cruise

At the time I selected this maxi dress I was still nursing Grayson, and while my instinct told me to find a more nursing-friendly dress, I went with it anyway. I'm glad I did because he weaned soon after AND I had another fun occasion to wear it when I went on my 2nd cruise of the year with my mom. 

Here's what I like about my eShakti dress: 

• It's high quality - I was concerned that it'd be too transparent, especially with it being white, but it's double layered and the material is nicely weighted, but not too heavy. The dress is breezy which is perfect for summer weather!

• It's machine washable - When I like a clothing item I want to wear it frequently without having to run to the dry cleaners frequently; I can simply toss my maxi dress in the wash and it's fine. Also the embroidered design on the front has held up well through many washings

With Getting Gorgeous co-founder Vera Sweeney at this summer's annual event

I'm fashionable in an instant - It's so easy to throw on yoga pants and a tee each day I'm running around with the kids, but when I can slip on a dress like this one I feel glamorous without being over the top; on one occasion when I wore it Nia noticed and asked, "Mama, why are you fancy?" She really cracks me up! 

It's a conversation starter - So many women online and IRL (in real life) pepper me with questions about my eShakti dress and they're so surprised that I got it online; yes, it fits correctly (I provided my dimensions) and it's very affordable (my dress is currently on sale for $44 AND you can get a $30 credit when you sign up as a new customer!)

Although it seems like temperatures aren't cooling down any time soon (it's been consistently in the 90s here in NH!), there are still some beautiful maxi dress options to choose from that will take you into fall. Here are a few more of my favorites:

l to r: 1//2//3//4

Would you like to give eShakti a try before the summer ends? Exclusive for my readers just use this coupon code "harlemlovebirds" to get 10% OFF when you shop the site (valid from 08/19/2015 – 09/19/2015*)

*Please note:

• Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.
• It is not case-sensitive. 
• Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
• This discount code is not applicable on clearance, gift cards & overstock categories.Not applicable on previous purchases

Have you heard of eShakti? Which go-to item have you been wearing this summer?

 

Keeping My Family Sun Safe with The Vision Council

Disclosure: I was provided promotional items from The Vision Council to facilitate this post; all opinions expressed are my own.

Right before I left for my Caribbean cruise I was invited to participate in The Vision Council's webinar sharing their annual report on the importance of sun safety for your eyes. If you've been a reader for a while you know my health history with discoid lupus and the role that sun safety plays in my family. Last year I also participated in the Vision Council's webinar and the Nicole Miller sunglasses I received are still going strong and even came along with me on my cruise (a milestone achievement since I'm historically *the* worst at keeping sunglasses!). 

This sunny season now that we're in New England somehow the sun seems stronger up here. Sure, we've had plenty of gloomy days, but when the sun is finally out, boy is it blinding! During the webinar with Dora Adamopolous, OD I was surprised to learn that 1 in 4 people don't wear sunglasses...at all. I have a pair in the diaper bag ready to put on at all times and despite gloomy days, I've learned that the UV rays can be even more damaging in the winter than the summer especially due to snow blindness, something we were definitely at risk of this past harsh winter. 

While sunglasses are mostly viewed as a fashion accessory - I'm loving the pair of BCBG Daring in Nude I received for this post - they're a necessity just like a seatbelt even for your children. One issue I've struggled with is keeping them on my little ones. While Nia at almost 5 years old doesn't have a problem keeping on the Polaroid sunglasses she received from The Vision Council, little Grayson at 11 months old just wants to rip his sunglasses off. He has a pair with a velcro strap, but he just wants to suck them! Instead I put him in a sun-safe hat which he also tries to yank off, but I keep his shade extended on his stroller as well as his car seat plus I have an extra sun-guard on his window in the car. 

Check out this handy infographic from the Vision Council's findings (click to enlarge):

If you're interested in learning more about the Vision Council please visit their website where you can view the full annual report and don't forget that National Sunglasses Day is June 27 (also Grayson's 1st birthday!).

Does your little ones keep sunglasses on? Any tips or tricks to share?  

Lovebirds' First Family Cruise: Look Who Joined Us!

Re-entry from vacation is always hard especially when leaving 80 degree weather and returning home to this. Thankfully we had a buffer day in Baltimore yesterday coupled with a late afternoon flight so it wasn't too bad getting back. The kids went to bed only an hour past bedtime so I count that a win!  As I'm tying up loose ends and work on recapping our trip, here's a quick sneak peak of a few brands which joined us on our cruise:

Coolibar - They kept me sun safe last year in Puerto Rico and this year the kids were sun safe in an adorable Coolibar rash guard for Grayson and hoodie skirt dress for Nia!  

eShakti - Known for their dresses, eShakti also carries a variety of skirts, pants and suits. They are unique in that they can be tailored to your specific measurements in a jiffy

Nomad Clip - Its kickstarter campaign has successfully bought this charging carbiner to fruition. It connects right from your phone to a power source such as a laptop keeping you from being hunched up by an outlet or in my case, came through in a pinch when my Jackery USB cord stopped working

A huge thank you to eShakti, Coolibar and Nomad Clip for helping out during our vacation and look forward to sharing more details about each coming up!
 

Fashion Preview: Nanette Lepore's 2014 Resort Collection

Earlier this summer I had the privilege of previewing Nanette Lepore's 2014 Resort Collection. Although it's just under a year away, her bold patterns, rich textures and flattering cuts makes me anxious for my 5 year vow renewal in Puerto Rico next summer as well as makes me long to plan another cruise!

These pieces which accentuate the waist make my heart sing!

Four of my favorite items from the collection especially the asymmetrical zippered jacket - I NEED it!

What's your resort style?

 
 

Fall Jewelry Preview with Jade & Jasper

I'm still having a few jewelry woes as I mentioned before (I just lost another diamond in my wedding band yet again), and I'm determined to move on and not be afraid to rock fun jewelry (despite what my toddler believes!) so when Jade & Jasper invited me to their showroom to preview their fall collection I was more than excited!

Take a look at what they have in store . . .

Duvall, the associate at Jade & Jasper, picked out the necklace I'm wearing and it was a perfect addition to my dress!

I love the added touch of an adjustable mesh band on some of their rings -  fingers swell so this is great!

Very Gatsby!

Love the spikes and metal - so punk!

I learned there are also a slew of celebrities who wear Jade & Jasper; for a company that's under 2 years old that's pretty awesome! 

Which Jade & Jasper piece suits your style? Did you know you can become a consultant with Jade & Jasper (learn more here)?