Well hello hello! As if May didn’t already pack a mean punch (Mother’s Day! End of the School year! Graduations, celebrations, Memorial Day!). It’s also that time of the year… Sample Sale Galore!!!!
… beginning with my favorite brand, Bonpoint. You know that yours truly is a fanatic and you can see it from all my prior posts on Bonpoint.
So here are the details:
Bonpoint Spring/Summer Sale
Wednesday, May 17h and Thursday, May 18th
Location: Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC
123 West 18th street (btw 6th and 7th avenue)
5th floor
9am to 7pm on Wednesday, and 9am to 3pm on Thursday
Discounts are, as they say down in the Antipodes (“sweet as” – clearly my Kiwi hubs has had far too much impact on me over the 8+ years that we’ve been married)… with 60% off (!!!) and apply to every clothing collection (newborn, baby, girl, boy, teenager).
Only credit cards are accepted, and all sales are final.
Now… I really must show your how cute my munchkin #2 looks in his little Bonpoint outfit head to toe… it’s enough to make this mamma want to hop on a plane to go up to NYC just for the sale! Sadly – I’ll be missing out as mamma's still living large in warm and beautiful Florida, but don’t worry as we just booked our return trip back to New York in June, woot!
Hope you get to make it next week, and please, please do drop me note and let me know what goodies you manage to find!! For some reason I could never leave this particular sale empty-handed.
A beautiful #outfitlay for my munchkin #2... when mamma was about 34 weeks along!! I can't believe that was last year as we just approach the holidays season. My my time sure does fly.
Et voilĂ ! Here is munchkin rocking his new Bonpoint ensemble on the day he turned 17 weeks!!! (just a few days before he officially turned 4 months old!!!) #rockshicbaby #mylove
Bonpoint head to toe! Scarf, sweater, and pants all from Bonpoint.
Coming back from Preschool -- now he scoots to school. So incredible how fast they grow up! #RockshicBaby #Bonpoint #CityBoy
Happy Columbus Day everyone!
If you’re like me, then your babies and toddlers are likely wreaking havoc back at home since school is closed today (gasp!). Thankfully, we had an active early morning and afternoon, filled with reading time at the Union Square Barnes and Nobles, followed by exploring the Union Square Green Market and some play-time at Evelyn’s Playground (love that spot!).
Suffice to say… all of this excitement equates to one tired monkey, which means nap time for him, and an opportunity for me to tell you ALL about the upcoming Bonpoint Fall/Winter sample sale NEXT WEDNESDAY (October 19th) and THURSDAY (October 20th)!!! You better save this one, because discounts can be as high as 60%, and it just doesn’t get better than this – especially now that the temperature has officially dropped and we are all revamping our mini-me’s wardrobe quicker than you can say flash sale.
Anyone who knows me and my precious Rockshic Baby knows that we are tremendous fans of the brand (thanks to the Daily Obsession circa 2013!). They make some of the loveliest pieces for littles that truly last, with the sort of detail that I just don’t see anywhere else.
That said, munchkin’s incoming younger bro is going to be one lucky chap to be inheriting his Bonpoint wardrobe! I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Bonpoint looks from Rockshic Baby later this week, so please stay tuned!
Another one of my all-time favorite Bonpoint looks! Shirt, vest, and pants all from Bonpoint. This was taken last Fall at the Standard East Village, one of our favorite outdoor brunching spots. See City Baby Dining. #CityBaby #Bonpoint #theStandard
Button-down shirt and corduroy pants all from Bonpoint -- you can tell that munchkin couldn't wait to get his hands on this outfit
Completely OBSESSED with this fur vest (and can you really blame me)? Wish they carried this in my size. #BonpointBaby
To help you perk up from what is admittedly the most soporific point of the day/week (macha lattes anyone?). I thought I’d share some vibrant news to all you fashionista mammas out there.
That’s right – I’m talking about the bi-annual Bonpoint Sample Sale! This is an absolute clothing staple for Rockshic Baby, and every year I go and scout out some fantastic finds for him at the Metropolitan Pavilion, where the epic sale is held (for some reason, each year I manage to run into Georgina Chapman, the goddess creator behind Marchesa… she must like a good bargain as much as I do!!).
Today is VIP by invitation only, but the sale opens up to everybody tomorrow (May 11th, 2016). Here are the details:
Spring/Summer girls and boys tops, bottoms, sleepwear, outerwear, shoes, accessories, and more. Sizes newborn to pre-teen. Prices up to 60% off retail. Credit Cards only.
As a matter of fact, I’m thinking of taking a mini break from my dreary desk RIGHT NOW!
Remember ladies… no strollers allowed inside the shopping premises so get those Ergobabies ready!
Hello hello! Yet another week has gone by and mamma’s been busy busy busy. Seriously, where has the time gone? Fashion week officially kicked off last Thursday (see my latest posts on Fashion Week SS16)… sadly I missed most of the festivities, as I was getting taking care of a school-heavy munchkin and getting ready for my weekend escape (aka last hurrah) in the Hamptons, this time just with the girls!
Though I am excited for my evening with Karen Walker this Wednesday and some fun closing night events for Fashion Week later this week. I swear, every year it just seems like fashion week literally pops out of nowhere (and it’s extremely hard to not get swept up in all of the excitement).
So back to my main focus, shopping! We ended up staying at a lovely resort called the Sea Crest right on the beach. It’s extremely family friendly (each unit comes with a balcony, kitchen, and is plenty spacious), and seriously something to consider for the future. We ate, drank, laughed, cycled, took long walks on the beach, and of course… shopped! Yes, that’s right, what’s a girl-trip without some serious shopping? Plus, it being the week after labor day (where much of the Hamptons is closing shop for the year), you can actually catch some SERIOUS bargains!
Below are some of my favorite spots all the way on the east end/Montauk:
Top 10 Montauk Boutiques:
1) Kailani (729 Montauk Highway)
Love love this store – as it’s basically a local staple. Super affordable clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, kiddo stuff, you name it. All very fun and well-curated. We always go there and seriously have never left without picking up something at the store. Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.
2) The Candied Anchor (721 Montauk Highway)
As the name suggests, this is a cute cute candy store. But oh, so much more! You can get one of a kind paper goods, cards, and even such affordable beach-chic items like Turkish towels (great for your everyday use plus it doubles as a beach mat!). They also have the sickest birthday accoutrements (I admit to basically buying out the entire store for little man’s second birthday celebration)
3) Cynthia Rowley (696 Montauk Highway)
We didn’t end up going this year, but the ultra-chic designer Cynthia Rowley is known for her high-end designs (usually using wetsuit materials, oh yeah did I mention that her wetsuits are killer?!) and her distinctive surfer-chic aesthetics. Last year we all went home with a little bit something. I actually rocked her pants all over the shop during Fall and Spring. It’s high-fashion, so definitely on the pricier side, but worth it in my opinion. Plus it’s so emblematic of Montauk! Cynthia being a local herself. In fact, read her recent interview on Jetsetter, who knew we had so much in common?
4) Local Knit Montauk (725B Montauk Highway)
I believe this is a relatively recent store (at least I don’ t recall it being there during my first excursion out to Montauk back in 2012, though I could be wrong). At any rate, it’s a cute cute store right next to Kailani – you’ll see that the stores are all pretty much clustered in the center of town. It has that distinctive homegrown vibe, which I like. Part glam, part crunchy, and they have the raddest shoe collection! (Yours truly may have snagged a pair for herself). Read all about the founder, Peter Moore, here.
5) Calypso St. Barth (99 the Plaza)
Old friend, needs no introduction. This is the very definition of shabby chic, the emblem of Montauk if Montauk ever had one (part chic, part glitz, all wild, and at the end of the day, all quite expensive). In my opinion, the best buys at Calypso are still at the little outlet shop on Broome street, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t picked up some serious goodies here!
This is the first time I actually went inside the store, though apparently they’ve been around for quite some time! I loved the items inside, all very well curated, high-end, luxe, and had that Calypso vibe about them (not surprising, once you read the owner’s bio). It’s cute to the max, though be warned that the prices are also through the roof and likely not what you’d want to lash out while on vacay. That said, a little window-shopping never hurt anyone!
7) Summer Stock (1 Gosman’s Dock)
Located at the shopping plaza over at Gosman’s Dock, this is definitely a place you’d need a car to get to. That said, we happened to stumble upon this spot the last time we were here, and I kind of loved their accessories. They have some lovely children’s clothing as well, if I recall.
8) Captain Kid Toys (484 Westlake Drive)
Also located at the Gosman’s Dock (sorry I had to add this). It’s a lovely spot to take the little ones, sure. But importantly, they have some of the CUTEST kiddo beach-chic clothing I’ve seen. We ended up buying munchkin some fun t-shirts there (think red and turquoise), but it was really the little girls dresses that were stand-outs for me. You can probably find them on-line… and when I do, I’ll be sure to let you know! It’s times like this that I really wish I had a baby girl to dress up.
9) Surf Bazaar at the Surf Lodge (183 Edgemere Street)
Okay, so the prices at the Surf Bazaar are kind of out-of-control (though I have seen people make purchases). More often than not I think folks come here for the atmosphere and maybe the distressed cotton t-shirts. Whatever the case, it’s worth checking out (kid of reminds me of the boutique at Sunset Beach over in Shelter Island). Again, you’d need a car to take you, so I would definitely make my trip worthwhile by grabbing a lunch, or a cocktail by the water. Relax, sit down, stay a while!
Situated smack in the center of town (sandwiched between the Montauk Bake Shoppe and Keeshan, the Montauk Realtor), this place is an absolute stable, and… in my opinion, the best place to come for local toys/goodies for the monkeys). Handy that it’s also much much cheaper relative to Captain Kid. It’s a bit of an amalgamation of everything (as the name would suggest), and they really don’t do any advertising by ways of a fancy website (I guess they don’t have to). Though I do believe that they must make a killing year-round with both locals and travelers alike, and they’re certainly not going anywhere, anytime soon!
Hola and happy Friday! In many ways, the following guest feature is so very apropos – given that I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve been home (yours truly have been on the road since last Wednesday! From DC to the beaches of Long Island to Heathrow to Switzerland, and now onwards to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island for a short family holiday that was planned eons ago.
That said… have you ever asked yourself, “how do I choose what to wear for homecoming?” For me, nowdays, it’s anything with a roll-on bag and a wrap/shawl. I know I know, not THAT type of homecoming you say. Actually I do adore those gorgeous, romantic, homecoming gowns (yours truly is no stranger to the home-coming squad you know, once upon a time, wink).
So read on and learn a bit more about what to wear, and how to dress for that special occasion – no matter what your body shape, comfort level, and sense of style. You may learn a thing or two, I know I certainly did!
Homecoming trends today provide options with looks and styles from every single era in history –from the Great Gatsby (see here for related feature on Gatsby glamour and diamonds) to Fifth Element; our generation has the most selection for homecoming dress styles.
This year the most popular dresses are (in no particular order):
Celebrity Dresses; pick a celebrity who shares a similar body type for inspiration and you’ve got it made in the shade
Print Dresses for every style and body type
Ball Gowns for homecoming queen nods
The Homecoming Dress Secret
With so many homecoming dress trends coming off fashion runways, the very best way to look your best for your homecoming dance is to isolate your body type and eliminate all options that don’t conform to your body properly.
This takes a HUGE load off –that’s hundreds of options you don’t need to spend time exploring. Now you can focus on the best of your particular fashion niche.
“How Do I Figure Out My Body Type?”
Learning your body type is pretty simple; there are 6 general body types for homecoming dresses to consider. Be sure to explore several websites that discuss body type so you can get a well-rounded opinion. No one website will have all of the answers you’re looking for.
Apple
Someone described as having an “apple” body type is generally carrying their body’s weight in their torso and may likely have thinner arms and legs. A homecoming dress with an empire waist will draw the eyes to all the right places!
Pear
A well-defined waist that’s proportionately larger than one’s bust puts them in the pear body type category. Building up from the waist to add volume to a pear shaped body type’s upper body is key. An A-line or full dress with a fitted shirt will do the trick!
Busty
This body type is typically composed of narrow hips and larger bust. Homecoming dresses that will look good on this body type will draw attention upwards to the face and work to balance the wider features of the wearer’s upper body with their narrower lower body.
Hour Glass
A person whose bust and waist curves are proportionate are considered to have an “hour glass” figure. Homecoming dresses that compliment an hour glass figure will draw the eye to the waist, with possible open neck lines.
Slender
A fitted dress will look great on a slender body type, and it will emphasize the body type’s lean and long physique. For additional shape or dimension a belt or slit can be leveraged to look your best.
Petite
If you’re under 5’3” tall and thin, showing some leg can go a long way to balance your small body type. In other words, floor skirts may not be the best look for someone with a petite body frame. Instead, we suggest delicate, lacy and feminine-looking homecoming dresses that have a little more emphasis put on your stems.
It’s easier to look great for homecoming when you respect your body type and dress for it. Dressing for one’s body type is one of the best ways to avoid awkward dress malfunctions, too!
So there you have it! Anything we left out? Please write to me and I'd love to learn more about your best homecoming dress tips! In the meantime, check out the following link (which I stumbled upon purely by accident). It's got all of your favorite Disney cartoon characters mapped to couture/dressing gowns, how awesome is that!!!
Hola from out East yet again! Honestly – I feel like ever since I’ve become a mom, summers on Long Island has increased its draw ten-fold. Perhaps it’s the open space, the better air quality, the proximity to nature, the view of the ocean (take your pick!). Somehow all of the above seem awfully attractive for the little ones. We still haven’t quite graduated to the “Hampton” time-share situation (don’t got the clams), but I do enjoy an occasional trip out east to Montauk, North Fork, Shelter Island, or Sag Harbor.
Though I digress…
Today’s post is all about sharing some Sample Sale news with my lovelies – that’s right, it’s the annual Bonpoint Sample Sale held at the Metropolitan Pavillon on 123 West 18th street (btw 6th and 7th). All of the coveted styles of this esteemed French brand are marked down by 60% or more, and this is where I go to stock up on all my Nuke Baby’s stylish duds, without breaking the bank (okay, that’s a lie, I break the bank a little bit). ;)
At any rate, I definitely plan to be there, and will also pick a thing up (or two) for my little guy. Perhaps I’ll bump into you? This will be my third year attending the sale… and for some reason, every time I go I see the ravishing Georgina Chapman (scouting out designers pieces for her little ones). What can I say, even the rich and fabulous love a good deal!
It’s that time again when we talk about formal wear and dress-up garb! These days there are so many options on-line, the world that leads to a fairy-tale ending is literally just a click away, so absolutely no reason for you to not look your very best!
So how best, then, to navigate the on-line shopping experience from boutiques like Peaches Boutique?
First of all – know your silhouette!! Once upon a time, formal wear was synonymous with floor-length gowns; to wear anything other than a traditional long-skirted gown was considered simply revolutionary. These days tradition may be respected, but not considered the standard. Colors can be brighter, and you can sparkle. Formal wear is now available in micro-mini, mini, knee-length, and cocktail length.
Simply put, there are so many varieties of formal wear to choose from, it’s probably wise for you to determine what fits you the best.
Look and evaluate carefully. Seek out what type of neckline looks good and what does not. Someone, for whom a V-neck flatters, might find a halter-style less so. Try on dresses with long sleeves, Âľ sleeves, sleeveless and strapless. Other, less common-in-formal gown sleeves include (and brace yourselves for this!):
Angel
Batwing
Bell
Bishop
Butterfly
Cap Sleeve
Cold Shoulder
Dolman
Gigot (aka leg o’mutton – unless you’re into period garb or costumes, it’s very unlikely you’ll come across this sleeve)
Fitted-Point
Hanging
Juliet
Kimono
Lantern
Pagoda
Paned
Poet
Puffed or puff
Raglan
Set-In
Two-piece
Virago
Wizard’s
Quarter length
Three-Quarter length
Next, try on different types of silhouettes – a column dress or princess seams; an A-line dress; a fit-and-flare/skater dress; an Empire waist; high seam, below the bust line; diagonal, an asymmetrical waistline that runs across the body diagonally, with the highest point below the natural waistline; drop waist; raised – any waistline that hits 1” or more above the natural waistline; natural, which falls at the natural waistline; the flattering V-shaped, also called Basque or Antebellum waistline; U-shaped, softer, less pronounced Basque line; Inverted V-shaped, which starts high in the center and drops at the sides, from under the bust line to at the hips, and, inverted U-shape (which is what it sounds like).
Take time deciding what looks best. Savor and enjoy the experience. You can even “virtual shop” with an honest girlfriend, or do “Face-Time” or “Skype” for an immediate opinion.
Of course, if your natural instinct is to take you fabulous self to the local shops that you’re already familiar with for that brick-and-mortar experience, we totally understand! There is something to be said about feeling the fabric, texture, and vibe. Just try and take as many notes as possible (or just put it on your phone!). You don’t want your excursion to be wasted effort, do you? Jot down as much as you can remember regarding the neckline, bodice, waist, sleeve and length.
Oh, and while you’re at it, go ahead and take a few photos of yourself in the fitting room. While you’re likely to remember what did not look good, it can be overwhelming trying to remember which type best suited and which type “just” suited. So snap snap away, bring a Selfie-stick along if you have to!
Just remember – fit is absolutely key! So make sure you select the right size for you. Sizes may vary depending on designer and manufacture, and when a dress is fitted (as many formal gowns are) the right size is critical. Try on as many designers as you can and remember what size you wore in which line.
Last but not least, smile bright, shine on, rock out, and enjoy!!! Oh and before I sign off... and how funny is this video? Nothing better than a good old Harlem shake in feathers and sequins!
I can hardly believe that yet another week has gone by (I know I say this every week, but truly – why does it always seem like we’re chasing time??).
It just so happens that last Wednesday, prior to taking off for Southwest Florida, I had the pleasure of attending the Dove Dry-Spray Friendship Suite for a fashion blogger event that featured not only the omnipresent Dove empire, but also the newly emerging designer Jewelry concept Rocksbox (a premium rotational subscription service for your bling!!!). More on Rocksbox later…
As it were, yours truly got a much-needed makeover by the lovely and talented Chika Chan, founder and director in make-up artistry (you can find her at Make-up Pro). Fortuitously, I was also joined by my fabulous mommy-in-crime (you may recognize her from our gallivanting days in Tulum). We were both astounded to find that Chika manages to juggle her own business plus three young children (all of whom she managed to have over the course of just four years!). It just goes to show… wonder women/unicorns *do* exist!
Speaking of wonder – that pretty much encapsulates how I felt for the rest of the day after Chika did my make-up. Such a welcomed upgrade from my regular routine of eyeliners on the subway!!!
You may have seen me mention this before, but ever since I’ve had a baby boy – this mamma stylist is very much into male fashion, and you know that I never mind a little tie action here and there for the little guy.
Which brings me to the topic du jour – CLIP ON TIES!!! Yes, yes… there was a time when men would be chastised for wearing a clip on tie. But really, when you stop and think about it, clip on ties are kind of ingenious, no? For one, they’ve hugely increased in popularity in recent years, thanks to the following three factors. AND – they can even help boost your little style mantra – so my verdict is, by all means, go for it!
Below are some of the ways that a clip on tie can help boost your style status.
1) Reduce your faffing time (by and large my personal favorite!)
Clip on ties re super easy to secure – as their handy grips clasp well and snug underneath your collar so you can achieve a smart look without all that faffing around.
When you're in a rush or have overslept (which is pretty much my life… every day), trying to neatly knot your tie can be incredibly stressful (okay thank goodness I don’t have that problem, but somebody somewhere is!!!).
Bottom line: Clip on ties are completely stress free! Simply clip one on for the perfect knot and length every single time (Et voilà ! You’re good to go). Who doesn’t dig some easy breezy comfort style? I know the Nuke does… instant style points there.
2) No pulling or strangling
Unlike traditional ties, clip on ties do not wrap all the way around your neck, so away with all that pulling grimacing, and discomfort!
Having more comfort and freedom in the neck area allows you to concentrate on looking suave, say yes to that!
3) Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
Myth? Clip on ties are plain and boring. Reality? So not the case!!
Clip on ties now come in a huge variety of colors and pattern, so you’ll definitely be able to find something fabulous and stylish to suit you. Whether it’s for the office, a formal event or even a wedding.
Having said all of this… I may need to start looking for a clip on tie myself for both hubs and Rockshic baby. Preferably matching!
Hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend… we’ve kept it pretty stress-free, a little brunch action here, some dim sum action there, and lots (LOTS) of on-line shopping – mostly for the munchkin, who seems to be on the mend, whoo-hoo!!!
Speaking of cyber therapy, I wanted to share with you an awesome shopping event, Ă la Isabella Oliver (my all-time fav for all things maternity and nursing chic).
You’ve already seen my Facebook post about the Black Friday Sale that’s kicked off over Thanksgiving weekend. GOOD NEWS – now the sale has extended to Monday!!! And I’m talking MAJOR – 33% off ALL MATERNITY CLOTHING! Simply use code MCL36 on their website.
I’ve been a huge fan of Isabella Oliver ever since the beginning of my pregnancy, and you can find some of my previous features on the brand here, from preggo to nursing-wear – it’s a thing of beauty!
Here are some of my favorite looks from their most recent collection. One thing is for certain, preggo or not, these looks are timeless and luxe, with just the right mix of edge… I personally want EVERYTHING.
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
