I "heart" purses...

I have always loved purses.

In fact, my mom will tell you that I even carried them around when I was 2 or 3 years old. Although back then I thought purses were to be carried on your bicep when your arm is flexed upward like a muscle man with your fist in the air.

When I see another woman, I'm more likely to look at her purse--not her shoes. I can't help it. It is very telling. You should try it sometime.

The older I get, the more attached I get to my purses--and thus the pickier I get.

My purse purchases today have to meet several criteria:

1. Versatility with multiple looks (casual, professional, dressy).
2. Neutral (goes with most outfits--but doesn't have to match my shoes).
3. Superb Quality & Craftmanship (patterns line up, great materials, lining, pockets, feet)
4. Durable (usually leather or some other durable fabric)
5. Functional (size, shoulder vs. handbag, closures)
6. Classic (not too trendy)

In addition to all of these things, it should be pleasing to the eye, something I can live with for a long time, and not too too flashy of its maker or brand.

Because all of this goes into my purse "investments" I usually only make one purse purchase a year to keep things under control.


A few years ago, Charm City Daddy was nice enough to indulge me in my all-time favorite purse--my black leather Gucci Hobo seen here.

I love this purse for many reasons--one being no one knows its Gucci unless they are familiar with the trademark horsebit buckle--or see the striped lining (which makes finding buried things so much easier).

Last year, after much studying, testing, lifting, visiting I settled on this "edgy" but classic beauty, from Burberry. It's a handbang that celebrates my ode to having free hands, with no kids-in-tow! It's big too--a great airport carry-on.

But now, it's time for me to turn to something more mom "practical." And this is what I've had my eye on (for months)...The Burberry Check Lowry Bag--a shoulder bag that can go cross body.

I really like. You like? Mommies (and fashionistas) of the world, what do you think?


Oh and if you think this purse obsession is bad, wait until you see my diaper bag selection. :)

Mom Jeans...

After dinner with a few of my girlfriends last night, we all took a short stroll to check out some maternity clothes.

I tried to keep an open mind as they all reassured me that maternity clothes have improved and perhaps it would be better if I just tried a few things on.

As we passed by JCrew, I was reminded that my favorite store's spring line DOES NOT carry maternity clothes and although I know this little blessing is only temporary, I had to really calm and reassure myself, that I WILL have JCrew FALL 2009 to look forward to! To quote my favorite movie, The Color Purple, "Nothing but death can keep me from it!" (you have to know me and that movie very well to get that joke...)

Okay--deep breath.

So, as expected I was unimpressed with how little Motherhood Maternity has changed since the days when I used to work for the company in high school. Bows on bellies, lavendar florals, mom jeans with big square button pockets in front--NO pockets in the back--yuck!

As Sarah Palin would say, "Thanks, but no thanks."

On the bright side, I have seen plenty of things I like online at Nordstrom, Old Navy, the Gap, even Pea In the Pod--a sister company to Mimi and Motherhood Maternity (what the f-?), but unfortunately sizing these items up online is a gamble.

Here are a few things I liked, that I will need sooner rather than later:

A staple pair of skinny jeans to replace my pre-pregnancy ones.. (Precious Skinny Jeans $108)

Comfy leggings--my usual weekend wear... (Juicy Couture $78)

A nice pair of work slacks... (Olian Skinny Pant $62)

A basic shirt to top it all off...(Michael Stars $56)

And that's just what I saw at Nordstrom. There was much more, and many great designers to choose from. I am confident there will be plenty of time and things on which to spend money.

Charm City Daddy and I have a destination wedding in Jamaica in May, so naturally in addition to finding a nice dress, I am (so not) looking forward to finding the right maternity swimsuit--as I am sure I will want to take a dip while there.

CCD doesn't like the idea his prego lady in a swimsuit--as he thinks I will be (get this!) an object of desire for onlookers. HA! Hardly! But, let's let him continue to think so. ;)

Belly Envy...

I have belly envy.

Look at Halle--now THAT's how you wear a baby! What was she 5-6 months?



I know it's early and I will have plenty of months ahead of me where I will be huge and uncomfortable, but I can't help it. I want Halle's belly--and then I want it to stop right there. lol.
That is terrible to say, but it is honest.

My belly envy is especially bad when I go to the doctor's office and all of the other little expectants look as though they have full command of this whole pregnancy thing.

Also, I kind of don't want to have to explain to people that I'm not just fat and gaining weight--but that there's a baby growing in there!

Big baby bumps help people understand why I'm passing up wine at work functions, asking for decaf coffee, and yawning every 20 minutes.

However, I do have to say that while I want a belly, I am NOT looking forward to wearing maternity clothes--particularly because my first job at Macy's (age 16) was in the maternity department!

Ok, I'm done.