Putting On The Fringe

Are you guys obsessing over fringe as hard as we are these days?!  The trend reappeared several months ago and now it seems everywhere we turn, fringe is front and center; adorning boots, bags, bathing suits, and anything considered "boho chic"  Typically something like this might annoy us but ohhhh no, not fringe...Fringe can do no wrong in our eyes, it's sort of like Johnny Depp, Rose or Paris in the springtime; classic, chic, simply irresistible. Perhaps the journey back in time the storied tassel takes us on evokes such a strong response.  Originally, Native American tribes of the Plains had created garments with fringe, which served as a type of gutter repelling rainwater from the wearer.

Generations later, fringe became a hit with the likes of Gatsby and his "friends" during the roaring 20's.  Elvis loved it and other music legends like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin accessorized with fringe on jackets regularly in the 60's.  Today, fashion forward stars like K-Hud and model Alyssa Miller can't be seen without it.  It's so Ralph Lauren, so Americana, 100% Cowboy (or girl) and just so damn sexy.  So here's to a trend that will live on forever reaching many subcultures until the end of time, and of course, here's some inspiration on how to rock it today, haute mommies!

#LoveYourSkin With Dr. Obagi

Last night we celebrated the Grand Opening of ZO Skin Center at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Cali.  In a nutshell, what's totally incredible about this new flagship store (fingers crossed it's the first of MANY) is that Dr. Obagi's ultra-exclusive product line the Stars L O V E is now totally available to everyone...you, me, anyone walking through the mall, EVERYONE.  Icing on the cake - the store also has several private rooms where the Obagi team of Master Estheticians is on hand to examine your skin, match you with the appropriate product and even slather you up with a customized facial.  I cant think of anything more delightful than a day of shopping at FI topped off with a rejuvenating world class ZO facial. Back to last night, the place was packed with the who's who of Newport Beach.  For starters, Dr. Obagi and his partner Dr. Kosins made the rounds..hip magazine editors, and even a few celeb friends, Kelly Nishimoto, Carly Steele and Natalie Walker to name a few.

We got decked out at the Dry Bar and Blushington, sipped champagne, devoured sweet treats by Valenza Chocolatier and stayed wide awake with Nespresso...I even gave the ol prize wheel a spin for the chance to win facials, consultations and get this, even Botox, which sadly I didn't land on.  Let's face it, after sleepless nights as a new haute mommy, I need all the extra help I can get. To say the night was a success is an understatement - lets just hope next time around I have a better spin. ;)

4 Steps To Glowing Skin

I was one of those; Six months deep into my pregnancy still waiting for some miraculous burst of collagen to plump my skin, that drop of dew to glisten my cheekbones, a kiss from the Maternity Gawds that so many refer to as "pregnancy glow".   Ummmm did someone forget this girl over here??  Hello?!!!  Still waiting...Certainly I wasn't skipped over when it came to that dreadful morning sickness...endless trips to the toilet hurling up breakfast.  But my complexion, the one thing they promised would transform beautifully, leaving me young and dewy like Brooke Shields in "The Blue Lagoon" was definitely reminiscent of my younger skin BUT at the height of puberty...bumpy, zitty, discolored, just overall nastayyyyyy.  I mean, it's not like I was some Noxema girl to begin with, but this was an all new low.  I tried facials, masks, microderm...the list goes on.  Good news is, we now have the answers we've been looking for!  We hit up Dr. Aaron Kosins aaronkosinsmd.com board certified Plastic Surgeon and co-partner ZO Skin Centre, Fashion Island Newport Beach to help us in 4 Steps understand our pregnancy skin better ultimately leading to that glow every Haute Mommy hopes for...Here goes, ladies (you can thank me later :)

AC: We notice major changes in our skin during pregnancy -- what is that from?

Doctor K: In 1 word: Hormones. Hormones play a huge factor in a number of things during pregnancy, one of which is the skin. The blood vessels in our face dilate and constrict, and patients can go through cycles being both oily and dry as testosterone and estrogen levels fluctuate. Can we control the hormones? No. But we can control their effect on the skin.

AC:  In your professional opinion, what's the best way to get rid of those the dark spots and other blemishes that seem to pop up?

Dr. K: Melasma is a chronic disease that usually pops up with hormonal fluctuations…specifically, pregnancy, menopause, and use of birth control pills. The melanocytes, cells in your skin that make pigment, go crazy and start making “color” in an uneven and unregulated fashion. The best way to control these outbreaks is prevention, by having strong skin with cells that are regulated. Once the disease process begins, pigment settles throughout the layers skin. Treatment includes control of oil (which both potentiates pigment and causes acne), exfoliation, bleaching, and most importantly retinol, which works at a cellular level to strengthen skin and to regulate melanocytes and the distribution of melanin (pigment). Unfortunately, we do not recommend that pregnant mothers use retinol or hydroquinone (bleaching) during pregnancy. Therefore, ZO Skin Health has created products such as C Bright and Brightalive, which are safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding and help to stabilize pigment and brighten skin. These can be used as a bridge until after pregnancy/breastfeeding when other treatments can be used.

AC: Are there other products you swear by to help even out skin tone?

Dr. K: Even skin tone comes from an even distribution of melanin (pigment) in the skin. My favorite products include Melamin and Melamix to get rid of brown spots and Brightenex, which works to prevent pigmentation and even skin tone. Depending on the pigmentation, whether it is from sun damage or a disease of skin, ZO Skin Health or ZO Medical products can be used at different strengths to brighten skin and to even tone.

AC: Sleepless nights as a new parent can also majorly throw your skin off balance. Anything your recommend?

Dr. K: The cornerstones of a good skin care program include getting skin ready (cleansing, exfoliation and oil control), anti-oxidants in combination, and sun protection. These products work to protect and to strengthen the skin by enhancing natural exfoliation and repairing the barrier function of the skin. Once breastfeeding is discontinued, retinol should be added in to work at the cellular level to repair and to strengthen skin. Retinol does this by stimulating skin, enhancing exfoliation, repairing DNA damage, and rebuilding collagen and elastin.

For more on how to get your hands on some of the goodies Dr. Kosins refers to, check out http://zoskincentre.com

My Kid Hates Me...

I was counting down the days until our first trip away. Vegas, my best friend’s wedding, Bloody Mary’s by the adult pool rather than bouncing babies at the kiddy pool. It was time for us to be kids again. I created this vision in my head for months leading up to our actual trip that I’d finally recharge my flickering battery (In Vegas?? Really??) returning more grounded, restored and present with a gleaming little boy at the front door chomping at the bit to greet me and jump back into my arms. Wow was I in for a surprise.

I returned home more exhausted ever (duh, it’s VEGAS!) and my baby wouldn’t even so much as look in my direction. I kneeled down to pick him up, overwhelmed to see how much he’d grown in literally 72 hours…first thing he did was push me away and reach out for my dad, who – along with my mom- stayed our place to watch him while we were livin it up. This continued all day, into the next. I was convinced, my kid hates me. And the guilt sets in. Maybe we should’ve only gone for 2 nights, maybe Gibson should have come with us…maybe maybe maybe… My mom assured me it was just “a phase” and “would pass”

We all know it’s tough to balance life as a mom and still manage to take time for ourselves whether it be a wknd away with the hubs or an afternoon to lunch with the ladies or 30 minutes to shower and blow dry our hair. I’m not one who’s willing to totally give up on myself and my needs ONLY to focus on the needs of my little guy. I believe we can do both and actually have it all. It’s true, my son comes first ALWAYS but I follow closely behind.

It was now 48 hours since coming back from our sinful wknd in Sin City. My son was slowly warming up to me and I could feel bit by bit his walls start to break down. At Mommy and Me that day, our teacher asked if anything new had taken place over weekend. Oh you mean other than my child tossing me to the side like an old, used-up toy?? Her response: “It’s totally normal.” What? For your child to hate you?! I’d never heard of this but then she explained that babies will often give parents the cold shoulder for up to 48 hours after they return from being away. Babies are confused, scared and not sure if you’ll leave them again so they instinctually put up a wall to perhaps protect themselves. This made total sense. Gibson was just acting as nature instructed him to…even if it was at my expense.

Fast forward to now, today- one week later. I can’t seem to suction my child off my hip. He’s back to being a total mamas boy – until next week that is. Palm Springs, another friend’s wedding, 2 nights away. At least I’m prepared this time.

I'm Pregnant, My Ass Is Fat, I Have Nothing To Wear, By Kelly Nishimoto

Haute Mom's Life Contributor and TV Star/Fashion Designer, Kelly Nishimoto lays it all out here in a hilarious and oh-so-real rundown of life as an expecting mama.  Take it away, Kell... As a mom, we’ve all been there. It’s like mental tug of war. On one hand we want to show off the fruit of our loins. On the other hand we are mortified at the onset of pregnancy cottage cheese, expanding hips, and enormous boobies! And to top it off…larger feet? What the hell? You think to yourself, as you move forward, deeper & deeper into this new chapter of life, “Will my ass ever be the same? What does my husband think of me now? Are people noticing?” Then reality hits. You’re exhausted & emotional. The last thing you want to think about is your wardrobe. Your jeans don’t fit anymore and you’re tired of leggings. Well ladies…it’s time to give in and embrace your mama curves! As a mom in the fashion & TV industry, who gained 60lbs during my pregnancy, I learned that there were a few key “go to” pieces that helped me survive! Obvi we want to look cool…but comfort is also key and with these 5 basics, you can’t go wrong…

5 MUST HAVE BASICS for every Haute Moms closet during pregnancy:

What: A Perfect Fitting Blazer - $25-$125

 Where to Buy: Zara | H&M | Forever 21 | Macy’s

The Deets: If there is one fashion lesson I learned while filming my show being 7 months pregnant is that a perfect fitting blazer is definitely a maternity & post pregnancy must!

Why they are great: Blazers are an easy way to fancyify your comfy jeans & a basic tank. They allow you to look polished but still be super comfortable.

Bonus Points: Blazers give you shape and the appearance of a slimmer waistline by hiding side fat & wide backs & shoulders all while showcasing your beautiful baby bump!

What: Wrap Sweater/Cardigan - $25-$85

 Where to Buy: Asos | Nasty Gal | Forever 21

The Deets: Soft knit wrap sweaters can be worn so many different ways. What did we do before these? They started off as a trend but have become the go to piece for most women and have replaced the zip up hoodie.

Why they are great: They are light weight and the perfect cover-up! They are flattering on all body types and easy to wear.

Bonus Points: They are great for breast feeding in public or pumping your milk in traffic! Don’t judge me! LOL! Yes…I pumped many time in traffic using a manual pump, wearing a wrap sweateror scarf

What: Comfy Cute Lounge Pants - $69-$98

Where to Buy: Kelly Nishimoto (Yes! That’s me) www.cutebootylounge.com

The Deets: My origional “Cute Booty” Pants should be in every woman’s closet pregnant or not! They are made with the softest stretchy fabric. The ruched back detail makes every womans booty cute and the over sized satin tie in the front “hides your goodies”

Why they are great: There is no elastic in the waistband so there is ZERO chance of muffin top! On top of that, I gained 60 lbs during my pregnancy and the same size fit me the entire time!

Bonus Points: They are the perfect post pregnancy pants! They were the only pants I wore after baby because, let’s face it…I was still extremely “fluffy”. And there is also a legging version…

What: Modern Maternity Jeans - $40-$70

 Where to Buy: H&M www.hm.com

The Deets: All of H&M’s Maternity Jeans are Jeanius! They are the perfect balance between comfortable & chic…and they have just the right amount of stretch!

Why they are great: The belly bands are made of cotton lycra! I don’t know about you…but maternity jeans with the gross poly lycra pantyhose feeling grosses me out & makes me itch…

Bonus Points: They are the best bang for you buck & the best fit for your belly!

What: T Shirt Dress - $35-$45

Where to Buy: Asos www.asos.com |Target www.target.com

The Deets: The T Shirt Dress. Any style, any color. These soft comfortable beauties are better than chocolate cupcakes. Try the swing version for extra room!

Why they are great: They are soft, comfy, & hide everything! They can be worn casual with cute flats, a cropped jean jacket, and some major arm candy or with chunky wedges or boots paired with a bad “A” necklace & red lipstick for a more glammed up look.

Bonus Points: Feels like you’re wearing pajamas! (Bloomers Suggested underneath for obvious reasons