Why are they called "Mom" jeans?

When my 15 year old daughter came home and said, "Mom, I want a pair of mom jeans", I was confused and intrigued. What were mom jeans and did this mom need a pair?? I immediately went looking for them and not only bought a pair for her, but tried them on myself. I was instantly transported back to my junior year of college, circa 1995! Apparently, everything comes back in style. Now, I'm wishing I didn't give away my fave pair of broken in Levi's I wore to almost every college party!

But you are probably asking: how do I wear mom jeans at "my" age and not look like a mom (or like I'm trying to be 20)?? The answer is ....pair this trendy, young(ish) denim with a sophisticated top, bag and shoes! The vintage "wedgie" (yes, that is the name of this style) Levis are from Anthropologie. I love this store because they truly have something for everyone! My black Club Monaco top (similar) is just cropped enough that it works perfectly with this high-waisted jean. Accessories - leopard block heels from Top Shop (in-store at Nordstrom) and my birthday gift to myself - a vintage Chanel bag from The RealReal. If you haven't checked out this site, you must!! Great luxury "pre-owned" finds - from handbags, shoes and clothes to jewelry and artwork!

Art & Fashion

I love art almost as much as I love clothes, and I am so excited to be collaborating with talented local artists! The moment I met Reagan and Danny Geschardt and saw their work, I knew I had to hang one or more of their pieces in my home.  The splashes of color and movement across the canvas...well, their work makes me (and my house) so happy! Regan and Danny also design textiles with gorgeous fabric, wallpaper and lacquered furniture... What an amazing way to add accents to your home! You MUST check this dynamic duo out--immediately!

A little about the artists.....

Reagan and Danny Geschardt are a married couple who resides in New Jersey and are both Abstract Artists. Together they have become known in the interior design market as a true power couple. Their abstract art is filled with beautiful bright colors and textures and has been collected by clients and interior designers throughout the country for years.They have recently taken their talents beyond their artwork and have finally put together what has been a longtime in the making business of Geschardt Art and Broome Street Studios. It is a high end line of textiles and wallpapers for the home. They have also brought into the mix beautifully restored bamboo and regency styled furniture painted with lacquer in the most beautiful array of colors to pair with their style of art and textiles.

Beach Hair

I have to admit that I struggle with my hair most of the Summer. Between the humidity and the beach, my hair becomes a frizzy mess... My husband makes fun of me for not putting my head underwater, but I come out looking more like cousin It than Gisele...the struggle is real! So, once again, I called upon my hair styling guru - Katy at Bloom Morristown. I asked her to show me an easy and cute hair style that will keep my locks in check during the next couple of months!

Product To Use:
Elixir Ultime Original Oil
This is one of Katy's favorite oils . It adds 71% more shine than hairs natural state, delivers deep conditioning in the sun as well as 24 hours anti-humidity protection. The sun can reek havoc on our hair, causing it to become very dry and even cause breakage. Elixir helps restore the hair fiber as well as faster drying time!!!

Vacation Hair Instructions:

1. Start on the one side of your head doing a 3 strand UNDERhand braid (practice a regular 3 strand that most of us know, but try to remember to go under instead of over the final outcome looks so much more appealing! )
2. Once reaching opposite side tie with an elastic into a low pony tail.
3. Use the elixir oil (making dry ends look healthy) and do a fishtail braid using only 2 STRANDS.
4. Keep feeding front from back side to opposite side.
(Hint: keep your sections small to make look more intricate)
5. Add a fabulous fedora!

Dressing up your Denim Skirt!

I love dressing up a casual look. Most of us designate items in our wardrobe as "casual", "dressy" or "save that for date night". I call that missed opportunities! There is nothing better and more unexpected that mashing up the two....a crazy gray area where a denim skirt and a blazer meet up! (and look fabulous!)

Vintage Levis in any form is on trend right now....mom jeans, jean shorts, and of course denim skirts! I found this skirt at Aritzia and I knew I had to have it for Spring/Summer. I am mindful of skirt length at the age of almost 43, so I went up two sizes to make sure it was "appropriate" (spoken like my 15 year old- who by the way is dying to borrow the skirt!). I paired it with my fave new Athleta tissue cotton tank top (have one in every color) and this cute ivory ruffle crop Top Shop blazer from Nordstrom. I LOVE this blazer. It can be paired with anything from a linen dress to black pants or jeans and a cute top.  You will wear the heck out of it -- I promise! Finally, accessories: wrap suede sandals from Jcrew and jewelry by my new fave, Summer Love Designs!

How to make your Blow-Out last 3 days!

Doesn't every woman want to know the answer to this questions??? I love getting my hair blown out and I want it (need it!) to last for a few days - it's one less thing to worry about (or take time to do!). So, I asked Katy at Bloom (she's the BEST) to give us step by step instructions on 3 hair looks (and products) to make our blow outs last --woohoo!

Day 1 Hair:

Cleanse- Aura Botanica is gentle yet effective with a sulfate free formula leaving hair feeling soft & free from any impurities.

Treat- Aura Botanica Soin Fundamental conditioner melts into the hair fiber for deep nutrition & frizz control

Root - R&Co Dollas thickening spray for light weight lift alongside Aloe leaf extract & ginger root extract to seal in moisture, protect, smooth and nourish the hair

Mid shaft to ends - Kerastase Ciment thermique protection from UV, & any hot tools up to 450 degrees with amazing fresh clean scent.

Day 2 Hair (Make Waves):

Use an 1 1/4 Curling iron - wrap hair around barrel leaving the last inch out to give a softer lived in curl look.

Let the whole head cool first then spray VIP powered for texture & volume. 

VIP Powder- If hairspray & dry shampoo made a baby, meet Kerastase’s VIP Powder. Leaving no white residue, VIP Powder can reshape, hold, and INSTANTLY provide body, volume & grip.

Day 3 Hair (Pony tail):

1. Section hair from ear to ear & clipping away for neatness & separation

2. Grab the hair behind the sections into a regular ponytail 

3. Tease top of the head for volume 

4. Take right side and twist AWAY from the face & wrap around pony tail , secure with hair pin 

* repeat on the left side.

Day 4 Hair (Treatment Day/Bun Day):

Using a spoon full of masque conditioner on dry hair ( yes dry hair ) 

1. Comb with a wide tooth comb all over hair concentrating more on mid shaft to ends 

2. Gather into ponytail secure and do 3 strand regular braid 

3. Wrap braid around and hair pin into a cute top knot! 

Masques are great for doing at least once a week to keep your hair nourished as well as preventing breakage & color fading.