Coakley Bags-Perfect for Today’s BusinessMoms

So, I have to say that when I first tried out this bag I selfishly thought, “This must have been designed for mothers in mind!”

Alas, I don’t think that it was, but it could have been.

I was fortunate enough to get to take the Coakley for a test run. The one I chose:

Now, isn’t that a pretty bag? Several colors are available, including lilac and begonia, and the bags are also available in suede and nylon.

Made of textured tweed, the bag I sampled really goes with anything. On top of that it is water repellent and easily cleaned. I love suede, but honestly, for women with young children suede may not be the best choice.
The size of the bag works well as a crossover between one that is needed when you have kids and one that is needed when you own a company, especially if you need to lug around your laptop, files and other necessities for work. I loved the fact that the bag includes tons of pockets. I know that some people don’t like a lot of pockets as they feel that it makes things difficult to find. I’ve heard this when mothers talk about diaper bags. For me, I’d prefer to have a lot of pockets because I can organize more effectively and keep my pens away from my diaper cream and so forth. So, if you are like me and want pockets, this is a great bag.

I also like the fact that this bag can be used for everything. For me, changing out from a diaper bag to a purse to a laptop bag when I am on the run is really time consuming. I always forget to put something back in – usually something that I need – so I prefer to use a large bag that can serve several functions.

In addition, if you are a frequent flyer you will love the fact that the back pocket can be unzipped and slipped onto other luggage for easy carrying! Ingenious!

Price of the bag is around $350, putting it in my mid range. I know that some BusinessMoms balk at spending too much on a great bag, but honestly, if you can use it for work, pleasure and children, and it lasts over time, it’s worth it. I know some people who spend half of that price on a diaper bag that, while fashionable, can’t be used for the office. After a year (which is about how long you really need to use a big diaper bag), the bag is pretty useless. The Coakley translates easily from one setting to the other, so it will work for you for years to come.

Giving this bag all my thumbs up! Check out the collection here.

Lead in Lipstick-Are the Claims True?

A lot has been said about lead lately. It is showing up in our kid’s toys (doesn’t that just infuriate you?) and now an advocacy group says it is tainting our lipstick supply as well.

So, are the claims true?

The FDA will find out.

Apparently this has been going around for quite some time. Just check out www.snopes.com and type in lead in lipstick.

Similar claims have not been confirmed in the past.

At this time, the group is stating that certain companies, including the ever popular Cover Girl and Maybelline, (read article for more information) have been found to use more lead than is safe in their red lipsticks. Pretty scary, considering lipstick is on our, well, lips, which means it is probably swallowed unintentionally on a regular basis. In addition, my three year old loves to play dress up, and we have coated her lips with various colors in the past.

While the verdict is out right now regarding whether or not the amount of lead found in lipsticks is too high, it certainly warrants raising concerns, especially with the recent explosion of lead found in various items.

For the time being, I’ll be ditching my commercial brands of makeup and heading to the natural market to purchase natural brands. I’ve been using Burt’s Bees products, and I like them a lot, though the one lipstick that I have-while I love the color-does have somewhat of a strange (though not necessarily bad) aftertaste.

If you are currently using some great products that are all natural, please let me know.

In the meantime, I’ll scoop up some brands in the store during my next visit and compare both the cost and the way that they look and taste.

And when we hear back from the FDA, I’ll be sure to post more!

Cleavacious Bra: Pump Up the Girls and Support Breast Cancer Awareness!!

Even the perkiest of breasts take a hit after pregnancy and, oftentimes, just like old friends they tend to grow apart over time (yes, those of you in your twenties have this to look forward to as well!)

If your breasts just don’t stand up and out like they used to, or if you have to scoop them from beneath your armpits in the morning before you rise, you really need to check out Fashion Forms Cleavacious Bra. I’m telling you, this bra works wonders on post-baby breasts!

Two small adjustable straps located beneath the cups allow you to adjust the bra so that no matter where your breasts are located on your chest nowadays you can get them looking round and full. The bra is made of very soft material and fits perfectly.
I am the proud owner of a black Cleavacious, and I love love love it! If you are looking for a bra that really works, try one on for size. This month they’ve come out with a limited edition in pink to support breast cancer awareness, so if you buy in the month of October you’re not only accentuating your post-baby chest in a positive way but you are also supporting breast cancer awareness.

Here is a before shot with the cleavacious . . .

and an after shot

You can purchase the Cleavacious bra at www.lingeriesolutions.com, or in select department stores.

And don’t forget to purchase one of the limited edition pink bras, since 5% of sales in the month of October will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Rockport Mary Janes Rock! (And are a steal at $90!)

I needed a great pair of shoes that could transfer easily from a meeting to dinner out. Mary Janes are one of my favorite styles of shoes. I love the way they look and the various styles that are out now. If you are into embellishments, they have it! Bows, multiple straps, patent tips or patent all over . . .

I needed a basic pair and was so excited to find these Rockports. Not only are they totally cute, but they are sooo comfortable. These are available in various colors. The pair shown are plaid, called fondente, but I have a basic pair of blacks that work really well with slacks, a dress/skirt and even a pair of jeans.

Mary Janes are the perfect shoe because they transfer from work to a night out with very little effort, and they go with everything. These are super comfortable, and at about $90 they won’t break your bank either. These are available at www.rockport.com, select Macy’s, and various Rockport stores all over.

So what can you wear them with? Anything. Enjoy!

Welcome to Haute Mamas, Haute Mamas!

I hope that today finds you fashionable and fun!

I decided to create this blog for Today’s BusinessMom because I know how much I love fashion, and how important it is to be fashionable when you’re a working mom. In fact, a recent survey shows that nearly 33% of executives feel that the style of dress at work significantly impacts a promotion. So, with that, this blog is for you!

I will focus on three levels of cost: the cheap, or below $100; the medium, or between $101-$300; and the top of the top, over $301. This goes for everything: shoes, bags, slacks, dresses . . . you name it! I will try to pull fashions from all ranges each week so that no matter what your financial situation, you can find something beautiful that doesn’t break your bank.
With that said, I’m going fashion hunting, and I will post more soon!