Mon Petit Chou Chou

Lavender Simple Syrup

2013-05-24T13:00:52Z

Baby shower is almost upon us! Eeeek!

What is the modern baby shower? It is something your mother throws for you? Something your friends plan? I think those ideas are passe and probably unrealistic. Ours is going to be an affair that my husband and I host, one that will hopefully be not only a celebration of bebe mon petit chou chou, but a feast filled with laughter of close friends & family, fabulous food (to get IN my belly), and french country chic decor, of course.

My good friend Emily of MStarr Event Styling & Design tossed a few ideas my way to get the creative juices flowing and I ran from there. Slightly out of control and too fast, but hit the ground running none the less. A rustic, minimalist, home grown shower fits with our space, a new fine dining spot that just opened in Milton, called Steel & Rye...and more importantly, fits with the budget, what the Mr. is concerned about.

Picture dried floral arrangements in frosted sea glass vases and vintage bottles, lavender infused cocktails, wire baskets, tins, toys and baby food jars from yesteryear with some burlap runners and lace accents for good measure. Sounds lovely in theory. We'll see how it all comes together (if you want a closer look at my ideas, check out my baby shower pinboard or my instagram, where I have been posting some crafty projects).

Until go-time, I have been testing out some simple syrup recipes and new cocktails for the husband to taste. This lavender infused syrup is heaven- providing an undertone of lavender and honey notes that just make any cocktail posivtively sing!

Simple to make. Now hopefully everything goes this well with the rest of the shower planning.

Lavender Honey Simple Syrup

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 Tbsp dried lavender flowers

Bring water and lavender to a boil in a saucepan.
Add sugar and honey and stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, allow to cool, strain and bottle.
Refrigerate. It will keep for about 1 week.

Paris Packing List: Evening Outings X 3

2013-05-22T13:00:39Z

Loosely based on what I wore out to dinner in Paris. I took some liberty with the accessories (i.e., I want to buy these items but don't have the $$ post trip, hah!).

1. Printed Biker Jacket, Zara

2. R&Y Augousti ZigZag Clutch, 30 Ponte V

3. Tunic Dress, Zara

4. Buffalo Head Turqouise Necklace, Zara

5. Python Heel

6. Call it Spring Weslia Wedge

7. Reed Krakoff Kid Clutch

8. Printed Shift Dress, Zara

9. Pyrite Drop Earrings, Wicked Peacock

10. Linen Striped Coat, Zara

11. Oversized Vince Tunic

12. Altuzarra Printed Heel

13. Biker Jacket, Zara

14. Jerome Dreyfuss Crossbody Bag

15. Let's Bring it Back Necklace, Lulu Frost X J Crew

More ideas for French dressing?

Just picked up Lessons from Madame Chic, which I started on the flight. Lots of great common sense closet inspiration.

Maximize your Maternity Look: Week 23

2013-05-20T13:01:11Z

Above: Anthropologie macrame maxi, Zara camo jacket, Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos tote (love this new version for summer), Dolce Vita strappy platform, necklace courtesy of maman MPCC

Finally! Some nice weather to wear the assortment of maxi dresses I have been stockpiling. This beauty is from Anthropologie (of course, home of pretty much every cute maxi in existence, and another great spot I have been picking up maternity gear. The Bordeaux line of t-shirts are generously cut and oh, so comfy!).

For more of my maternity chic ideas, check out my ever growing pinterest board.

I wore this layered with my camo jacket, to give me the illusion of a waist, now long gone. I have a bump, I swear!! The dress is also sleeveless, so I wanted to keep layered up for our Marshalls Spring Fashion Event (recap highlights here).

The event went swimmingly and I made it the night in these strappy platforms. Expect to see this maxi appear in many shapes, layers, and looks in the coming months!

Out to Dinner as Optical Illusion

2013-05-16T13:00:25Z

Above: Zara shift dress, West Elm make up bag as clutch, TopShop necklace,

Call it Spring Weslia shoes (c/o)

Before I pack, I usually try on outfit options. It is a great way to make sure seperates work with each other and, when you are growing every week, day, hour, make sure that everything still fits. This was a quick series of snaps while packing for France two weeks ago and a dress I wore out to dinner while on babymoon (for those of you tracking, this was at 22 weeks;).

This dress has been everywhere thanks to Zara's global reach, but I forgive them, because I have had a lot of luck shopping there for roomy maternity looks (shopping a size or two up- what my chic friend over at Ritournelle said most French moms* do when dressing the bump). A trapeze cut is roomy for baby to be and flattering for mom. I was initially unsure about something so short, but it also looks great as a top over some leggings.

My other pregnancy fashion must, wedges. Heels have gone by the wayside for a bit, but when you need a little height, a platform will definitely do. This minty fresh pair are from Call It Spring, a new chain from our friends at Aldo. They ring in at a very budget friendly $50! I checked out one of thier stores over at the South Shore mall a few weeks ago, very cute goodies.

*I have been reading Bringing Up BébéBringing up Bebe and really love a lot of the common sense ideas and practices they detail. I'll definitely leave some of the French tips by the wayside, but all in all, the book has me yearning for some excellent public health/baby care options a la the French. State supported extended maternity leave and full time daycare? Definitely a win/win.

Marshalls Fab Found Fashion: Recap!

2013-05-14T13:00:00Z

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Marshalls Fab Found Spring Fashion event last week!

Plenty of cupcakes, spring styles, fantastic prizes and fabulous people.

I personally gave away a cute neon clutch and this lovely trio of mirrored shapes- to one Miss Najeema. Send me pics of them in your new apartment please;)

Look at how gorgeous all my fabulous co-hosts are! Demonstrating all the important spring trends in one shot (lace, florals, maxi dresses, and navy/green color blocking!). Clearly I missed the memo on nude heels.

Minor miracle, I also survived the entire night in heels. Though I was eager to take them off when I reached the car.

Any fab finds at Marshalls lately? I'll definitely be back to the Fenway location soon.

Bump Dressing at 22 Weeks: Loose Layers, Camo & Paisley

2013-05-10T13:00:00Z

Above: Zara paisley tunic, Old Navy maternity leggings, Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos tote, Zara camo jacket, Vic Matie gold booties via Viola Lovely

Maternity wear is all about comfort. Hence, I have been living in these boots. They are not only comfortable, flats, but in gold they seriously go with everything.

I have also discovered the wonders of Old Navy. It's been a while since I have visited them, but they have been a god send when it comes to cheap, cute, on trend maternity gear. Why pay a fortune when you will only spend a few months in these items? These jeans were a no brainer. Basic dark denim wash, at such great pricing you and afford to get a few pairs....I got two!

And a confession. You don't often see the bump well defined in my outfits, because I am just starting to get used to people wanting people touch it! Not naturally a touchy person, the growing bump has hatched a new host of issues around personal space. I haven't had problems with complete strangers......yet.....but when it comes to the bump, I feel you should ask, or be invited for the touch, right? Pretty much everyone has done this (with the exception of my mother, who I guess gets a pass;). The Mr. claims it is just too cute not to touch though, and understands others temptation. It's new, like the pregnancy and I'm sure I'll get more comfortable with it as time goes on. How have you/would you handle the issue?

I took this photo last week and the belly feels enormous post Paris (though that could be to massive macaron consumption, and cupcake consumption last night, more than anything else).

The babymoon was fabulous, but exhausting! Glad to be back home in Boston and ready to focus on operation baby shower.

Marshalls Fab Found Spring Fashion Event Tonight!

2013-05-08T12:33:30Z

"Maxi dresses make short gals look shorter = myth. There's nothing more lengthening than a sleek, long dress - and you can't beat the price tag on this one!”

cc: Extra Petite Blog

"For those who aren't afraid of color for spring, Marshalls has no shortage of it! I'm loving this bright orange dress from one of my favorite designers!"

cc: I am Khatu

"A casual, floaty maxi skirt can be dressed up with a crisp, white shirt. Comfortable and classic!"

cc: Neat Bit

"Perfect for baby bump now, and a few months from now, for my 'after' when I am allowed to sip a cocktail in this chic designer cocktail dress."

cc: Mon Petit Chou Chou

See you there tonight! Here's a preview of all our fabulous Marshalls finds.

Event details:

Marshalls Fenway: 126 Brookline Ave, Boston MA

Wednesday, May 8, 6-8:00 PM

You can RSVP for the free event here: http://marshallsfindyourfabulous.eventbrite.com/

Mother's Day Means Jewelry

2013-05-06T13:01:12Z

What says romantic more than jewelry for Mother's Day?

1. Pamela Love Breast Plate Cutout Necklace

2. Lizzie Fortunato Pony Cuff

3. Gemvara Chantilly Ring

4. Hannah Blount Baroque Pearl Earring with Barncacle

5. Soixante Neuf, via 30 Ponte V, Moonstone Ring

6. Mikal Winn, via 30 Ponte V, Shell Swarovski Earring

7. Mikal Winn via 30 Ponte V, Crystal Wire Cuff

8. Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer, via M. Flynn, Lenox Necklace

9. Hannah Blount Raw Crystal Ring

10. Lizzie Fortunato Hemingway Earring

11. Falconiere Silver Chainmaille and Fringe Necklace

12. TopShop Acrylic Shard Earring

13. Jessie Lane, via Succarra, Black & Clear Quartz Ring

14. Wicked Peacock Path Cuff

15. Heron and Lamb, via Wicked Peacock, Orb Necklace

DVF X Baby Gap: Bebe's First Wrap Dress

2013-05-03T13:01:07Z

Images: GAP

Sorry, couldn't resist this collab. Mama loves her DVF, so it's only logical that baby should start early.

As I explained to husband, bebe's first wrap dress is a milestone, and hopefully a stylish statement she will make later in life as well. Best to teach them the sassy, style edicts of Ms. von Furstenburgh earlier, rather than later.

The Mr. is in trouble. Big trouble, with a mini me on board.

From top to right:

DVF X GAP Pleated Tank Dress

DVF X GAP Snorkel Blue Wrap Dress

DVF X GAP Lush Green Wrap Dress

DVF X GAP Romper

Dress like a Parisian & Paris Packing List: Day Outfits X 3

2013-05-01T13:01:21Z

Babymoon time! Husband surprised me by agreeing to a long weekend in Paris, a last chance to stroll the city of lights before baby Z joins us. My goal is always to blend. Not broadcast tourist. Especially challenging this year given my expanding waist line. The highest compliment I have received while abroad- not on an outfit, but when I was stopped in the street and asked for directions while sightseeing in Paris.

Here are some of my quick tips on dressing like a Parisian (aka, Mon Petit Chou Chou's universal travel fashion guide to not look like a tourist).

-Keep it simple. Fill your luggage with timeless basics that translate well anywhere, anytime. Raw dark denim, plain black flats, a trench (or cape trench in my case), you get the drift....

-Comfort is king! Think long walks. Public transportation. COM-FORT-ABLE shoes. I repeat, COM-FORT-ABLE shoes!

-April weather in Paris can be unpredictable, but closely follows our temps on the East Coast. I double down with light layers that keep me warm in the early AM, and can be easily shed and stowed in a roomy tote when the sun gets higher.

-Less is more. Especially when it comes to dressing like a Parisian. They build wardrobes around well edited investment pieces that will last for years, not cheap trendy items that are tossed in a week. It's a wardrobe model and lifestyle I try to live by.

-I personally like to keep my travel purse/tote light. Load your phone up with apps. Carry a quick mini-map. And I never leave home without my trusty point and shoot Leica. The carry case also makes for a great cross body purse in a pinch!

Need more ideas on what the wear? Inges de la Fressange's little red book, Parisian Chic do you right.

1. The Cape, Hatch

2. St James Unisex Tee

3. Cece Black Flat, J Crew

4. AG Jeans

5. Hermes Constance Bag

6. Ray Ban Aviators

7. Leica Camera & Case

8. Straw Fedora, Forever 21

9. Isabel Marant Etoile Lace Dress

10. Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos Tote

11. Printed Scarf, Zara