Sunday 11 May

Slainte Bags: Giving the Hippie Diaper Tote an Overhaul

I can certainly appreciate some moms' love of the classic fabric diaper tote. It's not too bulky, not too heavy, and can be tossed in the wash without thinking twice. But what I don't get is why they're still making them in the same old lame "mommy" fabrics. ...

Tuesday 06 May

SF MOMA Has Got Jewelry Down

A recent (and costly) side trip with my co-editor Kristen to the San Francisco MOMA last week found us salivating over the jewelry cases in the gift shop. Apologies to the staff for the drool marks on the glass. ...

Sunday 04 May

Their Name In Leather

If there's something I've noticed about tweens, other than their total obsession with Hannah What's-Her-Name, is that they really like stuff with their name on it. ...

Thursday 01 May

Bracelets for Moms With A Lot to Say

I'm the one who always buys the blank greeting cards and leaves at least two voice mail messages because I talk waaaaay longer than the one minute time limit. So when I saw the four sided personalized skinny cuffs from Aqua Beet I did a double take. ...

Wednesday 30 April

Simple Words. Simple Necklace.

While I'm definitely a sucker for jewelry with lots of bells and whistles (okay, diamonds too), I was surprisingly taken with the simplicity of the concentric circles necklace by Lisa Leonard. ...

Sunday 27 April

Kitsch Me Like You Mean It

I have a thing for chunky, loud, way-too-full charm bracelets, ever since I inherited one from my super cool Great Aunt Bea. ...

Thursday 24 April

Flowers for Mothers Day? Oh Yeah.

This choker-length flower necklace of mixed metals from jewelry artist Laura Baxter? I just can't resist. 15 little flowers made of 18k gold, warm rose gold, and silver all nestle together rather nicely along a substantial chain.

...

Sunday 13 April

Skateboards That You Wear

It's been (cough, cough) twenty years, but I still haven't outgrown my adoration for skateboards and the guys who ride them - which is why I'm so enamored of these earrings made from old skateboards. 

...

Thursday 10 April

Heather Moore is for Lovers. Of Mothers.

A reader recently turned us on to Heather Moore Jewelry and now, well, we're turned on. What can I say, awesome, expensive custom baubles make me hot. (Hint to the sigOth.) ...

Wednesday 09 April

Jewelry For Mothers Day? Yes, Please.

Mother's Day is coming, and once again you're thinking "Wouldn't it be nice to have a piece of mother's jewelry?" and in the next breath, "Too bad I sort of hate mother's jewelry."

...

Tuesday 08 April

Q, R, S, Tween

When we come across a great pick that we think is perfect for the tweens in the world, we're happy to spread the word.

...

Monday 07 April

Amy Tavern: Necklaces in Waiting

Just because I have to keep some of the pieces in my jewelry box away from Mr. Destructo, my 14 month-old, it doesn't mean I can't add to my collection. ...

Wednesday 02 April

Lockets Like They Used to Make 'Em. Literally.

As much as I don't love most keepsake jewelry, I absolutely adore vintage lockets. ...

Wednesday 26 March

The Tote With the Most

We love when artists continue to outdo themselves, giving us more amazing items to covet and share with you. Take JOY by artist Mel Lim. ...

Monday 24 March

Having Conquered the Clavicle, Blend Creations Takes on The Earlobe

I've always believed that a great pair of earrings can make even the most scattered woman look put together, and the new line at Blend Creations fits the bill. ...

Thursday 13 March

Dads Need Hot Accessory Love Too

A lot of so-called daddy diaper bags are nothing more than lined messenger bags with cammo on the outside. Oh, the cammo - that ubiquitous indicator of paternal appropriateness. ...

Tuesday 11 March

I Am Woman, See Me Wear Metallics

I've never been one to thrust all my eggs into one basket, so why would I toss all my baby's belongings into one diaper bag? Truth be told, I've got one for almost every mood and outfit. ...

Sunday 09 March

The Chaiken Diaper Bag: What Recession?

Apparently not all moms are created equal, because some will be strutting around this Spring toting their leaky bottles and dirty diapers in swanky Chaiken diaper bags. ...

Friday 07 March

Custom Jewelry Without the Custom Jewelry Prices

Like the other CMP writers, I don't usually gravitate toward keepsakes. If it's engraved or personalized - and it's not a wedding invitation - it's probably not my style. ...

Thursday 06 March

Green. Practically.

If you love the idea of being that cool mom who brings her own canvas tote to the convenience store - but know that you never in a million years will be able to cram a canvas tote in your already overstuffed diaper bag - have we got a solution for you. ...

Tuesday 26 February

Just Don't Call Them Push Presents

I think that commemorating the joys of new motherhood with a little something something is absolutely awesome. Which is why I'm really taken with artist Kirstin Pinit's Maternal Journey necklaces. ...

Monday 25 February

The Drool On the Diaper Bag Will Be Your Own

While we love tracking down cool, smaller label diaper bags, there's something extraordinary about finding one that really - no, really - no other mom on the playground will be carrying. ...

Wednesday 20 February

The Gifting Tree

With a slew of Spring birthdays among my family and friends, I'm always on the lookout for appealing jewelry gifts that won't break my piggy bank. So when I found the tree necklace at CnK Designs, I knew I had this year covered off. ...

Monday 18 February

Born With a Silver Spoon. Or Bracelet.

If you're looking for a special baby gift - I'm talking reeeeally special - we've just found a designer who can absolutely give that blue box store a run for its money. ...

Monday 28 January

Minimizing to the Max

After a day of lugging around The Diaper Bag That Can Hold Everything and Often Does, I am more than excited to head out for a rare night on the town with nothing on my shoulders but a spritz of No.5. Oddly, motherhood has turned me into a clutch girl. ...

Wednesday 23 January

Little Love Monkeys

I know a few moms who think that Valentine's day is strictly for adult-sized people. But knowing how much my toddler adores holidays, there's no way I could leave her out entirely while her dad and I pop the Moet and scarf down truffles.
...

Tuesday 15 January

You're So Green and You Don't Even Know It

In trying my hand at a new greener lifestyle, I have to say it definitely takes effort. But this Re-Run Bag from the Fleurville diaper bag empire spotted at fantastic green boutique Generation Orange, requires nothing but the ability to sling it right over your shoulder. ...

Wednesday 02 January

Permission to Get Rowdy

After checking out a plethora of fantastic diaper bags over the last few years, I have to say that I'd love to be able to take the best features from each of them and combine them into one bag. ...

Monday 24 December

Editors' Best of 2007: Baubles & Bags

BAGSKristen and Liz: We agree! The gorgeous handcrafted faux leather bags from Crystalyn Kae are original, stylish, practical and way more appealing than some purse with big corporate logos all over it.    JEWELRYKristen: I'm definitely hoping for a necklace from Blend Creations' new... ...

Wednesday 19 December

Shopping With an Eye Towards Warmer Days

I'm definitely in the "One for you...one for me..." camp when I'm holiday shopping, much to the annoyance of the sigOth who says he can never get me something without me having bought it for myself first. ...

Monday 17 December

Lightweight Bags, Heavyweight Fashion

Lord knows I love me some leather diaper bags, but as great they look, they're heavy. Jimeale has devised a fashionably fabulous solution. ...

Sunday 16 December

Estrogen Surges: Preserve the Memory

So I always thought estrogen was exclusively about raging hormones, hot flashes, and that lovely monthly visitor that comes knocking at the most inopportune times. ...

Wednesday 12 December

Ooohhhh....Glassy.

I'm all about necklaces these days. If I grab one piece of jewelry before I race out of the house (late, as always) it's going to be a necklace. ...

Wednesday 12 December

Killing Two New Year's Resolutions With One Fashionable Stone

I know that the time for New Year's resolutions which I mostly end up breaking are still a few weeks away. First on my list, making a better commitment to eco-ing up my place.

...

Monday 10 December

When Drawing On Purses is Perfectly Okay

I've decided to capitalize on my daughter's prolific talent this year and turn her artwork into gifts for the entire family. For a very special grandmom (I'm talking super special), that means a clutch from LA-based Scribble Couture. ...

Friday 07 December

The Perfect Combination

Aside from the terribly unoriginal "two of something gift, I had absolutely no idea what to get my friends' twin girls -- until I found the handmade PB & J necklace at the charmingly named Violet Gumdrops. ...

Wednesday 05 December

I'd Like To Buy a Vowel

Calling all word freaks who happen to dig cool jewelry: We've just found a loquacious charmer which speaks volumes about your percipience. ...

Monday 03 December

A Clutch That Has Absolutely Nothing to Do With Diapers

The only clutch I own these days is the kind that holds diapers and wipes. But when I stumbled on the leather Mail Clutch from Toronto designer Cha Cha, I started booking a babysitter for New Year's Eve, like, yesterday. ...

Saturday 01 December

Mommy Likes the Leather

Having just picked up the sad, scattered remains of a beaded ring just now destroyed by my brute of a 6 month-old, I forgot how tough babies can be on mommy's baubles. ...

Thursday 29 November

Noho Ho Ho

I realize it's highly unlikely any tween would carry around some old fashioned photo album to show off her roster of friends when they've got fancy little cell phones and Sidekicks.
...

Thursday 29 November

Stocking Stuffer Central

Sometimes I shop with a person in mind. And then sometimes I just browse fun shops and think, "ooh, who can I get this for?" So-fun UK shop Betty Joy falls into the latter category, especially now that there are stockings that need stuffing in my near future. ...

Monday 26 November

The Cool Mom Picks Bag of the Year (With the Story to Back it Up)

Here's how much we love the bags from Crystalyn Kae: I emailed designer Crystalyn Kokorowski about ordering one of her gorgeous Soiree Drawstring Bags for myself, and then one for my co-editor Kristen as a holiday gift. Simultaneously, Kristen was ordering one for herself...and one for me.

...

Tuesday 13 November

Keeping the Baby Close to Your Heart. Literally.

So you've done the ID bracelet. You've done the locket. You've done every cool keepsake-y baby gift known to man and yet you're still not satisfied. You want the newest, freshest, coolest, latest. Voila: The brand new Baby Coins from perennial CMP fave, Julian & Co. ...

Thursday 08 November

The Earth Minus Plastic Bags? My Kind of Math.

In my efforts to make my household a little greener, I've attempted to give up plastic grocery bags. (And yes, paper ones too, smartypants.) ...

Wednesday 07 November

Getting Your Fixx of Indie

Just in time for the holidays, our blogging friends at Indie Fixx have come along with their very own online boutique, appropriately named the Indie Fixx Shop. Perfect! ...

Monday 05 November

The Tote with the Most

I'm always pleased when one of our favorite designers comes up with yet another must-have, like the wonderful woven totes from Cool Mom Picks regular Alena Hennessey. ...

Monday 22 October

Rake Leaves? No Thanks, I'll Wear Them.

As we move into Fall and the greenmarkets in most parts of the country get sparer and sparer, it's time to start putting some of the springier floral jewelry back into the jewelry box for the next six months. ...

Saturday 20 October

A Bag To Bring Those Kit Kats Home to Mommy

I really ought to be too ashamed to admit this transgression, but for the past five years, my daughter has collected trick-or-treat candy in a plastic shopping bag. ...

Tuesday 16 October

Baby Got Bag

So you work in interior design, you've got all these gorgeous fabric scraps lying around - what do you do with them? Well me, I'd be like, "Hey, someone get over here and clean up all these fabric scraps!" ...

Monday 15 October

A Bird On the Neck is Worth, I Don't Know...16 In the Bush?

Some restaurants have that one dish you love so much that you keep coming back for it. But the ones I love the best have so many tantalizing choices that each time I want something different. That's exactly how I felt when I stumbled on Amy Bengtson's jewelry. ...

Tuesday 09 October

A Doggie Fashion Do

Okay so you went and got that Dora (or whatever) backpack for your daughter that she begged for - and now, only six minutes into the school year she's too old for it. How quickly they grow. And how taxing it can be on our wallets. ...

Friday 28 September

Pearls, Schmearls

It's not everyone who can pull off a single strand of choker-length pearls. Maybe the hoity-toity fashion editors of the world disagree (and I've seen them say as much) but without that neat little bob and the Connecticut zip code to match, you might prefer something a little more shiny. ...

Thursday 27 September

Into The Woods

Summer is officially over, meaning even if it's still 85 degrees out, I'm poking around in the jewelry box to see what's beneath the summery bangles and turquoise rings. ...

Monday 24 September

Vegan Chic: Not an Oxymoron

As a former vegan sans kids, finding fabric bags was a pain in the butt but not impossible. But after having babies, I can't be the only mom who's eyed the easy-clean leather bag with envy. ...

Wednesday 19 September

Bags For the Price of the Lipstick Inside

I can rationalize almost any purse purchase, even though the price tag might be a bit (okay, way) higher than I should be spending on a bag. ...

Monday 17 September

Motherhood is a Beautiful Thing (After That Whole Labor Ordeal)

I was never a fan of sentimental jewelry but now, look what you've done to me, motherhood! Suddenly anything that reminds me of my kids has entered the consideration set.

...

Saturday 15 September

Crochet Isn't Just for Sweaters

After surviving yet another summer, I'm more than ready for that glorious Fall sweater weather. The only problem is that I live in the South, and that crisp air probably won't be hitting my face until late November (if I'm lucky). ...

Monday 10 September

Oh, Kaed!

I finally came to grips with having to carry a diaper bag for the next year, if not more. So instead of pining after the hot leather bags for Fall that you don't want anywhere near a leaky bottle, I found one that's actually made for carrying them. ...

Sunday 09 September

Making Al Gore Proud

I wince every time I take that double plastic bags home from the grocery store, but remembering to bring my own bags, let alone ones that can carry more than a few apples, seems unlikely. ...

Tuesday 28 August

Buy a Bracelet, Save the World

We've all been huge admirers (slash patrons) of Lucina ever since we discovered their unbelievably gooooorgeous jewelry that just so happens to help make the word a better place. ...

Thursday 23 August

O Yeah

Whenever a salesperson tries to push some peacock-feathered and sequined bag on me that will absolutely complete the outfit, I back off. ...

Tuesday 21 August

Legos You Don't Want the Kids Anywhere Near

I've always liked conversation-piece jewelry. My feeling is you can get a lot more mileage out of one really striking piece than decking yourself out with hundreds of dollars worth of average stuff. So I'm already figuring out excuses to buy myself some of the inspired baubles from JacQueline Sanchez. ...

Sunday 19 August

Keeping Your Glasses Where You Can Find Them. Even If You're Not Wearing Your Glasses.

I am guilty of committing gross cruelty to sunglasses. I stick them on my head when they're not in use, I dump them in my bag without a case, I leave them on the coffee table where my daughter can paw at them with sticky hands. ...

Saturday 18 August

Ode to Joya

I'm not quite sure how having a baby translates into the desire to babify everything you own. Just because I might dress my baby in cute baby-ish patterns doesn't mean I want them all over my own accessories. ...

Wednesday 15 August

Keepsakes for the Keeping

The point of a keepsake, from what I understand, is that you actually want to keep it. I might be crazy here, but I think that's the gist of it. ...

Thursday 09 August

The Art of Ka-Ching

Back when I was in middle school, I would put scotch tape around my lunch money change and cram it in my front pocket. Today, pre-teens, tweens and teens sport more cash than some island nations do. I say that kind of cold hard cabbage deserves to be wrapped up in some cool art. ...

Tuesday 07 August

Charm Bracelets that Actually Have Charm

If you want to commemorate your child with jewelry that doesn't look "soooo 2007" in the years to come, allow us to point you towards the photo keepsake jewelry from LA-area designer Patricia Hoppes of Patricia Carolyn Designs.

...

Friday 03 August

We're Gonna Zoom, Zoom, Zooma Zoom

In theory, I appreciate the heroic intentions of the diaper clutch -- saving moms everywhere from gigantic diaper bags. But let's face it, they're not made for quick access, nor do they provide you for much space for your own personal items. ...

Friday 27 July

Pearls for the Not-So-Into-Pearls Set

I've never been the Grace Kelly type, although I certainly admired her style. I just couldn't pull off a pearl choker over a cashmere twin set without looking like I was in a costume. But boy do I like pearls. ...

Thursday 19 July

Craning Your Wrists

As we all know by now, birds are the new black. Also, navy is the new black. Therefore navy birds? A fashion triumph! ...

Tuesday 17 July

Could I See Your ID?

My parents started a lovely tradition of buying each of us an engraved gold ID bracelet when we were born.While I love the sentiment, I just can't see myself buying my kids a filigree yellow gold bracelet considering they'll probably never wear it. ...

Monday 16 July

We'll Always Have Paris

Being a mom of two little ones means the only Paris I'm likely to see anytime soon will be on a movie screen. Oh, who am I kidding. It'll be my television if I can pry my eyes open past 9pm. ...

Saturday 14 July

Necklaces That Won't Get You All Choked Up

My daughter has been struck with a full on jewelry obsession. And while I'm fine with purchasing little girl necklaces and bracelets, I'm overwhelmed with the amount of little plastic and wooden beads that scream "choking hazard." ...

Thursday 12 July

A Taste For Bourbon

I am so not the matchy-matchy type, and anyone who's ever seen me pushing a red stroller with a purple blanket and a floral orange diaper bag will nod vigorously in agreement. ...

Tuesday 10 July

Kinda Makes Up For The Sore Nipples

'm trying not to be offended by the fact that my 5-month-old rejects my boobs to instead watch his sister run around the playground. But while I'd love to refocus his attentions, the thought of a nursing necklace makes me cringe. I get the concept, but it's tough to find one that I'd actually wear in public. ...

Monday 02 July

Send The Kids Packing

I spent longer than I'd like to admit searching for a good overnight bag to send with the kid (now kids) to Grandma's this summer. During that time I made use of old messenger bags, duffels that still smelled like daddy's gym clothes and even CVS bags. Embarrassing, I know. ...

Tuesday 26 June

Giving New Meaning to Unique Jewelry

I'm a total sucker for a baby keepsake, I admit it. But it's got to be a keepsakes that no one else has ever seen before so I can maximize The Ooh-Ahh Factor. ...

Saturday 23 June

Straight From Project Runway (And It Will Actually Fit You)

My co-editor Kristen is the biggest Project Runway fan ever. And I think she will just fall down and convulse in fits of ecstasy when she learns that Season One winner Jay McCarroll now has a fab bowling bag on sale at Fred Flare for just 60 bucks. ...

Friday 22 June

Photo Bags with Money Left Over For Film

I have a love-hate relationship with photo bags. I actually love the idea of them, but I'm not too crazy about the prices. Unless it's Marc Jacobs customizing the handbag for you himself, there's no reason to spend upwards of $250. ...

Monday 18 June

One Bag That's Pure Poetry

When your child finally leaves the 35-pound diaper bag stage, you're left with a couple of options: Continue carrying the same gigantic bag even though you could basically fit your kid in there, or dare to toss a sippy cup in your purse. ...

Monday 28 May

Wood-n't it Be Lovely?

I can't seem to escape the beaded jewelry these days. And while I see my fair share of amazing artistry, I'm sort of over the whole "I took an art class and now I make earrings" type of stuff that seems to be clogging way too many jewelry boxes. ...

Wednesday 23 May

Life-Saving Baubles

It might be cool to wear your "peanut-free" backpack patch when you're running with the elementary crowd, but not so much when the hormones start kicking in.
...

Tuesday 01 May

God Save the Mommy

While Mother's Day is a great opportunity to demand plenty of respect, adulation and pampering from the family, you shouldn't be averse to being treated like royalty the other 364 days of the year. ...

Tuesday 24 April

Family Jules

Keepsakes make me cringe (sorry, keepsake fans) as do sappy baby mama gifts. This is not because I'm some sort of cynical, unfeeling hipster, but rather because I've found most baby mementos to be anywhere from meaningless to downright goofy.

...

Sunday 08 April

Golden Girl

I'm feeling like I need a little more delicate in my life these days. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm nearing that 40 week of pregnancy mark...or maybe it's just Spring. ...

Friday 06 April

What's That Saying About Denial?

I've entirely accepted that fact that I must carry a diaper bag when I'm out with my kids. I know plenty of women however, who don't care how much the thing looks like a regular handbag, it still screams "mommy" too much for their liking. Of course I think the diaper clutch, leaky bottles, and wet wipes spilling out of their purse does that regardless. ...

Tuesday 27 March

A Pinch of Flower

With each change of season I feel the call to update my jewelry drawer. It's a sickness, I know, but with Spring in the air, I just can't be asked to accessorize with the same old same old. Why, even the suggestion of it is shocking. ...

Sunday 25 March

Matchy-Matchy, Not Tacky-Tacky

As a fairly style conscious woman, I always thought that looking put together, in body, mind and home was an easy, natural thing. Until I had a kid. And then another one. And now it takes as much energy as I can muster just to pick out a bag that goes with my barely matching outfit. ...

Wednesday 21 March

A Bag for Every Season

Why is it that it's acceptable to have fifteen purses in your closet that serve very specific functions, but then people look at you funny if you want to register for more than one diaper bag? Sometimes a girl needs a little variety. And there's no more perfect time for a new bag than the first day of Spring. ...

Thursday 01 March

Shiny Pretty Things

I am what you might call a classic mom when it comes to accessorizing. It's easier to wear the same pair of diamond studs every day than to navigate the continuum between tasteful, trendy, and tacky. Boring? Guilty as charged. ...

Wednesday 28 February

You Are What You Carry

There's something frustrating about spending a month searching for the perfect handbag, only to proudly wear it out of the house the first time...and run into four other people proudly wearing it out of the house. I really think there should be a rule against that. ...

Monday 26 February

No One Has To Know There are Diapers in There

There are so many diaper bags out there, it can make your head spin. But what's hard to find is one that really suits the artsy mom who doesn't really see herself carrying a diaper bag in the first place (let alone a baby). Still, those waterproof interiors are pretty convenient... ...

Monday 19 February

Handbagoholics, Put Your Hands Together

It has come to my attention that I have a bit of a bag addiction. And now Jane Raymond of Style Sister Studio enters my life and complicates matters further, since her amazing bags are the kinds that make you say, "oh just one more." ...

Wednesday 14 February

Don't Get Mad, Get Shopping

If for some insane reason, the man you woke up next to this morning did not shower you with myriad expressions of his undying love, affection and willing monogamy, do not panic. Do not cry. Simply take matters into your own hands.

...

Tuesday 13 February

Watch Out Cartier, There's a New Designer in Town

I think I've officially exhausted the pawning off of my daughter's artwork to her grandmothers as gifts. Her cute drawing on plain white paper is a hard sell as a birthday gift, when you gave the same thing a few months back at Christmas. ...

Friday 09 February

Equally Suited to Carrying Diapers and Big Slabs of Meat

When I had my first child, the hospital sent me home with this pastel green diaper bag with little Peter Rabbits all over it. It was cute. Really. It was. However, getting the husband to carry it without complaining--well you can only imagine. ...

Thursday 08 February

No Tipping Required for This Valet

These days I'm finding myself torn between grabbing my fabulous yet unwieldy diaper bag, and stuffing one of those diaper clutches into my already cluttered purse. But thanks to mom and designer Adrienne Jones, I've now got a third option. ...

Monday 05 February

How Much Do You Love Me?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means - graciously allowing your significant other to demonstrate the depth and breadth of love felt for you in terms of pricey baubles and overpriced red roses. Me? I'll settle for just the baubles. ...

Thursday 01 February

Jewelry That Says Bite Me

In theory the idea of a teething necklace is kind of cool, but in actuality, I think of it like letting your dog play with shoe-shaped toys -- probably not the best lesson out there. However, the necklaces from Momma's Jewels may have just changed my mind. ...

Thursday 25 January

Big is Always Better (At Least With Jewelry)

During pregnancy, you might be obsessing with all things small. But when it comes to jewelry and a few other things in life, I'm the first one to admit that bigger is definitely better. ...

Monday 22 January

Fighting the Winter Blahs With Baubles

While Spring is still a good several blizzards off, at least its start will happen in this calendar year. Which means that already my head is onto woven bags, lightweight trenches, and updates to the wardrobe that don't include black, brown or grey.So I'm loving the Chalcedony Cleo necklace from mom and talented designer Lisa Van-Horn of LisaJayne jewelry. ...

Thursday 18 January

My Kind of D.I.Y.

While I'm a fairly crafty person, there are a few things I would never attempt. Like items I might actually wear out of the house. Then again, considering how picky I can be about my accessories, I admit that the thought has crossed my mind. ...

Monday 15 January

Sometimes a Mama Wants to Feel Like a Princess Too

We tend to shy away from the "designer" diaper bags on Cool Mom Picks. When it comes down to it, the thing is going to tote around leaky bottles, ripped bags of crushed Cheerios, and good old poop. But let's be honest, beautiful accessories make you feel good, especially during those postpartum days when you need all the feeling good you can get.

...

Tuesday 02 January

It's NOT a Man Purse

Trying to get my husband to carry a diaper bag is like... well, just put in your favorite analogy that involves something really sucky that you hate doing, and you get my drift. It wouldn't be so bad if our daughter didn't end up in a crumpled diaper that had been in his back pocket all day. ...

Saturday 23 December

New Year's Resolution: Replenish the Jewelry Box

If you've managed to secure the talents of a babysitter or willing grandparent on New Year's Eve, make sure to make the most of your night off and dress to kill. Starting with the ears.

...

Friday 22 December

You're Never Too Young To Accessorize

My daughter has reached the age where she must take at least three random items with her wherever she goes. And then, leave them in the car. While I'm not about to pick a battle with her every time we leave the house, I am going to try to find a compromise -- say by letting her bring as much as she can fit in one of the mini linen totes from Nubius Organics.

...

Tuesday 19 December

Wear it, Hang it, Anyway You Like It

At the ripe old age of thirty, I've come to realize there's something to spending cash on quality items--particularly bags. After going through way too many crappy sacs these past two years, I have a new mantra: It's not expensive if you never have to replace it.

...

Saturday 09 December

Diaper Bag Incognito

I was one of those first-time moms who refused to register for a diaper bag. Call me practical, but I just figured I could track down a cool big tote bag and I'd be fine. But then, as I discovered, there were the bibs, toys, bottles, binkies...and 4,000 other things I couldn't leave home without. And I really could have used an actual diaper bag. ...

Thursday 07 December

Helping Rwanda, One Fashion Pick at a Time

Every year the cold sneaks up on me. Sure it's been December for days now, but that doesn't mean I'm not entirely in denial that it's time to take the gloves out of the back of the closet and start looking for a great new scarf for the season. ...

Tuesday 05 December

Fact: Great Bags Make Women Happy.

While we at CMP try to keep our picks in the "don't have to hock my TV on ebay to afford it" range, all bets are off for the next few weeks. Why? Because someone else--hopefully--is doing the buying for you. ...

Friday 10 November

How Mommy Got Her Groove Back

There's nothing like getting all dressed up for your much awaited date night only to find you're lacking in fun jewelry--i.e. that which would be yanked painfully from your person by any person under six, should he be accompanying you on your date. Which, of course, he will not. ...

Thursday 09 November

Retirement Gift

I remember the glorious day when I folded up my two-ton diaper bag, shoved it in the back of the closet, and brought home my first real bag in ages. It was worthy of a celebration-- until I realized I still needed to carry at least one diaper and some wipes at all times.
...

Wednesday 08 November

Locket 2.0

My grandmother always wore a large butterfly locket containing pictures of her favorite little people so she could "keep us close to her heart." I like the idea of honoring my kids, but wearing a giant silver insect--or most any locket for that matter--just isn't my thing. ...

Thursday 02 November

The Bag To Pack When You're Packing Your Bags

It's no secret that I have a thing for bags. Certainly not to anyone who's ever opened my closet only to have dozens of them tumbling down on her head. But, as most women know: There's always room for one more. ...

Monday 30 October

Let Your Proud Mama Out

Do you know how hard it is not to wave pictures of my daughter at every passerby? I vowed never to be sucked into the wallet-photo flasher club, however on some occassions, I just can't help myself. ...

Monday 16 October

Maximum DenCity

Show me a woman who can resist one of those Cosmo-style "what type are you?" quizzes, and I'll show you a man in drag. Which means women are going to love the jewelry from independent San Francisco jewelry designer Kim Shephard at her online boutique, Urban Dencity.

...

Thursday 05 October

Luka-ing Good

I know it's only October, but those gift-giving holidays are just around the corner. And while we know your spouse or sigOth is probably a savvy gift giver, it can't hurt to gently nudge him in a particular direction. ...

Monday 02 October

Works Like a Diaper Bag, Feels Like a Purse

I admit that at first, I fell victim to the ugly pricy diaper bag. Then I transitioned to the large purse, which has worked well for me since my daughter reached toddlerdom. However, with #2 arriving in a few months and the threat of leaky bottles looming, it's time to go back to the world of bags made to handle spills and messes. ...

Wednesday 27 September

THE Fall Handbag

Recently a friend asked me for advice on THE handbag for this coming season. I'm the wrong person to ask. Not because I don't know what the magazines say is THE handbag for fall. But because there are so many fantastic bags that haven't been deemed THE bag by a fashion editor who, by the way, gets her $6500 THE bag for free. ...

Monday 25 September

Give Me Strength!

I've always loved the mysticism associated with bamboo. It's a symbol of long life, protection against evil, and strength--all of which I could use more of these days. Especially strength. ...

Monday 11 September

Does This Necklace Make My Butt Look Big?

It's a challenge to keep your wardrobe up to date once you've had kids. There are the time contraints, and of course cash flow issues. But even worse is the dread of the changing room's fat mirror coupled with the purely evil lighting design. And this is why jewelry is God's gift to moms. ...

Friday 08 September

One Word: Plastics

Yes, I am a hypocrite. I look at all of the plastic baby gear spewed across the floors of my home and I can't stand it. Everything's just so bright and loud and, well, plastic-y. But then, when it comes to plastic jewelry, I'm like, "ooh, so bright! So loud! So plastic-y!"

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Monday 04 September

Go Ahead and Cuff Them

I still remember that sweet 18K gold ID bracelet I was given as little girl. I wore that thing every single day, turning my mom into a nervous hovering wreck for fear I'd lose it. For my own daughter, I want something similar, only a little more 2006 and a little less anxiety provoking. 

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Saturday 26 August

Just What the Stylist Ordered

If you're anything like me, you have a whole bathroom drawer devoted to those makeup bags so graciously "given" to you when you spend a jillion bucks at the cosmetics counter. Please, leave them in the bathroom. Not only do they scream FREEBIE, they're a cheap ploy to get you flash the company's logo around town. ...

Monday 21 August

Tool Time

I may not be the handiest gal around, but I'm certainly not one to rely on my significant other to handle the "big stuff." And while you may not see me chopping logs in the backyard, I have been known to put together some tough toddler toys, some of which even required screwdriver usage. ...

Thursday 17 August

Glide on the Peace Chain

Everywhere I go I'm seeing dogtags. And no, not just because there's a military base in town. I'm talking about those blinged out engraved initial ones that look heavier than a bicycle lock. And while I like to keep up with the trends, this is one I've been keeping at arm's length. Until now. ...

Wednesday 16 August

Project Runway, Here You Come

Since becoming a mother, I admit I'm a little lax about certain aspects of my appearance. However when it comes to my bags, I'm so picky that the folks at the local department store know me as The Crazy Purse Woman, who attacks them with questions like "can I get Purse A in the fabric of Purse B with the handles of Purse C?" ...

Monday 14 August

Wearing Your Heart Just Under Your Sleeve

I love the idea of lockets--the entire notion of keeping a photo of someone you love by your heart is just so cool. And yet lockets themselves? Not usually so cool.

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Monday 07 August

Toting Sippy Cups in Style

I have never understood the question, "what bag do you carry?" Bag? As in, one bag, singular? I know of no such thing. ...

Thursday 27 July

I'm Pining for Some Wood

With an anti-sleep toddler, I barely have time to get a shower, let alone match jewelry to an outfit. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to sacrifice my stylish tendencies. It just means that I need pieces that can multi-itask as competently as I try to. ...

Monday 10 July

Ring Me

Whoever decided diamond rings were the ultimate symbol of love never to be removed from one's fourth finger, certainly didn't take care of a toddler. ...

Monday 10 July

Saddlebags You'll Actually Want

For several years now, Skip*Hop has made the practical, durable, men-love-'em-too diaper bags that adorn the strollers of the smartest parents around town.

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Wednesday 05 July

So That's What Happened to Grandpa's Underwood

It's not easy for a fashion-conscious new mom to find a piece of jewelry to commemorate her (my) newborn. Well, one that you'll (I'll) actually wear since non-ironic wedding script initials on gold rope chains are out of the (my) question. ...

Wednesday 21 June

Clay Achin'

I am a jewelry snob of the highest order. So if I say I'm coveting something, you must believe I'm talking full-tilt, biblical scale, commandment-busting covetousness. ...

Thursday 08 June

Handmade Rocks Our World

If you're the hippest of the hip and the trendiest of the trendy,
you're probably already sporting the semi-precious gemstone jewelry look. ...

Friday 02 June

I May Look Like a Geek, But a Geek Who Can Find His Keys

For the style-conscious SAHD, your options are pretty slim if you want to avoid lugging your wife's floral diaper tote around town. I couldn’t ever get stuff in and out of my messenger diaper bag, and last summer’s big vacation proved the rule that whatever you’re trying to find in your backpack—diaper, bib, camera, guidebook—will invariably be at the very bottom. ...

Tuesday 30 May

One Less Thing for Dads to Freak Out About

You know what about impending fatherhood freaks me out more than anything else? That my nice little sleek-and-minimal- with-a-side-of-organic-cotton aesthetic will be buried under the inevitable onslaught of pastel plaid ruffles and battery-powered, light-flashing, muzak-emitting "baby crack". ...

Friday 26 May

Say it With Your Necklace

I like to think that the jewelry I wear says a lot about who I am - stylish, funky, and a little bit crazy. However, there's something to be said about jewelry that sends a message.Literally .

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Monday 22 May

Go Ahead and Cuff Me

I'm one of those mothers who always forgets to put a picture of my amazingly adorable daughter in my wallet. Maybe it's because I feel like she's always with me (not so far off, really), or because all our pictures are still stored on our digital camera. ...

Friday 19 May

Fill it with Yen

kyoto purse

Lately I've been on the lookout for a cute little change purse that I can toss into my diaper bag when I head out to the playground. ...

Tuesday 16 May

Reversible Can Be Cool, I Promise

I have to admit that I haven't had much success with reversible stuff. I mean, sure, it's great in theory. But it always seems like one side is way better than the other, and that just sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? ...

Sunday 07 May

Washi and Wear

While I'm a huge fan of origami art, I never know exactly what to do with them. I'm thinking a row of swans on my mantle may not be the greatest design decision I ever made. But, now I can actually wear my washi  (the beautiful paper used to create origami) in beautifully handcrafted pendants by Blend Creations. ...

Thursday 27 April

They're Foreign and Hard to Say, So They Must Be Cool

As a half-Chinese girl, I admit to being somewhat obsessed with all things Asian. However, that  does not mean that you will find me (or my daughter, for that matter) wearing chopsticks or plastic sushi barrettes in my hair anytime... ...

Wednesday 26 April

Mother's Day Shopping For a Cause

Still haven't done your Mother's Day shopping? Or maybe you have but you're looking for some fun shopping just because. Well why not do it for a cause by shopping for great gifts benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital. St.... ...

Saturday 22 April

Have a Tres Chic Earth Day

MyownbagHey, we kind of like the environment. You know, since it lets us breathe and eat and all that kind of stuff. But at the same time, we're moms, and we know that while we want the earth to be around for a very long time, we still need things to be reasonably simple and convenient.

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Saturday 15 April

Blow Your Refund (or at least part of it)

We know you probably already have every single penny of your tax refund budgeted for the rest of the fiscal year. And being like-minded moms, we bet you most likely didn't set aside any part of that on something for... ...

Saturday 15 April

All the Small Things

Being the big tall girl that I am, I tend to gravitate towards clunky heels and big bags. However, when it comes to men (height people, HEIGHT) and jewelry, I'm a sucker for small and fabulous. So, I've set aside... ...

Saturday 15 April

Go Ahead, Put Your Refund Right Into Your Purse

... Or Diaper bag. Because most likely you keep your wallet where you keep your diapers. Remember when you rocked your it-bag Balenciaga? Your Louis Vuitton Speedy? Your whatever else was hot and hip prebaby? Remember when you actually followed... ...

Friday 24 March

Peanut Butter Jellie Time

Looking for an amazing mother's day gift for your baby's momma's momma and/or baby's daddy's momma? Look no further: The lovely lady at Jellie Joolz will cook you up the perfect gift for Grandma. Or if you're the kind... ...

Tuesday 21 March

Make mine a bologna on white, hold the lead.

Lunch_applesop_lb Now that the Center for Environmental Health is suing makers of vinyl lunch boxes for harmful levels of lead (yikes!) it’s time to invest in a new carrying case for the pb&j.

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Sunday 05 March

Tag, You're It

After cruising through way too many websites full of beaded mommy jewelry that look like something my daughter could have made at preschool, I nearly gave up on my search for the perfect personalized mommy necklace. But amidst the sites... ...

Wednesday 01 March

This Stuff Even Makes My Tushie Happy

If you haven't heard, cloth diapering is all the rage. So, that means I was popular for the first six months of my daughter's life. While I don't do the cloth diaper thing anymore, I still love Kathleen's stuff. At... ...

Wednesday 22 February

You Are What You Carry

Before you turn away in utter disgust from overexposure to the dreaded and bejeweled "Elvis-Marilyn-Audrey" bags, I have to say that these bags are tres sassy. The various designs are fabulous, as are the quality of the photos. I... ...