Influential social media moms gathered last week to honor Julia Beck and to use their voices to trumpet the cause of the R Baby Foundation. The Five Star Gala was held at the elegant Plaza hotel. While the food and decor were dazzling, what really sparkled were the moms.

During the past few months we were led by Rebecca Levey and honoree Julia Beck. We tweeted, blogged and filmed a PSA to raise awareness about the dire need for funds and education in pediatric emergency rooms. To celebrate the success of the campaign we got dressed up and toasted one another and the power of moms to use their voices for change.

But enough about that…didn’t the moms look fabulous? Let’s but the charitable aspect aside for a moment and talk fashion!

Shari Brooks wearing Nannette Lapore jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels
Personal style icon is Catherine Malandrino
www.myjudythefoodie.com

Linda Grant in Suzy Chin for Maggy Boutique with jewels from Melinda Maria
Style icon: Anna Wintour and Jenna Lyons
www.nycsinglemom.com

Cori Ingrassia in Cache. Her sparkle? Bracelet-Jennifer Lopez for Kohls and earrings- Cache
Personal style icon: Jennifer Lopez
www.complicatedmama.com

Julia Beck in J Mendell Dress and Christian Louboutin shoes with a Rebecca Minkoff bag
Her jewels are from Joan Hornig
Personal style icons are Contemporary – Kate Hudson, Salma Hayek and the nostalgic pick is Ali McGraw (late 1960s, 1970s) and fictional character Holly Golightly.
www.fortyweeks.com

Nancy Horn in a classic black dress from Macy’s and jeweled cuff by Melinda Maria
Personal style icon is Elizabeth Taylor.
www.themamamaven.com

Jessica Shyba in a Lauren Ralph Lauren dress and shoes.
Personal style icon is probably Kate Moss.
www.mommasgonecity.com

Audrey McClelland in a DKNY and jewels from Melinda Maria
Style Icon…Sarah Jessica Parker
www.momgenerations.com

Liz Gumbinner in Max Mara and earrings by Alexis Bittar, Cartier knock-off ring by Fantasie Jewelry Box.
Personal Style Icon: all the people photographed at MOMA show openings
www.coolmompicks.com

Joanne Bamberger in a J. Crew dress
Her style icon? Diane von Furstenberg — “simple, classic, timeless”
www.punditmom.com

Vera Sweeney wearing Ralph Lauren
Her Style? “I like to keep things simple, yet classy. I think it’s a mix of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.”
www.ladyandtheblog.com

Jill Seiman was resplendent in nom for belly dance maternity. Her earrings were on loan from melinda maria jewelry and her clutch from Diane von Furstenberg.
Style Icon: Sarah Jessica Parker
www.glamamom.com

Ellen Seidman wearing MaxMara and Nyla Star jewels
Ellen loves how Salma Hayek dresses—super-femme, with flair
www.lovethatmax.com

Lyss Stern in Escada says “Diamonds are a girls best friend.”
Lyss picks Audrey Hepburn as her icon
www.divamoms.com

Jennie Baird in vintage (circa 1999) dress from Lord & Taylor and
a double strand of graduated pearls were handed down to me by my grandmother on the occasion of my (first) engagement.
Your personal style icon? Nicole Feliciano, of course! One day I hope to be one tenth the style maven that you are! (she was not paid to say this)
www.babynamewizard.com

Dawn Sandomeno in a Jill Stewart dress and Stuart Weitzman shoes. She sparkled in a Melinda Marie Gold and Turquoise Cuff.
And another vote for Audrey Hepburn
www.partybluprintsblog.com

Melissa Chapman dressed in Laura Madrigano
Personal Style icon- Jennifer Aniston– “she always looks sexy, perfectly put together but not trying too hard!”
www.marriedmysugardaddy.com

Amy Oztan in David Meister with jewels by Melinda Maria
Style Icon: Kate Winslet adding, “She knows how to dress for her body and always looks comfortable.”
www.selfishmom.com

Rebecca Martin wearing Douglas Hannant dress and Lulu Guinness Shoes.
“My personal style icon was my grandmother Betty. She was the type of woman who was beautifully coiffed in dresses and heels and the kind of lady who wore silk Diane Von Furstenburg nightgowns to bed. I lived for her bright lipstick and big costume jewelry. Thankfully I inherited both the nightgowns and the jewelry!”
www.newyorkbabyshow.com

Nancy Rabinowitz Friedman wearing McQ by Alexander McQueen (before he died!) and selection of pieces I inherited from my grandmothers. The necklace was my maternal Grandmother’s ring, reset into a necklace.
Nancy picks Tilda Swinton – “because she is not afraid to be different, fashion forward, and adventurous with her look. And my Mom. Because she would never be caught dead in a little old lady outfit.”
www.KidzVuz.com

Suzanne Chan in a dress from Betsy Adam, bought at Macy’s and vintage Jimmy Choo’s with jewels from Melinda Maria
Suzanne aims to “channel Kate Beckinsale who is always classy and poised.”
www.MomConfessionals.com

Rebecca Levey in Hoss Intropia and Olia Designs  jewels
Yes, another vote for Audrey Hepburn.
www.KidzVuz.com

Volunteering never looked so good. Cheers ladies!

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

                          

Beyonce recently posted this fun picture of her wearing this cute and stylish necklace in honor of her daughter, Blue. Available on NiksNaks.com, this gorgeous Basch & Co. Nameplate is a perfect gift that any mom will love. We are also loving the trend of wearing nameplate necklaces – especially as an ode to your child (or children) that you can keep close to your heart.

For more information, please visit:  NiksNaks.com

 Momtrends was not paid for this post

                          

I’m no cook. I’ll say it again. I am no cook! So, when I get tired of making the same four dishes over and over, I like to turn to a few truly inspirational food blogs for much needed ideas. I’m looking for a meal for my picky kids and for me and my hubbie. And we don’t want to eat mac and cheese for dinner. Here are a few of my favorite blogs and the recipes that I think my whole family would enjoy.

Chicken Fried Rice by Food for My Family sounds ideal because my two-year-old and five-year-old like chicken and rice. The sprouts and mushrooms will be a problem, so I would take them out and replace with carrots. I think the recipe look scrumptious (sprouts and all). Shaina does a fabulous job showing us with photos and description how to make this easy dish. (Top photo via Food for Family)

Andrea Meyers’ Banana Apple Grits looks divine. I love grits, but I’ve only made the quick kind. She uses stoned ground grits, which I bet are a lot yummier. I would be happy to eat this for dessert, it looks so good. My kids would agree. (Photo via Andreas Meyers)

The No Work Chicken recipe on Weelicious had me with the name. And the tasty looking photo. The marinade is made with honey, mustard and ginger and I think my older daughter will say, “Mommy, this is spicy, but in a good way” which is what she says when food has flavor! (Photo via Weelicious.)

I’ve never made granola before and haven’t even bought it since college, but Shelly from QuickQuickYumYum describes her granola as healthy and a quick well-balanced breakfast (with yogurt) that her kids adore. If i layer it like this in a glass, my girls will think it’s a fancy treat.

Shelly makes all her recipes sound so delicious. And doesn’t this granola look easy to make? (Both photos via QuickQuickYumYum.)

Puttanesca Baked Cod from The Naptime Chef (the best name for a food blog ever) is right up my alley. Will my kids eat it? I think fish with tomato sauce with fish could work. (I’ve tried fish without tomato sauce and that didn’t work out so well.) If the kids don’t like the fish, I could give them the couscous with sauce and cheese and my husband and I will happily enjoy it. Done! (Photo via The Naptime Chef.)

Visit Elizabeth Leach on Wee Westchester, for Westchester, NY parents, and on blogtownmom, her guide to kid style and general mommyhood.

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

                          

My poor feet have been put through the ringer. From blisters to calluses, my tootsies have seen better days. Now that I am a mom, I am on my feet even more – running around for work and then going on adventures with my girls. Somedays I feel the weight of the world on my feet, and since I don’t have a foot masseuse on call it’s time to do something to calm and treat my feet.

At a recent event in NYC I learned more about taking care of my feet by using Dr. Scholl‘s inserts. Never having tried them before I always assumed that inserts were for serious conditions or for people who wore orthotics. This is definitely not the case and there is a fast-growing segment of people who are in pain that don’t have to be by simply adding an insert into their shoes. In particular, inserts from Dr. Scholl’s can provide less discomfort for women thanks to its Shock Guard Technology that is proven to provide all day pain relief. I was sold at hearing that, but got even more excited when I learned that their line targets problem-areas in the lower body – making walking more enjoyable.

Another welcome surprise was seeing the unique products for women including inserts that comforted women who wore heels and flat shoes.  I loved hearing more about the For Her High Heel Insoles that are designed to shif the pressure off of the ball of your foot and then providing all day support. Following the event, I also tested out this product and I loved how it stayed firmly in place all day while providing me with amazing comfort. There are also products specifically for the heel with the Dr. Scholl’s P.R.O Pain Relief Orthodontics for Heel inserts that are designed to absorb shock reduce impact as well as an arch insert called the Dr. Scholl’s P.R.O Pain Relief Orthodontics for Arch that provides extra support to prevent arch pain. I was also interested in learning more about the Dr. Scholl’s P.R.O Pain Relief Orthodontics for Lower Back that is designed to absorb pain-inducing shock and treat lower back pain. What is even better is that there products  are sold at drugstores everywhere and last around six months – making them an incredible value.

After I previewed the product line, I had the chance to check out the fast feet of Val Chmerkovskiy of Dancing with the Stars. Val was on-hand teach ballroom dancing all while wearing the insoles. There was also reflexology treatments, a smoothie station, tennis lessons and special appearances by LaLa Anthony, Megan Hilty and Wilmer Valderrama who were also there to support the brand and their new “Get Up and Go” campaign. Through the campaign, Dr. Scholl’s wants people to treat their foot ailments and literally go – by not letting it get in the way of their life and what they love to do. With a little help from the Dr. Scholl’s product line, I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given some Dr. Scholl’s samples.

                          

These past two weeks vacation, moving and summer clothing shop have been on my mind. A lot to plan and get ready – especially in such a short period of time! Once our move was over and everything was sort of settled, it was time to figure out what my girls needed for our much-needed mini-break.

My list was simple, but was filled with some essentials for the warmer weather. I needed a few summer dresses for the girls, a bathing suit and comfortable shoes for the beach. I also didn’t have much time to purchase everything where I decided to take my shopping adventure online.

I went to Diapers.com and loved that they relaunched their clothing and shoe section where I saw brands like Converse, tea, aden + anais, green kids, halo, carter’s and more! This now includes over 100 brands and over 25,000 items.clothing and shoe options that were easy to locate the clothing and show tab on Diapers.com. This included a better filtration process where I could locate my clothing options by brand, color, size, gender, age and type of clothing (organic, nautical, sun hats, bodysuits, etc) – making it easier to navigate and find exactly what I was looking for. A huge fan of tea collection so I opted for the yellow Kangin Stripe Playdress for my older daughter and the Carter’s Sleevless Jersey Bubble Romper in a deep red and the Carter’s Embroidered Knit Dress featuring a cute cotton dress with a diaper cover.  I also located a cute pair of Crocs called the Keeley for my older daughter and the colorful Kanu Surf Swimsuit for my baby. 

After I made my purchases the online prompt told me that I would be receiving all of my items the next day. I ordered everything on Friday afternoon and it all arrived on Saturday. This is incredibly convenient for parents where you can order most items and receive them quickly. I also love that they have a free return policy, so if something doesn’t fit you can easily return or exchange it!

After my purchases I went to the Polyvore Mini App on facebook where I was able to create mood boards featuring cool outfits from Diapers.com. Through this app, I was able to mix and match with various brands to create outfits for my kids. Check out this pick here with a dress from tea and baby sunnies from babiators – perfect for summer!

Win it! We are giving away a $100 gift card to one reader. To enter, visit the Polyvore Mini App on Facebook and tell me what your favorite picks are from our board (check it out here) in the comments section.

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES (3 EXTRA ENTRIES FOR A TOTAL OF 4):
1. LIKE MOMTRENDS ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE DIAPERSDOTCOM ON FACEBOOK.
2. FOLLOW @MOMTRENDS ON TWITTER AND @DIAPERSDOTCOM ON TWITTER.
3. TWEET THIS MESSAGE “Check out the new clothing/shoe selections from @DIAPERSDOTCOM WITH @MOMTRENDS #GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/IS5cMt”

Full Disclosure: Winner must be 18 years or older and a US Resident. No purchase necessary. Winner will be notified via email with the specifics on how to claim their prize. Contest ends 5/24/12 at Midnight EST. Winners will be picked by random.org. By entering this contest, you will automatically be signing up for the Momtrends newsletter.

This post is sponsored by Diapers.com in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network.

                          

I have a cousin who lives in Maui. She’s also writing glorious prose to me of the spectacular views, the breathtaking scenery, the perfection that has been created on its sandy coastline. And why wouldn’t she brag? The Hawaiian island has been voted the “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for more than a dozen years.

The Maui by Okabashi is my latest fashion find and they are…just…good. I know. I know. Good? That’s all I could come up with? My thought…let these amazing shoes do the talking for me.

Never has so much thought gone into a casual thong shoe. They have this comfy massaging insole that really rubs your foot the right way and helps relieve foot and back pain (good for popping on after a gym workout or after a good run). They’re made in Buford, GA (good for the U.S.). 
They have antimicrobial agents and are odor resistant (good to prevent bacteria), but when you do need to wash them just pop them into the dishwasher or the washing machine. Their sole has an anti-slip grip and they’re water-proof (good for locker room showers). They’re 100% recyclable and contain 30% recycled material (good for the planet), so even you’ve decided they aren’t long for this world, you can toss them in the right bin…the one that helps the planet. Kinda like leaving the right footprint, isn’t it.

They also come in on-trend brights like hot pink, orange (my all-time favorite color, as you well know), turquoise as well as Georgia red, chartreuse, jade, grape, lavender and classic black (good for my fashionista)
. The simple design is a step above a typical flip flop, with weight to it and the ability to match pretty much any casual summer outfit.

I plan on wearing my jade pair to the beach, the gym (for aprés-workout, of course), the mall, luncheons–it’s all good. And since I won’t be flip-flopping it to the actual Maui this year, I would call this a better-than-good consolation.

Okabashi Maui is available for $14.99 at www.okabashi.com.

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance writer, who writes beauty, fashion and fitness for Boston Common, Stuff and Glamour magazines, as well as her own EasyPeasyBlog.com.


Momtrends was not paid for this post. We did receive samples for review purposes.

                          

I have been thinking about this amazing boot/shoe hybrid that I recently saw at the Camper Shoes Preview. Called the Ariadna, these boots featured a subtle heel that was featured in a gorgeous brown that I could see paired up with virtually everything in my closet. Although is almost sandal season, I was excited to check out the latest shoes from Camper that featured a comfortable collection of heels, boots and flats as well as some cool collaborations with designers and artists like Veronique Branquinho and Berhard Willhelm. Here are some of my favorite shoes for women (we’ll be covering the latest styles for kids soon!):

Ariadna

Momtrends was not paid for this post

                          

Bungalow360 makes a fabulous collection of handbags and totes that come in a huge variety of styles and patterns, but the one thing all the products have in common is they’re  fun, fashionable and eco-friendly.

The entire collection is vegan, and everything is made with 100% lead-free natural cotton canvas, and water-based ink. Bungalow360 bags are perfect for every day, as well as for the beach, the pool, baby gear and anything else. And the patterns are bright, whimsical and unique.

We reviewed the Deer Tote (12×13), which retails for $29. This tote bag is a great size for every day use, and fits all the mom essentials. I love that the bag also has a clever zippered side pocket for items you need to keep safe, and to make sure your keys don’t come tumbling out every time you reach in the main area of the bag to meet a kid request for a snack or a tissue.

The bag has great details, like the peace sign on the zipper pull. And it’s reversible (as are all the totes from Bungalow360), featuring a great retro turquoise polka-dot pattern on the interior.

Fun, fashionable and eco-friendly, what more could you want from a summer tote bag?

Bugalow360 is an “earth happy” company, and is dedicated to saving the community. Using the “Powered by Love” program, Bungalow360 continuously donates solar power to nonprofits.

To learn more about Buglaow360, visit their website or like them on Facebook.

Anna Sandler is a mom of three living a suburban-fabulous life in scenic New Jersey. She writes a personal blog at RandomHandprints.com.

Momtrends was not compensated for this post. We did receive a Bungalow360 tote to review.

                          

One of our favorite children’s clothing brands, Zutano is making its debut at Target.com.

Kicking-off with a collection called ‘Zutano Blue,’ the line captures Zutano’s vibrant aesthetic and trademark bright, whimsical prints in clothing, hosiery and children’s bedding.

There will also be apparel within the layette category with limited prints and body styles in newborn to nine-month-old sizing.

Seems like a perfect match in children’s fashion and design innovation.

Check out the collection on Target.com

Momtrends was not paid for this post

                          

I have zero idea if you want to know this, but here it is…I have a bad reaction to shaving. But don’t worry. I refuse to reach yeti status, so I work around it. Now that spring is here, I have to. Shorter hem lines mean smooth legs.

Ever since having my daughter, my skin has become much more sensitive (gee thanks, sweetie). Now every time I shave, I end up with red bumps everywhere. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, because the next day is spent itching. Since I’m the queen of the short summer dress, I’m always looking for alternatives to grabbing the razor. Waxing can get so expensive and TBH I tried those at-home kits and I just don’t have the oomph able to drag the sheet off properly.

Here are a couple of ways I’ve discovered that have helped with my fretting over getting fuzz-free.

I remember in the ‘80s my mom got this contraption called the Epilady. It was a coil epilator that ripped the hair out from the roots. Every time she used it, she screamed. Ah, the things we do for beauty. When I heard about the Philips Satin Perfect, I screamed. Is it possible they have brought back that legendary torture device? Well, sort of. Same principle but not as torture-y.

You have to grow your hair out a bit in order for it to work (annoying). I guess it’s leggings for you, until you can don the short dress with smooth legs. Once the hair is long enough, you glide the Satin Perfect across your skin. I won’t lie to you. It doesn’t hurt, but it pinches. Once you get used to it, it’s fine. But I said that about my tattoo process. Everyone is different. The immediate result will also shock you. You might be riddled with little red bumps. I was. Everywhere. I looked like a victim of something. This is why they say to do it at night before bed, so the bumps have time to go down.

It didn’t get all the hair, so I had to spend a minute or two tweezing a few strays, but it was all worth it. My legs have been smooth now for three days since I did it. I couldn’t even eek by a second day with shaving.

You can also use it on your bikini line, with a different attachment head (it comes with a few different ones, even a clipper). That didn’t last as long, but it did mean that I could bag shaving that sensitive area. If I do have any bumps, Sally Hansen has me covered with their new Zero Bumps spray. It’s aftercare for your bikini line that soothes and eliminates those gross bumps and irritation right after you remove hair.

Sally also has the second of my two saviours…their new Brush-on in-Shower Hair Remover cream. The applicator is great because it’s a giant paintbrush, so you just squeeze and apply. Wait a few, hop into the shower and continue your routine while it works its magic. It says that it’ll stay on while you’re in the shower, but not to have any direct water on it. So….if this is on my legs, how am I supposed to keep the water from directly hitting it? Since I can’t get my jet pack or hover craft wet, I usually don’t go in until I’m ready to wash it off. And when I do, off goes the hair. It works like a charm. And no bumps.

Caveat: It claims to be virtually odor-free and it is. Virtually. It still smells. I’m confused how we can send a man to the moon, but we can’t figure out how to get rid of that dipalatory smell. We also can’t figure out how to make a camera that doesn’t add 10 lbs. but that’s neither here nor there.

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance writer, who writes beauty, fashion and fitness for Boston Common, Stuff and Glamour magazines, as well as her own EasyPeasyBlog.com.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We did receive samples for review purposes.