When he started kindergarten, I thought to myself, “This kid is going to outrun every child in the grade. Guaranteed.”

Well…not so much. He runs with these teeny tiny steps. I tell him to take giant steps, and he runs in slow motion. I have no idea why.

For now, he’s not a runner. We’re working on the concept of using one’s body to its fullest. Part of his issue is that he doesn’t believe that he can run fast.

So I’m wondering if a visual reminder that he is fast would actually help him start believing he is fast.

And that’s where these Superhero Shoes Gold Wings come in. These puppies attach right to the laces of a child’s shoe (they fit any size child’s shoe and some smaller adult shoes) and make any track star wanna-be fleet of foot.

I’d like to put these wings on my kid and time his 50 meter dash. I’m kidding.

I guess they’d also come in pretty handy at Halloween time. Think about how many of those cheaptastic Halloween costumes have really crummy shoe covers. They break. They don’t stay in place.

So if your kid is dressing up as a superhero these would be a great addition. Especially if you’re one of the rare people who actually makes her child’s costume. Do people do that anymore?

And then there’s the people who just really like their kids to sport a lot of gold. For the child who’s already got a custom grill and some big old chains around his neck, why not complete the ensemble with some overly baggy pants and some gold winged shoes?

You can pick up the Superhero Shoes Gold Wings at smallfly’s Etsy shop.

image credit: smallfly

Want great style without thinking too hard about it? I know I do. Whenever I get to shop (and that’s RARE!) I feel totally overwhelmed with trying to find something that looks good on my body, is relatively hip, doesn’t make me look matronly, and is also reasonably priced. All without the hassle of hunting forever at 1000 different shops or even one big department store.

Well, I know this is all a marketing ploy by JCrew, but have you seen Jenna’s picks? Who is Jenna and why do I care what clothes and accessories she picks? I have no idea. But, it doesn’t matter to me…I just like what I see.

Instead of browsing through the entire collection of JCrew clothes and accessories, the mysterious Jenna has compiled a handful of things she “picks.” And her picks are usually really cool, both separate and together. Now, I wouldn’t buy everything she chooses, but it’s a place to start.

Since I’m as big as a house right now (2 months away from my due date), I’m not buying any real clothes…but accessories, that’s a different story.

Couldn’t you just see this necklace with a white t-shirt, jeans and sweater? Plus, I’m just lusting after this bomber jacket that won’t fit and time soon!

For what it’s worth, if you want a place to start check it out…her picks are always a mix of staples and fun pieces!

The last thing I wanted when I dreamed of having kids was to turn in to a shlub. It’s not that I don’t appreciate good style or even covet it, I just lost the time and mental capacity to do anything about updating (read: having) my own style that is anything other than little Mrs. Frump. It’s pathetic.

But, I’m nothing if not determined to turn myself around and at least look presentable when I leave the house, even if I do still forget to brush my teeth on occasion. Who should I turn to but the venerable Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame (not to mention his own show, where I stole this information!) to help me on my quest?

Tim Gunn has the best thing a stressed out Mommy on the go could want – a top 10 list of essential basics for your wardrobe. Now, for me, some of these things might have to wait until after this new baby comes along, but I thought I’d share the list in it’s entirety just in case you might not know it.

1. Basic Black Dress – Ahh, the ubiquitous “Little Black Dress.” It is true, a black dress that fits you just right, talk about smoking! And, remember the hemline is EXTREMELY important – not to short, not too long.

2. Trench Coat – Any length trench coat will work these days, I’m told. There are even some really cute little numbers that fall only to your hips.

3. Dress Pants – Again, fit is what you want. And, neutral is best – they are, after all, part of your “basic” wardrobe.

4. White Shirt – The white shirt is a definite, but be sure to find one that flatters your body style. If in doubt, check out either InStyle Magazine or some other source for guidelines on what will look good on your frame (i.e. broad shoulders or big busted or flat chested or whatever you happen to be.)

5. Jeans – Fit, fit, fit. You’ll have to try on a lot to find the right pair. Always consider this: what does your bum look like in the jeans? You know people will be looking, so be sure to check yourself out from behind before you buy.

6. Any Occasion Top – Be fun with this, but be sure it can be worn with or without a jacket. Remember, it’s a basic.

7. Skirt – In this day and age pants seem to reign supreme, so find a skirt that flatters your body and wear it with pride. You’ll feel great and sexy, even if you choose a modest skirt style. Oh, and do try on a pencil skirt – you’d be surprised how flattering they really are, both for curves and for straight bodies.

8. Day Dress – Have fun with this one, but remember it’s for daytime so it has to be comfortable. And you’d be surprised, sometimes dresses are even more comfortable than jeans.

9. Jacket – Don’t’ think business suit jacket. A jacket can be anything. But when trying on and buying do find one that flatters your shape and accentuates your curves. And always lock and load the girls – you won’t want them busting out.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative – Yes sweatpants are comfy, but you can find something else that does the job with more style. Be imaginative with this one. Comfort isn’t a four letter word in the world of style, you just have to do it without looking schlumpy.

Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item!

Now, as a pregnant woman I can’t go out and buy all new stuff for a body that will just change yet again, so I’m altering this as much as I can and substituting what I’ve got with things I can borrow.

Next on my list of things to update: ACCESSORIES!

photo credit le vent le cri

Clearly my daughter has not inherited the “shoe” gene! We went to Stride Right the other day (great back to school sale going on, BTW) to get her some new shoes. Her tiny feet aren’t so tiny any more. And boy do they grow fast…I’ve never seen feet grow so quickly.

We bought 2 pairs (one at full price, which was surprisingly reasonable, and the other at 1/2 off). Sophie even wore one pair out of the store! But as soon as we got home and she saw her “old shoes,” she wanted those back on her feet. Every time we say, “time to put your shoes on,” she runs to the closet shouting, “old shoes, old shoes!”

Her poor feet are crammed in to those old shoes but I can’t get her to switch over. I know, soon she will have to wear the new ones because the old ones simply won’t fit on to her feet, but by then I fear even the new shoes will be too small. Baby’s feet grow so fast!

Has anyone else felt so defeated by the whole constantly buying new shoes business? It’s just wearing me out…and wearing my wallet out!

photo credit jolien_vallins

I photographed a beautiful woman the other day and, during the shoot I kept thinking that I should share a little about how to photograph a pregnant woman so that the soon to be mom looks great and not as huge as she may feel.

Without giving away the store, I decided to give a few tips for those moms and dads who want to take pictures of the pregnancy as it progresses. That way, many many pictures can chronicle the process.  Of course, there are many professionals out there (myself included) who can document the momentous occasion, but you might want to give it a try yourself, just to see what you can come up with.  If that is the case, then think of these ideas when you pick up your camera and start to shoot.

First, PROFILE. Shooting from the side rather than straight on will show more of the belly’s curves. Sometimes if you take a picture straight on of a pregnant woman, they can look large rather than pregnant – any trust me, no one wants that.

MYSTERY.  Yes, everyone will know it’s a pregnant belly, and sometimes they may even know it’s you in the photos, but nothing is sexier than a little mystery, even in maternity photographs.  There are many ways to do that, and here is my favorite photograph of a pregnant woman that incorporates a little seductive mystery.  We used what  we had around us and thought beyond the typical boobs and belly image.  In not showing everything, you may discover you reveal much more.

That should get you started!  Happy shooting.