Safari Trend Summer 2014, Accessories for Mom and Fashion for Baby

Spring/Summer 2014 Runways, Safari Fashion

After a bitter cold, agonizing long winter, I’m so ready for spring. In New York City, that means a B-line right into the hot, humid summer. Did you go outside today? But, I’ll take it, safari style.

Spring/Summer 2014 Runways, Safari Fashion

Spring/summer 2014 runways were full of cheetahs, trench coat inspired dresses, sunset prints, snakes and nudes.  

Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2014 Ad Campaign 

Since my fashion choices are still a bit limiting, I’ll be accessorizing, scorching, safari style.

1. Annie Hammer, Ivory Horn Earrings, $75
2. Isharya, Neutral Statement Serpent Druzy Wire Cuff, $348
3. Josie Natori, Smoky Quart Cuff, $375
4. Tory Burch, Natanya Linen Espadrille Wedge, $235
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Isle de Sea Tina Tote, $198
6. BaubleBar, Tortoise Links Necklace, $46
7. Sandy Diego Hat Company, Boater, $30

For the little ones …. Mud Pie giraffe dress.

Mud Pie Giraffe Dress for Girls, $37

And, doesn't my peanut look adorable in her Bugaboo Safari stroller and RalphLauren trench? 

Ilana Rose showcasing Safari fashion in her Sahara stroller from Bugaboo.

P2 Lifestyle: HandbagDesigner101 8th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, Are you the Next Great Bag Designer?

Calling all handbag designers !!!

There’s one week left to enter for the chance to be nominated for HandbagDesigner101's 8th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. This is the only handbag competition of its kind in the world, and I’m thrilled, once again, to be part of the preliminary judging panel.

This coming Sunday, I’m taking some time off from mommy duties to sift through what I’m sure will be tomorrow’s great accessory stars. You could be one of them!

Back in 2012, when I wasn't pregnant ...
the last time I was able to attend the awards!

I tried to find a picture from the 1st Independent Handbag Designer Awards, but it's saved on an old computer. I'll have to fish for it! This was me attending back in 2012, and I've been pregnant ever since :). 

P2 Fashion: Malachite Jewelry and Home Decor Accents

Gold and malachite watches from Piaget. Simply stunning craftsmanship!

Malachite is one of my favorite stones due to its luxurious and vibrant green hue; and, thanks to my Russian heritage, I’ve been heavily exposed to this jem in jewelry and home décor. Until recent times, large quantities of malachite were mined in the Urals, Russia. In fact, there is an entire MalachiteRoom in the Hermitage, which I hope to see some day.

The Malachite Room at the Hermitage is classic, Russian opulence. 

Malachite has been on my mind ever since I was gifted a gorgeous, Isharya pyramid malachite ring after hosting the Accessories Council’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide event. As many of you know from Instagram, the ring has been on my finger nearly every day for two weeks.

Here’s a roundup of some of my other favorite malachite items for spring/summer fashion and home décor.

I'm mad for malachite!

1. Stephanie Kantis, Malachite Button Ring, $475

2. Christian Dior China, Guadron -Malachite Green napkin rings circa 1990s, $49 

3. Isharya, Green Malachite Goddess Honeycomb Earrings, $218

4. Istdibs.com, Valerie Egee - Bronze Cuff Bracelet with Malachite and Rodocrosytis, Price Upon Request

5. Isharya, Green Malachite Goddess  Pyramid Ring, $78

6. L'objet, Malachite Espresso Cup & Saucer Gift box, $580

7. RubyLane.com, 19th Century French Figural Ormolu Bronze and Malachite Candlesticks, $3980

Gold with malachite is a lux way to dress up a dining table or office. If you’ve never shopped L’objet, I highly recommend the brand. As summer soirées roll in, this brand makes excellent hostess gifts. The packaging alone will wow your friends. 

L'objet malachite and gold dinnerware and hostess gifts.

L'objet malachite dinnerware

P2 Family: Gifts for Your Wife from Bachelor Party

Gifts for your wife, from a bachelor party?

Bringing home presents for your wife from a bachelor party? I love my husband!

The shoes – Valentino Rockstud Patent Leather & Leather Ballet Flats, a flawless, classic!

These will never go out of style. I'm obsessed!

Realizing that this pregnancy is much harder on my back, I desperately need more fabulous flats. Always Be Your Best You, even in flats. I love my heals, but I need ground-level options. So, I hinted to the hubby that I wouldn’t mind these. He selected the color.

BONUS, The scarves – Hermes Faune LettreeSilk Twill Scarf from the Summer 2014 Collection and Hermes Faune Lettree SilkTwill Pocket Square

Matching mommy and me scarves? Yes, excessive. I think I'll keep both!

Two days ago, while resting my poor feet and back, I perused the new Hermes scarf catalog that just arrived. The cover showcased an ABC scarf, aka Faune Lettree, and I instagramed an image. The accompanying text, written as a joke, read “Best way to teach #baby ABCs ! Thanks +Hermès for new scarf catalog in the mail on sunny Saturday.” The only person that my husband follows on Instagram and Twitter is me. He found this statement to be funny, and an inspiration for two more gifts. The big scarf is for me – baby blue, because we are expecting a boy. The little scarf is for Ilana – she’ll appreciate it someday. For now, I’ll likely frame and hang it in her room.

Careful what you Instagram

My husband is amazing, not because he purchased these lavish gifts, but because he wanted to surprise me knowing that, like a little child, I live for surprises. He gets a kick from my happiness, a mutual feeling in our marriage. Gifting was following by dinner, a little TV time and chatting, other stuff ;), and a massage for Mr. Wonderful from Mrs. Madly in Love. 

Dear husbands of the world,
Your woman does a lot for you and your family and she deserves to be pampered. There are millions of ways to show your gratitude - cooking a meal, giving her a massage, gifting flowers, planning a romantic day in the park without the kids ... 

Ladies, 
Your men deserve you to Always Be Your Best You. Take care of your style & beauty routine and not only will you feel more confident (even if you're in bed due to sciatic nerve pain!) but your man will appreciate the effort. Don't let yourselves go. Never Surrender your sexy side! 

I'm wishing you a wonderful, sexy and sane week. BIG hugs. 

P2 Giveaway: Win Amazing Accessories featured during Accessories Council Mother's Day Gift Guide Event

I'm giving away amazing accessories featured during the Accessories Council Mother's Day Gift Guide event, which I co-hosting, this week. Two lucky readers (US only) will enjoy bags, jewelry, and small leather goods. The contest has been extended through Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Good luck! 

RULES for Giveaway

1. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
2. Tweet a link to your favorite item from the event. All links are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman.
3. Instagram an image of your favorite item from the event. All images are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman
4. One winner will be selected via Instagram and one via Twitter. Limit to three tweets and three Instagram posts per day. Contest ends Friday, April 15, 2014 at 11pm EST. Winners will be announced shortly after.

P2 Fashion: Hosting Accessories Council's Mother's Day Gift Guide, plus Giveaways

Image courtesy of GlitterBuzzStyle.com

Hosting a soirée, be it my daughter’s 1^st Birthday Party or last night’s Accessories Council Mother’s Day Gift Guide, is invigorating. I love engaging an audience, making them laugh and sharing my stories. When I see people smiling and reacting to my words, it reinforces my belief that I’m following my calling and living with passion.

I went with the Matthew Williamson dress from +Rent the Runway.
Image courtesy of GlitterBuzzStyle.com

Guests, including +PEOPLE, +secondcitystyle,  and LookOnline.com gathered at +BLT Fish to learn about the latest accessory must-haves for mom.

Scarves, jewelry, bags and so much more were featured, from great brands like +Hayden Harnett, Adrienne Landau and +ISHARYA Jewelry. Guests left with plenty of stylish tips and swag galore. Below are some of my favorite items of the night. More images are posted on my Pinterest page.

The hint of blue, makes this classic black/white tote more interesting.
Since mom is a walking pharmacy, she'll appreciate all the compartments.
Isaac Mizahi, $298 

Hearts are such a boring, typical choice for Mother's Day.
But, this laser cut style is cool, fresh and on trend.
Pico Designs, $65

A good vs a great scarf is all in the details, like hand rolled hem, finest
Italian silk twill & meticulously designed print. These scarves have it all.
Vasi, $360

Since I hate to be a tease, I’ve secured a special giveaway for two lucky readers.

RULES for Giveaway

1. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
2. Tweet a link to your favorite item from the event. All links are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman.
3. Instagram an image of your favorite item from the event. All images are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman
4. One winner will be selected via Instagram and one via Twitter. Limit to three tweets and three Instagram posts per day. Contest ends Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10pm EST. Winners will be announced shortly after.

More than a wallet, this can double as mom's grab-and-go clutch
while running errands or enjoying a date night with dad.
olivia + joy, $58

Modern and lightweight, this isn't your grandmother's bead company.
For the young, minimalist mom, this is the jewelry brand to buy.
X by Trollbeads, $234

It's no surprise jewelry is the top gift item for Mother's Day.Surprise
mom with these lightweight earring to bring out her inner goddess.
Isharya, $118

Thank you to my long-time friend, mentor and president of the Accessories Council, Karen Giberson for asking me to be her co-host. I’ve known this amazing woman for nearly a decade and it’s a privilege to count her in my inner circle of diva, power women. 

P2 Fashion: Cate Blanchett's Chopard Earrings 2014 Oscars

Image courtesy of Chopard

Cate Blanchett's Chopard earrings took my breath away. Hands down, this was the best jewelry moment of the entire awards season! 

The 18kt white gold earrings are from Chopard's 2014 Red Carpet Collection. There are 62 opals (that's 22.03ct !) and 1595 diamonds (1.73ct). If you are in the market for new earrings feel free to call 1-800-CHOPARD. As my friends as Chopard so kindly told me, the price is available upon request. My response what, "do I dare request". Hmmm?!!

P2 Fashion: National Jewelry Day Twitter Party with Max and Chloe

Don't you love the holidays? It's a reason to dress up, get together with friends and socialize. With National Jewelry Day coming up this Thursday, I thought we should celebrate!

Join me and my freind Malorie Kaye, president of Cameo PR, as we host a National Jewelry Day Twitter Party spotlighting the latest spring 2014 jewelry trends, celebrity look for less style, radiant orchid and other key colors for spring, plus share some of the hottest new designers available at MaxandChloe.com.

Here are all the details:

WHAT: National Jewelry Day Twitter Party with @MaxandChloe 

WHO: hosted by @PamelaPekerman and @CameoPR

WHEN: Thursday, March 13, 2014 from 7-8pm EST/4-5pm PST

HOW: Follow @PamelaPekerman @CameoPR and @MaxandChloe on Twitter, and join the conversation with #MC4JewelryDay hashtag.

Make sure to follow us and use #MC4JewelryDay hashtag for a chance to WIN JEWELRY from +Max and Chloe. 

Malorie and I will be tweeting away trends, and we also want you to ask us questions and get advice on what to wear for your upcoming prom, wedding or other social soiree. 

Plus, I'll share a sneak peak of what you can expect during my upcoming Live From The Couch segment featuring 2014 Oscars jewelry trends for less, airing March 18, 2014.

P2 Family: Huggies Launches Clutch 'n' Clean Refillable Wipes

Modeling Huggies Clutch 'n' Clean Refillable Wipes

This week, Huggies launched their new Clutch 'n' Clean Refillable Wipes ($3.99) at grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide. The playful designs not only hold whips, but leave room for other in-the-park essentials like your cell phone and lip gloss. Doesn't everyone carry lip gloss for walks in the park?

Ambiance at Huggies Event,
& posing with my gal Jordan from RamshakleGlam.com 

There was a mini breakfast reception, hosted by MomTrends, which allowed some of us media moms the chance to play with the product.  Also, I was able to live out my "modeling" dream, by showcasing one of the styles while wearing a BCBG dress from Destination Maternity,

I love that you can loop the clutch around your arm or attach it to your stroller. Additionally, the material is smooth, yet durable.  I completely understand, now, that everything needs to be durable when it comes to kids!

I keep one clutch in my diaper bag, and recently dressed up so that I semi-matched my Clutch 'n' Clean. It was going to get a lot of use out of the bag, so I thought, why not work it into the wardrobe. 

Always Be Your Best You and keeping it stylishly clean. 

This post is a collaboration with MomTrends. The opinions and copy belong to Pamela Pekerman and reflect her genuine love for the brand/product in question. You can’t buy her love, but she does need to buy a lot of diapers and diamonds.

P2 Fashion: Unique Cartier Engagement Ring

Is this not the most mouth-watering engagement ring ever? My jaw dropped when I saw this Cartier setting. My husband has never been fully satisfied with the setting he created for my original engament ring -- I think it's wonderful. For nearly the entire length of our almost five-year marriage, he's wanted to change it. I'm quite sentamental, so I've refused. Not only that, he wants me to pick what I want and that goes against my core. I know it's quite common for gals to know and strongly hint (sometimes even shop) for their own rings, but I find that boring. 

"Trinity de Cartier" aquamarine & diamond 18K white gold engagement ring,
price upon request, Cartier

So, WHY am I posting this image? While doing research for my monthly style curation project with the HYATT Union Square Hotel New York, a press release led me to a website which led me to another website and finally to this stunner.  

The swirling loops of pave diamonds sing to me. Seariously, I'm hearing Bach in the background and having a major moment. What do you think?

P2 Fashion: 1:Face Watch Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When October starts, it's impossible to avoid magazine articles, blog posts and TV segments promoting pink products that promote charities associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Small and mega brands all clamor to support this cause, and, let's face it, hope to catch a little of the media buzz associated with it. I'm not knocking the business strategy or negating that motives aside, the end result is what counts. 

That being said, after a decade of being part of the machine that pushes pink products, this year, I've decide to only promote BCA merchandise that's: a) really cool b) donates 60% or more to a charity and/or c) has a meaningful/personal story.

1:Face Watch is a really simple concept with a sizable impact. Buy a watch, and watch change happen. Currently, they have seven different styles, each associated with it's own charity. The dark pink watch supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization committed to early detection and awareness. For every nine watches sold, one woman gets a much needed mammogram. Know exactly how the money is being spent makes me feel better about the purchase. The tempered glass screen watches retail for $40.   

P2 Family/Kids: Add Swag to Sneakers with Shwings

Sneakers and I just don’t go together. I purchased a pair two years ago when I got a trainer and he said what I was putting on my feet was not going to cut it. So, like a savvy maxxinista, I went to TJMaxx and got a pair for $39.99, obviously.

Fast forward to motherhood …  I used to walk the baby in ballet flats or my neon orange Yosi Samra flip flops (the same ones Sarah Jessica Parker wears, just saying). However, when the baby falls asleep, I now like to squeeze in some stretching, lunges and standing abdominal exercises. This calls for sneaker time.

To add razzle dazzle to my sneaks, I accented with Shwings, decorative wings for your sneakers. Aside from making you feel like a cool mom that doesn't mind laughing and playing with silly fashion, Shwings is an economical way to spruce up old sneakers. OMG. Ladies, I had no idea how much sneakers cost (refer to lines one and two in this post). It’s high-way robbery! Go to an off-price retailer like T.J.Maxx or Marshalls, get a pair of sneakers for $19-$39 and buy some Shwings for your kids. It's a great way for them to personalize their shoes and begin to see the value of style and the joy it brings.

Me and my Shwings can't wait to go for a walk, tonight.  Join us for a healthy, stylish stroll at 6pm EST. 

P2 Kids - accessorizing sneakers with Shwings 

P2 Fashion: Launch of X by Trollbeads w Jenn Falik and Wayne Scott Lukas

Yesterday morning, despite leaving the house late, getting stuck in traffic and having a fight with the meter machine, I, eventually, had the pleasure of previewing the newest creation from Danish jewelers Trollbeads, X by Trollbeads. Right away, the “X” makes this new collection sound rougher, edgier and younger than its parent. But, the name actually refers to the innovative x links that connect with a simple twist. The result is bespoke bracelets and necklaces that you can customize with high quality silver, bronze, gold and black rubber links.

P2 Fashion - X by Trollbeads Debut Collection, Fall 2013 

I like the stripped down color pallet, allowing for the craftsmanship of each piece to shine through. From musical notes to Zodiac signs, flowers and Greek G-ds, there’s a chance to really get personal and let your jewelry reflect your likes, loves and life. I plan to make three bracelets: one that represents my husband, one that represents my daughter and one that represents me. On each bracelet, I’ll include one link that represents all three of us, thus showing we are all unique, but forever connected as one happy, well-accessorized family.

P2 Fashion - Having fun with Jenn Falik and Wayne Scott Lukas at
X by Trollbeads launch

The event was hosted by my friend, fellow mommy and Style Expert Jenn Falik, as well as Celebrity Stylist Wayne Scott Lucas. Wayne, you’re lucky my hair was up because our locks would have fallen in link love. Hmm, do you think that could inspire a future X by Trollbeads collection? If so, we can split royalties and celebrate while we're getting our hair done!

X by Trollbeads is available in store in more than thirty-five markets globally and online.

P2 Fashion - gifts courtesy of X by Trollbeads.

P2 Fashion: The Boots Make The Look, Tabitha Simmons

In tribute to London Fashion Week and the cold winds that swept into New York, this morning, I pulled out my new Tabitha Simmons boots – an acquisition from my recent romantic getaway to London. The boots are the perfect shade of grey that matches black, white, metallic, blue, red, etc. I love the lace-up details, with the convenience of a zip, side opening. The heels are thick enough to provide excellent balance and comfort, without being too bulky. Lastly, like any great boots, they have leather inner and leather upper lining. If I’m spending over $500, heck over $200, on boots, the inside better be leather, as well.

P2 Style - It's all about the boots and mix material 

The whole outfit was planned around the boots. What can I say, accessories are my passion. How do you plan your outfits? Do start with one key accessory or clothing item? Are you a night before layout the look gal or a morning dressing in a rush gal?

Jacket – Ramy Brook; Jeans – True Religion; Shirt – H&M; Headband – Marie Hayden; Necklace – bebe; Ring – Kelly Wearstler; Bag - Chanel; Boots - Tabitha Simmons

P2 Style - Accessorizing 

P2 Fashion: Harper Ave. Clear Backpacks for the Overexposed Twitter Generation

Backpacks are not only a functional transportation device for school books and supplies. They are an extension of personal style and a way for your children to express their fashionable point of view. For the non-stop texting, what-I’m-eating tweeting, where-I’m-going foursquaring teens today, HarperAve. has the perfect backpack – The Kazuyo. With a stripped down silhouette and clear sides, this bag not only reveals style, but gives a substantial glimpse inside the wearer’s life. Is she taking AP classes, because I see one of those advances text books? Oh, she likes Hello Kitty, because I spy kitty pencils. Is she dating Steven, because I think that’s his picture on the cover of her Memo notepad?  

Whether sleek, see-through, fluorescent or fuzzy, allow your children, even the little ones, to pick out their own backpacks, so that they learn to value individual style. Since they see that you are takingcare of yourself, they too, want to spend the time in the morning grooming their hair, organizing their fabulous backpack and finding the perfect outfit to wear. Always Be Your Best You should be a family motto.

Harper Ave.'s Kazuyo Backpack

With all this talk of school, does anyone else wish they could go back? Let me grab my Cyclades bag (non see through sided; I’m old school) and I’ll meet you in the halls by the 360 lockers. 

Pam's Pick: Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump, Fall 2013

Labor Day has come and gone, the crisp air has swept in, schools start on Monday (at least in NY), and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York kicks off tomorrow. This can only mean one thing: Fall fashion is officially here, and with it comes layers, cozy sweaters, hints of suede, fur vests, felt hats, pantyhose and everything else I love about this glorious season. Oh, did I mention new shoes? Not that this is an excuse to skip your pedicure – Always Be Your Best You! – but, closed-toe, pointy shoes are hotter than ever. This trend has been brewing for about five seasons and this autumn, it’s exploding in every texture and heel height.

I’ve chosen this option from Alexandre Birman as my must-buy shoe for the season because it’s a classic you'll turn to for years to come, and yet it embodies all the key flavors of the season – lady-like heel height, pointy toe, contrast toe, animal print/skin and mixed materials. Also, Mr. Birman makes the most comfortable shoes imaginable. I can play tennis in them! 

Pam's Pick 9.5.13 - Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump