P2 Lifestyle: Old Hollywood Glamour Must Be Revived

In some TV interview, I recall Joan Rivers (FYI I love this woman!) saying that as a young girl she was getting into the elevator at Saks Fifth Avenue when XYZ (sorry can’t recall who she named - I'm experiencing pregnancy brain) Hollywood, leading lady stepped out looking the part of a “Hollywood leading lady”. Of course, she wasn’t on set and no cameras were following. Rivers’ comment was that this was how an actress should look at all times.

Lauren Bacall, Audrey Halpern & Liz Taylor out-and-about, and still glamorous 

When did Hollywood glamour die? Sure, the women usually pull out all the stops when they are on the Red Carpet. We’ll see plenty of that this Sunday at the 86^th Annual Academy Awards. But, what about in the real world? What about when they run out for groceries, take their kids to school or have a production meeting? Much like a president leading a nation, I expect these women – and men – to lead the nation, by example.

Yes, life has changed over the past fifty plus years. There are more obstacles and responsibilities, yada yada. Why does glamour and female allure have to be stifled in the process? Why can’t young Hollywood look casual-cool in jeans and well fitted shirt, but also slap on a little rouge? And, for the love of g-d, well coiffed hair in NOT an option under any circumstance.

I could show you the evidence of Hollywood run a mock, i.e. women who jet out of the house looking like hot messes, but that’s too TMZ for my taste. And, my mother, who happens to be an etiquette coach, taught be better. So, I’m not mentioning any specific names or showcasing images for your viewing pleasure. I simply want to put out this PSA:

Leading ladies of Hollywood, please get your acts together. You are leading a nation of women that look up to you as role models not only for your entrepreneurialism, philanthropy and artistic talent, BUT your grace and beauty. Being a role model is a 360 job with multiple levels; and, Always Being Your Best You is one of them.

So, next time you walk out the door you don’t need to look like you just stepped out of a movie set, but you also don’t need to look like you just mopped the floor with your head and pulled clothing out of a hamper. Take a page from icons of yesteryear and Never Surrender your style and beauty routine. America's women need you!

Sophia Loren and Liz Taylor always looking their best

PS I placed this post in "P2 Lifestyle" because style and beauty are full lifestyle choices that women must make on a daily basis to express themselves and set the tone for their lives. It's how we can live with better self esteem, lead our kids by example and express to the world how we feel about our selves. Hey world I"m hear and I deserve to be seen and acknowledged. 

P2 Beauty: Chipped Nails Are Intolerable, Love Yourself and Stick to Your Beauty Routine

I can't take it any more! Ladies, stop neglecting your nails. 

When you have chipped nail polish, uneven nail lengths and unkempt cuticles you're telling the world "I don't care about myself." "You don't need to look at me!" Is that what you want as your walking billboard? 

A woman with chipped nails is like a man with major body odor - intolerable! 

I know what you're thinking.  

Pamela, I don't always have time to get my nails done. Life is hectic and there are a million other things on my to-do list. 

Or, maybe you're saying: Manicure? I can't allocate money towards that, these days. 

Even worse, maybe you're saying: Why bother. Nobody looks at my hands or any part of me. Frankly, I don't want them to look my way. 

My recently shellaced nails. I missed the salon. 

I get it. No, I REALLY get it. For the past two months, I had no help mid-week with Ilana, a growing belly, restless legs, crazy/dangerous snow storms that kept us indoors, a desire to sleep at 7pm and backlogged work. I didn't go to the nail salon for seven weeks and had to make due on my own. 

I GET IT! Between the hellish hours we keep at work just to ensure we still have a job (What no family dinner tonight? You have to stay at work until 11pm, again?), house errands that never seem to end (Didn't I just do the white laundry? What do you mean we are out of milk?), trying to do right by our husbands/kids/parents (Yes, mom, I really want to come over this weekend, but we have to go grocery shopping, meet with contractors to discuss the new nursery and sleep) .... I'm going to stop because writing it makes me nauseatingly exhausted. 

Even though it's very important to allocate time to yourself and ensure you are looking, and therefore feeling, your best, going to the salon isn't a weekly or even biweekly option. There are several affordable home products and tips to ensure nifty nails. 

TIP 1 - Gelled nails last for 2-3 weeks and you can DIY at home with Red Carpet Manicure. Their Pro Kit ($79) will last for months, maybe even the whole year.

TIP 2 - If you don't want to deal with the gels, Duri nail polish is a personal favorite. Aside from great colors, their top coats make your nails stronger and your cuticles healthy between proper manicures. 

TIP 3 - Afraid your manicurist skills aren't that great? A clear or flesh color hue, like Duri's Linen and Lace ($6), is better than nothing at all. It also helps hide a poor filing job or bitten nails. (PS Try not to bite your nails.)

TIP 4 - In between home maintenance, pamper yourself every few weeks with a proper manicure. It's going to do more fore your self-esteem than your daily cup of coffee from the local deli. 

I'm wishing you a happy and blessed weekend. Take care of those nails and you really are taking care of YOU, YOUR SELF IMAGE and even YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR YOUR FAMILY. Your husband/partner wants a confident you. Your kids deserve a mommy that loves herself and shows them how to take care of themselves. Everything you do in your beauty/style routine is a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself and I REALLY WANT YOU TO LOVE YOURSELF, set a good example for your family and ALWAYS BE YOUR BEST YOU. 

As always, I welcome your thoughts on this blog. Tweet me #AlwaysBeYourBestYou. 

P2 Family: Sunday Morning with the Baby

How did you spend your Sunday morning? Big hugs to all the mommies who get up early to feed, cuddle, play, educate and adore their little ones. It isn't always easy, but these pictures speak for themselves.

 

 

Now, time to shower, put on all my face and body creams, and enjoy a cup of tea. #AlwaysBeYourBestYou and #Smile 

P2 Fashion: Save Your Marriage & Wear Lingerie Everyday, Valentine's Day Isn't Enough

My husband and I don’t acknowledge Valentine’s Day. Even when we dated, it was never a special day because the core purpose of Valentine’s Day doesn't make sense to us, especially to me. Why do I deserve only one day of special pampering and attention? Why does he deserve one day of special sex and affection? If you are too busy to acknowledge each other during the year, it’s time to reassess your priorities and your relationship.  

Ladies, why don’t you use the time around Valentine’s Day to take advantage of sales on seductive loungewear and kinky lingerie? If you value your marriage, burn your worn-out, alma mater t-shirt and start sleeping in something with a bit more sex appeal. I’m not suggesting we all need to wear S&M-style outfits to bed or around the house – at least not every night – but if you are only devoting ONE DAY a year to sexuality, you are hurting your self-confidence, and slowly deteriorating your relationship.

Here are some great options for the bedroom.

Boudoir attire - give him something to think about at the office.

Sexy sleepwear - you can show it all off or leave a bit to the imagination.

And, here are some styles to wear around the house. Sweatpants should only be reserved for emergencies. A cozy robe is appropriate occasionally, and only for a few hours in the morning or evening. Ideally, there is something alluring and flag-pole lifting ;) underneath!

Loungewear can be seductive without going overboard. 

Because my husband loves my bottom, leggings are my go-to at home. When I'm feeling the need for extra syncing, I turn to Yummie Tummie.  These leggings are amazing and are great after you give birth as a bonus body huger, in addition to your belly band. ($76)

Figleaves has a great thermal loungewear collection that's flattering, warm and easy to wear even when you're carrying a ten-month-old in your arms and a four-month-old in your belly. ($27-$118)

Layer this red Hanro, Woolen Lace Spaghetti Camisole under a through away cardigan for extra cozyness, and you'll still be showcasing your fabulous body. ($115)

Tanks don't mean cold, when you're wearing Figleaves, Thermal Pointelle Thermal Cami. ($39)

Home attire can be as simple as a pair of leggings and a cotton tank. The key is that you're not hiding your body. Likely, your man loves those seductive curves. Why not show them off? Nothing about any of the above looks is trashy, but it's definitely kicking it up notch from baggy sweats and over sized shirts. I'm also a fan of wrap or faux wrap dresses, which you can layer over leggings if your house runs cold. 

I welcome your comments, as I'm sure you ladies will have a lot to say on this topic. Guys, feel free to chime i, as well. 

P2 Family: Another Baby Bump

Happy Monday and Good Morning! I’ve been up since 6:45am feeding and playing with baby Ilana. She’s growing up so fast; I can’t believe we are already planning the 1-year birthday party. Fortunately, I’ll be able to relive those first few baby-month-milestones very soon.

Oh, did I mention I'm pregnant, again?!!!!!! 

Showing off the 4-month belly after an event.
Showing off the 3-month belly on my babymoon.

PS The first trimester was brutal, which is why I've been MIA on this blog, on TV and just about everywhere else. So, it turns out having one after the other requires a bit more rest than I anticipated. Off to bed for 45 minutes before Ilana Rose gets up from her morning nap. :-) 

Pregnancy Tales: MILF in Training vs Pregnant Slob, Make a Choice

I’m a MILF in Training and proud of it – confident, coiffed, styled and sexy all the way through my belly bump. Pardon my rant, but here goes. I’m sick of seeing so many pregnant (and while I’m already going there, non-pregnant) women looking like a hot mess. Would it kill you to tame your mane, wear something other than sweatpants while running errands, showcase your best asset (trust me, you have one, if not more!!), and for G-d’s sake put on a little rouge? Surely, you can, and you must, find time to get yourself together in the morning!   

I know what you’re thinking, “this bitch is crazy, she has no idea what my life is like, and she has no idea how hard it is to juggle kids/work/family responsibilities/guilt…” Maybe you’re even thinking, “Why bother? My husband isn’t attracted to my pregnant body anyway. What’s the point?” Or “Well, if I had a celebrity budget that allotted for a personal trainer, a nanny and other perks, maybe I could find time to look amazing like Jessica Alba or Gisele Bundchen, but I live in the real world.”

Allow me to confess, I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. However, I grew up with a mom who always – ALWAYS – looked put-together and taught her daughters the importance of looking good and living a beautiful life on any budget. She was a 360degree role model for how a woman should present herself because she knew it was her job to look good - for herself, for my father and for her children. Finances are not an excuse. If you can’t afford a personal trainer or even a DVD, there are plenty of tips online of what you can do at home with commonly-found items like a chair or nothing at all. As for clothing, ladies, I live in T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, occasionally visit H&M and ZARA, and indulge (when it’s a worthy investment) at Bloomingdale's and Saks. There are NO EXCUSES for looking like a slob and not caring. It all comes down to will power and your desire to NEVER SURRENDER your sexuality, sanity and self-esteem.  

The point and the reason for my rant, this blog and every segment I do on TV is that it, your appearance, DOES matter. Personal grooming and style are tools you and I should use on a daily basis to look amazing in order to feel amazing about ourselves. And, when we are pregnant and dealing with crazy pimples, peeing while sneezing (what the F!*K), sciatic nerve-induced limping and sleep deprivation, we can use every ounce of amazing goodness we can grab onto! Moreover, when we feel amazing we are naturally going to be better wives, better role models for our children, and more productive/happier workers. You know damn well that when you have your shit together, you have a whole different outlook on life and the challenges of the day ahead.

I truly care about you which is why I want you to WAKE UP, get angry with me and then realize your midnight craving for cheesecake or lack of desire to combat stretch marks, isn’t doing you any good.

As I sit here typing at 2:30am because my baby girl is kicking so hard I can’t sleep, I see two choices before us pregnant gals:  MILF in Training or Pregnant Slob. It’s harsh, but that’s the reality of the situation and there is no middle ground.

As always, I welcome your comments.  Something tells me you’ll have a lot to say.

Pregnancy Tales: Hitting the Gym - Never Surrender

 

Hitting the gym. Leading by example. No excuses. Most definitely aiming to be in the MILF in Training club. Must be beach ready for St. Lucia, come January. Celebrities aren't the only ones who can look fabulous with a baby bump. See my inspiration, below.

Victoria Beckham

Kourtney Kardashian

 Gisele Bundchen

 Gisele Bundchen

Pregnancy Tales: Baby Steps, Salvaging a Shitty Day

Waking up at 10am, when you think it's 7am already screams it's going to be one of those hard-to-smile-through-it days. Yesterday's 4:30am to 7pm work day is biting me in the ass. Or maybe it's just that dam sciatic nerve that is gnawing at my right side, mainly around my ass-et. I have no desire to see anyone or do anything. I should probably call my assistant and tell her to work remotely. And, is now a good time to share that my pimple situation isn't getting any better?!? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm exhausted, hormonal and not fully prepared for my Skype conference call.  

That was my morning dialogue. A good cry soon followed.

To quote a song, "Mama said there will be day's like this." But, my mama also taught me to rise above it. Wallowing is easy. Surrendering is easy. I chose a different path.

On my way out the bathroom, I spotted the Daniel Green bootie slippers from yesterday's Cyber Monday segment, which proved to be a stylish alternative to socks (heels in the office was physically/painfully impossible -- Side Bar: they were still worn for all appointments!!). The booties led to a ski bunny-inspired ensemble complete with a faux fur vest.  

 

Was I beginning to see a smile form on my face?

Pimples were properly moisturised, treated and then left alone while I indulged in a yummy croissant with lox and cream cheese. Then, the pimples were quickly covered up. I went as far as to put on my "TV face". Like I said, I knew it was going to be one of those days. I needed to take all the necessary baby steps to buffer my mood.

Lastly, some bling. A sparkly bracelet from Ann Taylor and a silver python cuff from Ted Rossi completed my look and helped me climb one more step up the ladder of confidence and happiness.

I'm not going to say that at present time (6:30pm) I feel honky dory. But, rest assured, if these baby steps of pampering were not taken, I'd be worse off and likely wallowing in bed waiting for my husband to come home. Boy would that be an attractive gift at the end of his long day! Because he loves me, my misery would become his misery. Nothing says "lets fornicate" like a sappy wife. Instead, well, I have OTHER plans tonight ;).

If you are having a difficult day, be it due to pregnancy, self doubt, parental issues, whatever, think about the baby steps you can take to improve your outlook. Leave me a comment. I welcome your thoughts and hope that my story helps you strive to achieve your best you.  

Pregnancy Tales: Stylishly Working It While Nauseated

It's spring 2013 market week and my first time doing these back-to-back, cross-town appointments while pregnant. So, you can imagine how elated I was when Autumn Hawk, a designer I met this morning, complimented me by says, “You’re the best dressed editor I've seen all week!”

Little did she know, I felt like sh*t. Between hormones, extra time devoted to covering up pimples caused by those hormones, finding the prefect non-maternity maternity outfit, and the nausea of taking a bus or taxi just to get to an appointment, looking sharp is a challenge.

But, there are no excuses, not even a lemon-sized fetus inside your belly. I felt confident and beautiful all day because I chose to fight through the struggles of managing my work day while pregnant.

My mission is to make you see that when you look good you’ll begin to feel confident and happy in your life.

If you’re pregnant or going through your own personal or professional setbacks, take the time to dress up, get your nails done and spritz on the hairspray. I welcome your comments and can’t wait to chat.

PS Speaking of non-maternity, maternity wear, Autumn Hawk New York has some amazing pieces that are sexy, stretchy and comfy. Time to work out my credit card. 

Mom Knows Best: Looking Good Equals Feeling Good

Me and Mom aka Style Icon/Mamager/Banana-bread Baker

Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money, but my mother instilled in us the need to always look put together, irregardless of budget. My sister, Michelle, and I had no excuses, and no point of destination that didn't require a well-thought-out ensemble. We learned that when we look good, it helped us feel good, which in turn bred confidence and helped us fight through whatever life threw our way.  

Yes, style isn't just about the must-haves of the season. Style and personal grooming are tools I use to smile through even the darkest of days with confidence, grace and panache. 

Three years ago, my motto, looking good equals feeling good, was put to the test when my father passed away from a rare vasculitis disease. Days after his  funeral, I vividly remember my mother telling us, "Nobody should feel sorry for you. Always look your best." It may sound trivial to get your hair done or put on a nice shirt, after such a monumental lose, but we did it, as we always had, to forge ahead.  

Here's to always looking good, feeling great, respecting ourselves and getting through anything, one sassy stiletto at a time. 

And remember, no excuses. Always be your best you!