Ava Grace's Closet: December 2012
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Monday, December 24, 2012

From our family to Yours

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Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday and all the best in the coming year 2013!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday Fancies : Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,
I've done my best to be extra good this year. 
So if you like, any of these choices from some of the amazing organizations I've had the pleasure of working with in 2012, would be oh.so.nice under the tree.
I'll even wait until New Years.
Since I know you're a little busy and all.


Dear Santa...

1. Some red sparkly bangles from IN PINK. Perfect with a casual t, jeans and a blazer. So many pretties on this site.

2. Pretty cubic zirconia flower studs by Silver Speck. I would wear these with everything and they are sure to be classics for years to come. 

3. Why are their cuff links on my list? Well, because I love them. If I were a man, I would wear them daily. Truth be told, I steal borrow my husband's all the time. I would wear these by Paul Smith via Jonathan Trumbull in a heartbeat. Not sure the picture does them justice but the multi-colored stripe around the outer edge is perfection. 

4. Oh, hello there new favorite lipstick by Mia Mariu. I want this red one please Santa. This may or may not be my second request. 

5. A flat iron that can be used on WET or dry hair. What?! I not only want this, I need it. It would save so much time and just think, no one would need to see me in the blogger bun again. 

6. This striped skirt by eShakti. I really love this one. It has a vintage vibe and would be oh.so.pretty during the holidays. Or anytime. 

7. A stunning sparkler by Alilang Jewelry. Doesn't this remind you of a certain other much more expensive option that is coveted by so many? Love that it ties in the back and love, love, love that it is under $30. So pretty.

8. And lastly, a little pampering is always welcome. And I am almost out of my creamsicle flavored goodies by J M Botanicals. I also noticed that their shaving oil, which so many of you wanted to try, is on sale for half price here


A huge thank you to all of the amazing folks I've had the pleasure of working with!

Hapari Swimwear
Anne Marie Gianni Skincare
Next U.K.
Little Patootique
Lisette L
Mommy at Heart

The last weekend before Christmas.
I can barely stand it.
Happy Weekend. 

Linking this post up here and here
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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Small Style : Looking Back

For someone who loves clothes as much as I do, it's a real treat to look back at outfit photos of Ava each week. 
As the year 2012 draws to a close, I thought it would be neat to check out what.that.notsuchababyanymore.wore 
Happy Holidays Small Styler's.
From our family to yours. 
xo
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

What I Wore : Teal

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Minus the below zero temps. 


Dress - Rachel Zoe | Earrings - Stella Dot | Clutch - Holt Renfrew | Booties - Zara
The fur clutch doubles as a muff. Just in case.  
please snow.
And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Last Christmas

The older I get, the faster the years seem to go by.
Another Christmas.
Gone are the braces. And the bottle. 
The wide-eyed smiles remain.
I hope they always do. 
Santa is almost here.
And we believe. 

Continued tears and prayers for the families in Newtown. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Mama Monday : Megan from The Frugalista Diaries

I'm sitting here wondering when it was that I first "met" beautiful Megan.
I'm going with this summer, via an outfit post link up.
She lives in Florida and I was vacationing in Florida at the time.
This I remember.
I should have visited and raided her closet. 
Hindsight is always 20/20.

Welcome Megan from The Frugalista Diaries!
blog...facebook...twitter
Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision? 
Both, I'm Stylist and get to work from home. My husband also works from home as a producer so it's kind of awesome to split our days with the kids. I don't know if I could go out now and do a regular 9-5er after this...

Did you always see yourself as stay at home mom OR career woman? Was it a dream of yours?
I knew I always wanted kids and couldn't wait, but I also wanted to have something of my own in the world. And that became more important to me after I had my first son, I knew I wanted something that kept a part of me.

What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?
I find it hard to manage time with the boys and work, it's so hard to shut off from work when I need to and vice versa. It's always awesome when they're throwing a fit in the middle of an important conference call. Good times.

Any other words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?

I think Mom's need something of their own, whether it's a craft or hobby, we just need it to help us from going crazy. Whether it's going back to work, or staying home for the next 18 years, it has to fit with who you are.

The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family. I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy. We are women and man, we're amazing.

Megan, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us today! For a daily dose of fashion (and baking!) inspiration, please visit the fabulous Megan here
This will be the last installment of Mama Monday until the series resumes in the New Year. I cannot thank you enough for the overwhelming response and look forward to sharing more of your stories in 2013.
To catch up please visit the links below:

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families affected by the awful tragedy in Connecticut. The horror and sadness is just unimaginable. 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday Fancies : Sparkle

'tis the season for sparkle.

Sparkle

And this year, there is an abundance of beautiful, sparkly, sequin covered pieces everywhere. 
Sparkly shoes? yes please. As always, Louboutin does it best, but the red Cole Haan's are sure to make even a simple black sheath festive.
All Saints sequin skirts can be worn today and will be classic for years to come. 
A Vince dress doubles as a tunic over leggings. 
Alice + Olivia's stunning sequin dress may just make me a sequin dress convert. 
And lastly, Michael by Michael Kors evening bags. At this price, it would be oh.so.nice to have one in every color.

And I wonder how my Christmas shopping adventures always end up in a little something for me?
Sigh. 

Linking up here and here
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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Mama Pride

As i sit down to write this on Wednesday evening, my heart is full.
Isabella had her first french horn performance tonight; a Christmas concert at school.
It was amazing.
As part of the music program, each child now plays their secondary instrument in concert band versus the original instrument they auditioned on.
Not easy.
She has struggled. 
I sense how frustrated she sometimes gets.
But she tries SO hard. 
I see in her something I wish I had more of when I was in high school. 
Drive. Determination. The always wanting to do better.
On Isabella:
Dress (worn as sweater) - Mexx
Skull Necklace - Urban Behaviour 
Jeggings - H&M
Boots - Ugg

I am one proud mama this evening. 
via
Winner of the LeapFrog giveaway is Jeanne Fairbanks Conner. Congrats and please check your email! 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

What I Wore : Statement Earrings

First, the statement necklace. 
Now, I bring you, the statement earrings.
Perfect with a little black dress. 




Dress - Nine West | Earrings - c/o Chic Peek | Bracelet - local boutique | Tights - c/o tightsplease
Clutch - Dolce Gabbana | Boots - Zara
Chic Peek is a just-launched new site that offers women a  new piece of jewelry EVERY month for one low price. Take their style quiz to determine what looks you prefer and then, choose your favorite piece. 
With new options added each month, there are tons of beautiful items to choose from AND included with your subscription is fun style advice that makes it easy to create looks with your new goodies.
Here are a just a few more of my many favorites:
Definitely worth checking out!
And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Wish List : Stocking Stuffers

Is there anything more fun than opening stockings on Christmas morning? 
It has become quite the tradition around these parts and sometimes, I find the kids young and old are more excited about these goodies than any gift.

Stocking Stuffers

1. Hello Trilogy Stores and hello beautiful Monica Vinader bracelet. Find it here. Each of the colors of these friendship bracelets represent a personal quality. How fun is that? In the case of this one, it's LOVE. Perfection.

2. Ms Ava has a few Jellycat stuffed animals and they're the softest, cutest things around. This one is called "Cordy Roy Cat". So fun. He would add a nice bright punch of color to any room. Find him here

3. My sweet friend Christina's shop, The Olive Tree, is full of stocking goodness for the little's on your list. We own a few pieces including a beyond beautiful headband and flower clip. Find this pretty combo here

4. I have written before about my love story with Chanel polish. This color is drool-worthy non? It is called "frenzy" and I would like it thank.you.very.much.Santa

5. I love Boscia products and personally use their BB cream which is just amazing. Isabella loves blotting papers and these pink peppermint ones would make a fun addition to any stocking. Find them here

6. Truth be told, I simply cannot choose an iphone case. There are far too many to choose from! This one, by J Crew caught my eye. It's fun and stylish. 

7. And lastly, no stocking would be complete without a few tasty treats. I always like to try to find unique chocolate and candy vs just the everyday goodies. I think Chapter's does an amazing job of finding some incredible stuff including these vanilla marshmallows. Hello!

So, what about you? Are you a fan of the many smaller gifts or one large one?

See previous Christmas Wish Lists:

here
here
here

Monday, December 10, 2012

Mama Monday: Iva from One Chic Mom

Today, I am beyond excited to introduce you all to my long, lost sister. 
You know I've always wanted one.
My brother is somewhere in awesome shock right now. And wondering why he hasn't met her before. 
Welcome Iva from One Chic Mom.
Fellow fashionista. Blazer addict. Navy lover. Mama to 4. {cute little miss on the far right is not her's}
And croatian sister from another mother. 
blog...twitter...facebook...bloglovin
   Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision? 
I am a stay at home mother of four, I had my children very quickly (four in five and a half years). After my first I tried to work part-time or work from home but that wasn’t an option for my company. I worked for a great organization, had wonderful co-workers but there was no passion for my work. The decision was easier to stay home. I thought I would go back to work after the second but then the third came followed by the fourth…and the decision became easier.

Did you always see yourself as stay at home mom/career woman? Was it a dream of yours?
I always saw myself as a career woman. I thought I was going to “have it all” – work and family. Seemed easy when I was in university, very different when you’re in the thick of it. I’m happy with my decision now. When I was making it I felt like a sell out. Like I was letting all the women who came before me down. I was the first one to go to university on my mother’s side and I was taught that school was your ticket to success. I will always have my education and you never know what life will bring.

What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?
What frustrates me the most is when women attack each other for the choices we make. A former work friend of mine posted on her Facebook page how difficult it is to work and take care of her two children and that us stay at home moms had it easy. I don’t know, four kids, oldest 8, husband who works twelve hours a day and works weekends, plus entertains clients. I do everything for/with the kids (drop offs, pick ups, homework which is in French and I don’t speech French, etc.). My life isn’t one big commercial for Calgon. I want more “sisterhood”.

If you are at home, do you plan to return to work one day? 
I want to return to work. Now the question becomes to what? I’ve got no clue. I did tell my husband I am taking a year off – I will go grocery shopping alone, use the bathroom and lock the door, volunteer at the school without having to chase a child around…you get the picture.

Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?
When you make the decision to work or stay at home know that sometimes there will be doubts/guilt and that is normal. Just know you made the right decision for you and your family and that’s the only thing that matters.


The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.

Iva, thanks so much for sharing your story with us today! 
see previous Mama Monday interviews:
MAMAMONDAY

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday Fancies : Sitting Pretty

Growing up, I went to an all girls, catholic high school.
We wore a uniform that included a plaid kilt in colors similar to the one pictured.
I remember one day, I was on the subway heading downtown, headphones in. I had my standard uniform on...kilt, white button down, knee socks, a jacket.
A rather attractive woman turned to me, smiled and said "I love that you're wearing a jean jacket with your uniform. So rebellious".
And so, my love affair with plaid and denim began.
Pretty in Plaid
see full outfit details here 
I still love the idea of taking something pretty and making it edgy. 
I added the crinoline (found via etsy here) underneath this simple plaid skirt. Add a lace-up ankle boot, slip on some classic wayfarers and a hint of red lipstick.
Rebel ready. 

Enter the Mia Mariu 3 piece makeup giveaway here
And please consider helping this amazing cause:
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linking up here and here.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

What Ava Wore: From Rome with Love

My brother and sis.in.law took the most incredible trip to Europe this past summer.
I'm talking London, Paris, Versailles, Lyon, Monaco, San Remo, Rome. Le sigh. 
Between seeing some of the most incredible cities in the world and sipping lattes that are the stuff of dreams, they made the time to stop and shop for ms. Ava.
And they brought home this piece of loveliness. 




Dress - Desigual
Tights - Baby Gap
Pillow - c/o Tulip+I
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Peek.A.Boo
Our little fashionista didn't stop smiling all day.
Thanks Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Brian! I love my new dress.
xo
Ava Grace

Enter the Mia Mariu makeup giveaway here.

LeapFrog giveaway here.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

What I Wore : Oxblood and a Mia Mariu Review

Color of the season. A few jewels. 
 And some fabulous new make up.   

Earrings and Necklace - Stella Dot | Leather Trim Top - Zara

The make-up in the above photos is all by Mia Mariu, an amazing brand of natural health and beauty products. I had heard the buzz around their line on numerous blogs lately and was excited to try them. Although I have used other "natural" make up products in the past, none have compared to these.
I tried the perfecting finish mineral cream foundation which came in a compact form along with their perfecting finish mineral cream concealer which I applied with a small brush. I was nothing short of impressed. The product provided fantastic, natural looking coverage and was available in a good variety of shades making it easy to find one that worked with my skin tone (shade is miel).  It was extremely easy to use and I loved the fact that I could bring the compact along with me if I required a touch-up. 
I'm also wearing their hydrating stick gloss (shade is capricho) and it's quickly become my favorite lip color. It feels like a lip balm, creamy...not sticky like a gloss might. The best way to explain it? It feels more like a lip treatment than make up and even though it goes on quite sheer, it provides a polished and pretty look. 
I'm dying to try one of their reds. 

Have you ever tried this line? You can now!
Mia Mariu has graciously offered a chance for you to win your own set of the 3 products I tried above in shades that will compliment your complexion.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.