Review: M Coat - A Maternity Coat for Pregnancy and Beyond

Earlier this winter, I realized I needed a warm coat to wear during the last trimester of my pregnancy. I wanted something that was warm, stylish and petite-friendly, and something I could wear post-partum. In my search, I came across the M Coat, which is an awesome 3-in-1 jacket that goes from being "a fashionable Maternity coat; to a hip Mama coat; and back to a regular fitting Myself coat." 

I bought the M Coat in size XS in black, but it also comes in navy, brown, ivory, red, pink, green, and burgundy. This coat is quite fitted when the maternity panel is removed (but comfortably fits a 9-month belly with the panel zipped in) so I recommend sizing up if you're bigger than me as I can just fit one thick sweater underneath (for reference, I'm 5'3" and 100 pounds).

What's really awesome about this coat is that now that my baby is here, I can turn the maternity panel upside down and wear the coat over my baby carrier (I have both the Baby Bjorn and Ergo carriers). This is important as I have an infant and a toddler. I find it easier to wear my baby and walk with my toddler or push my toddler in a stroller than to push a double stroller through the crowded city streets and narrow doorways.

The only downsides to this coat are:

1. the belt, which feels flimsy and cheap, 

2. the availability - it's a Canadian brand only available from Canadian shops and online retailers, and

3. the cost - $480 CAD

I bought my coat from UpMama! for $385 minus $10 off (use coupon code "webmama") and free shipping to the US and Canada. 

Goodbye 2012 - Hello 2013!

Happy New Year everyone! 

Last year was a busy and productive year. We traveled a lot, moved to another apartment in the city, and had another little peanut just about a month ago. 

Now, the year is almost over and it's time to start anew in 2013. This year, I hope to accomplish several goals:

1. Get back to pre-pregnancy shape

2. Declutter, organize, and streamline my routines

3. Revamp my closet

4. Blog more frequently!

What are your resolutions for 2013?

{image from here}

Missoni for Target - September 13, 2011

I'm always excited when I hear about a new designer collaboration with Target even though some of their recent collections have been a miss for me. Still, I can't wait to see what Missoni has to offer, especially in children's clothing and home decor. I'm already imagining the Little Peanut running around in colorful zigzags.

As for women's clothing, I wasn't too excited by the sneak preview of the items used to shoot the Target ad. Too much brown maybe? I can't put my finger on it. At any rate, the collection hits stores on September 13, 2011.

{image via zimbio}

What do you think of Missoni for Target?

My Kind of Bar

I recently came across a website called Bauble Bar (referral link here) and was immediately drawn to the gorgeous and affordable jewelry on the site. The selection is huge and obviously well-liked as many pieces are already waitlisted. I guess I may be a little late to the bar because their jewelry has been featured in many magazines and worn by celebrities. I was immediately smitten with these pieces:

Rose Dome Ring

Inverted Dome Ring

Cushion Peach Drops

Last time I looked, a single piece cost anywhere from an inexpensive $18 to a maximum of $250. I also really like that they give you free shipping and free returns on orders over $30 (and no sales tax unless you're in New York) so you can try out the jewelry commitment free. I also received a code for $10 off my first order when I signed up. I like so many items - I can't decide. 

Note: I found pieces here that remind me of Amrita Singh earrings, Chan Luu wrap bracelets, and Rebecca Minkoff pyramid stud bracelets, but for way way less too.

What would you buy from the Bauble Bar?

Weeview: See Kai Run

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered 2 pairs of cute See Kai Run sandals from zulily (see deal post here).

Aesthetically, the sandals were adorable. The leather was soft and the soles were flexible but sturdy. I liked the round rubber dots on the bottom of the shoe, which I imagine would provide good traction for a new walker on a slippery surface.

One thing I hadn't considered before buying these shoes was toe cleavage. I adore baby feet, and I think most people do, but it was not a look I had expected. If this is an issue for you, I'd recommend going with the mary janes (see e.g., here, here, and here) instead.

Deal: See Kai Run

Up until recently, the little peanut has gone around town unshod. But now she's starting to take her first steps (yay!), so I've been obsessed with finding her cute, comfortable, and affordable shoes. Barefoot is still best at this stage, but her walking practice time is severely limited when we go out without the proper footwear.

Luckily, Zulily (click here for referral link) has a 40% sale on See Kai Run shoes and I jumped at the opportunity. Their shoes are so cute. Plus, it's important for the shoes to be soft and flexible - mimicking bare feet. These shoes also have suede bottoms with rubber grips to minimize slipping. And they've been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development. I'm sold. I picked up these 2 pairs of summer sandals for the little peanut. 

Pink Ruffle Tiana Sandal

White Floral Mira Sandal

They ran out of the little peanut's size in these mary janes, but how cute are they?

Pink Evania Mary Jane

White Floral Yuli Mary Jane

Deals List

Every day I receive many e-mails notifying me of special deals on the web. I'm sure most of you out there have already signed up. But in case you haven't, I'd like to share with you the deal sites that I frequent. I often find that no matter how full of deals my inbox contains, I am always learning of new sites that make me want to shop.

6pm
Bauble Bar
bloomspot
Editors' Closet
Gilt
Groupon
HauteLook
ideeli
jewelmint
kgbdeals
Lifebooker
Living Social
Outnet
Ruelala
Sole Society
stylemint

And here are the baby+mommy specific deal sites:
babysteals
doodledeals
Gaggle of Chicks
Poppins Perks
plum district
Totsy
zulily

Plus 2 sites I go to get cash back on my online purchases:
ebates
Mr. Rebates

List last updated July 31, 2011.


Are there any deal sites that you recommend?