Style – Page 2 – Urban Suburban Mommy

Mama’s still got it! And celeb stylist Alissia Marciano tells you how to wear it for Mother’s Day

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in The Best You .

As mothers and women we should never want to sacrifice style for comfort. But I do understand, being a mother myself, that wearing 6 inch heels is not always conducive to running around after our kids.

I’ve found that it is possible to look chic and feel comfortable at the same time amidst our motherly challenges;) The trick is to look like a lady but be able to play with the boys. It really is no fun it we can’t get a little dirty…..

Here are a few tips and options for stylish and effortless ensembles to wear on Mother’s Day.

1. A great option instead of wearing a long dress (which may get in the way, or tripped upon) is a jumpsuit. It’s effortlessly chic. You may even find yourself falling asleep in them:) Add your own personal touch by choosing your favorite color and texture in a belt.

Jumpsuit by Electric Feathers

Jumpsuit by Black Crane

2. Some of us are so comfortable in our jeans. Even though I’m a HUGE advocate to dressing up there are a few exceptions to my style rules. If you wear black or dark blue skinny denim and pair it with a luxurious silk Kimono jacket then the entire casual denim look can be transformed into an exotic Mother’s Day outfit.

Printed Kimono Court by Cher Michel Klein

3. I’m always on the hunt for a unique stripe. This cocktail dress is perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch. This style and silhouette are extremely flattering on every body type.

Dali Stripe Claire dress by Samantha Sung

4. A Bohemian-inspired skirt look. Feel like channeling your inner hippie child? Or simply cannot get enough of embroidery when the hotter months are upon us? Well, Isabel Marant is the queen of this vibe. Pair this look with a pair of K Jacques and the South of France for Mother’s Day awaits you:)

Etoile Vince Top by Isabel Marant, Etoile White Vittoria Skirt by Isabel Marant, Sandals by K Jacques

5.Dare to wear: For those of us who like to be a little more daring – this pant look is the perfect ensemble to make a lasting impression.

Top and Pants by Electric Feathers

Alissia Marciano is an international fashion and wardrobe stylist, as well as, an on-air celebrity fashion host. Currently based in Los Angeles, she has worked and forged her talent around the world in such cities as Paris, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto. From guest appearances on Rachael Ray, to the countdown to the Oscars on the red carpet with E!, and co-hosting Look A Like and Sexy Girl, Alissia is a prominent figure in the fashion industry and her success has earned her the reputation of a highly sought after international fashion and celebrity stylist. Beyond fashion and music, Alissia’s portfolio includes an extensive list of advertising clients including Diesel, ESPN, Nike, Acura, Orbit, and CAT. Her eclectic mix of femininity and rock n’ roll has graced the pages of such publications as L’Uomo Vogue, Neo 2 (Spain), Entertainment Weekly, New York Moves, Wonderland (Japan), The National (UAE) and Filler to name a few. In addition to her work in the industry, Alissia has two beautiful boys with whom she shares many wonderful adventures and creates lasting memories with, surfing and skateboarding being two of their favorite activities.

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

Hair stylist Erica Wearing dishes on hair style and colour trends for Spring 2016

Posted on April 14, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in The Best You .

With the flowers blooming and the sunshine finally warming us up we all like to brighten up our looks and freshen up our cuts. If your looking to do so, here are some inspiring cuts and colours for spring/summer 2016 to keep you on trend and looking like a hip mama.

This season is very versatile. There lots are of shades and cuts to choose from: lobs, long layers, choppy bobs, blunt bobs, blunt fringe – whatever it is you love, rock it!

Women’s hair 2016

I’m loving a fresh fringe for the season change. It can shake up your look completely, leaving you feeling youthful and making those eyes pop.

My lovely friend Jen Ly took me to a violet rose shade, and I’m absolutely loving it! Check her out on Instagram byjenly.

Here are some more shades of blonde I love:
Icy cool blonde
Warm rose gold with violet undertones

Beautiful shades of the rainbow. I prefer the softer pastel shades like these – they aren’t as permanent and the fade out is beautiful as well.

A beautiful change to warm up the completion, “Ronze” a mixture of Browns and copper tones

Men’s hair 2016

Tell your man he has to look fresh next to his beautiful lady. Here are some great cuts for your handsome fella.

Toddler hair 2016

We have all seen those poor little kids with the bozo haircut they got from a heartless stylist – or I should say butcher! Some great advice mommies, take them to your own stylist. They will do a fabulous job on your little Muffin’s hair.

Here is a great photo of my handsome lil guy after I cut his hair. He was so good I fed him lots of frozen blueberries and put on a good cartoon to distract him.

Erica H. Wearing has been a stylist for over 16 years and she absolutely loves what she does . “It’s a great feeling to help people feel and look their best when they leave my chair. I wouldn’t trade this for any other job in the world!”
Check out Erica at Ka!Boom Hair Salon 1129 West Pender Street, Vancouver B.C .
(604)681-6003

alissia marciano hairbyericaw

5 must haves for spring from celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

Posted on March 14, 2016 by venicealissia Posted in Fame & Fam, The Best You .

Some mamas associate spring with cutesy overly feminine looks but I like to add little tomboy edge mixed with some badass accents to give a truly unique and eye catching style. Let’s add a little attitude this season – you never know what will happen:)

Need some quick wardrobe inspiration and a few perfect pieces to create some great looks?

Here are my 5 must haves for this spring season:

1. Fresh flowers as accessories – check out Rodarte’s collection by L.A florist Joseph Free

2. Thrasher or Skull Skates hoodie (tom boy accent)

3. Sequin floral applique mini skirt from Rodarte – pair it with the Thrasher hoodie and a stellar pair of heels

4. An Oversized sweater paired with a long feminine skirt and motorcycle boots- Get inspired by Saint Laurent Paris

5. Etro bohemian dress for evening outs

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

The low-down on how to manage your babe’s hair

Posted on March 7, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in The Best You .

Our resident hair and beauty expert, Erica H. Wearing provides insightful tips and advice about managing your babe’s hair.

1. What age can you start cutting a baby or child’s hair? Is there an age?

I shaved my sons head when he was 4 months old . He had an adorable mini mullet, but the reason I shaved? His hair was all patchy and full of bald spots . Shaving it helps hair grow in evenly.

It was hard to say goodbye to the baby hair, so I would say this isn’t for everyone.

2. Are there special products you should be using on baby or children’s hair?

There is a great hair care line with all different types of great products called Hot Tot that is safe and effective for your little one’s hair.

3. Are there certain ingredients you should avoid in terms of hair care products for kids?

Always choose products with as little chemicals as possible, avoid any sulphates and anything containing parabens. Using a gentle tear free shampoo would be best .

4. At what age do children’s hair usually change – i.e. from straight to curly?

Hair can change colour and texture with age, usually due to hormones. My hair was straight when I was a kid but as I got older it got much curlier. So, for you moms out there that wish your little one had some curls, one day that could be true.

5. How often should you wash a little one’s hair?

Baby/toddler hair should be washed only once or twice a week. Their little scalps and skin are sensitive, and their hair really doesn’t get dirty unless they are rolling around in the mud – like my little guy.

6. Any tricks to managing cradle cap?

A great tip for moms trying to get rid of cradle cap:

apply coconut oil on dry scalp
let sit for a few minutes
exfoliate in circular motions gently with baby hair brush
wet hair and shampoo

This tip will help brush off loose skin and hydrate the scalp.

7. Should you use conditioner on a child’s hair?

I would use conditioner on children with curly or long, fine, tangly hair. This will help detangle the hair, which makes it much less painful brushing the hair out – and also will hydrate the strands. For all other hair types, the hair is so soft I don’t feel there really is a need for conditioner until they are older. If your child is in swimming lessons please use a shampoo /conditioner that is best to remove chlorine buildup that’s safe for younger children.

hairbyericaw

And the Oscar for Best Hair goes to…

Posted on March 1, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in Fame & Fam, The Best You .

And the winner for best hair goes to Rooney Mara. She looked absolutely stunning . I loved the trio of slicked sculpted buns that flowed down her neck paired with her stunning smokey eyes and a bold red lips 💋
A slick up do with punk rock makeup and Givenchy Haute Couture dress. She’s definitely won the Oscar in my eyes.

You may know Mara for her stellar performance in Carol, which was nominated for many awards, including Best Supporting Role for Mara. Two years ago she was nominated for Best Actress for playing Lisbeth in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. From slasher films like Urban Legends to Nightmare on Elm Street, Mara is a versatile actress with a formidable career – AND great hair!

You’ll also want to check out “Oscars Red Carpet Watch by Erica Wearing”

hairbyericaw

Oscars Red Carpet Watch by Erica Wearing

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in Fame & Fam .

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again – The Oscars are this Sunday. I always keep my eye out for celebrity trendsetters and classic beauties on the red carpet who win the best awards for hair in my opinion.

I’m loving the looks I have been seeing for the awards shows so far in 2016. The simplicity of just a slicked polished top knot or a clean part with smooth long blunt hair or a fresh chopped bob with blunt bangs makes such a statement yet so classic and simple . I love how elegant this looks. I keep referring to simple because these styles are not over done yet so beautiful .

I think my favorite is the slicked look.

What do you need to do it? Some high gloss polish, a flat iron and a clean part are great tips to achieve these looks.

Also still on the red carpet, we are seeing the Hollywood classic wave with more of a beachy vibe too it.

All of these styles are simple, sexy and classic that we can wear everyday or pair with a glamorous dress.

Looking forward to seeing what the stars will be rocking this weekend for the Oscars!

And straight from the red carpet, we’ve got some really interesting stats from Wallethub.com:

2%: Of Academy Awards voters are Black (vs. 13.2% of the population)
25 Years Old: Jennifer Lawrence is the youngest person ever to earn four acting nominations
$3,500: Average cost of preparing a Hollywood actress for the red carpet
$220K: Value of the 2016 Oscar Swag Bag
39 Years: Between Sylvester Stallone’s two Oscar nominations for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa
45 Sec: The amount to which acceptance speeches will be cut down this year, thanks to individual shout outs scrolling on the bottom of the screen.

hairbyericaw

From nursery to big girl room

Posted on January 28, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in DIY .

We sat down with designers and lovely gals from 2Birds Design, Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon about some great ways to transform a small nursery into a stylish and functional girl’s bedroom. Andi and Renée offer some easy solutions and DIY projects that you can even try yourself.

2Birds Design: Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon

2Birds Design was hired to design a “big girl’s bedroom” as part of a birthday surprise for Valerie, who would be turning 3 years old. The task: maximize the limited square footage/space of the room, provide storage and offer a built-in bed solution.

Andi and Renée met the challenge with open arms and, as part of their design, they wanted to create a fun and interactive space so that Valerie was excited about transitioning into her new room. Custom platform bed systems are very expensive, so 2Birds decided on a custom designed storage bed (using IKEA cabinets!). This modular cabinet system provides a ton of storage in a consolidated area to allow for more open space and flexibility with furniture placement as storage and function over time.

The platform is built using basic plywood. It is in IKEA material, and added wood stair treads as well as a removable safety guard. 2Birds also decided to use a custom match, textured floor paint and basic foam floor tiles in pink (which you can purchase from department and hardware stores) for an anti-slip surface up to the bed. Navy, grey and yellow work with varying shades of pink and pattern play to create a fun space that will grow with Valerie.

: Before

: Light and bright

: Lots of storage

: Maximized the area

: Room to play

: Monogram V for Valerie

: Loft bed

: Wall to wall storage

: Color blocking

: Lots of color

We chose the colour scheme because we wanted something playful but that would grow with Valerie over the years. I instantly fell in love with the grey, pink, navy and yellow ikat fabric used on our large accent pillow and pulled our colour scheme from there.

Instead of overloading the room with extremely feminine tones, warm grey walls and a striking navy wall create an almost neutral backdrop for our layers of pink tones. A subtle light pink on the ceiling adds further interest, with pops of yellow and navy in the accent pillows adds to the fun but ‘not-too-young’ palette.

We kept the main pieces, like the frame of the platform bed and cabinets, area rug and bookcase white, so that the colour palette can be tweaked down the line by switching out the accessories. Even the pink cabinet doors can be switched out for another fun colour that IKEA offers.

We found the perfect drapery hardware, white sheers and deep fuchsia curtains at Walmart for an amazing price. We had them hemmed at a drycleaners for next to nothing ($10 a curtain panel) but these can also be easily hemmed with scissors, a neat fold and an iron on adhesive tape.

The floral tiebacks were a fun DIY and one of my favorite pieces in the room. I loved the idea of pulling in more of the navy and found the perfect navy and white polka dot floral hair clip at the accessory store Ardene. The overall size wasn’t quite large enough though so I used a glue gun to attach the navy flower to a slightly larger white flower. A white button finished off the centre, and I then glued the blossoms to a 2 inch wide piece of white fabric I had already hemmed using the above mentioned iron on adhesive tape. A small piece of velcro tape was all it took to hold the tie back together.

Valerie is quite crafty, so the small table and stool set was a great, inexpensive solution from IKEA. Made in a durable and washable material and in our perfect pinks, this purchase was a no brainer.

The bookshelf, pink and white boxes and pink polka dot bedding were all snagged from Target weeks before they were officially closed.

The pink princess canvas is also from Target, and sits beside the butterfly framed artwork from IKEA, and framed pieces of Valerie’s artwork.

Room to play

The rad cover was custom made by the contractor using pine boards we painted white, and geometric screen panels in the same pattern as our yellow accent pillow fabric.

The chandelier is available at West Elm and is made of capiz shells. I love the lightness of it against the pink ceiling and the pearlescent shells cast a beautiful reflection when lit.

2Birds Design: Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon

Two Birds Design is comprised of principle designers, Renée Gammon and Andi Wheelband. With over 10 years experience working in award-winning design firms across Ontario, a partnership was formed to create a boutique interior design business. 2Birds specializes in creating unique and livable spaces while providing dedicated and personalized service, unrivaled by larger design firms.

With a focus on exceptional quality, creative thinking and attention to detail, 2Birds ensures each project is handled with integrity and precision, from the initial planning stages through to construction and implementation. Rather than working in a “signature style” they develop each design based on the unique personality and lifestyle of our client. The first step to a well-designed space is carefully considered space planning. Without it even the most beautiful rooms can feel cluttered, cramped and uncomfortable.

2BirdsDesign

Alissia Marciano’s 5 fave looks this week for mamas

Posted on January 27, 2016 by venicealissia Posted in Fame & Fam, The Best You .

I’ve lived in Venice for a quite few years now and love the vibe and cool boutiques it has to offer.

And of course the proximity to the beach!!

I am always on the go, whether it’s going to art galleries with my boys, surf lessons, swimming lessons, preschool – and the list goes on.

Despite having a hectic schedule, it’s important to me to be well put together. One of my favorite shops in Venice is Guild. It’s an amazing clothing boutique found at 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd. A definite destination when you’re in LA.

It’s no secret that I have always been a fan of my black leather jackets and rock’n’roll tees. I thought I would put together 5 looks from Guild that can take you from art gallery to romantic dinner incorporating my old standby favorites. Here are a few looks that I love incorporating my must have pieces for easy, effortless rock’n’roll style.

Look #1: Let’s spend the night together

This is a great look that can start any day of the week off, and also end the night off having a cocktail at the bar. The leather skinny black pants give it that perfect sexy rock’n’roll vibe, along with the vintage-inspired Rolling Stones Tee. Pair it like I did, with canvas Bensimon’s and a plaid shirt with a comfy black cardigan during the day. But when it’s cocktail hour, throw off your sneakers, tie the plaid shirt around your waist, take off your cardigan layer on some silver bangles and cuffs along with a high pair of heels, and you’re good to go!

Made Worn Rolling Stones T-shirt
Frame’ Skinny leather jeans
Organic by John Patrick black cardigan
Pharaoh plaid shirt
Bensimon runners (Alissia’s own)
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #2: Mystery woman

It’s always nice to have a little air of mystery. You never want to fully divulge everything:) Isn’t that a woman’s and mother’s secret to keeping the spark alive?! An oversized hat says that quite nicely as well as protects you from the outdoor elements – whether it’s the sun or chilly air. This is a great neutral look in army green tones, and by adding a red lip you will get a nice pop of color. For the day, add a pair of ridding boots and a tight white t-shirt to give it that equestrian-inspired feel, and by simply adding a pair of heels and cream camisole take it into the evening for date night.

Haider Ackermann Cropped Jacket
Pharaoh pants
Gladys Tamez Millinery Hat
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #3: Apres surf Baja hoodie

For all you active mamas out there – and I hope with my recent articles that I have inspired a few more of you to get outside and experience the great outdoors – this look is the perfect apres surf or outdoor activity pull over. If you live in a warmer climate like I do in Venice, CA, then you can throw it over your bathing suit and slip on a pair of vintage Levi’s denim shorts. Or pair it with a skinny pair of black jeans and canvas sneakers to complete this casual Baja California inspired look.

PS: Those knee bruises are the real deal, care of a day at the skate park!

KozaBaja Hoodie
Hoodie from Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Giulian (Alissia’s son) wearing: all his own clothes

Harley Davidson leather jacket
Junk Food Grateful Dead vintage inspired t-shirt
JNBY jeans
Vans kitty runners

Look #4: ‘Jumpsuiting’ with the boys

This is the most comfortable and effortless look to throw on for whatever is thrown at you during your day. I am huge fan of all things denim – but maybe I’m a little partial to denim due to my Canadian roots and love of the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’. Instead of jeans, try a denim jumpsuit to refresh your wardrobe while staying on trend this season.

6397 Denim jumpsuit
Reinhard Plank Hat
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #5: It was just a kiss

It’s important to get dressed up at least once a week and be in touch with your feminine side. A sexy short cocktail dress will always do the trick. I love wearing shorter hemlines and showing off my legs even when – yes – I have evidence of a skateboarding accident on my knee. It keeps it real and reminds me that I am a mom on the go with two boys in tow:)

While I like dressing femininely I also like to add a little edge to my look. I often wear a black leather jacket to complete my looks, whether it’s pairing it with denim or a silky cocktail dress. A silver clutch and black pointy shoes with a unique heel completes the style I am going for.

Mason Cami wrap mini dress
BECKY Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Black Heels
Vere Verto Mini Mox silver bag
C/CHRIST Black leather Jacket
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Remember to infuse your own style into each look. Make it your own and you will always shine!

Photographer: Fawnda Denham

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

10 Questions with a tattooed and pierced mama

Posted on January 11, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in 10 Questions With .

No little dolphin on the ankle, no simple single set of dangly earrings – there are a lot of mamas out there who have it pierced and inked – in all sorts of amazing places. It’s becoming more acceptable, but still not the norm, and while we all know someone with a sleeve or more than a few things pierced, that was probably not the demographic filling the room at your last PTA meeting. We caught up with Keona from Richmond, Virginia, mother of 5 and a very cool inked and pierced mama to ask the questions you know you want to know about those piercings and tattoos.

Our lovely mama has two visible dermals - those diamond-like shimmers on her chest – stretchers in her ears, a delicate stud of a lip piercing and a nose piercing. Scroll down to see more of what she has covering her shoulders, arms, back and legs.

Our lovely mama Keona has two visible dermals – those diamond-like shimmers on her chest – stretchers in her ears, a delicate stud of a lip piercing and a nose piercing. Scroll down to see more of what she has covering her shoulders, arms, back and legs.

1. What do you have pierced? Tattooed?

My ears were pierced but are now stretched, I have the top part of my ears pierced twice on both sides, I have the center of my bottom lip pierced, my nipples pierced, I have my tongue pierced twice, I have my hood of my vagina pierced. I also had several dermals at one point. I have numerous tattoos all over my body – and more to come.

2. Did any of them hurt?

All of them hurt but my hood piercing. That did not hurt.

3. Do you have tattoos for your kids?

Yes, butterflies with their names.

4. Do your children find them strange?

No, not at all. They love to see what I’m going to get next!

5. You have your nipples pierced, did it affect breastfeeding?

It did because the jewelry got in the way, so I had to take them out. And even then I had milk come out of holes.

6. Would you encourage your kids to get tattoos and piercings too – if they wanted? And at what age?

I did with my oldest, She was 17 when she got her first tattoo. We went together and we got matching owls.

7. Does having lots of piercings and tattoos make the teachers/other parents uncomfortable or have trouble talking to you?

I find them to be very accepting.

8. What are the biggest misconceptions about mamas being pierced and tattooed?

We don’t care about our kids. We do not educate them, we keep them and our homes dirty.

9. Have you had to take any of the piercings out?

Yes, I had a couple of dermals. I had to remove them for surgery.

10. Is it expensive?

Yes, some of my piercings are expensive and my all of my tattoos were. My back one $350, it took 8 hours total. My dermals cost $80 apiece.

Hair tips and products for the busy mom with leading stylist Erica Wearing

Posted on January 6, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

Perfect hair or ponytail? Hair is so hard to manage – especially on busy mornings when you’re falling behind with lunches, sleepy stragglers and tell-tale roots. We caught up with leading hair stylist, Erica H. Wearing to ask for some amazing tips and products that will help out a busy mom. This pro, a mother too, came through with the perfect advice that will let you bypass the ponytail elastics with confidence!

What do you suggest for the ‘must-have’ hair care products for moms, and why?

My top go-to picks for hair products are:

Moroccanoil – a leave in treatment perfect to apply on wet or dry hair leaving the hair silky and shiny

Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream – it hydrates and tames frizzy hair perfect for wash and go hair or blowouts

Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo – this product is perfect for the days you don’t want to wash your hair and are in need of body and texture while also dry cleaning the hair and getting rid of oil and odour

2. How often should we be washing our hair?

I suggest washing your hair every two to three days, as shampooing daily causes hair to dry out and encourages your hair to create more oil. My favourite hair day is day two – by day three I throw it up in a top knot.

Top knot

3. Besides a ponytail, what other quick hair styles or tips can you recommend for busy moms?

A top knot, messy bun or half up top knot both look stylish and easy to do. Also braiding the hair is always a quick but pretty way to have the hair pulled softly away from your face.

hairbyericaw

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