The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards went down last night February 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Congrats to a couple of our “Bellyitch Bumpwatch” alums who took home awards: Cardi B for the Best Rap Album for her project “Invasion of Privacy” and muva Beyonce who won Best Urban Contemporary Album for her album collaboration project with her husband, Jay Z, “Everything Is Love” — The Carters.
Rashida Jones won an award for Best Music Film for their documentary Quincy about her dad music icon Quincy Jones.
On stage, our other blog alum Alicia Keys kept the attendees entertained while fulfilling her hosting duties and doing an amazing job singing some hits old and new while playing not one, but two pianos!
Besides her on-stage performance outfit, a black leotard and shimmery black tuxedo pants and a chic black fedora, the “Empire State of Mind” performer had four outfit changes if you count the fitted red tea-length Giorgio Armani button-up gown with a plunging neckline.
She also donned a green Palazzo leg jumsuit with a green print head scarf, a black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and my fave, a red deep v jumpsuit with collar cape draping.
Jennifer Lopezalso performed a tribute to Motown and showed up on the red carpet and during the intro, joined Keyes alongsideJada Pinkett Smith, Lady Gaga and former First Lady Michelle Obama, in a white Ralph & Russo pantsuit.
Cardi did a showstopping Burlesque’ish routine to her hit song “Money” but before that worked the red carpet in an elegant and avant garde vintage dress from the Mugler 1995 fall couture collection.
It looks like big and bold looks was the thing this year because Kylie Jenner showed up and out in a very structured blush pink Balmain Couture pants suit to cheer on her beau Travis Scott who was nominated for a few awards last night.
Not everyone went way out. New mom Jones did a nice conservative look in a long Ralph Lauren dress with Cartier jewels and Brian Atwood heels and I loved the elaborate yet simplicity of Pinkett Smith’s 20s feel feathered gown.
My fave dress was Bebe Rexha, whose not a mom, but rocked it in a gorgeous red layered Monsoori dress.
It has been 10 years since I last posted the annual Bellyitch Most Expensive Strollers post. It was a yearly blog post staple and used to get tons of traffic because, honestly, I think people, generally, are obsessed with knowing what baby items are used and coveted by the super wealthy and celebrities.
Since the last post, a few stroller companies have gone out of business. RIP to Orbit, Maclaren and newer brands 4Moms and iCandy, which were once considered “it” strollers in their day but no longer manufacture luxury strollers.
In 2013, I published the list as part of the Bellyitch 100, a book of the top crib makers, maternity wear designers, stroller makers and baby clothes brands.
Anyway, so I used to publish the Most Expensive Strollers list at a time when I was raising a young family and brands would boast that they were on the list.
My social circle at the time included professional working women, stay-at-home moms, and mom bloggers, several who were affluent and looked at the stroller as a status symbol.
Here is another secret about what happens among moms at the park, at the school pick up lot, in the mall and other social places where mommies congregate. They check out what strollers they’re pushing a baby or child in and make judgments.
Yes, there is a definite hierarchy in quality of strollers and believe me when I tell you that certainly check out what stroller another mom’s child is being pushed in and make judgments.
When I was raising my children as a young lawyer, I went through 6 strollers, which is a low number considering many of my friends at the tiem had way more.
Our first stroller was a Peg Perego which converts from a baby carriage or pram to a push stroller. At the time, it was among the best. Then, when my first born turned into a toddler, we ordered theInglesina Swiftumbrella stroller from the Italian stroller manufacturer. It had a great run!
To pair with the Inglesina, a sturdy Italian brand, we got a lower cost Combi umbrella stroller for travel, a stroller we could beat up which was so much less that so that we wouldn’t mind if it got lost by the airline or damaged during travel.
Then, when I was expecting baby #2, I got as an amazing shower gift from my co-workers at my old job: a Peg Prerego Aria doublestroller!
By the time baby number 3 rolled around, the Inglesina had hit the dirt, we left the Combi on some island we visited for vacation once and we had loaned out the Peg Perego Buggy to relatives who didn’t take good care of it.
The wheels on the double gave out and we opted to give to Goodwill rather than try to fix it or get the company to repair it.
B.O.B.
We opted for a lesss expensive Graco Snug Ride for Baby #3 and aB.OB. jogging stroller (the air-filled jogger stroller with hand activated rear wheel brakes that can ride smooth on any terrain) when I was ready to get back in shape.
Now, while we didn’t get any of them to make a statement, I have had many moms and dads comment on the pricier high end ones while walking in the parks, malls etc. People are always looking for a status symbol and there is a preconception that most expensive means the best!
It’s no wonder, you can see celebrities strolling their children in many of those on this list. The celebrities know that too. That is why Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony sued Silver Cross from publishing on their website an unauthorized endorsement which featured a People magazine photo of them pushing their twins in two Silver Cross prams.
People flock to buy whatever celebrities purchase and that stroller companies know that endorsement mean lots for their bottom line.
Anyhoo, on to the list. Of course, as a disclaimer, this list is not exhaustive. As usual, this list is based on my own personal research and I urge readers to point out other vehicles that should grace this list. Certainly, I would amend the post to reflect corrections.
In the meantime, check out this year’s list of “it” strollers pushed by the most Poshest of moms and celebs out there (I’m updating this list with a few more after the initial post so come back and ping me on Twitter if you don’t see one you think should be on this list)
SILVER CROSS
DESCRIPTION: For over 128 years, Silver Cross has been handcrafting traditional prams in Northern England. This hallmark company is known for being pushed by Royals in the UK and across Europe and beyond.
The Silver Cross Balmoral Pram model boasts three coats of high shine lacquer, English leather and is painted by hand and individually numbered.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Geri Halliwell Horner (“Ginger Spice”), Nicky Hilton
MIMA
DESCRIPTION: Mima® is an established Dutch designer and manufacturer of strollers and high chairs and a favorite brand for European new parents that want high-end design, functionality and a very chic aesthetic. This relatively new entrant to the market makes a very functional and innovative stroller that features a patented “carrycot inside” system.
The popular Xari Black Chassis Stroller can be used as a carrycot or as a stroller and comes with a reversible seat that allows your baby to face you or the world ahead. It has one of those super fancy simple fold mechanism. It is very stylish and chic and has a design that grows with your child and provides enhanced convenience for parents.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Kourtney Kardashian, Alex Curran Gerard
CYBEX
DESCRIPTION: CYBEX delivers Versatile, elegant and convenient line of top-notched quality strollers, many that features a reversible seat, one-hand seat recline, and a quick-fold chassis usually in an ultra premium, lightweight design that adapts to your growing family’s changing needs. This American-made Massachusetts company makes renowned products.
The Cybex Priam Cherub Stroller is part of the Cybex Platinum Priam range in collaboration with renowned designer Jeremy Scott, this 3-in-1 stroller has been made from high-quality fabrics with a smart, luxe appearance. Its flexible frame can be turned into a travel system with matching carry cot, combined with one of the brand’s award-winning infant car seats, or transformed into a luxurious stroller sporting a reversible seat unit. A vibrant cherub print and golden wing attachments offer a heavenly touch to suit your little angel.
DESCRIPTION: The StokkE brand of stroller is an “it” stroller indeed. And about a decade ago, this Norweigian company’s strollers slowly replaced the Bugaboo as the favorite or wannabes, posers and the nouveau riche. The babies inside these strollers are decked out in mini-adult Designer clothes. The diamonds on the hands of the moms pushing these things can put your eye out, I mean the shine is that bright. And they are being folded and thrown in the back of Land Rovers. Pretentious? Naaaah! Their owners just appreciate a gorgeous quality crafted stroller, that’s all (wink).
The Stokke™ Xplory® Complete baby stroller is the only stroller you’ll ever need to buy! The Stokke Xplory Complete is an innovative urban stroller that adapts to your changing needs.
DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company has had a major mark in the business since the early 1990s. The strollers Bugaboo manufacture guarantee a full of smooth ride, no matter the surface, city street or bumpy park. The brand has long been considered a posh status symbol and continues.
The classic Donkey buggy is fully loaded with push handle to shift the wheels to tackle any terrain, 5 harness straps, multiple recline position, a spacious under carriage bassinet, as well as a reversible, fully reclining seat.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Leelee Sobieski, Amy Poehler, Julianna Marguiles, Jon Stewart, Matthew McConaughey and Gwen Stefani
PHIL & TED’S
DESCRIPTION: Phil & Ted’s is a small New Zealand company that has made children’s products for over 20 years and about a decade ago was known for its super sturdy brand of tough terrain buggies and strollers for the rugged athletic and sports enthusiast parent who takes baby out on jobs and mountain hikes. It is still the market but has retreated to a smaller share given new competitors on the market.
Its Sport Stroller line feature a smart handle with one touch brake, smart fold, aluminum frame, and top quality tough, washable cloth.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts
JOOLZ
DESCRIPTION: Joolz is a very new entrant to the market. This Australian company hinges its products on sustainable and eco-friendly renewable design and materials.
The Joolz Geo² Studio Complete Stroller features a modular design that offers 3 different configurations that make it the ultimate stroller for any family adventure. The award-winning design captures ergonomic comfort, ease, style, and maneuverability. It can be used as a toddler stroller, a modern pram for newborns, and an infant car seat carrier
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Harry Judd, Carey Mulligan
UPPA BABY
DESCRIPTION:
Another American company is Boston, Massachussets-based UPPAbaby which makes innovative, high-quality strollers and car seats that fit the needs of parents, while appealing to the sense of style they’ve always had.
The VISTA convertible stroller allows for multiple configurations to transport up to three children, making it a great choice for growing families. The included bassinet features a longer, ventilated mattress, while the toddler seat is perfect as your little one grows. It has a telescoping handlebar and a large, easy-access under-seat basket that holds up to 30 lb. make the VISTA fuss-free for parents.
DESCRIPTION: When I started having a family, the Peg Perego was the it stroller. It is an Italian family-owned brand which makes baby strollers, car seats, high chairs and kid-sized riding toys for children and babies all over the world.
The versatile and agile Duette Piroet inline double stroller by Peg Perego can easily pass through narrow places, folds compactly, and is travel system ready. Comes with two independent adjustable seats with reclining backrests and two-position footrests. Peg Perego Duette Piroet features a versatile and extremely agile Italian inline double stroller design that can easily go through narrow pathways and allows various seating configurations for twins or different age siblings
DESCRIPTION: This is another relatively new arrival for city dwellers and traveling families. Babyzen manufactures and markets baby products and designs, produces, and sells collapsible baby strollers. Babyzen offers its produces to retailers throughout Europe and internationally.
The BABYZEN YOYO+ comes ready to roll, complete with the YOYO Newborn and Seat Color Pack Fabric Sets. The YOYO+ is an incredibly lightweight, compact stroller and steers easily even with one hand, allowing you to navigate corners and tight spaces. An underseat storage basket makes a convenient spot for on-the-go items, and an included travel bag is perfect for storage.
DESCRIPTION: Yet another Dutch stroller manufacturer whose name has been synonymous with top quality is Quinny. This company is among Europe’s most respected stroller brand and set the standard for engineering, design and trendsetting style.The Quinny line offers clever solutions for the confident parent of today; solutions that are made with parents and their lifestyles in mind. Stroll with ease and in stylish comfort with the rugged and innovative
The Quinny Mood Stroller features a unique hydraulic system that automatically unfolds stroller, plus never-flat, all-terrain tires that allow you and baby to conquer any terrain.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Allyson Hannigan, Ali Landry
AUSTLEN
DESCRIPTION: This is another American baby product company. The Austin, Texas company boasts a staff of in-house engineers, mostly made up of parents, that make products to accommodate the daily lives and frustrations of new moms and dads. They’ve stopped at nothing to create intuitive, purpose-driven, well-made products that make family life easier and more fun — giving parents more freedom to live in the moment without being overwhelmed by more and more.
The flagship model, the Entourage, is perfect for families on-the-go. This one-handed expandable frame has three positions, 5 recline positions, a market tote and expandable lower storage area, giving you the freedom to travel anywhere in comfort.
THULE
DESCRIPTION
Thule is an established Swedish outdoors and transportation products manufacturer that is a leader in cargo carriers for automobiles. It recently expanded to get into the stroller biz.
The Thule Sleek is a stylish stroller for on-the-go travel adventures with the ever-innovative, marvelously multifunctional which features a ventilated canopy, a convenient window, a reversible seat, generous seating options and more.
MAXI-COSI
DESCRIPTION: Another Dutch company is Maxi-Cosi which started in the 1980s as one of Europe’s first permiere car seat manufacturers. It has since expanded and updated its quality of strollers to the point that is competes with the other exquisite brands out here.
Travel everywhere with ease with the Lila Modular Stroller is a convenient, compact and extra comfortable, making it great for dining out, shopping or vacation that is good with maneuverability and can accommodate an infant seat. It’s perfect for a growing family because it can easily turn into a dual stroller.
BABY JOGGER
DESCRIPTION This Richmond, Virginia-based company launched one of the first jogging strollers in the 1980s. It designs and manufactures jogging strollers and all-terrain strollers and offers strollers and joggers, such as urban use and three wheeled all-terrain strollers; and accessories. The company also provides dependable push chairs for children and adults with physical disabilities.
The City Select LUX is a rugged yet streamlined stroller features an extra seat with a telescoping handlebar adjusts to just the right height, while the hand-operated decelerating and parking brake provides additional peace of mind.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Toby McGuire, Ellen Pompeo, Elizabeth Banks, Miranda Kerr
NUNA
DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company started out as a baby furniture maker and expanded to strollers. Today, it is a premiere must-have stroller for the upper echelon. I love the logo.
The Nuna MIXX Travel System includes a stroller and the company’s featherlight PIPA Lite LX Car Seat which makes one superb travel system. An ideal set for you, but especially for your little one.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Gwen Stefani, Molly Sims, Jaime King
There you have it! Good luck stroller shop or social climbing, whatever floats your boat!
In addition to running this blog and my tech and hair blog, I also have a few online stores (check out my Mom Charm Shop and Etsy stores and my Amazon books and my iTunes books).
And recently, I was introduced toPoshmarkand opened up a closet boutique on behalf of myself and my two sisters featuring some new or barely new fashion.
I’m promoting it as three sisters, one store for stylish looks in the 20s, 30s, and 40s (our three generations).
It’s called Jah’s Closet after the first initial of our names. Come by and see what we have for sale! Thanks, friends!!
I thought I had heard and read it all until I bumped into a few blogs and reputable news sites’ entertainment pages (I won’t call them out by name) claiming that Duchess of Sussex makes specific and deliberate hand gestures and clothing placements to make sure her bump is center stage.
*deep long sigh*
I don’t know if these people have ever been pregnant or not but when a woman, any woman, is 6 to 8 months along in a pregnancy, she really doesn’t have to go out of her way to make sure she looks it!
One “body language expert” quoted said, the former Suits actress is purposefully wearing bump hugging clothing and intentionally opting for coats so the baby bump would peek through. Another said she “flicks” them open for this purpose.
Wow! That sounds so ludicrous to me.
I don’t know, she could wear what’s out there, most of which are bump hugging, or wear a muu muu.
Also, as to the conspicuous hand placement on her belly, it is a very common and subconscious maternal practice of expecting woman to place her hands on her pregnant belly when pregnant. It’s not being done to cause attention by any means, I don’t believe.
Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first child later this month.
This Valentine’s day if you are pregnant and heading out to lunch or dinner with your honey, here are a few fashion accessories inspirations for spicing up your look and for getting festive for the day of love that does not require you actually wearing the color red in your choice of clothing because, how cliche, right?!
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY love muffins!
1. You can go with a large faux or natural red flower in the hair like Miss Victory Violet above especially if you cannot pull off fire-engine red hair like most of us cannot do.
2. Red Nails can get your partner feeling hot for you…
3. A red scarf wrapped as a winter layer or part of your outfit is a great way to add spark …
4. A red lip is so sultry and sweet….
5. And so is a red bag because it is loud and stands out…so fiery!
Speaking of Meghan Markle, she wore a $34 dress under a Armani coat to a charity yesterday and the Internet went wild over the Duchess’ choice to wear an affordable item out.
This is not the first time the Duchess of Sussex opted for a lower price item that broke the Internet. During a trip to New Zealand last year, she stepped out in in a $56 ASOS maternity dress which a lot of us commoners loved! (It’s still available in Mustard btw)
“Seasons change, and so did I,” The Guess Who sings on the classic track “No Time.” The Guess Who were not singing about their clothing (at least, we assume), but they could have been, because changing what you wear with the seasons is an essential style move that everyone should master.
It doesn’t take a fashionista to know that what you wear should change with the weather, of course. When it gets cold out, you grab a coat. That’s just common sense! But the reasons to change with the seasons run deeper than this simple and practical truth. The fact is, a smart and seasonally sensitive wardrobe will help you look good.
The seasons and color
We all look good in certain colors. One of the most common ways in which we evaluate our ideal colors is to associate our own appearance with a season: seasonal color analysis pairs each of us with an ideal season and designates us as being “an autumn,” “a winter,” or another season.
It’s an apt naming convention, because seasons really do have color palettes of their own. And while you should keep in mind that some colors go better with your complexion, you should also remember that some colors go better with the world around you!
Think about a yellow dress, for instance. Does it go better with one season or another? Well, that depends on what sort of yellow it is. A bright, sunny yellow is perfect for spring or summer, but it might look a little garish in fall or winter — think goldenrod for fall, to go with the changing leaves, and a deeper gold for winter, especially around the holidays.
The seasons and fabrics
Certain fabrics make more sense in certain seasons. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are natural fits for summer; heavier, cozier fabrics are natural fits for winter.
Well, of course, right? But think about this: It’s not just that these fabrics feel more comfortable in certain seasons. It’s also that they look better in certain seasons. If you see someone in wool in summer, you feel uncomfortable on their behalf. In winter, though, you might be drawn to that person’s apparent comfort and cozy look. In winter, wool gear will make you look happy and huggable!
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to find the right fabrics for the right seasons. But do keep the fabrics in mind! You can find slick, breathable fabrics that keep you warm these days, but those are better-suited for hiking than for your night out. Chunky coziness isn’t a liability on the trail, but don’t head to the bar like you’re climbing a mountain. Go for fabrics that look as warm as they are, and others will be more impressed by your look.
Layering and showing skin
When it gets warmer, we wear lighter fabrics; colder, and we go heavier. But there are other ways to warm up and cool off, and the most important one is layering.
Layering is one of the most important and most basic fashion moves. Everyone should know at least a little bit about pairing items up and donning them in attractive layers. Layers look hip, but they also look cozy. It’s the perfect technique for fall and winter. But don’t forget to consider fabrics! Layering lots of slick summer gear in winter may keep you warm, but it won’t make you look seasonally appropriate.
When it gets warm, we take away layers. Move to slick rain shells in brighter colors in spring, and then lose those layers in summer. You may even be able to bare some more skin in summer — though, for our guys in the audience, we have to advise against excessive tank top use.
If all of this sounds simple, it’s because changing what we wear with the seasons is the most natural thing in the world. Humans have been layering up in the cold and shedding layers in the warmth for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. And all you need to do to turn that basic instinct into a killer fashion instinct is to remember to look as seasonally appropriate as you feel. Communicate your seasonal sense with color, fabrics, and layering, and you’ll stand out and live in harmony with the seasons at the same time.
So the over and under is that Meghan Markle, the brand new Duchess of Sussex is a taste maker and trend setter.
Several fashion outlets reported last year that whenever the mom-to-be was seen out wearing one of the up and coming designers’ clothing the former Suits star likes to wear they sell out quickly after. It’s called “The Meghan Markle Effect.“
In August, Meghan stepped out in London for a charity performance of Hamilton in a black tuxedo dress by Judith and Charles, which resulted in a 800 per cent increase in the UK for the style. Similarly, her recent white sleeveless Maggie Marilyn tuxedo dress worn during her royal tour of New Zealand resulted in a 74 per cent surge in searches for the brand.
E! did a rundown on some of Markle’s most impactful & influential outfits since she married Prince Harry last Spring. A lot of it is pretty straight laced but a mixture of structured jackets, A-line dresses, mixed with solids and patterns, which I like. Her taste and style these days are a bit straight laced yet still very very chic but I guess since she is a Royal now, it’s best to stick to the script and the less over-the top and more non-descript!
But I love conservative leaning looks anyway. Here are my faves.
The Club Monaco trench coat over an all black everything look with some lace up Stuart Weitzman Veruka boots that she wore during a stop in New Zealand last October is fire!
Finally, this burgundy peplum top over black cropped skinny pants and black Sarah Flint Jay Pump platform shoes are chic, stylish yet relatable and comfy.
I don’t think sis can go wrong and there is a multi-million and maybe billion dollar/pound fashion industry that is banking on it too!
I was cheering on a lot of the celeb moms I’ve featured on this blog during tonight’s airing of the Golden Globes Awards!
Congrats to Regina King for her win for her supporting actress role in the filmIf Beale Street Could Talk. The 227, Boyz In the Hood and American Crime alum used her time giving her acceptance speech to advocate for the Time’s Up x2 movement and challenged herself to make her projects fully gender equal in the future.
“In the next two years, and it’s going to be hard, I’m making a vow that every thing I produce…[will be] 50% women,” King said. “And I challenge everyone out there who is in a position of power, in all industries, I challenge you to challenge yourself and stand with us in solidarity and do the same.”
Bravo! I love this woman! <3
Also, in keeping with my red carpet coverage tradition, I must add that I noticed a few Red Carpet trends worn on some of the celeb moms and others …
There was black, purple florals and big skirts on Heidi Klum in Monique Lhuillier, Molly Sims in Marchesa and Penelope Cruz in Ralph & Russo.
Silver and Shimmer on Mary Poppins Returns‘ Emily Blunt in Alexander McQueen, Keri Russell in Monique Lhuillier , Felicity Huffman in Laura Basci and Kristin Cavallari.
Sleek, sultry body hugging sheen and glimmer on Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein, Thandie Newton in a custom silver mirror-embroidered cutout gown from Michael Kors Collection. and King in Alberta Ferretti.
Big bright ball gowns on Lady Gaga in Valentino and Catherine Zeta Jones in Elie Saab.
.Wine draping on Halle Berry in Zuhair Murad Coutureand Alyssa Milano in Cristina Ottaviano.
Layers and draping on Anne Hathaway in Elie Saab , Lucy Liu in Galia Lahav and Julia Roberts in Stella McCartney which was my fave look all night!
When I was combing through the December/January issue of W magazine, I happened upon Celine 16 structured bag. I love a smart cosmopolitan bag and this is it!
It runs $4200 at Celine’s online store. I spotted a cheaper bag, its bucket bag on bid starting at $1200 over at Stockx.com! WANT!
