Forty Weeks Style
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
What do KIRO TV personality and all around adorable pregnant woman Jenni Hogan and Forty Weeks go-to-gal (ok, she is in charge) and always super lovely Jules Galpin have in common?
Well for one they both speak with very cool accents (alternatively, they both think I speak with a very cool, Philly girl goes to DC and looses her accent after multiple classes in voice and diction) accent.
Next, they are fashion forward, cute as a button and have great hair especially pregnant.
Also, they are smart enough to hang out with me – which means they get the inside line on what’s new and noteworthy in pregnancy fashion
Both are craving all sorts of silly foods (Jules is quite addicted to the pasta salad from the Chevy Chase Market for example).
What’s more – both are radiant and glowing (Jules is using Basq to get her glow on Jenni got a big box in the mail from Belli)
And I believe both are having girls – Jenni’s girlie bundle of joy is confirmed, Jules’ TBA baby-girl is just my expert opinion
And what else? Well, they are both are ordering the newest piece from the NOM colection at BellyDance Maternity — really this one is the perfect spring dress – I am an instant fan!
NOM Bree Beaded Dress
I will post pictures of both Jenni and Jules in this piece soon – stay tuned!
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, celebrity, maternity fashion | No Comments »
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
The feedback from Friday’s event has been incredibly positive. I am thrilled that we’ve ignited the interest and opened the hearts of so many to R Baby Foundation. It was a most remarkable day. And I must add, one for the fashion records — everyone looked so beautiful! So I’d thought I’d share a little inside line on our looks and in specific, how to steal mine.
Hair: Blow, 14th Street – but of course (the official pre-event salon of Forty Weeks!). Kyle did a fantastic job of giving me just the right coif!
Brows: Red Door (really, really) — Bethesda based Nahid has been the keeper of my brows for as long as I can recall – and she earned that title yet again.
Make-up: Buffy and co produced flawless and individual looks for each of us. And, she did this as a gift to the Foundation. I could not take my eyes of off the stunning panelists. Here are a few of us, pre-program:
Beth Feldman, Lauren Parisier, Brenda Berg, Phyllis Rabinowitz, Nicole Feliciano and me!
My dress: Alice and Trixie – which I found locally (Luna, Bethesda) when I was helping IRLer Jamie Bernstein look for a dress – she ended up helping me!
Alice and Trixie Austin Dress
My Shawl: DVF’s new linen scarf has been as early go-to favorite and once again made the look! This was part of my February spree and really has already earned it’s keep!
DVF Linen Gauze Scarf in African Sugar
My necklace – I stumbled upon this piece at another local (Bethesda) haunt South Moon Under — I was on a mission for chunky (after IRL Alice and I failed on Valentine’s day to find something in Georgetown) and found this:
Leslie Danzis three loop with staggered tassel mesh necklace
Of course there was Spanx and boots (from another local -Bethesda’s own Zelaya) in the picture too. Frankly, I am ready for that season to end, but I digress!
Not bad for a girl who had no clue what she was wearing the week before the event! Thank you all for the incredible feedback. What a day – for fashion and for the Foundation…
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, philanthropic moms | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 15th, 2010
It has been a cold, snowy and confining winter. February is here and the season shows now signs of shifting. However, I am determined that my closet will start to bloom. Not to mention it is getting dangerously close to my birthday and I need a little pick-me-up. And so like an optimistic little crocus I made my way through the dirty snow and melting ice in search of some spring.
Armed with my birthday discounts and my friend Alice as a very honest shopping companion (someone needs to speak the truth) I bought myself some sunshine. It looks something like this:
DVF Aggie Dress
grey feathery tank
rushing ruffles dress
catch and release scarf
DVF Linen Gauze Scarf in Palm Sunset
Thank you DVF, NY and Anthropologie, DC for the fashion love.
What do you think?
Posted in Forty Weeks Style | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Last week I let you in behind the velvet ropes of my latest bit of fun with the beautiful bump-goddess that is Jenni Hogan. I shared with you how we reached out to our friends (Song, Shannon and Jen that’s you) in maternity fashion land to help Jenni Hogan to find three frocks for consideration for her #GO RED Friday fun.
Jenni Hogan
All of my super wonderful friends offered up the best bump-fashion around and then went above and beyond – they all agrees to donate back to American Heart Association for anyone who used the code AHA. Talk about heart!
Here are the contenders – prepare to drool over these maternity dresses! And, the voting is still going on – join us pick, click and help us raise money for the American Heart Association…
Wrap Dress by Due Maternity
Pickles & Ice Cream Berry Red Turtleneck Dress
Olian Cranberry Wrap Dress for Belly Dance
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, caught you caring, celebrity, maternity fashion, philanthropic moms | No Comments »
Monday, December 14th, 2009
I adore the new Bravado Essential Nursing Tank in plum. Who can argue with seriously saturated color on the most comfortable nursing tank on earth? If I were a headless pregnant mannequin, this is what I would look like wearing it:
OOOOH, the hard-to find Plum is here!
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, breastfeeding | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 11th, 2009
In Style June 2005
Oh, nostalgia – how you creep up on me. Here is one of my favorite moments of my career — the final product of what was one of the most powerful projects I’ve been assigned. We were with InStyle magazine shooting for the June 2005 issue (take note, it had a happily single Katie Holmes on the cover) and it was one of greatest days of girl power I’ve ever experienced. Asked to profile the women who had redefined pregnancy and baby – I brought together the best and the brightest of the field. And what followed: the fun, the conversation, the confessions and even the deals that were made stand out as one of the most singularly exciting and powerful days I’ve had before or since.
Old friends like Emilia Fabricant, Shannon DiPadova, Amy Coe and Debbie Ohanian joined with (then) relatively new ones like Ellen Diamant and Skye Hoppus in a star-studded photo shoot. Take a look and tell me it doesn’t warm your heart a bit (though feeling a little sad for those who are pictured but no longer in the industry). Please share your stories about these women and their extraordinary companies/careers….and we can all feel warm and nostalgic together.
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, Uncategorized, marketing, maternity fashion | No Comments »
Saturday, November 28th, 2009
Let’s just say it is the Saturday after Thanksgiving and you have made a sport/hobby/calling out of eating. Cheese is now in your dreams and carbs now feel like your best friend, if not your only food group. Let’s just assume, for the sake of this exercise that you have not exercised in, hmmm, let’s say a good 3 weeks. And let’s also say (and really this part is fiction ) that price is no object – but you need to go out to dinner this evening, with people you’ve not met before and pull of the super cute, totally together, yet totally original look that you fancy you are known for – what now curvy girl? Well funny you should ask – I have been poking around looking for a solution for just the same scenario…here is the greatest of the lot – may I present:
The Saturday After Thanksgiving, Still Got it Going on Look:
IF, (oh please let’s hope) your jeans still fit there are a few ways to go. First is this Robert Rodriguez super sexy, off the shoulder, lots and lots of room to hide a belly and show off your arms and beautiful face black top. You know the drill — great hair, braceletts up your arm and for goodness sake, very high, make the outfit heels…oh and if you can get someone with a wind machine to follow you around all night – all the better!
Robert Rodriguez, beaded top $295
Another option — play the night down a bit. Choose a great chunky knit, layer a jiggle management tank (must have some suck in it, but not too much -otherwise you end up with mega boobs), some skinny jeans and great boots. I would focus on neck interest here — a statement necklace or better still - a scarf to keep the attention away from your ass. Like this Michael Stars piece — it can go in lot of directions.
Michael Stars cashmere mock neck jacket $250
One more great jean option involves color. A little sheer color and some great detailing and poof – no one is lookng anywhere else…I own this Nanette Lapore piece in black (full disclosure, I paid retail – OUCH had a Care for Kids discount) and have worn it to the point of it owing me nothing. So invest in one of these – equally able to hold it own on good days and on pudge days. Also, if you stand like this model and point to other people that will distract from your holiday pounds!
Nanettte Lapore Karma Sutra Top $328
Finally – we need to address worst case scenario – your jeans do not zip. Well, this calls for a whole new plan. And that plan has a name – DRESS. The dress plan involves three basic elements -1. Spanx 2. shoes/boots 3. distraction. The first two should be fairly obvious — finding just the right dress is a little more difficult. Here are a few that really do it for me!
DVF Deluma dress in Silver Sequins $795
I adore this DVF dress– actually, I wish I could wear this tonight (we are dining with business associates of Bob’s – I am sure they are expecting me in Silver Sequins at the very least!!!) – but alas -too chere (hey that is a good pun!). Still, this is a fantastic option…go with the opaque black spanx and a chunky heel, excellent!
And one last dress idea -
Anthropology Fall Foliage Sweater Dress $148
I would wear this cozy red dress with a layer under (the best choice is a Wolford body suit, and yeah, I know this costs more than the entire dress, but you will wear it often and I found you one on sale!) and some very funky, chunky necklaces.
So now, get yourself all smoked and mirrored up and take on the night. Monday is coming…
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, ot | No Comments »
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Things are always cooking here at Forty Weeks! We work hard – that is for sure. And when we entertain, we do that with the same passion and eye for perfection. So, in the spirit of the holiday (gobble gobble), I have asked the Forty Weeks family to share their favorite recipe of the season. Enjoy!
Julia Beck
Green Goddess Dip
I love to go a little retro – somehow, it always starts a conversation and makes people feel right at home. A few years ago, I started serving Crudités with Green Goddess Dip – the color is inviting, the flavor complex and it gets any gathering off to a great start!
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2+ anchovy fillets
1 medium shallot
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1-2 garlic cloves peeled
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
½ cup light sour cream
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ cup good olive oil
Cut Veggies – carrots, celery, red pepper, sugar snap peas, etc.
Gina Contursi
Curried Butternut Squash and Pear Soup
Savory, complex and full of good things – just like Gina. I suggest you serve this delicious soup in assorted antique tea cups to add even more ”wow” to the meal as a unique passed starter!
Ingredients:
1 (2 pound) butternut squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon curry powder
teaspoon salt
4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
2 firm ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch dice
1/2 cup half and half
1. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane.
Place squash halves, cut sides down, on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast in preheated oven until very soft, about 45 minutes. Scoop the pulp from the peel, and reserve.
3. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and salt. Cook and stir until the onion is soft, about 10 minutes. Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and bring to a boil. Stir in the pears and the reserved squash, and simmer until the pears are very soft, about 30 minutes.
4. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender. Puree in batches until smooth.
Return the soup to the pot, stir in the half and half, and reheat
Laura Derrico
Sausage and Fennel Stuffing
Laura is the latest addition to our team. Much like stuffing is essential to a perfect Thanksgiving meal, LD is indispensable to us at Forty Weeks! Laura is from a big family – expect this to feed many!
Ingredients:
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing discarded
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 medium-large onions, chopped fine
1 1/2 pounds fennel bulbs (sometimes called anise, about 2 medium),
stalks trimmed flush with bulbs and bulbs chopped fine (about 4 1/2
cups)
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, chopped fine
1/4 cup Pernod or other anise-flavored apéritif
2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried tarragon, crumbled
5 cups corn bread for stuffing or packaged corn bread stuffing
1. In a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet cook sausage over moderately high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps with a fork, until no longer
pink.
2. Transfer sausage with a slotted spoon to a large bowl.
3. Add butter to fat remaining in skillet and cook onions, chopped fennel, fennel seeds, and salt to taste over moderate heat, stirring,
until fennel is softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add apéritif, thyme, and tarragon and cook, stirring, until most liquid is evaporated.
5. Add mixture to sausage with corn bread or packaged stuffing and toss to combine well.
6. Season stuffing with salt and pepper and cool completely. Stuffing may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
(To prevent bacterial growth do not stuff turkey cavities ahead.)
Jules Galpin
Harvest Pear Crisp with Candied Ginger
Jules is my better half – no doubt! And like this irresistible dessert, she completes almost anything we do! This one combines rich autumnal flavors for a perfect ending to your holiday meal!
Ingredients:
Topping:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup coarsely chopped whole raw almonds
1/4 cup 1/4-inch cubes crystallized ginger
Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 pounds firm but ripe pears (6 to 7 large), peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
Topping
Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Add butter. Working quickly so butter does not soften, rub in with fingertips until moist clumps form. Stir in oats, almonds, and ginger. Chill while preparing filling.
Filling
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add pears; toss. Transfer to 13×9x2-inch oval baking dish. Sprinkle topping over pear mixture. Bake until topping is crisp and golden brown and juices are bubbling, about 50 minutes. Serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit.com
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Sunday, November 1st, 2009
I have not been yet – but was excited to hear that one of my original gal-pals in the biz had opened a new retail space in Dumbo. New York Magazine reports that Susan Lazar has taken a space in Brooklyn where her signature mini-fashion – cozy cashmere knit layette, zodiac blanket and other modern luxuries can be found under one roof. Egg by Susan Lazar is located at 72 Jay street at Front street. The line and the store now include Susan’s unique take on nursery and maternity as well. Susan’s designs (simple, clean but unmistakably high-end) are a long-time favorite on Melrose and Madison – and with good reason!
I first met Susan years ago ( I am thinking it was 2005) and what I remember most is a morning spent in her Gansovoort street studio – sipping coffee and making plans. I was blown away by her creativity and entusiasm for the then young line. I could not be more thrilled for her success! If you drop by – be sure to tell Susan I sent you!
Posted in Forty Weeks Style, maternity fashion | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
I wake up early – I have to. There are kids, work and always, always a ton of emails that need my attention. Mostly, I am quick into action and usually it is of the serious nature. You know the drill: clients, deadlines, egos, repeat…
This morning my in-box included a totally hysterical pitch from Andy Meeks, actor, funny guy and bloger at PIMP MY ULTRASOUND ($.99)…yeah, you heard me – Andy is hawking a new app for pimping up your precious, once-in-a-lifetime in-utero keepsake. And while I was, at first glance tempted to add it to my Wall of Shame, I simply cannot– it is too funny, harmless and did I mention funny? Are you and your fetus feeling it?
Well, I am — so thanks Andy — but now I need you…
MAKE ME LAUGH AND WIN! Please pimp your ultrasound and post them here – the best one (Jules and I will judge with tie-breaking power given to Little Man Sam) will win some Fabulous Forty Weeks Swag – Jules will make a dash to the “prize closet” and fill a box with goodies. But first – you have to make me laugh!
So start pimping….
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