Made for Moms

Code Red: A Busy Nurse and Mother of Two Gets a New Look

bjkid — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0800

A cardiac nurse hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Kylie Munce moved to Beijing with her husband over five years ago to work at the Western Academy of Beijing. While her husband taught English and humanities, Kylie was busy healing wounds and giving kids a friendly shoulder to lean on as one of WAB's full-time nurses. Now with two children of her own, Caleb (2.5 years) and Liam (3 months), this busy mom needed an afternoon off to relax. "I can't remember the last time I got my haircut," says Kylie a tad ashamedly. Toni and Guy at the Hilton stepped in to give Kylie a makeover worthy of a superstar, or in this case, a supermom.

A Day for Her

beijingkids — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:13:06 +0800

Mothers' Day comes but once a year, and this year it falls on May 9. So it's time for the family to put their heads together and come up with a great day of food, fun and relaxation. To make things a little easier for Dad and the kids, or perhaps to inspire Mom, we've come up with the ultimate must-have list for Mothers' Day.

Fuzzy Chic

beijingkids — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:01:32 +0800

Beat the winter blahs with stylish outerwear

When bundling up on frosty days, don’t trade your sense of style for warmth. A sturdy and fashionable quilted down coat is a worthy investment, and neutral colors are ultra-wearable and eternally classy. If you want to go for colors that will brighten the bleak winter months, stylists suggest belted or hooded coats in both short and long lengths. Choose shoes that cover as much skin as possible. Boots with a warm lining and extra thick insoles are the best bets for toasty toes. Thermal leggings are extremely popular this winter and can be found everywhere, from street stalls to department stores. Top off the look with hats, gloves and earmuffs reminiscent of childhood. Fiona Zhang

Juicy Couture hooded down jacket – RMB 2,780; 2/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District

William Sharp embellished earmuffs – RMB 1,430

Holiday Party Essentials

beijingkids — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:04:00 +0800

‘Tis the season to dress up

Holiday season brings holiday parties – the chance to shed sweaters and jeans for those dresses in the back of the closet. No need to buy a whole new wardrobe; we’ve found a few great items around town that can transform an everyday outfit into a festive ensemble. Spice up an old outfit by adding a sparkly handbag or a chic hat, or don a pair of elegant satin heels, the quintessential party shoes. A bold color, like this purple, is also a great way to stand out. Before heading out into the brisk night, slip on a form-fitting peacoat. As for accessories, don’t put on everything you have at the same time; as with the best presents, less is more. Fiona Zhang

1. Lino Black Ostrich Scarf – RMB 1,000; Lino Haute Couture, North gate of Longbo Plaza, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District

2. Diamond Gold sequin hairband – RMB 60; 4/F, Yashow Market, 58 Gongti Beilu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District

Perfectly Structured

beijingkids — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:18:00 +0800

Coats that ward off autumn’s chill

As fall brings crisp, cool days, you can seek refuge in a new coat. Some women remain true to a single, divine jacket for years, while others can’t get enough in different lengths, shapes and styles. This season’s trends call for structured tailoring and pieces that are cut with a defined waistline or cinched in by a belt for an hourglass shape (though baggy, relaxed styles can also be found). Sleeves, which have received much attention from designers recently, can be puffed, short or embellished by details. Classic tweed, jacquard, or even silk-like waterproof polyester are some of the choices on the racks. Don’t forget to experiment when concocting an outfit – try a military-inspired jacket with slouchy boots or a voluminous coat with stilettos.

1. Aquascutum Tara double-breasted coat – GBP 1,695 (RMB 21,433); www.net-a-porter.com.

Gwen Stefani Rock star by night, stylish mom by day

beijingkids — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:14:50 +0800

With a career that has spanned fronting the pop-ska band No Doubt, releasing solo albums, and establishing fashion label L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani is also the mother of two children. Work projects never held the singer back from becoming a style icon, though, and her platinum blond hair and bold 40s’ style red lips have been her signature look. On a play date at the park with son Kingston, while pregnant with son Zuma, she paints on crimson lips and dons a black trench coat with a matching jersey pullover and jeans that keep her looking lean and barely pregnant. Even with shades covering her face, you know it’s Gwen.

Kate Beckinsale: Fashionista on the sand

beijingkids — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:51:00 +0800

British-born actress Kate Beckinsale is known for hitting the red carpet in glamorous gowns and capturing the hearts of leading men. When off the set, Beckinsale makes sure to spend precious time with her family. Heading to the beach with daughter Lily to enjoy sun and sand, this celebrity mom still manages to maintain her sense of style. She pairs a linen-and-lace white dress with chunky wooden heels, accessorizing with red-framed shades. This summer, step onto the beach with the star’s fashionable look.

Celebrity Style: Jennifer Garner

beijingkids — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0800

Finding your natural beauty

From the dispirited wife in the movie Juno to real-life mom, Jennifer Garner looks equally gorgeous on screen and off. As for her daily style, she prefers a more natural and sophisticated look. On a sunny day out to the beach with her 2-year-old daughter Violet, she dresses casually in a low-cut V-neck dress in a vivid coral color, with a silver wristwatch and a diamond pendant to emphasize her beautifully toned skin. Fashionably oversized shades help block the glare of the sun, as well as those pesky paparazzi! Below, find out how and where to copy her style right here in Beijing.

Donna Karan crystal studded sunglasses,Price TBD
B-2901, Soho New Town, 88 Jianguo Lu,
Chaoyang District
(8580 3288)
朝阳区建国路88号
Soho现代城B-2901

To Mom With Love

beijingkids — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:10:46 +0800

A few Mother’s Day gift ideas

Mothers are always giving without asking much in return, so take advantage of Mother’s Day to say thank you! But forget the clichéd bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates – try giving something different this year to show her how much you really care. Here are some suggestions for the perfect gift to give the mom in your household.

For Expecting Moms

Pregnancy will make her legs tired and swollen, so soothe her skin with L’Occitane Cream Gel for Tired Legs to improve circulation and give a sensation of freshness and well-being. RMB 280. L’Occitane, Shin Kong Place

Flat Footing

beijingkids — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:15:24 +0800

Eight ways for moms to look good while staying comfortable

One of the biggest frustrations for many postpartum moms is the difficulty of fitting back into those evening dresses and high heels. Yes, not only does the figure get bigger, but the feet also tend to get puffier because of pregnancy, which means you might have to say goodbye to those stiletto heels for a while. You can’t chase your toddler around the playground with high heels anyway! So go with these comfortable flats, available in chic styles to keep your look up-to-date.

These silver ballerina plastic flats can be worn out to a night on the town or on a rainy day. RMB 199. Zara, south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南楼