Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Vintage Rehab's 25% Off Summer Sale

We're liking the vintage locket necklaces at Vintage Rehab, and like them even more now that they're offering 25% off and free shipping. They make a perfect keepsake gift for babies and for new moms.

Laughing Starfish Jewelry: Handcrafted beadwork and nursing necklaces

One of the most memorable gifts I received when I first had my daughter was a nursing necklace from my friend Kara. Both of us had been pregnant at the same time (we even had the same due date though she ended up having her daughter the day before me) and both of us spent a lot of time during those nine months sharing our anxieties about nursing, scared that we wouldn't be successful at it. Then our girls were born and Kara's daughter, Ava, was a nursing champ from the start but I had a really difficult time getting Catie to latch on for the first week and a half and when I received the nursing necklace in the mail it really meant the world to me. I ended up wearing it everyday for a year and a half and still wear it from time to time. The nursing necklaces from Laughing Starfish Jewelry reminded me of that gift though the site offers a complete line of jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, sets and other accessories.

 Click continue reading for the entire Laughing Starfish Jewelry review.

PureKids Collection at Pure Pearls: High-quality heirloom jewelry

Often when looking to buy something to celebrate a special occasion or milestone in a child’s life we think about jewelry. I know that when my daughter was baptized I really wanted to buy her a piece of jewelry that she would be able to treasure as an adult and possibly pass onto a child of her own one day.

If you are looking for heirloom-type jewelry you might want to check out the new PureKids collection at Pure Pearls. Offering high-quality, fine pearl jewelry at exceptional discount prices, the Pure Pearls team of experts bring you the top 3% of their exclusive harvests. By sourcing pearls straight from the pearl farms, they are able to cut the middleman and bring incredible wholesale prices to their customers without sacrificing quality.

Click continue reading below to read the rest of the PureKids Collection at Pure Pearls review.

Spoil yourself, because moms deserve something pretty, too!

It's inevitable, many moms spend so much time making the holidays "just right" only to get overlooked when it comes to presents for them. Don't take it personal, let us help. E-mail these pretty picks, from CBB Publisher Danielle, to your hubby, or even buy a nice token for yourself. Remember you deserve it!

I'm such a sucker for green stones. These vintage limone earrings from The Vintage Pearl feature antiqued silver posts and wire, green faceted stones, and a white freshwater pearl. 

This stamped silver and pearl ID necklace by The Vintage Pearl is a modern update on the nameplate necklace repopularized by Sex in the City.  Comes in child through adult sizes.

CBB Deal: Use code getsilly to save 15% on these and other pieces at TheSillyWagon.com.

I want... no scratch that, NEED lots of Blend Creations' jewelry in my accessory arsenal.  It's exactly my style and it took my breath away the first time I saw it. I love the modern, clean lines, that have a strong, yet feminine appeal.  The jewelry collection sets itself apart from the rest by 'blending' different "warm" elements not normally seen, with "cold" stainless steel.  Their jewelry blends include pairing stainless steel with elements like bamboo, vintage mah jong tiles, mother of pearl and even coconut. My favorites are their newest collection of foliage necklaces that were recently featured as a Cool Mom Pick, and the round Japanese washi necklaces.

CBB Deal:  Use code CBB15 for 15% off your next Blend Creations order of $50 or more.

Read original review.

Even if you can't find a piece among Berit Designs' two lovely collections, Globetrotting and Celebrations, did you realize that she can work with you to create a custom pieces? I love peridot but it can be hard to find so I had her create several pairs of earrings and necklaces for me. I love her simple yet sophisticated style!

CBB Deal: Use coupon code CEL20 at checkout for 20% off.

For my birthday this past year, my husband gave me a leather jewelry travel case- something I would not have bought for myself but is getting a lot of use.  Small and compact, they hold your jewelry and look pretty.  What woman wouldn't like one? Toss Designs makes a great round one in several patterns- the Menlo Corduroy is my favorite.  Pair it with the coordinating Vanity Tote for the perfect travel gift. ($22-46)  (Be sure to check out their other items because they are all wonderful giftables.)

Crystal Candies Cell Phone Charms

Sometimes it's hard to find your cell phone in your bag - either diaper bag or purse. I always have to make sure my phone is in my front pocket on my purse (otherwise I can't get to it in time). Crystal Candies are cell phone charms that A) look cute B) can be personalized with your child or loved one's name C) will help you find your phone quickly - just look for the bling!

Made of Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, and sterling silver wire, you can get several different types of sterling silver charms. Choose from Cluster Candies ($30) - a cluster of crystals (you choose what colors) with delicate beads and a charm (that you choose) on the bottom, Cube Candies ($35) - a line of crystals and  beads, and Alphabet Candies ($47). You can personalize the Alphabet Candies with up to 10 letters on it and pick the birthstone and accent crystals and a charm. So cute!! 

You can attach it to many other things, other than your cell phone, like your camera, diaper bag or purse, even your Nintendo!

Owner Meida Sumampauw was kind enough make a Alphabet Candies Charm for with my two nieces' names for my sister-in-law. It came out absolutely adorable and my sister-in-law really loves seeing it every day (and she loves that their birthstones are on it).

For Mother's Day 2007, Crystal Candies was included in Distinctive Assets' "Mother's Day in Hollywood" gift bag. Personalized Alphabet Candies was sent out to celeb moms: Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Angela Bassett, Britney Spears, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Garner, Sharon Stone, Denise Richards, Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Griffiths, Calista Flockhart, Jane Kaczmareck, Marcia Cross, Tori Spelling, Faith Hill, Kelly Ripa, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Debra Messing, Sarah Jessica Parker, Celine Dion, Leah Remini, Heidi Klum, Nancy O'Dell, Keri Russell and Jenna Elfman.

Want to grab a Crystal Candies for yourself or a loved one? Shop Crystalcandies.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use discount code: ccandies15 for 15% discount.

Featured Review: Blend Creations' droolworthy jewelry

We want... no scratch that, NEED lots of Blend Creations' jewelry in our accessory arsenal.  It's exactly our style and it took our breath away the first time we saw it. 

Blend Creations' jewelry has modern, clean lines, that have a strong, yet feminine appeal.  Designed and made by husband and wife (and new parents), Eric Jean-Louis and Vivian Cheng, the jewelry collection sets itself apart from the rest by 'blending' different "warm" elements not normally seen with "cold" stainless steel.  Their jewelry blends include pairing stainless steel with elements like bamboo, vintage mah jong tiles, mother of pearl and even coconut.

My favorites?  The newest collection of foliage necklaces that were recently featured as a Cool Mom Pick, and the round Japanese washi necklaces (shown left).  They're the perfect gifts for your best friend, your sister, your mom or even better, yourself!

Exclusively for CBB Readers:  Use code CBB15 for 15% off your next Blend Creations order of $50 or more.

Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique

Lately, I can't get enough of personalized jewelry. Put my kid's name on it and I'm a goner!  Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique has a mommy and grammy collection that is so beautiful!

Gina Paluch and Jennifer Michaelson, the two twin sisters who own the company, designed a stunning "Karen" ($120) bracelet for my mother (who we call Grammy anyway) personalized with my son's and my niece's name. Chocolate and Powdered Almond Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver balls surround sterling silver block letters.  Its two stranded, so one name is on each. So dainty and classy, my mother and I love it.

Gina and Jennifer grew up in Washington State. Several years ago, Gina was living in California and decided to move her family to be closer to Jennifer and her family in Arizona. According to their website, "Jennifer began hand-making jewelry in her spare time for friends and family as gifts. Requests kept piling in from friends and family to sell her hand made Jewelry. She knew if she pursued this as a business, she couldn't’t do it alone, and called upon the expertise of her sister Gina, her business degree background and her natural creativity. The two new mothers decided to allow the rest of the world in on their creative designs, building a web-based business featuring their distinctive semi-precious stone jewelry."

There's more than just mom and grandma jewelry at Two Sisters.  They have stunning earrings and necklaces. Check out the Miranda - a brown mother of pearl choker for $60, the Tiffany Quartz - a smoky quartz pendant for $85 (you can choose a 16" or 18" chain) and the adorable Eliza Gold - a delicate gold teardrop necklace with crystals for $45. Bookmark their site and hope your hubby comes across it when its time for the holidays!

Also check out the infant and kids line. Their Annika Infant Collection has cute bracelets for $20 and are 4 3/4' in length. Personalize them for your little one and choose either primary or pastel beads.  Their Kelly Kids line has bracelets for $35, that are 6" in length and can be personalized. You can get primary or pastel flowers, with colored beads.

Shop Twosistersjewelryboutique.com. 

Hilary London Bambino and Bambina Murano Glass Bracelets

Hilary Foster, the designer/owner of Hilary London (known for their gorgeous murano glass jewelry) introduces two stunning bracelets for Mamas. Foster says, via her website, "There are a number of ‘mothers’ bracelets,’ but ours has a different twist; it’s trendy, elegant and reminds Mom’s of their little ones without having names, photos, etc. It’s different and unique – the name Bambino and Bambina reflect the rich Italian history used to create the jewelry”.

Part of the Signature Collection, you've got to check these out. The Bambino ($75) - boy in Italian- has delicate murano glass blue beads with silver and dark pink tones. The Bambina ($75) -girl in Italian - has stunning pink murano glass beads with rose, dark pink and gold tones. Hilary London also has several other stunning pieces.

Check out the rest of her jewelry line. I'm grooving on her Collezione Romana, a seven strand necklace and earrings and her Collezione Caramelle, a colorful strand of murano glass. Hilary London pieces can be found in many places including ShopNBC, QVC UK, Neiman Marcus, as well as thousands of boutiques stores throughout the United States.

To shop, call (888) 284-8268 and mention this Celebrity Babies Review for 10% off.

SMOY Photo Cuffs: Photo jewelry with street cred

UPDATE: SMOY Photo Cuffs, the creative and stylish way to wear your pictures, just came out with an adorable iPod case inspired by the beauty of lace.  Read my full review below and then go to their website to check out the Noho iPod case.

If you are looking for a creative and stylish way to wear your pictures, check out SMOY Photo Cuffs.

The nine different designs include a belt and a new SMOY Kids Photo Cuff (pictured). Just crop your photos, slide them into the bracelet and wear them like the cool fashionista you already are!

The slots in these bracelets are the perfect size for camera phone photos or the index sheets you get when you develop your photos at the drugstore. Fill the slots with magazine or newspaper clippings for a cool effect!

Check out the selection at www.smoy.net. 

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Enter promo code CBB15 in the comments box at checkout and receive 15% off your order!

 

HABA's jewelry line

Too often kids' accessories are more grown-up than we'd like.  There's too much bling and glitter out there so it's refreshing to see HABA's jewelry line.  With a focus on nature, the line incorporates motifs like flowers, hearts, leaves, clover, butterflies, hearts, stars, fruit, and even mushrooms.  Each of the collections include necklaces, bracelets and hair accessories. 

Each piece manages to be charming, innocent, and entirely sweet without being cloying and lets our daughters (and nieces and granddaughters) be little girls instead of little women just a little longer. 

Julian & Company's Little Jules

Julian & Company was founded by Tania Condon, after the premature birth of her son Julian, who was born 3 months early( he's now 2 and you'll see him on the Julian & Co. website).  She couldn't find a bracelet small enough to fit his wrist, so she decided to make her own. She handcrafted sterling silver round pendants and inscribed impressions of Julian's own hand and feet prints on the front and his name and birthdate on the back. She and her husband wore them on leather cords.

Tania told me via email, "I began to make the necklaces for moms who have baby's in the NICU where Julian stayed and for moms who have babies that have passed. The response led me to build a website and now I sell "little JULES" online."

We checked out her "Mini Jules". A small round sterling silver disc, you can pick either handprints or footprints on one side and then put your child's name and birthdate on the other side. This sweet necklace made me so happy to wear my son, Ben's name close to my heart!  I wear it everyday and really love it! I have gotten tons of compliments. Even though baby # 2 is coming for us, Ben will know that I always wear him close to me (hopefully that will circumvent some jealousy!)

You can pick styles that are bigger, in either a round or square shape with your child's name, birthdate, time of birth and weight. Julian & Company also offers the beautiful mom necklaces we told you about, as well as  I.D. bracelets for babies and kids, jewlery for dads, allergy/medical alert bracelets for kids, dog tags for small and large dogs, necklaces and bracelets for preemies, and they also have 5 of their most popular necklaces available in 18K gold.

You can shop online or find a retail location.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Get $10 off your order with code: CELEBRITY-BABIES.

Teething Bling Jewelry: Invented by two smart moms

Leave it to smart moms to find creative solutions for making their babies happy. We spend many hours of the day with the little ones in our arms, and as they get to be 3 months and beyond, they start grabbing at anything they can get their tiny hands on…your glasses, your face, and any jewelry you were bold enough to wear. Don’t we all just reach for anything safe within arm’s reach that they can chew to make them happy? So smart mom entrepreneurs Amy Maurer Creel and Kendra LaDuca of Silver Spring, MD formed Smart Mom Jewelry in 2005 and created Teething Bling, a collection of pendants, bangles and keychains which your little one can gnaw on while you are wearing or using them. They’re made of a soft, non-toxic, dishwasher-safe silicone teething material.

I first admired these fashionable accessories on another smart mom at our infant play group. Jennifer raved how her son loved this gift she had received, and she enjoyed wearing jewelry again. I’ve been 'field testing' these for the last week, and both my 4-month old and 19-month old lunged for the turquoise donut-shaped (or purple heart-shaped) pendant dangling from a black silk cord around my neck—instant happiness while they were chewing! The matching simple bangle was a similar hit, and I could just take it off and hand it to them to play.  The baby loved pulling on the bangle with his two chubby hands as an exerciser too.  And when I washed my hands, I could easily wash off the bangle, too. They offer an array of bright and neutral fashion colors.

One caveat is that the necklace cannot be taken off and given to the baby, as the cord would be unsafe for them.  And a strong baby or toddler can yank the necklace hard, so you need common sense while you are wearing it with your baby.

So simple, and so smart.

Smart Mom Jewelry offers these inspired accessories at prices ranging from $12.00 for the bangles to $18.00 for the pendants, and $28 for the two items in a gift set.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Get a free bangle with every pendant purchase (a $12 value) by entering coupon code CBB07 at check out through 12/31/07.

The Fine Art of Family: Monica Rich Kosann fine jewelry

If you can’t take baby with you when you leave home, think about wearing his picture in one of photographer Monica Rich Kosann’s lockets.

The professional photographer, best known for her black and white family portraits, launched her vintage inspired line of sterling silver and 18-carat gold image case jewelry and lockets that has since become a favorite of Hollywood’s most elite.

Katie Holmes has been spotted repeatedly wearing her Monica Rich Kosann Double Image Case Locket necklace in both 18-carat gold and sterling silver (pictured here).  Britney Spears and Madonna have also been spotted wearing photos of their kids close to their hearts. 

You can purchase Kosann’s creations at upscale retail stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neimun Marcus and Barney’s New York, or you can check out the extensive selection at TheFineArtofFamily.com.

Reviews Roundup: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day less than two weeks away we thought we’d give our suggestions for some of our favorite mom-geared products around.

For the mom with a great sense of humor
Planet Mom, a line of t-shirts (and other goodies like yoga pants and hats) made especially for mom, bear witty lines like Whine? No. Wine? Yes. and PTA Reject among others.  Embroidered onto American Apparel t-shirts, the shirts are fitted and sexy.Celebrities like Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker and First Lady Laura Bush are fans of Planet Mom T-shirts!

Read our full review of Planet Mom T-shirts here.

For the girl's mom
With the summer quickly approaching, stylish moms want to look great on the beach – and they want their little girls to look great as well.  The mommy and me line of swimwear from Aqua Swimwear is perfect for mom and her little lady (or ladies)! This swimwear is actually really nicely made and you have your choice of a lot of different styles for each print which I love.   

Brooke Shields and her girls, Rowan and Grier, own the Greta’s Garden set in white!

For the boy's mom
Mommy and me clothing for moms of boys is hard to find but Tuni & G managed to make it not only workable, but irresistible as well. No mom of a little prince will be able to resist wearing the Boy Crazy (mom) and Crazy Boy (baby) set or, even better the Boys Mama (mom) and Mamas Boy (baby) set!

 

Boy mamas Tori Spelling, Britney Spears and Melania Trump are all fans of the line!

Read our complete review of the line here.

For the artsy mom
I rave about my thumbprint (ahem, toeprint) necklace from Magic Dog Studio to everyone I know. I wear mine everyday and everyday I get asked where I got it. It doesn’t only call attention because of its beauty, but also because of how incredibly unique it is.  Moms of older kids might be interested in something from the Off the Fridge and Out of the Drawer series (pictured here). I know that I am patiently awaiting the day that my daughter can draw our family so that I can get one made. No mom I know would be disappointed with this gift but artsy moms especially would be blown away. If you don’t have time to get a print, get a gift certificate instead.

Read my full review of Magic Dog Studio here.

For the pregnant mom
The Made it Past Third Base t-shirt from Georgie Tees is my favorite maternity shirt ever. It just makes me laugh hysterically every time I see it. Other great ones from the line include Does this shirt make me look fat? and No longer childproof. Pregnant moms who need a little pick-me-up would really appreciate these shirts.

Read my full review of the line here.

For the adopting mom
For the mom who is about to adopt, a shirt that says Pregnant on Paper or Bump Not Required like the ones from Not Showing is perfect. Adoption apparel is kind of rare and these are the cutest ones we've found. 

In anticipation of a Degeneres/DiRossi baby, Ellen Degeneres was gifted a shirt from the company!

Now through May 7th Not Showing is offering FREE SHIPPING!

For the lactivist mom
Nursing moms will find these Supply and Demand t-shirts from Milkdudz. Danielle and Anya (pictured) own a pair and love them.  So do Mariska Hargitay and Tori Spelling!

Read what Danielle had to say about the line here.

For the luxurious mom
Moms who like a little bling in their lives will love Tali Gillette's "mama" necklaces.  The 18k white gold diamond-encrusted circle necklace will run you $2,395 but more affordable pieces like non-diamond versions in white gold, and yellow or rose gold, as well as a vertical "bar" design are more affordable. 

A-list celebrity moms like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner (gifted by Alias co-star Kevin Wiseman), Sarah Jessica Parker, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Kate Hudson, Denise Richards and Maggie Gyllenhaal all own one.

Read Danielle's review of the line here.

Other products we recommend include the Moby Wrap, the Sweetness Sash, a Bumble Bag and a Kathy Lo Rocks necklace or bracelet.

If we've missed your favorite mom product, let us know!

Kathy Lo Rocks: Customized Photo Jewelry

Kathy Loewenstern makes customized jewelry with photos – perfect for proud moms, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to wear a picture of someone special around their neck.  Each piece is sterling silver and beautifully handcrafted.  Most of the items are reversible so there is an option for 2 photos or you can choose from a selection of Japanese Chiyogami papers for the reverse side.   

The Kathy Lo Rocks website is user-friendly and allows customers to easily upload their photo and customized their jewelry so you can see a sample of your final product right away! The site offers necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, bracelets and rings – it is really just a matter of choosing one!

Customize yours at  www.kathylo.com.

 

Reviews: Christi J Personalized Pendants

Here’s a nice spin on personalized dog tags. Christi J Jewelry offers pure silver personalized pendants made completely by hand using recycled silver. You can choose from a list of popular sayings or choose your child’s name, birth date – there are a lot of possibilities.

All necklaces come with a sterling silver ball chain and personalized round pendant charm. These make great gifts for new parents and even grandparents! You can add a photo charm to the necklace or request a custom shape (heart, square, oval, rectangle). Christi J will work with you to customize your necklace.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift but aren’t sure what to personalize your charm with, gift certificates wrapped in a gift box are also available. The site also offers custom (and beautiful) beaded jewelry of all kinds. Hayley Rey, Dr. Rey's wife on the E! Network show Dr. 90210 has a Sentimental Silver Personalized Pendant necklace (with her children's names on it).

Orders take 2-3 weeks for delivery and prices start at around $60. Check out the selection at www.christij.com.

Christi J Jewelry is offering CBB readers 20% off with the code "CBB.” Shipping is always free!

Reviews Roundup: Twins

With celebrities like P Diddy, Marcia Cross, Patrick Dempsey and Mia Hamm among others having twins it seems that 2-for-1 deals are the latest trend to hit Hollywood. Here Celebrity Baby Blog reviews some of the hottest items for parents who find themselves busy times two:

Peekaboo Pumpkin
Every new member to your family should be announced in style and Peekaboo Pumpkin is an online stationer specializing in unique designs for every unique arrival. If you find you are short on time now that you are seeing double, Peekaboo Pumpkin has a super fast turnaround time for their high-quality, brightly colored designs which range in style from sassy and cute to stylish and sophisticated.

Order your announcements online at peekaboopumpkin.com.

Uncommonly Cute Gift Set
You can go wrong with a onesie from Uncommonly Cute but there are special onesies (which come packaged in the cutest of ways) that are specific for twins. My favorite set is the Copy and Paste one. These shirts are sure to bring a smile to parents who are covered in double the spitup! 

Get them online at uncommonlycute.com.

Twinspiration
No new mom is going to have time to read a book – twins or not – but this book is a great buy for someone who just finds out she is expecting twins. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice From Pregnancy Through the First Year for Parents of Twins and Multiples offers the essential advice (everything from the moment you first find out there are two in there to what to do after you bring them home). It is an essential read!

Get it through Amazon.com.

Maclaren double stroller
Diddy and Kim Porter were gifted the Twin Techno from Maclaren for their twin girls. This side-by-side stroller is suitable from birth and has five seat positions (not to mention that it comes in some snazzy colors).  This is a great stroller for moms of twins or for moms of two under two as well!

Find out more about it on the Maclaren site.  

Mom Jewelry from Magic Dog Studio
Anyone who has birthed twins deserves some jewelry to commemorate the moment. Magic Dog Studio offers beautiful handprint or footprint charms for mom to remember how little her little ones really were at one time. Make a copy of the hospital prints and surprise this twin mama with some nice jewelry. And don’t forget dad!  Magic Dog Studio offers cufflinks and keychains for dad if he’s not into wearing dog tags. 

Check out the selection at www.magicdogstudio.com.

What are some of your favorite twin products?