Happy New Year Glams!

I still can’t believe that we powered our way through 2018 and are already into the second day of 2019! As a mommy who has spent at least 20 years writing out her New Year resolutions, I’ve personally gotten to a point in my life where I don’t necessarily wait until the New Year to make changes. If there’s something within my “personal house” that needs to change, I make a decision, devise a plan and try my darnedest to change it!

So, instead of devising New Year resolutions I choose to instead reflect on what was in the prior year and draft a plan focused around an area of my life that I would like to either completely change or rearrange for the better.

With this tidbit of intel in mind, my 2019 is all about GETTING BACK TO MICHELLE.

Let me explain: It’s not about forgetting about family and friends or neglecting those areas of my current life that are bringing me joy. And trust me, don’t think for a minute that I’ve been living a life that was totally consumed by the wants and needs of others, trust me, that’s not your girl.  What it does mean is that I am personally committing to ensuring that everything that I do, every move that I make is completely aligned with ME and where I’m ultimately trying to go. It’s more about making sure that I don’t forget about me, the Pre-Mommy Michelle, the Before She Was Married Michelle, the Michelle before she secured the “Corporate Bag Michelle.”  Sound a bit selfish? Yes, it may, but that’s the beauty of where my head is going into this New Year.

So, you’re probably asking, how is BlackGlamourMom “Getting Back To Her” in the New Year? Let me share 4 of the ways that I’m planning on getting back to me:

Constantly Ensuring That Everything That I do Lines Up With What Michelle Wants
As a Corporate Career Mom, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the 9 to 5 and hustle + bustle of the corporate world. At times, the LIFE can take over your own personal world. In 2019, I’m going to take better care to ensure that everything that I do aligns with my wants and needs, while also continuing to protect my time with my family.

I’ve Secured The “Corporate Bag,” Now I Have To Get To My Entrepreneurial Bag.
Pretty Simple. I’m making sure that I knock out those ideas on my list that I’m most passionate about, while I continue to passionately kick A** in my marketing career.

Positive Vibes Only Please
I’m a big believer in positive energy and I’m making sure that what comes in my space is as positive as possible. No Negative Energy around here please. 

Self Care Is The Only Way That I Am Going to Continue to Rock It Out As a Wife + Mommy
Monthly Spa Days, Weekend Getaways, Lazy Sunday’s—They are all mine for the constant taking this New Year!

You’re Shining, But You Can Go Harder
Most people will tell you that I’m one of THE most humble people that you will ever meet. With that said, I know I’m winning, but I also know what I’ve got in me and that means that I can and will GO HARDER.

So Glams, what’s your theme for 2019? What are you getting away from or getting to? I want to hear from you in the comments section.

Happy New Year and Chat Soon,
BlackGlamourMom (Michelle)

Hi Glams,

As we enter the month of December, not only do some of us get super busy with the joys of Holiday Shopping, but many of us are also balancing various Holiday Shin-dings, whether that be the office cocktail party, a Holiday concert with your significant other or a Winter launch event. Either way, one of my personal struggles is always trying to figure out what to pack in my clutch!

The Clutch, although super cute and compact, can sometimes be, well very inconvenient, particularly as you try to jam your iPhone, hand creme and card case into the confines of a bag that just won’t let you live!

In an effort to get you pumped and ready for upcoming “Clutch Night Outs,” I’m sharing with you five of my essentials below.

Hand Creme
Ok, this one is a non-negotiable for me. I can’t, I repeat, can’t live without my hand creme. The key is to invest in a miniature version that will allow you to stuff right down into your bag.

Card Case
Get One Ladies, if you haven’t invested in the functional piece already. This has made transporting my credit card, license and cash so much easier.

Cell Phone
Of course, we can’t live without it, particularly when it comes to our roles as moms! This is definitely an essential. I admit it. There have been plenty of functions where I sacrificed my sanitizer and even tissue, to ensure that this was able to comfortably be placed inside of my bag.

Lip Balm/Lipstick/Whichever You Prefer
This to me is a no-brainer. I may not be able to take my highlighter or bronzer along for the ride, but you better believe that I will have lipstick packed right inside of my clutch with me. 

Business Card
Depending on where I’m headed, having a few of my super cute (Yes, I admit it, they are very cute) business cards nestled into my clutch is an essential. Particularly if I’m going to an event, it’s always important for me to have a few of these little babies handy to share.

So Glams, do you consider these a part of our 5 Clutch Essentials? Let us know in the comments section below.

Chat soon and Happy Holiday’s,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Hi Glams,

Ever since Actress Gabrielle Union and NBA Baller Dwayne Wade welcomed their newborn daughter via surrogate in early November, a multitude of Glam-Obsessed Moms, myself included, have dialed into social media waiting for the next cute pic of Baby Kaavia James Union Wade.

As we patiently await the next adorable pic and all of the “New Mom Realness” that Gabrielle displays, I can’t help but feel pure joy for the couple, as I reflect back on my own challenging journey to motherhood as well as those first few months of having a newborn.

“So perhaps I haven’t showered or brushed my teeth or slept, but I’m in heaven,” she wrote. “I stink but I’m happy.”

This Instagram post alone, totally reminds me of those first weeks, heck, months, of new mommy hood as you work hard to adjust to a new life and the demands that it puts on not only our bodies, but our mental. I can still recall the sleepless nights, yet the unbreakable sense of JOY that I experienced holding my son each and every day. Union is totally bringing me back to those days, and I tell you, her experience and what she’s sharing, makes me very happy as well as thankful to be able to experience what it means to be a mommy. Her description, “But I’m In Heaven,” is exactly the feeling that I remember.

As I continue to LIVE for Gabrielle’s latest posts, I start to reflect back on my own journey to motherhood and the challenges along the way. Everything from multiple miscarriages (one even at five months) to a labor that included my son’s heart rate dropping each time that I had a contraction, I am reminded that yes, our journeys to motherhood vary and are in fact completely unique.

Both Union and Wade have been very forthcoming in regards to their tough journey to having a child of their own, including the experience of dealing with failed attempts at IVF as well as multiple miscarriages. So, again, her story, their story, and all of the happiness that she exudes on social media makes me smile. 

If there’s one thing that Gabrielle has reminded me, it’s of the struggle, but also of the sweet joy that comes out of it all after our blessing has finally arrived.

Lucky for us, Gabrielle and Dwayne will be debuting their daughter on TV during an OWN special on Sunday, December 8 at 8 pm. I’m quite sure that we will get to learn more about her journey to motherhood during the couple’s sit down with OPRAH.

In the meantime Glams, I’m curious, what are some of those New Mom Realties that you just can’t shake?  Let me know in the comments section below.

Chat soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Hi Glams,

So, I have a confession to make: I am truly obsessed with Hip-Hop Music, specifically Trap music. I know, I know, probably hard to believe that this Corporate Marketer who is completely Glam-Obsessed can’t live without hearing a little bit of Future, Meek Mill, Lil Baby or Yo Gotti!

Let me explain:

For those who really know me, you will know that I currently have a book shelf filled with VIBE, The Source and XXL Magazines from as early as 2001. Yep, I have all of the goodies, including coveted covers with Lil Kim and 2 Pac. You see, early on I had goals of actually working at a Hip-Hop magazine, so this obsession of mine runs deep.

Whether I am riding in the car, working out during a 6 am sweat session or bouncing my head in one of my city’s trendy bars, I partake in the trap! Don’t get me wrong, I also love my R&B, House and Jazz, but I definitely embrace and celebrate this form of musical expression. 

So, what’s my point in sharing this with my readers? It has to do with the concept of not judging a book by its cover. As a woman and mother, I strive to live my life judgment-free and am already teaching my son the same thing. We as individuals and as moms are quite unique. How one mom chooses to raise her child may be quite different from the next mom, but who are we to judge each other as moms? I’m not one-sided, there are multiple sides to me and I embrace and love each and every part of me.

As we get ready to walk into a New Year, I am encouraging each of you to not judge, to take the time to learn more about ourselves and each other. I am un-apologetically me, and am completely aware of who I am, how I live my life and what matters to me.

In the meantime Glams, I’m curious, do you GLAM IT and TRAP IT? Let me know in the comments section below.

Chat soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Glams,

If you follow me on social, then I’m quite sure you already know that I have a serious love affair with my shoes. So, it should come as no surprise that I am swooning over Christian Louboutin’s recent capsule collection designed for the mini version of ourselves.

After collaborating with Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop last year, the designer decided to revisit his idea with a new capsule collection for the babies! The three pair of booties come in two glamorous fabrics and one bright red silk and are priced at $250 each.

The designer created a total of 600 pairs and as you can imagine, all 600 have sold out!  With them exclusively being sold online, I’m sure it was only hours before the baby shoes were sold, shipped and placed on some little tiny tot’s feet.

With a concept as simple as it is exclusive – one silhouette, one size suitable for ages 6-9 months and a limited quantity – each bootie showcases Christian Louboutin’s trademark savoir-faire and is adorned with a tiny hand-crafted bow.  The Mary Jane baby booties feature prints and patterns found in Louboutin’s spring ’19 collections for men and women.

So Glams, are you crushing? Would you pay the $250 for just a few weeks of wear and tear in the nursery? Glams, I’ve got to admit it, I’m sold!

Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Glams!

If there’s one fashion-related tidbit that you should know about me, it’s the fact that I am super-obsessed with leather.  I’m talking about everything from tough leather hiker boots to super short leather shorts, on down to my favorite classic leather biker jacket and leather pants! When I tell you that I have a pair of Ralph Lauren skinny leather and denim jeans that give me LIFE moms, I’m telling you these babies are a classic, fit like a glove, and like I said before, they give me major life!

So, of course, as the temperatures continue to drop, I’m super pumped to pair my leather with everything from sheer blouses to cute Tee’s. As of late, I’ve been crushing over plaid, particularly embellished plaid shirts paired with leather mini skirts.

I recently rocked this look for a Sunday stroll with my son and I have to admit, I ended my day feeling like I was one bad a** momma!

When it comes to wearing leather, the key is to focus on one piece and pair it with more feminine touches like chunky knits and delicate blouses. If you feel like you’re looking a bit too tough, tone it down with a cute clutch or an onslaught of accessories.

So Glams, are you rocking your leather + plaid this Fall? We want to hear from you.

Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Hi Glams!

Today, as part of our BGM Chats With Series, we’re chatting with Tamara Capel-Wilson, a mom who not only keeps it glam, but also owns the online little girl’s boutique Blu Mitten Girls. This series was designed to introduce our readers to moms who are killing it, not only when it comes to their roles as mommy, but also as career women, mompreneurs, wives, sisters and a little bit of everything else mixed in-between. In a short, Q&A style interview, we will touch on topics that will fuel responses that will motivate, cause you to think twice and hopefully share with your inner “Mommy Circle.” As you know, a big reason why I created this space was to champion us as black moms, who by the way, also happen to be Glam Moms!

So Tamara, what do you love most about being a mom?
The fact that I am raising a little person.  I love every little aspect of the word mommy. The fact that I have to jump up everyday and be the best that I can be. Everything that I do, everything that I say, this little girl is watching me. What I’m teaching her, I can see it reflected everyday. I’m her role model and I have to say that I’ve been a great role model for my child.

What’s the most challenging aspect of being a mom?
That I want this perfect planned out instructional book about being a mom. It doesn’t exist. Every little thing I dissect and try to make sure I’m doing the best thing for her. What we know is that there is no pamphlet or booklet to give me that. Having hard conversations with my daughter and being the bad guy can be tough. As moms we don’t have this perfect guide. You wing it, it’s about trial and error.

How important was it for you to remain stylish, both during your pregnancy and post-delivery?
Oh my gosh! So during my pregnancy I thought hard before buying maternity clothes. But when it got down to what the pants and waist line were saying it became a must. I couldn’t reform to traditional maternity wear. I rocked all of the big, cute shirts that I could.  I struggled a little after I had her. It wasn’t about me anymore, it was all about her. I was toting around the car seat and stroller. I put me at the end. However, about six months in I had to get it together. My husband knew it wasn’t me. I realized I could still do me, but in a more comfy casual way. It took me a minute to put on heels. It made me feel better once I started to get back dressed. I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t feeling good, you can’t give the best to your child. I learned that I needed to get myself dressed first, and then I would get her dressed.

How has becoming a mom changed you?
I don’t wear as many heels as I used to wear! Don’t get me wrong, I still do when I feel the need to. As far as changing me, I make sure that my words are right. She’s listening and watching me. She’s made me a better person socially. I have to always be aware of my outside. I’m an introvert, but my child made me come out of that. She is very extroverted. Her personality is through the roof! Momma can’t be quiet. She’s brought me out of that shell. She taught me to be a better me. I learn through her. Kids are the most human people, which really does make you learn a lot about yourself!

What are your Fav “Me Time” activities?
Ooh, I spend a lot of time with myself. I live in Chicago, I’m out and about with myself. I go to art galleries, I go to restaurants. I will have a nice meal with a glass of wine. I have to have it. It’s not negotiable. I’m going to sit and have dinner, I’m going to brainstorm and strategize about my business. I will do nice dinners. I am an “Ambiance Snob.” I like to pull out things that inspire me. I’m doing the Art Institute, The Modern Contemporary Gallery in Chicago. Small and big galleries are my thing. Anything that I can pull inspiration from. Being at home, having the house to myself, lighting a candle and I may even throw on some music. I take the time for myself. I happen to enjoy my thoughts. I love my candles, I’m addicted to Diptyque candles. Sometimes you have to just leave and get the time alone if you can’t do it inside of your own home.

What are your two favorite things to do with your daughter?
I like introducing her to Art.  It’s my thing  that I’ve introduced to her. She can go and point out different artists. I keep in mind that she’s only eight-years-old.  We will do a weekend at American Girl and also do lunch. We will sit and chit chat. With us living in Chicago, we can really make a day out of things by going into the city: We will take an Uber, shop and do dinner.

Did Motherhood make you more confident, how so?
It did make me more confident. It gives you super powers. I am raising a child! When I hear the word “mommy” “momma”, I say to myself that I am that! It definitely made me more confident. You are like the best thing since sliced bread. Our children look at us like these super heroes. You can’t really explain it. But you have this little person who looks up to you for every little thing so you have to perform. You have to be the best you can be. You have this person that is rooting for you. An eight-year-old that’s giving you support. It just puts it in a different light.

Tell me a little about your brand, Blu Mitten?
It’s funny because I was always obsessed with little kid’s clothes. When I had a daughter it was non-stop. Every little thing was super cute to me.  I’ve always been in the fashion industry, but when it came to children’s clothing I was apprehensive at first. Having a little girl and shopping for her, it made we want to try this out. I also wanted to pay homage to Michigan. My older sister and I started the brand focusing on girls, and thinking that maybe later  we would dip into boy’s fashion. The brand is really about being a mini version of mom. It’s on trend for less. Everything is affordable. Nothing is more than $70. When you buy it, wear it. For Blu Mitten it’s about just wearing the clothes and having fun with it. We wanted to keep it affordable for moms.  The Luxe look for less. It’s only online. We do Pop-Up parties throughout the year.  We will do one in Detroit  for the Holiday and will also have some other events taking place in Detroit.

How do you balance being a mother and having your own brand?
I bring her along with me as part of the process. I’ve brought her to buying trips. I made a birthday trip around a buying trip to L.A. Bringing her along shows her what it looks like to be an entrepreneur. She helps me pick out merchandise. I include her in every little thing that I do. I have to be creative about my day. It’s hard. sometimes. Balance is not easy, but you have to make it fun. Kids want to have fun. The support system is definitely needed.

If you could give one piece of Glam Mommy Advice, what would it be?
Keep it cute, keep it comfy. Find your comfort level and be you. You don’t have to wear stilettos every day. Get yourself dressed first. Get yourself ready first. Get up an hour early if you need to. If you can get yourself together first, I guarantee that you will walk out the door with a little more confidence.

Top Three Fave Designers?
I love Calvin Klein’s new collection, I am a huge fan of the latest collection right now. I’ve been really into cute, fashionable sneakers. I love my Comme Des Garcons sneakers. You can throw them on with jeans and a cute top. I also love jewelry, I love me some gems. I also love to mix vintage with modern. Vintage can be from any designer. I like to mix and match.

Must-Have Beauty Products?
I love Laura Mercier for color, their Candle Glow Foundation is really nice! For my lip Color, I love Nudes. I try to do more color, but I still go back to my nudes. I like YSL and Laura Mercier for my nudes. MAC has really great lip colors. I have sensitive skin and I like Cetaphyl. You will find lots of great things at Walgreens! I keep it simple: Mascara, brows, a little lip and blush and I’m out the door.

Glams, hoping that you enjoyed our chat with Tamara! Do be sure to check out all of the cute pieces that she has for the Mini Style Mavens over at Blu Mitten and be sure to follow her on the Gram, @blumittengirls.

Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

*Images provided by Tamara*

Happy Halloween Glams!

I admit it, Halloween is one of my FAV holiday’s. I’m not sure whether it’s all of the pumpkins and outrageous decorations flooding the neighborhood, or if it’s the fact that it’s a day that’s been set aside to pass out sweet treats to those who are out canvassing the neighborhood, either way, I love it!

Fast-forward to becoming a mommy and the holiday has continued to be at the top of my list, particularly as my son has gotten older and is now able to have a bit more say around what he wants to “be for Halloween.”

Case In Point: His decision to go the Gory Zombie Route! Instead of his usual super hero looks (No shade to any of those costumes as I adore them!) he decided that he wanted to dress up in something that was ‘really scary.’ So, of course, we waltzed our way into a Halloween store a few weeks back and went on the hunt for, of course, something scary.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is my niece. After being everything from a Witch to a Police Officer, she decided  that 2018 would be the year she would go the Disney Descendant’s route and rock it out as Mal. Draped in the purple costume, complete with a studded out glove, she gave us moms life. Trust me, there is nothing more magical than a little girl who knows how to give the GLAM and has selected a costume that represents a “natural born leader.”

Proud Mom + Proud Aunt

What I’ve learned this Halloween season is that as your children get older, you have got to let their independence shine through. I had no idea that my six-year-old son would be so sure as to what he wanted to be this year. Despite me originally not wanting him to go the gory route, I relaxed, stepped back and decided to let him express himself the way that he wanted to. I mean, really, this is about them, not us!

I’m hoping that you enjoyed some of the super cute pictures from their recent Halloween Photo Shoot and be sure to share your own pictures on Instagram using the hashtag, #Glamoweenkids

Chat Soon and Happy Halloween,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Glams,

It’s Fall and we are completely crushing over the Adidas Tracksuit. Well, not exactly the original, but the remixed version courtesy of Dutch Designer Danielle Cathari. 

As a mom who prefers to blend Glam with Comfort whenever possible, I just can’t get enough. I mean, who would have really thought that I would be crushing over the Nineties three-stripe TRACKSUIT?

Cathari has re-imagined the OG Tracksuit, giving it more of a new wave vibe that allows you to dress the look up or down. The collection feels both fresh and feminine, all while giving you major street appeal.  We’re talking mismatched, blocked fabrics and the iconic three stripes and snap buttons wrapped around the arms. Although initially created as sets, the pant separates have proved to be the strongest and have been cut multiple ways and are featured in black and beige, as well as sets in green, navy and red. 

I’ve personally always been a fan of the Adidas Tracksuit, whether I decided to dress it up with a pair of my favorite Christian Louboutin heels or dressed it down with a pair of Adidas Shell Toes. Either way, I’ve always felt that you could never go wrong with this classic. I most recently purchased a pair of Stella McCartney X Adidas Lace Inset Joggers that gave me major life over the summer months. Trust me Glams, they are to die for!

For $200 ($100 for the jacket and $90 for the pants) you’re for sure going to get great mileage out of this look. I would suggest throwing it on for a Saturday football game with your honey or for a cute Saturday brunch with the girls and you’re all set. 

The Catch? You may just be on BlackGlamourMom Crush Status as these babies have been flying off the racks and are currently sold out! 

Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)

Glams,

Face it, as moms, especially the ones who happen to be beauty obsessed, we are constantly on the hunt for the latest beauty goodies that not only perfect our natural beauty, but also have the ability to save us time. 

I can admit it: I am THAT mom who can saunter my way into a Sephora and spend a good hour going down aisles, reading the details on various packages all while contemplating on what beauty finds I’m going to take home with me next.

From mascaras to matte lipsticks, to foundation and blushes, I’m sharing five of my FAV beauty picks that take me from brand meetings, to date nights, to parent teacher conferences and everything else mixed in-between.

Make Up Forever Water Blend Foundation
I recently started swapping in this foundation in place of my Nars, which I had been rocking for the past couple of years. My go-to makeup artist encouraged me to give this brand a whirl, and I admit, I fell for it and I fell hard. What I love most about it is the fact that it doesn’t require much in terms of application and it gives me that natural glow that I’ve grown accustomed to.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin
Now this my fellow glam moms is one of my favorites! It’s my best-kept secret, but of course, I’m sharing it with my moms! I love, love, love this skin mist. The silky, liquid moisturizer is the perfect topper to apply after your foundation and gives you such a glow. Yes, it’s a bit pricey at $48 a bottle, but totally worth it. Trust me, you will thank me later. You are going to be in love!

Laura Mercier Kir Royale Blush
I am a blush fanatic, like literally I shop for blushes in pinks and can easily purchase two compacts at any given time. I’ve bought liquid blush (totally did not work for me!), the powder blush and brands that range in price from super expensive to pretty darn cheap. However, as of late, I’ve been living for my Laura Mercier Kir Royale blush. Trust me, if you love pops of pink on your cheeks, you are going to fall in deep with this small compact.

Up & Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Evening Calm
As a mom who fell in love with her makeup wipes from the very beginning, it’s so easy for me to say that I’ve test drove a lot of the top brands. However, over the past year, I’ve been loving the Target Brand Up & Up as they are not only cheap, but they get the job done! Now, I’m totally obsessed with my skincare routine so I don’t just swipe them across my face and hop into bed. But, I do vouch for them when it comes to their ability to remove makeup, including eye makeup. Glams this is a brand definitely worth test-driving.

Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara
I’m a lover of mascara! I’ve tried countless brands and have become more than obsessed with a few. My current go-to is Dior Addict It-Flash. It not only elongates my lashes, but also doesn’t clump up, which is a big deal breaker for me when it comes to my mascara. This little baby will definitely have you batting your lashes consistently!

So Glams, what are some of your favorite beauty products? We want to hear from you in the comments section below.

Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)