BIRTHMARK | Issue 4 | June & July 2016 by seekrmedia

THE GROWING STYLISH MAGAZINE

ISSUE 4

CATEGORY BOX

JUNE / JULY 2016

ESSENTIAL

STYLE GUIDE FOR SUMMER

THE DESIGNERS BEHIND A NEW KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FASHION LINE

MELISSA GRELO & SHAYNA HADDON

13 ADORABLE SWIMWEAR FOR HIM AND HER

CATEGORY CONTENTS BOX

table of contents

THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIFE

ALWAYS IN FASHION

8 A Bostonian Weekend

7 Swimwear For Girls

32 The Hustle

11 Swimwear For Boys

34 At Home With Sabrina Soto

24 Free Imagination

38 Travelling With Babies & Toddlers

40 Maternity Wear

50 Cover: marQ Fashion

64 A Whimsical Whim

58 Book Shelf

76 Cottage Cutie 78 Boys of Summer 80 Girls of Summer 82 Casually Cool 88 A Night Out: Evening Wear

EDITOR’S CATEGORY LETTER BOX

he glorious warm days of summer are upon us and it’s such a great time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. There is always so much to do this season; schedules are always packed with parties, summer vacations, and other fun activities and we want to wish you and your family a safe and wonderful summer holiday and enjoy every minute being together. Parenting isn’t easy, but we at Birthmark help to identify your new self as a parent and how to keep your style and originality while moving forward with your children. We know time is precious and time spent on yourself is rare, but allowing yourself some ‘ME’ time will do wonders for you and the whole family. Flip through these pages and enjoy some great summer style for you and the kids. From cottage must-haves to date night desirables to swimwear for the kiddies, we got you covered. Plus inside we have delicious milkshakes to shake up your day and cool you off. We also sat down with new mom and HGTV star, Sabrina Soto on juggling work and a child.

ON THE COVER THE GROWING STYLISH MAGAZINE

ISSUE 4

JUNE / JULY 2016

Despite all the tears, messes and hectic schedules, there is still time for the things we love. And remember- Style is never lost, you can always redefine yourself.

Enjoy the fourth issue. — Kristie Stoodley-Klajn

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ON COVER: MELISSA GRELO AND SHAYNA HADDON OF MARQ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARASH MOALLEMI

CONTENTS

table of contents

FOR THE HOME 12 Your Food To Go!

16 On-The-Go Beauty Tips

14 Bedding On It

62 Skin Care

18 The Neutral Nursery

74 Keep Your Youthful Looks

60 The Muted Imagination 90 Recipes

YOUR BEAUTY

J UNE

J U LY

2016

PUBLISHER: SEEKR MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KRISTIE STOODLEY-KLAJN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: CARMINE NAPOLITANO CONTRIBUTORS: VINCENZA PENNINO RONAN EMILY KLINE BRITTANY HAINES LENA GREENING-DAVIDSON KATE WEILAND IRIS GOMEZ PHOTOGRAPHERS: ARASH MOALLEMI BEC HANNAFORD KATE SZATMARL JONAH PODBERESKI

If you would like to contribute to future issues, please contact mail@seekrmedia.com. For advertising opportunity, please contact mail@seekrmedia.com. Stock photography provided by shutterstock.com Copyright 2016 Birthmark Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or re-creation of Birthmark Magazine in whole or in part in any form or media, without prior permission is strictly prohibited and in violation of copyright. Copyright of the articles, visuals and other material presented in Birthmark Magazine resides with Embark Magazine or the individual/organization credited. For any dispute in copyright, or for reprint inquiries please contact: mail@seekrmedia.com. Birthmark Magazine and distinctive logo and trademarks are owned by Seekr Media.

CATEGORY BOX

Baby BanZ

Get an early

start on eye protection! You slather on the highest SPF sun block you can find to protect your little ones from UVA/ UVB rays- but do you remember to protect their EYES? As studies reveal the damaging effects of UV damage, we must not overlook the need to also preserve children’s sensitive skin and eyes. Get your child a pair of sunglasses from the industry’s leader in all aspects of sun protection for children 8 and under. Famous for their unique, wraparound sunglasses with the neoprene band, Baby Banz assure a comfortable, snug fit for those delicate noggins, leaving out the dangers of having sunglass arms snapping off or poking someone in the eye! Baby Banz were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments. Clinically tested by one of the world’s leading authorities on sunglasses, Baby Banz have passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world! Get your child the protection they need for their eyes, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or style.

Baby Banz, Inc. | 660-563-7100 | http://usa.babybanz.com

ALWAYS IN FASHION

FRENCH FRY SUIT BY BATHING BELLE SWIMWEAR $50

BABY NOEMIE BIKINI BY MELISSA ODABASH $101

HALTER BATHING SUIT-BLUE GINGHAM BY OEUF $62

SYNCHRONIZED

SWIMWEAR

SUN STRIPE BY TOOBYDOO $38

FOR GIRLS

FRILL SWIMSUIT BY PLATYPUS AUSTRALIA $45

OH LA LA BY INDIKIDUAL $27

THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIFE

A BOSTONIAN WEEKEND BY BRIANNE MANZ FROM WWW.STROLLERINTHECITY.COM @STROLLERINCITY

THAT’S LIFE

When I was in my early twenties, one of my colleagues from my first job out of college was from Boston, so we made many weekend trips up there throughout the years. Having lived there all her life, she shared with us all the town’s greatest attractions, and we definitely went to our fair share of Red Sox games at Fenway Park. A few weeks ago, we returned to this historic city for the first time in over 10 years, and with all three of our children. With a large family, we’re always searching for creative ways to take a getaway without spending thousands on plane tickets. At just under four hours by car, Boston is ideal for kids because it leaves just enough time to be excited for the drive up, followed by long naps, which prepares them for the activities and playing tiny tourists all weekend. Accommodations are always tricky when traveling with a large clan, so when it came time to pick a hotel, we opted for the iconic Langham Hotel. Having stayed at their NYC location earlier in the year, I knew their family friendly vibe would be just what we needed to feel at home in Boston. Booking a duplex one bedroom offered plenty of room for the kids to enjoy, while keeping our sleeping quarters separate from them at the end of our days. The hotel offers children pint sized bathrobes, slippers, and teddy bear backpacks for their local adventures. With plenty to see and do during our short stay in town, we left our room, to make the most out of our four day stay. During our first outing, we strolled along the Boston waterfront, where we discovered the Boston Children’s Museum. What surprised me about this children’s museum compared to others we have visited over the years were the activities offered to passerby’s, before you even need to pay the entrance fee. After the museum, we 9

THAT’S LIFE

Shop, which reminded me of the Italian bakeries that were around when I was a child.

walked to the Barking Crab for lunch, which turned out to be one of our favorite restaurants for the weekend. Their covered outdoor patio was ideal for our large party, and their laid back atmosphere and picnic table seating let the kids spread out, during what was turning into one long day. Following lunch, we stopped at The Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, where we took a one hour tour, that ended with the kids actually dropping crates of tea into the harbor. Having had such a good experience with fish on the menu for lunch, we decided to go to a seafood restaurant for dinner. The concierge recommended Oceanaire Restaurant, which was only a short ride from the hotel. When it came time for us to call a taxi, we asked the concierge to call a taxi. Rather than picking up the phone, he radioed the valet to bring their in-house taxi around. To our delight, she pulled up in the Langham’s signature pink taxi. An actual London Cab, shipped from England, the ride is offered to guests traveling to destinations that are in close proximity to the hotel property. The kids got a kick out of the car, and of course, the girls love anything pink. The next morning, we headed straight towards the Boston Public Garden for a ride on the Swan Boats. These graceful peddled boats have been cultural icons in Boston for almost 140 years, taking riders on a 15 minutes tour around the pond. From the park, we made our way to the North End, which could be considered the equivalent of NYC’s Little Italy. The narrow streets are lined with mom and pop Italian restaurants, run by family members spanning multiple generations. With so many mouth watering options, it was difficult to choose just one restaurant. I’m sure no matter where we decided to eat, it would’ve been incredible. And before leaving the neighborhood, we stopped in the famous Maria’s Pastry 10

In our travels, we noticed these huge trucks that looked like boats carrying people around the city. When we asked our concierge about these massive vehicles, he told us the Duck Tours are one of the must do attractions for tourists, and even locals in the city. Regular tours just drive the streets, while the Duck Tour takes place on a WWII style truck capable of driving on land, and sailing in water. It was a great overview of the city, highlight the historical significance of the many neighborhoods that make up the city, followed by a one of a kind cruise down the Charles River, for spectacular views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. The kids couldn’t get over that our truck actually went into the water. Sunday afternoon came to a close after a stroll down Newbury Street, browsing many of the shops and cafes, along the route. Back at the Langham, we were greeted by big bowl of popcorn and refreshments. Exhausted from our three full days of walking around town, we decided to order food to our room, and enjoy our popcorn during a relaxing movie night in our suite. The kids lounged in their robes, and tucked in for an early bedtime. What a weekend! My only regret was that we couldn’t schedule our trip during a Red Sox game for the kids to experience. Guess we will just need to plan another trip back to Boston next summer!

ALWAYS CATEGORY IN FASHION BOX

MAXIME BY TOOBYDOO $45

BABY SUNSET LS BY PLATYPUS AUSTRALIA $58

MATISSE SWIMMING SHORTS BY BOBO CHOSES $40

SUN SUIT (MONDRIAN II) BY TOOBYDOO $41

BOYS SWIM

LONG SLEEVE & SWIM DIAPER UV SET BY BABY

SWIM TRUNKS BY APPAMAN $44 DIEGO & JAGGER BY INDIKIDUAL $38

FOR THE HOME

Your Food to Go!

TAKE-OUT Avoid the unhealthy temptations of fastfood drive throughs and pack your healthy meals for your on-the-go family. These stylish items are must-haves that inspire home-made meals and fun.

RAW LINEN LUNCH BAG BY SO YOUNG $30

THINKSTER OF STEEL BY THINKBABY $24

it’s a wrap re-use to you can keep food fresh your !

FOOD KOZY WRAP - CLEAR SKY BYU•KONSERVE $7

CATEGORY BOX

HERO BY GOODBYN $13

COZY CAN: DINO BY BEATRIX NEW YORK$23

MEAL MAT BY MODERN-TWIST $17

CATEGORY BOX

HATCH CRIB BEDDING SET BY OLLI + LIME $195

MINT GEOMETRIC CRIB FITTED SHEET BY MITANI DESIGNS $113

BEDDING ON IT CRIB SHEET ROBOT MARCH BY LITTLE AUGGIE $455

Spruce up your child’s crib with some of the trendiest patterns and brilliant colours to make any nursery as unique as your little one is.

HI BLANKET BY PETIT PEHR $706

NOAH’S ARK CRIB SHEET BY PETIT PEHR $367

CATEGORY BOX SOHO BY GLENNA JEAN $77

TWIGGY BY GLENNA JEAN $123 AQUA & PINK ARROW BABY BEDDING BY NEW ARRIVALS INC. $1863

ABSTRACT AFFECTION ORGANIC COTTON CRIB/TODDLER COMFORTER WITH WOOL FILL BY GREENBUDS $99

SNUGGLE BUNNIES ORGANIC COTTON CRIB SHEET BY GREENBUDS $30

CATEGORY BOX

ON-THE-GO

BEAUTY

TIPS BY IRIS GOMEZ

Today’s celebrities make it look easy, but having children can throw off your beauty routine. When the day is full of soccer practice, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and work, your beauty routine probably takes the back seat.

IRIS GOMEZ IS A LEADING BEAUTY AND FASHION EXPERT WHO IS THE FOUNDER OF THE BEAUTYCHRONICLES.COM, A WEBSITE THAT PUBLISHES THE BEST IN CELEBRITY STYLE, FASHION, BEAUTY, AND TRAVEL.

YOUR BEAUTY

As an entrepreneur and keeper of three children, I know how hard it can be to manage it all. But a good beauty routine doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to cost thousands of dollars and require hours of time. To maintain your beauty routine without spending a fortune amidst a busy schedule, here are some beauty tips: 1. Wash and dry your hair the night before. This will allow you to style your hair in the morning without the extra time needed to dry it. Purchase a satin pillowcase to help the strands remain smooth while you sleep. 2. Trade in your foundation for a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. 3. Use an over the counter Retinoid cream and apply it at night to combat unwanted adult acne while also smoothing out all those unwanted wrinkles lines. 4. Need a little shine in your hair? Use a pea-sized amount of baby oil and massage into your hair. 5. On those days that you want to keep your beauty regimen simple, use a Q-tip and dap a small amount of Vaseline onto your lashes to create subtle shine. 6. Swap out your shaving gel for your hair conditioner. Not only will you save some cash, you will get a closer shave that leaves your legs amazingly soft. 7. Extend your manicure and revive the color by applying a clear topcoat over your polish. This will instantly give them a glossy finish and prevent nicks and chips. 8. Multi-task with a neutral matte lipstick to highlight you cheekbones and your lips. 9. To prevent the crumbling of your favorite eyeliner and ensure it lasts longer, place it in your freezer for 10 minutes in the morning as you make your coffee.

FOR THE HOME

THE NEUTRAL NURSERY BYVINCENZA PENNINO RONAN FROM INTERIOR DECOR & DESIGN WWW.VPRINTERIORDECOR.COM

FOR THE HOME

The most important step when I select the design is to meet the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and style. When the client asked for my advice on the design of the Nursery for her expecting little boy, she was unsure on colors and wanted to make sure that the room will be easily rearranged when needed if there was a guest visiting and to have a space that allowed the child to grow and move easily around.

I choose a neutral color palette of grey tones and added accent colors that would add some definition to the room. The wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are not over crowded, allowing the room to be adjusted easily to make more space as the client requested. This little boys room has a bit of a modern feel with its own uniqueness, a great space for him to grow up in.

FOR THE HOME

“

TH E WALL’S ARE NOT OVE R CROWDE D, ALLOWI NG TH E ROOM TO BE ADJ USTE D EASI LY TO MAKE MORE SPACE

“

FOR THE HOME

ALWAYS IN FASHION

free imagination

CLOTHING CLOTHING BY BY MINI MINI RODINI RODINI

CATEGORY BOX

ALWAYS IN FASHION

ALL CLOTHING AVAILABLE AT WWW.MINIRODINI.COM

CATEGORY BOX

ALWAYS IN FASHION

ALL CLOTHING AVAILABLE AT WWW.MINIRODINI.COM

CATEGORY BOX

ALWAYS IN FASHION

ALL CLOTHING AVAILABLE AT WWW.MINIRODINI.COM

THAT’S LIFE

the

HUSTLE BY KATE WEILAND @KWEILZ KATEANDNATESAIL.BLOGSPOT.COM

How my personal hygiene stinks - both figuratively and literally and how I deal with it. But it’s not because I’m lazy or don’t care. Oh no. It’s because my one year old son is slapping the toilet bowl water with the palm of his hand while smiling at me with a maniacal grin that says; ‘I know darn well I’m not supposed to be doing this’. I sprint over to scoop him up, but the second my head is near the toilet seat he’ll slap his proudest splash and toilet bowl water will coat my once spa facialed face and I won’t be able to do anything about it for the next ten minutes because there are knives on the counter top within reach of my three year old. ! 32

THAT’S LIFE

So, I pretend the disgusting, germ-filled water is sparkly cool unicorn glitter that only moms get to experience while I give a sub-par rinse to my son’s hands, face and neck in the adjacent sink as he reels and screams to get out of my arms. DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND YOU WILL GET BACTERIAL MENINGITS FROM THAT TOILET BOWL WATER CHILD?! I set him down and book it to the knives where I put my hands up in the air just like one of those sexy female cops on t.v stealthily approaching a violent criminal.

‘Look Mom! I found something!’ (then in the calmest tone I can manifest) ‘Put. The. Knife. Down.’ MOTHER HUSTLER!!! The mother hustle. Doing five things at the exact same time, for two maybe even three people (or more). Trim the skin off the veg for the toddler, change a diaper for the baby, throw the three day old goldfish down my throat for lunch, clear the now crusty clear egg white off the countertop, email work quickly, take a sip of coffee, text the hubby a sexy text cause you read that this type of random mid-day crap excites them, break up a fight between the siblings and teach them about ‘sharing’ all within ten minutes. It’s a very complicated and challenging scenario that doesn’t allow for breaks...ever. When and how did I morph from a gorgeous fertile babe to an edgy bag lady whose eye twitches when I hear the word: ‘Mom’ ? But funny enough, it’s also twistingly beautiful in a way. Our legacy as mothers lies in the deeds that we perform during these days and how we handle these crazy conundrums. What did our parents do? What didn’t they do? What worked? What will work for my kid? How will I ever know if I’m doing the right thing as a parent? What did we benefit most from? How can I manage the demands of my family, friends and society

while having some sanity? For some, it’s calling our own Mothers and ranting, for others it’s texting our partner mid-day to say ‘get home now (and not for what you want but if you get here in ten I’ll give you want you want later)’. For others it’s enjoying a glass of Bordeaux and taking a second to reflect on what the heck we can do better tomorrow for our babes, our relationships and most importantly, planning on when we can shower next.

“

H E RE’S TO FLYI NG BY TH E SEAT OF YOU R PANTS AN D MAKI NG EVE RYON E AROU N D YOU TH I N K THAT YOU HAVE A CLU E ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE DOI NG.

“

(super low voice) ‘Put the knife down sweetheart...’

My life has forever been transformed into a chaotic loveable wild mess of happiness and dirt, and as hard and challenging and unhygienic as it is - I’m surprisingly super happy with it. I think if I can laugh at the end of the day with my partner on the couch while at least one child sleeps and the other gives us a few minutes to roll our eyes at each other, then we’re thriving.

Here’s to flying by the seat of your pants and making everyone around you think that you have a clue about what you’re doing. Cheers to the mommas out there! As disheveled and smelly as you may be, just know, you’ve got this mother hustler. Nobody is better suited for the job that you are currently doing for your family than you are. 33

CATEGORY BOX

Sabrina Soto AT HOME WITH

THAT’S LIFE

BY EMILY KLINE

One of the world’s most sought after lifestyle experts, Sabrina Soto covers it all. From home décor and design, to food, beauty and fashion. Now a mother of a darling little girl named Olivia, Sabrina must juggle a lot more than just her career. We were lucky enough to sit down with her and discuss motherhood, style and what has changed since becoming a parent.

HOW ARE YOU HANDLING YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE NOW THAT OLIVIA IS HERE? I’m just doing my best. The days I’m not shooting are mostly spent 50% designing and working on project and the other 50% feeding, cuddling, etc. 100% of the time I am in a romper that really doubles as my pajamas. WHAT DOES ‘STYLE’ MEAN TO YOU AS YOU RAISE YOUR FAMILY? I LOVE LOVE LOVE color, so I’m happy that Olivia is going to grow up in a house that’s fun- filled with colors, patterns and textures. HAVE YOU NOTICED IF OLIVIA HAS DEFINED HERSELF AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND EMBODIED HER OWN KIND OF STYLE? Not yet, but I have a feeling she’s going to love to play dress up! WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE GROWING YOUR FAMILY? Everything in my life has changed.... especially my priorities. Also, my heart has doubled in size. WHAT HAS STAYED THE SAME? I haven’t changed the love I have for entertaining, I just can’t manage to do it as much as I used to. I also get tired at 9pm, which is a VERY new thing for me. NAME ONE THING YOU LOVE TO KEEP IN THE HOUSE? Fresh flowers. Always. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND AT THE MOMENT FOR OLIVIA? I love Carters, Baby Gap, June & January and Paige Lauren.

SABRINA’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER OLIVIA. FOLLOW SABRINA ON INSTAGRAM FOR FUN UPDATES: @SABRINA_SOTO

HOW HAS YOUR WARDROBE CHANGED? HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED AT ALL? a) I don’t wear high heels as much as I used to. Side Note: Where can I sell my designer shoes? b) I love rompers and comfy maxi dresses to hang out at the house and run errands c) I had to buy a size up after giving birth. My prepregnancy body is still nowhere to be found.

THAT’S LIFE DID YOU WISH YOU KNEW SOMETHING BEFORE YOUR FAMILY CAME, THAT YOU CAN SHARE? I wish I knew how hard breastfeeding was as a working mother. NAME THREE BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? Basq body oils, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and Mac lipsticks. ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU KNEW SOONER WHEN IT CAME TO KEEPING YOUR INDIVIDUALITY WHILE GIVING UP EVERYTHING FOR YOUR CHILD? I’d be lying if I said I’ve mastered the perfect balance. I’m still trying to figure out how to shake mommy guilt when I have to work or travel. I’m just so grateful that Steve is such a great dad to Olivia and so supportive of my endeavors.

THAT’S LIFE

YOUR KNOWN FOR INTERIOR DESIGN, HOW HAS YOUR HOME CHANGED TO ACCOMPANY YOUR LITTLE GIRL? I purposely bought pieces with soft edges and lots of floor pillows and cozy textures around the house.

a joke about it on Instagram. I was that annoying pregnant girl who said they would NEVER let the living room be filled with the babies stuff. I’m laughing about it now. Olivia’s stuff is everywhere and she’s only 6 months old!

ANYTHING YOU SAID YOU WOULD NEVER DO AS A MOM, BUT ARE NOW DOING IT? AHAHAHAHAHAHA. There are contraptions and toys EVERYWHERE. I actually made

ANY PLANS TO HAVE MORE LITTLE ONES? I would LOVE to! My sister is my best friend, so I couldn’t imagine my life without her. I want the same for Olivia.

THAT’S LIFE

TRAVELLING WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS BY LENA GREENING-DAVIDSON

This past winter, my husband and I travelled across Canada, from Alberta to Ontario. Since the majority of our family lives in Ontario, it was a trip we have taken many times, over the course of almost ten years. Some things have changed along the way. We’ve flown with just the two of us, we’ve flown with a puppy, and we flew when our oldest was five weeks old. This time, we flew with a two year old and a newborn. In conversations with travellers around us, my husband and I heard the same phrase over and over again, “You’re travelling with a toddler and a newborn! You’re brave.” My reply is always the same, when I hear people say this and I am going to share it with you. You don’t have to be brave, just get organized! Do a little research about your airline and the places you plan to visit.

THAT’S LIFE

These are some trip saving things that I have learned along the way. BE ORGANIZED! When my family travels, I keep all of our important identification, such as passports, and babies’ birth certificates together in a zip up pouch with the boarding passes. Make sure all names have the correct spelling on your passes and identification. These two things can save you up to 10 minutes of standing at the gate as airline staff updates the proper spelling in their system. MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE ABOUT FLYING WITH FORMULA. Pre-mixed formula is always taken for a few minutes to be tested at airport security. As long as you stay within the allowed fluid limit, this can be in your carry on. However, I discovered that it is better for the life of the formula to travel with an empty bottle or two, and the powdered formula. When baby is ready for a feeding, you can simply request some warm water on the flight and it’s a fresh bottle, rather than one that has been mixed for a few hours already. Again, airport security will run a quick test on the powdered formula and give it back. Some bottles, such as the “Mixie” bottle have compartments for powder inside the bottle which can be mixed with water right there in the bottle at your convenience. BABY WEARING IS A LIFESAVER. On and off the plane, it helps to have your hands free. I prefer the ring sling model because it is easy to loosen and tighten up again throughout the flight, during take-off and landing. Bring your car seat on the plane. Up to the age of two, kids fly free with the airline we fly with, and they can sit on our lap. Have you met an almost two year old that can sit still for four or more hours? Me either! That’s why I was super happy when I learned, that if you can spare the extra fare, purchasing a seat for our oldest child and attaching his car seat to the seat in the airplane made a world of a difference! He was contained, safely strapped in, it was a novelty for him to have his own seat like a big boy, and it was a much quieter flight for everyone. FLIGHT STAFF ARE LIKE ANGELS. When in doubt, or just need a break? Ask them for help. Staff already knows which seats have young children booked on them before you board and they typically will approach you and introduce themselves when you embark the plane. I have even had flight attendants offer to hold my baby for a moment so I could visit the washroom. BE PATIENT. You’re travelling to create memories, and although travel can be stressful in the moment, you’ll be happy that you decided to go for it.

CATEGORY BOX

Summer Blossom MATERNITY STYLE

ALL CLOTHING BY: SLACKS & CO. WWW.SLACKSANDCO.COM 40

CATEGORY BOX

CLARA IN MIDNIGHT BLUE

CATEGORY BOX

TOP: CLAIRE IN PALE ROSE SHORTS: ST. MONICA, JEAN SHORTS IN INDIGO

ALWAYS IN FASHION

CATEGORY BOX

DRESS: HOUSTON, SLEEVELESS MAXI DRESS IN WHITE.

CATEGORY BOX

DRESS: CAMILLA, FRONT PLEAT LACE DRESS IN WHITE

CATEGORY BOX

TOP: CARA IN WHITE AND SKY BLUE STRIPED SKIRT: OLIVIA IN NAVY

FEATURE

MEET THE DESIGNERS BEHIND THE BRAND

WRITTEN BY EMILY KLINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIANE LAEZZA 50

FEATURE

Melissa Grelo, co-host of CTV’s The Social and soon-to-be mom, Shayna Haddon are the creative forces behind marQ, the cutest gender neutral clothing line from Canada. We were lucky enough to sit down with these busy ladies to discuss their brand and how marQ came to be. TELL US ABOUT THE COMPANY? WHAT GOT THE TWO OF YOU INTO FASHION? The idea of marQ was born soon after my daughter, Marquesa was born. I had been shopping for my new little bundle and was struck by how gendered children’s clothing was. I wondered how and why we could be imposing seemingly mature roles and expectations on newborns! Something about “Princess-in-training” or “Ladies’ Man” on onesies wasn’t sitting right with me. I talked to my good friend, Shayna Haddon, about it and we decided, we could provide more clothing options that were genderneutral yet still fashionable and fun for those buying for children. That’s how marQ came to be. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR THE LINE? Shayna and I are inspired by functional fashion - clothes that are urban chic yet are designed to grow with rapidly growing kids. Our esthetic is informed by city life and the cool factor of androgynous fashion. We design pieces that are durable enough to be worn every day while playing indoors yet fashionable enough to hit the playground or go to pre-school. Kids’ active lives inspire us!

FEATURE

FEATURE HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BE PARTNERS ON THIS CLOTHING LINE? CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT ONE ANOTHER AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP? Shayna and I first crossed paths working at the same charity many years ago. While we never worked directly with one another, our circle of friends and colleagues eventually overlapped. We hit it off as soon as we met! Her drive, ambition and passion for life were contagious and I knew we’d be friends for a long time. I learned how savvy she was in business and I admired the way she conducted herself in deals and negotiating. It wasn’t until November or December of 2014 when she was over at my house that I shared my idea of marQ with her. She loved my ideas and our partnership was born. We’ve been working on it together as business partners ever since! Now that Shayna is expecting, we’re even more excited about creating pieces for all ages of young children, newborn to toddlers. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE COLLECTION? That’s like trying to pick a favourite child! That’s impossible! I am really proud of all our pieces, but especially love the Sovereign Pullover. It’s the epitome of gender-neutral street style and comfort. An unexpected response to this piece has come from adults asking if we make it in their sizes!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARASH MOALLEMI

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT MARQ? We know how quickly kids grow and thereby grow out of clothing. We’ve kept this in mind designing many of our pieces with expandable options. Our harem pants, for example, have cuffs and a waistband that can be unrolled to grow with your child. My daughter has been wearing hers for over 6 months! That’s unheard of in children’s clothing! We know how much money parents spend so we are offering high-quality pieces that will last a long time, thereby reducing the amount of money parents are spending overall.

FEATURE

“

WE KNOW HOW QU ICKLY KI DS GROW AN D TH E RE BY GROW OUT OF CLOTH I NG. WE’VE KE PT TH IS I N M I N D DESIGN I NG MANY OF OU R PI ECES WITH EXPAN DABLE OPTIONS.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARASH MOALLEMI

FEATURE

HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO YOU BOTH, THAT ALL THE PRODUCTS BE MADE DOMESTICALLY? Next to designing cool, functional pieces, this is one of the things we’re most proud of and one of the central tenets of who we are. We want to know who is manufacturing our clothes, in what conditions and to what standard. Transparency, ethics and accountability in the supply chain is vital to us. Yes, it costs more to make things in Canada, but we’re proud to support workers and jobs here and contribute positively to our economy. HOW DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR FRIEND? This is the magic of Shayna: Yes, she’s a friend, but she’s a sharp business mind whose skills I trust and respect implicitly. We’ve identified each of our strengths and allow one another to be the master of our respective domains. Where we have creative challenges or business decisions, our foundation as friends actually allows us the freedom to be very, very honest. In business, that’s a must. WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR KIDS TO EMBODY THEIR OWN PERSONAL STYLE? The world will levy its heavy hand of expectations on kids in due time, and hopefully not too early in life. But kids are young, impressionable and sponges for messaging. What are we telling them with the clothes we put

on them? What are the choices they are offered to express themselves? marQ does not want to say “This is what boys should wear”, or “This is what girls should wear “. We do want to offer alternatives to gendered clothing by taking gender out of the equation. We want children to write their own stories, expand their imaginations and to make their own #marQ. SHAYNA, DO YOU THINK YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS LINE WILL CHANGE ONCE YOUR LITTLE ONE IS DUE THIS SUMMER? I can see, throughout this process, how my eye for style has evolved. I think it is a combination of becoming pregnant and working with Melissa. She has taught me a lot about fashion, function and what to expect from kids clothing at different stages of growth. I have taken that wisdom and woven it into our business decisions so far and I am so proud of what we have to date. Now what is coming up....well, that is even more exciting and we honestly can’t wait to launch it on the site. As for what I will put my little one in....lots of marQ of course! WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? You can find us on Instagram and Twitter: @ marqdesigns. Check out marQ on Facebook too!

THAT’S LIFE

DOUGLAS, YOU NEED GLASSES! BY GED ADAMSON Ages 3-7

Meet Douglas, a dog with a big problem: he needs eyeglasses but doesn’t know it. Both kids and parents will laugh out loud while reading this utterly irresistible, hilarious picture book.

MISS MOON

BY JANET HILL Ages 4-8

Dog governess, Miss Moon collected a bunch of life lessons from looking after sixty-seven dogs. Some are practical, some are playful, and a few unusual, but all necessary. Enjoy this elegant and whimsical, tonguein-cheek book of wisdom for pooches and people.

BOOK SHELF

AN ARMADILLO IN NEW YORK BY JULIE KRAULIS Ages 5-9

Take a trip to New York in this delightful picture book with Arlo, the armadillo. Discover the joys of the city and learn about the Brooklyn Bridge and Lady Liberty in this beautiful illustrated book.

DIANA’S WHITE HOUSE GARDEN BY ELISA CARBONE Ages 4-8

A true story based on the White House Victory garden and real-life heroine, Diana Hopkins. It’s a busy time at the White House, Word War ll is in full force and President Roosevelt is in office. Diana’s father is his chief advisor and 10-year old Diana wants to be part of the war effort--any way she can.

FOR THE HOME

The Muted Imagination BY BRITTANY HAINES

OF ABD STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONAH PODBERESKI

This client was specifically aiming to achieve a nursery space that was comfortable and serene while not breaking the bank. Since the home is located in San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marina District we decided to integrate a slightly nautical theme. W e switched out the dresser knobs to add a touch of nautical brass, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ship kite was used as the nursery crib mobile and the pleated silk plaid drapes were custom made by the clients skilled grandmother. It was a real treat to collaborate with this young family on their home

Ski n Care

YOUR BEAUTY

EYE CREAM BY ALPESSE NCE

Reduce the appearance of wrinkles,

bags and dark circles while maintaining the skins firmness. This eye cream

transforms light, giving an immediate luminosity to the eye area.

$180 | www.alpessence.com

GE NTLE FOAM I NG CLEANSE R WITH COTTONSE E D BY CLARI NS

I DÉALIA DAY CARE BY VICHY

Gently cleanse your face and return

moisturizer enriched with Vitamin E and

your skin to its former glory with

Kombucha. It will help to improve your

this mousse cleanser. Perfect for

skin’s radiance and minimize the look of

combination skin! $34 | www.clarins.ca

fine lines and pores. $45 | www.vichy.ca

Battle the early signs of aging with this

YOUR BEAUTY

BRAN D N EW DAY BY ON E LOVE ORGAN ICS This water-activated exfoliator helps to remove impurities while smoothing the skin. Giving your face a luminous and soft complexion. $39 | www.oneloveorganics.com

ABU N DANCE BY LAU RE N NAPI E R 50 individually packaged facial cleansing wipes that help to remove stubborn makeup, pollution and impurities. $40 | www.laurennapier.com

HYDRATI NG ANTIOXI DANT SPRAY BY E LI ZABETH ARDE N PRO Provide an instant and lasting boost of hydration to your face with this lightweight formula. $36 | www. elizabethardenpro.com

CATEGORY BOX

A Whimsical Whim PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEC HANNAFORD CLOTHING BY MAD ABOUT MINI