Spring Ready
Just dropping in to say hi! Linked you to my outfit. I am obsessed with bodysuits at the moment. This one is flattering under a jacket or can stand alone with a great pair of pants. The material stretches and is thick enough to not be transparent. Happy shopping!
What I’m reading
Dude Clothes
My mom and I met at the mall last week for some girl time and Christmas shopping. Juniper lattes in hand (they are good!) we ended up in the men’s department at Macy’s so I could help her find something for Josh. I don’t know if you guys are familiar with the men’s department in Macy’s, but it’s great. What was supposed to be a shopping trip for Josh ended up being a shopping trip for me. Damn, I love men’s clothes. This plaid, frayed shirt is SO comfortable and steers away from the typical plaid button-down. I love the pocket details and length (I hate short button downs). The shirt is more than half off so check it out before they sell out. I’m wearing a small in the picture . And hey, maybe your man will want one too. Links below! And don’t forget to check out my recent read below because it was SO GOOD.
What I’m reading
Sherpa
So, I’m sure by now you’ve figured out that I don’t post links to everything I wear on my main Insta page. Sometimes I’m wearing an oldie that is long gone from stores (I wouldn’t be able to link you even if I wanted to). And sometimes I’m being selfish and I want to keep it for myself. That’s what I did with these boots, but you guys pestered me enough that I decided to stop being selfish and share. Yes, they are amazingly comfortable! Also, the stroller you asked about. I love it but it’s not practical (no basket). It’s really a Target cock block. Speaking of Target, I know what you’re really eyeballing is my sherpa jacket in mint, and I was SO excited to share it with you. Why? It’s cheap, warm, and FABULOUS.
Here’s the link for my mint sherpa Jacket!
Vintage AF
Okay, so here I am exhausted AF and being honest. Last week was rough. As a family we had the type of September and October that should be locked in a closet and never let out again. I’m sure you can relate. You know those months where EVERYTHING goes wrong all at the same time? It makes for stressful times. Between my writing schedule, the kids school schedules, co-parenting with an ex, and about fifty wrenches thrown in our way; I went to bed and didn’t get out of it for two days. I couldn’t. I was emotionally drained and psychologically exhausted (lack of self care), and I didn’t want to speak (didn’t want to do anything actually). And so I didn’t. I cried a lot if that counts as something. Avett stayed in bed with me and man that baby gives me joy where I can’t find any. My bed was littered with baby toys and bottles and he was the only person I was okay being with. Sounds dramatic, I know. But, man, I don’t know how to rest. It’s a sickness. People who go non-stop and put everyone else’s needs before their own are susceptible to cracking sometimes. You need someone in your corner to tell you that you’ve been going too hard for too long, and that you desperately need to rest and breathe. I don’t know if you have someone like that in your corner, so I’m going to tell you. You need a YOU break. Okay? Please. Your mental health, your mind, your nurturing of your family hinges largely on your mental health and happiness. No matter what anyone tells you you are entitled to your own space, and you have a right to fight for your own happiness. Being a mother doesn’t mean you cease to exist as an individual. You’re still there, buried under the saggy tits and dry shampoo. Your dreams, and visions, and hobbies still matter even after you expanded your life for a partner and small humans. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom, if your family is judgmental, if you “should” feel soooooo lucky about your wonderful life. You are a human who sometimes runs out of juice. Your cup dries up because you pour, pour, pour. Refill without guilt, my friends. Carve out some space for the girl who used to have time to wash her hair, and have perky tits. Create, sleep, cry, rest, go to a movie, take a bath, read a book, lock yourself in the bathroom (I do this). I love you and you’re still you.
My sweater (that you asked about) wasn’t supposed to be on the blog. I’ve mentioned before that I shop in the men’s department often, and that’s where I found it. Josh liked it so much he went and bought one for himself (we won’t be wearing them at the same time). But, I linked it for you. I’m seventeen pounds down and I’ve stuffed myself into two pairs of my larger jeans! I’m wearing a men’s small in the photo and it fits perfectly. I normally wear a woman’s Medium.
Over All I Love This Outfit
Thirty five years old and I’m still wearing overalls, heart shaped sunglasses, and pom poms on my beanies. Dressing is an art form. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your personal style isn’t an expression of your creative. I hear so many women fret about wearing something that is “too young”. I think that you can tailor any outfit to your age and comfort, but the most important thing for your confidence is to wear clothes that you feel good in. You won’t know unless you try. So be creative, shush that inner voice that tells you that you can’t, and TRY IT ON.
While I was pregnant with Avett I kept running across cute pairs of overalls. I’d buy them thinking that I’d fit into them after I had him. Lofty dreams. Well, five months and a gazillion miles on the treadmill later and I’m starting to be able to shimmy into my clothes. I am the proud owner of six pairs of bibs (insert awkward face emoji). But these! These are the best pair of overalls ever. The straight fit is extremely slimming and they’re more comfortable than any of my denim pairs. There’s a zipper down the side rather than the traditional clips over the shoulder (the straps on these are attached, though I had no problem getting into them like I initially thought I would). Hey! I like your face, and no you’re not too old to wear that.
What I’m reading!
Leggings Are Pants
Don’t let anyone tell you that leggings aren’t pants, especially Blair Waldorf. Since everyone has been asking where I get mine I threw a post together for you. The ones I’m wearing are gunmetal in a size 8-10. I got my oversized courier shirt at a small boutique so I did my best to find something similar for you. I’m ten pounds down! But I still can’t fit into any of my old jeans. Happy shopping!
Labor Day White
If you’re like me and don’t mind breaking fashion rules I have a pair of pants for you! I plan on pairing them with chunky sweaters all fall and winter. They’d look great with a pair of black booties too. One more week till my kids start school and I’ll have a few more hours to work. A lot of you ask me how I do it all. Right now I have a sleeping baby in my arms while I put this post together. I spent the morning with him strapped to my chest in my Ergo while I stood at my hightop table and wrote a chapter for my next book (rocking side to side). It’s definitely about mind over matter, acclimating to new situations, and being willing to work under and in any circumstances. How bad do you want it? Good. Do whatever you have to to get it. We’re women, we can if we really try. That’s our gift.
Knots and Studs
I did not list my Nike workout pants on the blog, though if you want truly comfortable pants with a built in pocket for your cell phone go check them out on the Nike website. I’d choose Nike over Lulu Lemon every time. I recently traded my Fitbit for a Fitbit HR and I LOVE it. Guys, did you know the Fitbit app keeps track of your period!? Oh, you did? Cool. I am always late to the party. Like I just binged watched all seven seasons of Gossip Girl. It was during the first six weeks of Avett’s life, but I became so obsessed that I’d have dreams where I was walking around telling people: “I’m Chuck Bass.” My other obsession: the Steven Madden sandals I linked you to. They’re on sale! Look at how happy I am that they’re on sale.
Last of Summer
Ohhhhh boy. Literally, I gave birth to one. And now that I’m done being pregnant I’m sort of ready to blog again. I can tell you that I’m not enthusiastic about buying clothes since I still have 30lbs to lose, but I am managing to find some outfits to disguise that fact. I’ve been living in dresses since I don’t have a single pair of jeans that fit me. I feel like I’m in a race with winter to lose weight so I can avoid buying new pants. And though I cringe when I look in the mirror I’m reminding myself that I’m human and reciting those famous words everyone keeps saying… “It’ll take time.” In the meantime I feel flabby. My thighs chaff when I walk and I have some wicked mom stripes on my belly (they only arrived after I had the baby, go figure). Honestly, I’m really enjoying motherhood in my thirties and though I think vain thoughts throughout the day I am quite content. Praise be!
What I am doing:
The worst thing one can do when attempting to be healthy mentally and physically is compare. Women have a knack for making themselves feel inadequate. Whether you’ve just had a baby or you’ve been struggling with your weight since you started eating solids the best way to feel good in your own skin is to focus on what you DO have going on. Strong legs, white teeth, bouncy hair, pretty toes, smooth skin, whatever. Those areas you want to improve; don’t let them control the way you feel. Instead of saying “I am failing” say: “I am working on it.” And…well…work on it. Working on it feels good, working on it feels productive.
I’m working on feeling like myself again. Every day I either walk, or walk and interval run. I’ve been averaging four mile walks mostly with the baby strapped to my chest. I use the weighted hula hoop on top of that (30 minutes in the evenings). I’ve cut out carbs and I’ve been mainly sticking to protein, veggies and grains. I’ve only lost four pounds.
What I’ve failed at: alcohol. Face palm. I started my liquor fast yesterday. Man, I like to drink.
What I plan on doing: Orange Theory. I’m basically trying to get fit enough to get fit.
Anyway, here is a dress that made me feel sexy! It showed just enough boob and hid just enough belly fat.