Festival Mama

Greetings from not Coachella! To pay homage to the festival I'm not attending, I put together a 90s-inspired look that gives a nod to concert style in this #ootd!

But that's not what this post is about...

A year into motherhood, I am discovering that the perception of what others think being a mom means, and what I as a woman define it to be are completely different. While we all can name attributes of what a mother is, I'm often surprised at some of the comments I hear in regards to my personal appearance and motherhood.

Since it's assumed I'm a mom that I'm tired (and, not going to lie, I am beyond tired), I guess that means I would just let myself go, throw my hair in a ponytail and rock sweatpants for the rest of my life. Case in point, I took the boys for their first haircuts over the weekend. I wore this outfit. Nothing too crazy, but by my standards it's put together, presentable, represents me and has a 90s vibe I was going for. The hairdresser said to me, "Wow, you're so stylish for being a mother of twins." I said "Thank you. This is just who I am - I like taking care of myself." 

Another instance, someone at a doctor's office commented that I had lipstick on to take my sons for a checkup, and quipped, "You have time to get dressed like that?"

Really?!?

For some reason, being a new mom has this rather old stigma of not caring about yourself anymore, or your own appearance. Granted, I might not whip together a blog-worthy outfit everyday, but on the off chance that I don't leave the house and therefore don't need to be as done-up as I normally am, I can, will and want to take pride in my appearance. Motherhood or not. Although my getting ready routine has changed to adapt to my sons' needs, you will never, EVER, find me out in public looking like I was just released from a psychiatric ward - no matter how chaotic my life as a parent is.

The point is, if your a parent or not, you have the right to be who you want to be. Things in life will change, priorities shift, adulting happens... But no matter what the scenario, I'm going to keep taking time to invest in myself and my well-being. If that means I put together an awesome outfit so I can feel good about myself, I'm doing it. If I want to cut my hair (BTW, do you like the new do), then so be it. New changes don't have to signal bad changes. Motherhood doesn't mean that I have to never wear heels again, and stop doing my hair. Please. I'm setting an example for my kids that you can be what you want, look how you want... regardless of what life throws at you. I'm no expert, I'm just me.

Outfit:

Denim Shirt - Gap (It's actually a maternity shirt) / Flower Print Dress - Forever 21 /

 Metallic Heel Shoes - Forever 21 / Fringe Handbag - Steve Madden

The Brights Are Alright

To think that this dress kick started my blog a year ago. Yeah, that's right... this dress is a year old... and I love it.

Before I really figured out what I was doing as far as my blog, I used to take photos in my kitchen against a white wall. Nothing jazzy. But, I liked how the photo turned out, so I entered it into a Refinery 29 contest where reader's had to vote on the most "lady-like" outfit. And I won a $500 gift card, wearing this dress.

Outfit:

Dress - Forever 21

Neon Pink Kara Sandals - Delia*s $19.50!!! 

Chain Link Necklace - Charming Charlie

Chunky Block Ring - Forever 21

From that point on, my interest for blogging grew. I was already working in fashion, too, so why not? And that's how my blog came to be!

Oh, but back to the present. I'm glad fashion is getting their stuff together and putting color first this year. Between the rainbow denim and loud color wheel that's been popping up - I'm one happy hipster.

Flat Footed

While it'd be nice to let you all think I live in heels, I don't. I know it's the fashion blogger think to do, but I like to be as mobile as possibly... and that calls for sometimes wearing my oxfords. These are my first pair, but I'm already on the search for another... patent leather or even a more traditional loafer.

Outfit:

Jersey blazer - Mandee

Printed empire-waist dress - Forever 21

Tights - Target

Oxfords - Mandee

Quinn Bag - c/o Urban Expressions

Leather cuff and silver bangle - Craft fair and Macys

We've had some really miserable weather in NJ lately. Very overcast and uninspiring. Regardless of the dreary temperatures, I feel the need to wear something with a bit of color (even though my outfit is mainly black). Black is my favorite shade, but this year, I'm trying to punch it up a little with bright neons and complimentary patterns. Maybe that's why I don't mind taking jumping photos in the middle of the park?

Tonight I'm attending the first night of NJ Fashion & Beauty Week! Check back for a recap!

Day #16 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Half-Way There!

Outfit:

Cardigan - Forever21

Dress - Forever 21

Tights - H&M

Mary Jane Wedges - Office UK

Hello Kitty Necklace - gift from a friend

Just when I was starting to regret my No Shopping Challenge, something happened.

I dropped a stupid amount of money on my car and tickets to see Maroon 5 in August. The car troubles I couldn't avoid, but to sit four rows from Adam Levine - it's worth every penny. Good thing I'm holding out on this challenge as I'm gunna need the money to pay out these two debts. Ah, an upside to not shopping... This thing called saving money!?

Evidentally, I like torturing myself. This means going into stores and trying stuff on only to put everything back as the idea of having to tell my readers that I gave in washes over me. Case in point - I was out getting dinner with Mike when I came across DSW.

"Just want to look," I tell him.
"No," he says firmly. "You're not buying anything."
"I KNOW!" I snapped back.

What transpired was me trying on 4 pairs of shoes in 10 minutess - only to pout my way out of the store in frustration. Is that a record of some sort?

This obviously wasn't enough for me as I had to take a trip to Loehmann's, which I've never been to, and do the same exact thing. Let's just say the remainder of my work day was long...

I guess I'm my own worst enemy. Only 14 more days to go!