A Tendency for Tulle

Somewhere in between changing diapers and going to work, I managed to make it into NYC a few weeks ago for a dear friend's birthday celebration for a party cruise! The weather was perfect, and the sunset at the pier was even more gorgeous. With an opportunity to get dressed up not going to waste, I planned my outfit in anticipation for a night of sailing around New York City! The term "what to wear" was said about 50 times in my home... which I'm sure thrilled my husband. 

I knew I wanted to wear something that would be ship-appropriate - aka not a skirt that would blow up - and a a pair of shoes to keep me in balance. The tulle skirt from Boohoo, which I wore a few weeks ago here, was a great option because it looked dolled up with my polka dot crop top and ballet-inspired wedges from Shoe Mint. Tulle skirts were huge last year, and when I looked for mine, I knew I didn't want to spend any more than $40 on. And I didn't. Mine cost around $28! The luxury item of my look comes from the Henri Bendel bag - gold hardware instantly dressed up any outfit.

A night out was definitely what we needed. Don't get me wrong - I cherish all my days and nights with my boys, but I think it's important for parents to maintain as much of the normalcy they had before to keep their own sense of self now that they're new parents. Since the babes were born, we've been out a handful of times, but nothing as fun as the boat ride. 

And even though I live so close to New York, I don't think I truly appreciate it. The trips I do make into the city I often find something new about New York that creates a new memory for me, and motivates me to do more of these fun things. Hopefully, we'll get to have more dressed up nights and fun-filled days that we can share with the twins as they get older!

The mister and I.

Outfit:

Polka Dot Crop Top - Forever 21 / Tulle Skirt - Boohoo / Lace Front Wedges - ShoeMint / Henri Bendel Bag

Blue Hues

Going back to work has given me the chance to dust off all the clothes I couldn't wear while pregnant, and to rip the tags off new ones I bought when I literally couldn't see my feet.

But now that I have a view of what's beneath me, I'm back in my heels and feeling like I'm regaining my pre-pregnancy appearance. It's been 4 months, and for the most part I think I look pretty much the same. Okay... I'm just going to say it: I look like I didn't have two babies. And I know how lucky I am to have good genes in the sense that I was able to bounce back to my pre-baby size. But, I do have some work to do and while it may not be visible to everyone, I know what I want to achieve and that I'm not 100% there yet. It is a struggle to come to terms that your body really isn't your body anymore after you have a baby, let a lone two. Yet, what it all comes down to is any woman who has had a child would probably say they would sacrfice the appearance of their body for the sake of their children. And I'm no exception. 

Dresses have always been a staple for me, and especially for summer. Expanding my color palette, this blue geo print dress in blue is one of my current favs. I've worn it both casual and dressy, as is evident by the heels in today's #ootd. I wore this outfit on a Sunday for lunch in my town with the boys, and for some mommy time getting my hair blown out in the morning. Simple pleasures, people. I'll take free time when I can get it... but I don't mind sacrificing my personal me time for the boys. 

Unless we're shopping (just kidding!).

Outfits:

Dress - Forever 21 / Ankle Strap Metallic Heel Heels - Spring.com (shop a similar shoe style here) / Stitched Leather Camera Bag - Henri Bendel / Bracelets - Alex and Ani / Sunglasses / ZeroUV

Vintage Reminders

The words "Jen" and "vintage" being in the same sentence are a complete oxymoron. I don't think anyone would classify my style as vintage. Heck, the most vintage things I own are jewelry. But for me, what makes me feel like I'm wearing something vintage is this ditsy floral print skirt... and the shoes, which have a 1950s vibe to em.

They remind me of Mary Janes, but more contemporary. And they are uber light. 

Although nothing in this outfit is thrifted, I really feel like its something you might find at a thrift store. The ditsy floral print skirt. The open knit tennis sweater. Is vintage trying to tell me something?

I think my bangs are a bit too hipster to go full-blown vintage. Maybe more of a 70s vintage, do the hustle kind of lady. Yeah, that sounds out of sight.

Open Knit Tennis Sweater - Forever 21 / Ditsy Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Black Leggings - H&M / Floral Printed Sunglasses - c/o Sole Society / A-List Grommet Satchel - c/o Henri Bendel / Multi-Strap Mary Janes - Seychelles - sold out, but here's another pair of Seychelles shoes / Alex and Ani Bracelets