Plaid with Purpose

You know the feeling you get when you're sick of wearing sweaters and layers, so you start transitioning those spring wardrobe pieces that you have eagerly anticipating wearing for months? Welcome to my life. I refuse to wear chunky knits and heavy overcoats from this point on. Okay... so the shoes might be a stretch, but any sign of spring on a warm day means lacing up those new gladiator sandals and taking them for a walk. Sorry, but I'm over wearing black, over static in my hair and done trying to look pulled together on days where it's sleeting.

 

And while I'm saying no to heavy coats, I am still in favor of wearing plaid. This gorgeous swing coat from Chic Wish gives me just enough coverage on a chilly day, but is definitely feminine with the large bow at the high neck. The plaid reminds me of a kilt - very royal and regal (Hey, I'll never be queen but one can dream, ya know?) .I've also worn this coat as a dress with simple leggings and it looked just as pretty. 

I'm beyond tired of boots, scarves and cold hands... I'm protesting against Mother Nature until she gets her act together. This year, I'm hoping to do something different in terms of my style aesthetic. I'm thinking more gypsy... still edgy, but mixing soft and hard pieces together for rocker chic look. Can't wait to make the investment in new pieces this year!

Outfit:

Jacket - Chic Wish / Acid Wash Jeans - Three Bird's Nest (via Instagram) /

 Lace-Up Gladiator Heels - LuLu*s / Bag - Forever 21

Modern Geekery

 

There is no denying that I love a quirky print. I feel like they instantly make any outfit look dressy and quirky. When I worked at Barneys New York, I was exposed to some of the most eccentric patterns and prints featured on menswear as worn by Simon Doonan. I fully appreciated his assortment of floral all-over prints and Vilebrequin ties. Women's wear doesn't fully apprecaite frantic prints, but when I find them, I fall in love with them quickly.

 

 

This glass-print top is one of my favorites. It's not only the only white shirt I own, but the pairing of  black with white is a classic I can't resist. To punch up the simple color combo, I wore maroon pants and threw in another contrasting print by carrying my essentials in an animal print bag. 

And it seems like my disdain for gold has gone away since I gravitate more towards this metallic more than silver. I mean... these shoes!?!?! Come. On.

 

I've been slowly, and I do mean slowly, getting back into a steady blog routine. Part of it has to do with the weather - I can't pack up the boys and go outside when it's too cold, and work schedules  between my husband and I dictate when we have time to go on mini ventures. I think once the weather warms up, I'll be better able to write more and take photos. People think being a blogger just means going outside and taking photos... Okay, well, it sort of does. But I have some serious adulting going on that calls for me to make decisions with my time that maybe other bloggers don't have. Two children and a full time job definitely plays a part. I do, however, try to put in time when I have it, and the days when I can put together outfits and take photos makes me feel really excited to share something with all of you here. 

Plus, I need a reason to curl my hair like this more often.

 

Outfit:

 All from Forever 21 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

The Lovely Happenings Event Recap

Living so close to New York City means I get the opportunity to hop on a train for quick trips at my leisure... Or, with some careful planning and a babysitter.

It's been a while since I attended an event to reconnect with fellow fashionistas, bloggers, and artists in the community that motivate me to create more, dream bigger. When I heard from one of my blogger besties, Suma of The Fashion Beauty Junkie, about her amazing experience attending the Lovely Happenings earlier this year as a presenter, I knew I wanted to attend the October event. A combination of panels on fashion, careers, lifestyle and art, this was definitely what I needed to open my eyes to new experiences and perspectives.

Kicking off the event was a panel on fall fashion featuring NYC bloggers Dana of Pink Champagne Problems, Hallie of Sleepless in Sequins, Cara of The Style Phile and Katie of Katie's Bliss. Some of the trends they loved were plaids, knee-high boots and leather. Um, yes, please!

In between panels, guests has the opportunity to network, craft with Pietro Handbags and Anna Osgoodby, indulge in a manicure, customize cupakes and shop .I brought home a chic pyramid stud cuff bracelet from Bleeker + Spring, and made new connections with some of the nicest, sweetest bloggers who were all so friendly. 

It was really refreshing to talk to women who weren't competing with one another and all felt the sense of community blogging has that drew many of us in. All the women on the fall fashion panel, as well as Erika of Retro Flame, were absolutely lovely to chat with, which really renewed my faith in blogging that there are down-to-earth women wanted to help one another and grow the community.

Plus, it was like a mini reunion to see my girl Suma, who is one of the first bloggers I became friends with about 3 years ago. Love this girl!

If you have the chance to attend a Lovely Happenings Event, do it! The sisters who created this fabulous event, Jaclyn and Rachael, put together an amazing assortment of speakers and services that will truly inspire you. Plus, it's a great way to get together with your friends and have a day out filled with fun, food and fashion!

Boho Summer Spirit

I've adapted a boho feel to my clothing this summer. Festival inspired, I'm throwing it back to the days when I used to go to concerts every weekend. There's something about the carefree spirit of bohemian clothing that seems effortless and perfect for summer. Give me a pair of gladiator sandals, plenty of gold accessories and a fringed handbag and my hipster heart is happy and content.

Plus, I'm all about a skirt and top combo. This black skirt has a delicate lace slip under it that has a vintage vibe to it, while my Moroccan print crop top encompasses the boho vibe. Oh, and a pink lip is a must for me. I tend to wear pink lipstick year round - some habits can't be quit. 

I'll have to plan my outfits with a little more office-friendly thought as I'm winding down the end of my maternity leave. Any new mom can relate to the idea of returning to work, and leaving your child. I'm saving my complete thoughts on returning to work for another post as I'm already having a hard time facing the fact that I won't be with the twins 24/7 come August.

Hope you're enjoying the amazing summer weather!

Outfit Details:

Moroccan print crop top - Forever 21 - Black Lace Trim Skirt / Gladiator Lace Up Sandals  - Forever 21 / Fringed Shoulder Bag - Steve Madden / Half Moon Necklace - South Moon Under / NARS lipstick in YU 

Boho Bump

There's two reasons I'm smiling in this picture. First, well, obviously - when do I not love taking pictures of my bump?! And two - it was strangely warm the day that I took these pictures that I didn't have to wear a coat. It's the small things, people.

At the moment, I'm really into boho style. I know it's more of a spring-style trend, but the appeal of 70s-inspired clothing seems to be speaking to the part of myself that missed out on being born in the 70s by one year. 

My polka dot/floral button up combo from LuLu*s gives a nod to my inner flower child, while the fringe bag from Steve Madden screams "festival chic"! 

And since my stomach is growing at a ridiculous, I'm living in leggings as much as possible. I bought these grey leggings from Destination Maternity in October, when I was about 9 weeks pregnant, and honestly, the investment was sooo worth it. They have a stretch tummy panel that I can pull over my bump, or fold down. Even when I'm not #preggers, I can wear am. At this point in my pregnancy when I pretty much hate every pair of pants I own, leggings are a lifesaver. 

And speaking of pregnancy, I'm so excited to reveal the sex of the babies via my new Alex and Ani bracelets that my husband bought for me...

So, the twins are....

Two boys! 

The more I think of all the things I'll get to share with them, and how I'll grow into the role of being a mom to two little dudes... It's pretty amazing. Since finding out their sex, we've been shopping like mad. I'm so used to looking at girl things that I've had to get used to learning more about styling little boys. We're just so happy that the boys will always have each other, and I know I say this all the time, but I really can't wait to see their faces and meet the little ones who kick me all day!

Outfit details:

Polka Dot and Floral Print Button-Up Shirt - c/o LuLu*s / Secret Fit Belly Maternity Leggings - Destination Maternity / Fringe Bag - Steve Madden / Alex and Ani Special Delivery Charm Bracelet / Alex and Ani "Mom" Bracelet / Black Wedge Shoes - Modcloth

Maternal Instincts

My very first official maternity post! YAY!

At 18 weeks, I'm sporting a bump that I love dressing up and showing off. 

As someone who is still in love with fashion, it's important that my maternity style be an equally interesting representation of myself and all the things I love to wear. I want to feel like me... just a pregnant version of myself. 

Of course, shopping for clothes does come with limitations, but I'm finding that empire-waist dresses are my absolute favorite to wear since they accentuate my tummy. Luckily, I'm still able to shop in non-maternity stores, and this dress from Forever 21 was the perfect holiday-inspired dress to wear during the cold months. The leggings were from my previous wardrobe, and I'm able to wear them below my belly and still be comfortable.

Although I will say wearing shirts that fit around my stomach do make me giddy. Not everything hugs my curves now, but when I do wear a more fitted shirt, it makes me proud to show the progress of my little ones growing each week.

To accessorize, I'm rocking this AMAZING bag I scored during a Black Friday Sale on SteveMadden.com. The combination of it being a saddle bag, plus, the fringe, makes it totally boho... a style that I'm wearing more and more in my pregnancy.

Outfit Details:

Plaid Dress - Forever 21 (currently offering 30% off for Cyber Monday) 

 Black Knit Leggings - H&M / Steve Madden Blottie Bag (currently offering 35% off and free shipping for Cyber Monday) / Patent Leather Wedge Boots - ModCloth.com (currently offering 25% off for Cyber Monday) 

SmashBox Be Legendary Lipstick in Primrose

Fall Uniform: Plaid

I'm officially declaring that my fall uniform will be plaid. Afterall, there really is no better time to wear lumberjack prints and cozy button ups than now. Plus, it sorta of reminds me of my teens - growing up in the 90s when Nirvana pretty much made plaid the official uniform of grunge Seattle kids. 

My plaid shirt collection definitely spans the color wheel. Of course, red is in there, but I like to find plaid prints that let me girly them up with accessories. I've had this green shirt which I purchased from American Eagle last year, but then, I figured why not throw on a statement necklace? I pulled from the pink in the necklace to pair it against the green. 

Finally, no grunge-inspired outfit would be complete without a pair of patent leather boots. These Steve Madden stems are not only comfortable, but the chunky square heel is just too cool. 

Get used to it - I will be living in plaid well until next year. #sorrynotsorry

Outfit details:

Plaid Shirt - American Eagle / Black Pants - H&M / Patent Leather Chunky Heel Boots - Steve Madden (purchased at DSW) / Studded Crossbody - Forever 21 / Statement Necklace - BTB Jewelry

Psychedelic Soul

For me, summer is the perfect excuse to wear bright colors and loud prints. 

Since I've been on this geometric kick, there was no way I could pass up this amazing geo-print dress from Shop Sosie. It's got a smack of vibrant color and a whole lot of  trippy, psychedelic goodness. Plus, this was one way to absolutely break my habit of buying black dresses. Don't get me wrong - nothing looks as polished and edgy as black, but even for someone like me, who loves to wear black... I need to liven things up. The accessories are one thing, but black shoes absolutely did not work with this dress... and I'm glad since I could wear these Sole Society shoes with the dress!

Later this week, I'll be taking a road trip down the Jersey Shore to Atlantic City for July 4th Weekend. And I can not wait! The slots, the beach, the people watching... I'm so excited for a mini summer getaway. 

Now, onto the planning of outfits for the weekend!

Seema Swing Dress - Shop Sosie (sold out) / Laser Cut Heels - c/o Sole Society / Alex and Ani Vintage 66 Gypsy Wrap / Black Studded Shoulder Bag - Forever 21 

Summer Shine

I feel like I've finally graduated from Big Girl Shoes School. Remember when I told you that I was going to try and wear heels more often than wedges this summer? I think I've done a good job so far, and now that I have these metallic heels from Call It Spring, I think I've earned my Bachelors in Square-Heeled Pumps.

These ankle strap pumps are the perfect balance of simple black shoes with some extra BAM! Serious metallic heel action... I wasn't even looking for a pair of shoes like this, but after trying them on on a whim... You know the rest.

I have to say that I needed this weekend... bad. I had a... trying week a work. It was me being tired and just kind of bummed out that I'm indoors now that the weather is warmer. But don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my job; it's the best I've ever had. But, I needed a weekend of warm weather so I can wear outfits like this... Metallic shoes and all!

Hope you're enjoying the sun, too!

Floral Print Spaghetti Strap Dress - Forever 21 (sold out, but this Macys dress looks just like it) / L.O.V.E. Belt - Forever 21 / EOWADODE Ankle Strap Heels - Call It Spring / Kate Spade New York Lilac Road Bag / Vintage Heart Necklace