It's Been Too Long!

You guys.  It's been too long.  A lot has happened since my last post.  A lot a lot.  Re-reading my last post, my wistful remark "I hope to be a mother someday" turned out to be quite a fortuitous statement as the very next month, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Olivia!  She is everything I ever wanted and more.  I had been told over and over again that mothers experience this special kind of love for their children, but I never truly realized what that meant until now.  She is my heart and soul and for the past year, I have been living and breathing for her.  My beautiful miracle baby.  

If I'm going to be brutally honest, I didn't want to broadcast my pregnant belly on the blog.  After Olivia was born, I also didn't feel the need to dissect my fashion-forward wardrobe choices of sweat pants and baggy shirts, either.  So I took a break.  But now, almost a year later, I'm feeling ready to get back in to the swing of things again.  I even came prepared with a recent shopping spree to blog about!  So, here I am.  I'm back =)

                           *                               *                          *
It's officially fall again in New England, and the trees are putting on quite the show!  Although it actually reached 80 degrees here today, the chilly nights hint of the colder weather that is looming.  I held off shopping for the most part until I was convinced I dropped the majority of my pregnancy weight, but recently I've been back at it again.  After my maternity leave I returned to work only part-time, three days per week.  I've been looking for wardrobe additions that will work hard for me.  They must be comfortable, flattering on my post-pregnancy body, and appropriate to mix and match for both the office and my days at home with Olivia.  That seems like a tall order, but I've found it surprisingly easy to achieve by returning to my old staple stores, like Banana Republic, and being slightly more selective with my choices.

Slouchy sweaters are huge again this season.  Literally.  I've found you have to be very careful with the cut and size you choose.  I tried on a couple that were absolutely swimming on me in both my usual size and the next size down, despite my curvy figure.  My advice is to be patient and DON'T SETTLE.  There are just SO many different options, and when you find the right fit, trust me when I say these sweaters work on any and all figures.  

Here were my favorites:

Extra-Fine Merino Wool Cocoon Pullover

Marled Zip-Hem Boyfriend Sweater

Both are from Banana Republic!  Quick note on the second one: the model in the picture looks like she's wearing a size down for a more fitted look, which is equally as cute!  I got mine in my usual size and it was slightly slouchy without adding pounds on me.  Perfection.

Where are you picking up some cute sweaters this season?

Happy Shopping!

Horrified

While I have not used this blog much to commentate on current events (other than current fashions), in light of recent events I feel compelled to give my $.02.  

On Friday, December 14 in Newtown, CT, the lives of 20 children were taken along with the innocence of thousands and thousands more across the nation.  We will never understand why; even if the shooter had not taken his own life I cannot begin to comprehend what it is like to be in such a dark and lonely place.  Shootings like this have occurred before - recently, and all too often.  But somehow this one is more poignant, more emotionally loaded because so many children were pointlessly targeted.

I hope to be a mother some day, and all I wish for is the ability to bring my future children into a world where I can reasonably expect to keep them safe.

"This is our first task — caring for our children. It's our first job. If we don't get that right, we don't get anything right. That's how, as a society, we will be judged.
And by that measure, can we truly say, as a nation, that we are meeting our obligations? Can we honestly say that we're doing enough to keep our children — all of them — safe from harm? Can we claim, as a nation, that we're all together there, letting them know that they are loved, and teaching them to love in return? Can we say that we're truly doing enough to give all the children of this country the chance they deserve to live out their lives in happiness and with purpose?
I've been reflecting on this the last few days, and if we're honest with ourselves, the answer is no. We're not doing enough. And we will have to change.

~ President Obama, Sandy Hook Elementary Prayer Vigil 

But exactly what changes need to happen?  What more can we do as a nation to give our children a fighting chance to live in a safe, yet realistic world?  To maintain the right to a real, impactful childhood that isn't slowly invaded and suffocated by the evil of the world that surrounds us?

Following the tragedy (and by following I mean mere HOURS afterwards), the mediaverse exploded with angry demands for stricter gun control.  If gun control is taken more seriously, if more stringent laws are put in place, if the whole process is better regulated, surely we can avoid future tragic events like this one.  In theory, yes, that stance makes perfect sense.  Stricter gun laws = better regulation of who owns what weapons = less crime. 

But wait a minute.  Let us not forget the most disturbing piece of this whole puzzle:  the shooter used his own mother's gun, which was LEGALLY purchased.  He stormed and broke his way in to the school, which required guests to be buzzed in and had security protocols in place, and carried out this heinous attack.  I truly believe that better gun control laws would not have prevented this.  The shooter was going to do what he was going to do and nothing was going to stop him. I'm not pretending that I have the solution, but I think it is dangerous for the nation to get caught up and distracted by a debate over gun control at this time.  A debate that has been circling around Congress for decades but never resolved.  There are other issues (mental illness, for one) that need addressing here, and if they are ignored while we continue to figure out the same old song and dance once and for all, the same problems will find a way to slip through even supposedly air tight legislation.

We, as a nation need to pause.  We need to mourn.  Process.  Digest what has happened.  If we keep pushing forward, if politicians rush to use this event to nudge their agendas forward without missing a step, we have failed.  Sometimes it is not always the healthy thing to continue on like nothing has happened.  We focus so desperately on restoring normalcy as quickly as possible when something like this happens, when we really need to take the time to learn from our mistakes.  

As parents we would do anything to shield our children from harm.  We protect them, keep them in a bubble as the world closes in around us.  And what has that done?  Created a society of anxious, depressed, angry people who are taught to blame others for their difficult situations.  Yes, our little worlds need to keep functioning.  We need to keep getting up in the morning, keep loving our children, and keep trusting that they will be safe when they leave home.  But we need to do so with an awareness of what the "new normal" of our world is.  We are not doing enough.  And we will have to change.

Another Wardrobe Dimension

If you're like me, you have a couple stores that are your "go-tos" for basics (button down shirts, the perfect-fitting LBD, jeans, etc) and other stores that you gravitate towards when you're looking for something special.  Something special that's just a little different from the norm to add color and dimension to your wardrobe.  For me, Kate Spade is one of those stores.  While I wouldn't call myself a frequent shopper, I do check out the website frequently to see if anything catches my eye (read: things I didn't know I needed until I saw them.....)

Here are a few of my favorite recent discoveries:

Pop Palette Bib Necklace - $89.00 - On sale!

This piece is probably my favorite out of the three.  The colors immediately caught my eye because they go along perfectl with the majority of my wardrobe palette.  This necklace is perfect to wear now with all my winter sweaters, and later with sundresses when the weather gets warm again.  The fact that it's on sale right now makes it even better!  

Birds Georgette Dress - $398.00

This particular dress may not float everyone's boat, but I'm loving the cinched waste and keyhole detail in the back.  Great to wear now under a black sweater / cardigan and some boots, or on it's own as pictured above with flats for an adorable transition into spring.

Charlie Sweater Dress - $194.00

Who doesn't love a Kate Spade sweater dress?  The bow detail adds the Kate Spade twist to an otherwise simple grey creation, but what I'm loving most about this is the fit.  The banded waste and swingy skirt made it flirty and fun.  Completely work appropriate, I'm bound to get tons of use out of it with tights and booties.

Hopelessly Devoted To You

 

That's right, Tory Burch.  I'm talking about you!  Your products suit my personality perfectly and the pieces I have bought from your collections have completely transformed my wardrobe, in a good way!  It's why I have brought up your name so much in this blog, and keep coming back for more!

This bag (the Crinkle Patent Ella Tote) is my latest obsession.  I own her in the gorgeous deep blue color that now seems to be sold out, and will soon be purchasing her in "Shell" as well.  These totes are big enough to fit everything I need and are just the most perfect bags I have ever owned.  The Italian patent leather is gorgeous and substantial, so I know the bags won't be wearing out on me any time soon, and I literally get a compliment on my bag whenever I carry it.

My new weekend wardrobe lately has been a pair of leggings, oversized sweater, and this lovely creation.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream

Hello!  Well once again I have neglected this blog.  My mind has been occupied with other things lately, namely my promotion at work and the holidays upon us.  I offer no other excuse.

Have I made any new purchases in my absence?  Umm, yes.  What a silly question.  And I will be reviewing my favorite said purchases very soon.  Today though, I'm going to pause from talking about fashion and switch gears a little bit.   Rarely have I discussed my beauty routine here, but I have found a product I absolutely must gush about.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream.  

  

I'll start off my saying my skin is very, very fair.  It doesn't take much to make me look washed out.  This makes it very difficult to find products like concealer, bronzers, self tanners, etc, that don't look too orange-y or obvious on me.  At the same time though, a lot of the lighter concealers, etc, that actually match my skin tone aren't dark enough to provide coverage for any flaws.  It's been an endless search of trial and error, but my mission is now over.

BB Creams have been popular in Asian countries like China and Japan for years (ever notice how they all seem to have perfect skin???), and are now finally taking off in the US.  They are immediately appealing because they provide multiple benefits in only one product:  SPF protection, hydration, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage for any problem areas.  So instead over slathering several different products on my face in the morning, I'm one and done.  Dry winter weather may call for an extra layer of moisturizer underneath, but that's it.  I follow my usual skin care routing of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer (all Clinque products), then use this as my concealer for the day.  My skin is smoother, my pores are smaller, and I am thrilled.

As a side note, I love products like this that come in tubes like this rather than jars.  The less I need to use my fingers, the less opportunity germs have to breed and be introduced to the skin as I apply the product.


Clinique's BB Cream comes in three different shades (I of course use #1, the lightest one).  Even if you think your skin tone doesn't match exactly to one of the shades offered, don't be afraid to give this product a try!  It blends in really well to create an even, natural look.  And if you're still not sold on using this product as your primary concealer, it works amazingly well as a primer, too (ditch your heavier moisturizer with SPF and use this instead!)  If I think I need a color boost I just add a light bronzer over this product and I'm good to go.

At $37.00 I thought this was a little pricey for a concealer until I thought about how much money I'll be saving by NOT having to buy other, separate products anymore.

I hope you've run out of reasons NOT to try this product (BTW, BB creams are now coming out of the wood works from other brands as well.  If Clinique doesn't do it for you like it does for me, don't give up on BB.  Try another brand!)  Let me know what you think!

Ode To Fall!

Here in New England, the cold weather is setting in.  You notice it mostly at night, when the temps can get down to a chilly 40-50 degrees.  The leaves are changing colors, football is back, and I'm happy as a clam.  This is what New England is all about.  If you don't love and appreciate Fall, you don't deserve to live here!  More posts will follow with some of my favorite Fall recipes (because on Fall Sundays you'll often find me in my kitchen, preparing a big delicious meal to eat while watching my Patriots).  Today, though, since I've neglected this blog for a good long while, I'm going to jump back in to the swing of things with an old fashioned shopping post!

I need to give a giant shout-out to JCrew.  This is one of those stores that isn't always on my "list" of places to look when I'm in a shopping mood, but I eventually take a peek anyway and remember just how much I absolutely LOVE it!  This Fall preppy, polished fashion seems to be having a moment and nobody does preppy better than JCrew.  It's very easy to overdo preppy though, so with JCrew I often find myself sifting through the selection finding things that will both compliment and add dimension to the wardrobe I already have at the same time.  You won't find me wearing popped collar polo shirts but you WILL find me going crazy over a fresh palatte of colors and perfectly tailored (and cozy!) sweaters.

Here is the latest round of winners I picked up from JCrew's fall collection:


Jaspe Scoopneck Popover, $95.00


Houndstooth Sweatshirt, $65.00


Jeweled Sweatshirt, $118.00


Pixie Pant, $88.00

*** If you MUST buy one thing from JCrew this Fall, buy THESE!!  They have the fit and comfort of leggings, but in a much nicer fabric.  I bought them in two different colors (black and navy) and will be going after the grey soon.  These are the pants you'll want to wear pretty much ALL the time.


Oversize Merino Wool Sweater, $118.00.  Also bought this in two different colors.  Comfy, cozy, and perfectly proportioned so it's slouchy without making you feel like you're swimming in it.  You'll never go back!  A weekend wardrobe must!

All of these choices easily add some prep to my step without making me feel like I'm a poser =).  Check out JCrew for yourself!

Happy shopping and check back soon because I'm on my game again!

My Uniform

In case you haven't noticed from my previous posts, I LOVE dresses.  So much, in fact, that I wear them nearly every day.  They are ALOT less constricting than pants and I believe they are much more flattering on my hourglass, curvy figure.  Of course, the type of dress I wear changes with the seasons.  In the winter, it's cozy sweater dresses made of wool.  In the summer, it's flowy sundresses in light, airy cotton and silk.  Recently, I've also become a HUGE fan of maxi dresses.  Their longer length keeps you covered (so you can go a few days longer without shaving your legs!) and you can find one for any occasion.  Making the rounds of clothing stores lately proves that summer 2012 is definitely the time to pick one up, too.  They seem to be available everywhere right now in bunches of fresh colors and styles.


I just picked this one up from Banana Republic.  Available here.

I love the orange and the v-neck neckline is flattering on everyone.  I'll be wearing it as is for a casual weekend outfit or potentially even to work paired with this sheet metallic sweater, also from BR, available here.

If you look closely, lots of people will revert to the article of clothing that looks best on them and buy and wear it over and over in every color and style they can find.  What is your uniform??