What's In My Bag

My hubby and I are leaving for a quick trip tomorrow, sans baby, for someplace tropical and I thought I'd share a few of my travel essentials.

The bag: something roomy enough for a few choice reading materials and beach supplies but kicky enough to pair with a sundress for dinner.

I love this one from Anthropologie

Knickknacks-and-Notions Tote - $78 and it functions a great diaper bag!

Everyone needs a pair of giant sunglasses to hide behind...these are great first thing in the morning to hide dark circles (and what mommy doesn't have tired eyes and no time for makeup). They lend a slight air of mystery and I like that they look a little 70's tacky - sort of a Golden Girls feel...

Xhilaration Plastic Vintage Square Sunglasses - $12.99

The most important thing in my travel bag, winter, spring, summer or fall is a great scarf. It 's a shawl, sarong, blanket, nursing coverup, baby playmat...you name it, I've used my scarf for it.

Matta Dupatta Scarf in Tikka Almond - on sale $130 (was $202)

This is the one that all the celebs have been loving - Jennifer Aniston, Rachel Bilson, Julianne Moore, etc...and I have to say it is lovely - cotton and silk so lightweight enough for summer.

A great chunky necklace can turn a plain tee shirt from basic tourist into eccentric artist's muse. I love em big, colorful, and bold.

This is a good pick from Anthropologie -

Oscillating Coral Necklace - on sale $29.95 (was $48)

but you could always raid your Aunt Maude's jewelry box as well!

Finally, my must have beauty product -

Shiseido's Accentuating Color Stick in Peach Flush - $33

This is a gorgeous cream blush in the perfect shade of sunkissed peach. Use all year to fake a heathly glow - especially when baby is up all night!

Bon Voyage!

I'll be using my precious reading time to research some great Fall picks...til next week xoxo

Summer Sale!

Okay, before I get too ahead of myself with all this talk of Fall...let me mention a few of my favorite summer purchases all of which happen to be ON SALE!! Yeah for you!!

I've worn this Simplicity Dress by Ella Moss a dozen times, a dozen ways...all gilded with gold necklaces and flats for a beachy vibe, with a long multi colored, chunky necklace for a Picasso's Wife feel, and with black leggings, black & white scarf and chunky 3.1 Philip Lim sandals for a punkier edge...worth every penny full price but now just $69.95

Matta's Piar Dress with a cute belt was special enough for my Grammy's 75th Birthday party, a date night, and New York with the girls. Gorgeous color and exquisite detailing. On Sale now for $133.50

Last, but not least, this Kimchi Blue Skirted Swimsuit has been a close to wonderful version of a "mom" suit. Great Marilyn retro styling and some extra coverage for chasing your youngster around...it's a steal at $39.99

From the Ground Up

I'm starting to plot my Fall wardrobe and there's no better place than from the ground up so to speak. Since I spend my days at the playground, music classes, etc I need some comfortable, functional and hopefully stylish shoes. Here are a few that fit the bill...

The Converse All Star Slip

I know this isn't the most original entry, but Converse are a classic, they go with everything from jeans to dresses and add instant youthful cool to any outfit. Plus they are super comfy and easy to slip on in a hurry. I'm digging the charcoal or chocolate - $50








Sienna Fringed Moccasin Boots

Since becoming a mom, I worship at the altar of J Crew. Always stylish and affordable they even manage to drop in a little edge now and then. I'm pairing these with my skinnies and a cozy boyfriend cardi - $88








Patent Tortoise Ballet Flats

These belong in your cart as well. Equally at home with a LBD or leggings these take any outfit from basic to bravo - $125

Welcome!

After 2 years of adjusting to life as a stay at home mom my closet is a mess...populated with late night orders from J Crew, hurried purchases during a Target diaper run and prepregnancy silk and sparkles. Most of my new mommy friends would not guess that I spent my 20's working in designer boutiques, dressing stylish women for a living, and breaking the bank for my own Carrie Bradshaw-esque attire. My days were dressed in chiffon, my lunch breaks spent inhaling the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, and Elle (with a healthy sprinkling of Us Weekly), my nights wishing I hadn't worn those heels for 8 hours. I loved fashion, couldn't get enough. Then came the crash...I hit my 30's, the debt was piling up - I needed a breather. I was an alcoholic working in a bar so to speak. So, I quit my job, sold off my Manolos and Louboutins on ebay and promptly got pregnant. Which was just what the doctor ordered. With my new priorities in check I spent 9 blissful months preparing for a precious new life instead of my next shopping trip...whew! It was great! With a handful of vintage dresses, some well chosen statement necklaces, and a few pairs of flipflops I sailed through without breaking the bank.
Fast forward 2 years later and I am still wearing the same nursing tank I bought when Lila was born and the same pair of cutoffs I wore in my first trimester. It's time to shake things up. Yes, there are many more important things to focus on while raising a child. Lest you think I am a shallow girl who wishes to raise a future fashionista let me add that I am a super attentive, hands on, cosleeping, cloth diapering, still nursing, 24/7 mom. But I have to admit it completely made day when I put on a dress and my daughter said "pretty mommy!"