That Time I Didn't Have My Sh*t Together

So I went to work in this get up...a sweater AND necklace put on backwards.  Did anyone tell me?  Nope.  I realized it when I was going through these photos that night.  It was a long 9+ workday too.  Thanks everyone.

Most days I feel like I'm just trying to function.  Just trying to keep all the balls I'm juggling in the air.  From far away, it may seem like someone has their sh*t together, and I begin to doubt if I'm just doing it all wrong.  But up close, it's a backwards sweater and necklace, so maybe we aren't all perfect and it's going to be ok.  How's that for deep on this lovely Monday ;-)  

Sweater: GAP  /  Pants: Express  /  Belt: J.Crew {Similar}  /  Shoes: Sole Society  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: Eve's Addiction {Similar}

Weekend Photo Diary: 4th of July

We had such a great three day weekend that I am getting sad it's over as I type this post.  My husband and I had Friday off so I got a haircut while Lucas napped and afterwards we went for a Target run, of course.  On Friday night, we went with my parents to a fireworks show that the town I live in does every year.  This is the first year we have gone with Lucas and I was anxious to see how he would react to the noise.  As you can tell in the picture below, he loved it!  He kept looking up and saying WOW!  Now, I want to take him back to Disneyworld to see the fireworks show probably in a couple weeks.  We even gave him a sparkler for a hot second, literally, because, of course, he wanted to touch the fire.  Our favorite part of the show is when the orchestra starts playing the official songs for our armed forces and asks for those who have served to stand while their song played.  My dad always stands with pride when the Army song plays as he proudly served the army for ten years.  Lucas strangely stood when the Navy song played and when it was over, he sat back down.  Maybe he's foreshadowing the future.  Sunday was a relaxed day and we hit the pool early then did a little shopping afterwards.  I'm so sad the weekend is over but I definitely feel rested for the work week.  Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Shirt: Gap {Similar}  /  Shorts: Old Navy (size down!)  /  Shoes: Tory Burch  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Coach {Similar}  /  Bracelet: David Yurman

Outfits That Didn't Make It

Here's how this conversation went:

Me: [to husband] Can you take my picture?

Him: You want it for your blog?

Me: Yes.  Why do I look like crap?  Because I'm real.  This is how I really dress. [clearly, I'm not dramatic.]

Him: I mean okay.

Since I assumed my photographer was not inspired, I took pics with my iphone instead.  Note to self, must get new mirror and keep little toddler boy hands off of it.  

The picture below shows one of my birthday gifts from my husband!  It's a Tory Burch bag that doubles as a diaper bag since it's nylon fabric.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  Although I also love my Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag, since my baby boy is now a toddler, I don't have much of a need to always have all of the things.  However, I still carry with me diapers, wipes, snacks, drinks, and toys so I wanted something that was nice enough to wear on its own and also carry my toddler necessities.  Tis love!

First Outfit:  Dress: Target {Similar}  /  Cardigan: Target {Similar}  /  Shoes: Tory Burch  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott

Second Outfit:  Shirt: Gap  /  Jeans: AE {Similar}  /  Shoes: Michael Kors  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Tory Burch

The Era of the Shopping Blogger

Nothing much to see here: just a cardigan and a dress.  Trying to keep up with blogging though, I thought, well, I got dressed today so why not take pictures?  Reading this post on Franish made me think of fashion blogging and where it is today.  When I first started reading fashion blogs, I was starting out my career and most all of the blogs that I read and were popular are not really what's popular today.  I'm not saying that it's a bad thing the way fashion blogging has progressed - it's just different.  I feel like today it's all about shopping, shopping, shopping, expensive, expensive, expensive.  Now, I'm a girl that loves to shop and likes nice things but I still think it's attainable.  For example, I have, what I consider, a nice handbag collection but I can tell you that it took years to collect and lots of hours at the office working on a nice bonus so I could treat myself.  I can look at a handbag and think of a fond memory that is usually attached to the purchase (i.e. honeymoon, first big settlement, first paycheck, etc).  

As much as I'd like to be a high fashion blogger, truth be told, I'm probably wearing something I purchased years ago, and there's probably throw up/milk/cheetos/syrup/etc stains on my clothes but I'm okay with that.  I hope you are too.

Sweater: GAP {Similar}  /  Dress: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Sole Society  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Sunglasses: Chanel {Similar}

Necklace Obsession

I have something to confess...I'm obsessed with Kendra Scott Rayne and Rae necklaces!  After my husband gifted me this one and my mom gifted me the one I'm wearing in these pictures, I purchased a pink Rae necklace.  I could buy every color if I could.  Have you ever gotten obsessed with something and wanted every color?  I was like that too with the Revlon lip butters.  I guess I have an obsessive personality so I'm trying to reel myself in on certain things because, yeah, student loans and toddlers are expensive.  Ugh, I hate when I'm responsible ;-)

Sweater: Loft  /  Pants: GAP  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton

Office Casual

Sometimes, okay, all the time, it's nice to be a little more casual at work on those days you plan on getting tons of work done.  I'm trying to tackle my never ending to-do list so that I can be more efficient at work.  I'm probably in the minority when I say that I love having lots and lots of things to do at work.  Not only does it make my day go by faster, I so look forward to winding down at home and feeling accomplished.  On these busy days, I like to dress down as much as I can without wearing sweats to work.  Sweats and the courtroom?  Not a good look.

Sweater: J. Crew Factory  /  Shirt: GAP  {Similar} /  Pants: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Bag: Coach {Similar}  /  Shoes: Nine West {Similar}

* Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion

Plaids

I am absolutely smitten with this sweater from Target.  I've had it in my closet for awhile but only just now wore it because I was waiting for these Sole Society shoes to arrive.  I'm weird and "save" outfits even though I swore I would not save outfits anymore.  Does anyone else do that or is it just me?

Sweater: Target  /  Dress: GAP  {Similar}  /  Bag: Coach Factory {Similar}  /  Shoes: Sole Society  /  Necklace: Anthropologie {Similar}

Fair Isle

It has been quite an eventful couple of weeks.  We are still settling into our new home but still feel like I have so much to do here.  On top of feeling the stress from the move, my entire family came down with a stomach virus.  Poor Lucas was the first to get sick and then the rest of my family soon followed.  I'll spare you the details but I don't ever remember being that ill.  Needless to say, I barely touched my mom's Thanksgiving dinner, sadly.  We finally have our appetites back and it's come just in time for the Christmas holiday season.  We didn't let a little stomach virus keep us from decorating our tree and, of course, holiday ONLINE shopping.  Oh yes, I stayed in the comfort of my own home and did not brave the crowds.  I'm not much of a physical shopper anymore and can't remember the last time I was inside of a mall.  I hope you all were able to score some amazing deals and had a lovely Thanksgiving!

Sweater: GAP {Similar}  /  Shirt: GAP {Similar}  /  Skirt: Loft  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton  /  Shoes: Nine West

Baggy

This is definitely one of those comfy office clothes days.  Those days that you want to feel completely comfortable done up yet undone kinda days, if that makes any sense.  Reading that sentence back, it doesn't make sense to me either but I've been having lots of busy days lately and needing to feel more relaxed.  I'm hoping for that when things settle down (work, moving, etc) I can get more into the blogging routine because I miss it so much!  

Sweater: GAP {Similar}  /  Shirt: Loft {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Tory Burch  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton  /  Necklace: Banana Republic {Similar}  /  Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Flowers in October

How is it already October?  No complaints because it's my favorite time of the year but mere shock that it's already late in the year.  It's still blazing hot and last week when temps dipped into the low 70s, I literally saw people wearing scarves around town...SCARVES! Nope.

Sweater: Kohls {Similar}  /  Shirt: J.Crew Factory {Similar}  /  Skirt: Gap {Similar}  /  Necklace: Ebay   /  Bag: Coach Factory {Similar}

I've Got Sunshine

I've been on the hunt for tortoise pattern shoes for awhile but I either didn't want to spend a lot or didn't like the fit.  Imaging my surprise when I spotted these online at Target and on sale!  Now, these are probably not going to last awhile but it will hold me over until I decide to spend more.  I think I paid something like $10?!  I'm now on the hunt for beige pointy bow flats since my beloved Me Too Patty flats are too small :-(  Darn pregnancy hormones...

Sweater: GAP {Similar}  /  Dress: GAP {Similar}  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton  /  Shoes: Target   

  Necklace: Ebay {Similar}

Holiday BBQ

It's a shame when my 11 month old is tanner than me.  My glaring paleness aside, we enjoyed a fun filled weekend of bbq's and shopping.  It was a long weekend that was much needed.  We went to my in laws home for the 4th of July then the rest of the weekend was either spent playing at home or out and about.  I could get use to these kinds of weekends.  I hope it was a safe and relaxing weekend for all!

Shirt: GAP  /  Shorts: J.Crew  /  Shoes: Converse  /  Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Buttoned Up

We spent the entire weekend packing and unpacking up our old place so we are exhausted.  For a couple of months, we'll be living with my parents until our new home is finished building.  My husband did the majority of the work so that I could take care of Lucas.  Moving already stinks but moving with an 11 month old sucks.  Luckily, Lucas wasn't phased and my parents set up a pretty awesome playroom/nursery.  On a completely unrelated note, my pictures are uploading with a weird green/blue tint.  Does anyone using blogger know how to get rid of it?  Random.  See, my mind is all over the place.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory {Similar}  /  Sweater: GAP {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton

Outfits of Work Days Past

It's no secret that I've seriously slacked on outfit posts.  Some days we'll take pictures but I just don't find the outfit or pictures blog worthy.  I'm striving to be more inspired and dress up a little more because I do believe that if you feel like you look well, your attitude is better.  I'm starting to work out again and think I've gotten into a routine.  Hopefully, getting into a workout routine will help me in opening up the options in my closet as well.  Oh, and  yes, I am as pale as Casper and will definitely need some sun this summer...

First Outfit:  Shirt:  J.Crew Factory  /  Pants: Gap {similar}  /  Shoes: Sole Society  /  Bag:  Coach  /  Necklace: Banana Republic {similar}  /  Sunglasses: Chanel

Second Outfit:  Sweater: Old Navy  /  Shirt: Target  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton  /  

Personalized Jewelry

Anyone who knows me is aware of my love of jewelry.  My absolute favorite pieces are those that are personalized.  So I was thrilled when Onenecklace sent me the loveliest personalized necklace!  I chose this necklace with the initials of my hubby and baby boy.  The store has so many pieces to choose from that it was hard just picking one!  I've worn this necklace many times since receiving it and it holds up well so the price is well worth it!  If you are in the market for a beautiful personalized necklace for you or a friend, Onenecklace has great options at an amazing price!

More importantly!!  Onenecklace is graciously providing a 10% off coupon to all Dainty & Decadent readers with code daintyanddecadent

Necklace: Onenecklace c/o  /  Sweater: GAP  /  Skirt: J. Crew Factory  /  Bag: Coach

*I was sent this necklace by the company but the review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Florals and Grey

After months and months of not buying myself any clothes (pregnancy then post pregnancy weight), I'm finally starting to get the urge to buy a couple pieces to add to my closet.  I've sort of changed my mentality in shopping.  I've never been one to frivolously spend but, now, I'm finding that I only want to buy things if I truly love it and know I can get a lot of use out of it.  99.9% of the time, I shop online and now I triple think before I click the check out button.  If it's not something I love, mother's guilt tells me that I could save the money and put into Lucas' savings account.  Anyways, this rambling is because I saw this shirt at Target and almost didn't buy it but it made me feel happy which is just what I need to get me through long days.  

PS: I'm completely aware that this post is one big rambling hot mess ;-)

Shirt: Target  /  Dress: GAP  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Bag: Chanel  /  Necklace: Banana Republic (old) {similar}

Menswear Inspired

Most times, I'm jealous that my husband doesn't have to think much into what he wears to work.  He picks out his suit, shirt, tie and he's dunzo.  Meanwhile, I have to try things on, make sure it fits, wonder the same outfit that same week, etc.  As women, we do get to have more fun with our office wear and I'll take wearing a fancy necklace over a neck tie.  I do enjoy more menswear inspired outfits and have started saving/pinning more of these looks.

Sweater: GAP  /  Shirt: Kohls  /  Pants: Loft  /  Shoes: Target  /  Bag: LV  /  Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, J.Crew

Five Months Old

Happy Three Kings Day!  So I'm way behind on Lucas' 5 month update!  Life has been fast lately and, I can't say it enough, time needs to slow down.  Lucas has grown into such a fun little personality!  He LOVES to smile and laugh so much that he gets hiccups and runs out of breath.  He's fitting snugly into 6-12 month clothing so he's pretty large and in charge.  He's really into playing and interacting with others so he's very much the center of our world right now.  The working mommy guilt is on high lately since he now realizes when he is getting dropped off in the mornings.  Plus, because I'm not emotional enough, my mom taught him to wave goodbye which makes me turn into mush as soon as I get in the car to drive away.  My mom also told me that when he started to cry a little during the day, she swears she heard him saying "mama, mama."  Tears, always tears.  Fingers crossed that I win a lottery or stumble upon an unclaimed lotto ticket because this working momma wants to be home.

Sweater: Old Navy  /  Pants: Gap  /  Shoes: Target  /  Necklace: Ebay

Lucas is wearing Baby Gap