The Green Bag

I'm a bag lady, a proud bag lady.  Always have been, always will be.  My obsession with bags started when I was very young.  I vividly remember being in elementary school and falling in love with my grandmother's Chanel bag.  I had no idea what brands meant just that I thought her bag was really really pretty and I wanted one.  My dream of owning a Chanel finally came true when I bought my Large Flap bag in Paris while on my honeymoon but my love of bags is a forever thing.  Since beginning my career and becoming a mommy, all of my handbag purchases have been with the thought of whether this or that bag would make a great diaper bag or work bag.  I have not made any "fun" bag purchases in forever.  Until now.  When I saw this Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (NOW ON SALE!!!!!!!!) in the teal color, 'twas love.  I REALLY wanted it.  I promised myself awhile back that I would not buy anything unless it was needed or I REALLY wanted it and I REALLY wanted this bag.  My husband sweetly gifted me the bag for Mother's Day and I couldn't wait to use!  I took it with us to Nashville and amazingly, it doubled as the perfect toddler bag.  I no longer have to bring an entire nursery with me on the go, so I carried essentials with me along with Lucas' tablet, a few toys, snacks, and sippy cup.  I seriously love this bag and the color is gorgeous!  I think the color is called Sea Green but it's more teal/turquoise in real life.  If you are looking for a fun yet functional bag, I highly recommend this one!

Dress: Loft  /  Sweater: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Sunnies: Kate Spade  /  Necklace: Gifted {Similar}  /  Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (ON SALE!!!!!!)

Thanks also to Ernesto Sigmon for contributing.

Take On An Old Non-Maternity Outfit

I'm over the half way point on what seems like the fastest pregnancy ever and still finding ways to change up my style while embracing my large preggo belly.  I bought this swing dress from Old Navy last summer and it's not maternity.  It's meant to be, well, swingy, so it's perfect and comfortable to wear while pregnant in the Florida heat.  I wore a very similar outfit to this here and I really liked the color combo so I'm happy to have translated it into a maternity outfit.

Jacket: Loft {Similar}  /  Dress: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Sunnies: Kate Spade  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Watch: Apple

Thanks to Lazarine Law for sponsoring this post.

Weekend Photo Diary

Magicband  /  Slider

It was a busy busy weekend for us and it felt good to finally be up and about.  For the past couple of weekends, I had been taking it easy since getting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions.  I had an appointment last week with my doctor and learned more about what to do when the contractions come on so I've been slowly working up to do more activities but then slowing it back down a bit.  Since the weather was amazing, we decided to go to Epcot at Disney World early since it's leisure park and one of my favorites.  Thanks to our fast passes, we went on Lucas' favorite rides, Nemo and Mexico, took pictures with characters, ate our favorite food in France and Norway, all before 1 p.m.  Instead of heading straight home, we decided to venture out to IKEA.  It was such a successful shopping trip too!  Since we're turning Lucas room into a big boy room this week, we picked up a dresser for him, toddler eating table, and a dresser/changing table for the new nursery.  I'm so excited for the dresser/changing table!  

Sunday was equally busy as we bought paint for the furniture and picked up lots of goodies for the nursery at HomeGoods.  We also spent a good deal organizing the nursery since it has been a storage facility of all our junk from the move.  I also started organizing baby girl's clothes and closet which was too much fun for me.  Below are some snapshots of our busy weekend:

Sweater: Nordstrom (THE COMFIEST SWEATER EVER!)  /  Shorts: Old Navy  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Shoes: Tory Burch

Lucas: Shirt  /  Shorts  /  Shoes

How sweet is this romper pictured below?!  It's from Bailey's Blossoms and it is just too sweet!  The bow is one of a hundred my sweet Aunt made for baby girl :-)

The kids are all set to visit my little sister and family in NYC someday!  The Yankees outfits are ones my dad bought for baby girl which makes me laugh because when my sisters and I were little, my dad bought us all Yankees outfits as well and we joked that we looked like little boys.  My dad is such a huge sports fan and he ended up with 4 extremely girly girls.  He and Lucas are extremely close and because of my dad, Lucas has more Yankees tees than I think Derek Jeter had!  The Piccolini NYC shirt was just too cute to pass up for Lucas.  These cute clothes are now making me miss the city!  I'm hoping to go for a weekend after the baby is born :-)  The teal shirt is from OshKosh.  

 Moccasins (Old Navy)  /  Sneakers  /  Bows

Dress: Old Navy (SO SWEET!)

The Lazy Girls Maternity Guide

I've pretty much spent my entire pregnancy thus far in long shirts/tunics and maternity pants.  I think I've mentioned a trillion times how sick I was at the beginning and now, although the nausea is gone (thank god!), I'm now so tired and having braxton hicks contractions.  Thankfully, baby girl is doing great which is all I care about.  Since I'm still working full time, I'm still trying to look put together and this pretty much my go to uniform which I don't mind because they are items that I either wore or can wear post-pregnancy.  My hair and makeup are a different story - keepin' it real around here...

Top: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Nine West  /  Sunnies: Ray Ban  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: Gifted {Similar}  /  Watch: Apple

Grayer Days

What is this?!  An outfit post with real photos?  Why yes, my friends, I have crawled out of my hole and made half an effort to look human at work.  AND the bump photos are back, folks!  As someone recently told me, this pregnancy has kicked my butt.  You know those women that are only sick during their first trimester?  Yeah, I'm not one of those people.  However, I'm done with the pity party and am trying to feel better about myself.  What better way to make yourself feel better than throwing on a comfy/cute outfit, brushing your hair, and putting some makeup?  Hey, it works for me and I'll take it!

Sweater: Target  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David ON SALE!  /  Bag: Tory Burch  /  Sunnies: Kate Spade  /  Necklace: Gifted (Similar)  /  Watch: Apple Watch  /  Bracelets: David Yurman

Holiday Blues

Oh it was hard getting up to go to work today.  After almost a week off for the holidays, it's depressing when it's over and real life begins again.  We had a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday this year with my whole family.  My sisters, who all live out of state, came home and Lucas was in Auntie heaven.  I got most of my holiday shopping done which is awesome!  I may even have snagged the Tory Burch bag I had on my wish list during the Tory Burch sale and by "may" I mean I definitely did!  It will be the perfect work bag.  I can't believe we are already in December!

Sweater: Nordstrom {Similar}  /  Dress: Old Navy (old)  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: c/o Onecklace

Mirror Mirror: Random Weekly Outfits

Sweater: Old Navy  /  Pants: Express  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Necklace: c/o Onecklace  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton {Similar}

It's a very busy time for me and unfortunately, all I have time for in the morning is the crappy morning mirror pics.  The fact that I'm leaving the house when it's still dark outside is criminal.  Oy vey.

Sweater: Caslon  /  Shirt: J.Crew {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Sole Society {Similar}  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: c/o Onecklace

Pumpkin Patch 2015

We had a great little weekend that included a trip to the pumpkin patch.  It's a new tradition we started once Lucas was born to go buy a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite fall activities.  The weather was great and the company was even better!  I love living in a world with Octobers :-)

Sweater: Old Navy  /  Shorts: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Converse  /  Necklace: c/o Onecklace

Still Going

Sweater: Loft  /  Shirt: J.Crew {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Sole Society {Similar}  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton

Proof.  I'm still running out the door, sometimes with wet hair, mostly in messy ponytails and not the messy cool ponytails.  Why would I post such a disheveled picture on my blog?  Because I'm working on little sleep and who knows of anything lately.  The end of the year is one of the busiest times at work and I'm definitely feeling and looking like it... 

It's Been Awhile

Bad blogger bad bad bad blogger!  It's been a week...it's been awhile...but I'm slowly catching up with life.  It's been crazy busy and, frankly, I'm surprised I brushed my hair in these pictures so of course I needed photographic evidence.  On the plus side, I can't believe that we are already in my favorite month, October.  The year is literally flying by!

Jacket: Loft  (ON MAJOR SALE!) /  Dress: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: Design Darling  /  Sunnies: Kate Spade

Oldie But A Goodie

I've had this Anthropologie sweater in my closet for a couple years now and I remember thinking at the time, "is it me?"  But at the same time, I couldn't not buy it.  That's when I know I really want something, if I absolutely positively must have it.  It's been awhile since I've felt that way about a piece of clothing.  Lately, I've been craving furniture and/or some sort of home decor which tells me one thing...I'm old.

Cardigan: Anthropologie (old)  /  Shirt: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Pants: Express  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Necklace: Onecklace c/o

I Am Very Busy

So what does it look like when I plan on shutting my office door, hoping to see absolutely no one, but needing to get a million and one things checked off my to do list?  Exhibit A and B for you to see.  This is a casual don't look at me but check on me at 5 p.m. if I haven't left yet kinda look.  It's obviously not the best, but I'm keeping it real over here and letting you know...I gots sh*t to do and I mean business.

Shirt: Banana Republic {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Coach {Similar}

In A Blue State of Mind

It has been crazy town lately and sometimes I feel like life is going by so quickly.  I need to remember to slow down.  Work has been incredibly busy and with Lucas starting school, it makes me realize how quickly time flies.  So I have had the blues lately and I'm hoping to snap on out of it.  I need to remember the important things in life and not so much the things that stress me out.  Easier said than done though.  If I'm going to have the blues, might as well make the best of it and do my best in coordinating with my work outfits!

Cardigan: J. Crew Factory  /  Shirt: Loft {Similar}  /  Pants: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Tory Burch  /  Bag: Louis Vuitton {Similar}  /  Necklace: Gifted  /  Sunnies: Ray Ban  /  Bracelets: both David Yurman

Swing Swing Swing

I'd be lying if I said swing dresses weren't my favorite silhouette in the whole wide world.  It may not be the most flattering because it has the tendency to make one look wider but the comfort is one that cannot be beat.  I purchased this swing dress as well (in black and white striped) a while back and have yet to wear it but look forward to it.  I'm also wearing one of my favorite new necklaces from Onecklace.  I adore it and if you love monograms as well, check out the site and score 10% off your purchase with Onecklace promo code maria10!

Dress: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Necklace: c/o Onecklace  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}

Weekend Photo Diary: Getting Ready for "School"

Pay no attention to the chaos happening behind me.  Lucas was kindly cleaning my vanity using my MAC brushes and Mia was barking at him to jump in the bed with her.  Yes, this is my fancy life.  This weekend was an errands full kinda days trying to get everything in order for Lucas' first day of "school" today.  WAHHHHHHHHH!  I'm a mess and I cannot even lie.  Ugh.  That boy has made me such a mush so I hope he loves it and doesn't think I abandoned him.  Here's to hoping for a great week...

Shirt: J.Crew Factory  /  Shorts: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Tory Burch  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Coach {Similar}

Long Button Down

Lately, I have been allllll about tunics and oversized shirts.  I like to dress them up, dress them down, and basically live in them.  At least a couple days a week, I do have to dress more conservatively due to meetings, hearings, etc. so I love this J.Crew Endless shirt.  I normally wouldn't post a side-view shot because, umm hello, but I wanted to show how long it is.  It's like a button up tunic which is the best of both worlds for me.  Anything I can do to still look professional and be comfortable at the same time is right up my alley.

Shirt: J.Crew  /  Pants: Old Navy {Similar}  /  Shoes: Sole Society  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott

Because It's Easy

I just love how easy the dress + cardigan formula is.  Whenever I'm running late, a dress and a cardigan is my go to even if it's kind of boring.  I try to throw in a necklace or some sort of accessory to make things interesting.  Even if it gets tangled like mine clearly is in these photos, I think accessories are great completer pieces.

Cardigan: Old Navy  /  Dress: Old Navy  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Sunnies: Ray Ban  /  Bag: Tory Burch {Similar}  /  Necklace: Swoozies

I'm Not Perfect

It's been quite the week.  Quite the week.  I recently, like within the week recently, got into the whole planner craze.  I ordered my Erin Condren planner in July and it arrived a week or two ago.  I ordered tons of stickers and really plan (ha) on making this work.  The biggest anxiety I get is not getting things done accordingly, not having enough hours in the day, and, Lucas, of course.  I'm constantly asking myself how others seem to have it all or else appear like they have it all.  I'm pretty hard on myself for being a full time working mom and I know the song and dance can seem like I'm always talking about the struggle of being a full time working mom but it really is no joke.  I would prefer to be with my son 24/7 so if I'm at work or away from him, it better be worth it.  For right now, it's the best decision for our family for me to continue working plus, I like what I do.  The whole point of this rant and these pictures is that most days, I'm just running out the door barely catching my breath.  So my hair isn't perfectly straight, my room isn't tidy, and an oversized shirt is enough to make me feel put together.  And for some reason, I think it's appropriate to post these and my random thoughts on the internet because, heck (yes, heck) it's okay to be imperfect. 

I literally just thought dumped this post...please tell me this is normal ;-)

Shirt: Old Navy  /  Pants: Express  /  Shoes: Charles by Charles David  /  Necklace: Kendra Scott  /  Bag: Tory Burch