Having it All

When tuning into NPR on my way to a meeting yesterday, Sonia Maria Sotomayor, Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, was on the Diane Rehm Show discussing her new book on the market. I was sort of zoning out, an activity I like to partake in when the baby is not in the car, but one part of the interview I did listen in to was when Sonia Sotomayor was asked by a caller, "How do you have it all?"

I think as mothers, wives, friends and colleagues we aim to have it all. The perfect work-life balance, a packed social calendar, the ability to tuck our children in every night and see them every morning, and still satisfy our own needs. 

Sonia said it herself, "You cannot have it all, all the time." She continued to describe the working mother who spends time with her children, but thinks of the pile of work on her desk. Or, the stay at home mom, who thinks about wanting a pile of work on her desk to get back into the adult world.

Instead of focusing on having it all, at the same time, she suggested we give ourselves a break and realize that what we are doing is hard and not always enjoyable. 

To hear such a powerful and successful woman state this, made me feel a little bit better about the fact that I was happy to have a 25 min car ride alone. 

So, the next time you are feeling down or think one of your girlfriends has it all - the house, the husband, the kids and the job - just remember, she really doesn't and that is okay.

Here is to enjoying kid-free car rides, reading to your kids, making dinner, meeting that deadline and getting 15 minutes of extra sleep :)  To me that would be having it all!

Winter Blues

Winter getting you down? Me too!

I don't know what it is about this winter but it really has me falling into the winter blues. I haven't even had the urge to shop! Well, that's not entirely true:) 

With a few more months to go, I'm deciding here and now to fully embrace all this winter has to offer and remember that it could be worse. We could be living in Alaska! (No offense to any Alaskan readers - I know there is at least one of you.)

So, let's get into it - what makes winter bearable?  Warmth? Heat? Enticing Aromas?

The Red Flower Spanish Gardenia Candle is just what I needed to get me out of my funk. The smell is amazing and the warmth of the candle makes it all better. 

Curl up with this candle and a great book! I just finished The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. It's a great read!

Eye Cream? Help!

Hi Ladies, 

Instead of highlighting a new product or trend, I am writing to your for help. I am looking for input on how to better take care of my eyes. The lack of sleep and hydration is giving me dark circles and crazy crows feet. 

I have done some research online and it seems there are some roll on options that are supposed to help with the "puffy" eye, but does that also hydrate? 

Should I be using some sort of cream at night?

Any insight you have would be extremely helpful!

Currently, I use a daily moisturizer by Aveeno, Positively Ageless, SPF 30. I like it but find I need to apply multiple times to feel hydrated. 

What's your hydrating regiment?

Out with the UGG

Do you use the UGG as your go-to footwear? Are you wearing them with leggings? Are you as lazy as I am? Maybe. 

I tend to throw on my UGG boots everyday because it is easy. I don't have to think about if they are comfortable or can I chase Gray around in them. I can and they are. 

Unfortunately, I am putting the UGG boots in the legging category - lazy. 

So instead of wearing these:





I am in search of another option that fits the same description of comfort and easy to maneuver. 

The Betsey Johnson 'Kinderr' Boot is really comfortable and stylish. I found wearing them with jeans and a sweater gives you an edgier look with the subtle spiked hardware on the boot. 

The Betsey Johnson 'Kinderr' Boot

So the comfort was a check but the easy to maneuver was not quite fulfilled. They are tie up, so in the time it takes me to tie them, my son is across the apartment. 

I'm keeping my eye out for the perfect pair. Any suggestions? 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Cosmetic Case/Clutch

The freedom of a clutch can be exhilarating! Leaving the clunky, overstuffed and, often a little smelly, diaper back at home for the sleek, sexy feel of a compact leather clutch is amazing. I found this 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Cosmetic Case at Neiman Marcus on the sale table and proceeded to swoon over the soft leather and trendy gold/black exterior.

I know it has "cosmetic case" in the name but who says you can't use it as a clutch? It fits my phone, keys, lipstick, ID and credit case easily and looks really cute with any night time attire.

I ended up wearing it last night to dinner with this Diane von Furstenberg Turtleneck dress in black. It was a hit! 

Mama's Got a New Face!

Metallic Creme Eye Colour - Alloy

Tinted Moisturizer

Black Karat - Baked Eye

I have never been much of a makeup kind of gal. Spending hours in front of the mirror always sounded more like a nightmare than a beauty routine. Now with even less time on my hands, I had completely written off the idea of ever wearing it again.

In an effort to get back to my stylish self, I have reconsidered this decision. 

MAC, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Urban Decay, all great brands, or so I've heard. I had no idea where to start. 

I decided to head over to the Laura Mercier counter. There was no loud music blaring, MAC, and no pretentious looking makeup artists, Chanel. The woman who helped me could tell I was in need of some serious assistance. 

First thing she noticed about my skin was that it was dry. Causes of skin dryness: 

• Lack of sleep - Check!
• Dehydrated - Check!
• Not eating right - Check!

It was amazing how well she already knew me. I told her that chasing around a 9 month old did not leave me much time to apply make up. So she decided on a few items to give me the new face I desired. 

The tinted moisturizer is a great product. Apply with your fingers all over your face and into the neck - it looked like I had a bit of a tan, but without the skin damage. 

The eye creme is my favorite item I purchased that day. Again, you apply with your finger all over the eye and use it as a primer before you add on eye shadow. Slap on some liner and mascara and I was good to go! 

Here is me before my big meeting - with my new face.

  

New Acquisition: Reed Krakoff Atlantique

Those who know me best may say that I have a bit of a shopping addiction. The urge to shop ceased when I got pregnant, due to my increased size and discomfort any "normal" clothing. After the baby, I did go on a bit of a shopping spree. It was summer and I could not wear any of my summer clothing - nothing fit yet. 

Another big issue seemed to be the rubbing of the thighs. I consulted many of my friends on this topic. Why were they rubbing together? Why did it hurt so bad? Will I ever be able to wear a dress again?

Don't worry, my legs did return to their before baby selves.

So now that the post baby leg tangent is over - the point of this post is that my addiction has come back to the surface. Trying to curb the need for a summer bag, I ended up sealing the deal with this Reed Krakoff Atlantique in kelly green.

I decided as my last big acquisition of 2012, this little beauty was the winner!

The Reed Krakoff Atlantique has classic lines and flaunts a structured yet sophisticated frame. The bag is deep and wide enough to carry a laptop for work, and the occasional diaper/bottle if you so choose. 

I cannot wait for Spring so I can break in my new bag! 

Note: Best to buy off season - got a great deal on this little beauty!

Back to Basics

Upon re-entering the world of fashion, I realized my stash of basics were looking quite slim. Over the past 9 months, I have learned that the key to being a stylish mom is the art of layering. I know this is not a new concept, but when you are constantly chasing after your little one, breast feeding and experiencing hot flashes, that only come after giving birth, layering becomes a necessity.

 The only real store for me in walking distance happens to be the Gap. Surprisingly, it appears that the Gap is making a come back and is now my go-to for layering basics.

The store's lux jersey pocket top, seen above, comes in a variety of fun pastel colors. Just because you are layering, doesn't mean the bottom layer has to be boring!

The tops can also be wore with leggings, featuring a longer back of the top to hide your goods. I have these tops in a few colors and they are extremely comfortable and easy to wear with the baby.

Downfall of the Diaper Bag

I understand the purpose of the diaper bag, and why it must look and feel that way that it does. Regardless of price or designer, the diaper bag is what it sounds...a bag that is made to hold diapers, and other baby necessities.

I tried to go against the grain and use a tote bag in lieu of your typical diaper bag. This attempt was a major fail! The bag ended up soaked with baby food, milk and who knows what else. Even when I washed the bag the stench did not come out. 

I finally took the plunge and decided that I need to use a real diaper bag. Instead of putting all my eggs in one bag, I went with the Jonathan Adler for Skip Hop Dash. 

Tory Burch

The diaper bag is great for all things baby, but I also realized I needed easy access to my phone, keys and wallet. The solution? The Crossbody!
 
Here are a few I'm considering, any thoughts?

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Kate Spade

Bring on the Bra!

Last night I calculated that it has been over 18 months since I wore a real bra. As soon as I got pregnant my boobs inflated to a size that I would rather not mention here. Post pregnancy I was forced into the ever dreaded nursing bra. For those of you who have no experienced the nursing bra, let's just say it must have been designed by a man because it certainly does not fit any woman. 

Even though I'm still nursing my 9 month old, I decided it is time to re-enter the world as a bra wearing version of my renewed stylish self. 

Any woman will attest that bra shopping is quite the endeavor, and not one many enter willingly. Once you find the perfect brand/fit, ladies tend to stick with that style for years and years - avoiding the endless hunt for an updated look.

Luckily I was able to head to Victoria's Secret without the baby in tow. First of all, I must be living under a rock because I did not know there are SO many styles from which to choose. 

Body by Victoria, Full Coverage Bra

I ended up going with the Body by Victoria, Full Coverage Bra.

For those of you still nursing, it's really easy to pull to the side if you are out and about and the full coverage reigns in the ladies. After trying on a few, I decided to get one with underwire and one without. 

Victoria's Secret is hosting the store's semi-annual sale now. If you want to update your undergarment stylish self, I suggest you head over - leave the baby/husband at home.

The Perfect Postpartum Pants

In my quest to find the perfect postpartum pants, I needed to first identify what qualities said pants must possess. 

So, I came up with this list:

•  Must be able to comfortably sit on the floor
•  Handle multiple washes due to drool, vomit and other unmentionables 
•  Easily transition from fun with the baby to fun with the girls 

And, last but not least, be flattering. 

I have always loved the colored jean/pant fad but was afraid of its seemingly unforgiving nature. With a bit of hesitation I decided to try on J.Crew's Matchstick Jean in an orange rust color. Much to my surprise they were a hit! Not only were they comfortable, but they actually looked pretty darn good. 

After trying all the positions needed for these pants to be successful (mostly sitting and crawling), I made my purchase. The extra 30% off did not hurt my case either.  


Quick, they are on sale now if you are interested.

Matchstick jean - J.Crew

The Legging Crutch

Cotton Legging

Side Striped - Design History

Faux Leather - M Missoni

I know you all may be afraid of this post. It was very difficult for me to write emotionally. I have a certain attachment to leggings - some may even call them part of my daily uniform. It's like wearing pajamas, yet they are socially appropriate. 

The legging crutch is plaguing our society and I am most definitely a victim. While pregnant, the legging offered me a sort of comfort that regular pants could never achieve. Even post pregnancy, when I could no where near fit into my regular pants, the legging made me feel like I could re-enter society.

Now, I just use them as a crutch like the rest of the world. With so many legging options, leather, cotton, print and jeggings, they are truly difficult to resist.

In an effort to get back to my stylish self, I am committing here to wear real pants at least twice a week. Want to join me? 

I'll let you know what I find!
 
Any brand or pair you recommend?

Welcome!

For years I was a blogger/reporter for online fashion sites and print publications. I loved the thrill of seeing my readers' comments, identifying new trends and, ultimately, giving my opinion on what was new and unique. 

Now, a mother of a 9 month old precious boy, I want to do this for myself and show other moms that we can get back to our once stylish selves. I know it sounds like a challenge, but I'm in it with you. 

I too barely get dressed everyday. It's a huge feat to take a shower with a little one crawling around. And, as for make up - well, let's not even go there yet. 

There is no New Year's resolution associated with this new entrance into blogging - the timely is merely coincidental. I finally feel like my body is mostly back to the way that it was before I was pregnant, and understand that part of being a good mom is also doing things for yourself once in awhile. 

So, this blog will not be a vehicle to show the world my beautiful baby, I have Facebook for that purpose. It will be an outlet for moms to discuss and cope with getting ourselves back into the real world of getting dressed everyday and looking like the people we once were. 

Embracing our post baby bodies is the first step and even if you feel you have a ways to go, there are ways you can still feel fabulous. 

Here's to doing this together!