Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Angry; Scared; Disappointed

The bombings in Boston yesterday left me feeling everything. I woke up this morning hoping yesterday's events were only a nightmare, or figment of my imagination. They weren't. 

When the bombings in Madrid happened, I was sad but it was not my home.
When the bombings in London happened, I was hurt but it was not my home.
When 9/11 struck, I was outraged but it was not my home.

Boston is my home. It's where I raise my baby, walk my dog, run my business and live my life. The location of the explosions are a part of my weekly routine and once an area where I worked. 

I'm scared. I'm angry. And, most of all, I'm disappointed. 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Buttoned Up

I've never been one to wear button ups even in a work setting. Always feeling that they were a bit too masculine for my frame, I have avoided even trying them on for years. 

I'm not sure if it's a product of living in New England for the past six years or my willingness to try new things, but I have finally acquired my first button up! As you can see from my previous post, I spent some time recently in J. Crew and ended up with this cute "Boy Shirt In Dots."

I paired the top with skinny fitted white pants and flat sandals. Even though it was a casual afternoon, the combination made me feel classic and sophisticated. I also intend to take this beauty on our upcoming trip to wear with the shorts I purchased at the same time. 

The shirt is on sale now in-store and online!

A Case of the Mom Shorts

The hubby and I are gearing up for our first big trip away from the baby!

The Destination: Key West, Fl.
The Challenge: Shorts

Last summer, I really did not buy anything new after just having a baby and not wanting to face the fact that I would not fit back into my "normal" clothing for quite some time. 

When I did a quick glance at what I had to take with me on our trip, I suddenly realized that I was majorly lacking in the short department. With very limited time on my hands, I went to the only place I thought that could suit my needs -  J. Crew. 

In addition to a variety of very cute colors, J. Crew offers the rare option of different lengths of inseams for their shorts. I tried on the 3 inch short and felt that even though I am back to my pre-baby body, I just couldn't commit to showing that much leg. 

After a few rounds in front of the mirror in the dressing room and asking the opinions of random shoppers in the store, I settled on these 4 inch chino shorts in neon pink. 



The price point is only $45, and I was able to steal them for 20% off in store. I have to say after having a baby and less time to shop, when you find an item that fits and makes you feel good - it's worth it!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Rachel Roy

When I live in San Francisco, which feels like a million years ago, I used to love walking from our cute apartment in North Beach down to Union Square. San Francisco is well known for their small boutiques but I was always drawn to the bigger stores to seek out the best deals. I guess I am my mother's daughter!



The Macy's in San Francisco, pictured above, happens to carry a lower cost line of Rachel Roy.  I honestly had never heard of the designer until I began drooling all over her items. Ever since I have always kept an eye out for the Rachel Roy brand, which locally never seems to be in my budget.

That is until I traipsed over to TJ Maxx on a naughty whim and ended up leaving with this killer sandpiper color blocked coat. 

 
With the original retail set at a high $595, I was able to snag this little beauty on clearance for $120. Not too shabby! I'm heading to the ballet with some girl friends tomorrow night and will most definitely be wearing this!


 

Embarrassed....

I'm embarrassed that the last time I blogged was on Feb 20. It's hard to say why this is the case, but I just wanted to acknowledge it and move forward into the Spring season with a fresh new slate. So here is my apology dear readers, whoever you may be:

I vow to continue using this platform as a vehicle to give moms everywhere the confidence and insight as to how to get back to their once stylish selves. 

Much Love, 
Danielle

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Zara Rediscovered

I first encountered Zara when I was studying abroad my junior year of college. Every major city in Europe is endowed with a Zara. The clothing was inexpensive, yet made well and fit the European style trends. Coming back to the states I felt I had scored a great deal uncovering the lovely Zara fashions from abroad.

A few years later, Zara made its way stateside, but it was not the same Zara I once knew in Barcelona, Rome and Paris. This Zara was a bit more expensive and the quality happened to decrease despite the price tag. Comparing to the likes of Forever 21 and H&M, Zara, to me, was just another low quality, middle cost product - until today.

I ran into Zara before a meeting to kill some time. I was surprised to find on-trend pieces throughout the store. Where have I been? Is this new or am I just out of touch? 

With spring fashions featured in every major store, I have looked for a light weight patterned pant to wear out and about. While there are many to choose from, their price tags are less than desirable.

I found these ethnic print wide trousers at Zara, $49,90 - great for the spring time with a white tank top and wedges.

I also scored this yellow dress, also from Zara. If you haven't been in the store recently, just pop in to see the surprising changes they have made.



Sunday, February 10, 2013

Shopping Blizzard

As an unwilling participant of the Boston 2013 Blizzard, I noticed some very interesting sales tactics by online shopping sites. Inbound emails came in droves stating, "Shop now! Blizzard sale!," or "Bored at home? Shop online." 

It is amazing how quickly commerce can adapt to environmental trajedies that have kept many in New England stuck at home over the past three days. I am proud to say that I did not partake in any shopping over the weekend. It was too difficult keeping Gray occupied without leaving the confines of our very small apartment. 

Needless to say, we survived and are very lucky to have not lost power! 

For some reason, now that we are out of the storm, my shopping bug is starting to itch. 

I can't fathom purchasing any spring or summer items with almost three feet of snow all around me, but the thought of adding to my already overflowing winter wardrobe doesn't appear to make much sense either.

What's on your shopping list?