When Overalls Come Full Circle

As I pulled these overalls on, I thought about the last time I styled them on the blog...I was about 2 months pregnant, having just shared the news with our Family and feeling pretty excited about everything. Though it really wasn't that long ago, so much in my life has changed and that's one of great parts of blogging my outfits - Getting to look back not only on what I was wearing but what was going on in my life and how my style was representative of that time. I look at those first overall photos and think, how crazy that I hadn't even started writing about my maternity adventure here yet and now, here I am...wearing the same denim but this time as a Mom to the most wonderful boy who has completely turned my world upside down. Sure, clothes are just clothes but they also accompany us on some of our biggest journeys, providing comfort and nostalgia along the way. 

Speaking of comfort, I am not ashamed to say I have been LIVING in these overalls recently...like, multiple days a week. Not only was I so excited they fit again (though a little differently time around, I might add), but they are also super convenient for breastfeeding thanks to the straps. Not to mention, they pair well with tanks, t's and long sleeves which accommodates our recent Summer/Fall weather patterns so they're a great transitional item. Like I said in the first post, when I wear them, it makes me feel like all my regular jeans just aren't as exciting...there's a little bit of quirkiness to these and I plan on keeping them in my weekly rotation this season. As I type this, I'm also searching for a few more pairs because when you love something, you don't set it free...you get as much of it as you can ;)

SHOP THE STYLE:

Wearing:
Top: c/o J. Jill Overalls: H&M (similar) Jacket: J. Crew Booties: Toms Bag: Sole Society - sold out but similar here Choker: c/o Park Lane Jewelry Lip Color: Demure by Glo Skin Beauty

First Road Trip with the Baby

Well, guys...we did it. We successfully made it through our first "road trip" with a newborn. We recently spent 5 days at our lake house with our Family and I am happy to report, it went much smoother than I was anticipating. I owe much of this to the fact that we had many sets of hands to help out whenever we needed, whether it was the thousandth diaper change or a few minutes to ourselves to shower or eat lunch. It was definitely a different kind of Wisconsin visit because we are no longer able to just pick up and go whenever we want to. We typically eat a lot of our meals out when we are there but because the little man is so unpredictable, we mostly cooked at home (and by we, I mean Lake House Lyn -- Thanks, Mom!), and instead of walking the lake path, we did many laps around our neighborhood circle in order to stay closer to the house.  

However, we did manage to get a few of our favorite things in...a Family trip to our favorite ice cream place (baby was happy as long as the stroller was moving!), a walk around downtown LG with stops made to E Street Denim (where sweatshirt dreams come true) and a new bicycle/coffee shop in town -- I tried the nitro brew and it hit the spot. The guys in the Fam also stepped up big time when they took care of the baby for a few hours while all the ladies stepped out for a pedicure and coffee at Boxed and Burlap. I kept insisting that I stay back at the house while the other girls went because I was so overtired and it just didn't seem plausible but I am so glad I went because it was a complete mood changer. A pedi was just what the doctor ordered, complete with hot mango tea and a glorious foot massage. It's amazing what 1 or 2 hours to yourself can do for a Mom's sanity.

But as nice as our trip was, I must share two things worth noting: 

• The first time you pack for a trip with a newborn in tow is basically a NIGHTMARE. I pretty much packed everything he owns, as I was unsure what we would really need and would rather be safe than sorry. This makes sense for our first time - We've obviously never done this before and I consider it a learning experience for the next trip. But seriously, you would have died if you looked inside our car. We ended up leaving with more things because we brought some items home from the lake (a different swing to try, 3 bags of leftover food, etc.) and unfortunately, this meant the dog had to be demoted to the third row in the car and he was NOT pleased. I feel so bad for him, because these days, he's pushed aside or shushed more than he is snuggled and that is quite a change of pace from our normal routine. We are doing our best though to make sure he still feels included and loved...he is such a good and loyal boy.

• Ready for a laugh? Picture this - Our car packed to the brim, overflowing in fact. I am sitting in the backseat, pumping next to the baby (who is sleeping soundly, thank God!) and the dog is pretty much stuffed like a sausage in back. Out of nowhere, the baby wakes up very upset so we decide to pull into a gas station to change his pants. At this time, the dog decides it's best to jump over the seat all while my chest is hanging out in public and working overtime and the baby is naked in the front seat. My husband and I are screaming at the dog while I simultaneously try not to spill the milk I've pumped and what's even better is, we're already an hour late for a Family birthday party. THIS, my friends...is parenthood. 😂

SHOP THE LOOK:

Do you have any tips for traveling with a baby? 

I'm all ears for our next trip!

Wearing:

Sweatshirt: E Street Denim

Jeans: Nordstrom

Mules: Forever 21

Necklace & Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Purse: Sole Society

Lipstick: Demure - Glo Skin Beauty

The Return of Pre-Baby Jeans

I have dreamt of this day for 9+ months...the day I would be able to slip on a pair of jeans in my regular pre-pregnancy size. I CAN'T EVEN tell you guys how happy this makes me -- While I was so lucky to have a wonderful, complication-free pregnancy, I basically counted down the days until I could return to my normal wardrobe, though it was hard to believe that day would ever come. It's not that I hated maternity clothes...it's just that I felt so much unlike myself. No matter how stylish the maternity options were, I still felt like I was dressing a body that wasn't mine and it was much harder to feel confident in the every day.
So today, I decided to test out the pair of jeans I ordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (obsessed with the uneven hem!). I had actually put them away thinking they wouldn't actually fit for another month or so but as a welcome surprise, they slid on and it felt just right. It felt like such an accomplishment to put JEANS on...I've barely been making it out of pj's and nursing tops so for a brief moment in time, this felt really nice. It's AMAZING to me what the body can do...3 weeks ago, I was still dressing a beautiful baby bump and without even realizing it was happening, my body has been working hard to find its way back. Our lives have been a blur these past few weeks, meaning there's really no time to pay attention to my appearance...I've just been focusing on consuming enough calories and drinking plenty of fluids in order to keep the little man's weight up and in the meantime, my body has been working overtime for me as well. It's not the same as it was, but neither is our life...it's better.

P.S. I've been loving mules for a while now and I originally had a few pairs in my cart during the #nsale but I still wasn't convinced on the prices...then I thought, I'm sure I can find a more cost-effective pair that looks identical (just like this Gucci pair!) and low and behold, Forever 21 came through in the clutch. This black pair is under $50 and so comfortable. Most of the sizes are low in stock so don't wait to shop!

SHOP MY STYLE:

Thanks for coming by...It's nice to be back (both here AND in my jeans!) :)

Wearing:

Jeans: Nordstrom

Top: ASOS

Mules: Forever 21

Bag: c/o Verloop Knits

Sunnies: H&M

Necklace: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Bracelets: Alex & Ani

Rocked it & Swapped it

Is it ever the wrong time of year to style a leather vest? We think not! I picked up this drape front vest from Nordstrom two years ago and I have found that there truly is no season that doesn't complement this beauty!

I layered it over a long sleeve dress and tights this past winter, and recently Kaitlyn styled it over a lace LWD. It really is so versatile and not only up's the ante for the outfit you layer it with but also is a staple item you can wear year in and year out. Plus, let's not lie...it totally makes you feel like a bad ass ;)

Do you have a leather vest (or faux leather) in your current wardrobe? If not, we've got you covered...Just click here to shop both looks!

Interested in seeing some of our previous #rockandswap moments? Search the hashtag on IG or see them on Pinterest!

Rocked it & Swapped it

A mustard bucket bag complete with studs and tassels might not be considered versatile at first glance, but we can't stop wearing this one from Nordstrom so hear us out. Pair it with satin summer dress and lace up heels for an effortlessly chic look or a patterned skirt and beanie for a playful pop of color in the dead of Winter. The gold chain strap is just right for dressing things up or down and the size is perfect for a few credit cards, lipstick & phone (aka the essentials). 

What do you think? Does it work well with both looks?
Shop our favorite bucket bags currently selling under $100:

(Moda) Prints Inspired

Let me be real here: I have a girl crush and this post is a direct result. Well, I have a lot of them. In the celebrity world, Mila Kunis and Rachel McAdams top my list followed by Amanda Seyfried, Lea Michele (and T Swift, she's pretty much a given). All of these ladies hold spots on my "we should be best friends" list and said list has grown significantly since entering the world of blogging. There are so many girl bosses (as we routinely say) doing amazing things and serving up daily inspiration in the female world.

Speaking of adorable, this particular look was inspired by Alena. As much as I love fashion, I (like everyone) feel stuck sometimes, as if I've worn everything in my closet and come up with every combination possible. Then, I see someone like Alena and feel immediate motivation to create something new. As mentioned when she was our blogger of the month, she constantly amazes me with her ability to pull together complete opposite prints, materials and color patterns and end up with a beautifully unique combination you wouldn't see anywhere else. Her outfits are quirky, playful, vibrant and full of confidence, each one seemingly more fun than the last.

While I adore them all, this look is one of my favorites. Had I not seen this photo, I would have never  considered pairing these pieces together...even when I pulled them out of my closet as a possible option, I thought, yep, I'm not going to pull this off. But once it all came together with tights and a beanie for the finishing touch, I really liked it and felt excited to be wearing something outside of my regular style. 

Let this be a good lesson that you don't always have to go shopping to have new clothes...you just have to look a little harder for some inspiration. Thanks for the confidence boost, Alena ;) P.S. See how I styled this dress for Summer - Love transitioning pieces from season to season!

Do other bloggers or certain people of interest inspire your style? 

Let me know who and why!

Wearing:

Dress: LOFT (old but similar)

Blouse: LOFT (similar)

Booties: Just Fab (in love with these too)

Beanie: Target (old but very similar)

Bag: Nordstrom (similar in red)

Tights: Von Maur (They are fleece-lined! – old pair but similar here)

Necklace: Gifted to me by another favorite blogger!

Sunnies: Ray-Ban - Get your first designer pair FREE from Ditto with code "sisters20"

Mug: Starbucks (2015 collection but I love this one from 2016!)

Heartbeat Ring: T+J Designs

Lip color: GloMinerals (color is Sorbet - currently sold out)

Sweater Stir Crazy

I don't know about you guys, but every year around this time, I start to go sweater stir crazy...With how cold it's been in Chicago, I've been living in chunky knits, jeans or leggings and winter boots to stay warm (and my office is always freezing!) In the beginning,  I enjoy wearing/styling each sweater for the first time but after awhile, it becomes redundant and I start to get stuck in a clothing rut. Sometimes it literally feels claustrophobic with layers and layers of thick materials. I just want to breathe.

Even if the temperatures stay the same, I think it helps to change up your style every now and then to give you hope that dry, pale skin will eventually retreat and tanned, bare skin will return once again. Enter knee high boots -- a peek of skin paired with a festive skirt pattern is cheery and a welcome break for your legs that have been stuck in hibernation. Add a complimentary pop of color via your purse or lipstick and kick those sweaters to the curb...for today, at least ;)

How do you avoid a winter clothing rut?  What suggestions do you have for mixing it up?
Wearing:
Top: Old Navy (old...this is equally adorable, though!) Skirt: Old Navy (old but love this similar t+j style too!) Boots: Choies
Hat: Amazon Fashion Purse: Nordstrom (similar in red) Necklace: Target Bracelets: Evelyn Jane Heartbeat Ring: T+J Designs Lip color: Glominerals...guys, sorbet is my FAVORITE!