Cozy in a Cable Knit

I have a growing collection of thick, white knits in my closet. Much like stripes, I feel like this is one thing you can never have enough of, especially living in the Midwest. Cable knit sweaters give me all of the, "sipping hot cocoa by a fire in the woods" feels. Though, let's be honest, my weekends no longer involve sipping...If I'm drinking anything, it's water (or iced coffee on occasion) and it's most likely being chugged so I can check off the next task on a very long list. Ah, the joys of Motherhood - Now I totally understand what Cat and Nat are always talking about ;) 
This sweater is so cozy and is pretty long in length with an a-line hem so I tucked it in a bit in the front for a casual feel but it would also be so cute untucked with leggings and snow boots. I'm also a huge fan of these color block touchscreen gloves - They're by Verloop Knits, a brand I discovered in one of our local stores a few years back and they make the cutest (and functional!) Winter accessories. I always enjoy a good pop of color against an otherwise neutral palette and their line(s) are always so bright. Merry and bright, that is...

Wearing: Sweater: c/o J. Jill Jacket: c/o J. Jill Jeans: Old Navy Booties: TOMS Necklace: c/o Evereve Hat: Old (similar)  Bag: Target Gloves: Verloop Knits

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

Saturday at the Shore

You know when you take a drive up north for breakfast then suddenly come across to a gorgeous beach that backs up to Lake Michigan? Okay, right, this isn't an everyday occurrence, especially in February, but it made for a truly amazing Saturday. During our last visit to Winnetka, my Mom and I stumbled upon a charming, tiny cafe (and when I say tiny, I mean 10 tables with a chalkboard menu) where we enjoyed pancakes and coffee. 
We loved it so much that we made a date to go back but this time, we explored a bit more and found public access to the lake. Gorgeous houses back up to this beautiful blue view and I think, how cool that you don't even have to live in the city to take advantage of a scene like this in your backyard. We were the only people there, so we just relished the silence, sound of the waves and even the cold which felt unusually refreshing. We walked on the sand but at the same time, noticed the icicles still forming on the driftwood along the shore. It was a very cool experience to be there in the winter...made us remember how exciting it is that Spring is yet to come. And all along, I couldn't stop imagining this scene/song from Across the Universe...The whole experience felt very cinematic. 

Side note, I am loving this pom pom pouch - I picked it up from a boutique during a sidewalk sale in our downtown. I also purchased a pair of texting gloves that day, not knowing they were from the same brand. Think I found a new love! This pouch will be so much fun to style in the Summer...I look forward to wearing it with white dresses, sandals (and a tan!)

P.S. Hubby, what are your thoughts about moving to the north shore? I promise I'll quit shopping to make it possible ;) Bonus - We can join the north shore mathletes!
Wearing: 
Sweater: Old Navy (old, similar here) Pants: Old Navy Boots: Choies Beanie: Purchased in Ireland (similar) Clutch: Verloop (love this design too!) Sunnies: Rayban via DITTO (get your first pair free by using code SISTERSMARIE)