January 30, 2012
Work Clothes/Play Clothes
This is officially my favorite way to highlight fashion on my blog because there are no rules. There is no set deadline for getting them up and no must-dos about what to feature. As long as I remember to snap a shot of what I wore, it’s fair game (including a few outfits I’m not even crazy about). Without further adieu, here’s some stuff I threw on in the past month:
Play Clothes. Comfortable and easy - and I’ve said it before, but these little booties from BC Footwear feel like wearing bedroom slippers. Here’s a story unrelated to this outfit - I was on the BC Footwear website the other day admiring their pretty collection when, oh….who is that I see on their Hey Girl Hey section but my KATE! Pretty sure she’s on track to be the most famous farmer since Old McDonald.
Jacket: Forever21
Striped top: Target
Jeans: Big Star Denim
Booties: BC Footwear
Work Clothes. It was a hair in a ponytail day because the cold & rainy weather we’ve had lately was making it do something weird. I purposefully cropped my shoes out of this outfit shot because I decided about 5 minutes after leaving the house that I absolutely hated them. They were just regular black mary janes but I convinced myself I looked like a witch. A pink skirted witch. The only thing I love about this outfit is the dozen or more times that Dovie told me “Pretty pink tutu mommy!” Her compliments make me feel like a million bucks.
Top (It’s actually a dress I tucked in): H&M
Skirt: Asos
Tights: Target
Play clothes. Or should I say… work from home clothes! This outfit is the epitome of my style through and through. Comfy with a feminine vibe (the pretty lace top) and a teensy bit of sparkle (those fun oxfords!) Also, a little story about my sunglasses. I bought the first pair of these retro style raybans in the Castro right before I found out I was pregnant with Everly. I wore them EVERYWHERE - and then I lost them earlier this year. Brent bought me another pair for mother’s day (after some serious online searching- we found one little sunglass shop in the UK that sold them) and when we moved, we found the originals! Now I have two pairs, although some days I can’t locate either of them. This story is random and I’m not sure where it’s going but… yay! Two pairs of my favorite sunglasses ever.
Top: c/o Francesca’s Collections, Lovely in Lace
Metal stretch Belt: Vintage
Jeans: UO skinny
Sparkle Oxfords: c/o Francesca’s Collections, Glitz Oxfords
Work Clothes. Can I be honest - I hate this outfit. It’s equal parts matronly and safari tour guide plus 4 inch heels - so yeah, basically, it’s all over the place. But these shoes are great, aren’t they? They were my one splurge off Gilt a while back.
Blouse: c/o Francesca’s Collections
Crochet Vest: Forever21
Belt: Vintage
Jeans: Levi’s Skinny
Clog heels: Jeffrey Campbell
Work Clothes. OHHH! That chevron dress! A fun little package arrived from Francesca’s and inside was this dress and this cardigan. I had plans of pairing the dress with a different wrap, but when I saw them together I thought… hmmm.. I kind of like this. Chevron stripes and horizontal stripes is A LOT going on, but somehow, I think it works. It felt really fun and playful to wear. Also, I’ll let you borrow my second pair of sunglasses to shade your eyes from my pale legs.
Cardigan: c/o Francesca’s Collections Uptown Cardi
Dress: c/o Francesca’s Collections High Points Dress
Belt: Vintage
Clog heels: Jeffrey Campbell
One last thing - Today’s the last day to take advantage of the 30% off plus free shipping on any one, regularly priced item promo that Francesca’s Collections is offering to Dear Baby Readers - just use the promo code: JORDAN at checkout.
Love,
M
December 14, 2011
Work Clothes/Play Clothes
We’re in the midst of packing up our house in preparation for our move and just this weekend I discovered my big box of winter clothes stashed in the attic. Our current closets are so tiny that I always have to swap out the seasons. It’s always so much fun to dig through and find things I’ve forgotten I had. I sent them all to storage as it didn’t make sense to start pulling things out to put in my closet in the middle of a move, but there is a walk-in closet in my near future and I’m daydreaming of having all of my clothes in one place. In the meantime, here’s what I wore, to work and to play:
Work Clothes.
I bought these jeans on sale at UO when I had just had Arlo. It took a couple of months before I could fit into them, but I love this soft blush color. I paired it with a bright yellow cardi and my favorite leopard wedges - just the right amount of rarrrr! to punch up the outfit.
In Full Color Cardigan - c/o Francesca’s Collections - (Want to grab on of your own? Get 30% of one single item with Promocode: MELISSA through 12/31)
Black tank - Target (the best place for basic knits!)
Jeans - Urban Outffiters
Wedges - Steven
Work Clothes.
I love repurposing my maxi dresses in the cooler months into maxi skirts. This was an unseasonably warm day, so I paired the dress with a fitted cotton t-shirt, but I usually like to wear sweaters or long sleeve shirts over them when it’s cold. I love outfits that feel like wearing pajamas all day.
T-shirt: Target
Maxi Dress: Target
Scarf: A gift from my best girl, Krissy
Suede Booties: BC Shoes
Play Clothes.
This was one of our last days of mid- 70 degree weather before mother nature decided to behave as if it were winter. I had a fun day hanging out with my favorite tiny boy. I take so many photos on our front porch that we got adventurous and posed in front of our mobile storage unit. We’re so cutting edge!,
Black Blazer: c/o Francesca’s Colletions
Indian Chief Tee: Billabong
Corduroys: J Brand (scored for super cheap on ebay because they have a minor flaw. LOVE them!)
Maryjanes: Castle Heels c/o Wanted Shoes
Work Clothes.
Getting one more good squeeze from the dove before I left for the office! These pants and heels are my current closet all stars, so they’re making a second appearance! Also, I scored this sweater for $7 at Old Navy a few weeks ago.
Sweater: Old Navy
Corduroys: J Brand
Heels: Steven
Work Clothes.
One of my clothing mantras “When in doubt, channel a box of crayons” I love bold colors. I was having a bit of a “blah” morning so I tossed on an orange blouse and my bright green coat (another super steal - I snagged it half off during a big coat sale on Asos!). Are you all sensing a pattern here? We closely monitor our family budget and usually there isn’t a lot of extra funds leftover to throw towards my clothing habit. I’ve got to make the most of what I’ve got by buying things on clearance and super discount! It’s a fun challenge!
Coat: Asos.com
Orange Blouse: Asos.com
Gray cardigan: Had since high school
Houndstooth Waist Belt: Asos.com
Jeans: Forever21
Wedges: Qupid
Also, I wanted to say one more thing. I’ve become a bit self conscious about the amount of weight I’ve lost recently. I’ve always been a fairly thin person, but this is too thin for me - especially considering I just had a baby seven months ago. I like having a butt and a curve to my thighs. I’m not really sure what’s causing it but I think it’s a mix of major stress (home buying, work related, Arlo’s surgery) and being so busy that I’m not consciously eating enough calories despite the fact that I’m still breastfeeding fulltime. Recently, I’ve had to get really serious about making sure that I’m taking care of myself so that I can take care of my family. Here’s hoping that crossing off some of these major stresses and enjoying a relaxing few weeks of time off with my family for the holidays will get my body back to a healthy weight. I’m ready to look and feel my best again!
Love,
M
October 19, 2011
Work Clothes/Play Clothes
Happy Wednesday sweet readers!
How’s the week going so far? I’m tickled it’s already Wednesday and we’re halfway through - we’re headed to the mountains of NC this weekend to enjoy the fall foliage and spend time with family. I’m already dreaming of log cabins and the smell of wood smoke and drinking hot cider!
Play Clothes- out to dinner with Brent. Eh. When I looked in the mirror after choosing this outfit, I felt great - but looking at this photo - Everything looks too loose and the proportions are wrong. (Also, note to husband/willing photograph: This filter on the Olympus PEN camera makes me look like a vampire)
Jacket - Minx Boutique in Asheville
Yellow top - Forever21
Wide leg jeans - a tiny boutique off Divisidero in San Francisco.
Play Clothes - NCSU football game. Go Pack! I realized while attempting to get dressed for the game that I wear very little of my Alma Mater’s signature red. The only thing I could find in my closet was a red belt! I’ve made a mental note to remedy that situation this fall - but this ensemble was really comfortable
Black and white wrap - c/o Francesca’s Collections. Here is a similar one in RED!
Red belt - Off a vintage dress
Gray tank - Target
Black jeans - Gap Skinny Maternity (demi band) - I know I should retire them, but the waist is low and stretchy and they are just so darn comfortable! They don’t look like maternity jeans so why should I give them up?
Sandals - Diba
Arlo’s baby sling: c/o Baba Sling
Play Clothes - House Hunting. I’ve been taking full advantage of the indian summer temperatures and going bare-legged for as long as possible. This look was feminine and comfortable.
Dress: c/o Megan Neilsen Designs
Peek-a-boo slip: Vintage
Oxfords: Bronx
Work Clothes. It was raining and Everly insisted that we open this umbrella and that I hold it on the porch. She’s becoming quite the little style assistant.
Cardigan: Forever21
Striped top: Forever21
Blue Skirt: c/o Francesca’s Collections Nova Skirt
Shoes: Qupid
Play Clothes - Easy like a Sunday…er, afternoon This is my kind of outfit. Comfortable, button down front for easy nursing access, and lightweight.
White crochet top: Forever21
Blue Tunic Tank: Francesca’s Collections
Black Jeggings: Zara
Wedge Sandals: Target
___________________________
Also - A note on The Style Mentors. I just wanted to thank those of you who provided feedback on this endeavor - positive and constructive - this is truly a work in progress and we are completely open to making as many tweaks as necessary to make it the best fit for users. We heard you loud and clear that you wanted the style packages to be at a lower price point so we’ve updated them on the site. Based off your feedback, we’re also creating a photoshoot package, where for a reasonable price, we will put together complimentary (but not matchy matchy) outfits for your entire family based on the location and the vibe you’re going for.
Oh! and the randomly drawn winner of the style package I offered up last week is Blair Sheepers who wrote:
“Congrats on the new project. Can’t wait to check it out. We have booked a family photo shoot at a local farm next month. Would love to have something awesome for myself to wear. The baby and husband are sorted. It’s mom who needs help. Great at shopping for them. Terrible at shopping for myself.”
I’m really looking forward to picking out some awesome options for you to wear at your photo shoot, Blair!
Love,
M
October 4, 2011
Work Clothes/Play Clothes
It took me a couple weeks, but I’m back with another round of WCPC. Here’s what I wore to work and to play.
Play Clothes. A weekend afternoon spent with my little family. This outfit was breezy and really comfortable!
Lace shrug: Vintage (off an old prom dress)
Dress: A TJ Maxx score from last year
Scarf: Forever21
Wedges: c/o Wanted Shoes
Work Clothes. My attempt at looking quirky/cute in this photo backfired and I just look like a weirdo, but it made me laugh so I posted it anyway.
Top: Marshalls and I’ve owned it longer than I’ve been married
Skirt: Asos
Work Clothes. The 9am side profile edition. In hindsight, these sandals are too heavy for this outfit, I should have gone with something with a thinner strap.
Blouse: Zara
Skirt: H&M
Sandals: Target
Play clothes. Anniversary date night with the handsome one. I haven’t worn this dress in over a year and I though the white was appropriate since we were celebrating our wedding day.(Also, Eeeek! Pumpkins!!)
Dress: Vintage (a birthday gift a few years ago from Brent)
Belt: Vintage
Heels: Guess
Clutch: Vintage. a gift from my in-laws
Play Clothes. Hooray cool weather! We were headed out for house hunting and brunch. There wasn’t much effort put in this outfit - I wanted to wear the closest thing I could find to my pajamas. The only reason it even made this post is because OMG CUTE BABY!
On Mama-
Fedora: Belonged to Brent’s late grandfather
Cream undershirt: Target
Cardigan: Target
Scarf: A gift from one of my best friend’s Krissy
Belt: swiped off a tunic in my closet
Jeans: the oldest, cheapest, comfiest pair I own
Heels: Urban Outiftters
On Arlo:
Bear Ear Hat: c/o Melondipity
Striped cardigan: Target
Rust corduroys: Zara Kids
Booties: Gymboree (a gift from our friend Danielle )
And just because he’s too sweet for words, I’ll end this little romp through my wardrobe with an extra cute picture of my happy boy. I can not get enough of that mile wide smile!
Love,
M
September 9, 2011
Work Clothes/Play Clothes
(Note: It feels kind of silly putting this up considering the week we’ve had but I am feeling really strong today. I even shared the details of Arlo’s condition with my manager without shedding a single tear or letting my voice waiver! Brent and I are sure that soon enough, we are going to go days without thinking about it. This post has been sitting in my drafts folder all week as I had planned to post it on Friday. I debated not sharing it but … I’m already feeling more at peace with all of this. life goes on- My babies are growing, life is leading us forward… and I’ve decided that cheesy “Melissa pretends to be a fashionista” blog posts have their place too.)
Welcome to this new thing that I’m going to attempt to do here on Dear Baby. This little project I’m calling “Work Clothes/Play Clothes” is kind of a hybrid between Ladies Room Fashion Show and my weekly pregnancy photoshoot. Based on your feedback, it seems that a good majority of you all wouldn’t be totally annoyed if I did a fashion post every now and then (especially when there are cameos by my little darlings). So I figured if I could remember to do it (I only succeed some days) AND bribe my husband to snap a quick shot (bless him) on my way out the door that maybe this would work. So dear friends, let’s get this show on the road….here’s what I wear, to work and to play. 
Play Clothes (Out to Dinner with Family)
On Mama-
Top: Archaeology wrap: c/o Francesca’s Collections (and I’m OBSESSED with it. Super versatile)
Black skirt: Target
Sandals: Diba (40% off on the clearance rack at DSW - holla!)
On Everly-
Smocked Butterfly Dress: Paulina Quintana (and currently on sale at The Mini Social for $17!!)
Sandals: Saltwater
Work Clothes (On my lunch break in my kiddos nursery)
Pink Blouse: Vintage (I love this Haight St. Goodwill find - it says tea and coffee all over it in tiny lettering)
Striped Maxi Dress: Forever21
Black Strappy Wedges: Target
Brooch: A gift from my mama
Work Clothes (Do I look exhausted in this photo? Because I am. )
Dress: Asos
Vest: c/o Francesca’s Collections
Yellow Handbag: Francesca’s Collections
Tan Wedges: Franco Sarto
Play Clothes (And looking so fifties house wife)
Sunglasses: Ray-ban
Gray top: Zara
Belt: Vintage
Jeans: Urban Outfitters (and the reason I’m making this crazy face is because I bought these jeans on clearance when I was pregnant in the hopes of wearing them this fall and I’ve tried them on at least a dozen times and this weekend was the first time they fit!)
Yellow flats: Steve Madden
Play Clothes ( I’m a flamingo, yall!)
Cardigan: Forever21
Striped top: Forever21
Skirt: c/o Opposites Attract dress Francesca’s Collections (and it’s actually a dress that I folded the top part down. I love finding dresses that pull double duty!)
Sandals: Diba
Want to get something pretty for yourself? Francesca’s Collections is offering 30% off one regular priced item on their website with the promo code: BRENT (Yay for the husband love!). The promo code is good now through 9/30/11. Go check out their pretty selection of dresses, tops, and skirts for fall.
Love,
M
