28.1.15

Wren in the Park.


It's so lovely going on little family adventures on the weekend. Our little Wren seems to have an innate love for nature. She absolutely loves to watch leaves dance in the breeze, birds flying and loves to explore grass with her tiny hands. We try to get her out to a park or take her on a hike as often as we can. She's such a delight. We took her to the park last weekend. It was a blazing hot day here in L.A. my apologies to those of you on the East Coast covered in snow. She loved wiggling around in her diaper and sun hat. Meanwhile Daniel and I were sweating and wishing we could take our pants off too. haha. I'm sure this will end up being Part 1 of about a million more "Wren in the Park" posts. 

Happy Hump Day!




13.1.15

My Postpartum Must Haves // Preserving My Style.

First off I want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the out pour of support I received from the Postpartum // What No One Tells You post. It's so nice to be reminded that I am so not alone in this. I have gotten so many kind words and so much love and I appreciate it so much. It's really helped me stay motivated and keep positive.
I think a lot of women, myself included, find it so tempting to live in sweats and stay at home after having a baby. But it's important to get back out in the world. I always feel better after being outside. It's important to meet friends for lunch, run errands, go for a walk...just get back out there.
But as I have mentioned before, getting dressed and feeling good can be challenging for a new mother. I wanted to share some pieces that have been working for me and making me feel good postpartum. They have been so helpful in feeling confident and keeping me from meltdowns when I am getting ready. 

Faux Leather Legging. 
It's easy to wear leggings everyday. But it also gets boring and it's barely a step away from sweat pants. I need some variety and the luxurious finish of some faux leather spices it up. Spanx makes a great pair that holds you in and shaves off a few pounds. These are great because you can get spit up on them and they are easy to wash and you feel like you aren't living in leggings everyday. The faux leather makes me feel so much more stylish and put together than just plain old jersey. 

Romantic Tunic.
If you follow my blog it's no secret that Free People is my spirit brand, and lucky for me they make some great tunics. I love this Free People Retro Print Tunic. It really makes me feel like me but hides all the parts of me I am embarrassed about. I can also breastfeed really easily in the top. It's great layered under a leather jacket or sweater too. 

Oversized Button Down.
An oversized button down shirt is a must have for any new mom. This Chambray one from Madewell is a great option. It's comfortable, they come in a range of prints and styles, and provide easy access for breastfeeding. I usually enjoy wearing my husband's shirts but with my enlarged breasts and wider hips they just aren't fitting well. I recommend getting shirts made for women but in the 'boyfriend' fit. They accommodate a woman's figure but I still feel like I put on one of Daniel's shirts. 

Oversized Sweater.
I have been living in a thin, oversized, black sweater. I love the hemline on this one I found on Shopbop. I prefer a thin one because I tend to overheat. I can always layer it with a scarf or coat. It pairs well with faux leather leggings for a modern look. It makes me feel chic and sophisticated, which is a great success for anyone with an infant. 

Loose Maxi Dress.
I'm nowhere near wearing anything form fitting on the mid section. A loose fitting maxi dress like this  Free People Sophie Dress adds length to my stature and has a billowy silhouette without looking like a potato sack.  I am also a fan of the flirty slits and pockets.

Moto Ankle Boots.
Since being pregnant, I've sort of veered away from my usual sky high shoes. But I don't want to compromise all of my style for comfort. I've been sporting lots of boots. I love these Modern Vice Moto Handler Boots. The zippers add a bit of edge that keeps me from feeling like a frumpy mom. 

Natural Make Up
I've proclaimed my love of lipstick many times, but I love smooching on baby girl even more. I've been really into a "bare" look with just a touch of eyeliner. A sweep of eyeliner gives my face a little definition and doesn't take very long to apply. I've been loving Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss in Endless.  

Easy Hair. 
Most days I opt to throw on a fedora or beanie rather than deal with my hair. But I'm striving to do more simple half up dos and quick braids. I've also been into a glossy, shinier look. I've been loving Bumble and Bumble City Swept Finish

Stud Earrings.
I have been relying heavily on my accessories. I love jewelry. It's a big part of who I am. I don't feel like myself without it. I've had to make some compromises with my staple pieces. No more long necklaces and no more big, dangly earrings. At first I was bummed about the earrings but I've managed to find some amazing stud earrings, like these Delicate Rhinestone Ear Climbers from u/o. I think even once I can return to my dangly earrings I will occasionally opt for some of the studs, they've really grown on me. I've been wearing stacks of bracelets and piling on the rings, careful not too wear any big baubles that can scratch or get caught on my sweet baby. As long as I can rock some of my treasures and charms I still feel like my regular old self. 

I'm working my way back to jeans and form fitting silhouettes but until then these finds are really getting me by. It's been tricky finding the balance of being a mama and staying true to myself. I feel like I'm getting into that sweet spot to eventually get my groove back. 

9.1.15

2014: The Year of Growth.

2014 was most definitely the year of growth. It was last year, yesterday that I found out I was pregnant. Since then, I grew a baby, our family grew from two to three, Daniel and I are growing as parents in every way possible, our little Wren is growing and developing every day. It was a beautiful year. I had so much fun dressing a baby bump. It was such an amazing experience being pregnant and feeling her kick and develop. I gave birth to her in September, which was easily one of the biggest physical challenges I have ever faced. I've always been a strong individual but motherhood has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be and has simultaneously made me gentler than I ever imagined. This year has brought out a deep softness that I didn't know I had. My entire view and understanding of life and love has expanded more than I could ever express. Creating and nurturing this gorgeous little life is hands down the best thing I have done in my time on this Earth. Wren is more beautiful, both inside and out, than I ever could have dreamed. She makes me a better person every single day. I grow right along with her. She has made me and Daniel's relationship so much deeper and more sacred. The joy I feel when I look at the two of them is beyond comprehension. The love and light in our lives continues to expand exponentially with each passing day. I know 2015 is going to continue this expanding love and overall deepening. I look forward to seeing how much we have all grown next year at this time. 
 


 

















Looking forward to more love, light, adventures and growth in 2015!!!!

6.1.15

Postpartum // What Nobody Tells You

So I've been avoiding my blog the last couple months. Motherhood is wonderful but I'm having a hard time with myself. Everyone tells you about the exhaustion and how much you'll love your baby, but no one tells you that after birth it still feels like you're in someone else's body. So I'm going to break the silence and share my experience. Hopefully it will help other women out there to not feel so alone. I applied lotion and oil constantly and worked out a lot during my pregnancy walking 2-4 miles and lots of yoga, I ate really healthy but I still gained 55 lbs and got lots of stretch marks. I don't know what I could have done more. I didn't have one stretch mark until the last two weeks of my pregnancy and then they came like moths to a flame. I lost 25 lbs in the first two weeks postpartum. But these last 30 lbs do not want to leave. I haven't been able to muster up much courage to be in front of the camera. And when I do feel courageous I'm horrified at the images. I feel like my usual self until I look in the mirror or get dressed. Getting dressed can be traumatizing at times. Nothing looks right, nothing fits right. Daniel has been so kind and patient with me - when we go anywhere. I change at least five times trying to find something that makes me feel good. He always tells me how beautiful I am but I can't even hear it. I say that's nice of you to say, but I know I am a whale. I really want to break away from this self-criticism and treat myself how I would a friend. But it's so difficult. 

As a woman I think it's very important to feel pretty and feel like yourself. My breasts, with breastfeeding have gone up to DDDs, I have stretch marks on my stomach and my hips, I have a bit of loose skin still, my arms are still thick from pregnancy, my face is fuller, my hips are wider...I know it's only three months out but still. I'm currently a stay at home mom, which I feel so lucky be. I love being with my daughter. She is a ray of light, and brings me so much happiness. I'm constantly changing diapers and being spit up on and she pulls my hair regardless if it's up or down. Between my motherly duties and the physical changes I feel like I'm being stripped of my identity. I am clinging to myself with every ounce of strength I have. I refuse to cut my hair or wear "mom jeans" and generally abandon the person I used to be. I believe my old self and new self can live together. Motherhood transforms you in so many ways, emotionally and mentally I find it to be pretty spectacular. But I am really struggling with the physical changes. It's weird because I think of being a mother as the ultimate celebration of femininity, yet I've never felt more asexual in my life. The breastfeeding makes me feel like a cow, literally. My breasts are no longer sexy to me at all. I hide them constantly in over sized shirts and sweaters. I don't even want my husband to look at them. In time I know I will get back to feeling like myself again. But in the meantime it's not easy...

On a positive note, I absolutely love having a baby. I can't even begin to describe the love and happiness she brings me. She is such a happy baby with the sweetest little soul. She smiles at me all day long. She is pure magic. There is no greater joy than holding her in my arms. It's so amazing to look at her and see Daniel and I swirled together in this gorgeous little person. My love for her grows exponentially every day. In three months she has already grown and changed so much and it's such a privilege to watch. Her personality emerges more and more with each passing day. She is sweet, smart, funny and strong. I really want to improve my relationship with myself so I can be a good example for her. I don't want her to be insecure or to hate on her body. I want her to love herself because she is perfect exactly the way she is. Motherhood definitely drives me to try to be the best version of myself. And I hope in time I can look at myself and see that I, too, am perfect exactly the way I am.