Leaves That Are Green.

It is officially September and my little Wren is going to start preschool twice a week! They grow up way too fast! It felt a bit like fall over the weekend. My favorite time of year!!!!! It makes me so happy to be living in New England during this time of year. The leaves are already turning a little bit. Halloween stuff is officially everywhere! Pumpkin and apple everything please and thank you. 

It's hard to tell in this billowy dress but my bump has seriously popped. I am almost 26 weeks. Just one more week and it's third trimester time. This pregnancy is going by lightning fast. The second trimester has mostly been dreamy(minus a migraine that landed me in the ER). I love feeling all the kicks and moves. And this girl moves A LOT. I am pretty sure she is practicing to climb Everest or she is choreographing the most epic dance of all time. I am going to have my hands full when she makes her debut. 

Meanwhile my little Wren is in school! I mean preschool...but still. She somehow manages to get more wonderful every day. It blows my mind. I was crawling to grab a toy in her room and my knee landed on some plastic play food and it hurt so bad. She was quick to comfort me, got the arnica gel and applied it to my knee. Then she looked at me with that angelic face and said "All better Mama?" I about burst into tears. She is so caring and thoughtful. This new baby girl is going to have the best big sister ever. She also pets and kisses my belly all the time and talks to me about the baby in there. 

Since time is going by in a blur I made Daniel snap these pics of Wren and I in our backyard. I want to have some sort of documentation of this pregnancy and all these precious moments. 

Also did I mention Wren will be two in ten days?! TWO!!!!!! I can't believe it. I just love that wild haired, sweet little soul so much. This last year has been truly magical. It just keeps getting better and better. 

On me: 

// Dress & Boots - Free People // Bracelet - Dannijo // Diamond Circle Bracelet - Rachel Brenman // 

// Ring - Heather Hoffman // Other Jewelry is family heirlooms or collected on my travels // 

// Sunglasses - The Rowe 8 by Linda Farrow //

On Wren:

// Tree Slouch Dress - Rylee & Cru // Ruffle Socks - Zara // Boots - Gap (similar here) //

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. 

Pumpkin Patch.

 Since Wren is much too young for trick or treating we opted to do a trip to the pumpkin patch to commemorate her first Halloween. We listened to my Sp o o ky Playlist I made last year on the drive there to get into the spirit. It was so fun putting Wren in her Hartsting's Halloween sweater and posing with the pumpkins, which were mostly bigger than her, haha. It's my favorite holiday, and I look forward to when she is big enough for us all to dress up together. I can't wait until next year when she will be one years old!!!!! I am already starting to plan our costumes haha. This year we will sip on my Shrunken Head Cider, a tradition in this house, and carve pumpkins. I also want to bake something, maybe Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

I love this time of year!

I'm Wearing:

// Dress - Sam & Lavi Cima Maxi Dress via Anthropologie // Hat - Reiss // 

// Boots - ModernVice Frankie in Oxblood // Sunnies - Tom's Lobamba // 

Daniel's Wearing:

// Pants - Levi's 511 Slim Fit Corduroy Pants // Tee - Calvin Klein // Slip-Ons - Ben Sherman // Sunnies - Toms Navigator //

Wren's Wearing:

// Onesie & Pants - babyGAP // Halloween Sweater - Hartstring's //

You Made My Day.

It's raining here today! It's so lovely, I just love the rain! Now I understand why I had a migraine yesterday. Waking up to the smell of the rain and the sound of the drizzle was nearly worth all the suffering. Too bad the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 90s. At least we have this wonderful break in the heat this morning. Daniel snapped these photos of me last weekend while it was blazing hot. This dress has been a life saver for me in this hot weather. I found it back in the spring at Pea in the Pod and it was love at first sight. It has just gotten cuter the bigger my belly gets. It actually makes me feel pretty and feminine, even in this heat and at this massive size. I love the way it falls and moves. I get a lot of compliments on it. I'm over 38 weeks and ready to get this baby out. It will be any day, I'm hoping sooner rather than later. I can't wait to get back into shape and have my body back. Being pregnant gets so exhausting at the end. I'm hoping my next post will be all about our sweet newborn baby girl, but time will tell. I have 11 days to my due date, but my doctor and everyone who sees me seems to think she is going to come early. She has dropped super low and is full size in there. So we will see. I can't wait to go to the doctor tomorrow and see how things are progressing. Cross your fingers. 

Hope everyone has a gorgeous week! 

// Dress - Free People You Made My Day Cutout Maxi Dress // Sandals - Ancient Greek Sandals //

// Bag - Alexander Wang //

White Lace Flower.

Daniel and I have been getting everything ready for the baby's arrival. We are finally all set! Now just anxiously awaiting for her to decide it's time for her Earthside debut! I'm just two days away from being 38 weeks and doctor says it could be anytime now. Had a couple contractions so far and baby is in position! I'm so ready to do this. Pregnancy gets pretty rough at the end, especially in this miserable heat. Everything is swollen, everything hurts, there's no being comfortable, there's not much sleep....I'm just ready for the next chapter, being a Mama to this sweet little girl in my belly. I have been doing my best to feel put together and pretty. Thank god for lipstick, it really does the trick for me without really having to deal with makeup. I haven't really felt like putting much on between being this big and all the sweating in this heat. I'm wearing MAC's Russian Red. 

Daniel has been spoiling me the last few months. He surprised me back in July with these funky clogs. I am betting they will look even better when my ankles aren't the size of an elephant's. HAHA. A couple days ago he busted out this great Marc Jacobs Crossbody bag. I have been wanting a small black bag with gold hardwear ever since Alexander Wang lost my Pelican Sling Bag. He sure does know how to make a girl feel special. It also gives me some stuff to look forward to wearing to leave the house. I don't want to become a total hermit after the baby gets here. 

I can't believe I am so close to meeting this little one! I cannot express how badly I want to see her precious face and hold her tiny hand. She is measuring in the 50th percentile so she's perfectly average, not too big, not too small. And the doctor says she has long legs like her Daddy. I hope she comes out soon! 

// White Lace Tunic - Anthropologie // Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs //

// Silver Lining Clog - Free People X Jeffrey Campbell // Sunnies - Toms Lobamba //

Mad for Plaid.

Today I'm officially one month from my due date. Only 4 weeks to go. I am getting so insanely anxious to welcome this little one into the world. It's getting a little rough at this point, being this pregnant and it being so hot. Airy dresses have become my go to. This dress is great, I just throw it on and it's so comfortable. I love the black and white ensemble with a red lip and some edgy accessories. My puffy feet only fit into a handful of my shoes. It's been so humid for LA and is making my hands and feet swell. I can't wear my wedding ring anymore. But my nails have never been so long and so strong. I did this nail design myself, I was inspired by one I saw on Refinery 29. 

I am looking forward to fall. I can't wait to have my baby girl, a waist, to wear jeans and sweaters, Halloween (my fave)...I've been trying to decide what our sweet baby girl should be for her first Halloween, maybe get her a little hat with kitty ears! I can't wait to experience life through her eyes. 

It's funny that now I'm looking forward to labor. At the beginning I was dreading this part and even in denial, but now I'm just ready. She's 6 lbs and 20 inches in there and I'm dying to see her little face, hold her and kiss her. She will be here so soon!!!!!! I'm counting down the days...

// Dress - ASOS Maternity // Bag - Alexander Wang Marion Bag // Sunnies - Tom's Lomamba //

// Sandals - Dolce Vita X Vanessa Mooney Atara  // Bracelets and Rings - Vintage //