Kisses to My Birthday Boy!

Two years ago, I was chanting one thing over and over and over again in the delivery room.  "I can't do this...I can't do this...I can't do this!"  But you know what?  I was wrong.

My Look:  Shirt by cartonier via anthropologie.  Sweater via Nordstrom.  Pants by BDG via Urban Outfitters.  Shoes by TOMS for Rugby.  Necklace via Gabriel Brothers.  Bracelets via Rugged Wearhouse and Macys.  Watch by Timex.

I could, and I did.  And not only can I do it, I actually love this parenting gig.  And I love this little boy.  I don't know how it's been two years, but it has. I love watching him change every day.  I can't wait to see who he continues to become.

I love you, Puppy.  Kisses from mama!

Full birthday recap coming later this week...let's just say there was cake and elephants and a carousel and grandparents and best friends and a red tricycle and lots of love...and balloons!

Last day to vote for me and The Pup in "Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Blogs"!  I'm soooooo close - let's make this happen!  Click on the button below (or the link on my right sidebar) today and tomorrow - voting ends 2/28 at 5pm. Thanks so much!

Department Goings

Our department is hiring.  In my specialty field.  Gotta look the part of the polished grad student when the candidates are on campus for job talks - in other words, fake them out of noticing my lack of progress.

My Look:  Dress by JCrew.  Sweater by Ralph Lauren.  Belt by JCrew.  Shoes by Naturalizer via Macys.  Bracelets are heirloom (from L: paternal grandmother, mom, great-grandmother, maternal grandmother).  Earrings by Gorjana via GILT.

I love going back to campus these days - everything seems shiny and new, and I've forgotten all the frustrations of being there all the time taking classes and teaching.  It's fun to see old friends and colleagues and professors, even when I'm dreading the inevitable question...

"So, how's the writing going?"  Gulp.

As an almost-absentee dissertation-phase student, I feel like it's even more important that my sartorial choices for campus visits reflect confidence.  Not only do I need the armor of a good outfit for my own psyche, but I think that my clothes project how I'm doing overall.  Those of us who are academics and also like clothes have talked a lot about how clothes become a symbol of self.  Personally, I can remember what I wore to every conference presentation, to every first day of teaching, and even to take my comprehensive exams.  Those clothes speak to me, or perhaps for me.

Heading back to campus, I felt like I needed to project a have-it-togetherness that was both scholarly and professional.  No blazer - I tried one, and it felt forced and overdressed for an afternoon lecture.  Heels - but not too high.  Hair pulled back to assert some professionalism - but in a high bun with blunt bangs.  Some subtle "professorial" textures - the leather shoulder patch and wool plaid belt.  All of my heirloom bangles - the spirits of the strong women who gave them to me keep me strong.  And red lips - always red lips for a striking but classy finishing touch.  And yes, my belt has a beagle on it.

Sometimes I forget how much I love my job and my life choice.  Being back on campus was an excellent reminder.

A plea to keep voting for this grad student mama!  I'm at #26 - so close and yet SO far!

Real Life Basics

Sometimes the simple things in your closet make you the happiest.  A great slouchy cardigan with dark flares.  Comfy flats.  New sunglasses.  A pretty pendant.  Not high fashion...

My Look:  Sweater by Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx.  Shirt by JCrew.  Pants via Target.  Shoes by Nine West.  Bracelets by kenneth cole via Macys.  Necklace by Anna Sheffield for Target.  Watch by Timex.  Sunglasses by Kate Spade via TJMaxx.

There's nothing groundbreaking about this outfit, and that's just fine with me.  Real life is not meant for high fashion.  Real life is meant for putting your hair in a high ponytail when you haven't washed it in 3 days.  Real life is wondering if wearing flats with your flares is a really bad idea, then doing it anyway.  Real life is putting on a black shirt and a black cardigan, not caring that it's boring because it matches.

Real life is playing on a kids' slide at the playground.  Real life is being happy that you can wear real necklaces again, without baby hands grabbing them.  Real life is a pair of sunglasses on a sunny day at the playground.  Real life is a cozy sweater that wraps you up when you read a book during the evening.

I'll take my real life any day!

Keep the votes coming - I'm so close - at #26 right now!  And I just found out that the audience for this list is over SIX MILLION MEMBERS.  That would be quite a growth spurt.  Thanks, chickadees!

Circle of Moms - VOTE for Us!

How can you resist these goofy faces?

You can't.  See, our little blog needs your help.  We're in the running for Circle of Moms "Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Blogs" for this year.  Never in a million years did I think we'd actually have a chance to make it on the official list - but you, my dear readers, have made this little blog grow!  We actually have a shot!

This is a big deal, girls.  A big deal.  I don't ask you to vote for stuff that often - in fact, the last time I asked was for this same reason last year, and we weren't even close to the top then!  Getting onto that list would mean a much bigger community for us.  I'm not interested in gaining sponsors or "perks" - I want to find women who are interested in the same things I am - and that you, my readers, are interested in, too.

So vote.  It's just a click.  You don't have to sign up for anything or give any information or sell the soul of your dog.  You just need to click here (or on the button at the bottom of this post, or from the pink button on my right sidebar), then click on the orange circle next to my name to vote for me.  You can vote once every 24 hours from now until Feb. 28.  You can vote from your computer and your phone (just use your phone's browser).  You can send this silly plea to your friends and family thru Facebook and email and Twitter.  Just click.

And if you want to see how we're doing, click here for the full list.  We've been hovering between #24-26 for the past week....so close to making this real!  We just need a hefty shove to keep us there.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Nine Twos

This is my version of mama riot gear - you know, that full-coverage stuff that cops wear when they're taking down a mob.  This is what I wore to hang out with nine two-year-olds for a day.

My Look:  Sweater via Nordstrom.  Tee by truly madly deeply via Urban Outfitters.  Tank via Target.  Pants by BDG via Urban Outfitters.  Shoes by Sperry via Nordstrom.  Scarf by JCrew.  Sunglasses via Target.

Oh, the co-op playgroup!  Not going to lie - I was terrified.  But it turns out that a horde of toddlers isn't nearly as terrifying as you might imagine, so long as there are enough toy trucks and stickers and cheese sticks to go around.  But the day brought some obvious sartorial quandaries.

So many times, I see parents show up at kids events - especially ones where they're volunteering - in the same tired stuff.  The hoodie they only wear on weekends.  The old jeans.  The running shoes.  The messy ponytail.  I understand that kids are messy and that you want comfort, but there simply has to be a better way.  One that does not involve the jeans you painted your nursery in two years ago...

Colored jeans instead of ratty old blues - these have an obscene amount of stretch and a high waist, both of which were good for crawling around after kiddos.  Multiple layered tees - so when something inevitably spills on the top one, you can just take it off before going back into public.  A simple cotton cardigan instead of a sweatshirt.  Boat shoes instead of sneakers.  And a french braid that keeps your hair completely away from the glue and glitter.

I still felt like myself in my outfit.  Hey - even Mary Poppins wore a pretty scarf!

Love Y'All

The Doc and I don't exactly do the schmoopy Valentine's Day thing.  So I thought I'd get all lovey-dovey with my readers instead.

My Look:  Dress by Tucker for Target.  Tights via Target.  Socks by JCrew.  Boots by Frye via eBay.  Necklace from grandmother.  Watch by Timex.

So here's to you on this Valentine's Day!  I've always thought of today more as a day for friends than for lovers anyway.  Candy hearts to my whole preschool class when I was 5.  Handmade envelopes on the back of each chair to catch cards in middle school.  Flowers and balloons for my friends in high school. And sweet care packages from my mama full of silk nightgowns in college (and to this day!). This is a day for girls, I think - and for all of the women I love.

I don't thank you girls enough - those of you who are getting to know me through the computer screen, as well as those of you who know me and still log in to catch my internet updates.  I know many of my friends and family don't exactly understand this whole blogging thing - and yet they follow along doggedly anyway.  And I have met a wealth of wonderful people since I started this whole shebang, many of whom have become my daily confidantes in both the virtual and the real world.  I am so lucky to have all of you in my life.

So, here's my card to you.  It's pink and purple and flowery and I wore it with green tights.  Will that do?  Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Also, it's the time of year for the Circle of Moms Top 25 again.  This year, I actually have a chance.  Maybe.  I'm hanging in there right now!  Getting on to this list of like-minded bloggers would do amazing things for my readership here - I have such a wonderful and active community of followers right now, and I'd love to invite more women to the party.  So PLEASE give me a click - you can vote every day from now until the end of the month!  I'll have this clickable button on all of my posts to help you remember, or you can use the button on my right sidebar - thanks so much!

 

Preppy Gypsy

Those style analyzers - the quizzes that are supposed to tell you if you have "classic" or "eclectic" or "bohemian" or "bombshell" style - always drive me nuts.  Because I'm all of those things.

My Look:  Dress via Target.  Sweater via Kohls.  Scarf by Hermes.  Shoes by Minnetonka via Nordstrom.  Earrings by Calypso St. Barthe for Target.  Bracelets via art fairs.

There's no doubt that classic and bohemian are probably my biggest style influences, but there's no reason they can't work together.  Take this outfit, for example.  Every single one of these pieces is a preppy staple - the striped dress, the leopard cardigan, the Hermes scarf.  But when I wear them together, they suddenly seem every so much cooler and more carefree.  A preppy gypsy - who knew?

I love how animal print, especially, can skew to so many style aesthetics.  This cashmere leopard cardigan is equally at home with a pencil skirt and pumps as it is with a headscarf and long skirt (I actually talked about this idea more in this post from the fall).  And I haven't taken this dress off since I bought it last week at Target (honestly, it's embarrassing how many days in a row I've already worn it).  My treasured but rarely-worn Hermes scarf (a Christmas present from The Doc many years ago) adds a big jolt of sophistication and fun.  Finally, I topped all of these preppy pieces with lots of wooden and beaded jewelry and my trusty suede mocs.  I just wore this to do some errands, but I think it would be amazingly fun to teach in.

Imagine how different this outfit would be if I tied the scarf in a traditional knot, then wore ballet flats and pearls!

How do you define your style aesthetic?  Do you get as frustrated with the labels as I do?

Something is Fishy

I couldn't resist the pun.  Not while wearing such a silly sweater.

My Look:  Sweater by sleeping on snow via anthropologie.  Shirt by JCrew.  Tank by Calvin Klein.  Skirt by Old Navy.  Boots via Kohls.  Socks via Target.  Earrings via gift.  Watch by Timex.

I think we could all use a few more silly things in our closets.  I adore this sweater, although I don't wear it often.  I bought it from anthro years ago from the sale room - I think most people couldn't imagine wearing a koi pond across her chest.  Not me - I snapped it right up.  The combination of patterned wool knit and traditional metal closings is just so much fun. A bevy of stripes and warm boots seemed like the perfect complement, but I kept the colors neutral.  Just a bit of whimsy for your Wednesday!

Plus, The Pup loved it.  "FISH FISH FISH," he cried, complete with mouth gaping fishy face.  We went to the park to see the koi in the cold.  A happy day, indeed.

Neon Makes Everything Better

Sometimes you just need a bit of neon to get you through a Monday.

My Look:  Sweater by Ralph Lauren.  Shirt by truly madly deeply via Urban Outfitters.  Skirt by only hearts via anthropologie.  Shoes by Minnetonka via Nordstrom.  Headband by Missoni for Target.  Scarf via Target.  Bracelet by JCrew.  

Neon.  It's amazing how much power two little accessories can have - just a scarf and a bracelet, but I suddenly felt bright and cheerful.  I especially love the combo of tan and neon yellow on the scarf - added to the mix of grey knit and camel leather, the whole outfit felt preppy but a bit unexpected.

Neon is good.  Neon makes it less obvious that I've been awake all night with The Pup.  Neon hides the big ol' circles under my eyes from a night of Benadryl and cortisone and "Mommy, arm hurts!"  This is the virus that just won't die - nothing like a rebound rash to make all of us miserable.  Poor kid looks like he rolled in poison ivy.  But like I said - neon (and this miracle lotion) makes everything better!

Accidental Target: Aromatherapy Diffusers

I live with two boys and two dogs.  Sometimes my house smells like it.

Drives me crazy - I'm a bit compulsive about a tidy house, so when I walk in a room and get a whiff of wet dog on a rainy day I'm not a happy mama.  And don't even get me started on the smells that can come out of The Pup's room!  I also have a ridiculously sensitive nose, so The Doc usually thinks I've just lost my mind when I start asking him if he can smell something funny.  He looks at me and rolls his eyes.

Yet it still bothers me.  But I hate air freshener.  The yucky synthetic scents are always too sickly sweet and reek of chemicals, and I end with with a headache and a room that smells of burnt-plastic vanilla.  I'd rather smell wet dog, thanks.  And then I happened to see these little beauties when I was walking around Target last week.

They're bright and cheeky and vintage-looking.  A plus.  And the entire line smells divine - fresh and unique and not vaguely synthetic.  These are based in real essential oils, and after a bit of sleuthing, I discovered that the line is being made for Target by Illume, a major luxury candlemaker.  I've tried a few diffusers in the past, and had some success, but these blow the expensive ones I bought right out of the water.  They're named after emotions and feelings, which is pretty cute (the "Love" one would be great for Valentine's Day!).  I ended up buying three for different areas of our house, and I might go back and buy even more.

However, they don't seem to be available online at Target yet!  So check your stores in the candle aisle - you should be able to see the bright colored packaging.  The line has candles in the same scents, as well.

My favorites:

• #6 Peaceful (Green) - Lavendar, Eucalyptus, and Cedarleaf - for our master bathroom.
• #5 Happiness (Yellow) - Sparkling Yuzu, Lime, and Immortelle - for The Pup's room.
• #9 Inspired (Purple) - Bamboo, Water Lotus, and Coriander - for my office.

I've noticed that different scents in different rooms makes a big difference - my sensitive nose doesn't get overwhelmed with a single scent, and I can actually lessen the amount of fragrance used.  For those of you who might not have used a fragrance diffuser before, realize that it's basically a jar of scented oil with wooden sticks - the oil gets soaked up the sticks, almost like water in flowers, and the fragrance is released when air moves across the reeds.  So, a room with a fan will get more fragrance dispersal that a room with little airflow.  Also, this means that you can control the number of sticks you use - I always start with half of the reeds given, and add more if needed.  I've also noticed that the fragrance is much stronger the first 24-48 hours of use, as the dry reeds are sucking up lots of the oil.  Give your room a day or two to settle down, then adjust the reeds as necessary.  When you notice that you aren't getting the level of scent you'd like, just flip the reeds over and start again!

Sometimes it's the small things that make for a happier house.  Like not wrinkling my nose when I walk into a room.