Mom Jean Confessions: Let’s Get Real

Last week I had started a draft for this blog post with a working title of “Happy Place.” Except a lot’s happened between now and then. As I laid awake after a much needed cry fest last night, the only thing I could think of was that it was time for me to “get real.” Too often we feel the pressures of putting on that happy face, even though we know well and good we are holding back tears or anxieties that eventually come to a head when we’re least expecting it. Last night was one of those times. I was preparing to give my son a bath just like any other night, but this night he insisted on having a “boo boo” that was going to hurt if he put his foot in the water. Oh dear. So for a solid five minutes (felt like 30) I tried every bribe in the book, until tears ensued and dad walked in asking buddy what’s wrong. To which I went off on a lightening speed explanation on why I’m so frustrated after trying to negotiate with a toddler for ten minutes, which results in said dad backing out of the bathroom slowly, very slowly.

We made it through bath time unscathed, barely, but I just couldn’t let it go. But what was it that I couldn’t let go of? Was it the fact that every time I can’t successfully communicate with my toddler it makes me feel like my thousands of dollars in student loans for that communication studies degree was a waste? Amusing thought, but no. As I laid down in bed and muttered “good night” to Grant, that’s when it hit me. I was scared. Scared that I was losing control. Not of my toddler, cuz seriously, the only person in control of a toddler – is a toddler. I was scared of losing control of this mom life that I had finally adjusted to and truly was in my “happy place” – all to have it thrown out the window three months from now with the arrival of a certain little lady. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that this all happened just days before rounding out my six months of pregnancy. Or, the fact that we took Garrett to see Boss Baby earlier in the day (do I need to say spoiler alert for a kids movie? Ok, “spoiler alert”) – it’s the story of a sweet kid who loves being an only child and gets blindsided by the news of his parents having another baby. It shows them doing all the things they used to do with him, but now with the baby instead (p.s., the song “Blackbird” is officially ruined for me). Um, yeah, *trigger warning* much?

So as I start to whimper, my hubs realizes I’m crying and asks what’s wrong in the sweet and caring way he always does. I of course shrug my shoulders a few times, until I finally admit just how bad I feel for Garrett and for losing my patience with him. He reassures me that I’m not the only mom that happens to, and tells me not to worry about it because Garrett had completely forgotten it already. He’s right, he’s always right damnit. But for some reason, I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I finally choked out that I was now afraid of how having this baby was going to change everything. He paused for a few seconds, and said “Right, but it will be a good change.” My husband may be a man of few words, but they’re the right words I always need to hear. He went on to tell me that he knows how much I love Garrett and how much he is the center of my world these days, and that sometimes it would be good for me to just let him do his thing without me needing to be there at his every beck and call. Yep, you guessed it. Right again. So a funny thing happened. The very next day I did just that. I decided to just let Garrett “be” and do whatever he wanted without me having to “mom so hard” as Grant endearingly calls it. I did the dishes, about seven loads of laundry, organized my closet and Grant’s, and the icing on the cake – took a freaking shower! All the while, Garrett used his imagination to play with his hot wheels, make music in his room, brush his teeth all by himself, and climb up onto the kitchen counter to steal candy (ok that last one I wasn’t crazy about, but I commended him for his ingenuity).

Now, as I sit down to reflect on all of it, I am finally starting to feel at peace. At peace that while nothing can prepare you for what it will be like bringing another child into this world – I know without a doubt that our little family will be more blessed than I can even imagine. At peace that it’s ok if I feel scared right now and questioning if I will be able to handle all that comes with the territory of a baby and a toddler in the house. I can’t think of a better support system than the one I have in my husband and family surrounding us, who would drop everything just to be there when I need them. So here goes nothing, or should I say everything…

photo cred: Marlo Carroll Photography

Shop the Look:

c/o Krisp Clothing (non-maternity), Navy Jersey Maxi Dress & Classic Hooded Parka Jacket

Anthropologie, Pam Hiran Waving Pennant Necklace (old, found here and here)

Dolce Vita from Nordstrom Rack, ‘Jasmyn’ Ghillie Sandal

 

 

Adventures in Shopping: To Maternity or Not to Maternity

I have a lot of mixed feelings on maternity wear. Not because there aren’t a ton of cool brands out there – see Fashion Mamas founder Natalie’s crowdsourced list in LAmag (I may or may not have contributed to the H&M & TopShop picks). I just have a hard time spending money on clothes that will be worn for maybe six months and then disappear in a box somewhere in the back of your closet/no-woman’s land. But on the other hand, shopping for your new-found bump is one of the short-lived perks to being pregnant. So, I made a compromise with myself: I will allow myself to shop for maternity clothes, if and only if they are affordable and fit in a way that makes me feel great about myself (cuz let’s face it – come 32 weeks in, we all need a little pick me up). Plus, there’s nothing like your best friend from college getting married to kick you into hyper-shopping mode.

Luckily I know some pretty awesome Houston mommy bloggers (see Uptown with Elly Brown, who happens to be due only a few days apart from me), and have snagged a ton of maternity style inspiration from them. One brand that I’m almost embarrassed to admit I’ve never shopped before (shame) is ASOS. So I took the plunge and found this super-classy floral printed dress from their maternity line and paired it with a nude blazer and heels (link to all below). Besides, what says spring wedding in the hill country more than head-to-toe floral? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing.

photo cred: Marlo Carroll Photography

Shop the Look:

Romwe (non-maternity), Apricot Roll Tab Sleeve Waterfall Collar Duster Coat

ASOS, Bluebelle Maternity Floral Printed Bodycon Dress (Sold out but similar here, here and here)

BCBGeneration from Nordstrom Rack, Nude Pumps (you can also find them here and here)

BCBG MAX AZRIA, Tan Leather Clutch (old no longer available, similar here and here)

Links à la Mode, April 6th

• Aesthetic Distance: Social Media Makes Us Better Feminists
• April Was Here: Bowknot Blouse and Ruffled Sleeves
• Beyond Her Curls: The Perfect Spring Jacket
• Cammeo Head to Toe: Adventures in Shopping: To Maternity or Not To Maternity
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: April Crush List
• Elements of Ellis: Embroidered Moto Jacket
• Fashionista Momma: Blush Jumpsuit
• Five Foot Nothing Shopping: Translate Runway to Everyday Fashion!
• Happy Pretty Sweet: How to Update Your Beauty Routine for Spring
• I’m a Norbyah: The Right Stripes
• It’s True Blog: How To Create New Content When You Don’t Have Any Inspiration
• Lil Miss JB Style: Loft Decor
• Middle of Somewhere: Flatform Sandals & The Weekly Style Edit Linkup
• Tales of Two: 7 Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor
• The Outfit Repeater: Behind the Scenes: The Making of an Outfit Post

SPONSOR: Amazon’s Shopbop SUNDRY, Free People Activewear, MONROW Sweatpants, Liana Clothing, ALALA, Champion Premium Reverse Weave, Straw Bags, Fringe Slides, Statement Jewelry, Men’s EA7 by Emporio Armani

My Week in Style: SHEIN x Coachella

So I admittedly have always had a hankering to make it to Coachella, and yet in the 7 years we lived in LA I never made the trek. To add even more salt to my wound, this year my awesome Fashion Mamas tribe is hosting their first “Mama Mirage” Coachella event, sponsored by Havaianas (cue sad face). Because I never like to wallow in my own sorrow, I figured what better way than to pay it forward to all my lovely followers. I’ve partnered with SheIn to send 2 lucky persons to Coachella – including airfare and hotel! The winners will also receive makeovers by some of hottest influencers for the entire weekend – seriously how cool is that??

Click here for more details & check out my “If I were going to Coachella” SheIn look below – because mama’s too old for a crochet crop-top and cut-offs 😉

Here are some important rules:

1) Download the SheIn App & create an account

2) Follow on Instagram & Facebook @sheinofficial

3) Like one of the posts below and leave your “SheIn user name” in the comments

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSAQyqOjGTU/

Or https://www.facebook.com/SheInside/photos/a.383950494978094.93127.380039845369159/1581342001905598/?type=3&theater

4) Repost our “Ultimate Coachella” post with #sheincoachella, tag both @sheinofficial and one friend you will take to Coachella.

The Winner will be randomly selected from everyone who has completed all 4 steps. The prize package includes 2 Coachella General Admissions wristbands, airfare for 2 and 2 nights accommodations. The Winner will be announced during SHEIN LIVE on 3/30 at 6PM PDT. So make sure you download the SHEIN APP and tune in. Good luck! *Must be at least 18 years of age to enter.

photo cred: Marlo Carroll Photography

Shop the Look:

SheIn, Blue Vertical Striped Flower Embroidery Dip Hem Blouse

Liz Lange for Target, Maternity Over the Belly White Jean Shorts

Toms, Red Strappy Wedge Espadrille Sandal (old, no longer available – similar here and here)

Stila Cosmetics, Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Amalfi

Links à la Mode, March 30th

• Aesthetic Distance: 5 Myths About Style Blogging And The Fashion Industry
• April Was Here: Transition to Spring: Shirt Dress
• Cammeo Head to Toe: My Week in Style: SHEIN x COACHELLA
• Fashionista Momma: Joggers
• Hampton Roads: Casual Classic | Batwing Sweater
• Lil Miss JB Style: 10 Tips for Buying Clothes Online
• Middle of Somewhere: Spring Florals & The Weekly Style Edit Linkup
• Tales of Two: The Tea Dress Guide for the Quirky
• The Curvy Edit: Stripes + Lemons
• The Modalista: Burgundy & New Blogger Friends

SPONSOR: Shopbop Ella Moss, Sol Angeles, Ganni Dresses, Courreges, Steven Alan, JAGGAR, Pretty in Pink, Modern Americana, SoCal Cool, Men’s Kenzo

Mom Jean Confessions: #WomInspired

In honor of The Second Shift’s #WomInspired campaign, I thought I would share my own story of empowerment and the very special professional role model I had that led me to a happier place as a woman, a mother, and a professional. The importance of women lifting each other up and serving as positive role models and mentors to those around us cannot be overstated. I was fortunate enough to work alongside Tracy Seng in my nearly five years at Los Angeles Magazine – someone who inspired my career, and has always supported those around her to follow their own path.

Over three years ago, I was just like any new mom struggling to fit all the pieces together. My boss at the time, even though she hated being called “boss” (so I endearingly called her “girl boss” or “boss friend”), was leading a very talented and diverse marketing team at Los Angeles Magazine. Tracy was one of those bosses whose door was literally always open, and who never once made you feel like your personal life and well-being was any less important than the professional role you played on her team. She was also the first to share her own struggles balancing life and work, which only made her all the more human and easier to talk to when push came to shove. I can still remember the first time I went to her, desperate to figure out how I was going to manage a full-time job and the overwhelming new feeling of being away from my baby. Even though she never had kids of her own, her compassion and empathy never made you feel like she didn’t relate or know how hard of a life-change you were going through. She always made a point to bring out the positive sides of any situation – saying how fortunate we were to work on an amazing team and actually enjoy the work we did. It was true, and more importantly she understood the need for flexibility in my schedule which was not something any of us anticipate before having children. But what was even more admirable about her role as a mentor, was that she also never discounted the individual passions that each of her team members held. For me, it was my blog. Instead of being threatened by the time it could take away from my work, I’ll never forget when she told me to never let go of what I’m passionate about. On a personal level, it meant the world to me to not have to feel like I had to hide what I also loved doing: writing and styling. On a professional level, looking back on it now, it’s probably the single most important thing a boss can do to support her team. It not only ensures your people stay happy, but it also enhances the work that they do because you’re fostering employees who are more enriched and diverse.

It had been two years of trying to settle into my new role as a mom, and figuring out how I was going to balance a career on top of all that. It definitely wasn’t an easy road, and I had more existential breakdowns in my “bosses” office than I’d like to admit, but one thing was for sure – Tracy always made me see the value of my work and the potential that I had, even when you feel like being a mom drains you of all your energy and drive. I still didn’t have all the answers, but something inside of me told me I had to be true to myself and more importantly to my role model who had been there for me from day one. As much as I wanted to push on and live up to every expectation she had for me, I knew in my heart something was pulling me in the opposite direction. So we talked about it and I told her how my husband and I were thinking of moving back home to Houston, and that I needed to figure out another way to get my life back in balance. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do, because I felt like I was letting her down. She of course put on a strong front for me, and in later conversations told me that sometimes when we aren’t supposed to go down a certain path, the door stays shut so tight and that way we know we’ve made the right choice. In the months since our move from LA, I’ve found a peace that I didn’t even realize existed. Yes, life is still throwing curve-balls at us, but I’m settling into a place where I can now work from home and have more time to devote to my blog. My son and I have more of a bond now than I could have ever imagined, which I never once take for granted – especially since we’ll be welcoming a daughter into our family in August.

I look back now on the past three years and can’t believe how fast time has flown, and how much I’ve learned along the way. So much of that I have Tracy, my mentor and “boss friend,” to thank for. She keeps rolling with the punches and living up to her own standards every day, and I hope she knows how many lives she’s touched along the way.

Mom Jean Confessions: Are You Girl Enough?

So it’s been a few weeks since we broke the news that we’re expecting a girl, and I thought it would be fun to share what first went through my mind when I found out. I still can’t believe that nowadays they can do a simple blood test as early as 10 weeks to reveal the gender, and a friend of mine told me that they literally just call you up and tell you what it is. Well she wasn’t lying, and when the nurse asked if I was ready to know all I kept thinking was “oh I already know it’s a boy.” Well, not so much. When I heard her say “girl” my first reaction was, “Really??” Then, I had to ask how accurate it was because I knew Grant would want to know, and she reassured me everything is pointing to a girl. So of course I got all teary-eyed as I called my mom to tell her, failing miserably at trying to keep cool swinging my 3 year old at the park. I then got so excited because I’d been devising a plan to surprise Grant with balloons and girly looking desserts when he got home from work. When he walked through the door it was that classic look all those dads on the Youtube videos have when their sneaky wives film their reactions – at first it’s shock, and then just the sweetest look of contentment. I sent a pic to Grant’s family and they all said it looked as if he were blushing 🙂

But after all the excitement settled, my mind then started to race with all kinds of questions. So I enlisted the help of some of my fellow mommy friends with girls, to see what went through their heads when they first learned they were having a daughter. And here’s where we landed:

• What in the world am I going to do with a girl? All I’ve known how to talk about for the past three years has been trucks, monster trucks, firetrucks, garbage trucks – ok, you get the idea. Will I even remember what I liked playing with as a little girl and will she even want to do those same things? The general consensus though among all my fellow mommy friends is “Girls are so much fun to dress!” Well, given that I’ve already bought three outfits, one headband, ten pairs of socks, two bonnets, and a pink hooded towel – I’ll go out on a limb and say they’re right.

• Is she gonna be a girl version of Grant/Garrett? I know it seems like a silly thought, but a friend of mine who had a girl first, remembered thinking if she would be a mini me or look like a female version of her father (as first children tend to look like dad). I have another friend who has two girls and she agreed that her first born looks like hubs (they call her baby James), but that their second seems to look more like her. The suspense is killing me people.

• “Will Garrett miss out on not having a brother?” A friend of mine who had a 17 month old boy when her daughter was born, said she felt a tinge of disappointment. They thought another boy would be so great growing up being so close in age. But then she also felt thrilled to have a girl, to have one of each, and to know she has a big brother that will always be looking out for her. I will say that the big brother/little sister bond that I had growing up is so special too, and I can’t wait to see what an awesome big brother Garrett will be. He’s already going around announcing “I have a baby sister coming!” and loves to hug and kiss my belly (which kills me, in a good way).

• Will I know how to do her hair and all the sweet girly things my mom did with me? My mom was the queen of school-shopping excursions, hour long picture day crimped hair/sponge-roller sessions, girl scout cookie/camping/troop volunteering, and the list goes on and on. I do know that she thought I was gonna be a boy, cause after having my two brothers it’s just what you expect, and she survived. So I have that going for me.

• “Am I going to be just like my mom?” Now I promise I mean this in the nicest way possible, and she gave me so many wonderful examples on how to be a mom. It’s just only natural to wonder how my relationship with my daughter will be any different from how my mom related to me. I do know that I want her to talk to me, since I always struggled with being open with my mom. I guess you really can’t answer this, because every daughter’s personality is different. So we shall see.

• And finally the kicker – “Am I even girl enough to have a girl?” Ok, just hear me out on this because I know you’re all thinking – you are the girliest girl I know. Wrong! Yes, I have girly tendencies, but for the most part I’m more of a guys-girl. I grew up with brothers and was super close to my dad who taught me about cars, how to play sports, and who I borrowed rugby shirts from instead of dresses from my mom’s closet. I even talked to a friend of mine who felt the same way, because she was that girl who had no idea how to do make-up, played golf in college, and just in general wasn’t the girliest of girls. And yet, here she is, a two-time mom of girls. It’s almost like there’s this new generation of moms who are defining the way they raise their daughters to experience both sides of the spectrum, and I’m excited to see what’s to come for mine.

p.s. We had the best time during our little family photo session, and my lovely friend Marlo offered to also snap some maternity shots for me. See how I styled one dress four ways with some simple accessorizing.

 

 

 

Shop the Looks:

Marshalls, Lila Rose Bodycon Dress non-maternity (similar here, here and here)

Marshalls, Me Jane Long Vest (similar here, here and here)

Crossroads Trading Co, Vintage Faux Fur Vest (similar here, here and here)

Saks Fifth Ave, Ale by Alessandra Hat (similar here, here and here)

H&M, Scarf (similar here and here)

Zara, Denim Jacket old/no longer available (similar here and here)

All Saints, Ankle boots old/no longer available (similar here, here and here)

Forever21, Chain Tassel Layered Choker

New Year, New Us!

Now that my superstitious mind has waited long enough, I’m finally ready to announce the big news. I’m pregnant! Yep, the Murray’s will be welcoming another little tyke into our family August 1st (but I’m thinking it’s gonna be a July baby, given that Garrett came early and this one’s measuring a whole week bigger already!). Aaaand, wait for it – it’s aaaaaaa….GIRL!

We have waited what feels like forever (a year to be exact), to be blessed with another baby and the timing of it kinda blew both our minds. We found out the news a couple of days before Thanksgiving – a week before Grant started his new job and right before moving into our new house. I woke up super early and surprised a very groggy, half-asleep husband with two pink lines staring him in the face. We hugged and took a fuzzy selfie with our still asleep toddler, as I whispered to him “you have no idea how much your life is about to change.” Like all moms, I felt a sudden twinge of guilt and sadness for him. I knew he’d be so excited to be a big brother, but I also knew that having to get used to splitting his mommy-time with a baby will just be an adjustment that comes with the territory.

Then came the exciting part – telling family! I of course called my mom first, and she screamed, and cried, and said she knew I was going to have some news for her when she moved back to Houston. Moms seem to always know these things. Since we were spending Thanksgiving dinner at Grant’s sister’s house – I had this whole plan on how I wanted to tell them. We’d be sitting at the table, someone would say to going around and talk about what we’re thankful for, and I would drop the news on them. Er, not exactly. It went more like – I declined a glass of wine, Grant’s sister cornered me in the kitchen asking me if there was a “reason” I wasn’t drinking, and then shrieks ensued as I turned fifty shades of red.

Needless to say it’s been a pretty fun start to our 2017, and if you were paying attention in my 2016 recap, you might have picked up on the clues 😉 Since I’m excited to finally be able to reveal my quickly growing bump – we (and I use “we” very loosely) decided to commemorate our announcement with a family photo sesh. Baby girl is 13 weeks here, and I’m turning 15 weeks on Tuesday. Stay tuned for my next post after my 16-week check-up, and my thoughts on what went through my head when we found out we were having a girl. I promise there will be some cute bump style coming your way too!

{All photos by my sweet friend Marlo at Marlo Carroll Photography}

Shop the Look:

Marshalls, Lila Rose Bodycon Dress non-maternity (similar here, here and here)

Zara, Denim Jacket old/no longer available (similar here and here)

All Saints, Ankle boots old/no longer available (similar here, here and here)

Forever21, Chain Tassel Layered Choker

CH2T Covets: Holiday Edition

I’m excited this year to finally be doing a Holiday Edition of CH2T Covets! Since I know outfits don’t just throw themselves together, I’ve listed some tips below to help guide some of your style and gifting choices for the holiday season upon us.

I’ve also featured my most recent addition to the CH2T accessories family – an uber cool JORD wood watch that I’ve paired with a Thanksgiving, Holiday party, and Christmas look. And you’re in luck my friends because I’ve partnered with JORD to offer y’all a Holiday Giveaway. Every person who enters will be instantly emailed a $25 e-gift code to use on their site! So check it out, and don’t be tardy for the party 😉

 

Thanksgiving Comfy:

1) JORD Wood Watches Fieldrest Series, Dark Sandalwood

I’ve never been one for gaudy or girly accessories, but have always felt like a classic timepiece can truly pull an outfit together. So when I found this JORD watch, I fell in love with the sleek style and dark sandalwood that I knew would be the perfect compliment to the holiday looks I paired it with below. I tend to wear my watches more like a bracelet, and I like how the band is a little larger without being too bulky. It also has a scratch resistant mineral glass face, which gives you the benefits of a sapphire crystal without the pricetag. Plus it’s key when you’re running around with a toddler all day!

2) Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, Long-Sleeve Plaid Shirt (birthday gift, similar here, here and here)

I think it’s fair to say that plaid is like the sartorial anthem for the holidays. So I recommend investing in some lightweight ones that are comfy enough to wear all day cooking/eating/sleeping (which I will be doing all three) on Thanksgiving. I was just gifted this Calvin Klein blouse by my sister-in-law for my birthday, and the best part is it’s super soft cotton and tunic shape that helps hide all that turkey and stuffing 🙂

3) Kenneth Cole, High-Waisted Frayed Denim (bought from outlet, similar here) & Guess, Black Suede Pumps (old, similar here)

I’m so over low-waisted jeans – just say “no” to crack! I started off buying these Kenneth Cole ones for the frayed look, but fell doubly in love when I realized they were a flattering high-waist fit. I prefer a cut that’s more skinny (can’t quite get into the wide-leg frayed look just yet), to show off those killer heels. Heels on Thanksgiving, why not?

Holiday Party in Style:

1) Via Spiga/Nordstrom Rack, Beline Over-the-Knee Boot

It was only a matter of time until I felt the undeniable need to possess a pair of over-the-knee boots. This fall season’s styles are by far my most favorite, with varying shades of gray suede being my absolute fave. When I set my eyes on these Via Spiga boots a mere two weeks before my birthday last month – the hubs snatched them up when I wasn’t looking and I couldn’t be happier with them. How perfect would they be for all those fun holiday parties coming up? Be prepared to stand out – in a good way 🙂

2) Banana Republic Factory at Houston Premium Outlets, Cowl Neck Sweater (similar here and here) & Corduroy Mini Skirt

Even though moving back to Texas pretty much means saying bye-bye to all my chunky sweaters for all but 2 days out of the year – I couldn’t resist this Banana Republic cowl neck long sweater. I’d been mentally planning all my fall outfits around said new OTK boots, and one such look was the chunky sweater + mini skirt combo. I just loved the plum/raisin color of this corduroy mini, and knew it would pair perfectly with neutrals. Done and done.

3) Adrienne Vittadini/Marshalls, Charging Wallet/Wristlet Clutch (birthday gift, similar here and here)

Gone are the days of me cursing my phone for not holding a charge. When I came across this charging wallet at Marshalls, I just thought to myself – genius. Fashionable and functional is the name of the game when you’re a mom, and I love the gray pebble leather which makes it versatile with black or brown. It’s also perfect as a wristlet clutch to compliment that killer holiday look, all the while making sure you don’t miss out on all those Instagrammable moments.

Christmastime is Here:

1) Ralph Lauren/Marshalls, Skinny Leather Pant (clearance, similar here, here, here and here)

So by now you’ve probably heard about the great POD fiasco this summer, where nearly half my wardrobe got stolen. Of course it couldn’t have been all my junky t-shirts and pajamas – noooo it had to be my favorite leather leggings and dressy clothes. Ever since then, I’ve made a mental note of the key wardrobe essentials that needed to be replaced and keep a watchful eye out anytime I’m browsing the shops. And hey, I love H&M as much as the next girl, but the hubs and I agreed it makes the most sense to invest a little bit more on these pieces that I know I’m going to wear time and time again. So as I flippantly tossed each article of clothing aside on the Marshalls clearance rack one day, I did a hard stop when I felt the high-quality leather of a pair of leggings. I about choked when I saw the label. No way was I about to score a pair of Ralph Lauren leather pants at 80% off. Yes way, and you better believe I held onto those like I’d just found the holy grail.

2) Cynthia Rowley/Marshalls, Merino Wool Pointelle Sweater (similar here and here)

You know when you find the perfect pair of pants/skirt, then go to try them on and realize you don’t have the right top on? Tell me I’m not the only one who sifts around the racks to find the just-right-perfect top, or sweater in this case, to give yourself the full dressing room experience. The only problem is, about 99% of the time I end up falling in love with the “interim” top and have to get it. Good thing this one wasn’t too much of a splurge, and how could I deny it in all its drapey gloriousness?

3) All Saints/Bloomingdales, Ankle Boot (no longer available, similar here, here and here)

If there’s one wardrobe staple I recommend to all my clients/friends – it’s the ankle boot. I don’t foresee this one going away for a while and I pray to the fashion gods that it doesn’t. You can wear it with jeans rolled up, sweater dresses, pencil skirts, and my personal favorite – leather leggings 🙂 So getchya a pair!

p.s. A little monkey woke up from his nap at the tail end of our shoot, so I bribed him with a sucker and snagged a few shots for your viewing pleasure 😉

 

 

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches

Wooden Wristwatch

Links à la Mode, November 17th

• April was Here: Thanksgiving Outfit Idea: Floral Dress
• Cammeo Head to Toe: CH2T Covets: Holiday Edition
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: October 2016 Empties
• Cover Mum: Breton Stripes… Bien sûr!
• Distinguished Diva: On Beauty by Zadie Smith
• Fancier’s World: How to Wear a Bodycon Dress Without a Flat Stomach
• Five Foot Nothing Shopping: 16 Ways to Wear Booties
• Have Clothes, Will Travel: All About the Accessories
• In a Nutshell: Lady V London Pink Flamingo Madison Dress in Paradise!
• I’m a Norbyah: Insert Brand Here
• Les Assorties’: Introducing: Matter
• Lil Miss Bianca: How to Start a Conversation Using Fashion
• Lucy Van Dean: Trends and Personal Style
• Mon-Chic Style: Rocking the Punk Style
• One Awesome Momma: 4 Ways to Wear Chambray Shirt
• Pudding Monster: Do Snail Products Really Work?
• Smile is it: Burgundy and Stripes
• Style Splash: Matalan Floral Print Dress
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Mom Jean Confessions: Dear Judgy Mom

Dear Judgy Mom at the park this morning,

I can see my son just offended you, and I’m sorry.

I’m sorry that my son, who just turned three less than a month ago, and who you undoubtedly took one look at and mistakenly took him for a five year old, didn’t live up to your high standards. Because here’s the thing – he does look five. At first glance, if I were you, I too would have scoffed at his behavior – running up and pushing aside your son who had at least four years on him and who he thought was done on the swing set. And I’ve been known to tell a kid (much, much older than Garrett) to let him have his turn, but minus the incredibly rude tone saying that “my son was playing there first.” And as you sat in the only other swing (as an adult), I’m sorry I didn’t thank you profusely for reluctantly getting up to let my son swing – because we all know how put out we feel to give up something to a child.

I’m sorry I didn’t feel like striking up conversation despite your belligerent attitude, because I too was annoyed. I too don’t like seeing my son bully another child (albeit one four years older than him), but instead of walking away and taking the easy road, I stayed and disciplined my child – explaining we use words like “excuse me” and “are you done swinging.” Because again, he’s three and has limited words in his brain – and I guarantee 90% of those involve trucks and cars – which means my job is to keep teaching him how to communicate with others on a daily basis.

I’m sorry that today happens to be daylight savings, and while it’s not an excuse, it’s pretty much an unspoken rule that all parents and kids get a free pass that day – cuz we all know it brings out the crazies.

I’m sorry for being overdressed at the park. Because on any other day you would catch me in the same exact workout top and pants as you with my hair in a pony tail. But today we just so happened to make the most of our morning, dragging ourselves out of the house before 9am on a weekend to enjoy Cars & Coffee. So forgive me for being a little too eager to put on a real outfit (All Saints boots, Madewell skinny jeans, Who What Wear chambray top, and Saks bday hat), because it finally wasn’t 90 degrees and I promised we’d take Garrett to a park on our way home.

And lastly, I’m sorry I laughed out loud when your son informed you while sitting on your lap “I’m gonna poo-poo on you” to which you slapped his hand. I actually thought about trying to bond with you over our son’s apparent obsessions with working “poo” and “poop” into everyday conversation like it’s their job, but I guess I just didn’t feel like small talk.

But then, just as quickly as the “Swing Debacle of 2016” came to be – you were gone with your two boys and I never had the chance to really say I’m sorry. Because I was. Because all snarkiness aside, we are all in this mamahood stuff together and we are all allowed a bad day, free pass, or just a non-judging eye when we need it most. Because what kind of mom would I be if I held a grudge when you clearly were just trying to enjoy a nice swing at the park with your two sons, before my toddler interrupted.

So when the uber-friendly dad with two boys came up after, joking with us about the critical talent for swinging two kids on two different swings at the same time, a funny thing happened. I felt the need to pay it forward, because I know that’s what Judgy Mom would have wanted. I looked over at the mom who had just walked up with her young son of five or six waiting patiently for the oh-so-sought after “car seat” swings as Garrett calls them (you know the big green ones that are actually for special needs kids). I told Garrett it was time to give him a turn, and he didn’t protest a bit. The mom didn’t speak much English but was very grateful, which made me smile and think – the next time someone gets under your skin, vent about it or do whatever you need to do to get over it, and then do the opposite for someone else. I bet you’ll leave there feeling less judged. And we all could use a little less judgement these days.

 

Some snaps I took at Cars & Coffee and our Mommy & Me breakfast date at La Madeleine – pre-park swing debacle 😉

Sunset Hill Tree Farm: All in the Family

I never thought I could love fall, and October in particular, more than I did when I was a kid. But then I had my own kid and it’s like fall has taken on a whole new meaning. Primarily a new found love for pumpkin patches. I mean seriously, who knew plopping a baby down on a field full of pumpkins could be so stinkin’ cute? Now that my son’s a little older, we get to enjoy more things like hayrides, petting zoos, etc. which is what we found after stumbling upon Sunset Hill Tree Farm. We literally just mentioned it in passing when visiting my father-in-law in Alvarado, TX a few weeks back – and turns out, he knows the man who owns the farm. He told us the story about how he helped fetch him and his lawn mower out of the mud last Spring. After a good laugh I imagine, they got to talking about how Duane (the husband) and his family have been running a Christmas tree farm and pumpkin patch for the past several years – and invited my father-in-law to stop by. These are the kinds of good country folk who make us so proud to be back in our home state.

So we piled into the Jeep and headed down the sweetest country road you ever did see. When we got there, we realized it was about 20 min before closing, but they could not have been any more welcoming. It was quite the departure from last year’s pumpkin patch excursion to Tapia Bros Farm, where literally everyone in LA descends on the valley for a glimpse at the “country” life. This year, we literally had the run of the place and it was pretty dang picture perfect. I almost felt embarrassed at how many pictures I kept taking (almost), but when you get the chance to see your son soaking up real life on a farm – it just was too good not to capture. So if you live in the DFW area, it’s only about an hour from Dallas and 45 min from Ft. Worth. There’s one last weekend left to make it there this month, and if you can’t squeeze it in then be sure to make it out to their Olde Tyme Christmas & Hayride the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. See ya’ll there!

 

Mom Jean Confessions: HIMYM

I could have written the typical “2nd Birthday Recap” post, showing off the crazy themed party with professional-like photos. Except, we opted out of that this year for an at home low-key celebration with the hubs and GaGa (my mom) – complete with gifts just from family, and a dang good box cake if I do say so myself. So instead I decided to do some reminiscing, and it may have taken me 2 years – but I finally know how I met your mother. Buried under all that flimsy armor, so proud and tough, hiding her emotions at her own expense. I have only one regret – I wish I’d met her sooner.