Grown-up birthday

"I don't want anything for my birthday." We say and hear this phrase and I think the (ahem) older we get, the more we mean it.  How very extra special it is then, when least expected, a message from a high school friend, fresh flowers, new earrings, a beautiful card.  I was truly touched on my birthday, and the very next day, as if Karma wanted to add a cherry on top ... a long awaited fridge arrived.  Loooong awaited.  These are the clothes you can work in, play on the floor with kids, clean, cry happy tears in.  The good stuff.

XO

To get a similar look:

Jeans // Sweater // Blazer // Blouse // Belt // Flats // Necklace // Earrings

Wine & Dine

Let's talk about the most awkward part of having a blog, blog photos!  Lauren, Kelly, Jenn and I have had numerous conversations about it. We are not models.  We do not think we are models. But pictures spice up the blog, so there we are.  My husband and I have fun with it, and we are usually laughing throughout the process.  I prefer photos with puppies, friends, or my husband in them, but it doesn't always work out that way.  So with that being said, here are the winners from this weekend.

This excited about taking pictures

Saturday was a perfectly PNW day - slightly overcast with light rain. My husband and I went to a local vineyard and then grabbed dinner, so I needed an outfit that could work for both.  I opted for a long tuxedo blazer and heels and then dressed it down with a casual white t-shirt.  Since I am always cold I never leave home without extra layers, and I brought an ombre overcoat to keep me warm while we sat outside wine tasting.  Cheers to not taking yourself too seriously!

Happy to have puppies + husband join in on this one

OUTFIT DETAILS:  LONG TUXEDO BLAZER // WHITE SCOOP NECK TSHIRT // BLACK & WHITE HEELS (SIMILAR HERE AND HERE) // OMBRE JACKET // SILVER PENDANT NECKLACE

"Repeat Mondays"

Last year on vacation, my husband and I watched a marathon session of those home renovation shows and thought - we could do that!  We should do that!  A year later, I can report that I lost my patience, the budget, my sanity, and we aren't even done yet.  Close though, and get out what you put in, applicable to every aspect of life.  It would be easy to park myself at home and study the wood floor stain.  Does it need more orange?  Brown?  But, time waits for no man and women have long known - ain't nobody got time for that.  Giving a thumbs up on the new stain matching the original old floors, it was time to dart to an industry chapter meeting downtown.  It was a "repeat Monday," aka crazy, and I wanted my daughters to know that in the midst of this whirlwind I have not and never will forget that they are my center.  Since they are young, I try to personify that mantra.  I love wearing bead necklaces my daughters have strung together, and I select patterns and motifs that personify not only the latest trend I am eyeing on a fashion blog, but also what is trending in the lives of the ones I love.  We are currently fascinated with birds, so I found a lovely pair of gold feather earrings, and a fun pattern dress with white birds swirling.  When I look at it I think, "I know the feeling!"  It can alternately feel like flying and diving and picking yourself up again.  Fashion that inspires certainly gives a boost to any Repeat Monday. 

xo

SHOP THE LOOK: Earrings // Dress// Heels// Special Necklace

Resolutions

DETAILS:  BALENCIAGA WHITE BLOUSE (SIMILAR HERE AND HERE) // SAINT LAURENT LEATHER PANTS (SIMILAR HERE) // GIANVITO ROSSI BOOTIES (SIMILAR HERE) // MAIYET EARRINGS // ANYA HINDMARCH CLUTCH

 I hate the first week of January; in fact, I think it’s the absolute worst week of the entire year.  Not only are the holidays over and I'm left with frigid weather, but I have to “celebrate” both New Years and my birthday that week – both of which compel uncomfortable introspection as I look back on the resolutions I failed to accomplish during the prior year.  Unfortunately, as I get older, it gets worse (I’m not usually this dark, I promise!).  I decided this year, however, that I refuse to be disappointed in myself in 2016, so I’m only creating resolutions that are both easy to accomplish and enjoyable.  I clearly have no qualms simply lowering the bar for myself.   Some of these resolutions might take me slightly out of my comfort zone, but none will be the painful type I have typically promised myself in the past (run 25 miles per week, eat less dessert, learn French, etc).  Here are 2 of my resolutions for 2016:

        (1)    Host more social events at my home.  I really enjoy intimate socializing and that can be difficult at overcrowded NYC restaurants/bars.  My husband and I always talk about having friends over more often, but then I get overwhelmed worrying about who to invite, what to feed them, what music to play, etc.  I realize that this is my own insecurity and that my friends don’t actually care about what types of flowers I have selected or whether we’re eating on fine china or paper plates.  I’m going to start hosting more informal events, such as casual dinners or game nights.  I’m already working towards achieving this goal – my husband and I hosted a few close friends on NYE at the shore (pictures below), and my next event will be the puppy shower I’m throwing in February to introduce all of our friends to our new Bernese Mountain dog, arriving Jan 30th!

         (2)    Wear more color! I’m most comfortable wearing clothes that don’t call a lot attention to me, so I tend to select neutral color palettes – white, black, beige, camel, brown, navy, ivory, etc.  I absolutely love a monochromatic look with neutral colors – it’s like chic camo to me and I’m convinced I can blend into a wall if I like.  With that said, I really admire women who amp up their outfits with colorful accessories. Whether it’s floral scarves or colorful shoes, these women look so put together and SO CONFIDENT! Unfortunately, my NYE outfit below does not meet my new fashion goal – white shirt, black pants, black shoes – but I’ll aim to do better!