Fashion

A day in the canals

I adore LA for its diversity and get excited when we venture into areas we don’t frequent very often. The Venice Canals are one of those beautiful places. It’s such a gorgeous tranquil area nestled in the city. A perfect spot to visit on a day with my babe. Since Carlota has passed her 4 month leap she is a whole new baby. She enjoys going on walks and finally is a happy girl when in her stroller. I love exploring new neighborhoods with her, and watching as she takes in the world around her. I can’t wait until Carlota is old enough for me to show her this blog and the journeys we have taken together.

One of my favorite summer pieces has been this floral kimono from Shop Pink Blush. I love the soft and airy feel it gives any outfit. I usually pair it with a simple white tee and jeans. Adding it to my usual mom uniform makes me feel little more glamorous. It’s such a versatile piece. I’ve used it as a beach coverup, worn it for a day in the park, a night out with the girls etc..

Photography by: Audra Arbas

Floral Kimono: Shop Pink Blush //

Dress: Top Shop (old) (Similar here and here) //

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff //

Clutch: Clare Vivier

Carlota’s Outfit

Onesie: Old Navy //

Romper: Childhoods //

Summer Palette

I can’t believe the summer is almost over. Carlota will be 5 months in less than a week and the Pumpkin Spiced latte will be hitting Starbucks in no time. Eeeekkk….time needs to slow down! As much as I’m excited for the cooler weather and my favorite season for fashion, I’m trying to live up the last few days of summer and bright colors.

Labor Day is quickly approaching and I’m not going to put these white jeans on hold until next Spring. I’m loving that white is no longer only a summer color but its being worn all season long. I’m obsessed with an all white look. Its clean, simple and fresh. The best part is that it goes with EVERYTHING.

This summer was all about pops of color for me. I don’t dress very colorfully but I do love to have bright accessories. I have found that certain colors compliment me better than others and tend to stick with them. For me, pink, blue and red are the colors of choice. By sticking to a few colors you can get accessories that match without having to buy one of everything in all colors of the rainbow. I love how my royal blue accessories pop with this look.

Photography by Audra Arbas

Shirt: Gap //

Jeans: J Brand //

Sunglasses: Ray-ban //

Clutch: Clare V (on sale here) //

Espadrilles: Aquazzura //

Shabby Apple

Being a new mom, I rarely get to dress up. Lately wearing anything other than leggings is a good day. Having occasional days where I can feel feminine and sexy are important. I’m trying to find the balance of taking care of baby girl but also of myself and the hubs. This is one of my favorite looks of the year because it was an opportunity for me to go glam.

Like every other 20 or 30 something year old I’ve always been a huge fan of Sex in the City. I admired Carrie Bradshaw and her sense of style. I always craved to be as adventurous as her in regards to her fashion choices. (And who wouldn’t want her shoe collection!) As soon as I came across Shabby Apple and their tulle skirts I knew this was my chance to have my Carrie Bradshaw moment.

I love the femininity of the midi length and the delicate nature of the tulle layers. If I could wear it daily…I would. Initially I was going to pair the skirt with a lace or crop top, and keep the look very elegant. The more I thought about it I realized I needed to put my twist on the skirt. I decided to pair it with an edgier top to give the look some contrast. As a new mom, I’m all about wearing a simple tee. Adding pumps and my Classic flap bag kept a sofistication to the look, and it was perfect for a night on the town.

Skirt: Shabby Apple //

Shirt: Forever 21 (Similar here, and here) //

Shoes: Jimmy Choo (Similar here, here) //

Palms and stripes

I always love a striped shirt. Seems like I can’t get enough. I’m such a fan of this tank from Shop Pink blush. I’m obsessed with longer shirts lately. It must be my new mommy style or something that stuck with me from my maternity days. This tank has it all. It can be worn as a maternity shirt, nursing shirt, or as just a tank. I love the lightweight material, the color and striped pattern. The best part is that it’s currently on sale at Shop Pink Blush.

I kept todays look simple as usual and paired the tank with skinny jeans and a white clutch. Lately I’ve been living in flats. I don’t dare try to mess around with heels when I’m out with my babe. She still needs to be in my arms so much, that I know it could be a potential disaster in heels.

Tank: Shop Pink Blush //

Sunglasses: Ray Bans //

Clutch: Clare V //

Shop Pink Blush

Lately I have been all about finding new online boutiques. Maybe it’s because I don’t have as much time to go shopping now with the little one, or because I love finding chic items that are not readily available at every corner. Whatever the reason, it has been my current obsession. Instagram and Pintrest are great places to find these boutiques.

My eyes were opened during my pregnancy. It was difficult to find maternity clothes in stores, and online shopping became my go to. I came across Pinkblush Maternity/ Shop Pinkblush and was so excited. Its an online company that has regular clothing, maternity clothing, and nursing friendly items.

I love this dress because it can be used for all the above. Its loose enough to fit a growing belly, easy to use while nursing and does not look like a maternity dress. This dress is perfect for a day out shopping with the girls or a beach day with the family. I think it will be on repeat a lot this summer.

Dress: PinkBlush Maternity (Similar here, and here)

Tuxedo Royal

Its been 3 months since the birth of my little angel and I’m excited that I’m slowly starting to fit into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes. My favorite go-to look has always been a button down shirt and jeans. I’m obsessed with this style top. I love that you can just throw them on and still look put together. Since I did not fit in any of them during my third trimester, I’m happy to have them back in full wardrobe rotation!

The tuxedo panel gives this classic shirt a little twist. With the summer weather already here, I decided to pair it with white jeans and my favorite sandals. Lately, white has been my favorite color, and white denim is a definite must have for the summer season.

I used to be quite self-conscious in light jeans. I am currently still above my pre-pregnancy weight and I’m wearing white pants constantly. The trick is to get the pants in the most flattering cut for your figure and to make sure they aren’t too tight. I think the rips in the knees take the focus and remove the unwanted attention to my thighs.

Shirt: J Crew old (Similar here)

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity (Non-Maternity here, and here)

Sandals: Celine

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Lalabu baby soothe shirt – Giveaway!!

From the very beginning Carlota has constantly wanted to be in our arms. This definitely melts my heart and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but it also makes it very challenging to get anything done. Whether it’s at home or on walks, she doesn’t last very long in her rocker or stroller. When I discovered the soothe shirt I knew this was a must for Carlota and I.

The Lalabu soothe shirt is a nursing tank top with a kangaroo pouch to hold your baby close to your heart. How genius is this!! I can walk around keeping Carlota close to me and have my hands free to run errands, eat, do chores etc.. It is so simple, a part of your outfit without having to mess around with wraps and slings. You can also nurse your baby while they are in the pouch. This is the perfect gift for any expecting mama.

The soothe shirt was inspired by Lalabu, a mother in Africa, and 2% of all proceeds are donated to moms in Africa. I love supporting growing companies especially when they are from mommy entrepreneurs. I have teamed up with Keri, the founder of Lalabu baby, to give one of my readers a lalabu soothe shirt of their own.

To enter into this giveaway all you need to do is :

1) Comment below and let me know how old your little one is or when you are due.

2) For an additional entry you can follow my blog by email or on bloglovin etc.. let me know in your comment that you have done that

3) For a 3rd entry follow me @withloveandrea and @lalabubaby on Instagram and follow the instructions posted there.

Your chance to enter starts today June 29th and will close Friday July 3rd at midnight PST.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

**The winner was randomly selected and is @kyrsteen_web from an instagram entry**

Summer white

My closet has always consisted of a lot of black and neutrals. Lately I have been veering towards white. I love wearing this light and breezy color in the summer. Something about an all white look makes you feel put together and polished without having the harshness of all black.

This shirt dress has been a staple in my wardrobe for years. It never goes out of style. I love investing in simple classic pieces that can be used for years. These kind of pieces are great wardrobe must haves because you can constantly change your look by pairing them with different accessories and shoes. The best part is that I have worn this dress pre-pregnancy, during and now postpartum. It works perfectly with my weight gain and loss.

I chose to keep this look neutral for a day in Palm Springs with my gladiators and fedora. Gladiators are this summers IT sandals and you can find them everywhere and in every color. I love these Rebecca Minkoff’s. They are similar to the Valentino Rockstuds but with a more reasonable price tag.

Dress: Old (Similar here and here)

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff

Hat: Revolve (Similar here)

Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Glasses:

Spring Florals

Lately I have been all about spring and summer dresses. I rarely wore dresses before pregnancy, but I’ve rediscovered my love for them. I’m still struggling to loose my pregnancy weight and I’m refusing to buy new jeans or shorts at this moment. Dresses on the other hand are my go-to. I feel confident while wearing them, and I’m assuming they will still fit once I shed more of the weight. This post-pregnancy weight loss is tough. Since the first month my weight has been stagnant, but I’m hoping to see some changes in the next upcoming months.

This dress was an old purchase. I love that it’s loose and flowy in all the right places. It’s a simple beach style piece but paired with the right accessories you can change the look completely. I added a fedora and wedges to give this look an edgy vibe. When I wear a bold piece such as a hat, I keep the rest of my accessories simple. I like to keep it simple.

Dress: Brandy Melville old (Love this and this)

Cardigan: Michael Kors old //

Sandals: Celine //

Hat: Lack of Colors //

First week back to work

During my younger years, when summer vacation was over and it was time to go back to school I always had mixed emotions. I was partly excited to see my friends and classmates and to see what the new year would bring, but I was also sad that my carefree summer days were over. Going back to work this week brought back similar feelings.

I must say I love what I do, and feel such a satisfaction helping people through dentistry. I’ve invested many years (9 to be exact) in schooling and specialty training in my field, but it has been a passion of mine for longer than that. A part of me was itching to go back and get into my groove. I feel alive when I’m working on a big case and giving someone a smile they have always dreamed of. The other part of me….the new part of me, is a wreck leaving my little bean.

I’ve never understood the love a mother has for her child until Carlota was born. I’ve always known my parents love me and would do anything for me, but I just never realized how deep that love truly is. I could sit for hours just staring at her and feel completely fulfilled (for someone who can never sit still, this is CRAZY talk!!) Thankfully for my sanity I am going back part-time for the time being. Three days a week. Carlota has started Daycare and is such a champ. Her teachers say she is adjusting perfectly. She is taking the bottle, sleeping in her crib, and making friends. I know she is in great hands but thinking of her spending such long hours without me makes me so heartbroken. Today we have the day together and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to soak up every second. I guess the time apart has really made me realize to stop and cherish all the precious moments we have together. I’m sure this transition will get easier….at least I hope so.

What have been your experiences with going back to work or not post baby??