mom fashion

A New York Minute

Tomorrow we are off to New York City!! I love the East Coast in the Fall and NYC is one of my favorite cities to visit. I love walking around all day taking in all the hustle and bustle. This will be our first time flying with Carlota and I’m excited and nervous at the same time. We’ll be traveling to Spain for the holidays so this will be good practice for that lengthy flight. Do any of you mamas have any tips or tricks for traveling with a 7 month old? I’m worried about how many things we will need to pack and travel with. Days of only a carry-on are long gone.

The warmer LA weather called for white jeans and a stripped tank this past weekend. I’m looking forward to sweater and layering weather since it’s been 80 degrees in LA these past few weeks. I’ll finally be able to pull out some of my fall looks.

This New York trip will be very different from my previous visits there, but I’m sure it will be very special. If you have any recommendations please share!!

Tank: LF (Similar here, here and here) //

Jeans: J Brand (Similar here and here) //

Sports Bra: Lululemon (Similar here)//

Sun Glasses: Oliver Peoples //

Espadrilles: Chanel (Similar here, here and here) //

Our first visit to the Pumpkin Patch

Holiday season is officially commencing…..first up, Halloween!! We were so excited to take Carlota to her first pumpkin patch. We went to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch and if you’re in the LA area I recommend you go. Although she isn’t old enough to run around, get her face painted or play on the inflatable bouncy houses; she was pretty happy sitting by the pumpkins and eating hay. It’s the little things!!! Sharing these memories with her are priceless, and I know they are just going to get better as the years progress. Watching her experience things for the first time are some of the best joys of motherhood. She was wide eyed the entire time and soaking it all in. I hope this will be one family tradition we continue throughout the years.

We found Carlota’s jumper from the Gap (on sale) and knew this was the perfect outfit for the patch. I love finding cute seasonal outfits for the babe. Since she won’t get to wear them very much, I always wait until they are on sale…..because once it’s a few days away from the holiday they always go on sale.

We just had a cute Halloween shoot with Carlota and Pinxo and I can’t wait to share that with you later this week. I love getting in the spirit with her.

On Carlota:

Jumper: Gap (other seasonal here, here and here) //

On Me:

Tank: Banana Republic on sale (Similar here on sale) Use code BRSALE to receive an extra 50%off //

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (Similar here) //

Hat: Anthropologie (I also love this and this) //

Boots: Anine Bing //

24 hours are just not enough

I’m starting this blog post on my sofa at 7 am, pumping and getting ready for my workday. It seems this may be the best or only time this week to work on a post. My days are slowly melting into weeks and before I know it, it’s a new month. Evenings of relaxing, watching TV, and catching up on blog posts are a thing of the past. Carlota has started a phase where all she wants is to be in mommy’s arms. Sitting beside me playing is not enough. As much as I long for some more “me time” , I’m going to cherish these precious moments. Before you know it, miss independent will want nothing to do with me and I will reminisce on these days.

This post is all about my favorite neutrals white and pink. I can’t get enough. With October being Breast Cancer awareness month, I can’t think of a more appropriate color. I have an obsession with white jeans lately and these J brands are my favorite. They are stretchy and soft and fit in all the right places. I love the knee rips and ankle cut off. Showing a little ankle can help add a little length to your legs. Just add a pair of rocking heels and you are set.

These rockstuds have been all the rage on Instagram the past couple of years and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. With their gunmetal pyramid stud detailing they make a statement with any simple look. For 4 1/4 inch heels, they are surprisingly comfortable. They have quickly become my favorite heel.

Two pumping sessions later, I think I have finally finished my first blog post in October. When did 24 hours a day become not enough?

Jeans: J Brand (Also here, in pink here) //

Shirt: Gap (On Sale here, here) //

Jacket: BB Dakota (Similar here and here) //

Heels: Valentino (More affordable option here)

Boho chic

California is all about that Boho vibe. The weather, the palm trees, the surfers and their laid back attitude. Then there’s Coachella. That time of year in Indio, California where the epitome of California fashion has its own catwalk on the polo fields. The festival is equal parts music and fashion. Most likely the inspiration for this style is a combination of all of the above.

Even the queen of blogging herself, Italian beauty Chiara Ferragni has adopted this style since moving to LA. The Italian fashion blogger from The Blonde Salad has changed her high fashion ways for crop tops and vintage high-waisted denim shorts. Of course when she attends Paris and Milan fashion weeks she is all decked out in European high fashion but her everyday style is definitely that 70’s California vibe.

Moving to LA from the East Coast I had a lot to learn. My style is definitely not bohemian but I am starting to embrace the California way. This dress was a perfect mix for me. Being a new mom crop tops, short shorts, and fringe skirts just don’t seem as appropriate for me these days. Rather than being discouraged, I look for items that incorporate the trends but suit my personal style as well.

Time to enjoy that beautiful California sunshine!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Dress: Free People (Similar here) //

Hat: Revolve Clothing (Similar here and here) //

Stroller: Bugaboo (Canopy) //

Off the shoulder

The off the shoulder trend has been all the rage this summer. There is just something so feminine about showing your decollete and shoulders. When I saw this denim ruffle off the shoulder dress I knew this was how I wanted to rock this trend. With my changing postpartum body this dress finds the right areas to emphasize. I am slowly learning to be more comfortable and confident in my new skin. Choosing the right style, cut and fit for your figure is so important. Most women have areas of their body they are more confident with and finding clothing that flaunts those areas are keys to successful dressing.

I added my favorite pop of blue with my accessories. This clutch and these espadrilles have been on major repeat this summer. I find that warmer weather calls for color and LA has been a scorcher this year.

I just realized, in 2 days With Love Andrea will be a year old. I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. This blog has been such a fun outlet for me and I can’t thank you enough for your support.

Dress: Express old (Similar here and here)

Clutch: Clare V (on SALE here)

Espadrilles: Aquazzura

Sunglasses: Ray-ban on Sale here

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) //

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**