mom fashion

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.
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Dress:  Old  (Similar here and here)

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff

Hat: Revolve  (Similar here)

Sunglasses:  Ray-ban

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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. 
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Dress:  Brandy Melville old (Love this and this)

Cardigan:  Michael Kors old  //

Sandals:  Celine  //

Hat: Lack of Colors //

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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??

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Dress:  BUMPstyle box Tees by Tina //

Jacket: BB Dakota (Similar here and here)

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff

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Studs and stripes

The weather here in LA has been all over the place.  A couple weeks ago it was scorching hot, while this past week its been cooler.  Since I still can’t fit into my pre-pregnancy shorts, I’m happy to have the milder weather and continue with my maternity jeans!!  These are definitely a must in pregnancy investments for sure!!  I started wearing them as soon as I hit my second trimester and I’m continuing into the 4th trimester.  I may even have to pull them out during the holidays such as Thanksgiving….stretchy pants to the max.

I am refusing to purchase new clothes until I have reached a weight/size that I am comfortable with.  I’m hoping to go back to my pre-pregnancy size so that I don’t have to get an entirely new wardrobe.  I will be working with what I’ve got in my closet until then.

Today’s look is simple with black, stripes and ripped jeans.  I’ve been obsessed with stripes lately. I wear them a couple times a week for sure.  It’s a great pattern to layer, and adds a little volume to any look.  Another way I spruce up my outfit is by adding accessories.  Today I chose these boots as the finishing touch.  The gold stud detail definitely makes them stand out.  When one piece has a lot of detail, I like to keep the rest of the look neutral.  Sometimes when you have too many stand out pieces in one outfit you can look a little clownish.  Less is sometimes more!!

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Sweater:  Banana Republic old (Similar here and here)

Shirt:  Banana Republic old (Similar here and here)

Jeans:  Genetic Denim (Non-maternity here)

Purse: Chanel

Boots:  Chloe  (Similar here)

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The challenges of postpartum dressing

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The struggle is real….dressing post baby is almost as hard as dressing the bump.  I think I lived in my fantasy world when I assumed I would be able to jump right back into my wardrobe a few weeks postpartum.  You look at magazines and the internet and you see all the celebs and models doing it, so isn’t that the norm??  Boy was I wrong.  I’m at 5 weeks postpartum and I’m still not even close to fitting  into my jeans.  Breastfeeding does not magically shed the pounds like everyone makes you believe.  This will definitely take a few more months.  In the meantime I’m thankful for those comfy maternity jeans that are still a wardrobe staple.

Another challenge to dressing is breastfeeding.  Little miss sunshine loves to eat.  Hence all my pregnancy weight gain!!! hehe  Depending on the day or even time of day this little munchkin can eat every hour.  When I get a 2-3 hour break I’m lucky.  So when I get the chance to be out and about I need to wear something that will allow me to feed her.  This means dresses (other than button downs), tight shirts, and multiple layers are out of the question.  The easier the access, the better.  This was something that never occurred to me prior to baby girls’ arrival.  Nursing bras and tanks are my best friends and are definite necessities.

The final challenge is finding the time to shower, select that perfect outfit with accessories, and put on makeup.  Days that I’m home alone with baby girl I’m lucky if I even get to shower before the hubby returns from work.  This baby girl loves to be in my arms and I’m soaking up every second of it.

This denim dress was purchased at the early stages of my pregnancy.  It’s that perfect piece that you can easily throw on and still look chic.  I paired it with my beloved Anine Bing ankle boots.

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Dress:  Gap old  (Similar herehere and here)

Boots:  Anine Bing

Glasses:  Karen Walker

Bag:  Celine

Stroller Cover:  Covered Goods

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