This is a bathing suit post in October.

This is a bathing suit post in October.

Temps dropped in Pittsburgh this past weekend, so I’m going to talk to you about bathing suits.

Doesn’t seem right, does it? But it IS.

J. Crew has become my go-to for mom-friendly bathing suits to wear while chasing my kid at the pool or beach. I tend to keep my eye on their options for when they go on sale and this week the suits have hit some of the lowest prices that I’ve ever seen!

Here are some of my favs! And seriously - most of them are under $20!!! Shop now for next year and save!

         

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Paint The Town Red (& Pink)!

Back in 2011, Emma Stone wore a little red and pink Giambattista Valli number and it totally made me rethink the color combo. It's a bit bold, but something I've been spotting in clothing and accessories lately.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, below are some of my favorite red & pink options. Can we please talk about that Tuckernuck dress!? And I know, I know, the Jill Stuart dress has been around for awhile, but now it's on sale at TJ Maxx! Who knew you could now shop their site online!?

         

Clip art purchased from Etsy
     

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Good Jeans.

If you saw me on a regular basis, you may assume that I was allergic to jeans. In fact, a former co-worker once saw me in the office and shrieked because she was in shock that I had on denim.

No. The fabric does not cause me to break out in a rash. However, I’ve just never been able to find jeans that fit me properly. I also don’t find jeans to be “comfortable.” Give me a dress and some black tights and I’m a cozy as a swaddled newborn.

Until now.

I once overheard some women in the fitting room at Anthropologie raving about Madewell jeans. In fact, one of the sales associates even chimed in saying that Madewell jeans were amazing.

So a few months ago I tried on a pair of Madewell high rise jeans and I was SOLD. So sold that I went back and bought a second pair almost immediately. The jeans are also sold here and here at Nordstrom!

These somewhat mom jeans are honestly perfect for mom-ing. They are high-rise, so I’m not concerned about my butt crack showing.

They are the perfect stretch and almost suck you in just right.

They are also the right length - another problem for me. Jeans are always too long and yes, I have tried short and even had jeans hemmed. Still wasn’t in love.

Now full disclosure: the darker wash is actually my second pair. One day when I was at home (thank god), I pulled up the zipper and it came off the hinges at the bottom. Madewell exchanged the jeans - no problem!

If you are in the market for some new denim, I highly recommend giving Madewell a try!

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Gimmie, Gimmie More Mac & Mia!

Life with a toddler in our house means some pre-bed snuggle sessishs. Toddler unwinds with some Seasme Street, while I unwind browsing Instagram, Anthro, Nordstrom and Amazon. I always bookmark and save so many cute kids' clothing brands and stores, but never have time to go back, browse and buy.

Enter Mac & Mia. 

When I heard Molly became a stylist for this kids brand, I knew the clothes had to be good. Not only does Molly have impeccable style, but her tots are always totally dressed on trend. 

While I waited in the car for long delay in a takeout order from our favorite Thai restaurant (Nicky's Kitchen), I signed up for Mac & Mia via my phone. My registration was done before our crab wantons were ready! 

My Mac & Mia box arrived in a timely manor. Let's talk about the box for a second. It's so cute! I'm big on packaging and love the dotted cardboard lol. I saved the box to store my tots' art supplies. 

When I opened the packaging I GASPED at the pineapple romper. That was a keeper (see below). 

All of the items would have stayed with us, but one item was similar to something I had just purchased (Molly knew my taste so well) and the pair of white denim Seven jorts (who knew Seven made kids jeans!?) had to go back as they wouldn't have made it one meal with my kid. Inside the box there is a simple pre-labeled bag to ship items back inside. SO EASY! 

The hubs is super map obsessed, so probably will wish I would have kept this dress once he stumbles upon this post! 

There are so many things that I loved about Mac & Mia, but one of the biggest is that there were options - dresses, separates and accessories. The shipment even included paper dolls and stickers for Lennon! As the kids say, "so extra." 

In addition to the pineapple romper, we kept the coral cross back tank...because...I mean....that COULD NOT GO BACK! 

Here's a shot of Lennon in her pineapple romper. It's a little big, but that was the plan. We want this thing to last ALL SUMMER LONG! 

Here is a link to get $20 off your first box if you'd like to try Mac & Mia! It's highly likely that I'll order another box in the late summer for some fall goodies! 

Thanks, Molly! 

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Saturday Shopping: Swan Lake

While flamingos have been having a moment, a bird of another feather is swooping in - the swan.

1. Land of Nod Plush Swan
2. ChicWish Adult Swan Skirt
3. Baby Blanket (black) & Baby Blanket (sunset)
4. ModCloth Swan’s Riding Bicycles skirt (Yep. This is real life).
5. Swan Dress
6. Inflatable Swan

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Saturday Shopping: You Can’t Be a Superhero Without a Cape

I remember it like it was yesterday. Back in 2003 my family spent Christmas in Arizona.I packed for the trip like I would be lounging by the pool when in reality it was in the 70’s. Without a jacket or sweater, my sister and I went to the mall to find something to keep us warm and on that trip I purchased my first cape.

As with everything in fashion, capes are coming back in style. I LOVE the Boden one below (of course because it’s pricey), but here are some options if you are thinking of rocking that cape coat this fall.

1. Boden
2. J. Crew
3. Alice + Olivia
4. Wayf
5. Zara
6. Red Valentino

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Book It: What I'm Reading

Given I’ve been “nesting” much more this year, I’ve had some more time to read. Oh and one of my new year goals was to get a library card and I did just that! If you are looking for a good summer book, may I suggest...or not suggest:

Girl On The Train: LOVED this book. I read it in four hours and some change while on a business trip. It reminds me a bit of Gone Girl - a little crazy, a little mystery, a little missing person. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Big Little Lies: Another summer buzz book. I liked this. I didn’t love it or hate it. Just liked. The beginning of the book tells you that someone dies, but you don’t know who or how. The rest of the book follows kindergarten parents and their kids through the school year. I liked the twists and turns - I just thought it was a bit too long.

Okay, true confession. I read both of the books above because Reese Witherspoon posted them on her Instagram. I trust Reese’s recommendations because she’s the one that bought the movie rights to Gone Girl and is also working to bring Girl On A Train to the big screen. I hear Big Little Lies is going to be an HBO mini-series with Nicole Kidman. If you like to read books before they are made into movies - follow Reese!  

Eleanor & Park and Landline: The internets love author Rainbow Rowell, so I decided to read some of her work. All of her books are different with different characters - not a series. Eleanor & Park is more of a teen read, while I’d say Landline is more adult and both are quick reads. Eleanor & Park follows two high school kids. High school is awkward for everyone, but it’s especially awkward for Eleanor & Park and their relationship. Landline follows the relationship of a couple with a marriage in trouble. Both books make you want to keep reading to find out how the story ends. Both in a good and bad way (i.e. let’s get this over with).

Eat, Play, Sleep: Okay, this one is a parenting book. I REALLY liked this book. I recommend reading it before your baby arrives and then again after. I checked it out of the library twice and then just ended up buying it. While most of the baby tips are common sense, there were good reminders to help you handle the first few weeks of your baby’s life at home.

99 Problems: I just had to check this out of the library. Someone really wrote a book of 99 potential problems for Jay-Z. Genius.

Here are the books on my “To Read” list:

Luckiest Girl Alive

The Knockoff

Permission to Parent

Go Set A Watchman

A Hot Glue Gun Mess

Leave Your Mark

Oh and some books that I need to finish:

The Casual Vacancy

Not That Kind of Girl

Lean In

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Saturday Shopping: Blooming Beauties

Right now I have a thing for floral s.

I’m not afraid to add bold patterns or colors to my wardrobe, but I’ve somewhat been one to avoid lace and florals. Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones or something, but recently I’ve been flocking to floral print dresses. Since I’m not purchasing any threads for myself until post-pregnancy (with the exception of those super good summer sales), here are some floral pieces that I’m loving. Note that some on the first set could totally be purchased now and paired with some booties for that transition into fall.

1. BB Dakota 
2. Asos Vero Dress
3. Club Monaco
4. Free People
5. Donna Morgan
6. Draper James
7. Nicholas
8. Cynthia Steffe

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Why I’m Boycotting Alex & Ani

Let me start this post off by saying that THIS IS MY FAULT.

I attempted to place an online order for an Alex & Ani bracelet for a gift. Unfortunately my address book wasn’t updated and the item shipped to the wrong address. The package was signed for someone at the incorrect address. We had someone (the intended recipient) stop by the residence and slip them a note to see if they perhaps had the package. I then worked with Alex & Ani customer service to schedule three attempts by UPS to pick up the package. No response from the residents.

So I reached back out to Alex & Ani customer service to see if I had any other options. The representative let me know that I do not have any other options outside of filing a police report.

Let me tell you a little about my relationship with Alex & Ani prior to this incident.

I’ve spent approximately $180 in the last six months with this company. Probably about $200-$220 in the last year (they can figure this out because my email address is associated with all of the purchases). They just opened a retail location less than 1 mile from my house - the perfect place to pick up last minute gifts.

I wrote a glowing blog post on the company - encouraging others to buy the bracelets. Read that post now. It’s gonna be deleted!

I’ve encouraged family and friends via word of mouth to purchase the bracelets as gifts.

Another confession - I don’t wear the bracelets. Basically because I already have two charm bracelets and can’t wear them to work because they hit my keyboard/desk.

So this brings me to why I’m boycotting Alex & Ani.

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani due to my final correspondence with customer service. There is nothing they can do for me. NOTHING? You can’t offer me free shipping to purchase the item again and ship it to the correct address? Right. I know. It was my fault. But can you help me out? After all, this was A GIFT! A gift purchased by someone that has purchased five of your bracelets in the last five months as GIFTS! I know. I ‘m not your biggest customer, but I was gradually climbing that list.

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani because I believe even the smallest bit of help from them would have gone a long way (i.e. free shipping on my repurchase). For example, the hubs and I were dealing with someone stealing packages on our street last winter. I realized this when I ordered shampoo from Aveda and it was missing. I contacted the post office and Aveda about the package missing and they acknowledged that it was likely stolen. While the post office suggested that I file a police report, Aveda went the extra step of replacing my package at NO CHARGE to me. This time, I shipped it to my office to ensure that it would get delivered. This is the ONLY time that I didn’t receive something that I ordered online - just so you know I’m not some scammer.  

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani because of the others that have had issues with their customer service. This lady’s daughter’s bracelet broke and they would fix it without a receipt. I’m also boycotting Alex & Ani for the 134 people that complained to the Better Business Bureau about the company.

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani because I work in the social media field. I DEAL WITH CUSTOMERS on social media sites on behalf of some major companies. Customers that are often angry. For one client, when customers complain about their $5 food purchase, we send them to customer service...that typically results in customer service sending the consumer a coupon for free product. Without giving away too much info, my client’s product melts. So at least 80% of the time I really believe that the customer is at fault as to why the product looks crappy at home - they probably stopped at a few other places before they got home and it frankly melted. Because I deal with complaints on social media, I didn’t write my problem on Alex & Ani's company Facebook page. I emailed them privately.

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani because it’s a $30 bracelet. What is $30 to a company that invested in a 2014 in a Super Bowl ad, which cost $3 million to purchase air time and produce. A company that reportedly made more than $230 million in the last 10 years.   

I’m boycotting Alex & Ani because their marketing campaign and that Super Bowl commercial is about “Main Street America.” They are trying to prove that they are a company that isn’t “just selling jewelry.” Am I your exception? You didn’t explicitly tell me that my only solution was to “buy another bracelet” but it’s basically what you implied. Unless the Miami police department helps me track down the person that signed for the package. I’m not sure a $30 bracelet delivered to the wrong address is at the top of their priority list.

I've debated publishing this for at least two weeks because this typically isn't something I would share on here, but I decided what the heck - I'm gonna hit that publish button. I think an email from Kate Spade letting me know that I "left something in my cart" and "here's an extra 15% off that item to purchase it" pushed me over the edge. If they can offer me 15% on something full-price that I left in my cart, Alex & Ani could have at least offered to wave the shipping on my $28 bracelet, right?

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Saturday Shopping: Diaper Bags

Remember when I went on that massive search for a work bag last year? Well, finding a diaper bag was waaaayyy easier. As a birthday gift from my parents, aka enthusiastic grandparents-to-be, I purchased a version of the Kate Spade Stevie (thank god for extra 25% of sales!)

I’m a big fan of the Kate Spade nylon bags - having used the baby messenger bag for several years at my first big girl job in Chicago (don’t judge - it was in style at the time). They clean easy, last forever and have lots of good pockets.

Here are some other awesome options that I considered! Oh and yes, I totally have a thing for black and white when it comes to baby decor and accessories. More on that later.

1. Tory Burch
2. Armani Junior
3. Kate Spade
4. Honest Company
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Saturday Shopping: Unicorns

Something that resurfaced a few years back was my confession to my husband that I had a porcelain unicorn collection growing up. We’ve been a couple for about 12 years now and my magical creature collection somehow was kept a secret.

Well, just as my secret has been discovered, I’m happy to see that unicorns have made a comeback in fashion and décor. Here’s a round-up of magical unicorn finds!

1. Sophia Webster Shoes
2. Oh Baby Shirt
3. Asos Slippers
4. White Faux Taxidermy via Etsy
5. Sign via Nordstrom
6. Modcloth Dress
7. Dogeared Necklace

While we are on the subject, I feel as though my wand selection from Pottermore was right on target for me: 

LAUREL WITH UNICORN CORE, ELEVEN AND THREE QUARTER INCHES, 

SLIGHTLY SPRINGY

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The Search for the Perfect Work Bag

I feel pathetic admitting this, but I’m not one to get embarrassed easily so I’ll share this tidbit with you. I spent WAY too many nights last year looking for a new daily work bag. I’m totally aware that the remainder of this blog post can best be defined as a #FirstWorldProblem.

You see, I REALLY wanted the same bag that I used since September of 2008; however it was discontinued. The bag was perfect. Black nylon. Shoulder straps that didn’t fall down. It could hold a computer. It wasn’t overly branded with a logo. It had a zipper top and an inside zipper pocket. However, after five years and roughly 1,300 trips to the office (including business trips!), my trusty nylon bag started to pucker and fray at the edges.

I was in the market for something black and that met the criteria above. Knowing that this bag would hopefully last another 5+ years, I was willing to make an investment. I even saved money from Christmas and my birthday for the purchase lol.

Knowing that I put a bit of time into my search, I wanted to share with you some of my finalists for the perfect work bag in case you are considering a purchase.

1. Longchamp – I wanted all black and I ultimately decided this bag wasn’t big enough.
2. Tory Burch – Despite the adjustable straps, the stop was only 10 inches max. My former bag had a shoulder drop of about 12-13, which kept it on my shoulders – even over a winter coat!
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim – Before you choke on the price of this bag – which is more than some people’s rent/mortgage, let me say that it went on major sale when I was considering it. I thought this one was a little edgy, but still classic compared to the other options I was evaluating. However, I skipped on the deal because it couldn’t hold a laptop. That shoulder strap was enticing!
4. Gucci – Online I was excited that this bag was a nylon shopper like my former fav. However, I swung by a Prada store and walked away from this idea. The sales associate basically led me to believe that the nylon was SUPER thin – reminding me of a nylon reusable bag that I have that folds up and you put into your purse for unexpected shopping trips. NOT worth the price tag!
5. Prada – Okay so this isn’t totally the one that I had my eyes on. It was a little like this, but more tote with longer straps (still only a 11 inch drop). The one I was looking at was half the price of this and then went on sale for even half of that. I called Saks to try and find it when it was THAT deeply discounted and they got one in two weeks later in black…but I already purchased by other bag. It’s “totes” okay though – I’m happy with my choice!

The bag I selected isn’t included in this list because frankly it’s a bit tricky to find online. I seriously lucked out and bought it the day it went on sale in the summer and then it was backordered until December. Let’s say that it meets almost all of my criteria, however it doesn’t have a zipper and it’s something I’m still adjusting to. While it’s leather on the outside, the inside is rubber – which I’ve found to be AWESOME to clean off! So while it wasn’t everything that I had hoped, I found a new quality that I love! 

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Flat Out Looking Forward to Fall

Flats used to have a bad image. They were almost a sign of defeat against heels. Well things are a changing. Flats are more in fashion on the runways and the options have become more chic. Here are some of my favs for fall.

1. Valentino
2. Chloe
3. Tory Burch
4. J. Crew
5. Kate Spade
6. J. Crew Factory

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

OMG you guys. It’s totally one of my FAVORITE times of the year…

NEW PLANNER SEASON!

I LOVE a good planner. While the hubs and I have a shared Google calendar, I still love writing down those important dates in a planner.

I broke a five year tradition of a Lilly Pulitzer planner and went with Kate Spade for 2015. The Kate Spade planner had the one thing I love – a month view followed by week to week view – but minus the additional 12 months upfront that the Lilly offered. One less bonus? No stickers with the Kate. I’m 33. I can make it without the stickers!

Given my obsession with planners, here are some options if you are in the market for a new calendar! Note that most of the 2015 planners start with August 2014 – hence why it’s planner season!

1. Lilly Pulitzer 
2. Minted
3. Emily Ley
4. Kate Spade
5. Erin Condren
6. Paper Source

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Fashion Friday: Midi Life Crisis

It’s not so much of a crisis, but a crush. Right now, I’m loving midi-skirts!

A midi-skirt is a bit tricky to pull off when you are short like me, but I still attempt to rock it.

Here are some midi’s that I’m crushing on.

1. Kate Spade
2. Asos
3. Alice & Olivia
4. Oscar de la Renta (similar, less expensive skirt from Theory)
5. Tibi
6. Topshop
7. Express
8. Old Navy
9. Piperlime

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Flamingo Pink

Right now, I’m going through a big flamingo phase. I just love the pop of pink of flamingos on clothes, homegoods…you name it!

Here’s a roundup of some items I’m loving on!

1. Alice + Olivia Skirt 
2. C. Wonder Smoking Slipper
3. Topshop Ring
4. Urban Outfitter String Lights
5. Sophia Webster Shoes
6. Zara Kids Dress
7. The Webster Dress
8. Moschino Shorts

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