Engineered Style

Week One of work and daycare was a success.  I enjoyed starting at a new jobsite at work, and E seemed to adjust well to the new daycare.  I think he was a bit overwhelmed with all the babies and activity.  Time with Mommy is boring compared to that!  As for this weekend, while Elliot and I played around the house, John was stuck in bed with the flu (or something similar!).  E and I are crossing our fingers, but so far, we’ve stayed healthy.  In the meantime, I have enjoyed some sunny and warm(ish) days out and about.

I wore almost this same outfit at the Texas Style Council last year, and frankly, I was a bit surprised it still fit!  In celebration of that, I decided it was worth a few outfit shots.

Shop the Look:

Booties (similar)

Dress (similar)

A close friend of mine recently got a new job and asked for my help in updating her wardrobe to have more professional wear.  It’s not a formal suit-and-tie office, but it’s important for her to look pulled together and professional.  I’ll be doing a series incorporating trendy and classic pieces to create a mix-and-match wardrobe for her.  I’d love to do the same for you, so contact me for more information on wardrobe consultations and how I can help engineer your style!

Want the look for yourself?

Striped Boatneck Dress (LOFT) $69.50

Black Boyfriend Cardigan (Express) $39.90

Black Boots (Aldo) $59.99

Black Tights (Ralph Lauren) $18

Denim Jacket (Gap) $69.95

Pink Flat Shoes (DSW) $39.95

Have you already dove in and bought some patterned pants?  I’m still working towards my pre-pregnancy weight, so I’m holding out on purchasing new clothes, BUT patterned pants are on my list of wants!  There are so many options out there–some that are bright and bold, others that are subtle and classic.  I’ve got a look to share for both!

Bold: The Limited ($79.90—but running specials right now, mine popped up as 40% off)

Classic: Gap ($54.95)

Chambray Shirt (Gap): $49.95

Keds (Nordstrom): $39.95

Straw Tote (DSW): $44.95

Sunglasses (LOFT): $24.50

I always love pairing a skinny pant with an oversized top, and this chambray version is so versatile!  I can see pairing it with all sorts of outfits.  A pair of Keds is easy to run errands in or chase after little ones while still looking chic.

Striped Shirt (Piperlime): $49

Keds (Nordstrom): $39.95

Pyramid Stud Earrings (Nordstrom): $24

Sunglasses (Madewell via Shopbop): $49.50

With a subtle pattern, I love the option of pairing it with another pattern.  This mint and pink striped top is light enough that neither pattern distracts from the other.  From far away, it looks like it’s paired with a basic navy, but up close there is added visual interest by layering the patterns.  A half tuck of the shirt into the pants keeps it looking put together while still ulta-comfy.

As some of you have probably experienced, maternity leave involves a whole lotta hanging out around the house.  Sure, there are walks around the neighborhood and the occasional play date, brunch, or shopping trip, but for me, it mostly involves fitting in a shower, exercise and household chores during nap times.  Getting dressed and ready isn’t often on the agenda.  So I was happy to have an opportunity this past Friday to head out to my old jobsite with John and Elliot to say hello to everyone and check out the progress.  I took the opportunity to pull a few basic pieces together and even had a chance to curl my hair.  Since almost nothing fits from my old wardrobe yet, I was drawn to the basics–a good skinny jean, boots, oversized shirt and cardigan.  Didn’t add any jewelry since E has recently discovered how to yank on things.  It’s hard enough pulling my hair out of his grip.  So what are your basics?  Are they your everyday wear, or do you save them for the weekends?

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Hello world! It’s been awhile. It turns out that taking care of a baby pretty much consumes all your time and energy. Who knew? Our little blessing, Elliot Alan, was born on November 13, 2012. He was 8 lbs, 12 oz and 21 inches long. Perhaps we’ll delve into more details than that at a later date, but in the meantime, check out my little cutie! Thanks so much to Stefanie (Stefanie Long Photography) for taking the initiative, calling and coming over a few days after delivery to take photos. I was so exhausted that although I wanted newborn photos, I couldn’t find the energy to set something up. Friends like her are hard to find, and I know we’ll be cherishing these photos for years to come. I already can’t believe how much Elliot has grown!