Mama Fashion (Mom Jeans not Included)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record - I'm no fashionista.  I've never particularly had a style, cared about fashion, or what's "in style."  I typically just wear what I like and what's most comfortable.  Translation: I could be the poster woman for fitted jeans and a t-shirt.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I dress modestly, but I certainly dress within my personal standards for what I think is acceptable for my age and body type.  Translation: I know what I can pull off and what I can't, and when in doubt - I will put on the more conservative choice.

Enter pregnancy and motherhood.  Nothing really changed when it came to my views and approach to my wardrobe.

Then, a funny thing happened earlier this spring.  I was getting Camden and myself dressed to go down to the ball fields to watch my dad's community college softball team play a doubleheader.  It was shockingly warm and sunny for a Pacific Northwest spring day, so I broke out my box of summer clothes that had been stashed away.  I must have tried on five different combinations of tops and bottoms, continuing to strip them off to try something else.  I wasn't feeling too keen on my bod at the time, which didn't help my case, but nothing felt right.  Nothing felt comfortable.  I decided on a purple tank top, khaki shorts, and some flip flops.  It was as good as it was going to get.

Nothing flashy.  Something simple. Just me.

Because this was the first time I was leaving the house with that amount of skin showing (since having a baby), I wanted to get Ryan's thoughts on my little ensemble.  I asked him how I looked (Translation: I needed a little confidence boost) and he flatly said, "You look like a Mom."  I quickly confirmed that he didn't mean that in the best way either.

(If you haven't noticed, Ryan is always very honest with me.  He'll never tell me what I might "want" to hear, but always the hard truth.  Sometimes I dig this, other times - not so much.  This was one of those times were I was looking for what I "wanted" to hear.  Pssht. Thanks, hon.)

I thought, "There's nothing wrong with 'looking like a Mom.'  I am a Mom!"  (Gosh, that's still weird to say).  But I knew I didn't want to "look like the Mom" that has thrown her physical appearance to the wind.

  

Mom Jeans Source

Since that day I've tried to make some conscious changes to my wardrobe, how I dress, and my general appearance.  I'm still springing for pieces that I like and feel comfortable, but trying to push my style-comfort zone.  Also, I've realized not to underestimate how a quick flick of mascara can bring out my eyes... And maybe take the focus off the bags and dark circles. The challenging parts for me have been finding things that I feel are both age/mom-status appropriate and flattering to my body type.  OK, and that don't break the bank.  Let's be honest* here - I love Target and Old Navy.

*While we're being honest, you know I still pull my hair back every chance I get, and love (love, love, love) a good pair of yoga pants.

Trust me when I say that I'm not trying to impress anyone.  Maybe trying to turn my hubby's head a bit, sure - but my real goal was to make myself feel good/better about my physical appearance.  I really have found that my self-confidence has benefited nicely from these little changes.  It feels good to be put together. However superficial that may be.  

I'm feeling good about myself and my newly embraced mama fashion (Mom Jeans not included), and anyone (mama or not) can tell you that's a big deal.

Take Luck,

LP

Wedding Party Crasher

Like most people, I hadn't attended many weddings prior to my 20's.

That said, I never really thought about asking the bride questions regarding her dress, colors, and decorating choices once I started attending more weddings.  When my best friend, Tiff, got married, I was a bridesmaid, so I knew her colors and décor plans, and I was wearing a particular dress - making it super easy.

Soon after, I had a little experience I like to call, "That Time I Wore the Same Color Dress as the Bridesmaids... And I Wasn't One."

Now, you may be thinking - no biggy.  Now, let me tell ya - this experience happened while attending the wedding of my future-sister-in-law*.

*Cara, you should know this has nothing to do with me not being in your wedding party.  You hardly knew me then, sister.

Cara and Ryan's wedding was set for August.  I didn't know Cara very well yet, and Ryan and I were not engaged - so I was not at all surprised or offended that I would be attending this wedding as a guest. 

While vacationing in Hawaii in June (and after a few cocktails), I went with Mom and Rachel to the mall on Ala Moana in search for a dress that I would wear to this wedding.  I clearly remember making a statement along the lines of, "I need a dress.  And I need to look goooooood."  The choice came down to two.  One was teal with a native print (totally fashion forward at the time!), and the other was a solid navy blue that fit quite perfectly. 

Solid navy blue was the winner.  And it was less expensive.  Duh.

Fast forward.  To the next day.  Ryan proposes.  I say yes.  We are engaged.

Now I am even more excited to look goooooood in my navy blue dress.  And my engagement ring.

Fast forward.  To Cara and Ryan's wedding day.  Remember when I said that I never really thought about asking the bride questions regarding her dress, colors, and decorating?  Yeah, I really, really, really should have done that.  'Cuz I looked like a fool when on the wedding day, I stood there watching Cara and her friends get gorgeous and then realized I was wearing the exact same color dress as her bridesmaids.  

Beautiful bride and bridesmaids.  In navy blue.

 

I wasn't a bridesmaid... But I sure as hell looked like I was trying to be.  And I wasn't.  Wasn't trying to be.  It was so incredibly embarrassing.  Instead of being a Wedding Crasher, I felt like a Wedding Party Crasher!

Cara (bless her heart), being the wonderful lady that she is said I was an honorary bridesmaid.  It made me feel better and even more dumb at the same time.

Honorary, people!  With Doug, the photobomber.

So now, especially if I am close with the bride, I make sure I ask those questions regarding her dress, colors, and decorating choices because I sure as shit do not want to have that experience ever, ever, ever again.

My college roommate (and also best friend), Becky is getting married in November, so just the other day we were texting and I specifically asked what colors her bridesmaids are wearing.  Her response was, "Black.  But it's ok if you want to wear a black dress too!"

Ha!  No, no, my dear.

I think I'll wear neon green or pink.  That way there's no mistake.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Linking up for Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren!

[1] The best thing to do on a hot day is BBQ and eat lots of Otter Pops.

[2] The best place to be on a hot day is in or near the water!

[3] The best thing to eat on a hot day is fruit and Otter Pops.

[4] Hot days are more than OK with me.  The dry heat of the PNW is way more tolerable than the hot and humid Midwest.

[5] My go to uniform on a warm summer day is a light cotton tank and flowy skirt or a maxi dress. And flippy flops.

[6] The scent that reminds me of summer is fresh cut grass, charcoal, and sunscreen.

[7] My favorite thing about summer is how late it stays light.  This summer I'm almost always long asleep before it gets dark, but I still love it.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, Holy exhaustion.  I needed a caffeine IV/drip fixated in my arm today.

Dear Blogging Break, You were totally unintentional but not at all surprising considering my level of exhaustion lately.  See above.

Dear Kitchen Upgrade: I cannot tell you how much of a weight has been lifted knowing that you are complete.  I have been admiring our countertops for over four months now, but because the backsplash wasn't done - I didn't feel like I could completely enjoy them.  As of yesterday, I can.  Now, if we only had appliances that matched.  Ho hum.

Dear Baby Peters, Only 10 more days and we will know if you are a boy or a girl.  Let me tell ya - the suspense is killing me.

Dear 19 Weeks, My tummy is slowly expanding and rounding.  This very well be my last week in regular pants.  Bring on stretchy waist bands and forgiving panels of elastic.

Dear Hubby, I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work on the kitchen... Or for your kindness in the fact that this was all my grand idea and I was completely useless throughout the whole endevour. 

I'm cooking up a countertop-saga post that shows the great kitchen transition over the last four months.  I know you are just drooling with excitement, but hold your horses.

Take Luck,

LP

Clothing Attachment

Continuing with Sar's 15 Day Challenge, the prompt for Day 3 is: Tell us about an article of clothing you're attached to.

I am completely and utterly attached to a plain white, v-neck t-shirt, that actually belongs to my little sister, Rachel.  I borrowed it from her while on a family vacation in Hawaii.  The specialness of this plain t-shirt doesn't end there.  It just so happened to be the shirt I was wearing on the day that Ryan proposed.

Otherwise, I'm not completely attached it any other piece of clothing.  I have my go-to hooded sweatshirt, my favorite yoga pants, and my best fitting jeans - but this plain white t-shirt is special.

It's not the prettiest shade of white these days, but I can't wear it without thinking of the day that officially started the rest of my life.

Take Luck,

LP

Belly Band

Today was a turning point for me.  It was time to break out the belly band.

Source

Obviously, the picture is not of me - but it was the least creepy photo I could find of the belly band in use.

While getting dressed in the dark so to not wake my sleeping Hubby (as usual), I noticed that my work pants were not coming together as easily as they did last week.

I expected this, as we are in week 15.  As of Saturday afternoon, I still had my belly band in the package it came in (from my favorite mother and sister-in-law) and had just taken it out having sensed the need for this glorious piece of spandex was nearing.  I was confident that my pants would continue to fit me in my butt, hips, and thighs.  But the tummy, not so much.

 I probably could have gotten my pants buttoned and zipped this morning.  The challenging part would have been sitting down, breathing, and eating without flinging my button off into the next cubicle.  Let me tell ya - the belly band was a wise, wise choice.

The best part?  I sat at my desk all day, and interacted with my co-workers feeling like I was holding onto a little secret.

"You have no idea.  But my pants are not buttoned.  Or zipped."

This belly band and I will become close friends in the coming weeks.  I can feel it.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Hooray for Friday!  As usual, I'm filling in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] My bedtime routine includes washing my face, contacts out, glasses on, brushing teeth, flossing, night lotion on, taking vitamin, grabbing a fresh bottle of water, hopping in bed, and continuing to find the cold spots in the bed until sleepy time.

[2] I am super sleepy lately.  I slept for 12 hours last night and could have slept 4 or 5 more, fo sho.

[3] I can't stand Styrofoam because it makes horrible, horrible sounds.

[4] My idea of relaxation would be sitting on a quiet and secluded beach with my tootsies in the sand and a reading a good book.

[5] If I had an extra $50 I would go buy more maxi dresses.  They are my weakness right now.

[6] The best thing about a bloggy friend is they can be supportive and caring even when they only know part of a story.  I also feel like I get to know these people through the stories they share, and I hope they feel like they get to know me through my stories and rambling too.

[7] A recipe I've been dying to try is this white chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday and I'm filling in some blanks with Lauren!  Hooray!

[1] Today is great because it's Friday.  Duh.

[2] Tomorrow I will thoroughly enjoy sleeping in and relaxing.

[3] My favorite time of the day is the morning because that's when I get to decide how I'm going to make the most of the day ahead.

  [4] Sometimes you just have to sing it loud and proud.  It's more fun that singing quietly... Even if it annoys your husband.

[5] A song that I just can't get enough of lately is Addicted by Morgan Page (feat. Greg Laswell).

[6] My favorite accessory is my wedding ring(s).  I'm not much of an accessorize-r, otherwise.

[7] My favorite thing about this week was celebrating. Our friends welcomed their baby boy, Alexander James on Monday, and my Daddio turned the big 6-0 yesterday!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Hooray for Friday!  Time to fill in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] Today is a good day because it's my regular day off work!  Nothing says "good day" like sleeping in and being lazy.

[2] The best thing I did all week was finish my final rotation at work.  Come June 15th, I will no longer be dragging the "intern" connotation around with me.

[3] The current weather is sunny and it makes me feel happy, happy, happy!

[4] The best thing about spring is the blooming trees and flowers, warmer temperatures, and blue sky.

[5] A fashion trend that I am dying to try out for spring is wearing bright(er) colors than I would normally wear.  This goes for patterns too.  I need my best friend Tiff to come style me.

[6] A person who made me smile this week was our families.  We all did a lot of smiling and laughing this week.

[7] The most delicious thing I ate all week is a tie between the chocolate chip cookies and the Chicken Parmesan I made.  Both were highly delicious... And I'm really wishing I had some more of them cookies right about now!

Heading up north this weekend with my Mom and baby sissy to a tulip festival.  Hoping to return with lots of photos and stories to share!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday!  And this day could not have come any sooner.  I'm filling in some color-themed blanks with Lauren.  This is totally appropriate because I'm taking a break from painting our now wallpaper-less foyer!

[1] My favorite color is green.  And certain shades of purple.

[2] My home decor palette includes neutral, earth tone colors.  I just painted our previously green-floral-wallpaper foyer an earthy-brown "Caramelized Onion" color, courtesy of Lowe's and Valspar.

[3] Other people always tell me I look good in the color green.  They say it brings out my eyes.  'Tis true.

[4] The color I detest is pink.  I have never been a pink kinda gal.

[5] If you were to look in my closet most of the colors you'd see would be green, purple (dark), blue, and grey.

[6] A color that I cannot pull off no matter how hard I try is pink.  Maybe this is because I do not like wearing this color and whenever I try, my face contorts into a "I don't do pink" kind of look.  Maybe I should just stop trying.

[7] The color of my favorite dress is a floral red-blue-yellow-cream with a black satiny "belt" that ties into a bow.  That reminds me I need to do some dress shopping.  I really want a maxi dress, but am afraid it will look hideous.  I guess this is where fitting rooms are appropriate?

Take Luck,

LP