**WHY 4.0? Simply because it is my 4th time doing this. Not the blog… the pregnancy thing**
Now that I am halfway through I have a little confession… I am growing a little tired of all the photos of ME. To which you are naturally thinking, “so why are doing it then?” Well, for a few reasons. First, I do love sharing my fashion finds and enjoy (usually) the added incentive to put together chic outfits. Two, I for lack of a better term want to “practice what I preach.” By this, I mean I want to show you all I do know what I am talking about (most of the time :)). Third, I am a style/mommy blogger and this is part of the job description. When I decided to start MCbJ I didn’t completely think through that part of it, but I am learning to embrace it. Finally, I made a commitment to myself, and to you to document my pregnancy style. I want to see this through and I know I will be glad I did… Who knows, it may be valuable for a book or something like that one day. After all, if you don’t have big dreams for yourself who else will!
So there you have it. Some weeks I feel more excited about my pregnancy style, while others a little less so. But isn’t that just how life is? This was an “off week.” I have been a little slow… A little tired. I even took one day off from the blog, which was yet to happen, but I needed a “sick day.” So this post was supposed to be up yesterday, but I cut myself so much needed slack (something we all need to do sometimes) and pushed it back a day. Now I am back at it with my fashion finds and random, sometimes deep, thoughts:). xx
Look 1- MOMMY & ME
I am not much of a sneaker person (other than for workouts obviously) so this is my take on a comfy flat lace up. Don’t get me wrong – there are so many mommies looking super chic running around town in sneakers and ripped jeans, but I am not one of them. I envy the style of those that do pull this off so well, but at this point it isn’t me. Maybe one of these days I will try it out again. Until that time I am sticking with what feels right. We all have ways we feel most comfortable, and for me it is a little more glammed up (not that I would call this look glamorous). It is important to know your general style type(s) and what makes you feel good. When dressing a client I like to know what styles they lean towards and then I find ways to stay within this general style genre, but still bring in some new things to try. In fact, this seems like a good philosophy to apply to life, no?
And… back to the shoes. I was attracted to the bright colors as they made me think of sunny summer days. I also knew that they were not exactly my typical style, but this is an example of trying something new, adding a little spice to my wardrobe. I am glad I did. They make me smile. And speaking of things that make me smile… As my sweet angel (she really is so good!) and I headed out the door I noticed how cute her little pink Natives looked with my shoes. Naturally, this had to be captured.
Shop >>> Matisse Booties
Shop>>> Mango Denim Dress (sold out – similar here & here)
Shop >>> Native Slip-On (as shown on Elle – on sale)
Look 2- ALL BLACK, A LOT OF THE TIME
This “Ash Wednesday Chic” look is one that I repeat often- black leggings, black boots and a long black tank/tunic (from Xpecting in Costa Mesa, CA). It’s a winning combo every time and we all need those “go-to” looks that we feel fabulous in.
I also included the photo of my son and I not because I wanted a close up of my favorite SALT aviators (although, aren’t they fab?), or to show off my handsome son (seriously though, I do think he is beautiful one big tooth and all), but because it was really special to share this significant Catholic holiday with him. He is getting old enough to appreciate these occasions and I appreciate being part of it. Regardless of your religious affiliation (I am not here to preach, judge or claim superiority, and nor do I think anyone should), it is likely that you have spiritual or “holy” moments with your kids that you hold dear to your heart.
For me, I absolutely love watching my kids partake in something that goes beyond words or true understanding such as sitting in church trying to understand exactly what this “higher calling” thing is all about. They are part of something larger than them, larger than us, and they are not even aware of it until they are older, but it still leaves an impact.
When I watch all of the kids sitting side by side, holding hands and offering each other peace, barriers come down for at least a moment. It doesn’t matter who is cool or is the best student or the most talented athlete because at that moment, everyone is the same. It always brings tears to my eyes. I have never known exactly why I get overcome with emotion, but perhaps someone is trying to tell me something. In fact, even before I had kids I would do the same thing.
Again, I want to reiterate this not just a “Catholic thing,” it is a “humanity thing”. It is about moments where those superficial things don’t really matter. The focus becomes who we are at the core, who we all are and what it is the world needs from us. I know I really need this time of reflection to check in on my priorities and wish I did more of it. I also know that in this crazy and often cruel world my kids will (and do) need it. I hope they can find this place of “realness,”a state where they are able to reflect on their true values as they grow into what I hope are good people and worldly citizens.
Shop >>> Free People Slip
Look 3- BESTIE TIME
And now a radical departure from spiritual thoughts to a spiritual experience. Okay maybe not spiritual in the typical way, but it was certainly good for the soul. One of my oldest, best friends and I had a girls evening that included massages and a delicious, decadent dinner. It was so nice to relax, laugh, eat way too much and have no one asking us for anything. As moms, we know this is rare and that time with a dear friend is one I cherish.
I am however, unsure if I really cherish this look. It makes for a cute photo because of the baby bump, but something has happened in my “older age” 😉 where I am not all that comfortable in so-called “sexy” dresses. More often than not you will see me in a flowy style of dress. It is what pleases my eye, is soooo much more comfortable and is ideal for eating a big, yummy dinner. That being said, when pregnant there are times that form fitting is a good thing, especially when you want to show off your bump. I decided to go for it on this night. And… it was fun for a little and for snapping these photos, but then I threw back on my big cape coat for dinner and ate till my little heart was content. Not to mention, I immediately felt more “like me” in my this oversized cape.
Shop >>> Aqua Fringe Dress (sold out – similar here & here)
Shop >>> Jimmy Choo Clutch (budget-friendly version here)
Shop >>> Sam Edelman Cage Sandal
Look 4- MUCSCLE TEE & TAKE OUT
Has anyone noticed the trend building in this post? It is not one I planned as these posts are more “stream of conscious” writing (clearly:)). I simply look at the photos, which remind me of how I was feeling at that moment and then I write. Sometimes the same general idea will keep popping up and it is then that it becomes clear this is something on my heart right now. So as I write this post it has occurred to me that I keep talking about being true to oneself, to following your inner voice whether it is with your fashion choices or in those quite spiritual moments. Obviously this is something I am searching for right now. This is a continual search and I expect it always will be, but there are times we become more introspective than others. I realize right now is one of those times for me.
And on that note, my final look is staying with this theme of being comfortable with who you are and that is one that feels best in a hat and sunglasses… kidding… kind of. Really, though here I am picking up take out, yet again. I often feel guilty and that I am not a “good” wife/mother because I don’t often have the time or the passion to create healthy, gourmet meals every night (unless you count pasta, chicken nuggets and broccoli as gourmet 🙂 ) Yet, at this time in my life it is not a large enough priority to take away time from other things I need to get done. Does is make me less of a mom or wife that I am not cooking us all amazing meals? Maybe to some, but to me? No. I have a lot of things I do for my family and if gourmet cooking isn’t one of them then so be it. There are some women that feel passionately about their meals and are amazing cooks like our own MCbJ contibrutor Tiffany Jaeger. I think what she and others like her are doing is wonderful!! I do love food and I enjoy creating the delicious dish now and then, but I also love the ease of take out. Besides, with places like Whole Foods and Farm Shop (as pictured) it is really easy to “fake it” and stay healthy! And for right now in my life that is good enough for me…at least part of the time! Moms, whatever you feel guilty about or “less than adequate with, let it go. Focus on what you can and do give your family. And I am saying this to myself every bit as much as I am saying it to you. It is time we pat ourselves on the back and why you are add it,pat a friend of yours back as well. We are all in this together, trying to do the best we can!
So if I had to leave this week with one last thought, it is that we all need to love ourselves a little more and at the same time be true to that wonderful self. I challenge you (and I am already challenging myself) to find some quiet time to reflect. Instead of immediately jumping on your phone or computer the second you have some down time, try taking just a few minutes to think about you and your life. Let’s do this together.
Oh & a quick note about this tee- I forgot for a second that these posts are supposed to be all about what I am wearing. The muscle tee I am wearing is size 3 (the largest size). I bought I big so that I could wear it over leggings and have plenty of room for the belly. It is super super soft and it has me dreaming of places to go. It is a new fave and I highly recommend it in the large or small size. Have a wonderful weekend friends and super mommies! xx
Shop >>> Current/Elliott Muscle Tee
Leave a Reply