Maintaining My Sense of Self (and sanity)…

I must admit, motherhood is most definitely an all-consuming job and lately, I have been struggling with maintaining a sense of self in the process. I love my little bean so completely that I have found myself putting me on the back burner. Yep, there are times I forget to brush my teeth, to eat, and makeup…well, that has simply become an extravagance!

So, as mentioned in my previous post and to reinforce my sanity, one of my top goals for the New Year is to concentrate on myself outside of motherhood. Or rather, to not lose myself within this new role of motherhood. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being a mother. I love watching my little bean explore the world, one finger at a time. I love providing comfort and snuggles. I love his wide, curious eyes and his sideways smile. But I have to remind myself that in order for me to be the best possible role model for him, I need to take care of myself.

I typically curate my inspirations via Pinterest and then quickly forget all about them, but this year, I plan to hold myself a little more accountable by sharing my style inspirations with all of you and actually taking action…

…like purchasing these leopard loafers from Banana Republic (that no longer seem to be available…argh!). Although, I love the whole outfit – the distressed boyfriend jeans, the striped sweater, the chunky bracelets…very casual chic!

Or buying and wearing more hats because 1) I seem to have a permanent bad hair day lately, and 2) a hat can truly pull together any look (paired with red lips and a chunky scarf and you’ve got yourself a complete ensemble!).

And wearing more simple, quality jewelry like this piece.

These are all tangible, purchasable things, of course, but beyond that, they inspire me to really develop and refine my personal flair. More importantly, it inspires me to be more confident and comfortable with myself.

A couple more ways I hope to pamper myself:

Get more manicures….

…learn a few tricks to get me out of this bad hair funk. The key is quick and easy!

…and (gulp) workout! Even if for a few minutes at home. This workout is a great place to start. I’ve done it a few times already and I can actually feel my muscles working.

For all you moms out there, what do you do to maintain a sense of self (and sanity)? And how do you pamper yourself?

Counting Down the Days…(to post baby bump fashion!)

I actually had a completely different post in mind for today, but frankly, at 35 weeks, I’m feeling fat and bloated and not quite like myself. So, to remind me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and to give myself a quick pick-me-up, I decided to concentrate on fashion. Particularly, fashion I would like to have after this baby bump has become le petite bebe!

Now, I know the first few postpartum weeks, if not months, may find me living in pajama yoga pants and oversized sweaters, but I continue to hold onto this crazy idea that one day, I will be that stylish momma prancing about in my nude pumps, skinny jeans, leopard scarves, and pops o’ color…

Ok, I’m not SO unrealistic to think that I will ever look like this…

…but a girl needs something to aspire to, yes?

So as I am counting down the weeks until I am holding sweet baby in my arms, I am also counting down the weeks until I can properly fit into chic and simple styles like this:

Or this:

This…

And definitely this!

Other than the impossible aspiration of looking anything like super model Miranda Kerr, one momma that I do aspire to is Casey Leigh of The Weigands. Holy crap that woman is hot! Her fashion style is classic with a rocker chic/bohemian vibe – I love getting glimpses of her life and style (and mad photography skilz!) via Instagram. And her children…oh my gosh. Simply gorgeous. Yep. I officially have a girl crush.

That bag, by the way, is on my wish list (or better yet, this one!). My birthday just happens to be next weekend so….(ehem, Mr. C…)

Tell me, woman to woman, did you fall back into postpartum fashion fairly quickly or do you still find yourself struggling just to shower?! (Meaning: do I need a realistic slap in the face?!)

THE COLORS OF AUTUMN…COMFORT AT ITS BEST.

The colors of Autumn are now fully in effect, and there’s no escaping it. Not that I would want to – I love Autumn and all the colors it offers! Carrot orange, mustard yellow, ruby red, and everything in between….and it takes your breath away when profiled against the pale blue of the sky.

I fully believe this color combination is comfort at its best….

Photos via here and here.

….so deliciously enticing and heartbreakingly beautiful; a bit like the Phoenix taking its last breathe before bursting into flames and fading away into ashes.

There also seems to be a weight that comes with Fall; a peacefully reflective weight that forms around the shoulders and tumbles across the body. A weight that you can nestle into, snuggle against, and then sit back and ponder life, family, and the upcoming holidays.

Yes, that’s comfort at its best indeed. And how I would love to live in that comfort all year!

Oh, but I can, you say? Simply by bringing the colors of the outside in…

…dressing the part….

…and eating foods that are Fall ripened and delicious?

Recipe here.

Recipe here.

Yes please. Challenge accepted!

THE PROUST QUESTIONAIRE: WHAT’S YOUR FASHION STYLE?

I’ve never considered myself a fashionista – I’m a pretty down home kind of gal with a classic sense of style. Kind of like JCrew on a Kohl’s budget with a pinch of rocker chic. I love black, I love white, I love sequins, I love the occasional leopard print, and I love the just-skinny-enough jean that doesn’t make my ass look like it’s been run over by an 18-wheeler…

Ok, perhaps I’ve got a bit of a complex – but don’t we all? Of course, if I had a personal tailor and custom made clothes (and let’s not forget the hair stylist!), I think I’d be pretty awesome. In my head, I might actually have a decent sense of style…if I had a body like Blake Lively or Jessica Biel, I’d be golden (because how could I possibly NOT look good??). But somehow, what I have in my head doesn’t quite transform into reality.

You see, in my head I look like this:

Simple, stylish, and totally rockin’ – and I’m loving that Frenchie! Via The Blonde Salad.

Trench + pop of color + nude pumps = pure perfection. Via Atlantic – Pacific.

Sequin love!

Oh yes, have I mentioned that I love fedoras? And the boyfriend blazer is divine! Via Appleday.tumbler.com.

Which leads me right back to this.

But in reality I look a little something like this…

Thanks for making me feel a little better about myself Man Repeller!

So tell me, what’s your fashion style? A little Rachel Bilson meets Ashley Olsen? Or Audrey Hepburn meets Katie Perry? Or perhaps strictly Olivia Palermo everything? Feel free to send pictures my way and I’ll share my favorites next week!

GIRL CRUSH: EMERSON FRY

I must divulge to you the cutest couple in the friggin’ world: Ryan and Emerson make up what was once known as Emersonmade, now called Emerson Fry. Splitting themselves between their beloved New Hampshire organic farm and their NYC headquarters in the garment district, Emerson and her husband/partner have managed to create the perfect attire that fits their unique and fun-loving personalities.

(the above photographs were archived in my own files, and were originally from Emersonmade.com, now Emerson Fry. These photos may no longer exist on the Emerson Fry website, but full credit is given to Emerson Fry.)

Ryan is responsible for operations, and Emerson does all the styling, design, content, photographs, artwork and collages for the products. And the products are just as adorable as the designer herself. Yes, I think I have just found myself with a girl crush…

I mean, come on, her idol is Clint Eastwood and she rides a vintage Harley…how can you not fall in love just a little bit??? Not to mention, her Spring 2012 line is fabulous:

And the Fall line should be coming soon! A quick glance at the Emerson line hard at work on slouchy hats and over-sized glasses:

If all of this doesn’t make you envious enough, one glance at the Emerson Farm should do the trick…

I am head over heels for the butcher block island in the kitchen. And this pantry…oh my! Per Emerson (via Design Sponge), “We designed our pantry so that everything would be visible. We have mostly unrefined ingredients because we don’t eat sugar, flour and processed ingredients so we just line it all up in here and grab what we need.”

Of course, the home wouldn’t be complete without a dash of leopard print!

(featured in Boston Magazine Home: March 2011)

*SIGH* Yep, envy is definitely rearing it’s ugly green head…

The quirkiness that is EmersonMade may not be new to the fashion and design world – you may have already seen her in numerous blogs over the years – but she is anything but obsolete. Keep an eye out for more amazing-ness from Mrs. Fry in the near future!

MONDAY MUSING: PAINTING THE WORLD WITH COLOR

Event design, interior design, and fashion are very similar creatures – which is exactly why I love them all! They are all a form of interactive art, a play on personality, a form of expression, and a means to add color and beauty into daily living.  These aspects are what make life bareable and what makes each individual so outwardly unique.

When you walk into a home, you are walking into a glimpse of another life; you are viewing someone else’s memories, dreams, and daily struggles. When you pass an individual on the street, you are getting a preview of who they are now and who they want to be; you are viewing someone else’s stature in society, their aspirations and their insecurities. When you step into an event, you are stepping into a personal and privileged celebration; you become a part of someone else’s vision and benefit to their mission.

These are just some of the ways we choose to paint the world:

Roksanda Ilincic dress, Kelly Wearstler interior

Carolina Herrara Dress, Katie Ridder interior

Stefano Pilati of Yves Saint Laurent dress (which he is now no longer a part of), Robert Stilin Interior

Versace dress, event via here, interior via Pinterest

Christian Dior dress, cupcake via, interior via

So tell me, how do you add your own splash of color?