Top - J.Crew (30% off now!) | Pants - J.Crew (30% off now!) | Bag - Hat Attack | Shoes - Joie (similar) | Sunglasses - Quay | Bracelet - Alexis Bittar (old but similar here) | Ring - Kendra Scott
I've been a skinny jeans fan for longer than I can remember, but when I want to change it up I love a wide leg style. Not flares or bell bottoms, but a cropped wide leg, high waisted fit. And typically I find that either J.Crew, Madewell or Ann Taylor fit me the best when it comes to a wide leg look. Because I have a long torso and short (muscular) legs, these look much better on me than a boot cut or most boyfriend jeans. Here are some other looks that I have worn on the blog with cropped wide leg jeans and pants (remember this look, this look (I was actually newly pregnant in this outfit LOL), and this look.
NARS just launched their new Fall collection recently and I have a few pieces from it to share in today's post. First are the two eye shadow palettes in neutral tones - Mojave and Singapore. The colors are all quite wearable in both palettes but in each one there is a chunky glitter shadow that is hard to wear. My favorite palette out of the two is Mojave but the top left shade is beautiful though hard to apply evenly. The Singapore palette has the same issue with the top left shade being chunky, glittery and has tons of fallout. I found the best application was to tap it over a cream shadow with my finger. Overall the palettes look beautiful but it's definitely frustrating that 1 out of 4 shadows is harder to work with which limits the palette down to 3 shades.
The lip palette is not only beautiful to look at but has the most gorgeous range of colors in it. For those that may be nervous to test out the darker shades, I love dabbing them on the lips for more of a lip stain. And then adding a sheer gloss over top makes them incredibly wearable. I also liked to mix some of the colors together to create my own shade. The entire palette is the Audacious lipstick formula so they have a creamy finish with tons of staying power, but you will need a lip brush to apply. Fingers are ok but things can get messy fast.
The Brow Perfectors are the newest product added to the line and I love how firm and stiff they are for filling in the brows. I use them either in short strokes to fill in sparse areas or mimic the way the hairs actually grow. The undertones are a bit more warm than I prefer, as I normally gravitate towards grayer browns for my brows but Goma which is a shade for blondes mixed with Makassar is what I've been using.
Swatches from left to right: Goma, Makassar, Calimyrna, Moanda
The whole collection is available now on the NARS website and will be launching in other retailers in early August.
Clothing and shoes are always the first things to go during the Anniversary sale but there are some great accessories not to miss. Here are 10 under $100:
1. Fringe scarf - A cozy scarf is always a necessity in the winter.
2. Aviator sunglasses - I love the clear mirrored lens on these as a change from the traditional opaque styles.
A quick recap of some of my recent outfits on Instagram, along with some random things that have been on my mind.
1. I'm so glad I am not pregnant this summer because the weather has been hot, humid, sticky, rainy and downright awful most of the season. Last summer I was worried about being pregnant in the heat but surprisingly it was a mild one and so easy to dress for.
2. Stan is growing tons of vegetables in our backyard garden and I am currently eating a cucumber salad he made from some cucumbers he just picked. Yum!
3. Does anyone else have their nails break right before they go to get a manicure? I am forever breaking a ton the day before.
4. I was on a good streak with drinking water and getting my necessary ounces in a day. And then I just fell off completely. I find myself in the middle of the day chugging water to make up for what I haven't had yet. Why is it so hard? (for me at least)
5. I have fallen into a showhole with Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. It's absolutely hysterical and I love every episode!
6. Watching that show makes me want to drink all the coffee. I think I am going to explore some more local coffee shops over the next few weeks.
With the amount of time I spend shopping at Sephora, it's crazy I have not yet tried their subscription box. YES! Sephora has a beauty subscription box called Play! By Sephora. *throws confetti* Especially if you are a regular shopper at Sephora, this box is a must have. It's a great way to try new products whether that be skincare, hair, or makeup and all the brands featured in every box are carried at Sephora. It's the only subscription box with 100% prestige products.
You can customize your profile online so the boxes are tailored to your preferences, and then everything available in each box can be purchased in a full size at Sephora. The August box arrived this week for me and the deluxe size of my favorite NARS eye shadow primer was worth it alone. Ha! In addition to the NARS primer, my August box contained a Ciate Highlighter, Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray (I tried this and loved it!), Grande Lips lip plumper (it's clear so I can put over any lip color), the cult classic Laniege Water Sleeping Mask (this mask is like a shot of water for your skin) and the Amika Velveteen Shampoo and Conditioner.
The box is $10/month and includes 5 samples each time with one beauty bonus
50 EXTRA Beauty Insider points come with every box
The products are all picked from what is new and trending
There is a pamphlet that describes a bit more about each product that you receive
Additional YouTube videos are available that can help give a more in depth education on the products
Some of the boxes will contain brands that are exclusive to Sephora
I also peeked at the July box contents online and this one was chock full of amazing skincare samples! It's the perfect way to test out new things and decide if you want to invest in a full size option. Or if you travel, hoard these so you have everything you need for your next trip. :) To get all details for the Play! By Sephora box, click here. Subscribe today!
The post was sponsored by Play! By Sephora. All opinions are my own.
I debated doing a post about this topic because the experience of having a baby and the changes your body goes through can be such a personal one. But I have received many emails and messages from readers asking me what my experience was like so I am sharing that today. Before I begin, I want to say that this is not a "how-to" post but more about my own journey and what has worked for me.
MY BODY
I am now 9 months postpartum and have lost all of the weight I gained during my pregnancy. I should mention though that I don't own a scale, never did and never will. I only go by how my clothes fit me. So for all I know I could weigh more or less than I did before pregnancy but hate being tied to a number which can often fluctuate for the weirdest things. All my clothes fit so in my mind, I'm back to my pre-pregnancy size.
Regarding how I got back into shape so fast after having Miles, I am going to say what tons of people may not want to say or even want to hear. I think part of my ability to lose the baby weight so quickly was due to genetics. My mom had the ultimate snapback, gaining only 20 lbs with me and going back to her pre-baby weight shortly after. So I know that was a factor. How much weight did I actually gain during pregnancy? I think it was between 25-30 lbs. And you may be wondering why I don't actually know and that is because in the last month of my pregnancy I didn't have them tell me my weight when I went to the doctor (I turned around backwards when on the scale). It didn't serve any purpose for me to hear that number and I knew it would only frustrate me simply because everything did in those last few weeks. #hormones As long as the doctors weren't concerned about my weight, I was not either. Even when I went in to give birth, I was in so much pain that I didn't even hear what they said my weight was (and they told me the number in kilograms - huh?). I do think a big part of how I maintained a manageable weight while pregnant was because I eat a predominantly healthy diet and worked out 3-5 days a week. I'll touch on my actual activities and diet later in the post.
Besides the weight aspect of pregnancy, my body has changed in many more ways after having Miles. I had strange things pop up here and there while pregnant (i.e. face rash, broken capillaries, weird congestion issues, etc), but they were manageable compared to how things have changed after giving birth. Fluctuating hormones and mood swings were one of the hardest aspects to handle, and things began to get very tough around 2 months postpartum and continue to be difficult until about 6 months postpartum. I didn't struggle with mood swings daily (anxiety, frustration, irritability, etc) but they were all encompassing when they would hit. I was able to determine that they came around the days I ovulated and had my period so that helped me manage them more as the months went on. In addition to the mood swings (they are still there but have tapered off significantly in the past 2 months), I also have bouts of fatigue that hit me out of nowhere, hot flashes and night sweats that make me feel like I'm on fire, breakouts that are basically immune to whatever products I use on them, loss of skin elasticity (things feel less firm all around), cramps at odd times of the month (not during my period), just to name a few. I'm sure there are other crazy things that I'm forgetting right now as well, but those are the most significant for me. Individually these things are not so bad, but when they all converge at the same time and during this huge time of adjustment with having a new baby, it can be SO overwhelming. The more time passes, the more my body seems to balance out but that doesn't diminish how challenging it can be.
EXERCISE
My exercise preferences after having Miles are still the same as when I was pregnant. I rotate between yoga (I like a flow yoga class), pilates (I go to Club Pilates), barre classes and walking around the neighborhood. Typically I will workout 2-3 times a week doing one of each class (that is ideal) and throwing in a walk when I feel like it. Pilates has been most instrumental in helping me get my stomach muscles back in shape and building overall strength. It's designed to help sculpt the body but in a lean way. I should mention that though none of the workouts I do are high impact, they are still incredibly difficult, can get the heart rate up and deliver amazing results especially with toning and tightening (and especially with the core which was what I needed the most). Though I did not have diastasis recti, I sought out exercises online that were targeted for that because they were extremely gentle and focused on my lower stomach muscles. (this was one video I watched and the exercises were so helpful!)
I was cleared to workout at 7 weeks but because I had a particularly difficult c-section recovery, my progress was slow. I eased into my classes, often sitting out numerous exercises when I felt too tired or when my body was simply not strong enough to do it. Though I stayed very active during my pregnancy, the c-section really took a toll on my stomach muscle strength and just sitting up in bed was difficult some days. It wasn't until about 7 months postpartum that I began to feel strong again and have my stamina back.
DIET
I've talked before in prior posts (see those here and here) that I don't follow any particular diet or eating style (paleo, vegan, counting macros, etc), but I do tend to lean towards a more low carb diet. And when I do reach for carbs, I try to opt for ones that are more nutritious or full of fiber (like these crackers I eat every day). I don't count calories, but I prefer to feel better rather than enjoy that overindulgent meal which will often make me feel bloated, uncomfortable and tired. Now that being said, I do believe in moderation so because my diet is healthy 80-90% of the time, I can enjoy a pizza dinner or decadent ice cream dessert from time to time. I was the same way while pregnant. In fact, I did not increase my calorie count or eat any more than I do now. If I was exceptionally hungry on a certain day, I would add in an extra snack like a yogurt but I never thought I was "eating for two". I probably splurged less while pregnant because I knew I would bloat more quickly (I bloat easily on carb heavy foods), and it would be harder to get the weight off if I indulged too much during those 9 months. I think that consistency before, during and after pregnancy both with my diet and exercise has helped me maintain a healthy weight and contribute to helping me get back to my original size after having Miles.
Before I wrap this post up, I cannot stress enough just how different everyone's experience can and will be when it comes to having a baby. You only have one body and it's important to be proud of it, and never apologize for the way it looks. I will admit that there were days I actually felt guilty that my body seemed to be getting back into shape so quickly because I never wanted anyone to feel insecure that their body may be taking longer. I know what it feels like to have crippling insecurities about things (not just body related), but over the years I have worked hard (and am still working) at getting through those and not allowing outside sources to affect me in a harmful way. I understand that my insecurity over someone else is coming from a place within me. That realization was humbling but also empowering because when I made that connection, I was able to work on it. Thus allowing me to celebrate others and truly want them to succeed and be their best.
Thanks for reading my post! I'm always so grateful for your encouragement and support of my blog - it means the world to me.
I know there are a ton of things sold out from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale but if you are looking to splurge a bit more on pieces, then you are in luck! Quite a few items are still in stock that are at a bit of a higher price point. I rounded up the most classic and versatile pieces that I liked the most. All the items are linked below.
2. Longchamp tote - Longchamp makes some of the best totes and this leather one is gorgeous.
3. Lace jacket - It's a military jacket with a lace detail! Yes and YES!
4. Tory Burch boots - Nothing too flashy about these boots and the heel is a wearable height. Simple, understated but still eye-catching.
5. L'Agence silk shirt - I have a large collection of silk shirts in my closet and they never fail me. This yellow is a bit unexpected yet still so chic.
6. Bell Sleeve coat - I don't know what I love more - the bell sleeves or the rose color.
7. Tweed jacket - Perfect with jeans and a camisole for a night out or a pencil skirt and blouse for the office. Tweed jackets are always so versatile.
8. Cashmere scarf - Nothing like a classic cashmere scarf and this one comes in a ton of colors.
9. AGL smoking slipper - I love a good smoking slipper - the silver detail across the front of the shoe completes the whole look.
Jacket - Caslon (on sale for $49!) | Jeans - Topshop | Bodysuit - Boody | Boots - Vince Camuto (on sale for $99) | Bag - Chloe (similar here) | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney | Necklace - Made Community
Don't worry - I didn't suffer through unbearable heat and risk a heat stroke to get these photos. Oddly enough, the morning we woke up to take these pictures it was sunny, with little to no humidity and 80 degrees. In fact, this outfit felt perfect for that kind of weather. This camo jacket is incredibly lightweight and great for the warmer weather when worn over a tank top (like I am wearing here) or a sleeveless dress. However, come fall this will turn into the best transition piece. And out of all my Nordstrom sale purchases (see my hauls here, here and here), these boots along with these boots were my favorite buys. This pair that I'm wearing is a bit more casual and western looking and are something I would wear all year round (yes, I love ankle boots in the summer), while these are a bit more classic or better for only fall and winter.
I decided to end this post with the recent books I've finished along with a few television series I watched straight through and enjoyed.
BOOKS:
1. The Hypnotist's Love Story - I wasn't sure I would like this at first because the story wasn't moving fast enough for me, but the further I got into it the more I wanted to know how it would end. Ellen, a hypnotherapist, has only been on a few dates with Patrick but knows she is already falling for him. However, he comes with a bit of extra baggage in the form of an ex-girlfriend stalker. Most of Patrick's former dates have been scared off by this, but not Ellen. She is intrigued and curious about this dynamic. I personally couldn't stand the personality of the ex-girlfriend and she irritated me to no end throughout the book, but the author does a great job of letting the story unfold and ultimately I began to change my opinion of her as the chapters went by. Not a thriller, but definitely an interesting read.
2. The Dollhouse - After the period piece disaster that was The Wicked City, I was hesitant to read another period piece. Though this one was set up a lot like The Wicked City with two stories going simultaneously in different eras, I enjoyed this book much more. Rose Lewin is a journalist living with her boyfriend at a posh upper east side building in NYC that was once the Barbizon, a hotel for women in the 1950's. Rose hears rumors about a tragedy that unfolded at the hotel years ago and decides to interview some of the remaining tenants that were around during that time. The story takes some twists and turns and really kept me entertained until the very end.
3. The Perfect Mother - From what I read, this book is currently being made into a movie and after reading it, I can see why. This book was written to be made into a movie. Maybe not intentionally, but it will definitely translate well onto the big screen. The May Mothers is a mommy group in Brooklyn that meets weekly to bond, chat and discuss all things babies and motherhood. Unfortunately one of their members suffers a great tragedy and has her baby abducted one evening when she is out for a fun night with the May Mothers. The mothers in the group try to piece together what happened and do their own investigation separate from that of the NYPD. Secrets are revealed about the members which keeps the reader from determining exactly who took baby Midas. I definitely couldn't figure it out until the end, though I do think the "reveal" chapter where all comes to light is dragged on too long. But I assume it will be perfect for the movie adaptation. This was a definite winner and my favorite out of all 3 books!
SHOWS:
1. Billions - Out of the two series I just finished, Billions was by far my favorite! In fact, it was my favorite series I have watched in a few months. I have started and stopped a million different shows recommended to me or ones that are highly buzzed about, but from the first episode I was hooked on Billions. It centers around Bobby Axelrod, a self-made billionaire that the District Attorney of NY is constantly trying to bring down. They both play dirty with their antics, but one of them is always ahead of the other. I just finished the last episode of Season 3 and sadly Season 4 won't be released for a while so I have to find another series to delve into as good as this one!
2. The Sinner - I have heard so many reviews and good things about this show, and while I did finish the entire season and enjoy it, it was only good not great. Jessica Biel murders a random man in broad daylight while at the beach with her family and seems to not have any explanation as to why. As the detective assigned to the case delves into her past, he helps her relive memories that explain her actions. Some scenes and episodes are a bit slow moving, but overall I think it is worth watching.
