post is not in 3D. you're welcs.

boots: target. jeans: old navy (on loan). sweater: motherhood maternity. earrings: gift from here.

Take a good look, friends. Or don't. But these items were banished to the laundry room after my very sick little chickie of a toddler threw up all over me in the bathroom at InstaCare.

Pity me. Please. Then pity yourselves because you're seeing me in, yet again, the same 3 articles of clothing every time I do an outfit post. In fact, I've probably already posted this exact get-up already. Awesome. But here's the thing: my go-to outfits are not glamorous, they're not mind-bendingly inspiring, they're not particularly clever, they're probably not even be clean. (Wanna still be friends? No? Understandable...) Still, they're my bread-and-butter as a comfort-seeking pregnant mom.

(Mmmmm. Butter...)

I love wearing stuff that makes me feel pretty and feminine. But I also love wearing stuff that aids in, rather than competes with, the functions of my life. Like laundry and dishes and dusting (wait, that's a lie. I never dust.) and the occasional throw-up of a little girl who, at the moment, needs her mom's comfy lap and love more than her wearing of pretty heels and lace.

So. What do we all learn from this? Wear stuff that's vomit-proof. The end.

Happy Friday.

denim: the great neutralizer

 shoes: steve madden. skirt: vintage. shirt & cardigan: gap. necklace: gift.

Happy Leap Day! My friend's daughter turns "2" today (actually 8, but she's a Leap Day baby, and I like to tell jokes that never get old). Other than that little tidbit, though, it's just a regular day around here, full of muddy paw prints on the wood floor and justifications of chocolate cake for breakfast. Y'know, the usual.

I realized after I got dressed here that nothing I'm wearing really matches. I mean, sure, the denim skirt is a gimme, as are the neutral bootie heels, but my top half is crazy-random. We've got some mustard, red, and blue in the shirt, some pastel lemonade-pink and mint-green in the cardigan, and a full-on salmony coral necklace.

Here's one thing I've learned about meself in the past month: I'm pretty lazy about some things lately. Like retyping the word "meself" into "myself" (nope). Or doing my social duty and changing my clothes to, if not look great, at least make some sort of sense (uh-uh).

So today there's just meh-ness to my madness. But it's still a good day because I got my highly recommended Poppy King (J.Crew) lipstick the other day, and I can't stop wearing it. It's like a fire-alarm wake-up-call to my face. And, really, aren't we all going for that?...Guys?...aren't we?...ah crap...

Happy Leap-Day Wednesday.

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quietitude

 shoes: american eagle outfitters. jeans & puffy vest: gap. shirt: old navy. watch: target.

Pic above is Scary Exhibit A of smiling-with-one's-mouth-but-not-one's-eyes. Let's make this a learning moment for all of us, shall we?

So, I've been feeling a little down lately. (I know, I know, cue the violin music and toss me a psychiatrist's couch.) My life is so blessed, I have nothing real to complain about...and yet I still find stuff. Go figure.

Anyways, as a result, I'm in a rather quiet mood. Which doesn't happen often around here here, so let's enjoy it.

I'll just make this short and sweet, then. I'm glad that this little blessing I'm carrying around with me is so active--it makes a few bruised internal organs worth it. I smiled that my cute 3- and 5-year-old daughters changed into striped shirts and puffy vests of their own at lunch today so we could all be "twinners." I love that my son ran out of his classroom at school when I was volunteering this morning to give me an enormous hug. I'm grateful that my intuitive husband tucked me into bed early last night so I could get some extra sleep.

I appreciate all of you who read this little blog, and I hope that life treats you well today.

Happy Thursday.

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a zigzag scarf and a brush with death...or at least some squooshy mud

 boots: target. jeans: old navy. shirt: duo maternity. scarf: forever 21. earrings: etsy.

I know, I know...the boots-and-knee-high-socks thing has been done to death. But it's comfy and warm and covers up some of my water-retaining legs. So we'll just have to agree to agree-but-let-the-pregnant-lady-have-her-way for another month or two, mmmmkay? Thanks a mil.

I took my 3-year-old daughter for a walk this morning. She's adorable but has a stubborn streak that comes to a very vocal head when she's asked to do something outlandish. Like walk. So she rode in the stroller.

Our route led us up a small hill and then back down. Wanting to change things up on the way home, at the bottom of the hill I took a scenic route (read: death-defying brush with nature) along the canal. It was muddy, snowy, slushy, puddley (yep. real word. maybe.), slippery, bumpy and all things "-y" that would potentially cause one well-meaning but off-balanced soul wearing zero-traction boots to careen into the nearby waterway.

You'll all breathe an enormous sigh of relief, as I did, when our squeal-worthy rugged-terrain journey ended with zero fatalities and only one really muddy boot. Which, frankly, is a happy albeit fairly anticlimatic ending to this tale.

I know what you're all thinking: Why would she share such a pointless Story of Meh? What a waste of my time. Doesn't she know Nate Berkus is almost on? Fair enough, but in my defense, the alternative was a riveting story about how I chewed a hangnail on my super-dry thumb until it bled and now the bandaid keeps coming off. So.

You're welcome, and I accept your apology.

Happy Tuesday.

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I love shoes because they fit when nothing else does.

This is what I wore today, blah blah blah.

 shoes: converse. pants & hoodie: gap. shirt: duo maternity.

Anyone who uses the word "blah" in the first sentence of a style blog post (and then repeats it twice more) probably shouldn't be writing a post at all. And yet, here I am. And here you are. For what reason is a mystery to me, but my grandmother always told me to seize opportunities, so I will.

[Editor's note: Actually, she rarely told me that. Her words of wisdom were more like, "here's $20, why don't you go get us something yummy at KFC," and "you're my favorite grandchild." She was awesome. And KFC is, on occasion, delicious.]

Ahem. 

Despite the randomness of a hoodie and button-up combo (not to mention the chucks and khakis...shhh, there there), may I still brag about my tummy-toting self for a moment? Today's lengthy to-do list is all but finished (and I didn't even cheat and include stuff like "roll out of bed" and "put on deodorant" for once), I have a dinner idea and ingreds, and I finished the sudoku in today's paper even though my pencil was really dull and I couldn't find a sharpener.

PLUS I didn't say something snarky to the guy at the grocery store who s.t.a.r.e.d. at my belly during an awkward shopping cart approach-and-pass. Let's be proud.

Happy Tuesday.

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what's red & pink & tweed all over?

RED: check.

 PINK (about 12 shades): check check check.

 TWEED: check. 

 or, for you overdo-the-pink-on-V-Day purists, TWEED: UNcheck.

 shoes: converse brand. tweed jacket: talbots. scarf: gift. bracelets: forever21 & gifts.

Hey guys, it's Red-and-Pink day at Everybody, Everywear. Fitting for Valentine's Day, obv. I actually have a red maternity corduroy skirt that I contemplated wearing with this shirt, but I'm glad I didn't. Seemed a little too bleeding-pepto-bismol for me. Not that that's a bad thing, of course. Oh, wait. Yes it is.

You know what's weird? (Aside from the fact that my 3-year-old is developing an affinity for pickle juice. No lie. Ew.) I think pregnant bellies actually look better when you can see their real outline. Which is the paradox of the universe, but there it is. 

If I had my way, I'd drape myself in a canvas tent and call it good for the next 2 months. But there are others to consider. Like my husband. And the circus clowns who, frankly, need those tents to make a living. Speaking of...is it odd to wear red chucks with a tweed jacket? Probably. I mean, are we college-professoring today or boarding at the skate park? One just can't tell. Which, to me, makes the combination a little Unexpected & Maybe Awesome.

Happy Valentine's Day.

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*yawn* i'm sorry, did i wear something?

jeans: gap. shirt: husband's closet. bracelets: gifts. annnnd...welp, that's about it.

You guys. It's totally a double-pigtail kind of day. And, looking at these photos, I'm going to have to warn, slash, promise you: my outfit posts at this stage of the game are going to become more and more infrequent. I don't think I need to explain, just take a small gander at the photo above because it's worth at least 5 words. Uninspiring at best, pitiable at honest.

The bare feet are legit because I literally did.not.leave. my house all day. Do you ever have days like that? Yes? Do you blog about them? No? Well, then, that's the difference between you and me. You're socially aware. I'm a walking tent.

But enough about me, let's talk about you. Are you impressed that we can still see my toes? Savor the memory. It'll surely be shortlived.

Happy Friday.

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because maybe a pregnant woman WOULD make a great lumberjack.

I made a purchase earlier this winter that I want to share with you all, as it has made me prolly the happiest I've been since, well, it's a tie between the birth of my youngest kid and being given a fresh loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread. Either way: super happy.

Purchase Of Joy: Clarks desert boots.

Boots by Clarks

 (Note: Sadly, Clarks is neither paying me to advertise for them nor aware that I even exist. I'm known to them only as something along the lines of "Order #682023679." But I'm sure they chose those numbers with love...)

I wear these puppies everywhere, and they tolerantly "go" with whatever I've chosen to throw on that day. Which is especially nice, because when one's belly nearly doubles every week, it's hard to be picky about one's wardrobe. Jeans? Sure. Skirt? Fun. Bathrobe? You betcha.

But these shoes. I heart them.

My goal for the week is to commandeer a plaid shirt from my husband and go for the "in-my-prime-I-could've-passed-for-a-lumberjack" look. Join me, won't you?

Button Front Tops at Kohl's
Boots by Hunter

Next footwear purchase: a delightful pair of Hunter rainboots...with a side of pumpkin choc-chip bread, please.

Happy Monday.

a blazer and a baby bump

 dress: motherhood maternity. blazer: thrifted. bracelets: forever21. flower pin: downeast basics. shoes: candie's brand, I think .

Hey friends. I know, I know. What the random outfit post 100 years later? What can I say, I like to keep things interesting. And also, I'm lazy and 6 months pregnant. "Unpredictability" is my new middle name. Hyphenated with "hormonal." And "hungry." Good thing I don't write checks anymore...the people behind me in line would HATE me and the 10-minute wait while I just signed the dang thing.

Anyways. Yeah, I'm going to start posting again. Sometimes it'll be on what I wear (heaven help us all, with this belly of mine). Sometimes it'll be on what I'm doing with my kids. Sometimes it'll be on house projects. Sometimes it'll be on absolutely nothing you can or want to relate to. 

I guess what I'm saying is, I'm going to make my own blogging rules. Which could get a little scary, considering I have a "rule" about not eating ice cream after 11 p.m., and you can all imagine how well that's adhered to. (In my defense: it's almost always mint ice cream, which is basically the same as brushing my teeth. So it's not altogether a terrible deed, right guys?... Guys?...)

Anyways. Thanks for hanging with me. Happy Sunday.

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product review: Layerwear Basics

 shoes: cato brand. tube skirt: layerwear basics. shirt: gap. sash: from this shirt. bracelet: hawaii.

A few days ago, I got this tube skirt in the mail from the nice people at Layerwear Basics. It.Is.Awesome. The fabric is of super high quality and thick, and the seaming and finishes are flawless; I feel like it'll last forever.

And I hope it does, because it's a perfect layering skirt. Being a tube skirt, it's obviously tighter around my hips and waist, so I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it with a shorter top. (You're welcome, Society-At-Large.) But I'm finding it to be a perfect balancing piece with longer tunic-style tops, especially flowy or more voluminous tops that work best paired with a smaller-scale bottom. Or a schoolboy blazer...wouldn't that be chic?

One thing about wearing this skirt is that, despite being fairly form-fitting (fine, let's be honest: "tight"), it's easy to move around in because it's stretchy. But, after walking my dog around the block in it (relatively brisk walking), I had to pull it down every block and a half or so. But I didn't have to do that just wearing it around the house; I'd reserve wearing this skirt for times that don't require a longer stride. Like jogging. Summary: Tube skirts aren't ideal for doubling as running skirts...

The waist of this skirt is fold-over...able (new word. use it in conversation this week to make yourself sound super smart.), which is nice for adjusting the skirt's length, which is in and of itself flattering and modest at the same time. Score. I can't wait until the weather cools off a bit to wear this with colored tights. Layerwear Basics offers this skirt (and other stuff) in a variety of colors, which is useful to coordinate it with whatever's already in your closet.

Below are some shirts I'd love to have and wear with this skirt. Some of these may or may not already be in my shopping carts across cyberworld. I'm click-happy awesome that way.

More J.Crew...

So, in a nutshell: as long as you're not heading out for a hike or marathon, I'd absolutely recommend this skirt based on its top quality, fit, and style. Check out the other products at Layerwear Basics! 

Happy Thursday.

this isn't goodbye. not exactly.

 shoes: unionbay brand. shorts & shirt: american eagle. bracelets: forever21.

So... [Editor's note: Methinks too many sentences/paragraphs on this blog are started with the word "so." Like we're in the middle of a conversation or something. Which, who knows, maybe we are. One long conversation about my sweet tooth and flosslessness.]

So I'm downsizing my posting on this blog. I've loved it as a creative outlet, but with the start of multiple kiddos at school, a gazillion projects, some interests elsewhere, cookies to bake for after-school snacks, roses to stop and smell, and just an overall need to simplify simplify, posting to this blog on the daily is what will have to give.

There there. Don't cry. Oh, wait...are those tears of joy? Then, by all means. Bawl away.

Thank you, lovelies, for supporting me in my not-so-serious take on style and life. I'm amazed and humbled that so many of you care what I have to say...or at least inadvertently click on my URL before you realize the mistake you've made.

Cheers. And I'll see you soon for an awesome product review of something you'll totally want.

AND and happy Wednesday.

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More CeCe...

we all live in a greenish-blue submarine...

 sandals: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: gift. watch: target.

So, solids & color-blocking are hot now. Which is great--who doesn't love color, especially in big chunks? It's like eating a milkshake with enormous hunks of butterfinger in there. Which, actually, is a point of contention between my adorable husband and myself. He prefers his milkshakes to be smooth, flavored ice cream. Me? I want them to be a crunchy, chunky food group.

I know. It's a huge marital compromise when we have to share a milkshake. Frankly, it's a miracle we've made it almost ten years together. But there are solutions to every problem, and this obstacle in our marriage is no different: Fortunately for us, we both firmly believe that sharing ice cream is for wimps, and we get our own.

Problem solved. Not to brag, but I think we're masters in diplomacy. It's a shame we're not in politics. And also a shame that politicians don't deal in ice cream.

So. Solid color-blocking. Awesome and all, but this girl [Editor's note: Two thumbs pointing backwards at myself] loves prints. Solution? Block together prints of the same color. Which, when that color happens to be a greenish blue like what dominates this ensemble, doubles as a costume for a walking piece of seaweed. Total win-win. 

 Happy Monday.

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a wide belt and some knee-high socks

 shoes & socks: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: gift/secondhand. necklace: forever21. belt: kohl's. bracelet & earrings: hawaii.

 And an early Christmas present to you all: a little photo I like to call "Most Awkward Outtake EVER"...drumroll please...

This week I'm grateful for:

- family reunions.

- food at family reunions.

- relaxing afternoons at a beach, including a short swim in the waves and a cuddle with my tired toddler and a riveting book in my hands.

- freedom and peace and safety. I've been reading "Unbroken," which you should all rush out to your local libraries and/or bookstores and pick up and read. It's fascinating, appalling, amazing, life-changing.

- sunglasses.

- summertime sleeping in...drawing to a close too swiftly...

- fly swatters.

- my now-3-year-old Little Miss Independent. She is one unique duck, and my husband and I adore her.

- air conditioning.

- night swimming and watching my kid experience the exhilaration of jumping off the diving board time and time and time and time again.

- having a waffle iron, waffle batter, and a fresh batch of huckleberry syrup all at the same time and place. As in, this morning, my kitchen. Mmmmm...

Happy Sunday.

stripes + plaid = a glorious day to be alive & dressed

 shoes: forever21. skirt: american eagle outfitters. shirt: don't recall. cardigan: gap. necklace: gift. watch: target.

 This outfit was extremely comfortable and functional. I mean, look--I could even talk on the phone in it. (Because usually I wear stuff that doesn't allow for that kind of elbow-bendage or something? Please...)

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday! Today's topic is: goals, dreams, & aspirations. Aside from being able to decide what's for dinner every night (default: quesadillas. Guess how often we eat those guys?) (You may or may not have nailed it with "at least three times a week." I'll never tell), I have fairly simple aspirations. 

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be? I've always had a dream of being a librarian. But lately I wish I had a natural knack for interior design. What a dream job that would be.

2. What draws you to this? Beautiful spaces are inspiring to me, and I'd love to be able to actually create those. Combining and balancing color, texture, pattern, layout...it's all so awesome when done right.

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? Maybe a year or two ago. But...I think I've gone off the wrong track in answering these questions again. That's a dream of something I would love to do but don't necessarily have the talent/ability to do it. So. Wee clarification.

4. What's holding you back from going all in? Oh, let's see: my shortage of taste, vision, ability, and skill, just to name a few. And, when I'm not basking in the view of beautiful spaces, really, being a mom is my #1 thing. And, bonus, I can be "successful" in momhood even if my house looks like a pigsty or is a throwback to the 90s or is a one-room-dirt-floored shack. As long as there are fresh homemade sweet rolls available on occasion. So.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream? I enjoy home design blogs and magazines and books. I enjoy fiddling around in the building I'm lucky enough to call home. And I can bake sweet rolls while doing it. I think I'm probably living my dream.

Happy Friday!

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