Category Archives: Casual Friday Work

Boho Tops…come in handy when you go out :)

 It was my friend’s birthday the other night, so we went to someplace special.  He’s a total foodie, so we let him pick the spot.  When I looked at the menu, I knew I needed a top that had “room to grow” haha.  That is one of the things I love so much about “boho” tops.  They are loose and flow so you can’t see the “after food and wine belly” 🙂

Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-1 Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-2I love stacking jewelry.  Even before it was the thing to do.  Mainly because I’m too lazy to take anything off and rotate, so I just keep everything on haha.  This time I mixed $4 bangles from H&M with…a not $4 bracelet 🙂 Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-3 Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-4 Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-5 Blog Winter Kate Top DL1961 Coated Jeans-6And because it was a “going out” night, I didn’t get mixed pics of me and Maya, but I took these a few weeks ago and never blogged them.  I have a small obsession with Osh Kosh overalls.  Call it a generational thing 🙂Blog Maya 105 weeks Green Striped Osh Kosh Overalls-1 Blog Maya 105 weeks Green Striped Osh Kosh Overalls-2 Blog Maya 105 weeks Green Striped Osh Kosh Overalls-3On me…

Top- Winter Kate (old, but similar here)
Shoes- Report (similar)
On Maya…
Overalls- Osh Kosh (thrifted/vintage?)  skirt version in red here.
Leg Warmers- Baby Legs (similar)
Super Mom Tip
These tops are great for so many occasions/times in your life.  Wear them in the first trimester when you are trying to “hide the bump”.  Then wear them after the baby comes to…well, “hide the bump” :{  Then, wear them when you have a two year old to hide the food baby 🙂  That said.  It’s best to wear loose flowing tops with tighter bottoms to even things out. 🙂

dit-elle-Lauren

It was another all black kind of day…

Do you ever have those days when you feel so overwhelmed with work, kids, and LIFE that the last thing you want to think about is “what am I going to wear?”??  Yeah, me too!! 🙂

When that happens, I revert to my comfort zone….black.blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-1 blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-2When I wear all black, I like to at least play with texture… blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-3 blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-4 blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-5My husband worries that Maya will get “tainted” by me taking all these pictures of her and that she’ll think she’s a model.  Um, I’m not worried 🙂 blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-6Just a kid jumping in leaves! blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-7Funny story.  It was COLD yesterday and WINDY!  Maya had ripped out the braid I had put in her hair and wouldn’t sit still for me to put her hair in a ponytail.  SO…this is the 5 second updo, and I kind of like it! blog Club Monaco Cashmere Blank NYC Skinny Cords Frye Harness Boots-8On me…

Sweater- Club Monaco (old, but similar here)
Jeans- Blank NYC corduroy (on sale here!)
Boots- Frye (less expensive version here)
On Maya…
Coat-Crazy 8 (thrifted, but this one is cute)
Sweater- Vintage Hand Knit (thrifted)
Top- Koala Kids (thrifted, but same idea here)
Jeans- Gap
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.)

My favorite leather jacket… in GREEN!

 I have this exact jacket it a bright orange (worn last here), and I love it!  I get compliments every time I wear it, and even let a senior wear it for her senior portraits.  When I saw it on eBay a while back in green (my favorite color), I sooooo wanted it!!  I let it go (did I really need another leather jacket???!)  Then, I saw it again a few weeks ago at a screaming deal (aka FATE haha), so I snatched it up!  I have a few Doma Leather jackets.  Obviously, the quality is amazing, but they also all have such unique details to them.  I love that!!Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-1 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-2Scored these suede booties at a thrift store last week for $7!!  They are super comfy too! Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-3 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-4 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-5 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-6 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-7 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-8 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-9 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-10 Blog Green Doma Leather Jacket Blankn NYC Pants Suede Booties-11On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here and super cool bright blue here)
Top- Joie
Jeans- Blank NYC
Boots- Ann Taylor (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
On Maya…
Overalls- Old Navy overalls.  Thrifted, but similar here.
Scarf- Mine 🙂  thrifted

dit-elle-Lauren

A little Boho influence…

I was born in the mid(ish :)) 70’s so I think there’s always a part of me that’s drawn to the bohemian look.  Let’s face it…flowy usually equals comfort, so that’s a win 🙂blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-1 blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-2 blog Karoo Cashmere Cardigan Ella Moss Silk Top Joes Jeans-3 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-1 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-2 Blog Old Navy Chambray dress Sweater-3

On me…

Sweater- Karoo by Mark Eisen (old, but similar here)
Top- Ella Moss (sold out, but similar idea here)
Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (similar here, and less expensive here)
Shoes- Nine West (thrifted, but similar here)
On Maya…
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but this is adorable!)
Sweater- Old Navy (thrifted) similar here.
Leggings- Gymboree (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.)

dit-elle-Lauren

Wide leg jeans + HEELS + Leather Jacket…must be date night! :)

We were having dinner with my parents over the weekend and they offered to babysit Maya Tuesday so we could go on a date night.  I think it took us all of about .000003 seconds to say “YES!”

They were also nice enough to give me a break from the self timer and took some pics before we left 🙂Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-5 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-8 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-7 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-6The sales places are having are killing me!  haha.  I scooped this top up when Shopbop announced a 25% off friends and family discount on Facebook.  It was already marked down 70% off, so I scored!Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-1 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-2I had been eyeing this little lariat necklace from Gorjana-Griffin for a while.  When they announced having an extra 40% off their sale items, and I couldn’t resist (it’s 50% now!!)  I may have gotten the earrings and a few other things too! 😉  I love how classic and timeless all their pieces are.  I’m still mourning the bee pendant I lost from them… 😦Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-3 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-4 “Wait, no self timer??” haha Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-9 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-10 Blog DL1961 Enza Costa Doma GorjanaGriffin-11On me…

Top- Enza Costa (70% off at Shopbop!)
Jeans-DL1961 (SCORED at Funky Janes for $19) Similar here
Shoes Seychelles (old)  Love these!
Necklace and Earrings- Gorjana-Griffin and Helen Ficalora

Jacket- Doma (old) Similar color here and here.

On Maya…
Sweater- Thrifted

dit-elle-Lauren

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a cool leather jacket…

I got this vintage leather jacket at Funky Janes for $25!!  I LOVE IT!  It totally looks like a $500 jacket, yet I know that nobody else is wearing it 🙂Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-1 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-2 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-3 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-4Then when I got home from the shoot a few hours later, it was SUNNY!  It was a little chilly, so I kept the scarf on that I had thrown on (but forgot to photograph!) as I left. Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-5 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-6Since I forgot to photograph the before outfit with the scarf, here it is 🙂 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-7 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Black Blank Denim Frye Boots-8Maya’s outfit was all about “This might be the last sunny day we have, I’m going to put the things I love that she’s growing out of on” haha

Am I the only one that gets sad every time their kid moves up a size?  It’s quickly replaced by excitement over the new bigger sized clothes, but still…a little mourning goes on 🙂1Maya104 weeks Janie Jack Old Navy

On me…

Leather Jacket- Vintage (similar here and less expensive faux leather here)
Jeans- Blank NYC
Top- H&M (on sale!)
Boots- Frye (less expensive version here)
On Maya…
Jeans- Old Navy (Scored from ThredUp, but same here)
Top- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar in different color here)
Shoes- Kids Korner (thrifted, but these are super cute and on sale for $6! :))
Super Mom Tip-
I could talk all day long about my love of thrifting.  The thrill of the hunt.  The excitement over finding things at 90-95% off!  You do NOT have to spend a kazillion dollars to look good or even wear designer items.  If you get overwhelmed at Thrift stores like Value Village/Goodwill or don’t have the patience for eBay, find a local consignment store.  Or not so local.  It might be worth a drive to score a vintage leather jacket for $25 🙂  PLUS, if you drop your clothes off there, you get $$ back which means the jacket could be FREE!!   ThredUp is also a great online source for both gently used clothing for children and women!  Their customer service is amazing, and the quality of clothing is outstanding.
dit-elle-Lauren

Mixing masculine with feminine…

Today was a bit of a rough day.  I had to take Maya to yet another urologist, and she’s gotten to the point now where the minute they call her name to go back she starts crying hysterically.  Not without good reason considering they had to do another catheter-ugh.  Needless to say, we were both in tears by the end of the visit…

Am I the only one that dresses in bright colors on crappy days, in the effort to cheer up? Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-1 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-2 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-3It got pretty sunny again yesterday…love it! Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-4 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-5 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-6 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-7 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-8Love this kid so much.  You’d never even know she was sick or had a crummy start to her day. Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-9 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-10 Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-11Spinning! Blog StyleMint Top Boyfriend Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-12

On me…

Top- StylMint (on sale!)
Jeans- Rich & Skinny (old, but similar here and less expensive here)
Shoes- Miss Sixty “Marlene” oxford (sold out, but you can still find them on eBay!)  Similar here.
Leather Jacket- Vintage purchased from Funky Janes (similar here and less expensive faux leather here)

On Maya…

Dress- Gap (Old, but this is cute, and if $ were no option HAHAHA here)
Jeggings- Jeggings- 77 kids (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse
Super Mom Tip:
  I posted one of the pics of Maya and me on my facebook page and a friend commented on my hair.  I laughed, because it was my “I didn’t take a shower and was sick of my usual messy bun” look.  Pretty easy to do.  Just start twisting one side (fix with bobby pin).  Twist other side, then gather both into a ponytail.  Then wrap into a bun.  Turns curly out of control bedhead into something a little put together 🙂dit-elle-Lauren

Are we sick of leopard flats? I’m not… :)

I may have already worn these flats a few times, but I love how they add fun to a pretty simple outfit.  Blog Ivory 360 Cashmere Dylan George Coated Leopard Flats-1And…”super mom tip gone bad”  I mentioned before my dislike of taking things to the drycleaner (who has time?!), and my frequent tossing of “dry clean only” items in the wash.  Well, this sweater is 100% cashmere.  I’d washed it on gentle before and it came out great!  Then…it accidentally went into the dryer.  Wah wah wah 😦  I’m actually ok with the length, but am totally bummed that it’s more of a traditional turtleneck than the cowl neck it was before… Oh, well.  I got it on the cheap off eBay (about 90% off!), so I guess I can’t cry over it too much…

All that said.  I layered a little boho tank underneath so it wasn’t too short with these very tight skinny jeans.Blog Ivory 360 Cashmere Dylan George Coated Leopard Flats-2 Blog Ivory 360 Cashmere Dylan George Coated Leopard Flats-3I am SO buying the size up on these when Maya finally grows out of them!!  For $6, I LOVE THEM! Blog Ivory 360 Cashmere Dylan George Coated Leopard Flats-4

On me…

Jeans- Dylan George (sold out at Nordstrom but a few sizes available here Less expensive here)
Tank Top- Target old (similar here and here)
Sweater- 360 Cashmere (in grey here, otherwise similar here and less expensive here)

Shoes- (thrifted) but similar here and cheaper here.

On Maya…
Jeans- Old Navy Similar (purchased mine via ThredUp)
Top- Genuine Kids by OshKosh (purchased on sale at Target similar here.
Sweater- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here )
Shoes- Zulily (enter Mariposa)
Super Mom tip *edited*
For the most part, I wash my cashmere sweaters in the wash on “wool delicate”, but make sure you keep an eagle eye out for when the load is done.  Someone might help and throw it in the dryer 😉  This does NOT work well with regular wool or cashmere blends.  That will fit your child when you are done, which I guess could be a super mom tip on how to find sweaters for you child 🙂

dit-elle-Lauren

What to wear for family pictures?

This is family picture season.  I’m in the thick of it at work, and families always ask…

“What should we wear??”

My answer is always, first and foremost, wear what you feel good in!  It doesn’t matter if you are wearing the latest trend, all look good together, etc… If you don’t feel good-you won’t like the pictures!  Now, that aside, here are some tips-

*Wear complimentary colors, but try not to be too matchy matchy.  I love when a kid/children wear a print and then older siblings and parents pick up a solid color in that print.  Or, you can have everyone wear neutral colors (creams, browns, grays) and then have a pop of color here and there (scarf, shoes, hair accessories, ties, belts) that match.

*Try to stay away from large logo’s or pictures on clothing.  It tends to draw the focus away from the most important thing….you and your family!

*Don’t wear all black.  Yes, we all feel good in black.  However, when you are all cuddling together (those are my favorite pics!), you will look like a big blog of black with floating heads.

*When in doubt, do a dress rehearsal really quick one night and snap a pic with your phone.  You will see if it all meshes well or clashes 🙂

Here’s what we wore last Mother’s Day.  Every year, that’s what I ask for as a present.  My parents take the pictures 🙂  We don’t have the boys for Mother’s Day (obviously), so this just gives you an idea for a smaller family…

I started off with Maya’s print top…Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-1Then I picked up a color in her top with my solid top. Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-2 Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-3Same with my husband. Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-4I made sure his shirt picked up another color and also went well with my top.  That’s usually not a problem if you chose different colors in your child’s top. The colors usually are meant to go together 🙂 Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-5Then for Father’s Day, I did a little shoot with all the kids and made a book with the images. Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-6Blog What to Wear for Family Pictures-7 On me…

Jeans- Genentic Denim (on sale here! )
Top- Sanctuary (Sold out, but similar color here)

Shoes- (thrifted) but similar here and cheaper here.

On Maya…
Jeans- Gap.
Top- Gap (thrifted, loving this long sleeve one here)
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.
and
Jeans- Old Navy (from ThredUp, but same on sale here)
Top- Gap (from ThredUp, but similar here)

Shoes- Zulily

Super Mom Tip-

You do NOT have to break the bank and go crazy buying clothes for pictures.  Having a color scheme in mind is the best time to hit the thrift stores!  Both boys are wearing thrifted Ralph Lauren Polo shirts- $5 each 😉  You can pick up a fun colored scarf for $1.50 or a pair of fun shoes for $10 that will MAKE your outfit!  Also, check out Pinterest!  There’s a TON of ideas on there.  Here’s a board I started with a few more ideas.

dit-elle-Lauren

This weather feeds my outfit indecision…

I’m not saying I’m complaining about the weather lately.  That would be stupid.  It’s not raining!!  However, the freezing cold mornings, followed by total sunshine, then rapidly dropping temps again makes it hard to dress accordingly.  So…sometimes there’s a midday outfit change!

Started off wearing this…

(Don’t mind the silly grin.  This was another self timer day, and Maya was singing to a frog sculpture haha.)Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-1Then of course she wanted to get in a few 🙂 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-2These shoes are beyond comfortable!  I have a black pair that I wear when I’m on my feet 8+ hours shooting a wedding.  Ok, I have two black pairs 🙂 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-3 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-4It hit me that I don’t do any close ups of Maya’s clothes.  These boots are one of my favorites!  Hers too!  I love that they can be worn up or down… Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-5 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-6THEN…I had a shoot later in the day.  I knew I would be too hot in that sweater, so I changed. Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-7 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-8 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-9 Blog Black Orchid Tie Dye Doma Leather Jacket J Crew Sweater-10On me…

Look 1…

Jeans- Black Orchid  (similar less expensive on sale here)
Sweater- J Crew (Old, but similar here and less expensive here)

Shoes- Soho Lab (Sold out (boo!!).  Similar here and if $ were no object *sigh* here.)

Leather Jacket- Doma (similar here and less expensive faux leather here)
Jeans- Black Orchid  (similar less expensive on sale here)
T shirt- Free Press (bought at Nordstrom Rack.  Similar here)
Shoes- Converse
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap (eBay, but similar here)
Top- Gap
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here)
dit-elle-Lauren