Category Archives: Day to Night

Little Black Dress from day to night…

I feel like I keep saying I’m not a dress girl, yet whenever I make myself wear them, I love them! They are so easy, and comfortable. At least they can be… Yet, for some reason I think they are more work than they are? I don’t know why that is, but I’m happy Dressember spurred me onto thinking differently. I for sure didn’t make it on the wearing a dress for each day in December, but a few days for the month already is a big step, and I’m planning on trying for more!

But in order to make it really count, I thought I’d go for a twofer 😉 Day to night dressing is honestly a Mom’s best friend. Although…I rarely do anything at night, so whatever. BUT…if I DID have plans, this would be a great transition outfit! 🙂 And then for night…remove a few layers, add a classic pump, apply a little make up, go from a no shower top knot to a twisted side bun, and voila….ready to go to holiday party!On me…

Dress- Rhyme (old, but loving this here here)

Top-StyleMint

Leggings- Forever21 (similar here)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)

Heels- Via Spiga

On Maya…

Dress- Zulily (search Yo Baby)

Leggings- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Boots- Zulily (search Link Boots)

Keeping it Real…

I could lie and say we went to some fancy party, but truth be told I just ran outside to take the “Night” pictures after I put Maya down for her nap. The Huz (who also works from home), came upstairs and was like

“WOAH! Where are YOU going?!!”

“Oh, you know…party on the sidewalk. Whoop whoop!” 😉

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

One of my favorite posts…Because I can’t think of a title…and it is :)

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I envy anyone who has a way with words. Someone that pulls you in with their story. One that can make you feel as if you were there by the way they describe what happened to them. Witty titles. Heart wrenching stories that pull you in, and make you ache from what you read or make you laugh out loud. Or…just a recounting of their day (good or bad) that makes you think of a day you similarly had that makes you connect to them.

I follow people’s blogs or on Instagram that have this gift, because they inspire me and leave me in awe, but I will never be that person. I’ve never had that special way with words. I’ve always used another medium to express myself. Right now…it’s pictures. And, honestly, I feel blessed to be able to do that for other people, and honestly…for myself.

I’ve never been good at story telling. I always forget 75% of what I’m trying to tell. I’d never be able to accurately recount to Maya all the fun we had in her childhood, but through this blog…I can. And I am forever grateful for that. Zero followers or a bunch of followers. It doesn’t really matter. The end result is that I can show her this later and show her how much fun we had and how much I love her. Because by the time she actually reads this, she will “hate me” for telling her she can’t wear this or that I’m sure haha :{

I’m sure it isn’t a secret that I don’t really feel comfortable in dresses. I love them, buy them, but never wear them. One of the pages I follow on Instagram is CoastToCoastCentral. Not only do they have great fashion posts and challenges, but they are very involved in raising awareness around sex trafficking. It literally makes my shudder to think about this being a reality, but is sadly it very much is. They recently partnered with Dressember in order to raise awareness of human trafficking. Honestly, I can’t wear a dress for the entire month (ugh, maybe I could, but…this year, I will try to commit to wearing them MORE! Baby steps).

Sooo, day 1 (or, in reality Day 8 by the time I post this)! Honestly, this dress would be indecent on a 40 year old mom (who’s 5′ 8″!), so I paired it with some skinny jeans and boots and I was happy as a clam! Extra bonus? Totally hides all the holiday indulging-WIN!!

And then the sun went away… In case you were wondering 😉OMG, loooove that I captured this!! Usually, I only capture the after math (ginormous hug), but this is what leads up to it, which…is almost just as good 😉 Ok, this is better 🙂 “Maya, can you stand like a flamingo?” haha. Because she’s obsessed with flamingos, and there’s no way she would follow “Can you do what I’m doing?” Hey…whatever works, because…how cute, right?? 😉 I cannot tell you how much I love it when she just busts a move!! 🙂OH MY GOSH, I have no words. She is so freaking cute I can hardly stand it. And no, I’m not biased (haha ;)) SHE IS!!!Looove this one too.Does anyone remember Geoffrey? Yeah, he disappeared, and no other stick has lasted past the walk we are on. This stick stayed on the path. For those that don’t remember Geoffrey, he came with us everywhere for…a month? Broke twice, had bandaides all over, and kept on going until…he was lost. 😦On me…

Jacket- Levi’s (thrifted)

Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)

Dress- Free People “Sunbeam Mini Dress” (Nordstrom Rack, love this here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Bloom (C/O)

Boots- Frye 12″ Harness Boots

On Maya…

Hat- (thrifted, but similar here)

Sweater- (thrifted, but similar here)

Vest- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Top- Little Boogaweezin (sold out, but the SS15 is preview is AMAZING!)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Rafaeli C/O

Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Ok, this first one…hahaha. I was trying to show the movement of the dress and in my mind I wanted a graceful twirl. What I got instead! HA-NOT GRACEFUL! Hey…you try twirling for 10 seconds and have it time it just right 😉 Totally cracked me up when I saw it though!! I look like a tween line dancing (no offense to line dancers!!)

And, this next one wouldn’t be an outtake if there wasn’t a guy walking his dog (I probably could have removed him in photoshop), and the voluminous dress didn’t look soooo unflattering when I bent over :{ But…it happens, and I still love it, so it’s an outtake! 🙂

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Leather + Coated Denim…again :)

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So, in my quest to wear things that I love but that I wasn’t wearing, I’m now on repeat haha. Hey, there are worse things. Plus, these coated denim are basically like spanx, so you’re lucky you don’t see these on me every single day. Although, these pictures were taken a few weeks ago before the holiday binging, so they might not even fit me right now ;} “C’mon Mom, this way!!” Love, love love these next three. I couldn’t decide which one to post, so I’m posting them all…because I can 🙂 On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)

Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)

Top- StyleMint

Jeans- J Brand

Shoes- Vans (thrifted for $5!, similar here)

On Maya…

Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here although, hers is a boys jacket :))

Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Tights- H&M (similar here)

Boots- Zulily $9.99! (search Link)

Keeping it Real…

Maya had gotten up earlier than normal on this day. She’s actually been pretty good about sleeping in until 7:00-7:30. She goes to bed at 9:00. Has since she was a baby. I’ve tried to put her down earlier, because I always just assumed kids slept from 7-7 (like my brothers kids and friends kids did). Hey, I would have been excited about 8-8 or 9-9. BUT…I really l can’t complain, because she’s always been (and still is) and amazing napper. That’s when I get all my work done, so I really wouldn’t trade that for anything! Plus, it’s nice that she gets to stay up and see and hang out with all of us vs going to bed right after dinner.

ANYWHO…she got up around 6ish on this day (if I remember correctly), and we had time to kill before preschool. So…we took pics. Disregard the bags under both of our eyes, and the fact that I didn’t shower. At this point, the fact that I haven’t showered isn’t really “keeping it real” anymore :}

Here she is eating an after breakfast/before preschool snack.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Kimonos + Black Ripped Skinnies (and a video!)

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I LOVE the look of kimonos! They can be a little tricky to wear though. At least for me. I see them on other people, and pretty much love however they are worn. But then I try it, and I end up taking them off haha. LOVE this one from Free People. Really, anything Free People makes, I love lately.

All that said. I realized as I was going over these images that I looked totally pregnant in this outfit- I’m NOT! I definitely learn things after posting outfits. There’s only so much that you can see when you look in the mirror. Especially when you take all of about 2 minutes to get dressed! I thought all loose and flowey would be good on top with the skinny jeans on the bottom, but…I’m thinking a tighter shirt might have been a better idea. Oh, well! 🙂 All that said, if I were pregnant, I would TOTALLY rock this outfit as well! Although, I still might do a tighter shirt to showcase the bump 🙂 But ooooooh, that cascade of flowing fabric?? LOVE!! This next one cracks me up haha. Kind of an outtake, but too funny not to include! Maya’s face, and the side karate kick-love it! Again…NOT PREGNANT!! :{I’ve been wanting to do a video of how I take our shots with a self timer and tripod. I’ve done a post about it, but I really want to do one that goes over the entire process, because I really want to show Maya’s role in it (here’s a video of Maya doing it all by herself 🙂), and how much fun she has. But haven’t had the time yet. I did manage to capture this video of me doing the thing Maya loves the most. Flying in the air-aka working out with your toddler :). I am SO glad I finally did it-LOVE IT! I may or may not have already watched this about 827 times 😉

And here’s the image I took in the video! Honestly, all the stars aligned in that I got this shot the one time I shot the video. I would have just posted another one that wasn’t videoed had I not hahahaha (just keeping it real ;))The dress Maya is wearing is SO ADORABLE!! The only problem is that it’s 100% silk (aka is a wrinkle nightmare) and it’s short sleeve. But, she’s been asking to wear it every since I bought it (for $1.50!!!!), and I kept putting her off. Finally, I gave in and just layered her up. 🙂 It cracks me up how opinionated she already is (insert snicker from my dad!!) She is her mother’s daughter 🙂

Lion in hand… She has to be holding a toy at all times 🙂Are you kidding me with that look??? 🙂And then THIS? I just wanted to scoop her up and smother her with kisses!! On me…

Kimono- Free People “Printed Duster Scarf” (Nordstrom Rack, can still buy it here)

Top- Mod’Land Paris (thrifted, similar here)

Jeans- J Brand Skinny Leg Shadow Destroyed (ebay, not destroyed here and less expensive here)

Boots- SixtySeven “Blake” Bootie (Nordstom Rack, sold out, loving these)

On Maya…

Jacket- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Dress- CrewCuts (thrifted, but similar drop waist style here)

Leggings- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Boots- Kids Feet (Consignment Store credit used, similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Here’s a few outtakes I took before I had the thought to video it. What’s really funny is that I’ve always performed better under pressure-HA! I had to totally laugh when I saw this next on the back of the camera. Where’s Maya??! hahaha And then…I flipped the camera to portrait vs landscape ;).

And one that I caught on the way down vs up…

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

My favorite denim…

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I honestly cannot remember how or when I came across DL1961 Denim. Looking back, I remember wearing them when I was pregnant with Maya because the fabric was perfectly stretchy and SO comfy. Obviously, that was over 3 years ago, and I now have 10+ pairs (I can’t help myself, they’re that good!!). What I do know, is that they are hands down my favorite denim. I’ve talked about the amazing 360 degree stretch a number of times on this blog, and how perfect they are for active moms. Really, they are good for anyone who wants to look better and feel like you’re still wearing your yoga pants haha. I actually wore them for my very first blog post-that was weird to look back on!!

All this to say, I literally could not believe my eyes when I got an email asking if I’d be interested in doing a Mother/Daughter collaboration with them!! Like…mouth hanging open, and I reread the email about 10 times before I convinced myself it wasn’t spam :}. Everything that they wanted to show, is exactly why I wanted to do this blog. That there are comfy cute clothes that let you play with your kids and still look good.

They just came out with a line for kids this summer that not only has 4-way stretch that is great for playing/climbing/jumping, but it’s also anti-bacterial, odor-resistant fabric-WHAT??! And if that wasn’t amazing enough, theirs are about 40% less than other designer denim for kids-only slightly more than chain store toddler denim!

So…in an effort to step up my mom game a little, I did my hair, actually put make up on, put a liiiiittle more thought into what we wore, and went to one of my favorite parks. All of which (besides the hair and make up :)) are totally within the realm of daily activities for us!

The weather here is still a bit bipolar. Raining one minute, sunny the next, windy and cold soon thereafter. Big scarves are the perfect in between accessory. They keep you warm, but not too warm!I wish you could feel how soft and comfortable this fabric is! This particular pair “The Emma in Bloom” is softer than any other pair I have. Feels almost like a stretch silk denim. The faux front pockets make it so you don’t have that annoying pocket lump. And really, who puts anything in their front pocket?? I seriously took more pics of my arse in this post than ever before. BUTT (haha ;)) they really do flatter the backside!! And, who couldn’t use that?! I mean…can you sit like this comfortably in many other jeans? Fyi, Maya’s off to the side eating her apple 😉And…playing with her dolls that I couldn’t manage to get out of her hands for half these shots. Keeping it real over here 😉 This was so fun for me as a photographer. I usually only set the tripod up in one maybe 2 situations, get a few shots, and then move on to taking pics of Maya or just put the camera away and play. I tried to get a little more variety this time and shoot shots that I would want to shoot if I were only the photographer vs also the subject.Love, love, LOVE these next three. It’s so us. She loves to be cuddled, and I LOVE TO CUDDLE HER! Maya’s wearing a “slouchy slim” fit. The fabric on these is the same ridiculously soft fabric as my jeans! I admit to putting her in skinny jeans that probably aren’t the most comfy for her (yes, I’m admitting it Mom and Dad!!), but these? She could climb just about anything! On me…

Scarf- Vintage (thrifted, LOVING this here)

Sweater- Autumn Cashmere (old, similar here and here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Bloom (C/O)

Boots- Sam Edelman “Petty Suede Boots” (thrifted for $8.40!!!)

On Maya…

Jacket- Circo (thrifted, but similar here)

Top- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)

Shoes- Osh Kosh (purchased from Zulily, similar here)

Keeping it Real…

So, about 10 minutes into shooting an entire field trip of kids came up to where we were and were learning about the park/pine cones/who knows what. They were literally right where I was standing in the first shot, so….I just flipped the camera around to get the ones of me and Maya. Yes, I was embarrassed for all of about 2 minutes, and then I figured-what the heck. I am NOT wasting a non rainy day, on which I actually did my hair and make up haha. So, the show went on!

Here’s a picture I took with my phone 🙂

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Sometimes it’s fun to dress up for no reason…

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As a work from home mom, sometimes it’s a miracle if I take a shower, let alone get out of my walking clothes. Yes, this blog has helped inspire me to into normal clothes more often than not, but I still have those days when 7pm rolls around, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and think “YIKES!” Then I’m left to wonder if I even brushed my teeth… :{ Other days, I just feel like putting on some heeled booties and wearing a top that I’ve been “saving for a special occasion” for no real occasion at all. Sadly, I only put the effort in from the neck down haha. No shower, no make up, lazy mom top knot. I did however, brush my teeth 🙂

This is the same park we went to the other the day for Maya’s 3 year pictures. I love that it’s not really a park. It’s in the middle of this little neighborhood, but nobody has ever been there when we’ve gone. Perfect for running around, and nerdy self portraits 😉This was actually sold as a dress. I may have washed it (dry clean only, WHATEVER!!), and shrunk it a little… Like I would ever have worn it as a dress anyway… If Maya had control over what she wore, she would wear this dress and one other one every.single.day. Now, she knows to ask “Is the purple dress dirty?” Because I say that all the time in order to get her into something else haha.She could jump into my arms over and over. “AGAIN!!!” Which is good, because it took me a while to time these right. I really wanted one of her mid air, but we’ll try again another day 🙂Love this next one. I’m so glad she’s such a snuggler!!On me…

Top/Dress- H&M (cream is sold out, but here it is in Black)

Jeans- Goldsign “Mayhem” (Sold out, but similar here)

Boots- Frye “Lisa Short Stitch” (eBay, sold out but similar here and here and less expensive here)

On Maya…

Dress- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)

Shoes- Arizona Jeans (thrifted, but loving these)

Keeping it Real…

Funny story. My husband had a work event a few weeks ago that happened to be in Seattle for once. He asked me to take some pictures, and his one request? “Um, do you think you could wear your hair down?” haha.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

All Black…never fails.

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I feel like I’ve been running around like a chicken with my head cut off this past week. The last thing I want to think about is what I want to wear (SO unlike me!) So…I default into my comfort zone. All black. You really can’t go wrong 🙂 And, since I didn’t want to think about what Maya was wearing either. All black. All around 🙂 I kid you not. Maya took and posed for this picture all on her own haha. The tripod was all set up for the above pictures. Sometimes she likes to push the button and then we both run to the designated spot for the picture. She pushed the button and then ran and did this! 99% sure it’s her “Let it Goooooo!” Elsa pose 🙂 So funny, because she’s only ever done this on her own once before. So funny!! And…PERFECT!On me…

Sweater- Joie (Twice Clothing)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Wick (eBay)

Boots- Fiorentini + Baker 7040 Boot (purchased via an Instagram acct)

On Maya…

Top- Gap (thrifted)

Skirt- KidsCorner (thrifted)

Boots- Xhiliration (thrifted)

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Taking a Striped Mini Dress from day to night…

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First of all…I am so not a dress girl, but I’m LOVING this dress I found at my local consignment shop. There’s something freeing about buying things with a credit you have. It’s like… “Why not?!” And then…I love it!!Yes, Maya is in the car next to me eating her lunch 🙂 She’s obsessed with popping my gum bubbles 🙂 Converse rule… 🙂And then….a little shoe change takes it from day to night! Btw…I didn’t take it from day to night haha. I stayed in the day… The idea was good though, no? AND…I’m thinking this might be my outfit for our family pictures?! Thoughts? Because, I can’t even remember all the things I’ve worn/what I should wear. Suggestions welcome! Blog Silence and Noise striped Dress SixtySeven Booties-1 And then…Funny thing about sticks. She loves them, but there was only one Goffrey 2 that stood the test of time (a month+ and a few bandages and band aids). No idea what happened to him. We came back from Napa and he was gone (NO, I am not blaming Meme and BOPO!). But…no stick has lasted more than a walk since him… Um…are you kidding me with this pose???! Below is me saying “Maya! You HAVE to stay on the sidewalk. You CANNOT get on or cross over the curb!!” Her “What about aaaaaaaaalmost sitting??” Good Lord, she is so my daughter. Help me! And Dad-SHUSH!!! 🙂 On me…

Dress-Silence & Noise (from Funky Janes Consignment)

Jean Jacket- Gap (Old)

Shoes (day)- Converse (thrifted)

Boots (night)- SixtySeven (Nordstrom Rack)

On Maya…

Jacket- Gap (thrifted)

Top- Gap (thrifted)

Jeans- Peek (thrifted)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted)

Keeping it Real…

Aaaaand, we have a runner!! 🙂

Blog Gap Jean Jacket Gap Ruffled Pink Top Peek Black Jeans Zebra Converse-8

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

A little leopard here…A little leopard there…

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I really think you can never have too much leopard print in your life. I just recently scored these shoes from ShoeMint when they were having a bunch of their shoes on sale for $25! Yes, these were only $25, and they are so comfy and cute!! Plus, they give you a little length to your leg without being a super tall heel. Overall win in my book! Seriously, so cute, right?! Not sure how long I’m going to be able to do these, but I was pretty stoked that I timed this just right 🙂 On me…