Tag Archives: Mother and Daughter Fashion Blog

Leather + Animal Print for the holidays…

Truth be told, I’m not really sure I like this outfit on me.  Ok, I don’t.  I kept trying to make these pants work, but I’ve had them for over a year and have never worn them.   I put them up on eBay, and someone asked to see pictures of them on.  Well, if I was going to bother taking pictures of them, I might as well blog it haha.  So, I dressed Maya up and this is a take on a holiday look. blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-1blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-2blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-3blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-4blog Charles Gray Leopard Jacket Vince Blouse Milly Leather Ankle Zip Pants Via Spiga Pumps-5Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-1Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-2Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-3Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-4Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-5Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-6Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-7Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-8Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-9Blog Baby Gap Silver Holiday Dress And Velvet Coat Nordstrom Toddler Patent Boots-10On me…

Jacket- Charles Gray (thrifted, similar here)
Top- Vince (eBay, similar here)
Pants- Milly (old, similar here)
Heels- Via Spiga
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Nordstrom (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Not really a keeping it real, but I took holiday pictures of Maya in this dress last year, and LOVED IT.  I was so sad when she outgrew it.  Then I found it in a bigger size at the thrift store-SCORE!!!
Amazing the difference a year makes!blog-joie-silk-dress-9Gah!!!  Her little fingers kill me! blog-joie-silk-dress-10
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

What we wore for our holiday pictures…

I’ll preface this to say…our family pictures were more along the lines of those viral forwards that everyone laughs about and says “thank GOD that wasn’t us”.  And just wait for it.  The truth is in the pudding.  Really, I don’t even know what that last phrase means, but…it sounds better than the truth is at the end 😉

And yet… I’ll start of with what we wore, because well…that’s what this blog is mostly about 🙂Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-1I scored this top from The Oxford Trunk for $10 (!!!) when they had a big sale.  I got it in both white and black, and I looooove them!!  A post with me wearing the black version is coming soon.Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-2 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-3These next two are a little out of focus (we missed our mark in the excitement), but I don’t care 🙂 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-4 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-5She’s been extra into giving kisses lately, and I’m not complaining!! Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-6 Blog Oxford Trunk White Top DL1961 Emma Cellar Joan and David Booties-7Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-1Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-2Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-3Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-4Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-5Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-6Blog Baby Gap Jean Jacket Gray Dress Link Boots-7And…here’s our holiday card 🙂  Not at all what I had planned, but it’s what we got.  And…I kind of think it’s perfect 🙂Blog Christmas Card 2014-1SO….keeping it real ahead of the real “Keeping it Real” at the bottom.  All of the above pics of me and Maya were taken a few days ago.  The holiday card…3 weeks ago…

I have a list of suggestions for clients before we take family pictures, and I absolutely LOVE when they put some time and effort not only into what they wear, but how they want their pictures to look.  That said, my number one goal is to make sure everyone has FUN…and then I capture that.

Well….none of that usually happens for us haha.  What’s the phrase “The cobblers children have no shoes”??

I’ve been insanely busy doing everyone else’s holiday pictures, and we’ve had a LOT of stuff going on personally so I honestly wasn’t sure we’d even have time to take ones for ourselves.

ANYWAY.  I had a last minute cancellation about 3 weeks ago, the weather was actually clear, so we scoured everyone’s clothes to find things that were clean and somewhat went together, I grabbed the tripod and away we went.  Maya is always so excited when her brothers are in the back seat with her, so she was chatting and laughing the whole way there.  I was getting hopeful that we would get some great shots of everyone…

We all get out, and I get a few pics of the boys with the Huz.  Again thinking  “This is going to be great!!”  Maya was just running around happy as a clam, playing and then trying to get in their shots.   As I’m getting the tripod set up to get a group pic, Maya starts howling.  Like a hysterical crying that I’ve never heard before.  I make sure she’s not hurt (she’s not).  All she wants to do is have me rock her on the bench.  Um….are you kidding me?!  The kid that gets her picture taken almost every day of her life, and is totally used to having it taken with a self timer and tripod is now flipping the F out!  Inconsolable even??!  I tried taking a few and playing with her like I always do.  NOT WORKING.  At this point, I’m losing my patience and am getting totally frustrated.  Tears may have been shed from both of us.  Honestly, I really just wanted to get ONE picture of all of us, and a few of Maya with her brothers!  It sounds like something that would be easy to get, but with teenage boys and us all being so busy.  It just isn’t… Oh well.  I Photoshopped two images together to get the one for our card, and honestly, that’s all we needed.  I got a few of the 3 of the kids at Thanksgiving, and that is better than most…

On me…

Top- The Oxford Trunk (sold out, but similar here)
Jeans- DL1961 Emma in “Cellar” (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
Boots- Circa Joan & David “Kirstin” (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket-Gap  (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Gap (thrifted, but love this one here)
Tights-H&M (old, similar here)
Boots- Zulily (search Link Boots)
Keeping it Real…
This is what really went down… hahaha.  I can somewhat laugh about it now :{Blog outtake Family Pic 2014And here’s the Huz finally calming her down, and honestly my favorite picture of the entire shoot… She looooves her Daddy!!  Sadly, it was too late to get all of us into this moment.  I don’t care though, because THIS…was all worth it for me 🙂Blog Family Christmas Card Pics 2014-43
 (all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya and her Daddy :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Oversized sweaters and playing on the beach…

 I have been on the hunt for the perfect oversized black sweater for a long time now.  I’ve bought/returned and bought/resold so many over the years.

THEN…one of my favorite people to follow (Sheree of It’s Not that Deep) started her own shop-Deep Style!  She has the best eye for vintage and thrifted clothing, so I checked it out right away.  When I saw this sweater in her store, I couldn’t hit buy fast enough.  Those ruffly sleeves!  The cowl neck?!  $35!!??!  When it came in the mail, it was even better in person.  So thick and soft…even better than what I had been picturing in my mind during my search!  I will try and repeatedly wear it on my non picture taking days so you don’t get sick of seeing it on me 😉Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-1Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-4We haven’t been going down to the beach as much lately (weather being crazy and life being even crazier), so I’ll apologize in advance for the massive amounts of pictures.  We were both in our happy place! 🙂  And nobody else was there, so I didn’t feel like a total nerd moving the tripod all over the place 😉Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-2 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-3 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-9 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-6Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Blue Heights Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-7 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-8 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-11Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-12 Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-13Kind of love this next one…. Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-14Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-1Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-2Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-3So impressed she threw this big ol’ piece of driftwood!  Goooo Maya!Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-4Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-5Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-6Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-7Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-23Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-21Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-20Blog Tahari Black Sweater Paige Destroyed Skinny Black Superga-22Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-8Coming in for a kiss hahaha 🙂Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-9Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-20And then this happened…OH MY GOSH-DYING!!!!  And no, there is no way I could leave it at just a few images… She got up there, and just started busting a move!Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-22Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-23Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-24Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-25Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-26Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-28Blog Gap Cardigan Tea Striped Tee Joes Jeans Skinny Xhiliration Moto Boots-29On me…

Sweater- Tahari (from DeepStyle, love these here and  here)
Top- H&M (similar)
Jeans- Paige “Blue Heights” (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Superga (thrifted)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- Tea (thrifted)
Jeans-Joe’s Jeans  (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Xhiliration (eBay, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
I could say I turned the two black and white images into black and white because it helped create the mood… In reality, it’s because I haven’t had time to dye my roots and my gray hair is out of control :{
Can I tell you HOW EXCITED I AM that I have next weekend off???!!  I had a client reschedule, and it’s the first weekend off I’ve had in 3 months!  PARTAY!!!  Or, in reality…sit on the couch and have a Netflix marathon!!!
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

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! 🙂Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-1 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-2 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-3 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-4 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-5 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-6 Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-7Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-1 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-2 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-3 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-4 Blog Yo Baby Dress Gap Leggings Zulily Boots-5And 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!Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-21Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-22Blog Rhyme Black Wrap Dress Day to Night-23On me…

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

dit-elle-Lauren

The power of Social Media…

 You can say anything you want about pictures and make it so…

I could lie and say I took these a few days ago when we had a random hour of sun and 60 degree weather, but…they are from about a month and a half ago.  I’ve been so busy with work and life!  Plus, it’s been off and on POURING and windy lately, so we haven’t been taking as many pics.  Thankfully, I have few that I never posted for one reason or the other, which is what you’ve seen posted sporadically lately 🙂

I DIY ripped these vintage Levi’s because my collection was growing a little out of control.  I thought I’d at least make these different 😉  I did a tutorial on how I do the DIY ripped jeans here.Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-1 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-2 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-3 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-4 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-5Of course I had to DIY rip a pair for Maya too! Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-6 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-8 Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-9Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-1Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-2Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-3Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-4Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-5Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-6Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-7Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-8Blog Arizona Jeans Heart Sweater DIY Ripped Levis Sperry Topsider Brown Shoes-9Seriously…love this city on a gorgeous day.Blog Seattle SkylineOn me…

Top- Zara (old, similar here)
Belt- Vintage (thrifted)
Jeans- Levi’s DIY ripped by me (thrifted)
Shoes- Birkenstocks (20 years old, and still hanging in there!)
On Maya…
Sweater- Arizona  (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Levi’s DIY ripped (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Sperry Topsider  (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
When you look at this picture, I’m sure you think “Awe, that’s so sweet.  Maya looking up sweetly at me…”  Blog Zara Stiped Crop Top Vintage DIY Destroyed Levis Birkenstocks-7
In reality, she’s in time out for biting me when I tried to pull her away from running under the tripod and almost knocking my camera over.
Thank GOODNESS that phase is gone.
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Jeans that feel like pajamas? Count me IN!

 I’m a little embarrassed by how many days in a row I’ve worn these jeans :}  They are not the most flattering jeans, but you cannot beat them for comfort!  Not only are they super baggy, but the cotton is this super soft thin fabric.  Even better?  I got them off eBay for $15!Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-1I recently scored this sweater from StyleMint when they had their get 3 for $20 sale.  Yes, this sweater was less than $7 (regularly $69.98)!! Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-2 Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-3 Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-4 Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-5Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-6Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-1Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-2 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-3 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-4 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-5 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-6 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-7 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-8 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-9 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-10 Blog Old Navy Gold Striped Sweatshirt DL1961 Harper Cherokee Faux Fur Boots-11Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-20Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-21Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-23The road to having this sweet little nugget was not an easy one.  Looking back now, I’m glad for every road bump, every hope dashed, and every tear shed, because they’ve been blown away by all the laughter and love she has brought into our lives.  For those that have struggled to have a child, it’s SO hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Believe that it is there…

I vascilated between leaving it at that and telling the whole drawn out story (I actually did, but ended up deleting it because it was literally a novel that maybe 2 people would read…)

My story really isn’t any different from many.  We started trying to have Maya a little before I was 35, aka “advanced maternal age”-UGH, can they not think of a better phrase now a days??!!  So…I was somewhat prepared for complications and not so easy road.  What I wasn’t that prepared for was exactly how much of an emotional roller coaster it would be.  Every month, getting your hopes up, and then having them crushed.  A process that is supposed to be joyful, ended up just being frustrating and depressing.

BUT…after two years, almost as soon as I became pregnant, I knew!  Before any kind of testing, I just knew, and I WAS!!  I’m tearing up just typing this.  I took a test early, and it came back positive.  Yes, I still have the test (gross to some, but there is no way I’ll ever throw it away!!)

And then…I got to go get the official word.  The only real bonus to going to a fertility specialist is ALL the extra/early tests you get!  I remember the crappy parking on a downward hill to get to the clinic.  I remember getting in the elevator to get to the office.  I remember it ALL.  And I have the worst memory ever!!

The minute I heard the heartbeat…it became a reality.  Maya became a reality.

A reality, I could never have imagined… A love I could never have imagined.  A joy I could never have imagined, and yet it was mine.

I know so many people that have stories way more complicated and heart wrenching than mine.  The ability to have a child is such a gift.  A gift many can’t have.

I will never stop being thankful for this gift.

Blog Nordstrom Hat StyleMint Nicholas Sweater Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Leopard Flats-24On me…

Hat- Nordstrom (thrifted, similar here)
Belt- Vintage (thrifted)
Jeans- Rag & Bone (ebay, similar here)
Shoes- Target
On Maya…
Top- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)
Boots- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
I wear these jeans around the house unrolled, but they look even more unflattering that way.  SOOOO comfy though.  The fabric is so soft that they don’t really hold a roll though.  SO…about every picture I took I had to roll them again… 😦  All in the name of vanity, because I couldn’t show you just how slubby I really look every day-HA!  Oh, and while I’m at it.  Yeah, not only was I NOT showered, we had just gotten back from the gym.  It was such a nice day though, and I knew I wouldn’t have time to take pics after we took our shower/bath.  Maya was already dressed, so I just grabbed what was laying in a heap on my dresser from the day before hahaha.  Thank GOODNESS there’s no smell cam on computers 😉  And double thank goodness for the hat trend!Blog outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

How to keep warm with 3 levels of layering…

 This day was deceptively cold.  It was clear and sunny, but in the 30’s.  Not so cold that we needed our ginormous coats and hats, but cold enough for layers…Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-1 Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-2 Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-3 Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-4 Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-5 Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-6 hahaha, I love that she just busts a move out of nowhere 🙂Blog Leather Jacket Gap Jean Shirt StyleMint DL1961 Emma Riker Cafe Noire Booties-7Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-1Can you tell it was WINDY?Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-2Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-3Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-4Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-5Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-6Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-7Blog Faux Fur Vest DL1961 Chloe Whiteley-8On me…

Leather Jacket- Bought in Italy 20+ years ago
Denim Shirt- Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Striped Top- StyleMint
Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Riker (ebay score!)
Boots- Cafe Noire (thrifted, but similar here)
On Maya…
Vest- Koala Kids (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- (thrifted, but similar here)
Denim Shirt- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
This was a very quick outting!  I didn’t think it was that cold, but then the sun went down very quickly and we were in the shade.  As long as I was hugging Maya or she was jumping/dancing all was well.
This is Maya’s face right before she said “Mom, it’s cold.  I want to go home…”  And so we did!  Seriously…those fingers?!  I love them!blog outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Classics never go out of style… Leather Jackets + Converse

 Ok, so I did it again.  I dressed us alike.  I honestly didn’t mean to, but then it just happened.  Oh well.

Just wait for it…. 🙂1 blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-7 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-2 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-41 blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-11 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-7 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-8 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-9 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-10 Blog Doma Leather Jacket StyleMint tee DL1961 Emma Denver Black Converse-11You know, because who needs a jacket it the winter???  Obviously, not Maya…blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-1And then I managed to wrestle it back on her! blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-2 blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-3 blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-4 blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-5 blog purple faux leather Jacket Hanna Andersson Checked blouse DL1961 Harper Pataky Black Toddler Converse-6On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here and less expensive here)
Top- StyleMint (similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
On Maya…
Jacket- H&M (last year, but similar here)
Top- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
This was cut a little short because I didn’t realize HOW MUDDY it was going to be at the park.  Maya had said she wanted to try and fly her little butterfly kite, but once we got there all she saw was MUD!!!  And…have you ever tried to distract a toddler from mud??  Thankfully I had a full package of wet wipes with me 😉
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

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

 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!!

Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-1 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-2 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-3 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-4 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-5And then the sun went away… In case you were wondering 😉Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-6OMG, 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 😉 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-7Ok, this is better 🙂 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-8 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-9“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?? 😉 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-10 Blog Levis Jacket Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan Free People Sunbeams Dress DL1961 Emma Bloom Frye Harness Boots-11Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-1Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-2I cannot tell you how much I love it when she just busts a move!! 🙂Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-3Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-4Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-5Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-6Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-7OH 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!!!Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-8Looove this one too.Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-9Does 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. 😦Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-10Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-11Blog HM Hat Old Navy faux fur vest cardigan Little Boogaweezin DL1961 Chloe Rafaeli Pink Checked Vans-12On me…

Jacket- Levi’s (thrifted)
Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)
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!)
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!!)blog outtake-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! 🙂
blog outtake-1
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Leather + Coated Denim…again :)

 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 ;}Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-1 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-2 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-3 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-4 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-5 Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-6“C’mon Mom, this way!!” Blog Doma Leather Inhabit Cashmere Cardigan J Brand Coated Skinny Leopard Vans-7 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-1Love, love love these next three.  I couldn’t decide which one to post, so I’m posting them all…because I can 🙂 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-2 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-3 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-4 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-5 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-6 Blog Gap Green Parka Old navy Star Dress HM Tights Zulily Link Navy Boots-7On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)
Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)
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.Blog Outtake
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren