Tag Archives: Mother and Daughter Fashion Blog

Fall is in the air…

Fall really is my favorite time of the year.  The leaves changing, the weather is still somewhat nice (at times), but still chilly so that you get to cozy up with loved ones in layers.1 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-11 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-1I kept telling her.  It’s NOT a swing!  Well, she found out the hard way 😦  Doesn’t mean she didn’t get right back up and try again though haha.1 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-2After looking at this picture, I realized that my hair was NOT so happy with the wind and humidity.  Might be the last of my straight hair days til the spring :{2 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-1 2 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-2 2 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-3Her face in this next one kills me!  SO CUTE! 2 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-42 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-13 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-1For every 20 of these we do, I capture one of them perfectly 🙂  Who needs to go to the gym, when you have a toddler that loves to be thrown in the air??blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-35squareCrop4 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-1 4 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-54 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-1 4 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-2Here I am telling her “Ok, you can jump in the puddle, but WAIT first!!”5 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-15 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-2“Now, Mom???!” 🙂5 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-1Sure…why not. 🙂5 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-25 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-3Hahaha.  This next one cracks me up.  It’s a little blurry, but could she be any more excited??5 Blog Gap Purple Fishermans Cardi HM Tank DL1961 Harper Minogue Blue Converse High Tops-4On me…

Jacket- StyleMint (old, similar here)
Swing Tee- Zara (old, similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but love these)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- H&M (purchased from ThredUp, but similar here)
Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
Here’s one of the 20 that didn’t turn out haha.  This one was literally right before the shot I got perfectly.  A little kick to the chest doesn’t deter me!
“If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again!” 🙂
OMG, I just looked up this quote to make sure I had it right.  Don’t think I’d ever heard the last part-HA!
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.”
BAHAHA.  Good thing I didn’t know the rest of the quote… 😉
Blog 2 StyleMint Green Parka Zara Swing Tee DL1961 Emma Bloom Pink Converse-34
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))
dit-elle-Lauren

Moto Inspired…

 I’m a sucker for anything “moto” inspired!  Leather jackets, jeans, boots, and don’t even get me started on coated and leather pants!  However, I like to balance it out with something a little feminine, so people aren’t’ looking around for my Harley 🙂  Enter a flowing layered polka dot tank, and the perfect pair of black skinnies…

These are the 2nd pair of DL1961 jeans I go to try, and of course I love them.  If there is one thing every woman should have in their closet, it’s a perfect fitting black skinny jean.  You can read more about why I love this brand so much here.Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-1Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-1-When Zara had these sweaters on sale, I scooped them up in just about every color hahaha.  I LOVE the button up back-or unbuttoned in this case 🙂 Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-2Blog Zara Button Back Sweater Audrey 3 pluse One DL1961 Emma Denver-5 Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-3LOVE this next one!!!  I really never know what I’m getting with the self timer and tripod, but this…this is so us, and I am SO glad I got it!!

Maya- “Tickle me??!!!”Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-4 Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-5 Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-6 Blog Zara button back sweater DL1961 Emma Denver Fiorentini Baker 7040 Boots-7This is another darker pair of the Harper.   The skinny boyfriend cut is so flipping cute!!Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-1And, Maya’s moto faux leather jacket??  I almost died when I found it at the thrift store!!  She balanced her look out with candy heart Vans 🙂Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-2Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-3Then she saw some other kids and a dog…Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-4and…they kept on going 😦  It always makes me so sad when she gets excited about seeing older kids and wants to play “Hi kids, HI!!!” and then they don’t want to play with her…Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-5Not giving up though.  LOVE HER!Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-6Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-7Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-8Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-9Here she is trying to “Freeze” me when I told her it was about time to go home hahaBlog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-10Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-11Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-12Where’s Maya??  I have no idea where she could be… 😉Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-13Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-14Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-16Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-17Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-18Blog Amy Coe Faux Leather Jacket Tea Striped Tee DL1961 Harper Candy Heart Vans-19On me…

Sweater- Zara (Old, but very similar entire layered open back look here)
Top- Audrey 3+1 (thrifted)
Boots- Fiorentini + Baker 7040 Boot (purchased via an Instagram acct)
On Maya…
Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- Tea (thrifted)
Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)
Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but these are fun)
Keeping it Real…
I made a promise to myself when I started this blog that I wouldn’t Photoshop myself, as tempting as it might be.  WELL….I’ve broken that rule a few times.  A) When the gray hair/roots are OUT OF CONTROL (yeah, I spare you that!)  B) when I take pics in the morning or after maybe a night with not much sleep-I might diminish the bags under BOTH Maya and my eyes, although usually I just shoot from far away ha! 😉  C) If Maya gets mud on me or herself, I clean that up.  That was DEFINITELY the case on this shoot!!
So there’s the “not so real” keeping it real 😉
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Happy Halloween! A day late…hope you recovered from your sugar coma ;)

 Ok, so I’ll admit it.  This is the FIRST Halloween that Maya really participated in. (insert horror emoticon that I can’t yet do via my computer :))  It’s the busiest season for me (workwise), so up until now, I just talked myself into thinking she really didn’t care, so…why stress myself out trying to do all the “stuff” that goes along with HALLOWEEN!  Now that the day has come and gone, and her complete JOY over the 2 day festivities has really hit me.  I realize, it’s such a fun day for her, and I will absolutely treat it as such going forward!

All that to say.  I still bought her main outfit at Goodwill for a few dollars haha!  When we were there and looking at all the stuff (insert CRAP), I pulled this one out and asked her

“How about this one?”

She said “I don’t like it!”

“But it’s a Pumpkin PRINCESS!?”

“Oooooooh, OK!!”

And so I made her a crown to go with the outfit and all was right in the world of Maya 🙂Blog Halloween 2014 Pumpkin Princess-1Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-1Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-2I didn’t get creative with my look…all black works for Halloween, right??Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-3Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-4Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-5Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-6Blog Matty M Faux Leather Shearling Jacket Collective Concepts Swing Tee DL1961 Amanda LAX Born Booties-7These were before her preschool Halloween Party. Blog Halloween 2014 Pumpkin Princess-2I asked her to “curtsy” and showed her how (I mean, how cute, right?!)  She bowed and said “Your Majesty” hahaha

I’ll take it!!! Blog Halloween 2014 Pumpkin Princess-3This just shows you that I woke her up about 30 minutes before it was time to go to school.  Dazed and confused…yet so cute. Blog Halloween 2014 Pumpkin Princess-4On me…

Jacket- Matty M (via Instagram similar here)
Top- Collective Concepts (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- Dl1961 “Amanda” LAX (ebay, similar here)
Boots- Born (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Outfit-  (thrifted)
Crown- DIY (Instructions here)
Boots- Kenneth Cole Reaction (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
The above pics were taken over a two day period.  Thursday Maya had her Preschool Party, and then Friday was actually Halloween.  This next picture was us going trick or treating.  She woke up late from her nap because I had a shoot that went late.  I rushed her into her costume and gave her turkey jerkey before we headed out.  Since it was our first venture out, I thought that we might only be gone for 30 minutes MAX.  Mother of the year?  I’m thinking no.  Maya?  She’s thinking YES!!  Because she ran from house to house for an  hour and a half on a relatively empty stomach, and would have gone more if I hadn’t dragged her back for a late dinner before one piece of candy 😉
I call this “completely dark FLASH face 🙂Blog Halloween 2014 Pumpkin Princess-KIR
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Sweaters that feel like old friends…

 My favorite part of fall is rediscovering old favorites from last fall/winter.  It’s almost like going shopping…in your own closet! 🙂Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-1 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-2 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-3 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-4 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-5 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-6 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-7 Blog J Crew Olive Fishermans Sweater Blank NYC Destroyed Relaxed Straight Leg Cafe Noire Harness Boots-8 Blog Mini Boden Grey Tee Old Navy Overalls Old Navy Plaid Slip on Sneakers-1 Blog Mini Boden Grey Tee Old Navy Overalls Old Navy Plaid Slip on Sneakers-2 Blog Mini Boden Grey Tee Old Navy Overalls Old Navy Plaid Slip on Sneakers-3 Blog Mini Boden Grey Tee Old Navy Overalls Old Navy Plaid Slip on Sneakers-4Right about now, it totally started raining all of a sudden.  I’m like “Maya!  We have to GO!!” Blog Mini Boden Grey Tee Old Navy Overalls Old Navy Plaid Slip on Sneakers-5Then, as we were driving back home, I saw this!  Yeah, I had to pull over! Blog Seattle Skyline Rainbow into the Space Needle-1 On me…

Sweater- J Crew (eBay, similar here or turtleneck option here)
Belt- Old
Jeans- Blank NYC (ebay, similar here)
Boots- Boots- Cafe Noir (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive version here.)
On Maya…
Top- Mini Boden (thrifted)
Overalls- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Literally 2 minutes after I took the images of the two of us, Maya went and jumped into a GINORMOUS puddle.  So….it totally looked like she peed her pants haha.  Thankfully, she started dancing and struck poses that hid her wet pants 🙂
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Cashmere + Boyfriend Jeans

 When we get into fall and it’s raining and windy (which it absolutely was when I got dressed this particular morning!), there’s nothing cozier than a super soft cashmere sweater and worn in boyfriend jeans.  I’ve had this pair for 4-5 years, and they are so soft with all the washings.  To avoid looking too sloppy with a baggy sweater and baggy pants, I wore some comfy booties.  Just enough of a heel to add some polish to the look, but low enough that I easily ran after Maya when she took off and wore them all day running errands.  Total win.Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-1 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-2 Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-3Blog Gap Butterfly Boho Dress Sanita Brown Toddler Clogs-1Blog Gap Butterfly Boho Dress Sanita Brown Toddler Clogs-2Blog Gap Butterfly Boho Dress Sanita Brown Toddler Clogs-3Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-24Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-25Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-26Blog StyleMint Green Parka Red Joie Cashmere Sweater with Elbow Patches Rich and Skinny Studded boyfriend jeans Nine West Brown Suede Booties-27On me…

Jacket- StyleMint (old, similar here)
Sweater- Joie (ebay but here it is in gray)
Jeans- Rich & Skinny “Super Studly” (old, but similar here, and less expensive here)
Boots- Nine West  (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Dress- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Tights- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Sanita  (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
I was SWEATING like a pig at the end of this.  I kid you not.  It was raining when I walked Maya to school in the morning, chilly and overcast when we walked home, chilly with blue skies when we left the house, blue sky and RAINING right before we took these pictures, and then super sunny 5 minutes after we started taking them.  This bipolar weather is killing me!!
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

My favorite denim…

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!1 1 blog Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-14c2I 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. 1 Blog Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-2The faux front pockets make it so you don’t have that annoying pocket lump.  And really, who puts anything in their front pocket?? 1 Blog Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-3I 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?! 1as Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-15c 1 Blog Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-5I mean…can you sit like this comfortably in many other jeans?  Fyi, Maya’s off to the side eating her apple 😉1a1 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-17cAnd…playing with her dolls that I couldn’t manage to get out of her hands for half these shots.  Keeping it real over here 😉 1 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-1This 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.2 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-1Love, love, LOVE these next three.  It’s so us.  She loves to be cuddled, and I LOVE TO CUDDLE HER! Blog Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-22c1 SP Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-24 2 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-31 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-6 2 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-4Maya’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! 2 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-1 2 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-2 2 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-31 A Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-32c 3 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-13 Vintage Brown Plaid Scarf Autumn Cashmere Sweater DL1961 Emma Bloom Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties-21 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-17 2 Blog Circo brown faux leather Jacket Gap Pink Top DL1961 Harper Minogue Osh Kosh Leopard Booties-5On me…

Scarf- Vintage (thrifted, LOVING this here)
Sweater- Autumn Cashmere (old, similar here and here)
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 🙂
1 Behind the Scenes
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Plaid and Coated Flares…fall in Seattle ;)

 So, I’m on a roll with wearing things that I’ve been “saving”.  These coated flares have been folded up in my closet just waiting to be worn, and I finally stopped waiting for the right occasion.  Because playing on a pier overlooking Seattle seemed like the perfect occasion 🙂Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge Gustto Estiva Bag-1 Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge Gustto Estiva Bag-2 Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge Gustto Estiva Bag-3Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge Gustto Estiva Bag-4 Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge-5 Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge-6 Blog Gap Denim Jacket Vintage Plaid Shirt J Brand Coated Flare Sam Edelman Moccasin Wedge-7 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-1 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-2These bubbles were totally faulty!!  Poor thing.  I even tried and got maybe 2 bubbles at a time 😦  That didn’t stop her though haha. Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-3She got ONE! Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-4Ok, screw bubbles.  This pole is totally fun to spin around… 🙂 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-5 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-6 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-7 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-8Her Gigi would be proud.  We are getting our miles out of these boots she got Maya for her birthday!! Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-9 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-10 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-12 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-13 Blog Old Navy Faux fur Vest Old Navy Drop Waist Denim dress Carters Zebra Leggings Corral Toddler Cowboy Boots-14On me…

Jacket- Gap (seriously, probably 15+ years old?? Similar here)
Top- Vintage “Panhandle Slim” haha  (thrifted, but similar  here)
Jeans- J Brand Martini Coated Flare ($20!! from Twice, similar here)
Shoes- Sam Edelman (thrifted, similar lower heel here)
Bag- Gustto (ebay, similar here)
On Maya…
Vest- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Leggings- Carters (similar here)
Keeping it Real…
I rarely wear heels anymore.  I used to wear them all day long in my previous corporate life, although I sat for most of the day… These Sam Edelman wedges are actually super comfy when you first put them on.  Two hours later, chasing Maya, running on rocky beaches…I practically threw them off the minute we walked through the door!  So…back to flats/boots for me 🙂
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Thriftstore scores again!

 I usually don’t buy things that “go together” when I thrift, but sometimes I get lucky and things just work.  I posted this hat and these jeans on Instagram the day I scored them.  These Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans that I found in the mens’ section (woo hoo for workers not knowing that boyfriend really didn’t mean “boy”friend!!) were $4.80, and this vintage wool hat was $4.20!Blog Vintage Wool Hat Zara Tank Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Cafe Noir Booties-1 Blog Vintage Wool Hat Zara Tank Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Cafe Noir Booties-2Blog Maya DIY Gap Vest Peek Aztec Boho Dress Self Esteem Brown Booties-1Blog Maya DIY Gap Vest Peek Aztec Boho Dress Self Esteem Brown Booties-2Blog Maya DIY Gap Vest Peek Aztec Boho Dress Self Esteem Brown Booties-3Blog Vintage Wool Hat Zara Tank Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Cafe Noir Booties-23Blog Vintage Wool Hat Zara Tank Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Cafe Noir Booties-24Blog Vintage Wool Hat Zara Tank Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Cafe Noir Booties-25On me…

Hat- Vintage (similar here)
Top- Zara (similar)
Belt- 20+ years old 🙂
Boots- Cafe Noir (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive version here.)
On Maya…
Vest- Gap (thrifted jacket that I DIY took the sleeves off 🙂 but similar here)
Dress- Peek (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
Boots- Self Esteem (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
The forecast in Seattle is rain, rain, and then…oh, wait for it…rain.  On Sunday it was randomly 70 degrees!!  I had a shoot in the morning, but got home in time for lunch.   I thought Maya and I could go out, have some fun in the sun, and take a few pictures.  I didn’t have time to take a shower (I rarely take showers before morning shoots because I’m running around and sometimes crawling on the ground after kids!), so…enter the perfect new trend-floppy hat to the rescue!  As we were leaving the Huz decided he would come with us.  Insert…Huz that doesn’t really feel the same about copius amounts of pictures as I do :).  Then, he tells me that they were out in the sun for a good portion of the time I was away, so she probably didn’t need more sun.  SO…where to go with everyone that would have shade?  One of the largest parks in West Seattle.  That had a KAZILLION people there walking their dogs.  Aka, Maya wanted to pet every single one of them and ask what their name was.  All that to say.  My grand plans of what I wanted this shoot to be was reduced to 10 minutes of shooting, before I just threw in the towel haha.  Oh, well…
Oh, and for most of the 10 minutes that I was attempting to do the shoot…Maya was riding my focusing stand as a horse hahahaBlog Maya DIY Gap Vest Peek Aztec Boho Dress Self Esteem Brown Booties-4
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

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

 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 😉Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-1This 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…Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-2 Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-3 Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-4 Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-5 Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-6 Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties-7If 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.Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-1Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-2Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-3Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-4Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-5Blog Hanna Andersson Purple Boho Dress Arizona Jeans Butterfly Boots-6Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties--8Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties--9She 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 🙂Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties--10Love this next one.  I’m so glad she’s such a snuggler!!Blog HM Cream Tunic Goldsign Gray Mayhem Skinny Jeans Frye Lisa Short Stitch Booties--11On 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 :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Getting all dressed up for a great cause…

 One of my best friends is the CEO of Alpha Supported Living Services.  It’s an amazing nonprofit agency providing supported living and group home services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in homes in King County.

To say I admire all that he does would be an extreme understatement.

One of the fun ways to support him and the agency is their annual benefit dinner.  It’s always a beautiful moving evening that leaves you not only thankful that your children are healthy (as selfish as that sounds), but also so relieved to know that there is an amazing place that will truly care for them if they need it in some special way.  Also, having been to other events involving their clients, it makes you realize just how special each and every one of these individuals is.  That even if they are lacking in certain developmental ways, they make up for it in others.  And don’t get me started on the parents.  Wow, is all I have to say.  Wow.  I find myself complaining about daily parental struggles, but the love that all these parents have in their heart and the patience they’ve had to develop.  Admirable to say the least!

It’s so hard to pick and choose who you donate your money and time to.  Every story that you hear tugs at your heart!  I think we all chose things that have meaning to us in some way.  I’ve always donated to things that involve children (young and old).  Even when having them was not even close to being on my radar.  I could go on and on, but in case you want to know more about Alpha, you can do so here.

SO…in a rare occurrence on this blog, I’m in a dress, I actually have make up on, AND my hair is not in a bun SIMULTANEOUSLY!  All that happened literally 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave, so there was no time to set up the tripod and do my usual self timer shots.  My parents came over to hang with the kids, and my mom was nice enough to run out and take these pictures really quick 🙂Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-1 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-2 Patiently watching…Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-1Ok, in reality, she was just running up and down my neighbors hill in front and in back of me haha 😉Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-3 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-4 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-5 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-6My new favorite picture of me and Maya! Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-7 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-8 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-9Then at the 5 minute mark, the Huz came outside.  I asked if he would take a few pictures, and almost fainted on the spot when he agreed! Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-10LOVE!!! Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-11 Blog Karen Zambos Dress Nine West Heels-12Now, sadly one of the boys was working and the other was playing video games.  Guess that means we get to do another real family shoot for our holiday card!! 🙂

And then of course, I had to get a few more of just the Peanut.Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-2Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-3Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-4Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-5Blog HM Faux Leather Jacket Gap Gray Flamenco Dress Xhiliration Moto Boots-6On me…

Dress- Karen Zambos (ebay, loving this high neck similar style ONE SALE if you’re a P here)
Shoes- Nine West (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket- H&M (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Gap (thrifted, it’s actually a size 5/6, but I love how long it is 🙂 couldn’t find similar style)
Boots- Xhiliration (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
There are a lot of reasons I take a majority of our posts myself with the self timer and tripod.  I’ve talked about my control issues before a few times ;).  One of the nice things, is that I know when the picture is being taken.  Although, one of the funniest things about when someone else takes the pictures, is the outtakes!  The look on my face on the left??  And, on the right, I was trying to figure out how to show off the cool sleeves.  THAT was not the correct way haha!Blog Karen Zambos Outtake
(all pictures taken by my mom, except ones of Maya at the end :))

dit-elle-Lauren