Fuchsia Silk & Navy Wool.

/

Spring has sprung! I don't know about you, but spring clothes always feel so refreshing and peppy. This little number is no exception, and I wore this out on a little day date with my man when the weather was just right. Clothing has been a little bit challenging lately, since I feel like a stranger in my own postpartum bod. I am continuously having to change the way I think about what I see in the mirror, to the point where I speak out loud positive things about myself. I sound like a self-help dweeb in my bathroom, but I'd rather be that instead of getting into a negative slump. Over time, feeling bad about your look can seep into every part of your life, and I am determined to keep my mind healthy while I have grace for my body as it continues to evolve.

It's easier said than done.

But let's talk more fun things! Like day dates and beer flights and cute clothes that make you feel like spring has arrived. I love this look because it's a fresh twist on some really solid classics. I am a big fan of blazers (I have a few too many in my closet) because they always feel appropriate and versatile and chic. This navy shade of the 1-button peplum blazer is ultra classic, with a preppy pattern and a tailored cut. And you can't really see it in these pics, but the collar has a gray felt lining underneath - if you're bold enough to pop a collar, this is the one you do it with! The mega bright fuchsia shade of this silk tank is my favorite - it's a great confidence booster when you need some lively color therapy! I know silk isn't really practical to wear around messy toddlers and babies, but that's why it's a good reprieve from my normal mom clothes. It's fun to wear something on a date that feels like you're on a date. These baby blue jeans (yes, they're maternity, still rockin' the maternity wear...) gives this outfit a playful edge, which I'm always a fan of. And of course, I had to pair it with my new golden flatform sandals because, well, my sister told me to.

When it comes to clothing, my sister is always right.

I love when clothes make me feel. This particular look made me feel confident, put-together and playful. Banana does a bang up job of creating pieces that look classy without going stodgy. And of course, they always hold up like a dream. Stevie has Banana shirts from when we were dating - and they look amazing, still. 

We spent this particular afternoon exploring a nearby downtown square, taste testing beer flights and sliders. And letting the season's pale sunshine warm our tired hearts. We are eagerly trying to soak up all the rest we can get these days (living with a toddler and a newborn is like getting your beauty sleep punked every single night), but since the shut eye is minimal, we figure the least we can do is steal a few hours away for a break every so often. And day dates really are my favorite!

What are your ideas for day dates? I would love some new ideas, especially since spring has emerged! Picnics, parks, flying kites - what do you do when you go on daytime dates? Would love to hear from you! xox

Outfit Details:
Banana Republic Peak Lapel Peplum Blazer
Banana Republic Easy Care Double Sleeve Tank
Paige Maternity Jeans (past season, similar here and here)
Mossimo Nonie Metallic Flatform
Anthropologie earrings (sold out, similar here and here)
Stella & Dot "K" Necklace
Stella & Dot Engraved Necklace (Chain + Tags)

Many thanks to Banana Republic for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Banana Republic Styling Event!

/

Last week I had the privilege of hosting a styling event at my local Banana Republic! As many of you know, I've had the joy of partnering with Banana Republic over the past year on style posts (here, here, here, and here) and I was ecstatic when my local branch reached out about this spring pant promotion (all are 40% off right now!) Many people don't know that BR has completely redesigned their pants this year, so if you haven't tried them on lately - it's worth giving it another go! There are four fits of the Banana Pants (other than their regular denim) - the Sloan, the Ryan, the Avery and the Logan.

I do want to say one thing about CLOTHING. I was a little nervous about coming to this event and trying to squeeze into clothes that don't fit this 2-month postpartum body. Like, you want to look and feel your best at something called a style event, and I can't say that I look and feel my best right now. BUT. I have to keep reminding myself that this is real life, I have a real body, and I gave birth only 10 weeks ago. These things take time - just like they do for every woman. Please tell me you pep talk yourself like this, too! Haha by the way, I am wearing the Sloan fit denim ankle pant.

This event was a blast! In the beginning, I was a little unsure of what I was supposed to do/how I was supposed to interact with people. But maybe those old days of working retail kicked in or something because it became a party in the dressing room! It was so fun meeting different women who were coming in to shop for something particular, invite them to try on a pant or two, and suddenly the entire dressing room was filled with laughter and commotion and fun!

One woman in particular never thought that a certain craaaaaazy floral button down would look good on her, but I practically forced her to try it on and it was so much fun seeing the look of joy and shock spread across her face. She was smiling so big in that highligher pink shirt, something I could tell would usually be way too wild for her, but she looked gorgeous in it! She grinned all the way from the fitting room through check out, where she bought the shirt (the last one, drat! I wanted it too!), but it made me realize the power of clothing.

I love the transformation of clothing, how they can make us feel good about ourselves - powerful, sexy, special, feminine. I think my love of clothing is found in that transformation - going from feeling one way to feeling a different way, just by putting on something colorful, soft, eyelet, or ruffled.

Isn't it fun being a girl?

Thank you to Banana Republic Peachtree City, especially Leigh Mostetler the manager, for having me in-store!

3 Ways to Style a Springtime Scarf.

/

I laughed so hard when I found out Banana Republic was sending me some springtime items to share here on the blog. I mean, seven weeks ago, I gave birth. My very first thought was, this post-baby body isn't in any kind of shape to be modeling cute clothes!

But after a moment, I thought, shame on me.

That is a terrible attitude to have about this postpartum body of mine, this body that grew a beautiful, healthy baby boy. And then I realized that if my initial reaction about my post-baby body is so negative, there are probably a lot of women who think this way about themselves, too. And it's not okay!!! We have to celebrate the important things, like the gift of giving life to little humans, and have grace on ourselves for the process it takes to create a baby and to rehab from having a baby, too.

In fact, if anything this is the time to spend a little more time on clothes, just to help make the transition easier. It can be tricky to find pieces of clothing that are flattering during the postpartum phase, but I found that this white ruffle jacket and silk floral scarf create a fresh, elegant look. They highlight features that are beautiful on every woman - the face and the neck, all the while minimizing the areas that are still in flux for me (hello, those are maternity jeans I'm still wearing!)

I had so much fun playing around with this spring scarf that I decided to style it three different ways:

1. Around the neck.
This is my favorite way to wear one of these little scarves, because it feels so cheeky and elegant. And Audrey Hepburn worn them this way, case closed. Instead of a necklace, opt for folding your scarf until it is long and thin, then tying it loosely around your neck.

2. Tied in your hair.
I like this look tied up in a high ponytail, because it feels young and fresh, like I'm going to a sock hop. You can also try trying the scarf around a low bun or in a side braid - the options are endless!

I've got a little shadow ;)

I've got a little shadow ;)

3. Tied around a purse.
I have seen scarves on purses styled so many ways, and they're always fun and unexpected. I just tied this scarf on the handle of my bag to give the neutral palette a little pop of color. Isn't the kelly green just perfect?

Styling and photography by Rachel Hill.

Outfit Details:
Banana Republic Ruffle Cotton Jacket, Banana Republic Geo Floral Small Square Scarf, Gap Maternity Jeggings, Stella & Dot Gilded Path Double Wrap Bracelet, Top (past season, similar style here)

Many thanks to Banana Republic for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lady in London Red.

/

Because when you're invited to a smashing wedding in London, you just go. Even if you're five months pregnant and have no idea where to find a formal maternity dress. Have I said "thank God for ASOS" enough? I know I sound like a broken record over here but I have been so pleased with my maternity finds from ASOS that I have to share. And hilariously enough, this dress isn't actually maternity but I just had a feeling that the empire cut would work for this 5+ month bump :) And it did the trick!

This was the perfect date night, one that I will always treasure. Not only was it really special to get gussied up and have a night out on the (foreign) town with my man, this wedding was such a standout. One of those that causes you to, over and over again, catch the sparkling eyes of your spouse and remember your own wedding day. Cherishing the years you've forged together. The speeches made us well up with tears. The meal made me wish for a bigger stomach (oh wait). The band made me regret not learning to play the saxophone in middle school and the dancing made my feet hurt (in that good kind of way). This was one of those nights that I will remember fondly in the months to come, when I am wrapped up in bed with my newborn baby boy and not going anywhere for quite a while.

One really good date night. And one really good dress. And one extremely good man. Too much to ask for? I think not, friends. I think not.

P.S. - More London maternity style here, here and here.

Those Summer Neutrals.

/

Summer, where have you gone? It's like I blinked twice, swam three times and suddenly August is here. Does anyone else feel this way? Our little family has kept busy in this Georgia heat, swimming and golf carting and playing at the park. I've been growing this little tummy of mine and have been busily preparing for our trip to London :) I guess it's no wonder the summer has flown by.

I assembled this airy outfit of denim, white and cream for our date night last week. I love this combination of neutral shades and textured accents - adding this Banana Republic small stud-suede zip pouch and Delise Woven-Strap D'Orsay Pumps were the perfect sassy "pop" for this otherwise simple look. The zip-pouch is great because it's not too fancy but it's really sleek with those studs. And it smells like that yummy Italian leather - you know that scent that makes you want to eat a bag or shoes? Yep, this has that going on. And of course, need I say anything about those shoes? I mean seriously. Banana, I wish you would make cuter clothes. #kidding #iwantmore #clothesnotcandy

Outfit Details:
Motherhood Maternity Top, Gap Maternity Jeggings, Knox Rose Cardigan (sold out but similar here and here), Banana Republic Clutch (c/o), Banana Republic Pumps (c/o), Michael Kors Watch

Is it lame to admit that even though I was feeling all fancy because I had just gotten my hair done that day (shout out to Susan at Shane Buffkin Salon!) and I was wearing my super fly shoes - we totally ditched our date night. I mean, we tried. We went to the restaurant, sat down to look at the menu, moved tables twice, and I just wasn't feeling it. The menu looked gross (its a great place, but I was just repulsed for some reason), and the air conditioning was too cold, and then they sat us at one of those tables where you're supposed to sit next to each other. I don't understand why those tables even exist. So yes, I guess I was having a temperamental, high-maintenance pregnant lady moment. We apologized to the hostess, grabbed our favorite Thai takeout, and went home to eat and watch reruns of The Office. I know - we are so cool. I'm really lucky that I found my soulmate early in life. I would suck at the single-and-dating game.

Even though we bailed on last week's date night, summer is seriously the perfect time to get out and about with the one you love. And wear reeeeeeally cute shoes while doing so :) What are some of your favorite summertime date ideas?

Many thanks to Banana Republic for sponsoring this post and sending me products. All opinions expressed are my own.