Little Black Swimsuits.

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Bathing suit shopping is never really fun. It always seems to come astonishingly soon after the holidays, when the sugary coat of treats is still clinging to my overwintered skin. Alas, this year beckons with a set of circumstances that are even more varied for me personally, because I've got a nice layer of newborn baby fat that will be joining along for summer's joyride. I'm okay with it - nursing my baby is a gift and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be doing this gig again. (And while many people believe breastfeeding helps you lose baby weight, many people don't know that breastfeeding also keeps you from losing the last bit of that weight in an effort to cling to excess fat stores for the baby. Good times, guys.) I would absolutely be lying if I told you I'M TOTALLY FINE WITH LOOKING THIS WAY, because that's not the case. Don't we all want to be the best-looking, fittest version of ourselves? But in my case, the best version of myself is exactly what I am right now - healthy and happy and sustaining 2 human lives. Boom.

Enter the black (bathing suit) market.

I've tried on a handful of these, and I'm still mulling over sizing and whatnot because it's only April and I want to buy suits that will work for me throughout the summer. Who knows what size I'll end up being at the end of the summer? Exactly what size am I am right now? I have no idea. But I do know that black is a gal's BFF and one-pieces will be my jam this summer. So here we go, a few that I loved in a range of price points. Hope you find something you've been looking for, too!

Will you guys let me know if you like posts like this? I'm happy to share more roundup-type posts if you find them helpful and inspiring - but if they're a bore I'll just keep my online shopping to myself :) Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear from you! And happy spring break shopping to you!

Fuchsia Silk & Navy Wool.

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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!

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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.

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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.

How to Wear Merlot 2 Ways this Fall.

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Oxblood. Burgundy. Crimson. Ruby. Merlot. Gang's all here.

Since I can't drink it (the merlot, not the oxblood), I might as well drape myself in this mighty bold shade that just conjures up all the decadent delights of fall. I love mixing the merlot color with like-minded shades, or wearing it simply on its own as a statement. It works really well as a neutral in the fall, or as that necessary pop of color we are all looking for. I styled a few ASOS pieces 2 ways, showcasing my favorite color for fall - M E R L O T.

What I love about this first look is how sassy and free it feels, while still being super functional. The backpack is perfect for my stage of life - running after a toddler (okay, waddling, because I'm currently 8-months pregnant), and keeping all the increasingly pudgy parts of my body well-covered while maximizing comfort (that cardigan!) and fun (that hat!) I love this look, especially because it makes me still feel like I am in the fashion game.

Don't break my heart and tell me any different.

Outfit Details:
Look 1:
ASOS Midi Cardigan c/o, Blanqi Support Tank c/o, ASOS Maternity Rivington Denim Jegging in Oxblood with Under the Bump Waistband c/o,  ASOS Leather Embossed Backpack c/o, Sebago Claremont Boots, Urban Outfitters Hat (similar here)

This sweater dress is pretty much everything to me right now. Worn alone (like I did on this day), or over jeans or leggings, it's an essential piece for fall. Especially when you are growing at the rapid rate like I am. I especially love the ribbed fabric on the sides and the bitty turtleneck. Just a hint of Audrey Hepburn in that turtleneck, which is really all a girl needs to feel ladylike. And again - that color. It's making me feel all the crunchy leaves and taste all the hot beverages.

Outfit Details:
Look 2:
ASOS Maternity Knit Swing Dress in Cashmere Mix c/o, Kate Spade Varick Street Abbie Bag (on sale in this color!), Stella & Dot Alila Cuff

What is your favorite shade to wear for fall? What colors make you "feel" your wardrobe in a new way for the season?

Many thanks to ASOS for sending products to style for this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thanks for supporting brands that make running this blog a joy!