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.

The 6th Day: Holiday Dates.

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Holiday Dates.

Oh the holidays. There is so much fuss over shopping and presents (it's a little out of control these days, isn't it?) that sometimes we can miss out on the most important part: spending quality time with our loved ones. I know I am susceptible to this. I get all frazzled and hung up on finding THE PERFECT GIFT for all the zillions of people on my list. That I forget. To just enjoy those sweet people.

How to combat the crazy? One thing that Stevie & I try to do every year is go on one really special Christmas date. In years past, we've gone to listen to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, gone to see the Rockettes, gone to see a broadway show, gone out to a pizazz-y dinner, depending on where we lived at the time - we've just tried to do something snazzy and memorable. And these dates are memorable. I remember walking home from our date last year - the snow was so beautiful in New York that we decided to walk (instead of take the subway or a cab) 28 blocks home. I still remember it. It was dreamy, everything laced with a bit of frosty sparkle, following along the edge of the park the whole way. These moments are the true "markers" of the Christmas season, for me.

This year, we did things a little differently. We decided to have a "day of fun" and go out to brunch alone and then have Everett along for the rest of the day. Thankfully, our dear friend Lena watched the babe while we enjoyed a baby-free brunch at Sun in My Belly and then we three walked through the Paris on Ponce market and got all kinds of inspiration for our (somewhere in the future??) home. It was really a sweet day. We tired out a LOT easier than we normally do, and ended up back home way earlier than we planned, snuggled in our pjs. Must be all the lack of sleep we're experiencing this year :) Oh, Everett.

Pumpkin Latte. I'll take two please.

How rad is that wall? We couldn't resist playing in the color.

Hi.

Yeah, I tried on the vintage hats. Don't judge me.

He found the chair of his dreams.

Somebody got sleepy.

More?!

I'll admit, enjoying a baby-free brunch only made me want to do it again. So Stevie and I are attempting to squeeze in one last Christmas date before the holiday is at our doorstep... I've heard The Optimist in Atlanta is a good spot. Any other suggestions from you hip in-the-know-it-alls?

What's on your list for some holiday fun time with your love? A date? A night in? A day on the town? Most of all, I hope you're taking the chance to enjoy the memories. You only get this Christmas once!