Now appearing in my closet

Being pregnant is really hard for a shopaholic. Yes, there are cute maternity clothes out there, and I did buy some. But I prefer not to spend money on clothes that will only fit for a short period of time. And I didn’t want to buy anything so trendy that if I’m pregnant again in a few years, I wouldn’t be able to wear it again. So, it was a slow nine months for me, in terms of shopping.

But now that I’m no longer pregnant, and getting closer to my pre-preggo weight (though things are definitely not distributed the same as they were before), I decided it was time for a shopping haul. I’ve got a few more things coming in the mail, but here’s what I’ve got so far — and amazingly, everything fits!

C&C California Long Sleeve Pocket Shirt. Super lightweight (and breastfeeding-friendly!)- I’m planning to pair it with denim shorts or skinnies, depending on weather.

Joe’s Jeans Destroyed Long Rolled Shorts. I’m not big on shorts, but these aren’t too short or too tight, and they’re comfy. Definitely needed for summer.

KORS Michael Kors Rosemary Ankle Wrap Sandals. I love flip flops, but sometimes it’s good to have sandals that will actually stay on your feet. These are REALLY comfy and much more padded than your average flat sandal.

April M Gold Plated Wide Hammered Cuff. This was gifted to me by April M and it’s not the kind of thing I’d usually pick out for myself, but I really like it. The size of the cuff makes it dramatic, but the simple black and gold color scheme makes it very versatile.

J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jeans. I have this same pair in a traditional dark denim, and they’re one of my favorites. I’ve been DYING for a pair of coral or mint jeans (or both), so these fit the bill perfectly.

Aah, the joy of new stuff! Have you made any fun new purchases lately? Tell me about them!

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Structured bags rule for summer

Even though fashion tends to get more casual in the warmer months, structured bags are really ruling the scene this year. There is something inherently ladylike about this type of bag, and yet there’s often a masculine side to them too. Plus, they’re perfect for when you need a little something extra to look more put together.

Here are some of my favorite picks!

Tory Burch Bond Shoulder Bag, $535 $374.

Milly Kelsey Leather Mini Bag, $198.

Diane von Furstenberg Harper Oversized Python Clutch, $545.

Kate Spade Primrose Hill Goldie, $428.

Ivanka Trump Madison Satchel, $150.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring Minaudiere, $325.

Happy shopping!

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Closet organizing tips from HGTV’s Sabrina Soto

Ever since we put our house on the market last year, I’ve been obsessed with HGTV. At the time, I was all about the home buying/selling/staging shows, and now I’m hooked on anything having to do with decorating/renovating. If you share my obsession, you’re probably familiar with Sabrina Soto, an HGTV host and home design specialist. She’s all about budget decorating and organizing, which is right up my ally. Since I’ve been working on my walk-in closet and how to configure it, I jumped at the opportunity to have her provide some closet organization tips. Even if you’re not starting from scratch, these tips should come in handy!

  1. It may seem like common sense – but you would be surprised! Make sure that you keep your most-worn, everyday items in plain sight and store everything else that you use, every now and then, up high or down low, so that it’s out of the way.
  2. Make sure that you have properly sized storage that is proportional to the items you are storing in them. Mix and match different units to make the most of your space. Hangers are for your dresses, suits, and shirts. Keep items that need to be folded in drawers, which can stack easily in your closet. This will give you space for small boxes for your miscellaneous items.
  3. It may sound seem silly but keep your hangers uniform. Having hangers in the same color and style will keep your clothes looking nice and stay organized.
  4. Lighting is important! Make sure to add a light fixture, if you do not already have a light source in your closet. When your closet is properly lit, you can properly utilize the space.
  5. Make sure that you use horizontal storage, above and below the closet rod. Use shelf dividers to keep your accessories, like purses and shoes, neatly sorted.
  6. Color-coding is very useful! When you know what you want to wear – you will know where to find it!

Personally, I like to organize clothes by category in addition to color — so, short sleeved tops, long sleeved tops, pants, denim, dresses, etc. Makes it much easier to zero in on what I’m looking for. Do you have any closet organizing tips that you’d add to this list?

Photo © 2011, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

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Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you’re all enjoying this holiday, and remembering all of the veterans who have fought and sacrificed so we can have fun at the beach or BBQ, or whatever your choice activity is for the day.

In honor of the holiday, I’ve found some really cute red, white and blue clothes that can help you look patriotic without being cheesy.

Monrow Scoop Neck Top, $98.

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer, $175.

Susana Monaco Tube Top, $71.

Banana Republic Ruffled Tie-Waist Tank, $70.

Splendid Strapless Maxi Dress, $118.

Wilt Mixed Slant Tank, $102.

Have a great day, and happy shopping!

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Things I love this week — May 25th

I survived my first week at home alone with the baby! I’ve managed to keep us both fed and rested (more him than me), and the house isn’t a complete disaster, so I consider that a major success. On another note, while I do love lounging around in comfy clothes all day, I CAN’T WAIT for my body to return to semi-normal so I can start shopping again! I’m dying for a pair of coral or mint jeans, but I refuse to buy them until I lose a few pounds of baby weight :)

Anthropologie Undergrowth Tank, $68. Cute from the front, even cuter from the back! Comes in a few different colors/prints.

Alice + Olivia Gathered Tank, $165. Such a pretty color, and a great swingy shape.

Jeunesse Fanny Silk Blouse, $198. Simple cut, but the collar makes it stand out. And I love the fuschia!

Dolce Vita Marketta Dress, $198. A really chic version of the faux two-piece dress with a great print.

Have a great weekend, and happy shopping!

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Sale alert: Shopbop

Okay, so this is a three day sale and today is the third day…sorry! This is one of those “the more you spend, the more you save” sales, and there are no brand exclusions, so go crazy!

And of course, here are some of my personal picks, for those of you who need some inspiration!

Rag & Bone Bailey Tweed Jacket, $535.

Rebecca Minkoff Woven Leather MAC, $295.

B Brian Atwood Amata Flats, $275.

Citizens of Humanity Thompson Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, $189.

Rory Beca Waiverly Drawstring Dress, $216.

Happy shopping!

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He’s heeeere!

If you happened to notice that I’ve been MIA for over a week, it’s because our beautiful baby boy decided to make his appearance last week. Daniel was born at 9:36am on Monday the 14th and he’s absolutely perfect.

I’m not going to get into a full birth story (this isn’t that kind of blog), but baby and I are both doing very well, and our new family of three is figuring out what life is going to be like now.

Regular blogging activity will return (albeit slowly) soon!

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Things I love this week — May 11th

I’m still pregnant. That’s all I have to say about that.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, and moms-to-be out there!

Anthropologie Cap Sleeve Column Dress, $178. The long sleeved version of this dress has been all the rage in the blogosphere, and I have no doubt that this short sleeved one will be too. It appears to be a magic dress that flatters everyone. Except maybe pregnant women.

Caslon Drawstring Waist Linen Skirt, $49. Perfect to throw on with a little tank or tee, or even over a bathing suit.

Feel the Piece V Neck Maxi Dress, $138. I posted this on Pinterest earlier in the week, but wanted to share it here as well. Such a great basic maxi that you could have fun accessorizing in a million ways.

James Perse Fleece Sweatshirt Dress, $135. I know this might seem like a weird pick for this time of year, but it would be great to throw on for a casual evening while it still gets cool at night.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pot Holders Rosie Bag, $428. I don’t usually go for printed bags, but I love the color and zigzags.

Have a great weekend, and happy shopping!

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Sale alert: Shopbop Spring Sale

As of this week, Shopbop just put a ton of new items on sale, mostly for 30, 50 or 70 percent off. Tons of great deals to be had, but a lot of items aren’t stocked too heavily, so get there soon!

Lanston Scoop Neck Dress, $132 $92.40.

Rebecca Minkoff Yacht Club Cherish Tote, $295 $206.50.

Citizens of Humanity Thompson Medium Rise Skinny Jeans, $194 $135.80.

C&C California Roll Sleeve Hi Low Top, $118 $82.60.

Osborn Kaleidoscope Print Ballet Flats, $130 $65.

Happy shopping!

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Things I love this week — May 4th

TGIF, for real! It’s been a weird week. My office was without power for two days so I got to work from home, which was great, but somehow it still seems like the week has taken forever. At this point most of my weekend plans involve relaxing as much as possible while I can, but I am going for a prenatal massage tomorrow morning, and to a Cinco de Mayo/housewarming party tomorrow night. Otherwise my agenda includes things like installing a car seat and washing adorable baby clothes — aren’t you jealous? ;)

Mix No. 6 Bobby Wedge Sandal, $49.95. I’m not 100% sold on the mixed material sole, but I love the color and the bow (and the price).

Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange Candle, $18. Possibly the most deliciously scented candle of all time. And the tin is gorgeous.

Free People Tattered Boucle Jacket, $168. Super traditional material in a completely non-traditional cut — love it!

J.Crew Invitation Clutch in Ribbon Stripe, $98. Navy and white stripes. Need I say more?

Modern Vintage Shoes ’80s Platform Sandals, $295. Not for the faint of heart with that heel height, but these would go with a ton of outfits.

Have a great weekend, and happy shopping!

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