the tops

I have been eyeing a few tops that look great for nursing that I plan to get next month (birthday month!)

When I said in my last post that I "usually" wear a trapeze top or shirt tail sweater, I meant that I alternate between those two EVERY DAY. While I get great satisfaction out of really wearing my clothes, neither wardrobe item is an inspired choice for a dinner party or museum exhibit. So here are the tops that TOP my list. (Yes, that was painful for me too).

petal window tee ($38; anthro)

directional dolman ($68; anthro)

my mantra short sleeve tee ($58; lululemon)

As an aside, all nursing tops seem to be either wrap shirts (pretty, but not me), maternity shirts (because being pregnant and getting dressed was AWESOME), or super expensive.

As another aside, I have never purchased anything from lululemon before, so this adorable top may be my first. Lululemon makes gorgeous, excellent quality gear. Unfortunately, since my workout clothes consist of a leotard, over-sized faded shirts and sweats, and weird 80's running shorts, I hesitate to dip my toe in the pool of expensive/attractive ones. Lord knows I cannot buy a whole new 'exercise wardrobe.'

Did I mention that the ONLY exercise I do is walking?

mom jeans

Since my last post I became a mom. I can't believe our little Ralphie is nearly six months old!

I've noticed that there's an unfortunate dearth of positive words describing moms and mom-style.

There's 'mom jeans.' And of course 'mom hair.' And the ever cliched 'soccer mom.' All sound harmless but are actually pretty loaded if you ask me.

Over the last half year, I have struggled with the myriad challenges of motherhood (specifically stay-at-home motherhood), in which what I wear plays a pivotal role.

Certainly I have less time to get dressed. And to be sure my son loves me not-an-ounce-less if I look crappy.

But now more than ever, I've learned that dressing like I care (because I do) and like I matter (because I do!!) makes a huge difference in my attitude. And starting the day with a positive outlook is crucial (especially when my husband working 24 or 48 hours in a row)!

My favorite easy outfit is a navy blue romper that can be worn with or without a belt and is comfortable and appropriately funky at the same time.

My other go-to's are essentially what I wore B.R. (before Ralph): tight (but comfy) AG skinnies, a trapeze top or sweater (for easy nursing access), and converse low-tops or Minnetonka moccasins.

While I am not winning any style awards, having a uniform that is practical and fits my body and personality means that I can get ready for the day in a pinch and feel confident - and visible! - when Ralph and I hit the town.

SXSW 2011

I just found out that I am going to SXSW - a film, music and interactive festival - in March for work! I am excited to explore a cool, new place - Austin, TX - and I feel proud to represent my agency. Of course my biggest concern is WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!

Last fall when I went to NY for advertising week, everything I wore (well, everything good) was borrowed from one of my most stylish girlfriends.

This time, I am going to coordinate a few hip, fun outfits of my own that make me more confident and articulate simply by getting dressed. I am starting from the ground up with these new black boots (which arrived in the mail yesterday!) which make me stand just a bit taller.

Next on my list are a fresh blouse and some bright accessories.

Yee-haw!!

I walk the line

For the first time in a long time I am wearing (nearly) all black. Instead of boring or depressing, it feels unusual, light and fun - perfect for a clear, windy day.

Black is clean (even when it is not), chic (because it never wears you), and composed - in my opinion the best way to take on a crazy week.

I am wearing J Brand jeans (just got - on sale at Barney's!), a co-op v-neck sweater (ibid), and Aldo rose gold sandals.

I feel focused. And like me.

The lavender toe nails help, too.

summer in the city

It is nearly summer in San Francisco. I know that because I am wearing jeans, boots, three tops and my North Face vest. Also, it is 52 degrees outside and raining slightly. It looks like the rain is falling in slow motion.

This way it is easy to dream of warmer weather...

I am going to my girlfriend Em's wedding in Boston next weekend. I pray that it is warm but I will settle for non-tundra conditions.

To the wedding, I am leaning towards wearing my Amanda Uprichard silk dress (shown right, on leggy blonde) with my hair pulled back tightly and some super bright lipstick.

Things I cant believe

1. It is 2010. Nearly April 2010. Yikes!!!

2. Spring has sprung. It is gorgeous in SF - crisp and sunny - and I am inspired to wear colors and flowers and dresses (oh, my!)

3. I am trying to improve my wardrobe (and my mornings) by ever-so-slightly exceeding the boundaries of my comfort zone. I still want to look and feel like "me" but with a few more interesting options.

My first spring purchase was a bright yellow sun dress from Old Navy. With my navy blazer, Burb scarf and brown heels, it is a natural extension of what I'd normally wear, only now I have a bit more spring in my step.

blush 101

I recently ran out of my favorite blush - NARS Orgasm - the color that (ahem) is supposed to flatter everyone.

I decided to search for a drug store alternative because - even though I only buy make up about once a year - the cost really adds up.

I brought the last fleck of my NARS into Walgreen's and matched it to Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Blush and Bronzer in "Rosy." When I mix the blush and bronzer, the color is nearly identical to the NARS - just slightly less gold - and at $12.99 it is about $27 cheaper.

I definitely am not qualified to guarantee - or even promise - that it will look good on you, but it is worth a try!