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!

Bathing Suits & Ballet Slippers

In the spirit of spring cleaning, I took out every article of clothing in my chest of drawers so I could review the contents in all of their glory.

I gave away the too-small clothes to my mama, and the unsalvageable items to Goodwill. But the insightful part of the experience was realizing that many of my clothes are for my fictitious life - albeit one that has commonalities with my real life - that is more spontaneous, inspiring and creative.

I have about 4 leotards, 10 pairs of ballet tights, two pairs of ballet slippers and pointe shoes. New pointe shoes.

I also own about 8 bathing suits.

When I stepped back and reviewed this inventory I realized that next time I want to dance or escape somewhere sunny, I am going to take a ballet class or buy a plane ticket to Las Vegas.

And I can always shop when I get to Vegas.

mama mia

I have always admired my mom's sense of style. Her look influences me every day. My mom is always stylish (sans something we lovingly call her 'unabomber' look), but never trendy.

I think this is because she follows these unspoken rules -

1. red nails. Looked great in the 80's, will look great always.
2. big hair. She rocked it. I love it. Always will. (Now she has a pixie cut which is equally eye-catching and flattering).
3. quality shoes. Her red toes never touch plastic. She's owned her shoes for years and years.
4. no logos. ever. (This excludes Louis Vuitton).
5. simple, simple, simple.

(I am disappointed that I am not including pictures in this post...but I do not want it to prevent me from posting at all! I will scan pictures over thanksgiving and send them post-haste!)

dear lumpy clothes

Dear unattractive, ill fitting, misshapen clothes,*
Please don't tempt me every morning. I don't have time for you.
Love, Rory

*With many outfit options that I enjoy wearing, I vow to get rid of items that I -
1) never leave the house wearing
2) think I should keep/wear solely because they were expensive
3) fit at one point in my life but don't now

Four great go-to outfits are far better - and make life far easier - than 40 distracting ones.

socks with sandals

Today, I went for granny-librarian chic by wearing a cream turtleneck, navy blazer, tweed skirt, herringbone socks and peep toe sandals.

Hopefully it was cute and not too literal. (It helps that all of the pieces are pretty fitted).

Apologies for the weird half-photo.

rainy day chic

It was driving rain when I woke up this morning and I had to resist the urge to dress like a slob. When I dress like a slob I feel like a slob ...which makes me lethargic all day.

I forced myself to dress the opposite...chic! I'm wearing a black turtleneck & peplum skirt, grey tights, black heels and a chunky necklace.

Coincidentally, my very chic and very funny friend Amy is also wearing a black dress-grey tight combo. (Fuzzy photo at right).

I suppose the key to looking composed and professional on a rainy day is simply wearing structured clothes.

post script - I intend to acquire a better camera soon!

lesson learned

I wore my Forever 21 necklace as a crown yesterday and my friend Sara took some pictures. Unfortunately we couldn't get a good photo because I found out that it doesn't really look that good. I am glad we took the pics, or else I would have continued wearing it and looking silly. Lesson learned.

This brings me to a personal challenge: examining the way I actually look in contrast to the way I think I look. And I have to believe the pictures when it doesn't look right.

Today I am wearing the necklace - as a necklace! I love it with my red chambray tunic, wide khakis and heels. I pegged and rolled the khakis a bit - it is my interpretation of the paper-bag look. It is a very very loose interpretation of a Woody Allen heroine.

And I am taking a picture of myself to make sure it looks kosher.

old faithful and the holy grail

This morning I put on my old faithful outfit - navy party dress, orange toggle cardigan and brown riding boots - and realized it was dated. I love the pieces - and will continue to wear them in different iterations - but I was looking in the mirror at my 2006-self.

The navy dress I wore in my second engagement photos (second set of photos, first and only engagement). The orange cardigan was a J. Crew purchase - I waited for month for it to go on sale (since ad agencies don't pay much). The riding boots need a polish but will never go out of style.

My life's work is to choreograph the perfect wardrobe. To me, that means coordinating classic/stylish/modest/age appropriate outfits while avoiding unnecessary spending and disposable things. When I do buy, I will do my best to fall in love with clothes/shoes/accessories that are made in the USA. (I slipped and bought a mixed metal and pearl necklace from Forever 21. It is more fairy-godmother than 80's Madonna and also works as a lovely hair crown. And I am not sure the best shoes are made in the USA but that's another story).

The quest for the perfect wardrobe is on-going. And - when I am honest with myself - it is my holy grail.