Falling

 Suede Jacket: similar, T-shirt: Target, Skirt: H&M (similar), Sneakers: Converse, Sunglasses: Karen Walker

You guys, I'm a slacker (for lack of a better term).

I had dreams for this blog of mine. (Naturally.)

But, as life would have it I focused my attention elsewhere - despite my desire to post. I became "one of those" bloggers. You know the kind. The sporadic, apologetic, blogger who means well, but ends up falling off the radar.

Well, I won't say that I am going to "get back at it" since my life is at a transition point. I'm actually getting into another "new normal." I'm becoming a "working mom" rather than an exclusive "stay at home mom." Big news for my little world. 

I am going to figure out what all of this means. Yea, pretty cliché, but that's where I'm at nowadays.

Conveniently, my post coincides with the change from summer to fall. I realize we aren't officially in the fall season, but most of us can agree that once Labor Day passes we are in fall, right? My friend helped me feel better about my transition when she reminded me how all of life's changes are like seasons. We just transition from one season to another.

So, I have fears. I have doubts. But, I have excitement, too.

In the meantime, here's a fun, flirty, but simple look. Thanks to Stephanie Marilee Tucker for these shots from (what feels like) long ago days. But, the vibe is spot on with this post.

Nitty Gritty

 V-neck tee shirt, Denim: J. Brand, Boots: H&M (similar), Accessories: Karen Walker sunglasses, Forever 21 hat

When it comes down to basics, this is it. I've been in a major minimalist mood for the past year or so. Basically since my baby boy was born. If you knew me before, I was all about the special accessories. But, there's nothing practical about statement necklaces, silky anything or tripping over strappy heels. At least not when you're around a grab-anything-put-it-my-mouth kiddo all day. (I'm sure this will change once the kiddo is less interested in his mommy and I'll miss this time of my life.)

The funny thing is, I used to think I would never change my style. But, perhaps the style evolution is about the evolution of my life and as a result, I'm adapting my style towards my new life. I'm more aware of my sense of self and my body (even though that's changing too since I'm nursing and still feeling a bit "soft" from not working out as much as before) and trying trends that really work with my wardrobe, rather than forcing trends to fit my wardrobe.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the eclectic vibe. But, I'm more selective about what I do. I'm willing to invest in long term pieces rather than paying for fast purchases that I see in the stores as I walk by. Hence, that whole capsule thing I talked about - we'll get there I'm sure.

The great thing is I have this blog to see my evolution. Even cringe at them. And continue to grow and change. 

photos by Stephanie Marilee Tucker

Keep It Off The Shoulder

 Dress: Who What Wear x Target (similar), Denim jacket, Flats: Chanel, Accessories: Karen Walker sunglasses, Tory Burch cross body

Frankly, when it comes to style and shopping, I've been quite the frugal fashionista. I was on my quest to build a capsule, but that process has actually been a slow one for me. My body isn't in the shape I want it to be in (yet) so I haven't felt the urge to invest in any clothing that I may not want to wear later.

However, I "splurged" when it came to this off the shoulder dress in the recent Who What Wear x Target collection. Availability seems to come and go in the stores, but I bought mine earlier during its release. 

With my current lifestyle - chasing after a toddler, wiping drool and catching drool everywhere - I need things that I don't need to fuss over. The fabric is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, which is a huge plus since that means it's low maintenance, breathable and easy to wear. Plus, it's that trend that keeps on trending - the off the shoulder look. 

And, you can't really hate on an outfit that you can feel put together in with a classic denim jacket and some classic Chanel flats, right?

photos by Stephanie Marilee Tucker

Superheroes

 Vintage black coat (similar), H&M Kids chambray shirt (similar), J. Brand waxed denim, Nike sneakers, Accessories: Mirrored aviator sunglasses , plaid blanket scarf, Mansur Gavriel tote

Here we go...the second month of the new year. 

I know...I roll my eyes at myself over how much I lament on the passing of time, but somehow I never get over the fact that time moves ever so quickly. I feel like all I do is stay sane enough to "keep up." Do you ever feel like that?

I got quiet on the blogging front when the family came down with the case of the cold. One by one, we were all taken out. The last of us to catch it was baby B. As a new mom, this was my first time dealing with an ill baby. And it wasn't even bad! A slight cough. Runny nose. Cranky attitude. Overall, it was nothing compared to how I hear it could be. BUT, the caveat was that I was also sick. And...welllll...that's a whole new ball game. The days of just lying in bed, watching Netflix and sleeping whenever I want are simply memories now. Like the commercial says, "moms don't take sick days." Now, I have to hatch a new battle plan for sick days. 

All this "down time" in the house left me pondering on many thoughts. On the blog. On my views on parenting. On my life as a whole. Even though I'm more than halfway through baby B's first year of life, I'm only just getting the mother title down. It took all of my energy to roll out of the house, throw on this blanket scarf and feel put together...let alone look it. I trust that I'll get to a balancing act that will work for me. Hopefully sooner than later. But, until then please bare with me.

Looking at some blogging moms, I feel like they're heroes. They seem to "do it all." 

{some of my faves: Oh Joy, Love Taza, The Daybook, A Cup of Jo}

Oh yes, I realize the moments posted are moments filtered. But, it's still admirable.

And the moms who I know personally who care for more than one baby, who work and take care of their babies and those who have to do it on their own...well they're my superheroes.

Simply put, you all rock. If I'm half of what I see in all of you then I'm on the right track.

3-in-1

 Nike uptown-3-in-1 parka, Stripe long-sleeve t-shirt, Forever 21 denim, Ankle boots, UO beanie

I don't remember the last time I bought proper outerwear. It's been a while since SF has had really cold, rainy weather. So I just went through last season wearing layers and old coats.  But, El Nino has arrived and this 3-in-1 parka is serving its purpose. I'm enjoying the 3-in-1 style options and the sporty vibe. Plus, the hood? Roomy, covers your head and allows you to still see where you're walking. Legit in the rain lemme tell ya.

2016

 Leather jacket, Forever 21 denim, Asos boots, Accessories: Thrifted sunglasses, buffalo plaid scarf

The first post of a new year always feels so poignant. So fresh. So inspiring.

I'm feeling really refreshed from my blogging break. I'm hoping that the things I want to accomplish on this blog actually happen though. I haven't quite made a master plan, but I have a sorta plan. That counts, right?

While I'm not much of a resolutions type person, I am dedicated towards doing things better than last year. My goal is to always be better.

How about you? New year, new you? Or new year, better you? 

To be honest, I think they both sound appealing.

Lace-Up Flats

 Linen shirt: Banana Republic, Distressed denim, Lace-up flats: Gap, Accessories: Panama style hat, Karen Walker sunglasses, Lionette necklace, Mansur Gavriel tote

It seems everywhere you look in the photosphere that is blogging and Instagram, people are wearing lace-up flats. I love the look, but I was far too lazy (and busy with baby) to go through the process of (online) purchase and potential return if the fit wasn't right. But, when Gap offers their 40% deal, well, you decide the process might just be worthy of your time. Thankfully, for me, the fit was right.

Seeing Red

 Camo jacket: via Ross (c/o), T-shirt: vintage, Boyfriend jeans: Old Navy, Red ankle strap heels, Accessories: Karen Walker sunglasses, Kris Nations "California" necklace, NYX Monte Carlo lip color

Red is such a powerful color. In Asian culture, the color red symbolizes good fortune and joy. During the holiday season, the color is synonymous with Christmas. And for the rest of us, the color is associated with strength, passion and love.

I haven't owned a bold red outfit that conveys such conviction of self (yet), but until that day arrives I find it appropriate to pop with accents of such a strong color.