...because let's be honest...

most nursing tops scream, "I feed my baby with my boobs".

An awesome thing, of course, but they're not usually that awesome looking.

Nursing mamas, you know how it is.

Your upper half does all kinds of weird things...especially right after giving birth.

They are huge, rock hard...and then they're saggy and shapeless. ::blerg::

Your shirts don't fit right and you really just feel like a cow with udders. ::moo::
So hot.

Am I right or am I right?

In my own hunt for more attractive tops that aren't specifically nursing tops (but totally work as nursing tops), I came across some goodens...and thought I'd share them with you.

floral blouse // pastel pullover sweater // brawlers t shirt // crochet lace top // arabella crochet blouse

More Forever 21...

What you don't want is a top you have to wrestle with in order to get baby fed.
Easy access is key.
The tops I found provide just that - whether it be with a handy zipper in the front, buttons, a relaxed fit that can be easily pulled up and over le babe or a crop style that can be layered over a nursing tank.
It's totally possible to nurse and wear non-nursing tops...just look for styles that can get the job done.

Nursing is cool, so why not make it look terribly cool while you're at it? I mean, fo realz.

The importance of a great pair of maternity jeans.

THE LOOK:

Red Lapel Long Sleeve Plaid Pockets Blouse | c/o SheInside

MAMA nursing tank top | H&M

blazer | Forever21, similar 

MAMA slim jeans | H&M

knit hat/beanie | H&M, similar
Troopa boot | Steve Madden 

I had underestimated the importance of having a quality pair of maternity jeans that fit well...until this pregnancy. I had been doing my best with the couple of so-so pairs I had worn throughout my pregnancy with Mads, but they made me want to cry this time around. They felt tight and would slide down. every. 5. seconds. Let's just say, they made me feel like a beached whale. It really doesn't matter what size you are. If you have ill-fitting jeans on, you will feel uncomfortable and less than your best. Am I right?

Soooo...I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore. I loaded Moo into the minivan and we made the 30 min trip to the only H&M around. They carry their MAMA maternity line in-store, so I was all over it. I found the above pair of awesome sauce jeans. Amazing. I'm in love. I may even have teared up a bit with sheer pregnant happiness when I tried them on. They fit so well and felt sooo good. I also grabbed up the two-pack of nursing tank tops (b+w), because not only do they work now for bump layering...they will be very handy once the baby boy arrives and I return to my nursing post. Yay for stylin' maternity finds! I was saved. 

My advice: if you're newly pregnant, reeeally pregnant...any kind of pregnant...purchase a pair of quality maternity jeans that fit well. You'll be happy you did when things get really bumpy, if you know what I mean. That is all. 

A ball cap, sweatshirt...& the entire neighborhood parked behind me.

THE LOOK: 

herringbone baseball cap || parc boutique

Maharaja Fringe Strand necklace || Baublebar

crew-neck sweatshirt || Old Navy

polka dot button-up || F21, similar

boyfriend maternity jeans || A Pea In the Pod via Ebay, similar

Chuck Taylors || Converse via Ebay

Yehhhh, I'm pregnant. I got this Old Navy sweatshirt a couple sizes up thinking, "Oh, it'll totally work this entire pregnancy. Totaaaally". Try again, Cams. If my belly grows out any farther, which it's bound to...it's over for this sweatshirt. At least until the bump goes bye bye. Still! I have been able to wear it several times this Fall and have loved it- oober comfy and goes with tons (at least I pretended it did).

Now, let's talk about that hat. Herringbone + ball cap combined. What's not to love? My husband also digs a gal in a baseball cap, so helloooo. Win win. I think he especially loves it when the lady has a big belly to go along with it too. At least, that's the word on the street.

That was just my second outfit post for the week. Whaaaaat? That's some kind of record for me. Maybe I was feeling excited and inspired...and maybe I had a little more energy than usual. Don't get used to it. I am now worn out and will be resuming my usual 1 outfit/week routine. ;)

Peace. Love. Donuts. Really...I'm going to go eat some donuts now.

..................

PS. I did a little blog shoot with a local Charlotte photographer, wearing the same hat and sweatshirt (b/c they're awesome). I wanted to share a couple snaps from our session...

Photos: Lindsay Wynne Photography // You can find the rest of our session on LiM's Facebook page.

If you're looking for a photographer in the Charlotte area, definitely check her out! As you can see, she does lovely work.

double duty handbags

pic//1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Diaper bags are really a necessity when you have babes- or at least a bag with enough room for all of that stuff you need to lug around with you. I just prefer a normal handbag over a real diaper bag- basically, they don't say "oh, hey...I'm a diaper bag". Bleh. No bueno. *two exceptions being Timi & Leslie diaper bags as shown in this old post...and the Lily Jade diaper bag (shown above)

As mamas we already have to run out with crumbly, un-ironed shirts and messy hair on the regular, so shouldn't we at least be able to carry around a stylish bag? I think so!...& yes, you can find one that both looks good and functions as a diaper bag. It's true. Take a look at all of the options I found above- via Lily Jade, Wallis, Billabong, etc. They are all fully capable of holding the diapers, wipes, sippies, snacks, toys, etc etc etc. (aside from the last two that are just for a quick run into the store and such- a one diaper type deal. Ya know.)

The big plus side to having a normal handbag that doubles as a diaper bag, is that you can quickly ditch the baby stuff whenever you manage to head out alone (*gasp*). It's really a win win.

So, ladies...what do you use as a diaper bag?

Ingrid & Isabel | shirred pencil skirt

THE LOOK:

scarf | BR, similar 

floral sweater | F21, similar - I wore it when I was pregnant w/ Moo too (wearing a size L)

shirred pencil skirt | c/o Ingrid & Isabel

cuff | F21

black riding boots | Steve Madden, similar

Life is starting to get uncomfortable- exercising, cuddling with Mads, eating, sleeping...everything is a bit ehh. I'm not at the get-this-baby-outta-me stage yet, but I'm definitely feeling...pregnant. Recently I haven't been dressing up much because of this fact. It just makes me feel more uncomfortable, want to give up and throw on my pjs (not usually a good look when leaving the house- ha).

This, my dears, is where Ingrid & Isabel's shirred pencil skirt has come in handy. It feels like I'm wearing pajamas, but doesn't look like it! Win. Not only that, but I don't think it has to always be dressy. I'm thinking I'll wear it with flats, an over-size graphic tee and denim jacket next time.

I've learned, through both of my pregnancies, the importance of having those basic clothing items that you can rock throughout your entire pregnancy (comfortably). This skirt is now one of mine. 

Happy Monday! Enjoy today. - I saw this pin, loved it...wanted to share with you. :)

NYFW: bumped - maternity outfit

biker jacket | bootie | ruched tank dress | lariat pendant necklace | chevron ring + quartz shard ring

This is one outfit I would definitely be wearing if I was at NYFW this week- not only because I just so happen to have most of the items, but also because it's a chic way to style the bump. They say black is slimming, right? ;)

I was actually reeeeally hoping to make it there this Fall just so that I could challenge myself with the task of dressing for the most stylish event of the year while pregnant. Yes, I'll be honest...the whole idea was scary, because...uhhh...everyone looks so dayum good in NYC. How do you compete with all of the Olivia Palermos running around (especially with a baby bump)? Well, I was up for the challenge.

Maybe next year I'll be able to brave the sea of ridiculously well-dressed peeps. The bump may or may not be present though...

how we wear it: Sneaks

Hey, Cams! - S

Yehhh?- me

Let's rock out those sneakers, yo! - S

Let's DO IT.- me

That's pretty much how our conversation went.

We are baaaack and hopefully you are too, so that you can join in on this round of How We Wear It- this time it's all about sneakers. They're awesome, delightful, comfy, cute, can be found everywhere...and versatile? Yep.  ANMJ  & I are sharing how we wore them...

I try to find any excuse to wear this hat. I found it in the Clearance bins at Target...I think it was $8. Score. I also found these super comfy, awesome J.Crew peach/neon (they look more neon in person), stretchy, denim roll-up shorts. That was a heck of a description. NO, but really. Go out and buy these. You will thank me! You can wear them long or roll them up if you're having a good leg day. I am smitten. Plus- they look good with sneaks.

THE OUTFIT:
Target fedora, similar
F21 baseball tee, similar
J.Crew factory garment-dyed 4" shorts
Target canvas sneakers
Twillypop ribbon necklace

Stripes. I can't get enough of them. You should see my Pinterest boards...I should just have one board called 'Stripes' and be done with it ;). Anyways, so I layered up the stripes here...and almost flashed you. Sorry? I think the skirt looks longer in person. Maybe. Well, it's comfy and works with sneakers, so that's a win in my book.

THE OUTFIT:
Old Navy sweatshirt
Marshalls striped top, similar
Target striped skirt, similar
Target canvas sneakers
Caroline G. bauble

(I used to model. Loll.)
So...I just got these ankle jeans from Joe's Jeans outlet. I had been waiting for forever (& a day) to get my  hands on them. They go a bit above my ankles, but I thought...what the hey...I can do the whole Audrey Hepburn thing. I threw on a dressy white button-up and smacked a bit of lipcolor on and...this...this happened. I felt oober cute and then made unnatural surprised faces. Oh!...and then I tried tying the shirt in front and ended up liking that as well. BAM. 2-in-1. 
THE OUTFIT: J.Crew (thrifted) white button-down, similar Joe's Jeans skinny ankle, similar Target canvas sneakers Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain
Now head on over to ANMJ to see how S rocked the sneaker look. 
OKAY- so now it's your turn! If you've ever worn sneakers or plan on doing so now...do share. You can use the linky tool below, post a pic to the Life in Mod Facebook page, send me an e-mail at camsdipaola(at)yahoo(dot)com, OR you can post your pic on Instagram w/ hashtag: #howwewearit. We would love to see how you wear it. :)



...some of the ways reader's have been styling their sneaks....

Sheena of Bean In Love

Callista of H is for Happy Hour

Cheers.

It was way more fun than usual to snap these pics...it may or may not have had to do with the numerous whiskey sours we were drinking. Not sure. Maybe?
We had to! Matt got a promotion...hard-earned and it came at just the right time. :) God is gooooood...and for that reason we couldn't pass-up the opportunity to clink glasses and sling back a couple...a few. 
& then we took pictures...for the blog, of course. I think the husband has finally come to terms with the fact that he is my personal LiM photog. He fought the inevitable for a while. Haha. So...I thought we had gotten a mess of good ones...and then I got home and uploaded them....uuummmmmm. The ones you're now seeing are the few that didn't include my eyes half closed or some odd/disturbing smirk. 
I guess drinking and good blog photos don't go hand-in-hand. Shucks. ;)
where we were: The Hill Bar & Grill, Mint Hill NC
what I wore: customized high-waist maxi skirt c/o eshakti - very comfy! I felt awesome all day.  J.Crew casual cotton top, similar Steve Madden sandals, similar F21 + DIY color-block bracelet

Now & Later: the maxi skirt

now: a+ro sweater // f21 graphic tee // Hive & Honey maxi skirt // JCPenny booties / later:  puravida bracelets // Marshalls white tee // Bandalino Quipster Espadrille 
I just bought this Hive & Honey maxi skirt off of Piperlime (got get. now) and I loveee it. It has double-lining...which is awesome. The only downside to having it in my closet right now is that it's still annoyingly chilly here in NC (boooo). I like to wear my clothes right away! My cousin used to joke with me that I'd buy something and immediately put it on. It's true. haha.  So... I came up with these two ways to style the maxi- for the chilly weather now & the warmer Spring weather later.  I like simple, as you can tell.  *broken record* The only accessory I added was my puravida bracelets. Also awesome!  Go get. Now. They are colorful, sturdy and just plain perfect for Spring + Summer.  Love them.
Have a good Monday, lovahs!

A poncho from 2000.

The husband and I got to date each other this weekend! woop woop.  We love our dates. We're parents, so we kinda have to, eh? It's time together without baby talk and being needed every second. It's pricelesss. Dates also mean I can  ditch the diaper suitcase and grab my little cross-body bag instead. Also priceless. ;)

shop the look: poncho / green chords / cross-body bag / simple statement necklace
The poncho is at least a decade old. Not joking. I bought it in high school....the last time they were cool. Well, they're apparently cool again which makes meeee... apparently a cool mum.  Win.
ps.  

I'll be home for Christmas...

...or I am already. Yayyyyyy!

the expression my sis brought out of me just for youuuuu. 

plaid button down: Goodwill $4// boyfriend blazer: F21 $20// J Brand denim: Summerbird consignment $15// booties: Macy's $40//scarf: Banana Republic

This is, in fact, my Christmas day outfit. Woop woop! Casual, yet a tad more refined w/ the sky-high (for me) booties. I never brave above a 2 in heel. Ever. Somehow these lovies got me. I already informed the hubs I will be towering over him at Christmas Eve mass. lol.

So...nothing beats being at home for Christmas, am I right or am I right? Right?

We do the old switcheroo between our two families each year and this year is my family's turn. Yes-aaah! It is  the best being here with my siblings- laughing and being ridiculous. We have so much fun together that we have to be reminded to calm down and lower our voices on the regular.

I don't think anything will ever top this.

:)

Merry Christmas Eve, friends.

what I wore. CLTFW2012.

-kallah, we get it already...you're a model-

-te-he. we had one glass of wine-

-the lady behind the camera (most of the time)-

So, yeh...
I found myself scrabbling to put together an outfit the day before I was supposed to be attending a show for Charlotte International Fashion Week.
I've always been a good planner like that.


Thank goodness my god-mama, who has an amazing eye when it comes to styling + design, was able to help me come up with this edgy chic outfit. 

The black top and jeggings from Marshalls served as my canvas for adding in fun and colorful accessories.
My cobalt blue bauble from Blue Bird Bride was my very first add-on...b/c it's awesome.
That night I went running like a mad woman to Forever 21  and found the gold + black cuff and studded box clutch. I slipped on my peacock blue Steve Madden pumps and finished off the look with a bold red lip by Cover Girl.

The night was everything this mama needed and more.
See more on the actual show here.

 ...........

My fam from over the pond is here! :))

Expect a vid or two...with British accents included.

but of course.