I know that Birkenstocks are a thing right now, but I just can't hang with this trend.
Am I the only one??
I've even tried to talk myself into it, because I've seen other gals pulling off the look....but I can't.
Can't do it.
It may have something to do with the fact that it reminds me of my awkward middle school years when I used to wear these.
They are also just a bit too comfortable looking for me.

I mean, I can definitely appreciate a comfortable pair of shoes, especially being on my feet most of the day with the kids, but when I have to sacrifice pretty for comfy...I usually just go with uncomfortable feet.
Beauty is pain, right? Ha ;).

Sooo when I came across Yellowbox Shoes I had to check their sandals out.
I wanted to see if they are actually as comfy as they look, because they pass both my *budget-friendly and style test with flying colors.

The results are in.
They are indeed comfortable! Very. You know how sandals sometimes have a "breaking in period" where they rub on your heals in a weird way and sometimes even leave you with red marks by the end of the day? These sandals don't do that. I have worn them a few times already, all day, and I didn't feel like taking them of...at all.

Yellowbox has some other styles that I am diggin', so I'm sharing those with you as well...

Carey | Eira | Jeriel | Kinsey | Mimosa | Taissa 

...aaaaand Mad's let me hold Applejack?! *gasp* If you know Moo at all you know this is a big deal. This pony is never out of her sight or arms. Everrrrrrr.

my outfit: Yellowbox Devona Sandal - c/o | Marshalls top | J. Crew Factory shorts, similar
moo's outfit: Target dress | Target sandals 


*budget friendly- I think it's important for me to clarify what I find to be "budget-friendly". You're probably thinking, "these sandals are $50+. What's terribly affordable about that? I'll go with Target, thank you very much". Well, when it comes to a staple pair of shoes, I am willing to spend a bit more to get a bit more, if you know what I mean. You get what you pay for. I love Target and their prices, but sometimes it's just worth the money to save and invest in a good pair of sandals for the Summer...ones that will last for at least a few Summers. Ya feel me?

Adios, Ziploc Bags. I've stepped up my Baby Wipes game.

Saying life with two kiddies is messy would be an understatement. 

 There's projectile vomiting, sticky "pee-nuh budda sanwich" residue everywhere, boogers, boogers being so sweetly handed to me, poo...lots of poo, yada yada. I'm sure you mamas feel me.

I feel like I'm constantly cleaning something or someone.

Ya'll may know I'm pretty OCD. Well, it oddly doesn't mix well with motherhood. HA. I'm constantly whipping out the wipes no matter where we are or what we're doing. I'm a maniac clean freak.

My usual way of carrying them around is in a boring Ziploc bag, because...whatever. It's wipes.

People won't be checking them out thinking, gosh...that mama is fly.

Wrong, Cams.
They will now.

Huggies Clutch n' Clean Wipes.

They have changed the baby wipes game, mamas.
Not only can they be attached to most anything, re-filled, slobbered on by babies, thrown around by kiddies...they're cute. 

I now have a package on our stroller, in the minivan, diaper bag and by Mad's potty
(because well...did you catch this post? ::hehhh::). 

Having wipes on hand, within arms reach, may not seem like a big deal, but ummm...it is a big deal to this tidy freak right here. You betta believe it, yo.

It helps to make this mama job just a bit easier (and cleaner-ish).

I'm a fan.
I'm a fan.
I'm a fan fan fan.

my mama outfit: baseball tee - F21 (old old oldddd) | jeans - Gap | converse chucks - eBay

*Cheers, Huggies Clutch n' Clean Wipes for sponsoring this post #HuggiesMomStyle

Trendy Postpartum Swimsuits - under $100

 find them here: LOFT | Target | VS | LOFT | Modcloth | jcpenny | J. Crew | DKNY | Wallis

Apparently your body doesn't bounce right back and become all bikini ready after having a baby.
Weird.
Ooph. I am feeling less than ready to jump back into a swimsuit at 4 months postpartum.
Managing to get the laundry put away these days is a big deal, so working on my fitness is way down on my 'to-do' list....waaaaaaay down. At this point I consider walking up and down the stairs with my chubby wubby babe a totally sufficient amount of exercise.
hehhh. So yeh.

That said, I've been looking for flattering bathing suits that don't sacrifice style for comfort...or make me want to cry.
I am loving the one-piece options, the supportive tops and the high-waists out there right now!
Let me get a woop woop.

::woop woop::

If you too have been living in fear of the day you'll need to break-out in a swimsuit, I hope this helped.

ps. totally diggin' LOFT's selection right now

the 5 basic essentials to have in your closet for Spring

1. 

Blazer
- via Two Penny Blue -

I love a blazer. I've been wearing them religiously since high school.
In fact, I'll probably still be sporting them as a grannie.
They just take an outfit to the next level...give it that classy, structured look. 
So...you're wearing some boyfriend jeans and a plain tee. Cute, but with a blazer?
Ba-da-boom. 

2. 

Lightweight Scarf
- via deloom -

It's the perfect accent to a Spring outfit. 
Adds color. Adds something different. It can even take an outfit in a different direction...

They are especially necessary if you are not really an accessory wearer. 

Find one with a colorful or interesting pattern and you're golden. 

3. 

Classic White Button-up
- via Old Navy -

Always a good idea to have one of these. Always. 

Not only can you can wear it with most anything (skirts, shorts, jeans, even layered under a dress- did ya catch J. Rob at the Oscars?),  
it is also a great layering tool if the weather is on the cooler side (think cardigan or jacket over top).
I personally like to go the minimalist route and simply pair it with denim and a pair of flats or pumps. 

4. 

Skirt
- via Corilynn -

Whether it's a full skirt like the one above, midi, pencil or maxi...
something so feminine and flattering will be a well-loved Spring basic.
Dress it up, dress it down...take it downtowwnnn. 
*Finding the right style and fit for your body type is very important for this one. See this post.

5. 

Flats
- via Yellow Box Shoes -

Do not underestimate the value of a simple, yet versatile flat.

What I like about the pair above is that they have the cut-out detail on the sides..

makes them a bit more breathable for the warmer temps.

Again, this is a basic that can be worn with most anything...always nice.

While you can go ahead and wear them all together,

these Spring basics can actually help make the rest of your wardrobe go further.

You'll be surprised with how much  a simple, basic clothing item can inspire you - it's like having a blank canvas to paint on.
Build on it, pair something spicy with it, layer, mix it up...make those basics not so basic, yo!

Okay, so I do have to mention a  couple additional basics that I really appreciate...and know you can too - a trench and wellies (or rain-boots...I prefer using Brit terminology as often as possible b/c it's fun ::heh heh:: )
Joules has great ones, fyi. Pretty and affordable. 

They add a bit of sass and class to an outfit and transition very well between seasons...especially with the Spring weather being a bit unpredictable at the moment.
NC is drunk right now with it's low 50s in March. It needs to go home- ha. 
I know, I know...some of you want slap me because of my complaints about weather above 40. 

I've made it easy for you to find the basics (below). Maybe you'll find something you love or it'll remind you of that long lost basic that's collecting dust in the back of your closet. Break it out. Now is the time. Spring is here!....kind of. Sort of. Whatever. Do it anyways. :)

More Asos...

Trendy NURSING TOPS that aren't Nursing Tops

...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.

Christmastime is here! (and so are the sniffles)

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #KleenexTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I love a cozy and welcoming home all year 'round, but I make sure to take extra special pains to make it that way during the Christmas season. I'm not big on decorating for any other holiday, but Christmas...ooooh yes, ma'am. It's a must. This year I was excited because Mads is old enough to actually enjoy it all. Soooo...this past Sunday we dedicated the day to all things Christmas- picking out and decorating our tree, baking and listening to Christmas music. It was the perfect way to start the season together (and also tiring for this pregs. I crashed on the couch about halfway through all of the festivities).

There was one little downside to our little decorating weekend- runny noses. All three of us had runny, runny noses. We've been fortunate enough to keep any bad coughs and colds away (so far), but the runny noses just can't be stopped...and that's where Kleenex has come in handy. I'm usually the "oh, we'll just use toilet paper" kind of person, but gosh...I'm glad I picked up a pack of real tissues at Target this past weekend. I just put them around the house, so we could all grab one when needed. It worked much better (and looked much better) than toilet paper rolls. ;)

Having a little one to share the season with is too good. Mads has been excited by everything- picking out the tree, making cookies, dancing to Christmas music...and even just the plugged in strands of lights- ha. It's such a joy to see her so happy. It makes me feel like I am re-living some of my childhood Christmases. It might even be more fun now than it was when I was a kid. :)

You can grab your own coupon here for $1 off a 4 pack or more of Kleenex at Target.

We Search. We Find. We ShopStyle!

ShopStyle has some exciting things going on, peeps- a new look, feel & even adverts in major publications and on TV. You may have seen some of them? They are taking off! Of course, I was more than happy and excited to join in on the fun with their "lay down" blogger campaign. The theme I chose: Holidays. I love the holidays...and I loooove dressing for them. So...I pulled some of my favorite go-to items from my own closet that make me think of Christmas, New Years and all things cheery...and I laid those babies down and positioned my pregnant self right beside them in order to share them here with you (& you're welcome for the awesome bump view, btw...getting up was a bit of a challenge ;).

MY ITEMS: 

-you can find & purchase the same or similar items all on ShopStyle.com!-
Target Merona Meg Chunky Heel
Red beaded necklace (eBay find), similar-ish 
Baublebar Maharaja Fringe Strand Necklace 
Old Navy Crew-neck sweatshirt

Target Merona Glitter Braid Belt 
h&m MAMA &denim maternity Slim Jeans, similar  
parc boutique Herringbone Baseball Cap or similar
Banana Republic Scarf, similar 
F21 Polka Dot Button-up, similar
Marshalls denim button-up, similar
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers
Tommy Hilfiger Satchel, similar

Cheers, ShopStyle. Love what you're doing! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next. 

*this post was sponsored by ShopStyle and Popsugar Select 

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?

minted. christmas cards || giveaway

They're baaaaaaack. I'm always happy to have minted. here on Life in Mod. Their Christmas card designs are just too good. I am trying to to decide between the four above...leaning more towards the Conversation Bubble design- such a cute and simple way to let people know what you've been up to all year. I'd like to include the bump in our picture though ;). We'll see what we can pull off with our handy dandy tripod and camera remote (always an adventure).

Which is your favorite? I ask, becaaaause....surprise!...minted is so generously offering one LiM reader $50 towards their Christmas Cards for 2013! woop woop. *dance partaaaaaaay up in here*

Get excited about which one you'd pick here. Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It happened.

I started using an anti-aging skincare product. What? No way.

I know. When Olay so generously offered to send on their Regenerist products to me, I was a bit apprehensive at first. I mean, really. Aren't anti-wrinkle products for old people? Well, the truth of the matter is that your skin starts losing collagen in your 20's (that awesome thing that gives your skin elasticity and keeps it firm). I'm 27 which, of course, means it's all down hill from here. Ha.That said, I decided to let any leftover teen pride I might have been holding onto go and try out Olay's goodies.

(& that's my cosmetic ad shot for ya. soak. it. up.)

Um. They're awesome. I've been using the products for about a week now and I've already started to realize the benefits- they not only smooth my skin and reduce the look of pores and fine lines, but also prime my face for make-up. Apparently priming your face for make-up is very important. This was news to me as of a week ago! It creates a clean canvas and helps your make-up last longer. As you get older, your facial skin just doesn't hold onto it all as well (darn). Ever since forever I've just slapped on some moisturizer, thrown on my make-up and called it a day. Well, no mas.

My *new* skin priming routine:

Simple facial moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo  

...& then my face is ready for that make-up...

I guess you could say I'm growing up...what with my new skincare/make-up routine and all. What next? Real make-up counters at department stores? Whoah now. Slow down. I'm not over my Target cosmetics just yet. ;)

This post was sponsored by Olay through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo and Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex, all opinions are my own.

Current Crush: Leslie Tessler Capes

A cape has got to be one of the most feminine articles of clothing a lady can wear and have in her closet. They instantly make me think of Grace Kelly- with their whimsical, classic and romantic qualities. Leslie Tessler, the New York and Buenes Aires-based designer, has managed to take this lovely must-have to the next level. Her capes are nothing short of captivating. They make me want to twirl around and wear elbow length gloves.

Ooooh the many styling options that come to mind. I'm thinking anything from jeans (skinny, straight or even boyfriend) paired with chunky heeled pumps to a flirty dress with nylons and tall boots. Goodness. They really inspire endless Fall outfit ideas...my mind is almost on over-drive as I look through the lookbooks (again and again).

My current pregnancy wouldn't stop me from wearing one either! They are roomy enough that they would serve to flatter the bump and the vibrant colors would only enhance that pregnancy glow. In fact, I think an expectant mother may actually find a Leslie Tessler cape to be the perfect outerwear option.

Now I just need to conjure up a plan to get my hands on one of these beauts in the not too distant future. ;)

So. Which is your fave? You know you have at least one...

Mama Boosters. For my Face.

No, I'm not turning into a beauty blogger (so sorrrryyy). I just want to share a sweet, new product that I think you should know about- Seventh Generation's Skin Boosting Serums...or as I like to call them...my Mama Boosters.

Sooo...I'm super simple when it comes to skincare. I wash and I moisturize. That's all I've ever done. Nada mas. Pregnancy has been pretty good to me too. Gotta love those prenatal vitamins! Still. There's those days. The days I feel the need for a little oomph- when I feel so tired that I could fall over on my unmade bed stacked with unfolded laundry (with Mads jumping around me like a monkey), those days I have a bajillion errands to run but any kind of make-up is simply not going to happen...those days I don't feel that "pregnancy glow" at all. Yehhh.

Those are the days I grab one of the facial boosters. They're my leeeetle friends. A grab n' go mama booster shot...for the face. Fresh, easy and natural. I like. I think you might like them too :). See all of the skin boosting serums here.

...& that's enough beauty talk for me (for now). I may have another wrinkle cream-type post coming soon. Maybe. I don't know. We'll see.

the cardi-again.

1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8

That cardigan. It's one of those clothing items that just won't ever go away...and that's a good thing! It remains a timeless and classic piece, yet one that is given trendy little spins every new season. It's a staple for any lady.

SheInside is my new found love, if you haven't already noticed (here, here & here). I'm constantly wearing the items I have from them (even though they are non-maternity and I am def-o sporting a growing bump right now...they still work for me!). I was going to share a round-up of cardis from all over, but...I found too many on sheInside.com...so I stopped there. :)

How do you like wearing a cardigan? 

Lights! Camera! Fashion! | win 2 tickets to the show

Belk has teamed up with the Junior League of Charlotte yet again for their Lights! Camera! Fashion! show. It all kicks off at 6 pm on Oct. 13th. The event includes a 20% discount on purchases made at Belk that evening, Belk gift cards, beer, wine, heavy appetizers and a fashion show, of course. 

If you're looking for a fun and fashionable night out, purchase tickets here for the big event. 

-OR-

Win 2 general admission tickets right here on Life in Mod! Belk has been awesome enough to team up with me on this. Cheers, Belk. 

How to enter: leave a comment below, telling us why you'd love to attend and/or what you'd wear to the event.            *a winner will be chosen via Random.org on 10/4/13

I hope to see you there! :)

deal vs. steal : ankle strap heels

I'm the gal that sees the $90 Topshop heels and thinks, "Yeh, ok...pretty good deal for a nice pair of pumps, but...I bet I can find them elsewhere for cheaper". I managed to do just that. The Payless pumps I found are significantly less ($29.99) and can be styled the same exact way as their more expensive counterpart. Basically, they're a steal!

Oooh, the outfits you can pull off this Fall with these beauts. Two of my favorites are above- cuffed denim and cropped trousers. Caaa-ute.

Deals are good, but steals are better. :)

Shopstyle | Product Review Feature

Oooh, how I love Shopstyle. Have you tried it out? I'm happy to share this bit of news, because it is actually where I go every time I need to search for something style related. If I search for say, floral pumps...Shopstyle will pull up all of the floral pumps it can find from all over (different brands, shops, lines). I can then narrow my search even further by selecting a price range, size, color...etc. It's the bomb dot com.

Well, it just got even cooler. Yeh, cray. They now have a new product review feature. Exciting! I am always always looking for customer reviews before I will purchase an item online. Online shopping can be interesting. You know. You order a clothing item online, receive it and try it on...& it turns out to be nothing like you thought it'd be. Bleh. It's really a guessing game.

Shopstyle has further simplified online shopping by eliminating that guessing game. You can now be more confident when purchasing something off of their site. Not only that, but you can help out other customers by submitting your own product reviews.

Head on over to Shopstyle to find out how you can win $1,000 by doing just that!

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...

Summerbird Consignment | my weekend mommy job

This is my getaway...errr...I mean weekend job. ;) I've shared a bit of it before, but I just can't get enough of this place. So...I'm sharing mas!

I love it. Love it. The decor, location and consignment pieces are all terribly cool. I could just sit there for hours, soaking it all in. I have to restrain myself from buying something every time I work- it's a tough task, my friends.

If you live in the Charlotte area, definitely head in to Summerbird sometime. You'll end up loving it as much as I do. I can pretty much bet on that. Plus- there's a Starbucks right down the road, so it's pretty much a win win situation.

Not a Charlottean? You can follow me on IG to get little glimpses of the place whenever I'm working.