Dressed up

The flirty flare of this dress is perfect for a date night.

Date night? What's that? Ha.

It's easy to style too...which is always a win for me.

I kind of stress over accessories- which actually work for what, etc.

The neckline on this dress means you can skip the necklace and just pop on some statement earrings.

I also threw on some simple bangles and grabbed a clutch.

A clutch? What's that? Haaa.

Can you tell it's been quite a while since I've been out with my husband? :-D

dress | earrings | bangles | clutch | sandal pumps

Dressed down

Grocery store, park, play date or weekend outfit - this dress works for all.

It has an amazing way of hiding that pooch too...

which I very much still have.

(I just started T25, but that's another story for another day. My body hurts ::hehh::)

The dress flares out riiiiight at the perfect spot. 

Grab a hat, huuuuge bag (to tote all that your toddler insists on stuffing in it) and you're good to go. 

dress | denim jacket | hat | handbag | sandals

Dressed for all around

So I threw this little ensemble on at the last minute and...my gosh.
I love it.
Mixing the feminine with the comfy and you've got a winning combo.
Am I right, mamas?
I'm ready to run around and get things done with babe on hip and toddler in tow.
BAM.

dress | shoes | canvas tote

Now, I wouldn't expect this dress to last for more than one or two seasons.
It's $15 and from Old Navy.
However, it's trendy and if you're looking to spend little...
this is the dress for you.

the Postpartum pants I can't get enough of

...and the husband wants to throw out the window. :-D

More Steve Madden...

 I have literally been living in these cargo pants recently.

I saw them hanging there at Tarjay, thought..."oh, husband will definitely hate these. Let's get 'em!" Ha ha. 

No, but really.

My body feels so wacked out since giving birth.

I don't fit into anyyyything I own.

Go ahead. Roll those eyes (I'm used to that reaction when I whine about this, because of my height yada yada).

It's true though...and it's frustrating. 

I'm at the point where sleep is better, days are more structured and I am managing to get out of the house more with the kiddies,

but the clothes....the getting dressed.

Ugh.

It's depressing when you go into your closet and can't fit into your favorite pair of jeans anymore.

I just want to fit into something again!!!

So.

I bought these baggy pants with a stretchy waistband and have been loving them. They are cute with a tee...and definitely work for the day-to-day mama routine.

However, I think I have come to the point where I need to get over it and buy some clothes (pants specifically) that are a few sizes up from my pre-baby size ::wahhh:: - some with shape, that show my curves and make that husband take a second look.
I need to do it and not be sad about it.

It happens. I had a baby. I have had two babies! My body has changed.

It's silly for me to sulk around and wait to fit back into my pre-baby clothes.
Maybe one day I will fit back into those fave jeans...or maybe I won't.

If I wear clothes that fit me I will feel better, regardless of how many sizes I went up.

Just doooo it, Cams. 

Have you struggled with getting dressed postpartum?

What did you find yourself wearing?...or did you have to give in and get bigger clothes too?

Being Type A & Letting things go

I am a Type A personality.
It's what both drives me and drives me crazy.
Having children throws off my type A groove...and I say that in the most loving way possible. lol.
I don't mean that I'm not happy and thankful to have children, because I am. Love them to death. It just means I have to really take steps to control my anxiety, impatience, high expectations and over-all need to go and do do doooooo.

I feel like I have to get. things. done. Everyday.
Not only that...I have to do them well. Almost perfectly.
It's ridiculous really, ya'll.
Having our first child did help me to slow down...a bit.
I could still pretty much do whatever I wanted or needed to do though. Once you get the hang of it it's relatively easy-ish to tote one babe around.
Now...two?
That's a totally different story.

I have days where I feel like I am trying to swim in quicksand...

and then there are the triumphant, "I CAN do this" days.

I've totally got it down pat and then another day comes and I totally don't have it. At all.

It's really a toss up. ;)

I guess what I'm trying to say with all of this (come on, Cams. Get to the point) is that with two I am really reeeeeally learning the importance of letting things go.
I can't get hung up on the fact that my sink is full of dirty dishes, my floors are filthy, I haven't gotten out of the house in a week and I look like a homeless person.
I have to let it go.
It's simply impossible to tackle it all in one day with two kids!
I have to lower my super high expectations...and it's hard for me.
Really. hard.

However, having to do so is making me a better mother. I can see it.
When I do calm down and let it go...I can breathe, notice more and soak up the small things that I would completely miss if I was running around like a maniac.
It's freeing and I'm much happier!
It's funny and almost doesn't make sense, but I think with each child...I have actually become a more patient person instead of the opposite.
I think that by being forced to get over things I have had to learn to control my anxiety, etc.

I will always be Type A. Ha. That will never change.
However, I hope to be a calmer, more patient version.
My babes deserve it, my husband needs it and most of all...
I will benefit from it.
Honestly, who really enjoys being a crazed maniac that's running around all of the time?
Not me.
I want to enjoy my kids, my husband, my days...life.

Who's with me on this? Are you Type A?

I have soooo many dirty dishes in my kitchen right now.
It's driving me crazyyyy. Haha!

:)

 outfit: sheInside jacket | Old Navy graphic tee | Target jeans | Target belt | DSW Crown Vintage loafer 

I'm giving up blogging.

Sort of. 

I'm giving up the way I have been blogging for a while now.

I've noticed that within the past few months this blog has become a source of anxiety and stress for me, rather than being the positive outlet it started out as. It used to make me feel so happy and inspired!

I don't know when it all changed.

It just did.

It may have been when I started trying to make it something bigger.

keywords: make it. yuck. bad. 

I have been pushing too hard, stressing myself out and as a result...my posts have been forced and inauthentic. So...what's the point really? That's the question I have been asking myself since our little guy was born a few weeks ago. It's funny how having a baby can change your whole perspective on certain things.
It's like I was served a big dish of clarity...and it was awesome.

So for the last four weeks I gave up blogging. 

I felt like a big weight was lifted.
I thought more clearly without blog thoughts flooding my brain 24/7.
Gosh. It felt good.

Now that I'm back I have some rules for myself.
I want to be careful not to get right back into my self-made rut.
(and I'm sharing them with you here because it makes them real. lol. ;)

Cam's Blogging Rules: 

1. I will only post when I want to...when I feel inspired to share. If that means I only post once a week or not at all for weeks on end, I will be okay with that. 

2. I will say 'no' more and not tie myself down with too many deadlines...especially with things that I am not that excited about in the first place. I mean, why bother?

3. I will let it flow more naturally. If that means all of my pictures are snapped with my iPhone while we're out getting diapers at Target...awesome. Trying to find fun, new places to shoot outfits at and having to bring along my clunky Canon makes things stressful for me. It really makes it all feel too staged and more of a big production than I'd like it to be. I just want to share a bit of myself, my family and my style in a more natural, real way on here. 

4. I will put my family first. I will be more present to them. If that means that I can't finish a post or take the time to put together an outfit...oh well! I have been realizing recently how often I dismiss Mads and my husband because I feel pressure to finish my blog work. I don't want to do that anymore!...especially now that I have another sweet babe that needs my love and attention.

& that's that.
Yay!

You maaaay have noticed that I simplified the look as well.
I've always been a b+w lover. It's classic, clean and simple.
Definitely more my style. It makes me happy :).

I'm excited about this change, friends.
Hope you'll keep visiting!

outfit: Sheinside fur vest // Old Navy long cardigan // Target destroyed denim // Steve Madden leopard print flats 

ps. Anthony's birth story is coming soon...as soon as I can get some time to type it up (without feeling any pressure or stress of any kind, of course ;). 

37 weeks. Um. What?

the outfit: 

burgundy crochet-trim maternity top, c/o PinkBlush | the strand necklace, c/o applepear | faux fur vest, Target | Burberry satchel knock-off, thrift find | maternity boyfriend jean, A Pea In the Pod (via e-bay) | Moorland ankle bootie, c/o Hush Puppies, similar 

The husband & I got to have a date day this past weekend (maybe our last before the baby boy arrives?!). So. What did we do? Starbucks, a Target run and then literally just vegged on the couch. It was glorious. It's funny what you consider to be a hot date once you have a kid(s). O m geeee...we get time to ourselves. What do you want to do?? Ummm. Let's sit on the couch without interruption! ha-ha. Pretty much.

It's weird to think that I won't be dressing this bump for much longer. We've hit that 37 week mark. What? Crazy. I really can't believe it. I actually found getting dressed this time around a bit more challenging...not sure why. Maybe because my two year old was keeping me busy and very tired at. all. times? That may be it. I know that I'll miss it though...sometimes. Keyword here. ;)

Bump gone wild.

the look: leather sleeve top - c/o Fourth Love Maternity, cargo maternity pants - A Pea in the Pod, leopard chunky heel pumps - Target, studded handbag - DIY, assortment of old chain jewelry 

Oh, bump. Look at you bumpin'. It's started to get wild around here. I now have to think of creative ways to sit, stand and sleep in order to be semi-comfortable. It's a real party! ;)

Anyways, the leather sleeve top totally inspired this entire rocker chic outfit. There is something about leather that makes me want to break out the metals, so I piled on the chain necklaces, a chain bracelet and grabbed my chain-strap handbag. Voila. Edgy mama-to-be. Now, where's the concert?? heh hehh.

I cannot get over the fact that the 37 week mark is this Friday. Stop. it. The boy could show up at any time. I am definitely hoping he stays in a while longer, because I love my sleep too much...but still. He will be here in the blink of an eye (after a really super quick and easy labor and delivery?! haha) It is completely blowing my mind. Aaaahhhhhhh!

ps. fourth love is an awesome maternity clothing shop. I wish I had found them sooner! They have edgy and trendy pieces...all very well-made. They are definitely on my list for next time.

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.

InStyle and People StyleWatch at Target

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

There are those times (more often than naught) when I'm just blah about getting dressed. I feel like I have nothing to wear and I don't want to wear anything but pjs. It's those times when a magazine or two can come in handy...helping to re-inspire me and be more creative with what I already have in my closet. It's also nice to be informed about stylish budget-friendly steals that I'd never find on my own. InStyle and People Style Watch are two of my favorite mags to grab in the check-out aisle.

...aaaand they just so happen to be part of a sweet deal happening at Target right now. If you buy both of the December issues of InStyle and People Style Watch magazine you receive a $5 gift card! As if I or you needed another reason to spend more money at that lovely place. ;)

After flipping through both magazines I wanted to break-out my tuxedo jacket (that I have maybe worn a total of two times)...and so I did. I went for a more laid-back, casual, realistic mom look...instead of a more glitzy, tailored one as shown in the mags. I did, however, add a chic black pump! Gotta keep it classy in the land of gross toddler diapers and 34 week baby bumps, people.

THE LOOK:

Leather Sleeve Shirt | c/o FourthLove

contrast blazer | c/o Sway Chic, similar

MAMA maternity jeans | H&M

pointy toe black pumps | H&M

If you're heading into Target any time soon (or should I say today?...if you're anything like me) check-out the magazine rack. InStyle and People StyleWatch are waiting there for you...along with a $5 gift card. Woo!

*promo runs until 12/7

Bumpalicious.

THE LOOK:

Avalicious maternity dress | c/o Babes With Babies 

Animal Print Chunky Heel Pumps | Target

Maharaja Fringe Strand necklace | Baublebar

It's official. I have reached bumpalicious status. My bod is being taken over by the unborn child. Of course, I'm happy that the little guy is growing big and strong, but gosh...it's difficult to ever really feel comfortable and pretty when my belly has started to poke out of the bottom of almost all of my shirts (maternity included) and everything rides up or slides waaayyy down. Yeh. My husband has experienced at least three emotional breakdowns recently (maybe mas;). I just feel so uncomfortable, I don't feel that pregnancy glow and I reeeeally really feel as if nothing fits me.

So. I had no idea what I was going to wear to the wedding rehearsal dinner this past weekend...and then I received this dress- my saving grace. It hugged my pregnant curves, the bump and kept me feeling comfy and pretty all evening. Thank goodness for flattering maternity clothes that get you through the end of a pregnancy so beautifully (with minimal tears)! Seriously.

Give me comfy or give me death, says the pregnant lady.

THE LOOK: 

Green Onyx Square Cut Ring || c/o Belleza Mia on Etsy

Green Notch Lapel Coat || c/o SheInside 

3/4 Sleeve Aubergine Maternity Wrap Dress || c/o Ingrid & Isabel

Chamber 14" Boot (as seen in Redbook!) || c/o Hush Puppies 

Knee high socks || Target 

Horseshoe bracelet | c/o Project DIY box

I love a nice combo like this...especially when the entire outfit is comfy and maternity-friendly. I just can't handle anything that is even slightly constricting or uncomfortable right now. Nope. Can't do it. The belly is growing and growing (and growing)...& I can feel it. Like whoah. This easy, no fuss Fall maternity outfit makes me feel perfectly wonderful though. Oh...and the beautiful lovely of a ring on my finger? It some how makes my man hands look feminine (which is just crazy), so it's a definite new favorite accessory. 

Okay, I am off to conquer 5 bajillion things. My best friend/roomie from college is getting married later this week! Eeek! Long weekend alone with my husband! Eeeeeeeek! So many explanation points!!! 

Happy Monday, friends. 

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?

DIY: Kimono - made from 2 scarves

Oh, man...peeps. I am freaking out! I love this DIY. Not only because I have been really hoping to add a kimono to my closet, but also because it's budget-friendly and sooo ooooober simple to make. At first, I was like, "I'll just go to the fabric store and put one together. Yeh, it'll be super awesome". HA. 1) I don't have a working sewing machine 2) I was delusional .

After I gave up on that idea (that most certainly would have ended in a pile of scrap cloth and many tears), I started thinking of a different plan of action to make this kimono happen. It ended up involving Target (no surprise there), a big search in the scarf aisle, me draping several different scarves over my bod and my toddler pulling them off of their hooks and making a pile...on the floor. Adventure time.

Soooo. Yes, I made two floral scarves into a kimono! Ingenious. Ha-ha. J/k. I was pretty excited by the idea and how well it ended up working out though.

-the supplies-
two large scarves - 75x28 is a good size | I found 2 floral scarves at target- $14.99/ea.
stitch witch tape
sewing pins, a needle + matching thread

It's official. I am in love with this kimono. It works well with a baby bump, yeh?...& it'll work splendidly without it next Spring. Mads girl was obviously impressed by it, as you can see. Man o man. The styling possibilities- ankle jeans, slouchy tee, riding boots, denim shorts (when the warmth returns)...y mas mas mas. Woooooooooooo. So cool. 

You're thinking about making your own kimono now, aren't ya? If you do end up taking a stab at it, you had better share!...or else. ;)

If you'd like more ideas on how-to style a kimono, head on over here. Also, I call this lady the kimono rocker. You'll soon see why.

*if you have any questions regarding the tutorial, please ask me via camsdipaola(at)yahoo(dot)com. The steps may not make any sense...at all. Ha.