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?

Styling Old Navy's Ponte Fit & Flare Dress - Up, Down, All Around -

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.

$100. thredUP. 8 Spring outfits.

outfit #1: gap tee / j.crew shorts / steve madden sandals
outfit #2: nine west button-up / j.crew shorts / ann taylor cardigan / steve madden sandals
outfit #3: banana republic short-sleeve jacket / j.crew shorts / nine west wedges
outfit #4: ann taylor cardi / nine west button-up / ann taylor loft skirt / steve madden sandals
outfit #5: nine west button-up / ann taylor loft skirt / nine west wedges
outfit #6: ann taylor cardi / ann taylor loft skirt / steve madden sandals 
*all c/o thredUP

Yep, I did wear a cardigan backwards in that last outfit - fun and simple way to make an otherwise ordinary outfit more exciting and noticeable.

outfit #1: gymboree cardigan / old navy tee / tractor jean shorts
outfit #2: gymboree cardigan / old navy tee / gap khakis (brand new) 
*all c/o thredUP

The only way I could get Mads to stand relatively still for this was by bribing her with a ring pop - haha.
Hey, do what ya have to.
................

Yeh. So.

$100. Eight outfits for Spring.

6 for me and 2 for the tot. 

Incredible, right?

I could have employed my best sale shopping skills to score this much elsewhere, but...

I probably would have failed. 

Miserably. 

Take it from me. ThredUP is where it's at. 

They have flawless used clothing from top notch brands, all at a great price.  

Yes, you could scour your local thrift shops for Spring outfits, 

but I am telling you...

you won't find the quality and selection that you'll find at thredUP. 

Plus- you can shop on your bum, with coffee in hand.

I mean, win win. 

*click on over here to get $10 to spend*

You can see the last used clothing challenge I did with thredUP here. 

& I can't not include little buddy...I heart him so...

mom cool.

One simple way to look cooler than you are...

wear a vest. 

Denim cut-offs and heart shaped sunnies help too.
I almost returned the sunglasses, because...well...
I'm a mom and not a teeny bopper.
::hehh::

Then I had a revelation...I need these in my life.
I push around a stroller, tote an (almost) three year old on my hip, nurse all day (erryday), get spit up on 100x/day, wrestle with the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning...

I need a frikkin' ridiculous pair of heart shaped sunnies.
The end. :)

sunnies / v neck / vest / shorts / sandals

ps. This is my new office/blog/playroom - I'm excited that I now have the space  to shoot my day-to-day outfits and share them more often with you! 

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...

Isabella Oliver - pregnancy, postpartum & beyond

I used to say I'd never wear maternity clothes after pregnancy...
but that was before I met this dress.

Amazing.
I was surprised with how beautiful, flattering and not to mention comfortable it is on me
...even with it being maternity.
I already knew Isabella Oliver could make me feel like a gazillion bucks while pregnant...
but postpartum too?

That's a yes, apparently.
I slipped on this maxi dress from their new Spring '14 line over the weekend and...gosh.
I felt better in it than anything else I've worn since giving birth!
I even nursed while wearing it...score.
All of you mamas know how frustrating getting dressed can be...during pregnancy and after.
It's important to have at least one clothing item that you feel AMAZING in...even if nothing else in your closet fits- hehhh. :)

My poochy post-baby body thanks you, Isabella Oliver.
You have won me over (yet again).

Of course, not all of Isabella Oliver's maternity pieces can really be worn unless you are actually pregnant, but I do think quite a few can definitely work postpartum and beyond. My picks are below...

More Isabella Oliver...

my outfit: Isabella Oliver Vienna Print maxi dress // *Onecklace Carrie Name necklace + Dogeared ribbon bow necklace // Wallis biker jacket // Nine West Heavy Hitter Shopper // JCP ballet flats (similar)

*Onecklace is offering LiM readers 10% off w/ code- lifeinmod

Isabella Oliver Does it Again - Spring 2014 Collection

Oh, man. Isabella Oliver.
How do they do it?
Their new Spring '14 collection just arrived and it is b-e-a-utiful.
Not surprising. At all.
I wore their ruched tank dress throughout my pregnancy...and I was actually sad to store it away when baby boy arrived.
I am looking forward to breaking it out again and again and ag-...wait a second. ;)

Isabella Oliver just does maternity right.
So right.

Here are some of  looks I can't get over from their new collection...
I want every. single. one. 

Look #1: dress/tunic | cardigan | tote 

Look #2: top | pants/trousers | sweater | shoes

Look #3: top | belt | dress | boots 

Look #4: dress/tunic | cardigan | shoes

Ughhhh. So good, eh?

I think several of the new pieces, if not all, can totally work for that weird, in-between postpartum bod too.

I tried on this maxi dress...

and let me just say...

ALLELUIA.
I'll be sharing more about that very soon though, so be on the look-out :).

I know that Isabella Oliver is a spectacular maternity line, because it always makes me want to be pregnant again (stop it, Cams. You're crazy. You just had a baby a month ago. Shhhh.). 

It's true though. They've got me...yet again.

FYI:
 As if they could make pregnancy feel and look any better...they now have an eStylist service. 
Basically, you can sign-up for a free online styling session (e-mail or video)- one of their stylists will talk you through the building blocks of a successful maternity wardrobe, offer advice, hints and tips for all of those dressing dilemmas and serve to inspire you.
How cool is that? 

hippie. just a tad.

There's not much that I love more than being back with the fam in MD (where I am now)...aside from a good thrift store find ;). I found this striped poncho-y top at a local thrift shop. I'm not usually one to try the whole Free People look, but recently I have been so drawn to it. I guess it's just the the boho, care free and easy feel of it...it's drawing me in. 
Laura of Ascot Friday does a superb job at pulling off vintage. In fact, she has sold me on these sandals. A couple of years ago I would have said NO to them, but I don't know...as time goes on....I suppose personal style changes and evolves...as does everything in life, eh? Hence, Life in Mod's name...life in modification, life in change. :)
While I doubt I will ever reach Laura's level, I don't mind adding a little hippie to my day-to-day. 
Have a loverly day, LiM-ers! 
THE OUTFIT: Billabong striped poncho top, thrifted 7 for all Mankind wide-leg jeans, Summerbird Consignment bracelets, c/o PuraVida Jack Rogers Navajo sandal
 

white on white...w/ some blueberries mixed in.

Waking up from a long weekend is always so much harder than waking up from a normal one, eh?...I feel like a zombie right now (with only 100 things on my 'to-do'list). 
We had a loverly little BBQ yesterday in honor of Memorial Day. So yummy. I chose to wear white which was really smart... toddler hands covered in blueberry pie...yeh. If you look really closely you can see what Moo left behind. :)
I think I am going to stop talking now...my mind is mush. Really. 
THE OUTFIT:  Old Navy Patterned Button-up Marshalls White V-neck Tee J.Crew White denim Target, c/o Pura Vida + Shashi arm candy & bare feet! 
*The Albion Fit swimsuit giveaway is still going strong! Pop on over here to enter. 

the Tweed.

If you follow @lifeinmod on IG you may have caught my little tweed "dilemma"- ha. I found the gem above at Summerbird Consignment, my Saturday gig, this past weekend. I was debating about whether or not to buy it- wasn't sold on the pinkness of it, the size (the arms are a tad short for my gangly arms) and I also wasn't sure if I could edge it up enough...I try to steer clear of the 'Legally Blonde' look ;). 

Well, I got it. Obvi. It was $32, people! I knew I'd end up wishing I had snagged it if I didn't. Sooooo...styling was then the question. How do I style this lovely in a way that will keep it classic and pretty, but add a bit of edge to it? I went the easy route and threw on my basic v-neck white tee and original fit jeans. I still wasn't totally sure about it, but...then I saw the pics. SOLD. Love it. 

I'm thinking I can edge it up even more the next time I wear it with some studded bangles, chunkier necklace and pumps. Who cares if it's 90+ outside once I get around to wearing it again?! Beauty is sweating to death here in NC (considering that you need to shower 5 sec after you've taken a shower when the real heat hits). 
Anyways, in other news...Moo cracks me up. She is always on the go. I just run around after her...attempting to keep her from running into traffic after "caaaahhs" (cars) and licking the sidewalk(??). That last one's a new one. I caught her licking up water after the dog the other day. So. Gross. 
Toddlers. Gotta love their shenanigans. 
Tell me about your weekend!
THE OUTFIT: tweed jacket- Summerbird Consignment, similar-ish <-- actually love this option! white v-neck tee- Marshalls, similar GAP original fit jeans Shoemint Nude bow flats, similar Target arm candy- came as a bundle w/ some other cute yellows and wood bangles
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