Mom Suit.

All the gals at the gym this morning were already talking about summer.  As in what pool they will go to, what their kids will do at the pool, what pool toys they are getting, etc.  This makes me sweat in anticipation of WHAT WILL I WEAR TO THE POOL? 

It's the ongoing debate - one piece or two?  I like a one piece - it makes playing with your child easy and you don't risk over expsoing yourself.  But they can be a bit...mommy-ish.  A two piece seems more age appropriate.  But a two piece is tricky - The Bug pulls the top down, the bottoms ride up, I accidentally flash the life guard.  Sigh. 

Here are few picks that meet my definition of a mom-friendly suit.

I have to say, Anthropologie has a lot of great suits this year.  Like this one by Saha.  A wider halter strap, lots of coverage on the bottoms and a gorgeous purple color. 

How ah-dorable is this striped Old Navy suit??  I love the style of the bodice and the keyhole for a bit of sexy...and at $29.50?  I'll take two please.

Loving both of these options from Boden.  Even the name is perfect - The Chic Swimsuit and The Chic Bikini.  I like the draping on the top and again, a little more coverage on the bottom.  Comes in four fun colors - black, iris, lagoon, poppy.  (Poppy and Lagoon shown above.)  If you haven't already done so, check out Mini Boden for your toddlers - kid-friendly prints, saturated colors, high quality.

Moms - what do you wear to the pool?

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Nice Neutrals.

Yesterday I ran into Anthropologie to pick up the summer jeans I had been wanting (gaahhhh, they didn't have my size!)  While browsing the store for other "must-haves", I noticed that they have a lot of amazing neutrals right now.  For a store that is mostly overwhelming to me with all their colors and prints, this was a nice change of pace.  Who doesn't love a cute neutral top, jeans and a wedge heel??  I thought I'd share my faves.
 

Crochet Caricature Blouse.  So gorgy in person.   Airy silk + dolman sleeve = summer love.   Anthro had it styled with light colored jeans and a simple tank.  I'd add an armful of gold bracelets.

Slouchy Stitch Pullover.  I actually owned this for about seven minutes.  I really love the open weave and was picturing it with white pants and hippie sandals.  But after experimenting in my closet, it just wasn't working out for me.  So back it went.  But I still think it's comfortable perfection on the model.



Isabel Dress.  Chic black and white motif.  The catalog styling is very simple and the jacket makes the dress work appropriate.  I tried this on - so soft and clings in all the right places.  Would be so easy to throw on for date night.

Lace Tracings Tee.  Jersey top with a jazzy details.  So easy to toss on with anything.  This might have to be mine. 



Jeans.

Ladies.  Enough with the low rise jeans.  Don't you realize that you are flashing the world when you bend down to pick up your bag, tie your child's shoe or simply sit in a chair??  It boggles my mind that people would find showing everyone your business acceptable.    Time to invest in a higher-rise jeans my friends.  And these are my faves:


11" Ankle Skinny (Shopbop)



812 Mid-Rise Pencil Leg (J Brand Website)

J Brand.  Can't get enough.  I own the two pairs featured above and L.O.V.E. them.  Live in them.  The thing that makes these jeans work for my lifestyle is the higher rise.  (Not high rise, although I am a fan of those too.)  These have a 8.5" rise (their other jeans have an 8" or lower rise - that 1/2" makes a big difference!)

These jeans stay up, keep everything covered up and are super stretchy and comfy.  With a higher rise, they help smash in that little extra that sometimes falls over the top of your jeans - I know you have it. 

I love this line so much, I am hustling over to Anthropologie later today to pick up what I hope will be my go-to summer pair.  (Since, remember, I don't like shorts.) 


Ankle Skinny (Anthropologie)


Cute for warmer weather, right?!

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Pajama Time.

A few months ago, The Bug went to a birthday party of a classmate.  Being the darling 3-year old that she is, it was of course a princess theme party - but with a twist - come in your pajamas!  Ever since then, he is infatuated with staying in his pajamas most of the day.  And I can't really blame him. 

I have loved the idea of cute pajamas for a while now, but I just never seem to actually purchase any.  But maybe one of these will make it in to my drawers...

Make + Model Stripe Sleep Shirt from Nordstrom.  I have been noticing this line of pj's a lot recently.  That stripe is sooo cute and the cotton is super soft and cozy.   The line features lots of pants, tanks and even swim coverups.

Croft & Barrow from Kohl's.  So, the hubs says these are old lady, but I prefer to think of them as "vintage inspired."  I like the old fashioned-ness of this simple nightgown and you can't beat the price.  I actually discovered this option right before I had my son.  I was searching for a gown I could wear in the hospital when people came to visit.  Apparently I didn't want to be seen in the hospital gown.  (What?  Why did I worry about such things?)

Eberjey Prima Ballerina Sleep Shirt.  I love this line.  This is definitely more of an investment pajama, but totally worth it.  If you don't know this line, check it out.  They are known mostly for their French Brief (aka boy short), but also have lingerie, swim and even a kids line.  I love the juxtaposition of this gown - menswear styling meets feminine sleeves and hemline.   

What are you going to bed in tonight?

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Best Bacon.

There is something about brunch that is so appealing to me.  Prior to having The Bug, we would spend our Sundays curled up at our favorite bar, drinking bloody mary's, watching football and doing the crossword.  There is nothing better.

Since we moved and it's not really appropriate to have a child in a bar ("Look at you.  You have a baby...in a bar."), we either go out to a very family friendly place or we stay in and have a leisurely morning that most certainly involves Ina's Maple-Roasted Bacon.

This is seriously the most delicious way to prepare bacon and also very neat and tidy.  One of the things that annoys me about bacon is that it gets the top of your stove greasy and messy when prepared the traditional way.   Ina's way involves laying the bacon on a baking rack and then putting that on a sheet pan.  Roast at 400 for 15-20 minutes.   Ina also brushes the bacon with a little maple syrup (the real stuff) but you don't have to.  I've done it both ways and they are equally delicious.

Once I discovered this method, this is the ONLY way I make bacon - brunch, BLT's or even crumbled in a salad - you name it, this is how it's prepared. 

Bacon.  Mmmmm.

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LOFT Love.

I seriously cannot get enough of LOFT.  Have you seen their online Style Studio?  The styling is perfect - not too over done, not too minimal - just enough to feel like it's actually wearable.  They have partnered with editors from Glamour, Lucky and Self to put together a few special sections on their website and I think it's really paying off.

I popped into the mall yesterday to do a couple of returns, which of course turned in to a full-on spree of Spring goodies. 

I picked up this cute trench, for 50% off the sale price.

I desperately wanted to try these jeans on, but the store was out of my size.  Wide leg, hippie inspired jeans are having a moment for me.  I just need to find the right fit and wash for my lifestyle.

Apparently, Life as a California Wife has been LIVING in this Roll Sleeve Drapey Shirt.  I'd love this untucked with some skinny white pants and a wedge shoe.

I saw this Lace Tee in the store, but I had already come out of the fitting room.  It's sold out online, but there were plenty of them left at my local store.  Love that it's cute and casual here, but could also be dressed up for the office. (PS - the shoes?  So cute.)

I seriously could go on and on with my picks, so check them out yourself at LOFT.  

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Cleaning with Clarisonic.

I'm a bit of a product junkie.  Especially when it comes to face lotions and potions.  I am just determined to have great skin for the rest of my life!  I have been hearing ALOT about the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System...but does it work? 

According to Clarisonic, the system using a sonic frequency to clean, soften and smooth skin.  You squeeze a bit of your face wash on the brush, turn the brush on and one minute later, that baby has effectively removed 6x more makeup and 2x more dirt than what I do with just my fingertips every night.  Guess the benefit is that the cleaner your face, the better all your lotions and potions work. 

It sounds pretty good to me.  And it might even feel nice on your face.  I just can't decide if the $149 price tag is worth it.  Anyone have a Clarisonic?  What do you think?

I'll let you know if I get one!

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