siri says

 

I always like to open with a cute baby picture for these posts, because why not?  I'm emptying out my iPhone, and that's mostly what's on there...

My closet y'all, it has been undergoing a revolution.  I've stayed at my current size for a couple of months now and guess what?  NONE of my old clothes fit.  They were all too big and although that's a nice problem to have, it can be a real pain when you're trying to actually you know, wear clothes.  So I sold a TON of stuff on eBay (I'm talking like 50% of my closet, and I still have several up if you want to go check them out ) and I've been slowly but surely replacing some things.  I shop a lot on eBay after selling there, which can be a gamble on fit because obviously you can't just send things back, but I stick to brands I know and love and if necessary, tailor them.  I had to bring this dress home from the Pink Magnolia last week because it was just too perfect, and how cute are their dressing rooms?   

 

I will never have enough photos of Claire and I, because getting one where we are both smiling is next to impossible. This was the best I could do, and of course it's all kinds of blurry. 

Photos of Claire smiling though, and simultaneously getting into trouble, are not something I am short on.  

Mark my words, she will learn to climb this gate in the next year.  

 

I went out for the most decadent and AMAZING brunch at Cafe Osage this past weekend and I just though you might want to drool over these food photos.   Also, where can I find little herb boxes like that?

Don't worry Shaw, Claire has got the neighborhood on watch.  This is her favorite perch lately and I basically think it's the cutest thing ever.  She likes to wave at everyone who walks by. 

That's all folks, you are welcome for that randomness!  I'm too busy putting together details for this girl's first birthday party Saturday! 

hey pretty mama/nursing style: the button down

Top - Lilly Pulitzer Elsa , Shorts - J. Crew, Sandals - Jack Rogers, Earrings - Kendra Scott, Sunglasses - Ray Ban Clubmasters

 So here's the thing about style blogging - sometimes the best laid plans don't really work out!  I had planned this outfit out Saturday night and woke up to the most dreary, cold day.  So we took these pictures and.....I promptly ran back inside to change into jeans and a pullover for lunch.  Last day of May, high of 60 degrees.  St. Louis weather will never cease to amaze me.  

So after that thrilling talk about the weather, let's just jump into the meat of this post...

If I read one more recommendation to wear 'button down shirts' while nursing I might just puke.  Truthfully, button down shirts are TERRIBLE on women whose breasts have just become disproportionally large in comparison to their bodies.  It's ridiculous to even suggest them as an option in general.  They pull, they aren't flattering to a somewhat inflated waistline, and they tend to look either oddly formal or overly frumpt.  Popovers, however, are an entirely different story!  

I love a popover blouse because you get all the benefits of a button down without the button-popping problems.  As long as you get the right size, you're golden, and they look just as good tucked in as out.  This top in particular is one of my favorite styles, and is consistently released by Lilly Pulitzer year round in a variety of prints and solids.  

hey pretty mama/nursing style: shift dress

Shift dresses are one of the most common requests I've gotten since starting the nursing style series.  It is admittedly VERY hard to work around a shift while nursing.  It takes very specific styling to make it work.  Even more frustrating is the fact that shift dresses are among the most flattering styles to post baby bodies!  I have two solutions to this problem.  

1) Buy a shift that zips down the front.  Easier said than done, I know - this is the Lilly Pulitzer Alexa shift, and although you can't tell in the photos at all, it has an invisible zipper in the front detail.  It goes realllllly low and really high! Totally adjustable, totally ideal for nursing.  This dress has a much higher price point that clothes I usually recommend, but I actually found it half off at my local Lilly signature store (The Pink Magnolia!) and maybe you could do the same?  It came in three colors, and there are also a few sellers on eBay that have it new with tags for much less than retail.  Word to the wise - size up, it runs small! It's certainly an investment, but in my opinion the sixties silhouette will never really be out of style. 

2) Bring a sling with you!  I have a habit of wearing shifts more and more lately, because to Claire what is out of sight is out of mind.  Now that she's almost one, I'm trying to cut down on her nursing a bit to introduce more solid food, and take some of the pressure off of me.  We aren't weaning!  Just making a transition to a little bit more freedom for mom and baby.  Shift dresses have been a big help with that.  Of course, she still has to eat eventually.  What I'll do when we're out and about to avoid having to run to the car is throw the sling on like a sash, unzip the dress from the back, and shimmy one arm out, the side that is covered by the sling.  I just do that on both sides and usually no one is the wiser.  It's especially easy and discreet if you happen to be seated in a corner booth! 

mama + baby style/twinsies in lilly x target

Just a couple quick pics of our matching mom & daughter outfits from Saturday!  All our clothes are from the recent Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration, which has sadly sold out but this dress & Claire's set are pretty easily found on eBay. 

the weekender/cinco de mayo

We hit up Cinco de Mayo on Saturday down at Cherokee street!  We'd never been before, but with my friend Jess now living down there it was just TOO convenient to skip it!  It's basically just an excuse to be outside and drink margaritas.....which is one of my favorite activites, so huzzah!  

Jess loves to wear Claire, which I find endearing and adorable.  In Claire's book, if you wear her you're pretty much the best.  

 

 

This baby ate her weight in churros!  I couldn't even get her to nurse for a couple hours (she NEVER refuses to nurse) but I can't say I was surprised because seriously, SO many churros. 

I wish I had taken more photos of Jess' apartment, because it's so beautiful, with old south city architecture and detailing.  

We had to hit up the park too - highs in the 80s!  woot woot! - and although this girl adores being outside, she isn't a huge fan of grass.  Convenient because she won't leave the blanket, but a little sad because I want her to explore!  She'll warm up to it over the summer I think, she was reaching out her little fingers to give a quick pat to some leaves just as we were about to leave.  

That's all I've got!  I'm typing this up on a crazy busy Sunday afternoon, and I have a baby to put down for a nap.  Hope you all had a fantastic weekend as well!  

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friday link love

 

I know, it's weird that my header photo for a "Friday!" post would be of my office but truth be told, I'm feeling really inspired by work lately. Heading into the time of year where the sun shines brighter and colors pop more, I always find myself in a good headspace and the increased temps make my energy pop - even when my tiny human is still waking up once or twice a night.  It's supposed to be GORGEOUS this weekend and I'm looking forward to some margaritas at Cinco de Mayo and otherwise just lots and lots of time with my little family.  I'm sure we'll get to the park & farmer's market once or twice, and maybe even warm Claire up to the idea of grass (which she has an odd fear of...any other kids like that out there?)  

If you aren't already, follow along on Instagram for impromptu outfit shots and giggly baby videos.  

Here are my favorite links from this week, and enjoy your weekend!  

I've been on a serious bright lipstick kick lately - this is pretty much my new motto.  I'd like to amend it to include "and starbucks."  

This made me lol so hard: Reasons Your Millennial May be Crying.  

Office emails in real life make you realize how awful we all sound!  But still, hilarious.  

Hilary Clinton's message to America, via The Onion. 

I've been coveting these Tory Burch wedges all spring, but at $300+ they're out of my price range.  When I stumbled upon these look-a-likes (for $20!!) I was easily convinced.  Buy them in every color.  

Embarrassing phrases even the smartest people use incorrectly ("for all intensive purposes" users make me CRINGE.) 

Okay, apparently all my links this week are jokes but these "yelp reviews" of newborn babies are too too funny.  

Lilly for Target reinspired my love for ALL things Lilly, and now I think I need this dress for summer.  Plus matching baby shift for Claire, duh.  

"Things my male colleagues have actually said to me." 

Why people never smile in old photos. 

what i want wednesday

In preparation for this summer, I'm thinking I may need to snap up one of these pretty little wireless speakers for the many trips to the park I have planned.  Baby girl will be here the second week in June-ish, and the idea of spending the entire summer inside seems insane (especially since we're predicted to have a fabulously mild season) so I'm thinking a good size diaper bag and the stroller with a little background music will be our daily essentials.  Also, our yard is pretty fabulous for those days I won't feel like leaving the convenience of having all our baby stuff here at home.  It's only $50, which is a relative steal for this type of thing, and I love how cheerful it is.  

You can find it here!