recent wardrobe + beauty finds: fall 2016.

This pretty photo of buoys isn't related to this post whatsoever. I just decided it was prettier than any collage I could create on little to no sleep, so I hope you enjoy this vignette from my drive last week on Cape Cod. (Yay for the four month sleep regression!) This post is actually about what has been catching my eye or made its way to my closet or beauty drawer in the last few months. I am really rocking the mom bod these days, so give me a little grace in the 'lack of fashion forward choices' department. I am focused on function and wearability these days. Read on to see what is working for me...

BACK TO WORK:

-I picked up this silky wrap blouse in winter white for my return to work this fall. (I could also add this top under the "nursing friendly" category.) It comes in a number of other prints and colors, so you can always grab a couple of colors. Once it hits the sale rack, you can almost always find an additional promotion at Ann Taylor. 

-Still at Ann Taylor (and still on sale), this dress is rather conservative and not that exciting, but it is a solid staple to add to your dress rotation. I have a ton of black dresses in my closet, but I liked that this was navy and black -- perfect to wear with some of my favorite black flats. (As I write this, I am realizing that my work wardrobe is pretty basic, so please don't judge. Showing up to work with the same pair of shoes can be a feat these days!)

-In total opposition to what I just said, I am lusting over this crazy dress -- because leopard is a neutral, right? It isn't exactly pumping friendly, but that's why I have my MilkSnob handy.

WEEKEND WEAR:

-For less than $35, you can add this cozy vest to your weekend wardrobe. I'm partial to the dark gray, but the camel and light gray are just as versatile.

-I readily admit that I am a lululemon addict, but my local store tolerates me coming in to try on a boatload of things from time to time. This top is one that I want to love, but I need to learn to embrace its blouse-y shape. It would be perfect to toss on when you don't really have any plans and you don't know what else to wear on a weekend morning. I tend to buy a 6 in lululemon, but I would definitely pick this top up in a size (or two!) smaller.

-Speaking of lululemon, they took my favorite top and made it a little less boobilicious in this crew neck version. I treat myself to one of these on occasion. I am just diligent with keeping it out of the dryer (and hanging to dry) to keep it living longer.

-This simple top + a cute pair of pants + cozy scarf + a pair of boot(ie)s? The perfect fall outfit.
-Splendid is one of my go-to's for relaxed yet polished tops. This top has an unexpected detail -- a long line of buttons on the back -- which make it more than just a boring striped shirt.

POSTPARTUM / NURSING FRIENDLY / "I'M IN MY EARLY 30s" FINDS:

-When I was pregnant last winter, I looked high and low for a coat like this but couldn't find it. Of course, I can find it now. That said, I don't hate the idea of getting it this year since I'm not loving the  tailored coats I have in my closet yet.

-I only wish I discovered the ASOS Nursing section before I had James. This dress worked beautifully toward the end of my pregnancy with Rosie; it is still on heavy rotation now, 4.5 months postpartum. I can wear it and nurse through the available holes, keeping things rather discrete. It works well by itself in the summer, well with a cardigan in the fall and winter, and well with a jean jacket in the spring. You can just call me its number one fan...

-I have this sweater in the winter white from two winters ago -- and I've loved pulling it out each year. I might need to pick it up in the gray to toss on over some jeans or leggings for the next few winters. It hides those lumps and bumps because it's just the right kind of roomy.

-Though my postpartum belly doesn't fully disappear with this pair of underwear, it certainly helps the cause. I wear them when I just need to contain my situation a bit ;)

-Back during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I discovered Spanx leggings. They're legit. I snagged this "leather" pair for a little edge. The jury is still out as to whether I'm cool enough to pull them off.

BEAUTY RAVES:

-I am downright obsessed with this tinted moisturizer. Over the last year, I had a few introductions to Beautycounter but I never made a purchase. I just wish I made the leap sooner. It took me going to their Nantucket Pop-up in September to bring home my first Beautycounter product. Not only does this moisturizer have SPF, it actually leaves my skin hydrated all day long and doesn't look cakey with the color.
-On that same visit to their pop-up shop, I also grabbed this rosewater mist. I have to admit I was skeptical, but it is a game-changer for my tired skin.
-P.S. I know it may sound like I've had a drink of the Beautycounter Kool-aid. I guess I have. Their mission is legit and it's made me re-think my whole beauty routine (so much so I'm now a consultant for them). Now that I have a daughter, I am thinking about her future beauty routine too. I want her to grow up with safer and healthier options. I'm not going to inundate you with products, don't worry, but I do plan on sharing my favorites -- which is what I've done since I started blogging almost seven years ago.

A few parting notes: I know this post is light on pants. Why? I'm still not really fitting into the pants I was before Rosie (or really before James). My body has changed considerably, so I need to take some time to mourn my pre-baby shape (#RIP). While I nurse, I hold onto weight rather than drop it. If I try to work on my diet or increase my exercise, it affects my milk supply. In other words, until I stop nursing, things are the way they are. I plan on taking some time soon to find some real solutions other than my beloved Align pants because, let's face it, I have to accept that lululemon leggings don't count as pants.

This post is also light on accessories. I could say "oops", but in reality, it is because I am not really wearing pretty things like necklaces or earrings these days. My 4 month old is grabby and I can barely remember to put my wedding ring on after I shower. I'll accessorize again when they're grown. Or something like that?

Last but not least, I wanted to open it up and see if there was anything special you'd like me to explore on the blog. I'm constantly thinking of ideas for posts, but I want them to resonate with you. (Example: If you're pregnant or a new mom, I'm also happy to take requests on round-ups you'd like to see. Email me and I'll start pulling it together.) I may not post as often as I'd like, but I still want to be a valuable stop on your procrastination chain on the internet ;) Have a great night! xoxo {av}