That Girl is Posing in the Street Again!

Shirt: Target, Vest: F21, Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes, Scarf: Target.

Sweater: H&M, Cowlneck Tunic: American Apparel, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Target, Socks: Sock Dreams, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes, Belt: H&M, Scarf: DAVA (a gift from my sister in law Lauren).

Jonah joined us again outside for some photos and I had to entertain him so he wouldn't put his hands over the lens. My crazy eyes are public on the interwebs.

I can only wonder what nosy neighbors must think when each day Joel and I are running outside and I'm posing in the front of the camera. I'm guessing they'll miss me when this challenge is over.

Cat Hair & Cupcakes

Shirt: H&M, Cowl Neck Tunic: American Apparel, Jeans: Target, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Belt: Target.

When is cat hair going to become trendy?

Shirt: Target, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Target, Socks: Sock Dreams, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Belt: NY&Co., Necklace: F21

We took a much needed afternoon trip to Philly. We talked about it the night before but didn't really know if we would actually go. However, the morning came and the promise of a walk through Rittenhouse Square and cupcakes was too much of a pull not to go. In the 5 hours that we spent there we hit up 5 different food spots: sandwiches from DiBrunos, cupcakes from Betty's Speakeasy, chocolate cherry bread and a sourdough pretzel from Metropolitan Bakery, dinner at North 3rd, and more cupcakes (this time from Pamcakes). I also got to check out the new Paper Source that opened on Walnut Street, walk around our old neighborhood and pick up the new Lykke Li & Alexander (of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros) albums at Repo Records. I didn't take nearly enough photo sans my outfit shots but we're going back soon enough. I'm taking the time before we go back to prime my stomach for even more pretzel and cupcake consumption. And cheese fries... I can't forget cheese fries (with cheez whiz, oh yeah).

Dance Party Monday: Motivation

Okay so the other day I decided I wanted to run. However, with the snow still on the ground I went over to my in laws and used their treadmill. I had a mix on my ipod titled "Cynthia's workout like Whoa mix" from 2007 which was the last time I donned running sneakers and used a treadmill. The songs are all over the place but they totally did their job pumping me up for some cardio! It was nearing 45 minutes or so of me running, walking, walking fast, running again, trying to dance while walking, when "I'm Just a Girl" came through my headphones. My immediate reaction, for some reason, was to skip the song but I decided against it and holy wow... all I wanted to do was run and run fast. I was so tired but I couldn't help but feel energized when this song was playing. It totally motivated me to keep going. Plus watching this video obviously makes me want Gwen Stefani's abs!!

Hopefully you are all starting of this new week with a little dance party action whether it be in your bedroom, living room, office cubicle, or bathroom stall.

Memoriiiies

Dress: GAP (the link just leads to a photo of the dress since it's out of stock), Sweater: H&M, Socks: Sock Dreams, Tights & Shoes: Target, Belt: H&M.

I seriously am in love with this MAC lipstick in High Tea that Kim gave me.

I repeat myself a lot! I can't remember who I've told stories too and just repeat myself over and over again. So if you've heard this before I'm sorry. This is going to be a little bit about high school and a little bit about my mother.

I can't help but think of the things I used to wear in high school when I put this outfit together. It's a little more tame than what I used to wear but nostalgia set in nonetheless. I cared about clothes and style a lot. Once I hit 7th grade I traded in my matching sweatsuit outfits with the turtleneck underneath for babydoll dresses at Contempo, bell bottoms (they were back in AGAIN), and wearing semi short skirts with opaque ribbed tights and platform heels. I had an issue of Teen magazine from the summer of '93 and it was my bible (well Torah... I am jewish after all). Photos of runway styles from Todd Oldham and Cynthia Rowley were plastered all over my bedroom walls. I, of course, was on a limited budget so I made my babysitting money work hard. I shopped at Marshall's, sales at Contempo, Macy's & Gap, The Salvation Army, really everywhere and anywhere. I had this floor length skirt floral skirt that I called my gypsy skirt because it reminded me of something Stevie Nicks would wear. I remixed that skirt like crazy- wearing it with a scoop neck top and 4 inch platforms one day, then an oversized hoodie and thick soled black boots another time. I owned a couple of boa's- not the feathery kind but they were still considered boa's and wore them frequently in high school.

I had this black maxi dress that I loved but it was kind of short so I decided to find a way to make my flowy pink tutu stick out from the bottom. Making that outfit work requested the help from a pair of bike shorts, safety pins and dental floss. It was probably the craziest thing I did with an outfit but I loved the outcome- pretty flowy pink fabric peeking out from under my black maxi dress, and after 3rd period or so I got used to walking with a tutu attached to my bike shorts with floss and safety pins. All for the sake of fashion, right? Although it is such a small similarity this outfit pictured here reminded me of what I used to do to make an outfit look different. I wanted to wear my dress from Gap but with it's short sleeves I knew I would be cold. I already wore it with my Target cardigan so I tried it with my black H&M sweater. Since the sweater was longer than the waist on the dress I folded the bottom hem up and cinched it with a belt. Such an easy alteration but I was weirdly proud of that accomplishment.

I mentioned how this will also be a little bit about my mother. Even though there were days that I dressed straight up strange for school not once did my mother roll her eyes, smirk or make any negative comments. I got plenty of those from my older brothers and sister in law (goodness they still make fun of my tutu!!!). My mother was (and still is) an incredibly CONFIDENT woman and made sure to find ways to encourage my own confidence. Not ONCE did I ever hear her utter the words, "How do I look?". She didn't need to ask because she knew the answer, which always was AMAZING! I never saw her look into a mirror examining or scrutinizing her body- she dressed with confidence, walked with confidence and enjoyed herself sans insecurities. I'm sure my mother had insecurities but she chose confidence instead and she forced me to be the same way. And I do mean forced!! If I was in a self loathing "I hate my body" mood, she would either take me shopping to find something that made me feel good (regardless if the size was an 8 or 16) or she would drag me to the bathroom mirror and make me look at myself until I was convinced that I was pretty. And I couldn't pretend, I had to mean it. Seriously, don't ever try to win one over on a sassy Dominican mother. Through example and sheer force my mother gave me the confidence to wear the styles I loved so much.

I still have more I would like to write on the topic of style and confidence and the way women talk about body issues... but for now this is all. Just a bit of nostalgia and overall love for my mommy!!!

5 years ago

newly engaged with matching rosy cheeks

5 years ago Joel and I had been dating for 4 years and 5 months (well to be exact- 3 days shy of 5 months). I LOVE LOVE LOVE the story how we got engaged. So many little things I said right before we went out that night so many things that happened that day that I look back on and think how everything must have been aligned. But the way I tell stories makes it a long one with side stories and hand gestures so maybe I'll leave it for another day. I will say- even though I was waiting for the day to come I have never been so surprised in my entire life (well actually being surprised by pregnancy is pretty huge too). Daisies, photo booth pictures, our song, a beautiful pearl ring and a kick ass question. Getting a phone call that my best friend Kate got engaged the same night was the craziest thing ever as well (and our husbands didn't plan it that way either).

I like celebrating March 3rd and remembering the day we decided Let's Do This!!!!

Purple & Green and a Sentimental Me

Shirt: Target, Jeans: Old Navy, Boots: Bare Feet, Scarf: American Eagle, Belt: Target, Cupcake earrings: F21

Shirt: H&M, Skirt: H&M, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Simply Vera tights: Kohl's, Scarf & Belt: H&M, Necklace: a shop in Buenos Aires.

And these are the expressions that come from Joel saying things like, "You Go Girl" or "Booyah" while taking my photo. Yes, I have clenched fists in the first photo and yes he actually said "Booyah".

It's the 1st of March! I love March!! This month is filled with so many memorable dates, the first day of Spring, the promise that spring weather is near, and the month in which my hubby turns 30. I've already started celebrating Joel's birthday- 30 days before his 30th birthday. For each day I have decided to do something special for him (like actually cook dinner) or give him a gift or treat (exciting gifts like socks and work pants and then the occasionally swedish fish wrapped in a goody bag decorated with washi tape). I'll be sure to share the more interesting or thoughtful gifts as they come along.

Weekend Update: Note to self- it's still February.

So if I were still living in Philadelphia these outfit photos would be taken in very different locations. But here I am living in CT and I'm really excited about searching for new locations for photo sessions. Scouting areas for my 30 for 30 challenge is the perfect excuse. This past weekend Joel and I found ourselves on more of a country-ish road surrounded by snow and I was in heaven. I can't wait to go back in the spring too!

Shirt: GAP, Cardigan: Target, Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Scarf: American Eagle, Necklace: H&M, Belt: A gift from my dollar store loving friend.

It's almost March but I still might need to invest in snow boots!!

Cowl Neck Tunic: American Apparel, Cardigan: Target, Blazer: H&M, Jeans: Target, Scarf: a market in Rome, Shoes: Target, Belt: Joel's.

Joel was surprised that I wasn't nearly as interested in a lazy Sunday as he was. This is so different than the Cynthia he married who could stay in pajamas all weekend long watching movies. But I've got outfits to wear and photos to take!! Even though we got a late start we all jumped in our "new to us" car and headed to Sonic for some creme slushes and then went food shopping. My life is incredibly interesting and exciting... I know, I know, I'll stop bragging.

Dance Party Monday: Going International

I heard this song on Pandora last summer and instantly loved it!! It's a perfect song (and video) to spice up this rainy Monday morning! You'll have to watch it on YouTube but it's totally worth it!

Just a little bit of cheating

Sweater: H&M, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Hue from Macy's, Boots: Bare Feet in Philly, Belt: Target, Scarf: American Eagle.

I couldn't help it- it was so wet and dreary that I needed to wear my hearts rain boots.

Shirt: H&M, Vest: TJ Maxx, Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Blazer: H&M, Boots: Blowfish Shoes.

Joel and I went out and even though I just added a blazer to Day 8's outfit I am counting it in my remix. I can't believe how easy it was to find something to wear to go when you only have a few options. Applying red lipstick took longer than figuring out what to wear.

I need a lint roller! Stat!

Shirt: Gap, Skirt: H&M, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Tights: Hue from Macy's, Belt: Target, Socks: Sock Dreams, Scarf: American Eagle.

I really wanted to make this skirt work in a more casual way. Not the most convenient outfit to wear for a day spent indoors when you're just playing with your kid on the carpet. Especially a carpet that needs to be seriously vacuumed of cat hair. However, it is a fun outfit to wear to surprise your husband when he comes home for lunch expecting to see you in pajamas. We also went out for pizza that night! I am very easily influenced and when I read about Elizabeth's day of crafting with a pizza break included I suddenly wanted and needed pizza. Hopefully no one will be posting about diamond necklaces anytime soon.

Cheesin!!!

It is so very gray today! Sheets of rain coming down and it doesn't look like it has any intentions of stopping. The Jbaby and I might head out today or maybe we'll just stay in listening to music and dancing around his bedroom. Jimmy Eat World's The Middle followed by The Beach Boys' When I Grow Up To Be A Man.

In the past year my baby has looked like so many different family members but never really me. Here though with his big teeth and scrunched nose I see that my son is taking after his mommy... just a little bit.

Did you want to talk about the weather or were you just making chitchat?

Gray Shirt: Target, Button down: H&M, Jeans: Target, Socks: Target, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes, Belt & Scarf: Target.

Oh my goodness it was so hard finding a spot that wouldn't have me glaring into the setting sun or having Joel work some backlit magic (in the 2 seconds we had to actually take some photos).

So I want to talk about my hair. I do this a lot... talk about my hair. I talk about the frizz and the crazy curls. I talk about how long it takes me to blow my hair out or how long I will go in between washes. I even talk about how I have nightmares of my hair being wet when I specifically remember having it just blow dried. The recipient of all these stories is of course Joel. And he loves me so he listens... or he pretends to listen. If I ask him if he heard a word I said he'll ramble off... blow dryer, frizz, curls, crazy. It reminds me of a time not so long ago when I was in Florida and telling Joel how much I missed my ped egg and how my heels felt dry and unloved. He quickly began asking me how our adorable son was enjoying visiting with my family. I called him out on cutting me off... didn't he want to hear about my heels? Didn't he care? Nope, no he did not... not for the state of my heels he didn't. But my hair is a different story he'll at least pretend to listen to those tales. All that to say is my hair is acting very Jekyll and Hyde today. It wanted to be curly... no it wanted to be straight... no it wanted to be curly. So I just let all the personalities out and tamed it best I could.

And then it hits me- I am a Mommy!

Shirt: Target, Vest: TJ Maxx, Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Socks: Target, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Scarf: Target, Necklace: Charlotte Russe.

Here's the lowdown: Jonah is napping, Joel gets home, I check to see if I have cheerios or cottage cheese remnants stuck to my clothes, pull on my shoes, and we both run outside for 2 minutes to take photos. I am very lucky to have a husband who not only can wield a camera but knows how to work it (we're talking all Manual mode)- I know how to pick 'em!!! Taking these photos don't take a long time but we usually make it happen during Jonah's nap. Well, yesterday Jonah took a shorter nap and there was no running outside for a second to snap some shots without him. He was also in a rather clingy mood so- he joined me for Day 15. I tried to have Joel hold him while taking some solo shots but all of them are of me trying to make Jonah laugh. Plus, a cute baby has got to make me look cute too by comparison, right? Right??

13 months later and I look at that boy and say to Joel, "We have a baby!" or "We're parents?!!" then followed by a, "When, how did that happen?" Sometimes I am just in disbelief that I get to be a mommy to the coolest little man around. And it's just WOW!!! I'm a Mommy!.

put a scarf on it!

Shirt: GAP, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Vera Wang at Kohl's, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Scarf: H&M, Belt: Target.

I didn't know how I would feel about the whole belted scarf thing. But I like it!! All these warm tones aren't what I usually pick out but I have had this scarf forever and just wanted to try it out. I tried it a few different ways but then settled for tied in the back, drapey in the front. I have a ton of scarves so maybe this will be something I continue with future outfits. Exciting, exciting!!

What else is exciting these days? Oh oh oh... Grey's Anatomy season's 1-4 are streaming on Netflix! I've only watched season's 5 & 6, so I'm pretty stoked to catch up from the beginning. So yeah, scarves, Grey's Anatomy, and finishing a box of cookies in 3 days.

Laundry Day

Top: JC Penney, Sweater: H&M, Jeans: Target, Boots: Blowfish Shoes, Belt: Target, Scarf: Camden Market in London.

How was your weekend? Although Joel had to work on Saturday it was a pretty relaxing weekend at home. We went out to dinner a few times and partied hard Saturday night... and by party hard I mean food shopping at Trader Joe's. I stared longingly at a box of Maple Leaf cookies until Joel told me I could get them. Oh man I love cookies and I am pretty proud of myself that I didn't grab the box from the cashier and start eating them right away (Joel was really surprised that I controlled myself).

Moving on! It's definitely laundry time seeing as my ruffly mustard top is already making a reappearance. And my sweater came with complimentary cat hair!

Dance Party Monday: Happy Birthday Kim!

So my friend Kim who has been mentioned here & here is celebrating her birthday today!! Although we met in person a few times between 2002 & 2003, our friendship actually began over myspace. We realized we had a love for knitting, sales at H&M, cats and imitating our boyfriends snoring patterns. Once our friendship began it really went full force and we've been in the honeymoon stage ever since.

Kim is truly an amazing friend. She is genuine and thoughtful. She's all for a night out but appreciates staying in watching movies or just chatting. She's a great listener too which must be exhausting since I tend to call her for anything. She knows how to throw an awesome party, make a killer vodka tonic, put together the best music for a bachelorette party and a drive across the states, and be the friend you can always count on. She also drives down to Philly on a moments notice to take the greatest family portraits of us ever. She inspires me to work harder and be a better photographer. And it should go without saying- she is the bestest mommy to baby Thea!

Happy Birthday Kim! I hope you get your dancing on today!!

Fashion Show! Fashion Show! Fashion Show at Lunch!!

Top: JC Penney, Cardigan: Target, Jeans: Old Navy, Belt: NY&Company, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes

Shirt: H&M, Button down Vest: F21, Blazer: H&M, Jeans: Target, Scarf: American Eagle, Belt: Target, Socks: Sock Dreams, Boots: Blowfish Shoes

This is what catch up looks like! 2 days in a row I didn't take a photo. So while my sister in law was over hanging out with the Jbear, I put on what I wore the past 2 days, ran outside with Joel and we had ourselves a little fashion show. Very chic runway no?

Anytime I think of the words fashion & show together I think of this scene from The Office. It's toward the end of the clip.