Entireworld recycled cotton tee (no longer available, but linked one is similar)
Ace & Jig Daphne skirt (large)
Melissa sandals
It’s getting warmer here, and I have no idea what I’m going to wear. Everything I wore pre- and during pregnancy is ridiculously small on me now; my hips widened about 10 inches overall, and even my arms are bigger, so my oversized dresses are small in the arms. I have finally come to terms with the idea that this is not permanent, but I also know that it will take me quite a while to lose the weight, and even when I do, my body will be a different shape than it was before.
In the meantime, I need clothes. And if you know me at all, you know that I love clothes – and shoes. Getting dressed is the way I express myself, and exert a tiny bit of “control” over how I move and feel in the world. I like to play with clothes; have a little fun in a controlled way. And lately, I have been flailing.
I’ve bought and returned, or sold, so many things in an effort to find pieces I love and that I feel comfortable in. At the end of the day, I have ended up with three things that truly make me feel like myself, and are comfortable enough in to go about my day without thinking anymore about it: my Lauren Manoogian peg pants, It is Well L.A. maxi cardigan, and James Perse mixed media pants.
We’ve already had a few warm days here, and those items aren’t cutting it as temperatures rise into the high 70’s and 80’s, so it’s time for some skirts & dresses. And since I have credit at Shopbop (I earn some each month for displaying their widget on my sites), I hit up their sale this week and ordered a couple of Ace & Jig pieces.
In addition to this Daphne skirt (which I’m keeping), I ordered the Spencer dress also in large, but I’m sending it back. It fits me, generally, but would require too much tailoring and I didn’t love it enough to endure that hassle. I would have had to shorten it a bit, and take in the top/straps quite a lot, since I’m still not as big up top as I am waist down.
As you can see, I also ordered these ridiculous platform Melissa sandals, because I can’t resist a new pair of Melissa sandals every year or so. If you’re not familiar with Melissa, they’re plastic sandals (recyclable) in very cool styles, which last forever. I’ve had a couple pairs for almost a decade and they’re still in very good shape; they wear beautifully. These are just a little over the top, but they’ll add a bit of personality and some WTF to any outfit, which is what I love haha.
I did buy and am sending back a few other items, but they’re not worth talking about really. Jeans. Ugh. If this Mara Hoffman skirt had been available earlier in the week when I placed my order, I would have tried it. I may order it anyway after my return is processed; I appreciate Mara Hoffman for her sustainability/ethics, about as much as I appreciate Eileen FIsher.
The Shopbop sale goes on until Sunday if you’re inclined to shop. Items that are eligible for the discount are marked with SPRING, and it’s not valid on sale items. Oh, and remember my Baggu fanny pack I love so much? Well, they finally made one without the white BAGGU logo stamped on the strap, and it’s available at Shopbop with the code.
In other news, Hawk is well, he is currently face down, sleeping haha. And I’ve been getting up at 5 AM every morning this week, which is working out beautifully. I rode the Peloton twice, and while it was hell while I was riding, I felt great afterwards, so I’m starting to ease back into having more “me” time, and I love it!!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, what are your plans?
Happy Friday!!!
The post- baby weight DOES take more time and patience to lose than anticipated. I had my first child at 35 and got back to my pre-pregnancy weight almost right away, so I thought with baby 2 (at age 40) would be the same. Boy was I wrong! After getting rid of all of my pre-pregnancy clothes over the years, I began experimenting with different brands and styles for my new body. I can ‘t bare to tell you how many clothes and shoes I’ve gone through during these fashion experimental years. My lifestyle also changed dramatically after my second child, we moved from the city where I walked everywhere to the country where I have to drive everywhere, so that certainly did not help me lose weight.
I’m finally happier with my wardrobe now but it has taken 6 years. I stick with cashmere or merino wool sweaters and pants in the winter and colorful cotton dresses in the summer. My go to brands are Babaa, Anntian, Ace&Jig for most. Recently, Zara for their paperbag elastic waist jeans. Not a sustainable brand but I can’t find styles in sustainable brands that have elastic waist jeans I like. I can’t do fixed waist in any capacity anymore. Bottoms have to be at least partially elastic waist for me to even consider trying them on.
As for shoes, slip-on trainers all the way! I live in arizona Birkenstocks for summers but after 4 consecutive summers I’m getting really sick of this style. I can’t do Melissa sandals. Sweaty feet and I’m not ok with plastic insoles. So the goal now is to find a new slip-on sandal that is NOT Birkenstock. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear it.
ENJOY your ‘me’ time! It’s really important to have moments in the day where it’s only about you. Self-care is the best gift you can give to your son. Mom happy, baby happy.
“ Getting dressed is the way I express myself“
Why not find someone who can take your specifications and ideas and sew whatever you want? Someone who can work with you draft a pattern or two, and create something unique.
i actually tried a pair of paperbag waist zara jeans a couple weeks ago!! (i’ve become a mall walker now….it’s a good place to walk with hawk and stay out of the cold/rain!) i didn’t buy anything because they didn’t fit even in the largest size, but i probably would have if they did fit…i’m desperate at this point….
as for sandals, have you tried beek? https://www.beekshop.com/collections/sandals?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0sw9WmXfna-OeRU_b_5Gko788levif79wSHkuXyu2GngF5nVGvKYwQaAg51EALw_wcB
i’ve had the finch pair for several years and i really like them. they do have some support, but they are pretty “flat” and lack the small platform that birkenstock has. they’re very comfortable though!! also, these are like birkenstock, but i still love my mephisto helen sandals. it’s a bit of a different style than the arizona, but i think they’re even more supportive/comfortable than birkenstock in general.
I’ve admired Beek sandals and shoes for some time. Unfortunately I live in Europe and it’s far too costly to have them shipped here. (custom and duty taxes together is another 40% of the price!) If you think of any brands based in Europe, I’m all ears!