Entireworld organic cotton sweatpants (gift from the brand) |
they’re having a 25% off sale Friday
Elizabeth Suzann wool clyde jacket | small
Lauren Manoogian peg pants | sold out
James Perse tee | up to 25% off at Shopbop this week
Misha & Puff cotton popcorn sweater | medium – I am seriously considering selling this if anyone is interested before it goes up on slowre – I’ve hardly worn it, and now find it doesn’t really suit me much
Birkenstock boston clogs | a couple years old
Hawk on his three month birthday 🙂
I don’t make it a habit to respond to trolls, but yes, I have pictures of Hawk smiling….
I am sure I’ll be writing this in stages, and probably won’t get to write everything I want to, but most of all I want to say thank you to all of you, new visitors and old (not OLD, just you guys who have been around a while LOL), for continuing to check in here. In my 15 years of writing Grechen’s Closet I have never NOT written 3-4 days a week until now, and I’m humbled that some of you still care enough to look now that I’m down to once every week or so.
Obviously, I don’t write about sales and shopping and coupon codes as much as I used to, mostly because I got tired of it, and I don’t want to feel like I’m promoting mindless consumption. Nowadays I’d rather talk about shopping in other ways (secondhand, smaller, more sustainable). I still shop, lately more than I have in quite some time because of my changing body, but perhaps since not much is working for me, I’m not inclined to talk about it? My body is still an endless source of frustration to me, even as it nurtures Hawk; I am in pain most days and haven’t lost one ounce since having him.
But I do feel like mentioning a couple sales I always shop this time of year:
James Perse sale – use code GRECHENHOLIDAY19 for free shipping on US orders, no minimum! I am tempted by this heavier-weight dress, but it doesn’t appear to be very breastfeeding friendly…
Shopbop– use code MORE19 for up to 25% off (I’m going to order a pair of stretchy high-waist jeans by Mother)
I bought two more organic cotton bras from Arq this week, although they weren’t really on sale, and I’m going to buy a case for my phone from Pela, who is having 35% off now. Otherwise, I don’t need anything. I’m trying to delete most black friday, etc., emails as they come in honestly…
A note about some of the pieces in my outfits: I’ve been back and forth buying and returning with Elizabeth Suzann orders the last 8 weeks and finally got my latest, the wool clyde jacket in small. I can’t say I’m in LOVE with it, but I’m not in love with anything on my body lately. It is a great coat and I always love a Clyde pocket. I could have gone with the medium because it’s a little snug in the shoulders in the small. I have a feeling that it will stretch as I wear it though, and I don’t need to layer it over sweaters here in Texas so I decided to keep the small. The wool is excellent quality and a nice weight. It’s also climate beneficial, which I’m really excited about (that’s something I’ve wanted to write about, but haven’t had the time).
I bought the Misha and Puff sweater early in the summer with a nice discount and have never worn it outside the house. I love the sweater itself, but not so much on me; it’s not a shape that’s easy for me to wear with many outfits. I’ve thought about selling it many times but haven’t been able to bring myself to do it yet. Now, maybe.
Enough about me though…Hawk is such a joy when he’s not in the middle of a nuclear meltdown. haha. I’m getting more comfortable going out with him lately, so I’m easing back into “doing things” again. He’s very happy on his back on his playmat for quite a long time now, which gives me little breaks. He’s getting better at tummy time too, and has started rolling over. He still doesn’t sleep much during the day unless he’s attached to me or I’m wearing him. He’ll be passed out in my arms and will wake up about 5 seconds after I put him down!! I do love holding a sleeping baby, but not all day long…
He’s eating well, and gaining weight – he’s pretty solid now, and starting to grow out of his 0-3 month clothes. All is well – I’m just adjusting to this new life and trying to figure out where my work and other activities like reading, etc., fit in to it.
Now, back to family time. My dad and stepmom are here, as is my stepson so we have a full house. Hawk is really enjoying the attention…
Thank you! I hope you are enjoying the holiday with your families as well.
Thank you for the update! I was getting concerned actually.
Hi Grechen, baby Hawk is adorable ! It was a pleasant surprise to find a new post from you. Have you tried moussy vintage jeans? Im intrigued but the price tag is so steep! I’m also 14 months post partum and between sizes. Keep buying and returning jeans and haven’t found a pair that would be comfortable and not shapeless at the same time.
A very happy Thanksgiving to you Grechen, and to your little guy, and your whole family. I know this has been really hard on you, but if it helps, I find it very validating to see how much you are affected by motherhood. So was I, so are many of us, I hope there’s comfort in numbers. xoxox.
I want to try them!! I tried 100% cotton early postpartum though and they didn’t work for me. I need some stretch now…
So wonderful to read your post today, Grechen. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. You are looking lovely and vibrant in these pics and Hawk is cute as can be!
Happy Thanksgiving, Grechen! Don’t let the turkeys get you down 🙂 <3
Baby smiles! They’re the best! It’s good to hear from you, thank you for sharing and thanks for the pictures of Hawk. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family.
Happy and joyous Thanksgiving to you and your family, Grechen! Thanks so much for updating us. – iIve been checking every few days and was so happy to see this post. Hawk is just adorable! What a heart-melting smile. And you’re looking radiant! xoxo
Hawk is really the cutest, smiling or not smiling! I’m happy to see you whenever you are able to post! This having a baby is a big adjustment and it takes a long time to feel like you are “there”.
Oh, GAWWW!!! He’s so adorable! Thank you for posting Hawk pics – I know you don’t owe us any of your private life, and after the other day…just ugh. But it brings me great joy to see you and the beautiful little human you created and nurtured. I’m thankful for you, Grechen…for the person you ARE, and the person you’ll RAISE. Happy holidays! XOX
Yay! I’m always checking in on you, glad to hear everything’s going okay over there. I tried two M&P cardigans and I felt the same way as you — not flattering and not easy to style. I did just get the new classic crew in ink, as a “this is my one last chance trying M&P” purchase after getting burned with the cardis, but I’m happy to say the classic crew is amazing and to me, a more worthwhile purchase because the cut of the sweater is so timeless.
I wanted their new long cardigan or the crew in Dijon or hot red and missed out on all of them!! I’d love to locate one eventually … I do think I’d like the crew neck better than this cardigan. I just find the for challenging for me.
He is a gorgeous baby, and you are looking really well now too. Keep posting when you can, I think most people here care about you more than the clothes anyway. x
Hi G: I have been off the radar for nearly a year due to several reasons, most pressingly some unanticipated and sudden family caregiving responsibilities which kind of derailed my timetable and priorities. That said, I have been following with great affection and interest your pregnancy and birth story…..even more so now since Hawk looks so very very much like my own little boy did way back in the day. Every time I see a pic my heart is full. Hang in there. You’ve been parachuted into a strange new place, in a strange new body, where you don’t fully understand the language or culture, but you and baby will learn about it all together in your own good time…no need to rush….no need to keep score 😉
Oh, and when you get a chance, I’d love to know why so many of your ES purchases were not suitable…..I’ve been looking at their stuff and gearing up to a purchase for the first time in a long time…..and their sizing and cuts have changed.
oh!! i have missed you!!!! also wondered if you were okay 🙂 i’m so glad you’re back!
about ES…I have only just purchased the two things recently, the long sleeve kara dress and the wool clyde jacket. the kara dress was just too big and a bad length on my shape. I also don’t really like that neckline on me, so i should have known better, but i found the dress so appealing otherwise, in theory at least!
now the clyde jacket is great but i did wear it twice on very cold days and became overheated – so i do think it’s a bit too warm for me here, and now. the fit is okay though, just not layerable for me in the small.
other than that, i have heard that the sizing on the new wool pieces are pretty inconsistent and not necessarily accurate in person. sounds pretty annoying, especially given the wait time. honestly, if it wasn’t for the long wait time, i’d buy more ES – i’m dying for a new pair of silk florence pants since i lived in those the winter i was recovering from jaw surgery. i’d love a pair of comfy, luxurious pants that fit right now 😉
I always keep checking back to see if there’s a new post. Great to see you hanging in there!
Hello Grechen. I like your style, although it may not suit my body type, but I still enjoy reading your blog. I am a bit older than you and I am also dealing with a changing body, only the reasons are different 🙂 I am sorry that you are often in pain, that must be unpleasant. I hope you won’t mind if I point out what I think is more of a cultural difference than anything else. You see, I am from Europe, from Slovenia, and I am often surprised by the American understanding of time. A month ofetn seems to be a lot? Let alone two, or three. But for us, your baby is ONLY three months old, you are ONLY three months post partum and your body has a way to go yet. Also, in our country, during the first two to three months new mums get plenty of help from the family, especially from their mothers. I guess they know this is the most difficult period with the newborn. So, this is just to give you a bit of perspective from another side of the world.
Your little boy is such a cute little marshmellow! And his hair! Oh dear. Well, I wish you and your little one all the best.