Lookbook (Sip and See)

{Earrings: Kenneth Cole, Pyramid Necklace: Ann Taylor. Gold Mult-Strand Necklace: Nordstrom)

{Pyramid Ring: St. Thomas, TJ Maxx}

{Vest & Hoodie: Forever 21, Jeans: J Brand}

{Wedge Bootie: Costume National}

Leave it to us to find an excuse to get together for a glass of wine. A friend recently had her second child and traditionally there is no baby shower after the first is born. Last night a very creative friend hosted a "Sip & See". Sipping on a glass of wine and oogling over a newborn baby, brilliant! Since this was not a technically a baby shower, I went off on a tangent and didn't go with baby shower attire (aka prim and proper spring dress). IMO, anything goes at a "Sip & See".

At times it seems like my style is all over the place. Sometimes I feel ultra feminine, other times I want to be a little rock, sometimes preppy and sometimes a mix of everything. I don't want to peg myself into one particular style. I just go with my mood and keep things unexpected.

I have many style inspirations, one of whom is Taylor Jacobson, stylist Rachel Zoe's ex-assistant. I love that Taylor always has a little edge to her look. My look for the "Sip & See" is very Taylor inspired. The thrifted styling of the hooded sweatshirt paired with a black career vest is a little rocker chic. I am also inspired by the street fashion of NYC; the Costume National booties were a purchase from the Barney's Warehouse sale during my last visit. To brighten the dark ensemble I mixed a gold tone multi-chain necklace with an Ann Taylor pyramid stone necklace. (Still loving the statement necklace.) And that honker of a ring is a random find from TJ Maxx. If anyone is wondering the nail polish is Chanel Particuliere.

Can't wait for season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project! Besides all the fabulous fashion, we get the scoop on all the juicy details of why Taylor is no longer a part of camp Zoe. DIE!

At Home Facial

Spa days are a rare treat. I love being pampered, but it gets expensive! My most favorite part of a facial is laying under the steam...aahhh...so relaxing. Instead of paying for expensive monthly facials, I invested in a salon grade facial steamer. It is the best. I lock myself in the spare bedroom, get a little Michael Buble goin' and relax under the steam for 15 minutes. A spa like experience in the comfort of my own home.

I took a chance and purchased mine off of ebay. At $80, including free shipping, it wasn't a bad deal. I think of it this way, it saves me money since I don't have to get a facial as often (maybe just once or twice a year). It's been over a year since I have had the steamer and I haven't had any problems. Here is the seller I bought from in case you are interested. As with any purchase from ebay, read seller feedback and do your research.

After my steam, I apply the wildly popular and incredibly inexpensive, Queen Helen Mint Julep Masque. I, along with thousands of others, love this mask. I even saw Tori Spelling using it on her husband on an episode of Home Sweet Hollywood. It must be her holy grail too. The mask looks and smells like minty toothpaste, but it really does wonders for me when I get the occasional breakout. It is funny because the mask scares the living bejesus out of the little princess. She thinks mommy turned into some kind of monster, so I put the mask on after she is tucked in bed. After the mask I go about my normal skin care regiment.

Snow Date

Here is what I woke up to this morning. As much as I complain about the snow, there is something so calming and serene when you wake up to an overnight snowfall. Sometimes it makes for a lazy day, but hubby and I have a date this afternoon.

It is true what they say about having children, it changes the dynamic of a relationship. I knew we were due for much needed couples time when we went head to head over pot stickers last week. Silly quarrel. So this afternoon we are off to a spa date and lunch. Toodles!

P.S. That first pic is the view from the backyard. Here in Colorado, we have designated "open space" that the county sets aside, no building will ever be allowed in this space. So, no, I don't live in the country.

Target Tuesday (In The Trenches)

{Coat: Merona Short Trench, Jeans: J Brand, Boots: Frye}

{Headband: Anthropologie}

{Boots: Frye Maxine Loop}

Forecast: Snow. This weather is driving me batty. Yesterday was sunny and beautiful, today not so much. Snow in May? Mother Nature is messing with me. Not only is the weather drab , I am exhausted. For those who have little ones, you know that even when kids sleep through the night, they still have bad nights. Last night was one of those nights. Waking up every few hours for no apparent reason. The little rug rat woke up full of energy, bright and cheery. Why is she not exhausted? This combination of dreary weather and exhaustion results in a lackluster mood. Not in the mode to be fashionably creative, I threw on my Merona for Target short trench over a boring turtleneck and black jeans. At 5'1" many trench coats swallow me up, especially if I am not in some kind of heel. The short trench is perfect for us petite gals. If you are still in the market for a trench, I think these coats are still in stores (maybe even on sale.) They came in various colors; khaki, red, white, black, orange and green. Look in the latest issue of InStyle mag, there is a 20% off coupon for any Merona item.

This will be the last time I'll start spring cleaning in Spring. Curse you Mother Nature! I had to fish another pair of boots out of winter storage. These Frye boots are my run around town boots during the winter...and through Spring. Although I love the look of the classic Frye Harness boot, they seem too masculine for my wardrobe. I like that these Frye Maxine fold-over boots look more like a traditional riding boot. Not that I ride horses or anything, just want to look like I do.

To add a little sparkle, I put on a blingy mustard yellow headband from Anthropology. I am not usually a headband wearer. But now that I'm (ahem) in my 30's I am far more comfortable being mistaken as a 20 something. Looking at the pic, my hair looks like a hot mess. Hopefully the super cute headband is a distraction to the disheveled hair I have going on.

A Mother's Worry Never Ends

I have finally come to the realization that I will be a worry wart for the rest of my days when it comes to my child. My mother always told me, "you'll see when you have a daughter of your own." I finally know what she meant by that. The very moment you find out that you are going to be a mother, the worries and anxieties set in. "Is my baby going to be normal, 10 fingers, 10 toes? Will she have friends? Does she miss me at daycare?" When I see a scene like this it begs the question, "Am I raising a serial killer or is this this just a cute imagination of a budding 2 year old?" I'm sure it is the later....right? What do those knitting needles represent? What about the way the dolls are positioned? Maybe I've been watching a little too much CSI. Really though, my little princess is a sweet little girl with an infatuation with all things baby. She wishes for a baby brother, not sure if I am ready for that. I can't take any more worry. But what you hear is true, having kids is the hardest but best thing on earth.

Call your mother, thank her and tell her you love her. After all she still worries about you.

Happy Mother's Day!