Top Knot

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Floral Bomber: Macy’s (now on sale! – and yes, I got this from the Junior’s section haha) / Denim: AG Jeans (old) / Foral Tennis Shoes: Forever 21 (similar here, here, and here / Sunglasses: Brickyard Buffalo / Lip: MAC Snob / Nails: Essie Mint Candy Apple

I’m still playing lots of catch up over here on photos I took from our April vacations! On the way down to Asheville, North Carolina, we made an overnight stop at a little mountain town along the way called Staunton in Virginia. And just so you know…it’s pronounced STAN-TON. The “U” is silent, as we found out from a local photographer right before we left town. Yes, we had been saying it wrong the entire time.

We chose this particular town, because hubby read the book, Omnimore’s Dilemma, and was really interested in getting local food from Polyface Farms. It also seemed like an interesting place with hiking nearby. On the way down we hiked in the Shenandoah Valley along the Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead, which was beautiful and so nice this time of year. We celebrated our hike by checking into the beautiful Stonewall Jackson Hotel and getting ready for an AMAZING dinner at Zynodoa. We had impeccable southern inspired food all locally sourced from Virginia’s best farms. If you ever find yourself in this little mountain town, this spot is a must!

The next morning, after my hotel room workout sesh (thank you Beachbody on Demand!) and after getting a little work done, hubby brought us back coffees (oh how I miss coffeeeee! If you don’t know, I am doing the Ultimate Reset program right now, which means no coffee ahhhh). Anyway…for breakfast we walked down to a little health food store called Cranberry’s that had a restaurant inside as well. We got the orangest (is that a word?) eggs I have ever seen in my entire life! And yes…they were from Polyface Farms! Hubby was so happy. The food was on point and super delicious. We walked around town a little more, met a few interesting local folks with some great recs for rest of our trip, and continued onward to Asheville.

I have to say this little town of Staunton, Virginia was quite a nice surprise!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend celebrating Mother’s Day!!! We had a wonderful day celebrating all the mamas and also our wedding anniversary!

Today starts Week 2 of the Ultimate Reset for the myself and the hubby. Feeling a lot more prepared both physically and mentally this week, and ready to rock it.

Make it a great week everyone!

XO,

Gina

Black Friday

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Top: Forever 21 / Denim: AG Jeans – similar / Booties: H&M – similar / Coat: H&M – similar / Shades: Brickyard Buffalo / Earrings: Gifted / Bracelet: Mantraband

On Nico – Sweater: Chaps – similar / Pants: Cat + Jack for Target / Shoes: Saucony

Hope you all had a FABULOUS Thanksgiving yesterday!!! We had a wonderful day and meal with family, and I splurged on not one…but TWO pieces of pumpkin pie. Yup, that sweet tooth just took over! Eeeps! It was just so darn good, and it only comes around once a year! Luckily, I have a plan in place to get back on track with a cleanse and a new program come Monday!!

Today is Black Friday, and apparently all the stores were open even EARLIER this year for the holiday sales. I stopped going to the stores on Black Friday a long time ago. I just can’t deal with the pushing and pulling and crowds…no thank you! I will just do my shopping from the comfort of my own home on my laptop! OR since I do love the spirit and energy of in person holiday shopping, I do enjoy a trip when the crowds have died down a bit. For those of you who ARE looking for some Black Friday fashion steals, check out Macy’s, Kohl’s, H&M, Target, Dick’s, Urban Outfitters, The Dreslyn, and Bailey44. For electronics, Target, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, and Walmart seem to be where it’s at. And my favorites for online steals are Brickyard Buffalo + ASOS.

Good luck, and Happy Shopping!!! Or if you are like me…enjoy the weekend with family and friends, and then snag those Cyber Monday steals 😉

XO,

Gina

Feeling Like Fall

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Top: J. Crew Factory – sold out but other colors here / Hat: J. Crew Factory / Denim: AG Jeans / Booties: Target / Lip: MAC Rebel

Friday night post whoooo! Maybe some of you are as lame as me and able to read this tonight…maybe not 😉 Either way, hopefully you get a chance to check it out at some point over the weekend haha.

I took these photos last weekend when it was truly starting to feel like fall and then we had a week of 80 degree weather!!!! LOL! Go figure! I scored this J. Crew top and hat over at the Factory outlet on summer vacation, and was excited to finally bust them out.

You may have gotten a glimpse of my crazy week over on Facebook, but things are looking up and trying to focus on the positive. Last weekend we had good friends in town and took them up to Bear Mountain for an awesome fall hike. We made it to the top, and I was incredibly impressed that my 3 year old did 95% of the hike himself! I carried the baby on my back which was an extra workout, and we had a great time catching up while enjoying the great outdoors. Tomorrow we are on the road to Maryland to reunite and celebrate a dear friend who has a baby on the way.

In other news, I have the BIGGEST popcorn and pandas giveaway of the YEAR coming up which I will announce here on MONDAY!!!! So make sure you come on back to see what it’s all about! 🙂

Happy Weekend!

XO,

Gina

P.S. I need a haircut. Any good ideas? Throw them my way! 😉

Green Gardens

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Floral Blouse: Express (sold out, but similar here) / Denim: AG Jeans / Booties: H&M / Hat: Vintage / Sunnies: Vintage / Necklace: Amrita Singh / Lip: MAC Rebel

These photos were taken back on Easter weekend, when we had the most gorgeous Saturday at my parent’s house. It was so nice to be outside in their beautiful yard in Maryland where the grass is green and the flowers are starting to bloom. Of course my Nico couldn’t get enough of swinging in the new hammock my Dad put outside. We caught up with friends, dyed Easter eggs, and I even got a (much needed) fresh hair cut. Many thanks to Nikki for the new locks and style!

Since that weekend, it’s been a bit frigid up here in NY. Hoping that spring weather will come back around again soon.

Today is Day 3 of 21 Day Fix Extreme. Whew! It’s definitely challenging. I am feeling the burn, feeling myself getting stronger already, and dialing in that nutrition again. Wish me luck staying on track tonight on my dinner date with a friend!

Hope you all are having a great week!

XO,

Gina

Trés Chic

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Back at you this Friday with the full outfit post. I had so many of you ask where I got this darling sweater below. I got it around Christmastime at Nordstrom, and it is made by Halogen. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in stock…even at Nordstrom Rack. I have searched high and low for something “similar” but have come up short. Halogen does make another cute sweater though that is on super sale at Nordstrom Rack right now and is also very soft with embroidery if you want to check that one out. Looks like there are a few left if you hurry. Sorry to disappoint. I was hoping to find something similar, but maybe Halogen will come out with another great find soon!

Also, this sweater is not super similar, but along the lines of Paris and French things, I do love this one as well from Catherine Malandrino via Neiman Marcus Last Call.

Additionally, I scored this houndstooth coat marked 50% off at H&M right before Christmas. I tried it on while babywearing and had no idea if it was truly going to fit me, but I decided to take the risk, and I’m glad I did!

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Houndstooth Coat: H&M (sold out, but similar here from Calvin Klein via Bloomingdales) / Pink Peony Paris Embroidered Sweater: Halogen via Nordstrom / Leopard Print Blouse: H&M (old) / Jeans: AG Jeans / Booties: H&M / Necklace: Express / Lip: Younique Stiff Upper Lip Stain in Sleek c/0 Suzie Engler

Happy Friday!! This week has been pretty smooth which can be rare when you have two kids, you are running a business, and you are on the road a lot. Thankfully the babes have been napping regularly and have been in the best of moods. I think the trick has been to wear them out in the morning so they are ready to crash in the afternoon and then mama can get a little break haha. At least that has been working this week. I’m sure next week will change 😉

Have a date night planned with the hubs tonight and a busy, but exciting weekend ahead! TGIF!

XO,

Gina

Leaves Fall Down

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Floral Wrap Cardigan: Target / Embroidered Tank: Target / Denim: AG Jeans / Fringe Booties: Target (old) – similar / Beaded Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Gold Bangle: Gifted – Engraved with “Today my matron of honor, forever my best friend.”

Things you don’t have time for when you have two children…1) Styling your hair (I somehow managed a blow dry that day, but let me tell you it’s rare, and 2) Ironing your shirt. I have to admit, it didn’t even look wrinkled to me when I left that house, but these photos are proving otherwise! I would say that I am embarrassed, but at the same time the odds of me managing to actually iron it and get out the door for our Friendsgiving event would have been slim to none. So I’m just going to own my un-ironed, wrinkled shirt and chalk it up to motherhood.

Friendsgiving was fantastic with our old Manhattan crew who is slowly moving out of the city (sadface). We met in Jersey and Nico actually had a little playmate this year as our friends have a son as well and they were both old enough to interact this year (and also have extreme meltdowns in tandem…well played boys, well played.) We shared a lovely meal, some wine, games, and conversation as we caught up with each other on life. I think we are going to need to make it a habit to do things like this more often.

The following day was spent out on Staten Island celebrating a cousin’s after-wedding brunch. Congrats cousin!! Much of my close family including my parents and grandmother (who is celebrating a birthday today!) were in town so it was great to be able to see everyone on our turf this time. It was also a lot of fun to catch up with our Staten Island cousins and have them meet the kiddos.

This week is a busy one as we are leaving town next week, so grinding it out and getting things done!

Lastly, I would like to announce the WINNER of the Chalk It Up Giveaway! Drumroll please….ANGELA!

Yes, my very own sister. I promise I picked out of a hat!

CONGRATULATIONS little sis! Thanks for being a loyal reader of p + p and a lover of beautiful chalk designs. Kristyn will be reaching out to you to shortly.

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated!

XO,

Gina

Autumn Yellow

 

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Blouse: H&M – similar / Denim: AG Jeans / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne (clearance!) / Necklace: Coup de Coeur/ Sunnies: Vintage Kenneth Cole / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Tory Burch, Baublebar / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide (amazing price!) / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

It’s definitely feeling like fall over here, which means it’s time for me to break out the darker hues and longer sleeves.  Jewel tones are my favorite for fall, and I love this topaz/mustard color yellow for the season.  It reminds of the leaves changing colors around me.

What are some of your favorite colors to wear during the autumn season?

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina

On The Edge

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Jacket: Goodnight Macaroon – similar here and here / Top: Forever 21 / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Shoes: ShoeMint / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – similar here / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Earrings: Forever 21 / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, Wanderlust + Co., & ASOS / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Lancome Luxe

I apologize for falling off the blogosphere the past few weeks.  I spent the holidays tending to a sick baby.  It was the most sad thing.  His little face looking up at me in too much pain to really cry.  Just moaning and groaning wondering “What the heck is wrong with me mama? Please fix it.”  At least that’s what I imagine he was trying to say.  It’s probably the hardest on us parents knowing our babies are hurting, and we can’t do anything to change it.  All I could do was give him Tylenol/Motrin and lots of snuggles.  He tried to be as happy as could be, and I love him for trying.  He’s the sweetest little monkey there ever was.

I had been dreading the first sickness, and I suppose it had to happen sometime.  I have to say, I am happy it’s over.  Although, we could not travel for Easter, we did manage to get down to Maryland this past weekend to see some family and friends.  It was nice to spend some quality time with the fam, and we even had a fun night out for a dear friend’s 30th (thanks Bubbe for babysitting)!  Sunday we participated in the John Petrovick 5K as a family and raised money for the neurology and neurosurgery unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  I also saw another dear friend to shower her with baby gifts for her little principessa on the way!

Back in New York, I feel swamped with a million things I “need” to do.  Unpacking being one.  Cleaning.  Laundry.  Gift buying.  The list goes on and on.  But I am glad I decided to forego all of that for the moment to come back to my little space here that I have missed these past few weeks.

Hope you are all having a happy one!

XO,

Gina

Back in Action

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Striped Blouse: H&M – similar here,  / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Booties: ALDO / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – more from the shop here / Clutch: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co., ASOS (sold out – similar here), Baublebar

2014 has had a crazy start!  I started back up to work, and have been trying to figure out how to be a working mom.  Right now I’m trying to cram all my work into three days and still have time to pump three times a day to make sure my boy has enough to eat while I’m gone.  When I am home with him, he is more awake than ever, and he keeps me busy all day long.  It’s a lot of fun watching him grow (He rolled over for the first time this weekend!  And he’s sitting up for long periods of time on his own now!), but it can definitely be exhausting!  On top of that, we have been dealing with some house issues that need crucial hands on maintenance, and I’ve also been planning Nico’s upcoming Baptism.  Whew!

Needless to say, my poor little blog has been getting neglected.  I’ve had ideas for posts and outfits that I have wanted to blog, but life has just been getting in the way, and p + p unfortunately had to go on the back burner the past few weeks.  Hopefully as we settle into our new routine, I will be able to find some time to keep things going, because I really do love having this little creative outlet!

Onto this outfit.  Although, I do adore some pops of color every now and then, I do tend to go back to my comfort zone of black and white quite often!  Maybe it’s the New York in me.  I’m now back in my original size jeans (yay!) which called for a shopping celebration, and I scored this striped blouse at H&M while out.  The vintage locket I am wearing was a Christmas gift from my husband, and I’m absolutely in love with it.  There is a family photo of the three of us inside, with three other spaces to put photos when I want to add them.

Hope you will be hearing more from me in the coming weeks!  I am glad to be back in action.

XO,

Gina

Fall Wish List

Fall Wish List
LOVE Pave Bracelet – BCBGeneration / Burgundy Nail Polish – OPI / Over the Knee Boots – Sam Edelman / Military Boots – ALDO /  Moto Jacket – French Connection / Burgundy Beetle Loafers – Tory Burch / Tuxedo Pants – AG Jeans / Burgundy Fedora – Miss Selfridge / Swag Sweatshirt – Miss Rebel / White Blazer – Roberto Cavalli / Leopard Pumps – Nine West
Fall has finally arrived in NYC.  The leaves are multi-colored, the air is crisp, and it’s time to start layering.  I’m looking forward to (and already enjoying) everything autumn including apple cider, pumpkin carving, football, pumpkin spice lattes, and hiking outdoors.
Now that I’m no longer shopping in the maternity section, this season’s fashion excites me even more than usual.  Some of the current trends I am digging are the color burgundy (or bordeaux according to my sorority sisters), the tuxedo pant, winter white (no white after Labor Day is so outdated!), over-the knee boots, and more.
What trends are you into this fall?
XO,
Gina