betsey johnson Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Family Maternity Shoot With Misa*Me

I am absolutely incredibly lucky and grateful to have a first cousin and bestie who is an impeccable photographer! Marisa Crider of Misa*Me Photography snapped these photos of my little growing family during our larger family reunion back in the month of June when I was 30 weeks pregnant. It was a hot summer day, and somehow she was able to capture some great shots even with a cranky toddler. It started to rain a bit during the shoot, and then all of the sudden, the sun peeked out. I’m telling you, she is a miracle worker! I love the way she is able to capture the light. She took so many more fabulous photos for us, and it’s going to be a tough decision as to which ones end up on the walls of our home! These were some of my favorites that captured all (almost) four of us. Now, here, at 38 weeks, I cannot even believe that we are about to meet our little guy here soon!

Wearing – Dress: Betsey Johnson (borrowed from a friend – found a Size 4 for sale on Etsy!) / Heels: Cynthia Vincent / Necklace: Vintage via Etsy / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelet: Stella & Dot

On Nico – Dress Shirt: Carters Just One You / Shorts: Old Navy (similar)

On Zack – Dress Shirt: H&M / Pants: GAP

Thanks again to Marisa for taking these wonderful photos! We will cherish them forever in our home. If you missed our last maternity shoot with Misa*Me, or want to take a trip back down memory lane from two years ago, you can view those photos here.

Heading to the doc as we speak for two appointments today. A little nervous about what they are going to say! Bags are packed just in case we don’t come back, but hoping they let baby come on his own when he is ready 😉

Hope you all have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Vintage Style Swimsuits

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1) Splendid Malibu Stripe One Piece: Swim Spot / 2) Rocksanda Ilincic Talgo Color Block Swimsuit: Matches Fashion / 3) Adreana Degreas Striped High Waisted Bikini: Moda Operandi / 4) Red Polka Dot Swimsuit: ModCloth / 5) Island One Piece: ModCloth / 6) White & Black Polka Dot One Piece: ModCloth / 7) Black High Waisted Bottoms: Mini Hammer via Etsy / 8) Floral Two Piece: ModCloth / 9) Zimmerman Verano Floral One Piece: Madewell / 10) Betsey Johnson Floating on Petals Two Piece: ModCloth / 11) Cherry Two Piece: ModCloth / 12) America Stars and Stripes Fringe Tankini (this is kids and obviously too small for me, but it was too adorable not to share): Shop Justice

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Also a fan of these suits from grey dog (not pictured).

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Memorial Day Weekend has passed which means it’s officially summer in my eyes! We went north to New Hampshire over the weekend, and lucky for me, I didn’t have to put on a bathing suit. I know lots of women tend to be self conscious at the beginning of summer. Leftover weight from the holidays that hasn’t come off…pasty pale skin that hasn’t gotten tan yet. You know the drill. It’s normal. Only this summer, I’m feeling a bit more self conscious than usual. I mean, last year I was pregnant in a bathing suit, so as uncomfortable as that might be, at least I felt that I could own my body and be proud that I was carrying a little guy in there. Now, 9 months post birth, I am feeling great, and I have shrank back to my pre-pregnancy weight…and even back almost to my wedding weight! I should be screaming and jumping for joy at my accomplishment! However, it’s been said time and time again not to look at the scale. The scale does not measure how you look and feel. My body has been through a year, oh it has. I’ve been stretched out and starved for time and I’m completely out of shape. Breastfeeding and walking have gotten the weight off, but my body looks completely different than I am used to. My belly is much squishier, and that jiggle jiggle is anything but attractive. I have been patient with getting back to my normal self. No crazy diets or workouts here. Just steady walking, breastfeeding, and trying to eat healthy when I can. What I really need is time to tone. Or maybe I just need to make it a priority. It’s tough, this mom thing. By the time I get home from work, it’s time for Nico’s bath and bedtime routine. After that, it’s cooking, dinner, clean-up, and I maaaaybe have an hour or so to get anything done, yet I am exhausted. The last thing I want to do is a work out at 10pm that would keep me up even later with all the adrenaline. I do hope and plan to get back on some kind of fitness routine in the near future, but in the meantime…it’s bathing suit season people, and what is a beach-loving mommy to do?

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Well…I have decided to embrace and love the body I currently have and find a suit that flatters it as much as I can. Work with what ya got, right? Besides, my body got this way because of the incredible tiny human who now fills my life with so much joy. There is something to be said for that. We moms make sacrifices for our children every day, and if a little extra belly fat is what it takes to be blessed with such an amazing little boy, then so be it. Luckily, vintage/mod/retro style suits are all the rage right now, and I am planning on rocking an adorable high waisted swimsuit or one-piece this summer. Who says you can’t look hot in a onesie!? The most important thing is that I am comfortable, so I am going to go with what works for me right now.

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Would love to hear from any new mamas on what you plan on donning to the beach this summer? OR if you have any great fitness routines that you swear by, I would love to hear from you as well!

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Hope you have a happy one!

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XO,

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Gina

On The Edge

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

Oxfords & Brights

Dress: Forever 21 / Jacket: Vintage / Tights: Target / Oxfords: CA by Carrini via Hautelook (similar here) / Hat: Habit Boutique / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Locket: Vintage / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Beaded Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Leather Buckle-Up Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Nails: Essie Ladylike / Lips: MAC Up the Amp

Don’t let the rain get you down! Although it’s dark and gray outside, your outfit doesn’t have to follow suit. Brighten up this rainy day gloom with some color in your wardrobe. I scored these amazing oxfords on Hautelook for only $16! Yes, you read that right. I paired them with a tribal print dress and some colorful tights to bright up my mood over the weekend as I headed to the sunglass convention to see my friends at Waveborn. We had a lot of fun trying on all their new styles for spring, and Nico enjoyed trying on the Babiators as well. Isn’t he the cutest?

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and wishing you a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

Glitzy Glam

Nothing says holiday season like a little glitter and gold! While in Maryland last week, we were able to get out and about to a few holiday parties both with and without our little one. This particular night I was dressed up for our annual friends potluck dinner that is now going six years strong! We had a great trip, and I’m excited for all the festivities coming up this month!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Jacket: StyleMint / Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Pants: Motherhood / Shoes: Dolce Vita – similar / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – similar in rose gold / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson (old) – also love this one / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Hoop Earrings: Gifted / Lip: Smashbox Maven

Feels Like Summer

Photos by: Al Guaragna / Edited by: Myself

Skirt: ASOS – similar / Tank: Nordstrom / Sandals: Dolce Vita – similar here, here, and here / Shades: ModCloth / Necklace: Baublebar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelet: Gorjana / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Lip: Lancome Groupie / Nails: Essie All Tied Up / Toes: Essie Midnight Cami

These snaps were taken on our first family mini-vacation to Florida last week. I was a little nervous for the trip, but we were treated like V.I.P. at the airport, and Nico flew like a pro on his first plane ride. The weather was beautiful, sunny, and in the 80’s the entire time. We stayed at my Grandmother’s condo in St. Pete Beach, which I hadn’t been to in 10 years. It was amazing to sit outside on the balcony overlooking the water in the Florida sunshine and just relax. Nico was a happy camper while we were there, and he got to spend lots of good quality time with his Grandparents and Great-Grandmother. The hubby and I even got to go on a little beach date alone while my parents babysat. It definitely felt like summertime down there, and I’m missing that weather! Here in NY, it’s time to bundle bundle.

Happy Friday ya’ll. Make it a good weekend!

XO,

Gina

Sweet November

So, when I had to remove my white blazer the other day, it was pretty chilly out, and I had nothing left but short sleeves. In my attempt to keep warm, we stumbled into a little boutique in Park Slope, Brooklyn called Habit. It was my first time in the store, and I was quite delighted! It was filled with lots of stylish clothing, jewelry, and great accessories at prices that don’t break the bank. I found this sweater wrap to keep me warm and decided to throw in this hat while I was at it. I’m sure they will both get plenty of wear this season and next.

Photos By: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Hat: Habit / Sweater: Habit / Shirt: Urban Outfitters (old) / Pants: Motherhood / Booties: Target / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – sold out, but love this burgundy one on sale for fall! / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Guilty Jean and Wanderlust + Co. / Earrings: Swarovski Crystal / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Lip: Lancome Fearless

I am just about finished packing for our trip to Florida! Looking forward to a relaxing trip with my parents and grandmother at her condo in St. Pete Beach. We leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow and will be gone through Monday of next week, so you probably won’t be hearing much from me until we get back. Until then, you can follow our adventures on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

Horsing Around

Photos by: Melissa DiGiulian / Edited by: Myself

Horse Sweatshirt: J. Crew – also like this one / Lace Skirt: American Eagle (old) similar here and here / Flats: Go Jane (old) – similar / Sunnies: ModCloth / Watch: Betsey Johnson (old) – also like this one / Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet: Gifted / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Snob

These photos were taken last Friday after a little Mommy Hour sesh at Bar Chord in Ditmas Park with my fellow new moms in the neighborhood. Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to take your baby to a bar in Brooklyn…so long as you go before the regular patrons get out of work for regular happy hour time. Haha. It was a beautiful day, and their back garden was open, so a group of us got together for some drinks, snacks, baby talk, and funny stories. I’m very fortunate to have met these wonderful ladies and their adorable babies, and looking forward to more adventures to come as they grow.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Neon Highlights

Photos by: Melissa DiGiulian / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore / Neon Sandals: Dolce Vita via Saks – on sale in black – similar neon yellow sandals here / Fringe Skull Bag: Shoedazzle – sold out – similar here and here / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelet: J. Crew / Aviators: Street Vendor in NYC / Chevron Stack Rings: Baublebar – similar / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Nails: Essie Funky Limelight and DJ Play that Song accent and on toes / Lip: NARS Born this Way

I wore this outfit to my soccer team’s BBQ over the weekend. So proud of them for winning the championship this past season! This dress is super comfy, and I’m still thinking flowy dresses are going to be a staple throughout the rest of the summer and my pregnancy. I scored these neon sandals on sale at Saks, and I love the pop of color they bring to this look. It just so happens my nails also match!

Tonight, I am attending the AICP Next Awards for work, which honors marketing campaigns in categories such as integrated, viral/web film, website/microsite, product integration, social media, mobile, cause marketing, and experiential. Looking forward to hearing some of the presentations from the winners. Other than tonight, this should be a pretty laid back week.

Have a good one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Wild Wild West

I borrowed this romper from a friend of mine recently, and I could not wait for some warm weather to wear it. The Arizona desert seemed like the perfect opportunity. I love the tribal embroidery detail in the top half of this piece, and because I was in the west, I just had to top off this look with some fringe booties. This outfit was super comfortable, flowy, and free…and I’m hoping to get a few more wears out of this bad boy before my bump grows too large!

Romper: Borrowed from a friend – similar here, here, and here / Fringe Ankle Booties: Target / Bracelet: (Old) Street Vendor / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Chevron Stack Ring: Baublebar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: ALDO / Shades: NYC Soho Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Fearless

It’s FRIDAY! Hubby is home from ATL, and we are heading out on a little date night tonight for a belated 2 year anniversary celebration. I’m currently in the dark on the surprise, so I’m excited to find out what’s in store! We also have some visitors in town this weekend, so looking forward to seeing and catching up with some friends and family.

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

XO,

Gina