Watercolors

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Dress: Olive & Oak / Shoes: Call it Spring / Sunnies & Bracelet: Vintage / Clutch: Express / Earrings: Stella & Dot by Jess Sigler / Lip: MAC Up the Amp 

No, I’m not traveling to Miami, but this “Miami Maxi” by Olive & Oak  is the perfect flowing dress for summer! Fancy enough to dress up for a wedding, but easy going enough for a Sunday BBQ, this is one of my favorite versatile looks for summer. Plus the colors are just gorg!

June was the month of weddings for us! Lots of traveling, lots of love, and lots of dressing up! Will be sharing some more summer wedding looks on the blog here in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned.

We spent this past week at the lake in the Poconos with friends celebrating Independence Day. It’s getting tougher to “relax” the more kiddos we add to the mix here on vacation haha, but we did have a great time!

Today in my challenge group it’s “Random Act of Kindness” Day. It seems that the world could surely use a little (or a lot) more kindness, so I would love it if the rest of you could also participate in this little challenge! Please do at least one random act of kindness for today and report back in the comments section when you have done something KIND!

Hope you all had an awesome weekend, and cheers to a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

You Wouldn’t Believe It If I Told You

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“What are you wearing to Alex’s baby shower?” my sister asked.

“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you,” was my response.

Yes, I am a pregnant lady, who decided to wear a crop top two piece dress to a baby shower.

“But I promise it’s classy!” I exclaimed.

I can’t even describe to you what my sister imagined me wearing to this shower. Haha. I think I really threw her for a loop.  I purchased this dress at the end of last summer season, and didn’t find the right opportunity to wear it then. Fast forward to this year, and the tags were still on. My tummy is ever growing, and this shower was pretty much my last opportunity of the year to get any wear out of this dress before I blow up like a balloon haha. Lucky for me, this bad boy has a high waisted skirt and fans out over the bump, so people could barely notice the bump, and somehow I think I actually managed to make that slight skim of midriff stay classy, even with a baby growing inside me.  (I think. I hope.) Who knew?

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Photos by: Mary Ann Guaragna / Edited by: Myself

Top & Skirt: Necessary Clothing (last season, but loving their selection of dresses right now) / Shoes: Sole Society (similar) / Sunnies: ModCloth / Watch: Michael Kors (now on sale!) / Bracelet: Baublebar / Earrings: Stella & Dot (similar) / Hair Curled with Sapphire 8-in-1 Curling Wand c/o: Irresistible Me (now on sale!)

I don’t know about you, but I am still waiting for the spring weather to arrive and STAY put.  I’m tired of this back and forth fake out with one nice day and then back to freezing cold again.  Come on SPRING!  Just get here already and don’t go away!  I’m sure mid-July when I am hugely pregnant, sweating, and waddling, I will regret these sentiments, but right now I am just craving that warm weather.

The father-in-law is coming up to visit tomorrow night and he is taking Zack and I to the Brooklyn Nets v. Washington Wizards basketball game. Not only am I excited to have a night out, but I have been dying to get to a Nets game, and who better to play them than my old team, the Wizards! Did you know I used to intern for them?  One of the best internships I ever had. It will be awesome to see them play again from a new perspective.

Hope you are all having a great week!

XO,

Gina

Love, Lori Michelle

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Aside from the amazing Mother’s Day gift that I received from my husband and son, I also received an incredible mommy necklace made especially for me by Lori of Love, Lori Michelle.  She worked with me to custom design the necklace I am wearing in this post, and we chose a heart with an “N” cut out in the corner for my little Nico.  Lori is a digital artist and designer whose work with 3D models inspired her to create 3D printed jewelry.  Most of her early designs were created as birthday or wedding gifts for friends, and she prides herself on her custom one-of-a-kind designs.  Her silver and stainless steel pieces are both beautiful and original, and I’m so happy to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift!

What is 3D printing you ask?  Lori describes the printing process here if you’d like to read on.

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Custom Necklace: c/o Love, Lori Michelle / Dress: F21 – similar / Sandals: Sam Edelman – red sold out, but many color choices here / Heart Sunnies: Amazon – super sale! / Heart Striped Tote: Ban.do / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute / Toes: Essie Lights

On Nico – Oxford Button Up Bodysuit: Baby GAP / Shorts: Crazy 8 / Fedora: Old Navy – similar / Stroller: Uppababy Vista

My 1st Mother’s Day was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more.  Nico woke up an hour later than his normal time babbling “Mama Mama” in his crib to awake me from slumber.  A whole extra hour to sleep in?  That never happens!  And saying Mama?  First time ever!  What better way to wake up on my first Mother’s day huh?

We ate breakfast together at home, and then headed outside as it was a perfect, sunny, beautiful day sans humidity.  Naturally the beach was calling our name!  Although it wasn’t quite bathing suit and ocean weather, it was a perfect day for walking around Coney Island.  It was just before tourist season, so it wasn’t too crowded.  We had delicious pizza at the new Grimaldi’s (which is super family friendly by the way), and we took a long walk on the boardwalk and out on the pier.  We watched people on the rides, got ice cream cones, and even played a little ski ball.  The best part was watching Nico’s face as he saw people the Cyclone for the first time.  I’m guessing he was thinking: 1) What is that, and 2) That looks awesome!  I love seeing him experience things for the first time, and I admit I even got a little teary.

We are headed off to New Hampshire this morning for the Memorial Day holiday.  If you want to follow our adventures, you can catch me on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

San Fran Style

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

On me: Dress: Free People (old) / Blouse: Forever 21 (sold out) / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Ankle Boots: H&M / Lip: MAC Heartless / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide

On Nico: Shirt & Bow Tie: Koala Baby via Babies “R” Us  / Jeans: Baby GAP (sold out) – also like these / Shoe Socks: Trumpette

The hubby had a conference/speaking engagement in San Francisco a few weeks ago, so Nico and I flew out to join him for a quick family trip across the country.  In retrospect, I am kind of asking myself what the hell was I thinking (re: A 3 hour time difference doesn’t mean anything to a baby, and 6 hours on a plane by myself? Why did I think this was a good idea?).  Waking up a 3am was a daily occurrence, and sitting in the hotel room at 5pm with the curtains drawn, trying to be quiet while eating take-out pho was a bit difficult as well.  However, at the end of the day, I kind of think it is hysterical, and I am really glad we made the trip.  I realized how much I can do on my own with a baby…I mean, I’m always up for a challenge right?  My current challenges have just migrated from Tough Mudder races to “what can this mom accomplish today” type challenges haha.  We were able to see a lot of friends and family, and we explored a bit in a much warmer climate for a few days, so I cannot complain!  On the day these photos were taken, we got dressed up for a lovely outdoor brunch with a wonderful group of people.  We followed it up with a beautiful walk on the water in Marina and in Ft. Mason Park.  I love seeing Nico’s face as he sees a new part of the world for the first time.  He just takes it all in, and I can tell he is going to enjoy traveling just like his parents.

We had a nice Brooklyn weekend here in the city.  The hubs got a new iPhone for his birthday.  We met our friend’s new 4 week old baby for the first time, who was absolutely adorable! (You forget how little they once were!)  We also hosted a little Babies & Bagel’s St. Paddy’s Day brunch with our local parent/baby group in our neighborhood.

To all my fellow Irish out there…and all of those celebrating…Happy St. Paddy’s Day, and have a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina

It’s Electric

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And it’s back to my uniform this summer…the maxi dress!  I scored this one at a discount price from a local spot near my office.  Again, it’s not maternity, which makes me happy because I know I will be able to wear it post-pregnancy.  I love the rainbow of colors on this dress, and it was perfect for a beautiful sunny Saturday family reunion with my Dad’s side of the fam.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore – similar / Sunnies: Modcloth / Sandals: Dolce Vita (on sale!) / Necklace: Baublebar / Bracelets: J. Crew, Flair Accessories, ASOS, and c/o Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Toes: Essie DJ Play That Song / Lip: MAC Snob

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Girl’s night went off with a hitch last night.  Mucho thanks to my girl Ailie for graciously painting my toes (I can no longer reach them).  I am not a big fan of feet, and not sure I would have jumped at this opportunity had the roles been reversed, so this task was very much appreciated!  We had a great night of nail painting, mud-masking, movie watching, and festival chicken.

This morning I rose early to meet my cousin Seamus for breakfast in the city.  He is in town from Cali to surprise his sister today as she is giving birth to another little baby tomorrow.  So sweet!  The last time I saw him was on his wedding day to my cousin Alex, so it was great to catch up!  So glad we were able to make a little get-together happen this morning.

Hope you are all enjoying the week so far!

XO,

Gina

Retro Rainbow

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ModCloth had a sale recently, and I couldn’t help but snag a few retro-style items from their online store.  This rainbow frock totally brightens my day, and I’m in love with these new cat-eye sunnies.  I’m also excited that I was able to score another non-maternity dress to rock while prego.  That way, I can also wear it post-bump!  Little Man is getting bigger and bigger.  And Mom is too.  These photos were taken at 26 weeks, and today I hit week 27.  3rd trimester here we go!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: ModCloth / Cat-Eye Sunnies: ModCloth / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel – similar  / Earrings: ? (old) / Lip: MAC Candy Yum-Yum / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

After a beautiful weekend of sunshine, we have been getting some crazy storms up here!  I have to say, I’m glad it wasn’t the opposite.  We spent the weekend getting some errands done, picking up supplies for a small DIY house project, hanging out with friends for a birthday party and a cookout, playing some corn hole, and an impromptu trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island.

Please send some love and prayers this way as my Uncle is currently having surgery today.  He’s been through a lot these past few months, and this surgery is extremely crucial to his health and well-being.  So any positive thoughts you can spare would be much appreciated!

Hope you all are having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina

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Dotted in the Desert

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The weather was beautiful in Southern Arizona, and I was so happy to be rockin’ a sleeveless dress with no jacket!  I wore this little handkerchief hem dress to the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, and I even got a little suntan!  This flowy little number was perfect for my prego belly and very comfortable in cotton.  And I must mention that this dress is not a maternity dress!  I have found that by buying dresses san zippers and in comfy material, I can find items that are much more fashion forward than the typical things I have been finding in the maternity sections (although there have been some good exceptions!)

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Target / Sunnies: LOFT / Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Skull Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Bow Bracelet: Baublebar / Toe Polish: Essie Avenue Maintain

Today is overcast, a little rainy, and a little chilly here in New York, making me miss that Arizona sun!  This week I’ve been trying to play catch up at work, at the doctor’s, with my DVR, and on life in general.  Hubby had to skip town for a quick business trip to Atlanta, so we are going to celebrate our two year anniversary (bc Arizona just wasn’t enough) with a date night when he returns on Friday.

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Gina

Find the Sun {Waveborn}

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My Waveborn sunnies arrived in the mail, and I was super excited to rock them this past weekend!  For each pair of Italian designed and handcrafted shades you purchase, Waveborn provides a new pair of prescription eyeglasses or funds a portion of vision-restoring cataract surgery for a person in need through their partners Unite for Sight and SEE International.

They are currently hosting a crowdfunding campaign so they can continue to bring you more styles and colors for 2013.  They raised over $10,000 on the first day of their campaign, and the numbers are still increasing.  There is still plenty of time to join the campaign, so check it out!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Sunglasses: c/o Waveborn / Maxi Dress: Target / Jean Jacket: American Eagle / Flip Flops: J. Crew – similar / Bag: Longchamp – this color sold out, but more colors here / Travel Bag: Urban Outfitters (old) / Earrings: ? (old) / Necklace: Family Heirloom /  Chevron Stack Rings: Baublebar / Snake Bangle: Henri Bendel – sold out, but shop bangles here / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Guilty Jean, ASOS, Baublebar (similar) / Nails: Essie Mint Candy Apple w/ Madison Avenue Hue accent nail / Toes: Essie Avenue Maintain / Lip: MAC Impassioned

I was very excited to find this colorful maxi dress for such a bargain price at Target this past week!  Typically, with my 5’0 stature, it’s very difficult for me to find a maxi dress that isn’t too long.  I suppose since this dress was in the “juniors” section, maybe it was a bit shorter.  Or could it be because I’m now sporting a little baby bump?  Either way, I plan on rocking maxi dresses all summer long.  Frankly, I have found the majority of maternity clothes I have come across to be old-looking, frumpy, and just plain ugly.  Of course, there have been some good finds here and there, but I am beginning to think gorgeous maxis from the regular sections (sans ones with zippers) may be the way to go this spring/summer!

Happy Hump Day!

XO,

Gina

Boho Spring {Guilty Jean Series #4}

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This is my fourth and final post from the Guilty Jean series.  This is one of my favorite spring/summer dresses, and I love the way the Guilty Jean jewelry adds to this boho look.  It has been a ton of fun accessorizing my looks with the Guilty Jean pieces these past couple weeks.  Nicole and Maria are extremely talented designers, and they put love into every single piece they make.  Thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of this collaboration!

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Photos by: Justin Goldberg of Eudora Video Solutions

Dress: Language (old) via Amity Boutique in OBX / Tank (under dress): Nordstrom / Jacket: American Eagle / Ankle Boots: Target / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. / All Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sinner and Saint Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sunglasses: NY Street Vendor / Lip: MAC Snob

Make sure to check out the Guilty Jean website.  Besides the fact that their 20% sale is still going on for their “Sinner and Saint” and “Rockstar Buddha” collections, they have some phenomenal new pieces in their spring/summer “Love, Gypsy” collection as well!

It’s another beautiful day so far up here in the Big Apple.  Hope you all have been enjoying this sunshine!

XO,

Gina

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Spring Has Sprung {Guilty Jean Series #1}

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Here is the first outfit post from my Guilty Jean series, and this is one of my favorite looks of the bunch.  The weather was gorgeous for the first time this spring, and I was clearly loving it!  This look is girly, flirty, and fun, but definitely has a bit of edge as well.  When I found this dress and floral crown, I immediately couldn’t wait to add my Guilty Jean jewelry to complete the look.  I love how the skull and bow necklace sits at the perfect length, and the pop of turquoise on the bracelet is a perfect compliment to the pink and black color palette.  Spring has finally sprung!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Hot Topic (on sale!) / Jacket: Macy’s / Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Pretty Little Evil Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Turquoise Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Skull and Cross Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Ring: Forever 21 / Floral Crown: Urban Outfitters / Eyes: Make Up Forever – Lid: No 26 Fuchsia – Crease: No 58 Dark Raspberry – Brow: No 303 Diamond Pink / Lip: Mix of MAC Candy Yum-Yum and Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Smokin’ Hot

Of course, now that I am back in New York, I am feeling much chillier temps this week.  I am eager for that sunny, warm weather I experienced in Maryland this past weekend!  Come back to me!

This week has been a bit busy with unpacking, eating Easter leftovers, a girl’s night, and tonight I have photography class. Hope you are all having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina