fashion Archives - Page 8 of 16 - Popcorn and Pandas

Saturday Stroll

The weather has been so gorgeous, and last weekend was perfect for a Saturday stroll with the whole family. We headed over to Caton Park (near Prospect Park) to check out the kids playing soccer (boy, do I miss soccer!), and then headed out for a second family dinner at a local Thai restaurant. Yes, I had dessert before dinner…oops! But the coconut ice being sold at the fields was too yummy to turn down. Nico is loving his stroller (thanks Mimi/Nano and Aunt Angie/Uncle Adam!) We are pretty lucky to have received this gift as it’s basically the Mercedes Benz version of a stroller. It even has shocks! I have to say, it’s perfect for our bumpy neighborhood sidewalks, and it’s definitely getting a ton of use right now.

I’m feeling good and had a great post partum doc appointment this past week. Nico also had his 1 month appointment. He seriously disliked getting his shot (Mommy and Baby were both in tears.) However, he is hitting his milestones so far and is looking to be a healthy baby at this point, so I could not be happier!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Top: GAP / Tank: J. Crew / Jeans: Motherhood / Sunglasses: Waveborn / Shoes: MIA – on sale! / Earrings: ALDO / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Gorjana, Stella and Sparkle, and Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

Stroller: Uppababy Vista / Car Seat: Chicco Keyfit 30 / Chicco Car Seat Adapter for Uppababy: Amazon / Baby Blanket: Carter’s

Looking forward to the weekend and having Daddy home with us. I’m picking up a dress for one of my best friend’s wedding’s next weekend. I was super worried about how it was going to look having just had a baby, but luckily the material is forgiving and the color is black! Also, breastfeeding and walking around the neighborhood have proven to be advantageous to starting me off on getting my old figure back. I have to keep reminding myself that it took me 9 months to get the way I was, so getting back to normal is not going to happen overnight!

Also on our possible weekend agenda is taking Nico out for his first visit to the pumpkin patch! Hoping photos will follow.

Happy Friday and a Happy Weekend to all!

XO,

Gina

First Family Dinner Out

With all of the craziness of figuring out life with a newborn, I sometimes find myself not leaving the house for days on end. I also find that this isn’t very good for my sanity. The constant 24/7 loop of feed, change, sleep, repeat can be a little mind numbing, and as adorable as that little face is to look at every day, living in a constant loop can drive you a little nuts. Therefore, to break up the monotony, I have been trying to get out of the house for walks whenever possible. Nico loves the stroller, and we have been super blessed with amazing weather these past couple weeks. Two weekends ago, I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to take advantage of one of these walks and go out for our first family dinner. I put on “real” clothes (the pants are still maternity, but at least they weren’t sweats!), make-up, and even semi-did my hair…that’s as good as it was gonna get that day. We tried a new place in the neighborhood called Dogwood, which boasts southern comfort food, and was absolutely delicious. At three and a half weeks, Nico was an angel the entire time. It was as if he was allowing Zack and I to actually have a date night. Amazing. I know they say these “quiet sleeping times” won’t last forever and eventually he will be a toddler and impossible to bring out to dinner, but I am living in the moment, people…living in the moment and loving it.

On me / Shirt: StyleMint – similar / Pants: Motherhood / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Bag: ALDO – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: Baublebar / Bracelet: Baublebar – similar

On Nico / Shirt and Pants: Carter’s / Socks: Gymboree

Happy Monday everyone! Have a great week.

XO,

Gina

Happy 1st Birthday to Popcorn and Pandas

Would you believe that today marks one whole year that I decided to make the change to my little ole blog, popcorn and pandas? I know, I can’t believe it either. It’s been a crazy year full of adventures and travel, fashion and fun, pregnancy and now a new baby. It’s been wonderful and therapeutic to have this creative outlet to share with you all, and I am completely grateful that you all have chosen to follow along for this past year.

Below I have reflected a bit on some of your favorite posts this past year:

My first two outfit posts with the amazing photographer Marisa

Reminiscing a Rockin’ Summer

Summer Stripes

Lettered sweaters were my jam

Sported my favorite Halloween costume

Rang in the New Year in Winter White

Foxes became super trendy

I had some ups and downs, announced my pregnancy, and did a cool photo shoot with Justin to find out the sex of our Little Monkey

I added some Flair to my wardrobe

Craved everything peplum

Felt a little Guilty

I ate my first mangosteen

Went to Arizona and saw the Grand Canyon

I made some waves with Waveborn

Made fresh homemade tomato sauce and pesto from the garden

Enjoyed the sunrise on Branch Lake in Maine

Watched as my belly grew larger and larger

And gave birth to a beautiful baby boy

It’s been such a great year, and I am hopeful that this year will bring even greater joy. Thank you so much for following my adventures. Would love to hear any feedback that you have of things you want to see from me in the coming year. What you like/don’t like. What you want to see more or less of (outfit posts, lately posts, shopping posts, personal stories, photography, baby stuff, etc…) I have less free time on my hands, but hopefully I can make things happen!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

XO,

Gina

{16} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Children’s books. You know…Green Eggs and Ham, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Ugly Duckling, Blueberries for Sal. Starting Nico young and he is definitely soothed when people talk to him, so we are starting a nightly ritual. As you might imagine, I haven’t had much time for grown-up books these days, but I have been glossing over Health, Marie Claire, and Redbook magazines while pumping.

writing The majority of my writing these days has been logging feeding times for my little guy while we made sure he got back above his birth weight. He was born at 5 lbs. 1.6 oz, and dropped down to 4 lbs. 11 oz. At our last doctor’s appointment, he was well above his birth weight, and I’m pretty sure he is still gaining well! We are very happy he is a healthy growing baby boy.

listening Since Nico has arrived, I have been finding myself listening to more mellow jams. My “Relax” playlist on my iPhone has gotten a lot of play lately.

thinking I can’t believe how fast time is already flying. Nico is already over three weeks, and will hit his four week mark this Thursday. Insane! I’m also thinking that I am very lucky I got to enjoy the first family dinner out with my boys last night, and he was an angel the entire time!

smelling Mrs. Meyer’s baby oil. It smells amazing!

watching I basically caught up on every single TV show that I had on my DVR since I’ve been home. Not that I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands, but just a lot of time at home!

wishing For a little bit more sleep!

hoping To find some more time this week to work on this blog. I have a lot of posts I want to share of things that have been going on, but with a new baby on board, it’s definitely been a challenge!

wearing Mostly leggings and sweats lately. Comfort is key when nursing and staying at home. It’s also a challenge finding things that look flattering on you post-partum. What looks “adorable” with a baby bump does not look so adorable when it’s a post-prego fat bump. I am, however, happy to say that we shot our first post-pregnancy outfit shoot this past weekend! It was nice to put on real clothes again (although I’m still in my maternity pants), and I’m looking forward to sharing soon.

loving Being a mommy. As crazy and exhausting and emotional as it can be sometimes…the good times FAR outweigh the bad! I love seeing Nico smile and those newborn cuddles are just the best. He is such a sweet boy, and I feel so very lucky to have him in my life.

laughing Just took a look at my friend’s wedding highlight video, and saw all of us crazy clowns on the dance floor. One friend was even captured mid cartwheel. It was pretty hilarious!

wanting The weather to be nice this week. I have found that when I can get outside at least once a day and out of the house, I am so much saner and happier! Nico also loves riding around in his stroller, so we both win.

needing A mani/pedi. I was supposed to get my last one the week I went into labor, and so that never happened. I keep saying I will do it myself, but how do you pick up a baby with wet nails? Haha. Needless to say, I have also been sporting closed toed shoes when I leave the house.

feeling Pretty good! It took about two weeks for me to start feeling like my normal self again since giving birth. Besides being tired from a few sleepless nights, I feel quite good. I have managed to take some walks in the past two weeks, met up with a new mom group in the neighborhood last week, and I’m loving it.

craving A personal chef and a house cleaner. I barely have time to eat, let alone cook my food or scrub the floors.

clicking Googling three week baby milestones, and catching up on all my favorite blogs I have missed out on for the past few weeks.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Monday! Hope you all have a great week ahead!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

{15} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Just finished a couple books including Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. Maine was an okay beach read, but I honestly didn’t care for the characters all that much. They were a bit bitchy and whiny, and while they were all family, it was pretty tough for them to all get along. It was a decent read, but not a must for me. Sharp Objects on the other hand was a really good book. If you liked Gone Girl, then you will like this book as well. This mystery/thriller is an easy read that captures your attention, and makes you unable to put it down.

writing Finished all of my thank you notes for the many wonderful gifts we received for our little guy! I’m also writing up my to-do lists for how to train our new employee who is coming in next week and will be filling in while I’m on maternity leave. Can’t believe it’s almost that time!

listening Loving this summer jam, Reload by Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, and John Martin. Makes me wanna dance.

thinking It’s been a beautiful week here in NYC, and that I am incredibly lucky the weather has been kind to me this August.

smelling The new Bath and Body works lotion I got for my birthday, Rio Rumberry.

watching A French, indie film called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. I read the book a few years ago, and have been wanting to watch the movie ever since. It’s a true story about well-known man in the fashion industry who became a paraplegic and learned to communicate and write a novel with the blink of his eye. Fascinating.

wishing That the rocking chair/glider that just arrived for our nursery didn’t feel like it was taking over the entire room. I swear it didn’t look that big in the photos! I think I’m starting to get used to it, but when it first arrived, I was in a bit of shock!

hoping For a fun, yet productive weekend ahead! Planning on finally checking out the Hester Street Fair (for real this time), attending a Brooklyn Cyclones game with friends, and putting in some more work on the nursery.

wearing An old blue/green maxi skirt from American Eagle that I’ve had in my closet for awhile now paired with a coral and white striped maternity tee from Motherhood. Old Navy white flip flops for comfort, and my vintage sunnies.

loving These sexy, fall booties from ALDO. Gah, I can’t wait to wear heels again!

laughing We’ve been listening to all the comedy stations on XM Radio during our past few long car rides. I’m usually the driver, but Zack has had to drive a bit this summer due to my pregnancy sleepiness. We find that laughing while driving is a good way to stay awake.

wanting To be with my family this week in the Outer Banks, NC on our annual vacation. It’s the one time of the year when both sides of my family all get together, and it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year. However, I know I’m staying put in NY for a very good reason! Luckily, the weather has been so great here, and I have been keeping myself distracted with a busy work schedule and prepping for the baby to arrive. I just flash forward to next year when we will have an almost-one-year-old running around with us at the beach!

needing To get my hospital bag packed. Next week I’ll be full term, and they say you could go at any time between 37-42 weeks. I know that is a big, open time frame, but you also never know when the little one will want to make his debut! Therefore, that is on the top of my list for weekend priorities.

feeling Pretty good! Sometimes it’s hard to get comfortable, and I have to pee at all times, but overall, I am feeling pretty good in these last few weeks of pregnancy.

craving Sweets. It’s probably not good, and I typically have a sweet tooth anyway…but I’m finding myself wanting something sweet almost every day now. I guess I can milk these last few weeks while I can 😉

clicking Through many animated commercials that our new clients have done. Been trying to familiarize myself with their work as much as I can.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

Milk and Honey

A bunch of new restaurants and coffee shops have popped up in our Brooklyn neighborhood of Ditmas Park lately, so we decided to check out this one last Saturday morning. We met up with a fellow soon-to-be mom at Milk and Honey to discuss the possibility of a nanny share come January. I love the decor of the space, and the breakfast food and drinks were very yummy. I anticipate we will be returning in the future!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Ikat Dress: Borrowed – similar / Tank: Old Navy / Sandals: Dolce Vita / Shades: Vintage / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel and Baublebar / Nails: Essie Naughty Nautical / Lip: Lancome Fleur Impressioniste

These pics were taken during my 35th week, and today marks week 36. Eeeek!!

It’s a rainy Tuesday here in the NYC, and I’m wishing I was down in the Outer Banks, NC with my fam at the beach on vacation. But I certainly have enough to keep me busy here at work this week with two new clients, a potential new hire, and lots more.

Have a good one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Florida Style in Maine

For some reason, this dress reminds me of something I would find in a Florida boutique. Maybe it’s the soft colors, the silky feel, or the floral print. I found it on sale at Francesca’s (non-maternity score again!), and had to have it for my summer trip to Maine. I wore this on our last night out to dinner in Elsworth (at 30 weeks pregnant), added the belt, and some gold accessories to complete the look. I am still reminiscing about the amazing view we had from our lake house.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Francesca’s / Shoes: Dolce Vita (on sale!) / Belt: ? / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel / Earrings: gifted / Nails: Essie Forever Yummy / Toes: Essie In the Cabana / Lip: MAC Snob

It’s overcast and cooler today in NYC, and I have to say I’m actually grateful! It’s been brutally hot for my prego body, and today’s cooler temperatures made my walk to the subway this morning a bit easier. Today I hit the 33 week mark! One month away from being full term. Holy crap. We were able to get rid of our guest bed last night, so we have some space to work with in trying to get the nursery together. I also managed to schedule our pediatrician consults, so hoping to make a decision on that in the near future.

I’ve got a busy day at the office today with a few meetings and lots of resume reviewing.

Happy Tuesday!

XO,

Gina

Fashion for the Fourth

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1. Nautical Knot Earrings: J. Crew / 2. Red Stripe Sperry Top Siders: Nordstrom / 3. American Flag Sunnies: PacSun / 4. Tory Burch Kelsey Laser Cut Tote: Neiman Marcus / 5. Religion Flag Tee: We Like Fashion / 6. NARS Jungle Red Lipstick: Beauty.com / 7. Gucci Envelope Clutch: Profile Fashion / 8. American Flag Shorts: We Like Fashion / 9. Red Retro Sunnies: Liberty / 10. Nautical Stripe Bangle: Coach / 11. Anthony Peto White Panama Hat: Modewalk / 12. Red and White Stripe Button Dress: New Look / 13. Red and White Stripe Tote: Modcloth / 14. Americana Pillow: Calypso St. Barth / 15. Dolce Vita Striped Sandals: Jildor / 16. NARS China Blue Eyeshadow: Beauty.com / 17. Vintage Style Polka Dot Bathing Suit: Unique Vintage / 18. Red and White Sailor Dress: Attitude Holland / 19. Navy and White Sweetheart Dress: Forever 21 / 20. Navy and White Soludos: Shopbop / 21. Marc Jacobs Red Jean Shorts: Stylebop / 22. Fossil Watch: Piperlime / 23. Z Designs Anchor Necklaces: MetroPark / 24. Essie Butler Please: Target

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The 4th of July is right around the corner, and I decided to put together this little red, white, and blue inspiration board to put me in the mood! We are getting extremely excited for our upcoming mini-vacation to the cutest lake-side cottage in Maine. But first, we have a wedding to celebrate on Maryland’s Eastern Shore! We are headed down there tonight to celebrate our friends Kurt and Tiffany tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited.

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Happy Friday, and hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

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XO,

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Gina

Skull Tank Revisited

You may remember this top from earlier this spring when the weather was still a bit on the chilly side. I decided to break it out again for summertime while it still covers my baby bump. I paired it with some mint short shorts and some comfy sneaks for a fun filled family day in Maryland. We had our belated Father’s Day celebration this past Sunday with both my family and my husband’s, complete with crab cakes (because that’s what Maryland’s all about right?), brisket, chicken, corn on the cob, pasta salad, strawberry salad, beans, homemade tortillas, rolls, ice cream, cake, a musical performance, a little rain, a little sunshine, and a lot of fun.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skull Tank: Hot Topic – similar / Mint Shorts: Motherhood Maternity – non maternity version / Sneaks: ALDO / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (2), ASOS, Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Chevron Ring: Baublebar / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Lip: Korres Guava Lipstick Natural Pink #13

Last night, we went to our final child birth class and learned a lot about breastfeeding and newborn care. I’m really glad we decided to take the class, and now we feel a lot more confident going into the whole birthing experience. Tonight, I am joining the ladies for a spa night in complete with manicures, pedicures, and facials! Whoo! Nothing like a little mid-week pampering. The rest of the week, I plan on relaxing, and getting ready to travel back down to Maryland again for my friends Kurt and Tiffany’s wedding on the Eastern Shore! Shortly after returning from that trip, we head off to Maine for our last mini vacay of the summer. Fun times ahead!

Hope you all are stayin’ cool this Tuesday.

XO,

Gina

Retro Rainbow

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!

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