Floral Fit & Flare

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I’m tiny, yet curvy (even more so now post baby), so the classic fit & flare has always been a favorite silhouette of mine.  I found this Pim & Larkin floral beauty on sale via Piperlime, and I had to snag it for wedding season.  Unfortunately, this one is sold out, but they have other gorgeous options as well.  I particularly love the two black and white striped fit & flare options you’ll see on this page.

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Dress: Pim & Larkin via Piperlime – sold out, but love their other options here /  Shoes: Sole Society / Clutch: Express / Shades: ModCloth / Bracelet & Earrings Set: Gifted / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch (discontinued – Wannabe is similar)

I apologize for falling off the world (wide web) these past few weeks.  It’s just that it’s summer time, and I have been having way to much fun enjoying it rather than writing about it.  I’ve been taking photos along the way, but I’ve been too busy to bother with editing and uploading.  Sorry, not sorry. These were taken back on our trip to Rock Hall, MD.  We were on our way to the rehearsal dinner, and we passed a drive-through wildlife refuge.  There was no question, we had to turn back around and take a peek.  We saw a hawk, baby deer, a few more birds and a gorgeous landscape which turned out to be a beautiful back drop for a photo op as well.

This summer has been epic for road travel.  Who would have thought we could handle this many adventures as a family of three?  I have to say, Nico is taking these road trips like a champ and he seems to enjoy every new place we take him.  I have so much to share from the rest of Rock Hall, Cape May, and Rehoboth, and I promise I will give it my best effort, but I have to warn you we have the North Fork, Deep Creek Lake, and the OBX on the horizon!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as I am.

XO,

Gina

Vintage Style Swimsuits

Vintage Style Swimsuits
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 
Also a fan of these suits from grey dog (not pictured).
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?
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.
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!
Hope you have a happy one!
XO,
Gina

Rainy Day Essentials

As I sit and listen to the rain fall against my windowpane, it only seemed appropriate to put together a collection of rainy day essentials.  While the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers, I’m willing to bet we will still get a fair amount of rain this spring.  These pieces help to embrace the stormy weather while we wait for brighter days.
Rainy Day Essentials
1.  Wide Brim Hat: ASOS – To cover your head on those days when it’s sprinkling or when it’s too windy for your umbrella.
2.  Umbrella Studs: Etsy – Embrace the rainy day with these adorable studs.
3.  Panda Umbrella: ModCloth – I mean, is this not the cutest umbrella you have ever seen?!  I need this.
4.  Waterproof Mascara: Tarte – Because running mascara is not a good look.
4.  Rainboots: Hunter – Rainboots are a must in the city, and these bright pink ones boost my mood on a rainy day.
5.  Hairspray : Dove – For those frizzy fly-aways, because we all know rain equals a bad hair day.
6.  Teapot: Occa Home – The most adorable vintage teapot, because there is nothing like a cup of hot tea while you watch the rain fall.
7.  Rain Earrings: Etsy – Remember when we were kids and we used to splash through the puddles and get excited about the rain? These earrings bring me back to that place.
 8.  Raincoat: ModCloth – Who says you can’t look cute in the rain?  The polka dot raincoat is fabulous!
Happy Rainy Thursday!
XO,
Gina
-Wide B

 

 

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

Spring Statements {Stella & Dot Series #2}

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Dress: Forever 21 / Trench: H&M / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: Essie Mink Muffs / Norah Pendant Necklace, Norah Cuff, Nancy Studs, & Tia Crossbody: All on loan from Stella & Dot

Here is Part 2 of the Stella & Dot spring shoot featuring their new line of jewelry and accessories!  How amazing is that Norah Pendant?!?!  I love how it sparkles and compliments the blue from my dress.  Versatility is a big trend this season, and the Tia Crossbody is a great example.  Notice how I am not wearing it as a crossbody?  The removable strap turns it instantly into a clutch.  It photographed a bit pink here, but the true color is more of a coral.  I am also a fan of their Sutton Necklace (not pictured) that you can wear 5 different ways.

Shop the shoot here at my online trunk show that I will be hosting for the next three weeks, and view the rest of this fabulous collection!  Shoppers will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off.

Hope you East Coasters are enjoying this week’s surprisingly warmer weather!  Last night, I played in my first soccer game in over a year with 60 degree weather…and we won…and I didn’t suck too terribly.  I couldn’t have asked for a better first night back!

XO,

Gina

Feels Like Summer

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Photos by: Al Guaragna / Edited by: Myself

Skirt: ASOS – similar / Tank: Nordstrom / Sandals: Dolce Vita – similar herehere, 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

I Didn’t Listen

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Blazer: Target / Peplum Top: StyleMint – sold out, but also like this one and this one / Pants: Motherhood / Sunnies: ModCloth / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne – on sale! / Necklace: Forever 21 / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Baublebar and Henri Bendel / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: MAC Candy Yum Yum

I didn’t listen.  They told me not to wear white.  “You’re a new mom.  Moms just can’t wear white.”  I despised this statement.  I thought to myself, “I can rock white.  Just because I’m a mom, now I can’t wear white?  But I like white.  Who cares what they say.  I’m going to be a rebel and do it anyway.”  So I flounced around in ivory lace skirts and more recently in this winter white blazer.  Well, I’m sad to say, everyone was right.  This white blazer lasted no more than an hour on our leisurely Saturday afternoon.  I won’t go into details, but you can probably imagine a scenario or two that could have happened to my white blazer.  The only upside was that I got to (had to) buy a new sweater to wear for the rest of the day.  The take away from this experience: I am not going to stop wearing white.  However, I will most likely save my white wearing days for those when I am back in the office with no little munchkins around.

It’s starting to get chilly here in New York City, and I am getting super excited for a little mini vacay we are taking to Florida on Wednesday!  The weather is looking nice and warm for our trip, and I have a fresh mani/pedi for the occasion (thanks hubby for watching Nico so I could enjoy 90 minutes of bliss).  It’s time to get packin’ over here.

Hope you all enjoy the week!

XO,

Gina

Horsing Around

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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

Skirt the Issue

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Got an ever-growing baby bump, and can’t really wear sweats and a t-shirt to the office?  No problem…skirt the issue!  Luckily, I can pretty much wear whatever I want to work on a daily basis.  However, when I have meetings or lunches with clients or advertising creatives, I do like to look presentable!  This particular day, we were having a birthday lunch at the Mandarin Hotel for my boss and I, who both have our birthdays around the same time.  The meal was delicious, and the view overlooking Central Park was even better.  I scored this outfit at Motherhood Maternity, and both top and skirt are quite comfortable, yet presentable for the workplace.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skirt: Motherhood Maternity / Top: Motherhood Maternity / Shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack (sold out) – also like these / Sunnies: ModCloth / Bag: Longchamp / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Gorjana / Nails: Essie Rock the Boat / Lip: Lancome Groupie

My husband and I had a BUSY weekend.  Unfortunately, we never made it to that Hester Street Fair (don’t worry girls, we will make it before August is through!).  However, we made LOADS of progress on our little boy’s nursery.  I completed all of my thank you cards, Zack installed the carseat and built the stroller.  We figured out how to use all the stroller seats and attachments.  We built the bassinet stand, swing, rock and play, and activity gym.  We cleaned out the entire living room (so we can now sit on the couch), and found a place for almost everything, set up his dressers and started decorating the room.  We decorated his name in wooden letters, adorned an entire wall in monkey and tree decals.  We built a crib…loaded up shelves…I think there is actually more we completed if you can believe it, but my brain is too tired to think straight anymore!  Not to mention my body.  All this while 8 months prego, and a husband running a fever.  I have to say, we were pretty proud of ourselves.

After all our hard work, we decided to treat ourselves to a little dinner out last night at a new restaurant in the neighborhood called Wheated.  They boast fresh Neapolitan pizza.  Let’s just say we will be returning!  This whole area on Church Avenue is actually booming with new businesses and restaurants, so we discovered a whole slew of places that we need to try in the near future.

It’s a gorgeous day in NYC.  If every day in August is like this for the rest of my pregnancy, I promise to never complain!  It’s amazing.  Hope you all had an awesome weekend, and wishing you a very wonderful week ahead!

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