Secrets Under Party Dresses

Strapless-tribal-dress-Party-Dress

Strapless-tribal-dress-Party-Dress

Strapless-tribal-dress-Party-Dress

Strapless-tribal-dress-Party-Dress

Holiday In Tahiti Printed Dress By MM Couture
  & Shoes – Ruche // Earrings – I forget 

Ready to go out for the evening, and have some fun, I donned this little dress, and got my bike ready.  See a pretty dress and fast and constant *think 40 minutes each way on average* cycling do go together when you hide those ever-so-practical bike shorts under the dress.  That’s kind of what I love.  Many people are surprised as to how I bike around the city for months on end in flirty dresses without exposing myself.  My secret?  Short and tight bike shorts.  Guaranteed that even if I fall off my bike my knickers will be nice and covered.   Not only smart, but also hilarious when in answer to their question, I quickly lift my skirt, and for that tiny moment before they see the shorts, they don’t know what to expect!
That’s just how I roll….on my bike…yeah, I’m funny sometimes.  
This clearly not being one of them. 

How To Pack For A Week Away

packing-tips-how-to

The best way to have a stress free vacation is to pack and plan beforehand, then you know you’ve got everything you need and there’s nothing to worry about. The way I start is this, I flat lay every outfit that I intend to wear.  Literally.

I put it all together with shoes and accessories out on my bed as I go.  Once an outfit is done, I take a picture with my phone.  This way I remember everything I planned and I just have to scan through the gallery while away to pick the day’s outfit.  Then I create another outfit, ideally utilizing some items again.  The goal is as much remixing as possible, and as little packing.

Though #1 is an outfit I wore a while back.  I liked it a lot, and decided to re-wear it the first day as I thought it was the best sitting in car outfit.  The cardigan from #2 was also planned as an option for #3 and #4 in case it was cooler – and it was actually only needed for about an hour in the morning.  I also, had the cardigan from #7 and the kimono from #6 as another option to wear with the dress from #5 in case of cooler weather as well.  And if you notice, I’m wearing the same 3 little shoes in each outfit.

All my necklaces were also remixed into each and every day.  Thus, for 6 days away I brought my small carry-on which also held my make up, cosmetic, and all my running gear *which you don’t see* and I didn’t even use all the space.


I hope that helps.  If you have any packing tips I’d love to hear all about it in the comments…if you’re willing to share your secrets that is.

Weakness For Boats, and Other Sartorial Elements

Sailboat-Ruffle-Dress-Braids

Sailboat-Ruffle-Dress-Braids

Sailboat-Ruffle-Dress-Braids

Sailboat-Ruffle-Dress-Braids
Sailboat dress – Ruche // Necklace – F21  //  Cardigan – Old Navy

As a preteen and teen I spent a lot of time on the water, sailing.  It was the thing that I would do practically every weekend in decent weather.  I studied knots, and techniques, and radio regulations, etc. etc.  While I don’t do that now, I do have a severe weakness for a good boat print.  When it’s a sailboat print on a blue dress with ruffles, it’s pretty much three weaknesses in one.

*linking up with WIWW*

Insta Saturday

Check out Instagram for more daily fun.

Gazebos? Really?

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono

Palazzo-Pants-Wool-Fedora-Cocoon-Kimono
Lace Top – Free People   //  Palazzo Pants – Lush  //  Kimono – made by me  //  Sandals & Hat – Threadsence  //  Sunnies – Lace Affair  //  Necklace and earrings – don’t recall *old*

There’s this secret that everyone else is in on, and yet I’m left out of.  It’s a secret that everyone just instinctively knows, it’s in the DNA, except that I seem to be missing that gene.  It’s the “What the heck is the real purpose of Gazebos” gene.

Honestly, what is the purpose and the logic of having a tiny little gazebo shoved in around a beach, trees, and field?  It’s only big enough for maybe three people and it seems to serve no function.  I have yet to find a gazebo of who’s purpose and function I am capable of gleaming.

It’s a tiny little wood structure in the middle of nowhere with rather uncomfortable seating, so it’s plain that they don’t want you resting there. The views are usually obstructed by timber. It’s never in a convenient location. Plus, there’s a decided lack of hammocks. So really, what’s a gazebo for?

Other than being a fun background for a fashion blogger of course.

Running Lanes and Sheds

HI-Low-Embroidered-Dress-Wool_Fedora-Boho-Gypsy

HI-Low-Embroidered-Dress-Wool_Fedora-Boho-Gypsy

HI-Low-Embroidered-Dress-Wool_Fedora-Boho-Gypsy

HI-Low-Embroidered-Dress-Wool_Fedora-Boho-Gypsy

HI-Low-Embroidered-Dress-Wool_Fedora-Boho-Gypsy
Embroidered Hi-Low Dress – En Creme via Ruche //  Wool Fedora & Arrow Necklace – Threadsence  //  Sandals & Stone Rings – F21  //  Sunnies – Lace Affair  // Long Necklace – Top Shop  //  Leaf Ring – I forget

While away it was a pure joy to run down this country road.  It was long and hilly with lots of great farms along the way, and I was able to just not think and run while listening to Tina Fey’s Bossypants. Whenever I turned off the main road and saw this tiny little shed, I knew my run was really starting.  It marked the first third of my planned mileage and this is when I felt I could really open up.  On the way back, the shed gave me hope that I was but a mere third from home and yes, I really could do this.  So you see, either way it has some great feelings attached to it already.

I  made a mental note to come back on a walk and take some outfit shots along my favorite country lane and tiny shed.

I’ll miss you.

*linking up with Passion for FashionWIWW*

Troll Bridge

ModaMama

ModaMama

ModaMama
Cardigan – Field of Flowers via Anthropologie  // Top – Vanessa Virginia  // Jeans – Dittos  //  Sandals & Necklaces – F21 

The camp we were recently at had a whole bunch of these fun bridges over little creeks and flood areas.  My girl had a great time pretending to be the grumpy old troll on the bridge.  She would make me give her hugs and kisses to cross – not a toll I mind paying!  I on the other hand, had a fun time posing on them. Swinging on them was fun too! *check instagram for that shot*

Decades of Palazzo Pants

Palazzo-Pants-Tiper_shirt

Palazzo-Pants-Tiper_shirt

Palazzo-Pants-Tiper_shirt

Palazzo-Pants-Tiper_shirt
Tiger Top – H&M // Palazzo Pants –  Staring at Stars //  Shoes – Payless  //  Sunnies – Lace Affair  //  Zebra Necklace – Lustre Boutique

I’ve always had a thing for palazzo pants.  But for a while there * read: ten years or more* they have been out of style and therefore you couldn’t find a pair to save your life.  Same thing with kimonos – three cheers for that resurgence! Now they’re everywhere and I’m stocking up for the next ten years.  They may then be out of style, but I love how they look and they’re staying in my closet. You know those things that you like regardless of trend?  This is one of those things.

And ultimately, isn’t that what defines personal style.

p.s. That blue wristband is a permanent accessory for the next little while as it signifies my permission to be on the grounds and get all my meals.  So…yeah.

Insta Saturday

Follow ModaMama on Instagram for all the behind the scenes goofy shoots and my gypsy inspiration!

The Dress That Goes Everywhere

Bohemian-Spanish-Dress

Bohemian-Spanish-Dress

Bohemian-Spanish-Dress

Bohemian-Spanish-Dress
Dress – Bershka  //  Shoes – Payless  //  Arrow Necklace – Threadsence  //  Sunnies – Lace Affair

As I’ve mentioned before this dress has traveled with me everywhere since I bought it about six or seven years ago in Spain.  It’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made in that respect.  I love it – it’s loose and comfy, and I’ve never gotten tired of the ruffles and the fun print.  It will continue to travel with me everywhere – accruing a menagerie of memories along the years.

Do you guys have pieces like that?  I’d love to hear the stories if you don’t mind sharing.

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