Category :Florals

Relinquishing to the Sun and Wind

Top – Motel Rocks//  Jeans – Gap  //  Belt – AE  //  Sandals – I forget  //  Sunnies – F21  //  Earrings – I forget.

Some days are just this whirlwind that is life, and I relinquish myself to the air.  This day I spent time recording a self-tape audition for a tv series, biked in glorious heat across town while listening to a Star Trek audiobook, spun and reveled in outfit self-portraits while the folks over the security cameras probably laughed, fenced and fought for a few hours, and biked again while the city sighed under the cool evening.  
Days like this I try not to think and just enjoy the hedonistic pleasures of the physical exertions and the sun and wind on my skin.

*linking up with WIWW, Passion for Fashion, and Style Sessions*

Taking What No One Wants

Tank & Jeans – Gap  //  Vest, Belt & Sunnies – F21  //  Hat – unknown brand  //  Shoes – Rocketdog  //  Necklace – thrifted

My last day in NYC I packed up and walked around airplane ready.  Now for those of you who are imagining me tramping about Central Park here burdened with luggage, I will say this:  I went to NYC for five days with a small backpack that was half full.  I had all my necessary cosmetics, and clothes, in that to last me a week.  Yes, my secret talent is packing lighter than most think is humanly possible.  On the way back, my backpack was full only because I had such great thrifting success! 

Case in point:  I picked up this necklace for under $4. 

Side note:  thank you once more everyone for hating on this vest.  Because no one wanted it, I grabbed it from the F21 website clearance for a measly $7.  And I love it!

1950’s Propaganda Poster

Romper – Honey Punch  //  Tank – Jacob  //  Hat – no label  //  Sweater –  Love Stitch //  Necklace – ModCloth  //  Turquoise bracelet – H&M  // Turquoise & Silver bracelet – unknown  //  Shoes & Sunnies – F21
I only buy cheap sunglasses.  Why?  Because I break them all the time.  I’m just cruel to them.  So of course, when mine broke the day before because I rudely shoved them to the bottom of my purse, I had to get a new pair.  I branched out a bit and went with aviators, and I’ll tell you why.
I wore an almost exact version of this outfit a few days back, and one man said to me, “You look like a 1950’s propaganda poster…but in a good way.”  With this on my brain, it seemed that the only sunglasses I could buy was a pair of cool aviators.  Now I’m so glad I did.  Aviators rock. 
* Remember you Emerging Thoughts, has given ModaMama readers an exclusive discount code – 20% off with code “JOANNA”  I really love this independent shop – it has great selection and great quality.*  

Don’t Laugh at a New York Security Guard

Dress – Love Audrey  //  Necklace – forgot  //  Hat – no name on inside  //  Shoes – Rocketdog  //  Sunnies – F21
My first stop on my very first day back in NYC was Whole Foods for a granola bar, iced tea, and salad.  It was a late breakfast and though some may think it’s weird to have salad for breakfast – I love my greens!  
My second stop however, was less health conscious.  It was Macaron cafe, opened by a French ex-pat, who makes the best macarons outside of France.  I always come here whenever I’m in NYC.  A Canadian eating French macarons in New York – so cosmopolitan.  
I also had the pleasure of being there for the Taste of Times Square festival where more delicious food was sampled.  And the day was rounded off with a purchase for Baby Girl at FAO Schwartz.  I bought her the softest stuffed animal I have ever felt in my entire life.  She sleeps with it now.  
She better sleep with it, because I got chased off the divider I stood on to get this picture by a burly security guard.  He was not happy with me at all.  I started giggling.  I think that made him madder.

Garbage Meltdowns

Dress – Ruche  //  Jacket – Old Navy  //  Necklace & Hat – F21  //  Boots – Feet First
A box arrived for my husband.  Inside there was an item – which is not relevant for our purposes – that was packed with that styrofoam popcorn stuff.  Baby Girl saw this and wanted to play with it desperately.  Us, being the ever diligent parents aware of choking hazards and other things, said, “No, honey.  It’s garbage.”  At which point, while Andrew went out to throw it in the garbage, I was left with a tantrum induced toddler screaming repeatedly at the top of her lungs, ” I want garbage!” 
Not moments later all was right with the world and she was happily prancing about again.  Ah, the unpredictable pendulum that is the 2 year old psyche. 

Raw Kale and Toddlers

Top – Winners //  Skirt – F21 dress that I converted to a skirt  //  Belt – swapped  //  Hat & Sunnies – F21
Our friends call us the Hippie parents.  And I always wonder why exactly.  Sure we grow veggies in our garden, eat organic, gluten and dairy free as well.  And no we don’t stress over her eating dirt or kissing the dog; germs are good for her immunity.  But here’s what explained things for me. 
I was busy juicing veggie juice for all of us.  I turned around to see Baby Girl standing and munching on the raw kale from the bowl of veggies prepped for juicing.  She was happily eating away and smiling at me.  I smiled back and started juicing.  Then she got upset because I juiced her ‘snack’ *that’s what she called it*  Juicing veggies, and a girl who gets upset when you take away her raw kale?  Yup, we’re hippie parents all right.  If by ‘hippie’ you mean kick ass awesome! Come on, a toddler who eats raw kale and likes it?!  That’s got to be some kind of achievement.

The Bike Weathered Winter Though I Did Not

Sweater – Kensie  //  Cardigan – Gap  //  Pants – Skies Are Blue  //  Shoes – ModCloth  //  Necklace – Ruche  //  Jacket – Old Navy
The first nice day of the bike season my baby was out of the shed and cruising around town.  It handled the winter well, and was more than ready for the Spring.  All the guy at the shop had to do was tightens a few gears and put air in the tires.  Me however?  Not so much.  I had to run around town like mad and ended up biking for a total of 3 hours.  And I live in a very hilly area.  The bike may have held up well, but my body did not.  Granted the hour and a half kung fu class certainly didn’t help. 
I love Spring!
Quote of Today:
“My knuckles are bruised and I’m bleeding a little bit.  Awesome!”

Zou Bisou Bisou

Dress & Purse – H&M  // Tights – Hansel from Basel  //  Boots – Feet First  //  Earrings – Threadsence
Eagle Ring – Lulus  //  Black-Gold Ring – F21
New Year’s Eve.  For the first time in three years we had a sitter for the night and can go out.  So out on the town we went.  First stop, a Mad Men themed party.  So instead of channeling Betty, I decided to channel Don Draper’s second (or third depending on how you count it) wife, Megan.  I didn’t have to do a rendition of “Zou Bisou Bisou,”  but the temptation was there.

Also, I’m kind of sad to see Dressember go, but excited to wear pants again.
So show me, how did your last two days of Dressember go?

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Dressember Week Three Link Up

Dress – ModCloth  //  Cardi – H&M  //  Tights – HUE
Boots – Feet First  //  Necklace and Belt – F21
It may be sweet dressing, but I am drawn to big classic floral dresses like this one.  Perhaps my own biting and sarcastic mind is starving to create some sort of balance.  Or perhaps it’s a soft exterior designed to fool and lull into submission.   Whatever the reason, this is the exterior.
Now, let’s see how week three of Dressember went for you.  Link up your post, FB pic or twitter pic.  I’d love to see how things went.  And of course, a link back or button display is much appreciated.  

ModaMama

ModaMama

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When The Walls Come Down

Dress – Lace Affair  //  Sweater – Kensie  //  Fringe Cardi – Reverse 
Necklace – Threadsence  //  Tights – HUE  //  Booties – Walmart  //  Headband – The Trendy Owl
Sometimes the very notion of something fitted and something directly touching my skin and creating any friction is repellent.  On those days I turn to loose, flowing layers and gentle, soft fabrics.  If something must touch my skin it better be a soft and serene graze.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that on those days I also reach for florals, cozy blankets, tea, and comforting books.   Sometimes our adult thick skin wears a bit thin and we need to feel safe and comforted.  A lazy walk with a cute little girl doesn’t hurt either.
True Story:
Andrew was working on fixing the window in Baby Girl’s room.  
She decided to show off by climbing into her crib.  Once inside she wanted out.  
Andrew, knowing she was well contained in there, kept delaying and putting her off.  
When he finally lifted her out of the crib and set her down.  
She looked him right in the eyes, gave him a big smile, and smacked him a good one on the arm. 
Then she ran off fully satisfied that he got his comeuppance.