Browsing Tag:

gap

  • Everyday Fashion, Family Life

    A Birthday Letter

    Happy Birthday Declan!!

     

    To My Sweet Boy,

    Happy birthday Declan.  Three years old- you are no longer a baby but you will always and forever be MY baby.  For the last three years I have watched and traveled an incredible journey with you.  From a teeny teeny newborn on oxygen in an incubator to a walking, talking (too much at times), intelligent toddler.  From our home in Denver across to world to London and back again.  You are smart, you are funny and you are the absolute sweetest boy I know.  Your passion for life and Peppa Pig bring smiles to my face everyday.  Your love for London, trains and Papa’s trucks make you unique and special.  Each day I am given the gift of motherhood and I thank you for being my little guy.

    I have learned a great deal in the three years since you were born.  Obviously, I have learned what it feels like to love unconditionally, I have learned how to be selfless and I have learned the power of distraction to diffuse a tantrum.  But there  are less obvious things I have learned since your birth; there are less obvious emotions and undestandings that have come from you being a part of my life.

    Photos: Alesia Aguinaldo

    shop my look: denim // sweater <similar> // shoes // bag
    shop declan’s look: denim // shirt <similar> // Shoes <similar>

    what I have learned

    To start, my marriage and your father.  To say I am lucky is an understatement,  To say I am blessed still doesn’t seem to do it justice.  While you were in the hospital all those months it was your dad who truly was the saving grace for our family.  His strength, love and determination proved to be the strongest link in the bonds that tie us together.  Your father’s love for you and for me continue to be the grounding force of which all our happiness resides on.  Without you I am not sure where our life would have gone, I am not sure I would have seen this side of your dad and therefore I am grateful each day that you came along and helped me see your father for who he truly is.

    Next up, passion.  So I have always been a passionate person but now I have a direction and an outlet for my passions.  While you don’t sit and write blog posts with me what you do is provide an inspiration to continue down this journey.  Knowing that there is something bigger than myself now, someone I care more about and a desire to model happiness drives me to continue down this journey.  My passion is a happy life and each day with you I am given the opportunity to use my passions to demonstrate commitment, overcoming self doubt and following your own path.

    Thank you Declan,  For all the late nights, for all the laughs, for all the tantrums, for all the Peppa Pig, for all the learning, for all the happiness you bring into my life. Today is your day- let’s eat smoked salmon, go on a lunch date to the cafe, drink apple juice, watch trains, ride in trucks, make silly jokes and read books.  Each day I hope I show you a little bit more of just how special you are- starting with today- your 3rd birthday.

    With Love,

    Mummy

    P.S. This is a new category for the blog ‘family’.  And while I will continue with styled outfit inspiration and shopping links for most of my pots I am hoping to sprinkle in a bit more about my family life. You can find it all here!!  Hope you enjoyed a bit more personal post today.

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Donuts on Saturday Morning: Easy Joggers

    This past weekend I was able to catch up with one of my most favorite people- it had been many months since I talked to her and even more since I had seen her. We chatted about her new favorite songs (I haven’t had a radio for 17 months so this was important for both of us), she filled me in on her new  hobbies, she updated me on some of her friends and we ate donuts- her chocolate and me blueberry.

    She,  yet again, reminded me just how important the power of organic connections are- sometimes there are people with whom you just “click” with and you share an unexplained special bond with- she is this girl for me. She reminded me that the innocence of youth is not lost and that spending time talking and listening to one another are two of the most important aspects of humanity that are so often overlooked. Oh, did I mention she is 6 years old. That’s right- I spent my Sat morning with an intelligent, emotional, insightful 6 year old girl whom I have loved since she was born. There are some people who bring out the very best in you and this little lady always dose (if that isn’t a testament to how wonderful her mama is- not sure what is).

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    ** Side Note- I am living in Colorado but these pictures were taken in London**

    shop the look: joggers <similar>  // top // booties // bag // earrings <similar>

    J O G G E R S.... love them.  Wear them all the time.  The exact pair is from Zara but I have linked <similar> ones.  The comfort factor of these babies are through the roof yet they still look more classy than sweatpants. I love to pair them with flowy tops like this baby and really re-create the pajama feeling that is acceptable to wear outside.  I love the elastic bottom on these and I love the side detail- helps to really make sure people know I am not, in fact, wearing pajamas. These joggers are perfect with a cute utility jacket or even a chunky sweater on those colder days.  I have been pairing this drapey top with just about everything and it is prefect for everyday.  It comes in a variety of colors but you know me- I love my grays and neutrals.  Since I have been back in Colorado I have paired this top with both a puffy vest and an oversized cardigan and I have only been back 9 days. Seriously, the possibilities and versatility of both the joggers and the top are endless!!!

    The  bag is a given as it is perfectly paired with anything and is the best color for all seasons. I keep my life in it as it is fairy large and I simply love the structured aspect.   I have been on a new bag hunt so any suggestions are welcomed!!! Not sure exactly what I want so anything you guys are loving let me know! When I got home I went through some tubs we had in storage and I have found a few oldies I may bring into the rotation- that could be a fun post- how to reuse your favorite items for last season… what do you think?!?

    My Donut Date:

    This little lady asked me about my life abroad- she was very curious if I had seen any Princesses while living in London and I had to, unfortunately, tell that I had not.   Despite the let down of no Princess spotting she was genuinely interested in my life- what sorts of things I did, what Declan liked there, how things were different… she was as selfless as a 6 year old can be and this enduring quality is something I continue to strive for in my own life.  This sweet gal and I have had a special bond since she was born as I was immediately drawn to her innate emotional abilities- she is sweet, caring, inquisitive and passionate- essentially she is all the things I continue to strive to master in my own emotional life.

    Seeking out and surrounding myself with people who have qualities that I hope to posses myself is one of the many ways I am learning to make new friends. People who challenge me to become a better person, to consider living life a bit more fuller and to find the positive in all is my main goal upon moving back (well, other than getting settled and going to Target!).  And while my Saturday morning donut date was not with a new friend it was a breath of fresh air in my ever growing quest to work on myself- it was a reminder that a little empathy and compassion can go a long way.  Thanks Bizzy, for putting me back in check.

    With Love,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Being Present…

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

    So here we are at the beginning of another year.

    Up to date this has been the most challenging post and to be honest I am not sure why. It is not like I am announcing any big news, I do not really have anything profound to say and I am not even sure this post has a clear message. I do believe it has been challenging because my mind, emotions and concentration has been elsewhere. Since I started Pish to Posh (just three months ago) I have made it the center of my life. I have committed any spare time to nurturing it, I have spent all my child-free time writing and honing my craft and many many evenings learning the logistics of how to run a blog… but this last week I have spent very little time on any of those things.

    As we embark on a new year and yet another huge transition for our family I have spent the last several days completely and utterly tuned into my family- to Brendan, to Declan. Brendan leaves in three days. He moves back home on Thursday and so I have spent every minute trying to take in all of London with him before he goes. This is it- it is happening.

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo

    shop the look: denim // sweater // shoes // jacket <Similar> // tote // necklace <similar>

    This sweater is 100% a staple you need in your closet. It is soft (pajama style)- need I say more?!?  If you follow me on Instagram – which you should- you would have seen that I bought it in two colors!  Are you wondering if I wear anything but gray sweaters???? Well truth be told I do but when I am not I tend to dress up a neutral with a chunky statement necklace.  It adds a visual element and a bit of texture.  This exact one is sold out but I have linked a very <similar> one.  J Crew is literally my go-to for denim this season and these are yet another example. I love the dark color, the fit and the look.  Just get yourself a pair!!  While I tend to stick to booties or boots in London due to being outside all the time I chose flats with this look to really keep it easy and casual.  I love my Tory Burch flats and they have lasted me AGES.  Snag yourself up pair as a late Christmas gift ;-). Unfortunately this faux fur hooded jacket is sold out but I have found an almost identical one (even has the toggles) and it is currently on sale. The gray tote is giant- I literally can fit my whole life in there.  I love an over-sized bag; a good catch all.

    Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have

    Being present and focused in the moment it harder than I had anticipated.  I wanted our last family days to be filled with creating more memories, seeing all our friends before Brendan leaves, re-visiting our favorite places around and just being with our little family.  But at times all we were talking about were the logistics of moving both on the London end and the future Colorado side.  That is not how we want to remember these last days.  But in the end I think it is the W H O L E experience we are trying to preserve and re-live in three short days.  And the reality is that we can not.  We can not go back and do it all again.  We can continue to enjoy the next few days and that is what I plan to do.

    So, my apologies if this post seems less thoughtful, less focused, a bit rambly and a bit short… I am out enjoying my last days in London as a complete family.

    How will you be present in life as this new year begins?

    With Love,

    Stay present with me on this journey by subscribing- just enter your email below!

  • Everyday Fashion

    Mid Season Rut: Shearling Vest

    M I D   S E A S O N  R U T…..

    Snap out of it! And bring me with you!!

    Friends, I am in the mid-season rut.  Anyone else??  You know half way through a season when you stare at your closet and nothing is pretty, everything is blahh, the newness of everything has worn off and even the tried and true favorites are not making the cut.  And when this happens I seem to wallow and wallow and find myself spiraling.  Well its time for me to climb out.  Starting today.  Or maybe tomorrow.

    Typically I love getting dressed, planning outfits, going shopping- all things fashion related. But recently I have very little motivation and I am tired of getting dressed!  In fact, today, I did not even get out of my sweat pants.  As I was browsing online or in stores I just got tired of the same old chunky sweater, the same distressed jeans, the same booties.   Now, there is NOTHING wrong with chunky sweaters, distressed denim and booties but I was craving a little inspiration and a little variety.  I felt like I had all the chunky sweaters I needed or all the distressed denim one girl could handle…so how do I pull myself out of the rut??

    No, I am actually asking!!!!

    Photos: Zoe Griffin 

    SHop the Look:  Denim // v neck // vest // booties // tote // earrings // necklace<SImilar>

    So for starters I went with a variety of the “chunky sweater”… a chunky sweater VEST.  This lovely  has the best collar and makes any plain outfit pop and I love that I can throw it on over just about any shirt- button down, flowy, tee, turtleneck.  I shared it on Instagram last week as it is currently one sale!  It is the perfect amount of chunk without being too chunky… I was a bit over chunky! This layering V-neck tunic has been a staple this season and I wear it constantly! It is currently on sale and comes in a multitude of colors.  I wear it under everything and it is perfect with a scarf or statement necklace.  The denim is a top fav for me- seriously! I wear them at least once a week, maybe twice, and I have them in two other washes.  This outfit was a  bit blah for me to start so I added some chunky jewelry from J. Crew.  The necklace is from last season so I have linked some similar <here> and <here>.  These earrings jumped into my hands when I saw them… I obviously had to buy them– they just jumped right in!

    One of the others things I have been doing in order to get me out of my rut is adding a new lip color! While I am not normally a super bold lip girl and I tend to do a bit more gloss I feel in love with this new product.  This Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Empress is excellent.  There are several other colors to chose from.

    In the end I am climbing out of my rut. I will make it to the surface- I can see the silver lining.  But I am no stranger to feeling a bit blahh.  This go around I really tried to identify exactly what was making me feel stuck.  I worked at alleviating all the other noise in my head and focused on how to efficiently and quickly get myself out of the rut.  This season shopping did not help.  This season it was about feeling it from the inside out- it was about remembering that everyone has bad days and that each morning I get to choose how to proceed with my day.  Each day I started to climb out a little further- sure there were days were I slipped back but I can say I am on the way out!!!  Feels really good to feel good.  And no shame in saying so!!

    Hope you all had a great Christmas!!!  Santa was very good to our family.  Wishing the same for you and yours.  Thanks for stopping by-

    With Love,


    Never Miss a New Post- Subscribe!

    * indicates required