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4 Years

Today is the 4 year anniversary of my first post for WWALD. At the time, I was a recent law school grad, had just finished the NY Bar exam, and was putting the final touches on my September 26 wedding. Since then, I have lived in 3 apartments, gotten married, had 3 jobs (1 terrible, 1 decent and one very good), bought a house, had a baby, watched the baby become a 2 year old mini person, gone back to practicing law, and found myself living the life of a working mom. 4 years is not even half a decade, yet I have lived half a life in these 4 years.

It feels like time to put WWALD on hiatus, while life intervenes, and getting dressed is just a hobby that lightens a dreary morning. Enjoy the moments you have each day, good and bad, teething toddlers, infant diaper changes, bad bosses, great bosses, J.Crew fall style guides, a cocktail with an old friend, lunch with a new friend, and everything in between.

Thank you for reading!

Lean Back, But Dressed in Heels

I have not read the much discussed 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg, I have not read any books in the past 2 years. Instead I have been busy working full time, raising a toddler, buying then maintaining a house, and trying to be a good wife. The aforementioned are nothing particularly exclusive for me, as millions do the same each day along side of me. But personally, I find it hard to do them simultaneously, as one always suffers at the expense of the success of another.

I have had 3 jobs in the last 4 years. Each had its own special set of challenges, and while I wouldn't say I 'leaned in' at any as much as maybe I liked to think I did at the time, I still went in each morning on time (well, early mostly because that's part of my neurosis) and rarely skipped a day. With a child at home, its hard to really crave that elusive level of professional success the same way you crave a new pair of shoes or a good nights sleep. Sure, it sounds great, seems very 21st century to chase up the ladder, wanting to break any glass ceiling, but in truth, its far easier to do a job well, and relish the reality of arriving home at 6 pm in time for dinner every night. So my advice to women is not to claw, climb and crush your way to the top, but rather do something that you can tolerate (because most of us must), and be happy there.

I guess its a little leaning back (or maybe no leaning at all, and rather standing up straight), but I do it in great shoes, dressed my best, and my little one knows when the garage door opens that I'm home for dinner each night. Some nights wine is for dinner (since even a job in law that allows punctual departure is a job in law after all).

Wine Tasting

A summer Sunday in eastern Long Island calls for something casual yet elevated, and comfort is a must for the car ride and bar stools.

Top and short: Loft

Shoes: Marc Fisher

Necklace: J.Crew

Black and White

My very favorite combo, and with a print, even more fun. The closed-toe pump makes it client-friendly since on this particular day, there were many.

Skirt, blouse: Loft

Shoes: Prada

Necklace: Tiffany Key

Bracelets: David Yurman

Its OK Thursday

Its OK...

To spend $300 on supplies for your 2 year old's first week at 'summer camp', only to realize you forgot to buy diapers

That scoring  new pair of shoes on sale at Bloomingdales is more exciting than anything else a Thursday lunch hour could possibly offer

To go to the gym at 7:00 and let your husband put your toddler to bed, because that is the only way to watch the Housewives on Bravo in peace

That Wednesday's recycling bin contained more empty beer and wine bottles than any other item (its summer!)

Watercolor

Dress: Target!

Belt, bracelet: J.Crew

Bag: Pour la Victoire (similar here)

Neighborly Envy

Ive often heard people lament the fact that Pintrest serves as a daily reminder of all the things we want but don’t actually have. That ones ‘Pintrest life’ is far better than one’s real life. So is the feeling when living across the street from neighbors, at least 15+ years your senior, whose social calendar and hostessing schedule make you energetic, then envious, and finally depressed. Last week alone they had guests 5 nights out of 7, requiring red Solo cups by the case. On Saturdays around 7:30, when Tucker is just falling asleep and I am blissfully pouring a glass of wine, the tell tale sign of a rocking Saturday night looms across the street as the omnipresent babysitter mobile pulls up and parks in front of our window. A taunting reminder they will be out at a fabulous event, child-free, until the wee hours of the morning.

The warm summer nights make this envy even more acute, as festivities are taken outdoors, and the pressure to have fun filled evenings and weekends bursting with action is at its peak. Suddenly wine on the back patio or an episode of Housewives loses its luster and I feel like I’m missing out, not fulfilling the summer mandate for fun in the sun. When a holiday weekend approaches, I must quickly scroll through all unread texts messages and ensure plans for the tot are made and confirmed. I have heard that security and inner calm come with age, but I am still waiting. By 'age' perhaps they mean 40 and not 30. Until then I'll learn to enjoy the view from across the street.

Summer in Cubicle Land

Though always difficult to stay dressed well, comfortably and appropriately when working in cubicle land, the humidity of July makes it even harder. (Today is also Tucker's first day of 'summer camp' so many tears were shed while dressing.)

Top, pants and necklace: Loft

Shoes: Cole Haan

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: J.Crew (try this one)

Storage Solutions

Taking a tip from Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere, I spent a few moments of my 'precious toddler weekend nap time' to organize my delicate necklaces (that always end up snagged and tangled and thus not wore as often as I'd like).

I have a small yet special collection of drop earrings (the turquoise pair at the far left has survived summer rentals on both Nantucket and the Jersey Shore with college friends), and each necklace here was a gift with a particular memory attached (for example, the large diamond horseshoe was from my grandmother, many years ago. The smaller ones were added after by my parents and I like to wear them at the same time). Organizing is sometimes like rediscovering things you forgot you had!

A Day in the Life

This weekend went something like this:

Toddler wakes up at 5:58 Saturday morning. He usually sleeps until 7. Milk, breakfast, errands, go to town pool to buy season pass because today it opens for the season- hooray! Dress and take toddler toward the  pool (like every single day was spent last summer, when I worked 4 days a week until maybe 3:00, which we both thoroughly enjoyed). Toddler screams, clutches onto my bikini top nearly pulling it off, and refuses the pool as if some form of ancient torture. Return to pool deck, sit for 20 minutes, bribe with goldfish crackers, finally get him to agree to sit on the side, on my lap. Making progress, toes in water, a smile or two, less clutching. Only to hear whistle blow and elderly (not very nice) life guard demands everyone exists the pool. Chlorine levels too high (and though they say they will test again in a half hour, the pool will then end up remaining closed for the entirety of the weekend).

Drive the 0.5 miles home, annoyed and wondering now what to do for the remainder of the day. Toddler refuses to leave car. "Boats, boats!” he demands. Said boats are located at the complex with the recently closed pool. Back to the pool we go. Arrive at marina next to pool, toddler refuses to get out. We sit in the car for 20 minutes. Then hes ready. A brief glance at the acclaimed boats, and hes over it. “House" he announces. Back home we go. This happens a few more times before the day mercifully ends, and I drink wine. This weekend I learned that people who say ‘it gets easier’ must have an enormous wine cellar, unlimited money to pay a nanny, and a well stocked snack cabinet. So far, 2 is no different than 1, except that now, the word ‘No’ is in the vocabulary, he can subsist on nothing more than milk and goldfish crackers for an entire weekend, and he weighs too much to physically force to do anything he refuses to do. Oh, and I have spent more money on wine than food in the past year.

A Few New

Having promised my husband for Father's Day a $0 Ann Taylor and J.Crew balance for the month of June, its been difficult, but I still managed to snag a few new purchases, thanks to gift cards and very good sale spotting. My favorite may be the persimmon shoes which actually go with a lot and still look polished enough for work.

1.

J.Crew Factory Emery flats (originally $98, on sale for $68, + additional 40% off) 

2.

J.Crew Factory pencil skirt in bright cobalt (originally $75, on sale for $49, + additional 40% off)

3.

Loft jacquard shift dress (originally $89, on sale for $54 in store, + additional 40% off)

4.

Banana leather bangle to add some edge to an otherwise bland work look (originally $55, on sale for $29 in store)

Buttercup

A lightweight blazer goes well over most any outfit in the early summer days, when mornings are cool and afternoons bring humid, frizz inducing waves of heat. When a client meet is on the calendar, all pieces need an extra bit of polish. And finally, here is my new 'do!

Blazer: Loft (try this one)

Necklace:Francesca's

Peplum Top: Ann Taylor (try this color blocked version)

Pants & Peep Toes: Banana Republic

Waiting for Baby

My best friend is due with her first baby any day now. Since they kept the gender a surprise (from themselves as well as friends and family) I am anxiously awaiting which gift I will rush to order when baby arrives. Shopping for tiny clothing and toys always makes the thought of a new baby appealing, even infatuating. But that usually fades around 7pm when adorable toddler refuses to go to bed and I can hear the Cabernet calling my name from downstairs.

 The countdown is on! What are some of your favorite baby gifts?

Back to Nature

In an effort to rid my home of all parabens, chemicals, and anything else toxic, I invested in some new products (which is really the most fun part of this whole purge). Baby (or now I really should call him 'toddler') has been organic and 100% natural since birth, so he was the easy family member. Husband eats and uses anything placed in front of him, and requires only things be 1) easy to figure out and 2) inexpensive.

For me, the Clinique had to go. Too many labels contained more than one type of paraben, and many other ingredients I couldn't pronounce. Luckily I have a new love: Tarte. Their BB primer is the single best beauty product I have tried in recent memory, and the $34 is fairly reasonable in the given market. Their entire line is paraben free (and all the other natural bells and whistles). Always a fan of the ever-popular palettes (flash back to my junior year college roommate and her Trish McEvoy 'binder' of cute, perfectly sized eye and cheek color that inspired me to run out and buy the same) this Tarte kit is the 100% natural alternative.

eye palette in chic clutch packaging

BB cream in light

For skincare I am less loyal, and prefer to alternate my products almost daily (my skin, like my hair, is always a work in progress). For now, I am happy with Burts Bees (the tomato tonic) and the whole line of Juice Beauty organic cleaners, lotions, and serums (try this green apple peel). Hopefully I wont miss parabens!

The Jean Jacket

When paring down, stick to the real basics, those piece you cant get through an entire week, let alone a whole season, without wearing. In cleaning out my closet (what my husband refers to as a sisyphean task) I realized that I have owned the same Gap denim jacket since college, and I've never even thought about replacing it. It goes with everything (I shoved it into by already exploding carry-on for our CA trip at the very last minute before dashing out at 5 am to catch out car to the airport, and ended up wearing it every single day of the trip, as illustrated below).

Jean jacket + printed floral shorts for brewery tour and tasting at Lagunitas

Though I love this jacket dearly, it may be time to add a new member to my closet family. Saturation is key- the dark the more potential for wearing after sunset- as is cut (too boxy keeps it too casual to pair with a fun floral dress, while too fitted is equally unflattering).

A bit pricey at $189, but love this Paige denim option

Love this Gap classic

Old Navy always has a well priced option these days

Where and when did you buy your favorite jean jacket?

Bohemian Blue

A blue printed blouse and my favorite navy Cafe Carpis felt like a great mid-May choice for the office (photo taken before the big cut, obvi). Gray peep toes purchased on sale from Banana seem to go with everything I wear right now.

Blouse & shoes: Banana Republic
Pants: J.Crew
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: My mom's

Vacays and Staycays

Memorial Day weekends are often spent in close proximity to a BBQ, the beach, the pool, and shorts. Living on Long Island, with parents who spent 50% of their year on a boat, all of these are often achieved by going no where at all. For the first time ever on a such a holiday, the hubs and I ventured cross country for a college friend's wedding in Santa Rosa, California. It was m
y first real visit to the state (save for a 36 hour lay over en route to Australia back in college) and while there was a fairly constant stream of steady drinking, it felt more 'grown up' than any other such trip where alcohol was served before noon.

Lagunitas Brewery

Ridge Vineyard 100% American Oak Barrels

Ridge Vineyards

Golden Gate Bridge

Dropping Weight

Spring is always a good time for cleaning, organizing, and changing things up. For someone who easily tires of things, I've maintained the same hair for a while now. Tucker grabbed a fistful and used it to lift himself from sitting to standing last weekend, and I knew it was time for a change.

Luckily someone at Locks of Love will benefit from my 10 inches of hair purge (and my shoulders and morning routine have as well).

Something New (?)

With May being the busiest (and best) month in my household, wishlists are often referenced (our toddler's 2nd birthday, my 31st birthday, Mother's Day, etc). This year I am hungry for a new bag. My last really great new bag was in 2009 for law school graduation (a classic LV Damier) and I'm craving a new addition to the collection.

In keeping with my new life as a working mother, the extravagance I once fancied on occasion is long gone. Practicality has set in, and though I have become accustomed to many money saving strategies, I haven't kicked the purse habit. A compromise (which really defines day to day life with a toddler) is in the works.

This Pour La Victoire Hobo is on the list

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote

J.Crew's two-toned satchel

Michael Kors super preppy seasonal top handle

Spring Soiree

The Annual Portledge Gala- my first year as an attendee and not a slave to the event. Remember 2 years ago when I was 9 months pregnant and had to find an appropriate dress for the event? I wore these same Jimmy Choos even 3 weeks pre-delivery.

In addition to savoring eating my dinner actually seated at the table this year, I also enjoyed bidding on an array of unaffordable auction items, only to end up with a tissue box holder and a gift certificate to Limani for which I paid face value. No worries, a night with free babysitting (my mom) and an open bar is never wasted money.

Its OK Thursday

Its OK.....

To wake up on a Sunday feeling like you were out partying all night, simply after 2 glasses of wine and getting to bed after midnight

That trips to Target on my lunch hour have replaced using the gym, as was the original plan of joining the facility inside my office building

To not really understand what people are talking about when they look at your son who is turning 2 next week, and say how the time has just flown by

That hearing said son say his own name for the first time, after undergoing ENT surgery 2 weeks ago, is the single best moment of the year to date

Wedding Bells

A weekend of parties put the hubby's tux through the wringer, but its a great chance to finally wear some bright tiers and high heels. Driving my mom's SL 550 around for the night doesn't hurt either!

Dress: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, Necklace: Loft, Tux: Calvin Klein

What's your favorite excuse to dress up and drink cocktails?

Spring Spots

Navy and orange is not new, not novel, and not noteworthy. But it is still amazing, and each spring, it feels as fresh as a vase of cut tulips on Easter Sunday. I don't pretend to be edgy, as I obviously like stripes and collared shirts far too much for that claim (though my husband might argue to the contrary when I come home after a long day of work and find that there are dirty dishes in the sink). So I am comfortable not pushing the limits of stalwart style and instead reveling in a reliable ensemble.

This look is head to to toe J.Crew, including the bag. Again, not clever, original, or inspiring, but sometimes its just easier that way :)