Since I've Been Gone

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post. I've been dealing with that thing called "life" lately and some additional stress added by parenting. I'll likely write a "Keeping it Real" post in the future, but for now I'll just say, "adulting is hard" and "parenting is really F***ing hard."

To get back into blogging I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been reading, wearing (or dreaming of wearing), and dreaming of in general.

READING
1. The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right- This pretty much sums up my philosophy on food.

2. Stop Asking About My Kid’s College Plans- An article for all parents to read

WEARING
This dress is adorable!

Bardot Ibiza Check Dress $109

I need these sunglasses...in back and tortoise. 

Quay After Hours $55

This is the perfect summer clutch. I'm seriously contemplating ordering one. 

Mark and Graham Palm Leaf Rounded Clutch $59

I got this suit for our upcoming Mexico trip, and it's fabulous! And it's on sale! (wish I got mine at this big of a price reduction...) 

DREAMING

I'm obsessed with this house. It's extremely similar to my house...but a lot bigger and a lot more $$$. A girl can dream. 

Suited Up

The Mini Fashionista and I just got back from a week in Mexico. I posted this photo on my personal Instagram account and got a lot of compliments on the bathing suit, so I thought I would share. 

First, a shout out to my friend AS who actually gave me the bathing suit top on our trip. It never fit her to her satisfaction so she offered it to me, and I love it. The bottom is J Crew that I recently got on sale (here).

The suit is the Ripcurl Mirage Color Block Bikini. Here is what the back looks like.

And the front, which you see in the photo.

While you can't get the exact same top as mine, you can get the updated version on sale on 6pm.

You can also get it in a coral/black combination on ASOS. It's even on super sale (buy it here)

Mollusk

I went to the pool earlier this week with two other moms and their kids. Both women were wearing the cutest suits. Inquiring minds (i.e. me) had to know where they got them.

Say hello to Mollusk. Thanks MB and AB for the fabulous find. These suits are on my short list for next summer.

I love the Seea Capitola Bikini. Stripes and Polka dots....what is there not to love?

It's definitely a lot less coverage on the bottom than I am used to though. It might take a burst of confidence to wear. 

The Saladita has the perfect amount of va-va-voom with the intricate back.

I love the colors on the Seea Jalama bikini. Not sure I could pull it off.

The Atoll bikini comes in a variety of patterns and colors and seems like a great basic and sporty bathing suit for swimming, paddle boarding, etc. 

They also have some really cute rash guards. Of course this one is my favorite! Go figure...navy and white stripes! 

Have a great weekend! It's going to be hot here in Portland and perfect weather for bathing suits! Now if only I had a pool in my backyard. 

A Winning Combination

Katie loves navy and green...and stripes, so I thought I would put together a post to showcase this winning combination (which is one of her most favorites.). So here's to you sister, and your love for navy and green! 

Forever 21 Long Sleeve Striped Tee $15.80

Equipment Slim Signature Striped Shirt $248

Vince Camuto Bold Stripe Green Dress $130

Splendid Bikini

Bringing to the Beach- The Mini Fashionista

To sum up this week's posts on beach attire, I thought I would share with you what the Mini Fashionista will be wearing on the beaches of Mexico. 

Every athlete needs a functionl suit for watersports. This one from Boden will be perfect for kayaking, building sand castles and riding on Papa D's boat. It's a little modest, but keeping your skin looking young is so important. Don't worry...she has a wide brim hat too!

Her second ensemble is a bit more chic but also provides good coverage. I especially like how the blue matches her eyes, and who doesn't love a one shoulder top with a ruffle. Ba-na-nas!

And last, but not least, every fashionista needs a smoking hot bikini...and animal prints are so on trend!

Bringing to the Beach

As you read this, I am enjoying some sun and relaxation in Mexico. We have been spending Christmas there for the last 22 years, so it's the norm for us to have a white "sand" Christmas. Our destination, Punta Pescadero, is totally off the beaten path. That means I will be bringing my comfortable and casual beach clothes. It's the ultimate relaxing vacation. So, here is a list of my must haves for my beach vacation! And stay tuned later this week for more beach picks from a few other bloggers!

Rainbow Sandals are a must have for any beach vacation!

To keep your face protected from the sun a good wide brim straw hat is a necessity!

I usually read at least 3 books over the holiday. This is my current book club pick that I will be reading, Just Kids by Patti Smith.

You can't have a beach vacation without a good pair of sunglasses. I actually just got this new pair of Kate Spade cat eye prescription sunglasses, but unfortunately they won't be ready until after I return! Big Bummer!

Clearly I will be bringing multiple bathing suits (the one below included which I got 1+ years ago from VS). I like to have at least one bandeau top so I can minimize tan lines, but we'll see how much sun bathing I get with an 8 month old baby! 

A big tote is essential for any vacation, especially with a baby. I received this fabulous tote (in green and navy) from my friend SC. It's from C Wonder  and it's fabulous!

And last but not least, I couldn't go to Mexico without taking a little barre3 along with me. I will be packing my ball, and Katie and I will be holding our own barre3 classes beach side. I'll have to do something to work off the guacamole and margaritas!

Bathing Beauty

I am counting down the months until I will be on the beach in Mexico...it's over two, but I can feel the sun and warmth already. In preparation I decided I needed a new bathing suit (or two). After being prego last year, I am ready to wear a bikini sans bump! 

My two most recent bathing suit purchases have been from VS. They have a huge selection and most all of the suits are affordable. Where is your favorite place for bathing suit shopping?

 Victoria's Secret Striped Bikini

Victoria's Secret polka dot bikini

So just a little update as the suits arrived and only the polka dot one fits! For those of you who fall in love with the stripes of the first suit, don't order it. The fit of the bottom is terrible. Katie actually ordered the same suit (unbeknownst to me) and sent it back as well.  As for the other suit, it comes in tons of colors and patterns and is great for anyone with a small chest. The padding fits well and is flattering!

Sail Away

I am a big fan of Milly. I love the color, texture and pattern that makes up every piece of clothing. This sailboat bathing suit and cover up are no exception. Just two more things I would like to add to my suitcase for my upcoming beach vacation.

Milly Cabana Collection

Beach Bound

In just a few weeks I will be heading South of the Border for a few days of R&R in Mexico! In preparation for the trip, I went in search of a new bathing suit. For the first time in years, I decided to try my luck with Victoria's Secret. I never thought I would find 3 bathing suits and have them all fit upon arrival! The best part...3 suits for $83.

If you haven't recently perused VS's bathing suit collection, I highly suggest it! Here is one of the suits I will be donning in just a few weeks! If only the body came with the suit!