Friday Happy Hour: Real Talk Edition

This would've been up hours ago but yesterday was not one of my better days.

It all begin well enough but thanks to some roadwork being done literally right next to our house it ended up with an overtired cranky baby who could/would not nap for more than 30 minutes throwing a monkey wrench in our daily routine. 

This contributed to us both being cranky and frustrated. Every time he got settled and fell asleep a machine or truck would start up and jolt him awake.

Did I mention his room is in the front of the house? So yeah. 

We took it outside for bit to clear our heads and enjoy nature and I must say that was refreshing. 

We used to take walks often but stopped when it grew cold. Must start that up again.

So I was a little short and cross and Baby Bear was trying to be his playful self it just came out  whiny and tired which is just an all around bad combo.

Later, I sat alone for awhile in the evening painting my nails (and subsequently undoing said paint) while reflecting on my day and my emotions. 

And I realized where I had failed as a mother and a wife and what I could do in the future to either prevent days like this or just how to better communicate my frustrations. 

Hmmph. Who knew a little alone time and reflection would amount to me noticing my faults.

Thank goodness not everyday is like yesterday most days are like this

and we are allowed to start fresh each morning.

Which is what I did today - with a nice cup of coffee.

In other news - taking the lace shorts out for a spin this weekend (weather permitting) check back next week for the full look. 

I don't want to leave things on a heavy note so here's this week's drink and a few fun links!

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* I recently discovered StylePantry and her Instagram account. Needless to say I am obsessed.

 I mean

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* I fell in love with the looks of Besty Burnham thanks to La Dolce Vita 

* Because I totally used to feel like this when I worked in an office. Hilarious.

*Have a drink for me!

Lemonade Sparkler

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Doesn't that look refreshing?

Happy weekending! 

Style File: The Long & Short of It

In recent weeks (as the weather has gone from cool spring days to sweltering pre-summer mornings) I've had shorts on the brain.

I'm a huge fan of dresses (as evidenced here & here) for everyday wear.
Particularly when the weather gets warm, but sometimes....sometimes I just don't want to wear a dress.
Sometimes I want to rock some shorts and not have to worry about a strong gust of wind. 

And not just bummy shorts (like my favoritest evah cut-off's) but something a little more classy and refined.
Enter the dressy short.

My friend Andrea of For the Love of tends to pull off effortless dressing with a style and grace I  lack but I fell in love with how she styled these shorts for a day to night look.
One of the things I love about Andrea and her style is how she works her wardrobe.
She makes sure if she's spending her money on something it's going to work several different ways and I can totally dig that.
For day:

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For evening:

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Laura from Ascot Friday also pulls of the effortless look well and hello fancy shorts! 

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Laura of Hollywood Housewife fame actually kind of kicked things off for me when she rocked an all white look last week. I thought - "Ok, maybe I can do this. She looks sophisticated AND cool."

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The Stylish Housewife Jenn also pulls the shorts off really well. Even though she says she's not a shorts person

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I love the idea of the great fitting short as both a day or night time piece however, it's kind of hard to find any shorts these days that aren't butt skimming or thigh hugging and at my age post kids - the last thing you want is to be/feel self-conscious in your shorts.

And can we get three cheers for these stylish mamas?! I mean..... 

Having kids is one thing, maintaining a sense of yourself, developing your personal style and incorporating all that into your daily life is a horse of a different color.

So yesterday morning I started a conversation on the C2C page about my latest obsession and of course my stylish mama friend Heather hipped me to a Free People pair that was available at T.J. Maxx.

Let me just say that Heather is a for reals #maxxinista. She always gets the best stuff for her and her kids there and I'm always wondering why I never see that stuff! 

But my last two trips have been fruitful so I loaded up the kids and we headed over after lunch.

Upon entering the store there they were...front and center: ivory and black lace shorts.
With an elastic waistband. Holla!!

Found the exact shorts in both ivory and white and for a fraction of their retail price! So what to do? Buy both or just think on them?

I came home and started playing around on Polyvore to come up with some looks and was still hemming and hawing over an hour later.

styling lace shorts by ambs32 featuring fitness shirts

And then.... I caved.
  ( I mean...what if they were gone when I went back later in the week?) 

I'm such an impulsive shopper (hence the oft felt buyers remorse and trips to make returns) but I have to say....I think I might be winning with this one.

I played a little dress up when I got home and even though I was still unsure I easily pulled 3 outfits for each and as per my floral blazer style guide I paired it with the black shorts and metallic pumps!

Voila! Two outfits for the price of one and I feel good about the purchases!!

Whew! 

I will now not be shopping until my birthday as I have been a little OOC the past few weeks. 

What styles have caught your eye lately?









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How To Wear A Floral Blazer Part 3: Casual Brunch

In keeping with my style file I'm on look number three for this floral blazer and this one just screams 'Chic Mama' to me. 

Living in So. Cal we spend a lot of time brunching outdoors and dressing for these excursions can be a bit tricky.

You don't want to be to fussy or 'put together' but you don't want to look like you just fell out of bed either. 

How To Wear A Floral Blazer Part 3 by ambs32 featuring long sleeve cotton shirts

I love these dotted chambray shorts. They still provide some texture and depth while the clean front showcases a more sophisticated side. 

Paired with the blazer a button down, cami, fedora and cross body bag this look easily goes from brunch in the Marina to a walk down the pier.
Either pointy toed flats or fabulous flat sandals keep this look casually polished.

Where else would you wear this look?

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Weekend Getaway: Palm Springs Packing Essentials

Even though we just had Spring Break I'm already looking forward to Summer break.
(34 more days - not that I'm counting)

 I can't wait for the days of no alarm clocks, homework or afternoon carpool. 

Just me & my kiddos doing what we do.

But until then we have a few weeks of 'regular' routine left. 

And then......just when you can't stand it anymore.....Memorial Day weekend shows up.

Hallelujah!

Last year we were Palm Springs bound with our dear friends and we hope to do the same this year.

Since it was super last minute (like I had a day notice) I didn't get to properly 'plan' my outfits and being just shy of 4 months postpartum warm weather clothing was not really my friend. So I over packed as usual and ended up wearing a few pieces more than once and not wearing others at all. Live and learn right?

This year, I know what to expect and will be much more prepared since it will be time to head out before I know it.

Weekend Getaway by ambs32 featuring yellow gold jewelry

If last summer was any indicator I know we will be spending lazy days by the pool (it's hot as blazes) and wandering into town to peruse some of the cool vintage shops and for some gelato. I plan on only bringing the basic necessities and know that I don't want anything that may feel 'heavy'. Simplicity is key. So is bringing pieces that mix and match so there is not a lot to pack up to take home! 

Nestled in the base of the San Jacinto Mountains Palm Springs has long been a fun weekend getaway for So. Cal residents. I've been going for as long as I can remember and it's a nice trip away with the family but not so far that it requires much packing or planning. We love that the atmosphere is very low key and allows for us to be out and about with our kids without too much of a 'party scene' to worry about.

Where do you go for a weekend getaway? 

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