Jacket: Guess | Black Top: Glamourmom (last featured here) | Yoga Pants: Bala Vinyasa Yoga | Flats: Tommy Hilfiger
Well hello there! Happy Monday and what a day it’s been!!
These photos come to you via the Naples Botanical Garden, they host a lovely yoga in the gardens session with Bala Vinyasa Yoga every Sunday morning, and I was able to take advantage of that during my stint in the Gulfcoast of Florida.
Since 2009, I’ve turned to yoga to stay both fit and centered, and it has become all the more key after giving birth. If there’s one thing I wish I had more time for these days, it’s yoga. One of the things I try to do, in fact, is plan yoga sessions with girlfriends, as that combination of exercise and quality friendship-time helpsb to motivate me all the more! Hopefully, with work projected to wind down in the near-term (fingers crossed!), I can have a bit more time for both.
Swimsuit by Ralph Lauren, Hat from <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.jcrew.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="J.Crew" data-mce-href="http://www.jcrew.com/">J. Crew</a>. For post-partum chicas, cut-outs are the most flattering, but also quite possibly the laziest fall-back (plus they leave awkward tan-lines). #tradeoffs
First day of 2014 -- munchkin and I saw our first rainbow together! ♥♥♥
Time flies when you’re having fun! Personally, I felt like I was at the top of my game, health-wise and fitness-wise, during the month-plus period we spent in Gulfcoast Florida. I swam, I practiced yoga, I even packed in some cardio & discovered the fantastic world of jogging strollers. As a previous blogterview mamma said, you can always try and "drink yourself skinny!"
Weight-wise, I was actually at a higher point then (19 weeks post-partum pictured) than I had been at 12 weeks, a fact I only discovered when I returned to NYC, as I didn’t actually own a scale in Florida (probably for the better). Likely I built up bulk rather than focusing on “long and lean,” but I felt fantastic! My trainer back home even gave me a set of water aerobics exercises to do in the pool, which were fun.
Point being? Well, I’m still 15-20 pounds away from my ideal weight (possibly even more, as I unfortunately gained weight amidst our whirlwind trip to New Zealand). Ideally, I’d be very, very happy with 120 pounds (54 kilos). Heck, I’d even take 125 pounds! I also need to be realistic, however, and recognize that my body probably will retain a layer of fat so long as I continue to nurse and maintain my milk supply (currently around 35-38oz per day)… plus who can deny this little cutie? #heartmelt
So – with that said, I shall continue my “post-partum” look-book until I reach my ideal weight (not going to lie, I was rather ambivalent about maintaining this series after a certain point, but now I’ve found a new motivation!!!).
Eyes on the prize, my friend.
Look at this little bunny! Found these eyes staring at me the morning of Jan 1, 2014. How can I deny him anything?
Post swim selfie.
On the beach, hanging with my favorite sidekick #rockshicbaby
Okay okay, so this mamma is just a wee-bit behind on her post-partum style series. Case in point, these photos were taken while we were still in Florida… though what better time to pine after the Gulf Coast than right now, when we’re back in wintry New York City?
I pulled this look together in a rush (we were hitting up the post-holidays sales at Miromar & the goal was to grab a Bose stereo so that munchkin can listen to his Baby Blanket Music on full blast).
In putting together my ensemble, I had the tried-and-true iconic white stripes in mind, whilst channeling the lapis-blue inspirations of this season (I’m a huge fan of Lapis ever since visiting Afghanistan, though I can’t always afford it).
To me, there’s always something very glamorous, romantic, and jet-set-happy when one dons a little nautical-themed outfit… it goes perfectly with sunshine, palm trees, and a boat. In my case, two out of three ain’t bad!
Oh, and let’s not forget gold accessories, think bangles, rings, flirty shapes embellished with gilded accents – it lends a touch of romance and dreaminess, which never gets old!
Stripes, stripes & more stripes! Anything blue (think lapis; cobalt; cerulean; and even periwinkle) goes!
Munchkin is wearing Bonpoint and Nununu, and of course... cruising in his favorite lightweight stroller by Babyhome, last featured here!
I'm loving every aspect of my Brian James charcoal washed wedges!! Think easy elegance... which is totally my style and great for this momma on the run!
Hanging with my little man in front of the Venetian tree, <a href="http://www.babyhome.es/us/en/products/emotion" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.babyhome.es/us/en/products/emotion">Babyhome Emotion stroller</a> in hand (last featured <a href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/10/431-baby-flair-spanish-style.html" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/10/431-baby-flair-spanish-style.html">here</a>)
Munchkin is wearing: Onesie by Ralph Lauren in French Navy | Hat by Zutano, infant pastel solid sun hat
The holidays may be over but the fantastic memories still linger. These photos were taken during our excursion to the Village on Venetian Bay a few days before the real deal (see our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities). We had a real hoot strolling along the waterfront shops, with a little festive “snow” show, followed by some holiday caroling entertainment, as well as story-time with Mrs. Claus (which little Nuke was far too young for – better luck next year!).
The real icing on the cake, however, came with photos alongside Santa (doesn't it always?). When handed an adorable framed photo of Nuke & Santa, this Manhattan mommy was pleasantly surprised to learn that everything was complimentary!
Woot!!
The weather, of course, was pleasant, if slightly balmy (I definitely consider myself a lucky gal to be able to escape the wintry conditions of the current Northeast). I opted for a long halter dress which was purchased from my trip to Lisbon in the Spring (I got it at one of the concept shops outside of the Museu Coleção Berardo, see here). As it happens, the dress is also reversible so I wore it again on Christmas day! I’m still working on toning my arms (among other things), but I find that halters are generally more forgiving on the arms and shoulder.
I dressed my little pudgy-boy in a simple Polo onesie. Call me overprotective, but I was concerned about the evening chills.
Besides, the navy hue of Nukie's outfit goes quite well against Santa’s scarlet robe, wouldn’t you say?
My munchkin is looking a tad dazed and confused! To be fair it was past his bedtime.
Going for the "casual beachy" vibe. That's actually a <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp">Lululemon top</a> I got from my <a href="http://www.bvyoga.com/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.bvyoga.com/">local Yoga Gym</a>, so as to combat the low-cut halter!
Santa plus swimsuits anyone? Gotta love Christmas in Florida!
Carolers outside the shops adds to the revelry
Rolling with my little fat boy in his favorite <a href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/10/431-baby-flair-spanish-style.html" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/10/431-baby-flair-spanish-style.html">lightweight stroller</a>! #babyhome #emotion
It’s so, so hard to imagine that today is the second-to-last day of the year (and barely at that!). The past few weeks have flown by in a wink, and I am still standing here wondering where it all went!
To be fair, Christmas, and all that jazz that went with it, did take a huge slice off of my time (see here and here). We also got to catch up with some friends in nearby Sarasota, and check out the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg (totally on my Gulf Coast wish list). Last but not least, we caught up on some notable retail therapy, my favorite being the Waterside Shops in Naples, where you can pretty much find something for everybody (including a cute little kiddo shop for munchkin called Little Luxe!).
All to say, life can move awfully fast when you’re living in the moment, and this is no less true for that perfect sunset, which we caught a week ago. I recall it being one of those incredibly hectic days… I had just come back from an event with the Naples Mom's Society, only to learn that a good friend had just given birth to her precious baby girl! A couple of work telecons later (double sigh) – we found ourselves on the quiet Barefoot beach, admiring the ephemeral sunset. The entire experience felt fleeting, charmed, and a bit lucky – akin to a stolen kiss.
That was a fantastic day… and the icing on the cake? Candle-lit yoga to wrap up the evening!
I was in heaven.
Glow with the flow power Vinyasa class at <a href="http://bvyoga.com/?gclid=CIn8zOHz2bsCFeJF7AodLQYAuw" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://bvyoga.com/?gclid=CIn8zOHz2bsCFeJF7AodLQYAuw">BV Yoga</a>, what's not to love?
Dress: Moda International | Slouch Open Sweater: Cutie Room (5 Rivington Street, NY NY) | Boots: Belle by Sigerson Morrison (similar here) | Necklace: J. Crew | Belt: Ralph Lauren, last seen here
These photos were taken during our last date night (also a slightly worrying concept). Though I would argue that when we do make it out, we go out with a bang!
Here I am rocking one of my new finds, thanks to the Cutie Patroller, of the Cutie Room (see here!). It is absolutely one of my favorite local boutiques. This is a great piece to wrap yourself in all winter-long, and you know your girl loves her asymmetrical tailoring.
I’ve actually had this LBD for a long, long time (since College, positively B.C.!!!). I dig it because it has that instantly slimming effect, a much sought-after feature these days when wardrobe-scoping. Pair it with a belt (last featured here), and voila! A brand new outfit that is fresh and ready for a night out to paint the town.
Now, I just need to plan some more date nights pronto.
Dress: From Barcelona | Quilted Knit Moto Jacket: Banana Republic | Leggings: Topshop | Boots: Alfani
Today was a pretty low-key day. Hubby and I took the Nuke out for a cruise at nearby Walt Whitman Mall, where we marveled at the lively holiday decorations and scoped out some post-Black-Friday deals. Frankly, after three full days of intense eating (and baking! More on this later…), this mamma needed to walk all of the extra calories off. Note to self, must hit the gym pronto once we get back to the city.
I’m still in my trusty leggings and booties (although this pair I found stashed somewhere in my old bedroom closet at home!! Amazing). I bought these while strolling on Lincoln Road Mall in Miami and they have served me so, so well (and continue to do so I might add).
This sweater dress/tunic is another getaway purchase. In truth, I am a bit of a sentimental puppy when it comes to shopping abroad – as I often directly correlate certain memories of my trip to my clothing acquisitions. Almost without fail, these unique pieces will trigger remnants of fantastic travel moments whenever I put them on. In this case, it is the Costa Brava near Barcelona, where I stumbled upon this little number in a hidden alleyway. I love the bright patterns (it's a pity you can't see more of the dress!), which encapsulate the energy and vitality of the little town and my impression of Spain overall. Each time I wear it, I swear it puts a little extra pep in my step!
Bought this adorable little monster hat from Hanna Andersson, a Swedish brand that makes the cutest kiddo fashion!
Sweater: Theory | Jacket: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Brian James | Scarf: Volang (LES) also featured here | Leggings: American Apparel | Sunglasses: Kate Spade
While it’s not officially winter, it sure feels that way these days. Hubby calls it “Baltic,” I call it wrap-up season.
These were taken on a lazy weekend afternoon, the best kind actually. We took our snuggle-bunny out for a stroll and grabbed a nice cup of piping-hot Blue Mountain coffee at the Roasting Plant (takes me back to my jaunt to Jamaica last year).
Of course, weekends are never complete without a nice lazy (and slightly boozy) brunch – and we found just the perfect spot in our neighborhood Tiny Fork, where they serve the best corn on a cob!
I kept the look clean and minimalist for baby-carrying purposes, and actually recycled some of my recent postpartum wear from Week 9. Following the advice that I dole out to all of my clients – you never mess with a good thing once you find and define your own signature style! In my case, not only is this look easy-chic, it also happens to be the most convenient thing lying near my bed. Score!!
Dress: DVF | Jacket: Urban Outfitters | Necklace: From my travels in Buenos Aires | Sunglasses: Cole Haan | Boots: Steve Madden | Leggings: Topshop
It’s not everyday that I get to do two outfit posts in one week (see my other week 12 feature). As many of my blogger friends and colleagues can attest to, sometimes it’s difficult just to accomplish one. So imagine my delight when a good photographer friend of mine (same person who shot this feature) offered to do a photoshoot for me and my Nuke!
The latter I shall elaborate on another time (for now I’ll include a teaser photo, see below!).
Let’s just say… I had a ball that day doing multiple shoots, and felt like one glammy mommy!!
The secret, I discovered, is in the dress… to go with a total ‘tude (the louder the better!). In my case, I went with a DVF purchase I made earlier during my pregnancy – so early in fact, that it was no longer flattering by the time I got the dress (such is the travesty of a rapidly changing gestating body!).
Never fear however, as this number has been the perfect little fix post-partum – a relief really, as it totally improves my “cost per wear” quotient.
My simple advice when donning this sort of piece is this: minimalize everything, keep the accessories simple, and let the dress do its job – which is to DOMINATE.
Happy Friday everyone!
Photo-shoot with Rockshic Baby, wearing Navy Henry Booties by Pediped plus Zara leggings! More to come later #Rockshicxmas
After our busy shoot, we let our hair down at nearby Freemans for some mixed drinks and grub. The artichoke dip is my fav!
Today, hubby took our little Nukie to his very first All Blacks Rugby game! (Against Ireland).
In keeping with the theme, here are some photos taken last weekend when we went to the Ireland vs. Australia game in the East Village at Dorian Gray. Looking back, it felt like a completely different season! (To be fair, last weekend felt unseasonably warm).
To dress the part, I went for a simple tweed sheath dress by Ann Taylor (the clean black panels are super flattering!) along with a little black shoulder vest (courtesy of my gradate school days living in Cambridge). I’ve a feeling that this would be the last time I can get away with wearing this outdoors in New York City in a loooooong time.
Lucky for us, we’re heading down to sunny Florida two short weeks!
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
