Lovely Little Shop: See Design

Loving all of the fun colors and patterns in one of my favorite new-to-me shops (and a new sponsor of A Lovely Lark - yippee!), See Design. And I may just have to buy this sweet little dress for myself! I can't decide between the red dot or navy stripe - which would you choose?

P.S. The kids' caftans are on sale right now for $15!!! 

Mom Style Vol. 2: Spring

I haven't updated my spring and summer wardrobe in quite some time. I think it's because as a teacher I tend to put most of my (small) clothing budget into work clothing, which mostly means Fall and Winter pieces (especially since our being has air conditioning and is run by men in suits, so it basically feels like Siberia year-round). We had our first real warm-weather spell this past week and I realized that I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy a few new things. A lot of my tops have holes, tears, and stains in them (I think having kids dramatically reduces the life of one's clothing), and my shorts are all super basic and casual. Being home for a year has been great, but I really do miss having a reason to take the time to look nice, so I'm going to try to make time for that whenever possible, even if it means waking up at 6AM a couple of days a week to shower and do my hair before the girls wake up (it's SO easy just to sleep that extra hour though, isn't it?) So anyway, I've been trying to look for pieces that are cute but still practical for a mama of two tiny ones. Here are my current top picks:

1. Solid tees: I love that they are comfortable and can be dressed up with a blazer or cute pair of patterned shorts.

2. Post earrings: I've stopped wearing jewelry because Lucy would always just try to yank it off of me, but I think she's getting to an age where I may be able to try a couple of simple pieces. Post earrings will be a lot less tempting for her to rip out of my ear lobes than the dangly type, so I'm going to start there.

3. Nail polish: While a professional mani/pedi isn't in the budget for us, I know that I can and should make time once every week or two to splash on a coat of nail polish to make myself feel a little bit more put-together.

4. High-waisted shorts: One complaint I have about my current shorts is that they're all low-rise. With kids you do a LOT of bending over and sitting on the ground and all kinds of other crazy stuff, so a high-waisted pair of shorts seems more practical.

5. Simple-but-pretty sandals: I love the simple look and pretty blush color of this pair. I know a lot of moms wear heels and wedges on a regular basis, but flats are a must for me personally as a mom.

6. Sparkly hair clips: An easy way to dress up my hair in a pinch. It's those little details that make the difference between me feeling like a haggard, dark-circles-under-my-eyes frumpy mom and an actual "normal" person.

7. A girly floral blouse: Dress it down with jeans or up with a pretty skirt, and for any breastfeeding mamas out there a button-down is essential.

8. A sweet and simple necklace: I love statement necklaces on other women, but I just don't think they're "me". I'm much more drawn to simple dainty pieces like this gold triangle necklace.

9. An infinite scarf: Instantly dress up any outfit - you could be wearing a basic white t-shirt and jeans and instantly make yourself feel more put together with one of these. No tying involved (or untying by your children for that matter!)

10. A cute and comfy pair of flats: I love this simple nude pair that would go with pretty much everything.

11. A cute head wrap: For those bad hair days when you don't wake up at 6AM before your kids.

12 Stylish sunnies: Considering that we'll be outside pretty much every chance we get, this is a must.

13. A pair of pretty, patterned shorts: An easy way to dress up a simple tee.

13. Midi skirts like this or this: I love something that is light, airy, and again - practical for all of that bending over that you do as a mom.

14. A comfortable dress: I'd love one with pockets because I always need them these days, and definitely something with a forgiving cut.

What about you? What are your Spring/Summer staples? Am I forgetting anything important? I'd love any suggestions before I take the plunge! xo, Lauren

P.S. Mom Style Vol. 1 + My Mom Uniform

Mom Style Vol. 1

I don't know about you, but most days I just want to be comfortable. I'm not going to get all dressed up to play with my kids at home, go to the grocery store, or take a trip to the library. But I also like to feel like there's a difference between my bedtime and daytime looks. So since I've been at home with my kids, I've been on the hunt for pieces that are comfy but still cute to add to my every day wardrobe. Here are a few standby's as well as a few pieces I'd like to add to my closet:

1. Jeggings: I know, I know - worst word ever, but I love love stretchy jeans. They are flattering, comfortable, and practical and go with just about everything
2. Cute sweatshirts: Sweatshirts are so cozy, but they aren't all created equal. I look for pretty colors and a slightly thinner and less bulky material.
3. Scarves: I love a cute scarf to dress up pretty much any outfit. Infinite scarves are my favorite because you don't even have to take the time to tie them.
4. A glam pair of stud earrings: I don't wear the dangly type much these days, because odds are they will be ripped out of my ear lobes in t-minus five seconds by my ten-month-old, but a pretty pair of earrings can go a long way to make you feel a little bit more put-together.
5. A cute/funny t-shirt: Much like the sweatshirts, not all t-shirts are created equal. Go for something that is slightly more fitted with a more modern and simple look.
6. Nail polish - you don't have to go to the salon, but just painting your nails a simple color can make you feel a bit more, well, polished :)
7. Hair accessories:  clips, barrettes, headbands, scarves - anything other than a Goodie hair tie will go a long way toward making your dry-shampooed hair feel fancy.
8. Cute pair of flats: Moccasins, flats, or loafers are way more stylish than slippers, sneaks, and flip flops but can be just as comfy and practical for chasing after toddlers.
9. A sparkly necklace: Instantly dress up a tee, or most anything, and hide it under your shirt when those chubby little fingers get too close :)
10. A denim or chambray shirt: super stylish and equally comfortable. Plus they're great for nursing.

So there are my cold-weather faves - if you have any favorite pieces or tips that make you feel good about yourself, please please share! xo, Lauren

My Everyday: My Mom Uniform

I think it's an understatement to say that my everyday wear has changed since becoming a mama. Now instead of just considering, "Do I feel good in this?" I have to think about if it's appropriate for nursing and practical for all of the bending over, crouching down, jumping, tree climbing, sliding, and sitting on the floor that comes with being a parent. Also, comfort ranks much MUCH higher on my list these days.

As a result I generally wear a nursing tank under my shirt in place of a bra, that way when I lift up/unbutton my shirt to feed my tummy isn't hanging out. I choose looser more forgiving tops to hide that last five to ten pounds in my mid-section. I also like longer shirts so that when I bend down I'm not showing skin.

As far as pants are concerned I think jeggings are the way to go! While I HATE that word - sounds so gross lol, I love the look and feel. And FLATS. Makes me feel somewhat put together while allowing me to carry my girls all over creation if necessary. My heels get busted out for playing dress up and the occasional date night and otherwise they basically collect dust in my closet, as does my jewelry. It's just not worth getting a necklace yanked off, earrings ripped out, or accidentally stabbing/scratching/scraping my babe with a ring. Last but not least is the essential ponytail/top bun/braid. Otherwise I believe I would have maybe three hairs left to my name.

This outfit is one of my go-to's. The top is Old Navy (similar), jeggings are actually Gap maternity lol (on super sale), and flats are Old Navy as well. Which reminds me that I forgot to mention cheap ranks high on my list as well!

Here are some of my favorite blogging mamas' uniforms:

Brandy of Heart & Habit:

Jeans and t-shirts all the way, comfort and style are inseparable in my books - also as a Mom it's really great to be able to add super cute scarf like this one to an everyday outfit.

Dina of Honey & Fitz:

My mom uniform changes pretty dramatically with the seasons. With Fall in full swing here in Boston, I can be found pretty much every day in some variation of this:

• A comfortable and cute shirt, preferably with pockets because I always need to bring 129 things up or down the stairs and my hands are usually busy carrying a baby! American Eagle and Aerie have some super cute cowl neck sweatshirt options right now. So, ya know, you don't actually feel like you're just wearing a sweatshirt. ;)

• Leggings or skinny jeans.

• Riding boots or ballet flats, depending on the weather. My favorite pair are from Anthropologie a few seasons back.

Joni of Lay Baby Lay:

My uniform is typically skinny jeans or pants with a longer, flowy top.  It's easy, quick, and I love not worrying about my top riding up or getting awkwardly positioned.  My red Converse are a favorite for the park or walks; they are comfortable, but still feel somewhat put together, and now that it's getting (very slightly!) cooler, I sometimes switch them up with booties and throw on a cardigan for warmth.

Thanks ladies! Check out all of their blogs - they are amazing ladies. Brandy has the most adorable and stylish kids, Joni whips up amazing idea boards for kids' rooms, and Dina is a DIY maven. They're all on my regular blog roll, and if you don't already read their blogs I bet you'll love them as much as I do!

So what about you? Link up your go-to mom uniform below or leave a comment telling us what's changed about your style since you became a mama.

• Wed Oct 23rd - How we do the grocery store
• Wed Nov 13th - Typical Lunch
• Wed Nov 20th - Naptime
• Dec 4th - Favorite Holiday Traditions
• Wed Dec 11th - Favorite toys
• Wed Jan 15th - Getting the chores done
• Wed Jan 29th -Typical Dinner 
• Wed Feb 12th - Arts & Crafts
• Wed Feb 26th - Bedtime

P.S. My Everyday Stories We're Reading and Typical Breakfasts

Something To from Reichel Broussard

Today's lovely guest blogger is Reichel Broussard of Copy Cat Chic. Her blog is a must read if you're into creating a beautiful home but are on a budget. She's got the best taste, and I'm so excited to follow along as she decorates her new home. Here are Reichel's picks:

make: Belted Shelves
wear: Ring
live: Vintage Stool
read: A Small Surprise by Louise Yates
play: Little Ozzie

Mama + Baby

A fun graphic pullover for mama + a rad handmade letter coatrack for baby

It's a Marshmallow World

Clockwise from top left: packaging, crown, tree, clutch, slippers, gift wrap, marshmallows, jumpsuit

Pinspiration No. 1: Bright Baubles

Recent favorites from Pinterest:

Clockwise from top left: Marbled Glass Orb, Happy Holidays Card, Bauble Wreath, Color Block Hat, Moccasins, Bauble Box, Heart Blanket, Birch Twig Candlesticks, Give Thanks Be Joyful Card, Gnome, Polka Dot Pajamas

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Her

I thought we'd take a little break from the gift guides for the little ones and show off some fun goodies for the lady in your life. Whether it's your wife, best friend, sister, or mom, here's a collection of lovely and useful things that any lady would love:

1. Flowers Tea Towel

2. Kaleido Trays

3. Linen Towels

4. Watercolor iPhone Cases

5. Ivory Flower Coasters

6. Woodgrain Mug

7. Pastel Spectrum Necklace

8. Aspen Bark Vase

9. Wool Dot Throw

10. Bulletin Mouse Pad

11. Wool Printed Scarf 
12. Candy Pink Notebook/Polka Dot Notebook
13. Ceramic Flower Pins
14. Sleepy Hollow Pencil Cup
15. Homemade Cookie Stamp
16. First Aid Storage Box
17. Dipped Geo Earrings
18. Leather Storage Tote
19. Scotch Naturals Nail Polish
20. Striped Taper Candles
21. Coco Bolo Necklace
22. Dot Invitation Clutch


P.S. You can enter the holiday giveaway extravaganza here. Over $750 in prizes to one lucky reader!

Mama + Baby

a pretty striped top for mama . a lovely linen dress for baby

Lovely Links

As you read this we are on our way back across the Pacific. I'm going to miss my sister and brother-in-law, and especially the handsome little guy pictured above something fierce. Luckily I have the trip ahead on which to focus to help take my mind off the fact that I'm leaving them far behind.

I'm actually fairly nervous at the moment - our trip here went much better than expected, so I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst on the trip home. I just feel like it can't be that easy! Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

In the meantime here are a few of my favorite things from around the web this week:

I could think of so many uses for these

Dressing like summer.

Ah two of my favorite things: polka dots and cake

And some more cake love.

Call me!

I could work here.

And I could definitely sleep here. Or here.

And a few of my favorites from over on A Lovely Lark:

Lovely little spaces: One . Two . Three

Lovely little things: One . Two . Three

Lovely little art.

Adorable way to announce a bun in the oven!

Recipe for bath time fun.

Happy Friday!

xo, Lauren

Color Me Happy

Isn't this just such a happy color palette? I'd kill to have that skirt (not to mention the bag and shoes). Of course it's vintage, so no dice for me! If anyone knows of a similar alternative I'll love you forever!  xo, Lauren

Image via myEdit

Steppin' Out Saturday

We managed to get out just the two of us for a date night while we are visiting here in Oz (thanks to my parents, sister, and brother-in-law!) We walked up and down the beach and had dinner overlooking the harbor. It was fun to try to remember to say things like chips instead of french fries and that we weren't supposed to tip! We shared a delicious bottle of wine and the Mister convinced me to try a bite of pork belly (eek!) I didn't absolutely hate it but I much preferred my risotto.

Really the thought of certain foods just totally grosses me out. Like eating baby animals (lamb, veal, etc.), or ripping apart the pieces of something as gross looking as a lobster or crab and sucking out the innards. Completely horrific. But then again I think that they should change the name of 'chicken' to something more nondescript. I mean they don't call beef 'cow', am I right?! Anyway, he's a pretty persuasive guy and definitely way more adventurous than me. Thanks for getting me to step out of my box a little, love!

Sometimes I forget how important that one on one time really is - it was great to reconnect and just be goofy together.


Oh and here's what I wore:
Striped Top & Earrings: Borrowed from my sister's closet
Skirt: JCrew Outlet
Shoes: Nine West


xo, Lauren

CORAL CRUSH (Plus a friendly owl)

clockwise from top left: dipped juice cup, rag mat, farmer's market basket, letter of intent journal, striped top, coral linen ballet flat, coral rope pouf, ceramic owl jar, dipped wooden bowl

Lovely Links

Happy Friday all! I'm currently packing like a crazy person for our trip to Australia. I'm going to keep this photo in mind when it gets hairy during our flight(s). Serenity now...serenity now...

Here are a few links for your weekend - hope it's better than ours is bound to be!

Genius idea for traveling with littles.

Completely in love with these curtains. I'd like three for Violet's room

Seriously stunning home.

Pretty pajamas

One of each please!

Polka dots + stripes.

Perfection.

I loved my wedding bouquet, but if I did it all over again I might just choose this.

And posts from A Lovely Lark this week:

Beautiful monthly baby photo set up

A nursery starts with art!

Up, up and away!

Pop of green.

We leave bright and early tomorrow for Oz*, wish us luck - I have a feeling we're going to need it!

xo, Lauren

This is where I want to be print by Kurt Rahn via society6

*We have a house sitter and an alarm system

Lovely Links 7.6.12

Please transport me here.

Rainbow bridesmaids - so fresh and fun!

Perfectly peachy nails.

Adorable fourth of July pies.

Festive confetti programs

Such fun packaging!

So true.

Fresh fashion illustrations (via Nicole)

I NEED this.

And over on A Lovely Lark:

Keeping things personal

Furry friends

Gray + coral nursery

I loved this so much I bought one for Violet's big girl room.

Such a smart idea.

Neon + neutrals

And more lovely links.


Happy Friday! 

xo, Lauren

Friday Favorites 6.28.12

Thanks so much for all of your support on the launch of my new little corner of the internet! I'm pretty excited about it and hope that you'll follow along with me as I work out all of the kinks. I was amazed when I glanced at my calendar that we have NO weekend plans. That seriously never happens. It's a welcome relief as this week has been jam packed with play dates, contractor estimates, meetings, trips to the zoo, launching the new site, and babysitting our babysitter's four kids (she's a saint). We're pretty spent, so I'm looking forward to an obligation-free weekend. And speaking of the weekend, here are a few fun links for yours:

The professional photos from this wedding I posted about a few weeks ago are just stunning! Worth a second look for sure.

Summer fun in a jar.

How to do a perfect top knot.

A timely upholstered headboard DIY post from YHL - thanks guys!

Super sweet mama + little girl moment.

Edgy bed sheets - one of each please!

Bridal shower in a box. Yes please.

The things that we do that our children see.

I get by with a little help from my man.

xo, Lauren

Hello Summer!

Ah, what a wonderful feeling. School's out for summer and we've been living it up. So far (other than colds) life has been full of lazy days in the sun, eating corn on the cob, dining al fresco, bathing suits and bubbles, splashing in water, and wearing copious amounts of hats...

I was a bad blogger last week and left you hanging - so sorry about that! Just fair warning that things may be a bit rocky this week as well as I'm adjusting to a new schedule of being home with the babe full time, so bear with me. I promise I'll get this thing back on track soon enough. xo, Lauren


P.S. If you're on Instagram you can follow along @withtwocats

Peach Perfection

clockwise from top left: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

Somewhere Else

Sometimes I come across photos (mainly whilst surfing The Pinterest) that make me want to get away. Go somewhere else. Maybe back to our honeymoon? (We went to Germany and Austria). A little cafe in France? Joanna Goddard just recently went on an impromptu trip with her other half, and Amsterdam looks just lovely. Wouldn't it be great to have no responsibilities, plenty of money and just be able to jet set off to explore new places? I had a dream a couple of nights ago that I won one-hundred-and-forty MILLION dollars in the lottery. (It was a beautiful feeling.) And then the alarm clock woke me up...

I bought a lottery ticket the other day just in case.

one . two . three . four . five