alltumbledown: a modest attempt at style

The Flounce

2014-04-23T14:24:00.001-04:00

They say that breaking up is hard to do, and that certainly holds true for this corner of the internet. You may have noticed the radio silence around here; I've posted sporadically at best and not at all in the past few months. Don't worry, I haven't been running around naked, but I haven't felt the urge to document what I've been wearing, either. So I think it is time to simply cut the cord and part ways with this project, one that has certainly seen me through some tough times and (I hope) tackled some issues slightly less frivolous than what I choose to wear each day.

Thank you for joining me on this little journey, and for your comments, emails, and overall support. I'm still on Instagram, where random outfit shots pepper the more predominately toddler/food lineup. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

The Skirt

2014-02-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

{Cream sweater: via Loehmann's RIP // sequin pencil skirt: Target // grey tights: Urban Outfitters // black sparkle booties: ABS via Burlington // navy tassel earrings: Burlington}

Note to self: outfit photos before going out to dinner, not after. But I couldn't resist showing off my new favorite item of clothing, this sequin pencil skirt, which I have been wearing with everything. Denim shirt? Comfy sweater? Sweater with zebra on it? Check. I highly recommend adding one to your ~~closet~~ life.

Mirror Selfies

2014-01-21T14:07:00.001-05:00

{white button down: Banana Republic // tan bird sweater: Target // jean skirt: Loft // brown tights: Calvin Klein via Daffy's // brown sweater boots: Splendid via Burlington // earrings: Burlington}

I am in love with these booties. Especially since they were under $30. Run to your closest Burlington, ladies, because they have a fantastic selection of boots for crazy low prices. And now, 2 bonus outfits that are only documented in these Myspace-esque mirror selfies:

{striped sweater: Romeo and Juliet Couture via Loehman's (RIP)// navy maxi: c/o Kosher Casual // grey rainbooties: Melissa }

{ red cowlneck: H&M // leopard maxi skirt: Nordstrom Rack // booties: Target }

Winter Wear and Hair

2014-01-14T13:59:00.001-05:00

{black long-sleeved tee: Under Armour // oatmeal sweater robe: Target // orchid wool skirt: J. Crew via ebay // black tights: Hue // cognac suede boots: Lucky Brand via Ross }

What is your cold-weather layering strategy? Lately I am all about the long-sleeved tee underneath sweater combo. I bought this sweater-robe to wear immediately postpartum when I knew I'd be having visitors and not feel like putting on actual clothing, and I'm still pretty much living in it on days when I don't need to be in front of a class. Also, have you tried this ponytail trick? Gamechanger. Hello, cascading mermaid hair with no effort whatsoever. I'm trying to up my hair game since I usually just pull it into a bun or ponytail, but if all else fails, I may just revert to my pixie (sorry, hubs).

Like a Rock Star

2013-12-18T16:42:00.000-05:00

{sweater: Romeo and Juliet // leather jacket: Spiegel // skirt: F21 // tights: H&M // boots: Target}

Hello, H&M dressing room. While you didn't yield anything for me to purchase, you did provide me a full-length mirror to document this little number, combining my favorite boots + jacket + sweater. Some days I'm a little bit country, but this day, I was definitely a little bit of rock n' roll.

Fall Flowers

2013-11-21T17:08:00.002-05:00

{floral dress: Tucker for Target // yellow waterfall cardigan: Loehmann's // jean jacket: Calvin Klein denim // brown tights: Hue // caramel booties: Bamboo // tassel earrings: Burlington}

Still here, friends? I got a new phone last month, and the case has a rounded bottom so perching the phone atop a flat surface and snapping photos is a no-go. There goes my very tech savvy method of photography. Rawr.

Anyway, here is an outfit from last month. I layered a summer dress with a cardigan and jean jacket, which is my go-to fall combination. I'm kind of in love with these earrings, which add a fun little punch to each shake of my head. We're busy gearing up for my brother-in-law's wedding next week; the little man sure looks suave in a tux! I'll be sure to share pictures of my dress with you all... if it comes back from the tailor in time, that is. Fingers crossed, friends.

Green Giant

2013-10-17T17:16:00.001-04:00

{sweater: H&M // skirt: Loft // belt: H&M // boots: Corso Como }

I love giant sweaters. I especially love this one, which has a giant collar to match its size. I bought it last year while mildly pregnant, wore it 'til babytumbledown was born, and am wearing it now belted to conceal how floppy it is around my midsection. Paired with boots, bare legs and a white pencil skirt, I welcomed the best of seasons to come while hanging on to one last taste of summer.

Tangled Up in Blue

2013-10-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

{striped dress: Target // blazer: Ross // bow flats: c/o surfdome // blue drop earrings: Burlington }

On research-at-home days, I aim for a balance between comfort and not-pajamas. This semester, I find myself on campus most mornings, returning home for afternoons of reading/grading. This look worked for both morning lecture and afternoon reading, sans blazer, because while it may look graphic and neat, this jersey dress is as comfortable as a nightgown.

Speaking of comfort, say hello to these adorable flats that just so happen to accent the blue stripe in my dress rather perfectly. When I was contacted by UK company Surfdome for a review, I gravitated toward this pair, seeking a neutral flat with solid construction for my pavement-pounding commute (I face either taking a car, a bus, and another bus, or a car, bus and 13-minute walk. I usually opt for the walk, and have destroyed more than one pair of shoes recently). Cute and comfy, these totally fit the bill. They have tons of shoe options here, including brands I haven't seen stateside, so if you're looking for a change from your standard shoe-fare, I'd definitely check out their site.

What's In My (Pump) Bag?

2013-09-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

Pumping Essentials by ninatumbledown

{Oops this posted twice a week ago. I am terrible at Polyvore, apparently. Apologies!}

This post is about breastfeeding, so feel free to take five if it isn't up your alley. I've been back at school now for a month, pumping on average 3 times a day. When looking around for tips prior to heading back, I found plenty of advice about which pump to buy, transitioning baby from breast to bottle and back again, and how to maintain an adequate supply while we're separated. All of this was truly helpful, and I'm hoping to pay it forward by doing a classic "whats in my bag" post with a twist.

What's in my pump bag? Well, to start with, my breastpump. On days when I'm not able to use my school's hospital-grade pump, I use the Medela Freestyle (1), which is pretty top-of-the-line, and in my opinion, well worth it. I do not generally believe that a higher price point yields a more superior product, but I strongly encourage those of you who will be pumping full-time to invest in the best pump you can. We're talking about motor strength, durability of parts, and customer service, which, when you're relying on a machine to help provide food for your child, are pretty important elements to consider. I also pack a handpump-- the Medela Harmony (2)-- in case my electric malfunctions. I never want to be faced with a day of discomfort or a drop in supply because I can't pump, and it takes up little real estate in my bag.

Pumping can be a messy job, but I try to reduce my use of disposable products whenever possible. I carry 2 Trader Joe's Kitchen Cloths (3) in my bag to wipe up any spills/drips when detaching the horns. They're super absorbent and washable, and brightly colored enough that they don't get lost in the laundry or my bag. I make sure to always pack extra caps for my bottles, and these Dr. Brown's replacement caps (4) are the cheapest option to fit the standard-sized Medela bottles.

Pumping eats up most of my free time during the day, so packing a nutritious lunch and snacks that can easily be eaten while pumping and getting reading done is essential. Since I carry a cooler for my milk, I've been stashing at least two string cheeses (5) inside, along with Trader Joe's trail mix (6) for easy snacking. Granola bars are great, too. Staying hydrated assists milk production, so I make sure to pack a bottle of water (7). While pumping, I catch up on student emails and read blogs on my iphone (8), which I swear was made for pumping moms.

I don't pump with a nursing cover, which I find a bit too restrictive for my usually solitary activity, but I do make sure to carry a large scarf (9) around, which can double as a cover in case I need to pump in a less private space than usual. I know people swear by their hands-free bras, which I love while pumping at home on my reading days, but when I have 30 minutes to pump, wash and be back in the classroom for lecture, I try to strip down as little as possible. I'm not sure if this only works for the well-endowed, but I am able to unclip my nursing bra, attach the pump horns, and reclip, which saves a good 2 minutes on each end of my session. If I can't wash my pump parts after a pump, I wipe them down with hand/face/pacifier wipes (10), which are cheaper than the breastpump wipes, or simply toss them in my cooler along with my pumped milk until my next session.

So there you have it, my pump bag in a post. Babytumbledown just hit 8 months, and has been exclusively breastfed from day 1. I hope this post is helpful to those of you currently pumping, or those of you considering it for the future. While it definitely takes some time and a good amount of dedication, I find that staying organized and having a checklist like the above makes it far less stressful than it could be. And now for a gratuitous baby picture:

Summer Basics

2013-08-27T19:19:00.004-04:00

{pink tank: H&M // mustard waterfall cardigan: Pink Rose // white denim pencil skirt: Level 99 via Anthropologie / red sandals: Kelsey Dagger // belt: Goodwill // cameo necklace: gift from Mom // scarf: vintage via ebay }

Just a few light layers, including this staple white denim skirt. I use it as a summer replacement for the ubiquitous black pencil skirt favored during the rest of the year, creating a lighter mix in both color and weight.

I wore the above on a perfect summer day, replete with a nice long walk and a trip to the farmer's market. With a hair-grabbing baby, buns and headbands have become definite favorites in my arsenal. His two teeth seem destined to be joined by others imminently so we're busy cleaning up drool and rubbing sore gums. His delicious smiles make it all worth it, though.

Kosher Kitchen: Buying Food

2013-08-25T15:43:00.001-04:00

In today's installment of Kosher Kitchen, we're discussing shopping. Grocery shopping, to be exact. We've covered definitions and gear, and now it is time to learn how to stock that kosher kitchen with delicious goodies. If you have a kosher-keeping guest coming over or want to bring a treat that your kosher-keeping coworker can enjoy to the office potluck, keep reading.

So, what does someone keeping Orthodox kosher restrictions look for in the supermarket? You may not know, but there are kosher symbols printed on thousands of packaged food items. Go ahead and take a peek at your pantry, and you'll recognize some of the marks I'm about to discuss.

Since all processed products need supervision to ensure that no hidden ingredients were added to an ostensibly kosher item, a system of symbols denoting an agency dedicated to checking the processing facility developed. Common symbols from agencies in the US that are pretty universally accepted include the following:

{via}

That would be the OU from the Orthodox Union, OK from the Organized Kashrus Laboratories, the Star-K, and the Kof-K. There are dozens of smaller organizations throughout the country, as well as international organizations. If I'm in the store and see a symbol that I don't recognize, I use my handy-dandy Chicago Rabbinical Council iphone app to look it up.

Now, not all agencies are universally accepted. That would be too simple! Agencies vary in their requirements- how often does a mashgiach, or an agent of the agency, come to check on the facility? Are his visits a surprise? What other food is processed in the plant, and what is the cleaning process between runs? All of this impacts on whether a kosher-keeper elects to eat food certified by a particular agency. So if you're buying food for a friend to eat, simply ask them if they find a given symbol acceptable. There is no worse feeling than when someone has gone out of his/her way to buy something kosher for you to eat but you don't actually accept the product's certification.

The symbols also indicate the food's denomination. Foods containing even trace amounts of milk will have a D for dairy next to the symbol, and foods containing meat will indicate so as well. If the symbol appears without a letter next to it, that means it is pareve, contains neither meat nor milk. If it has a P, that doesn't mean it is pareve, but actually indicates that it is kosher for Passover. If you see a D-E, it means the product is pareve but was made on dairy equipment, so it may not be eaten with meat.

Remember, uncut fruit and vegetables are always kosher. That said, many kosher-keepers check produce in particular ways to ensure that there are no bugs within. Apples, oranges, pears and plums are safe bets if you'd like to have something on hand for your kosher friends. Keeping some disposable cutlery and plates around isn't a bad idea, either.

Rust and Pink

2013-08-19T12:46:00.002-04:00

{tunic: Ross // pink skirt: Max Studio via Marshall's // braided belt: Gap //gladiator sandals: Nine West (thanks, Mom!) // headband: H&M}

A bit of an unexpected color pairing, but I rather liked it. I bought this skirt shortly after giving birth since I was tired of maternity clothing but not quite fitting into my old wardrobe. While I love the color, I learned the hard way that a belt is necessary now (thankfully, in the comfort of my own home). Bookending the maternity spectrum is this tunic top, which I purchased as camouflage in my first trimester. I love flowy looks, but find that I get lost in all the fabric with my current nursing body, so tucking in (and retucking every time babyface eats) has been a saving grace.

Neon Leopard

2013-08-14T15:50:00.002-04:00

{denim blazer: Calvin Klein Jeans // neon yellow tee: Target // white skirt: Gap // leopard flats: Richard Taylor}

I hit up Target on Monday to pick up some nursing supplies for my sister, who had a delicious baby girl earlier that morning (we later drove from Philly to NY to visit for an hour, turned around and drove straight back home. #tired). This neon yellow tee beckoned to me from the clearance rack. Less than $5 and perfectly punchy? Count me in. In homage to the quickly-ebbing summer, I paired it with a white skirt, and aimed for a bit of balance and eye-protection with my handy denim blazer.

Looking for more alltumbledown? You can follow along on facebook and instagram, where I post more frequently.

Modern and Modest: Feeling Empowered

2013-08-11T15:19:00.003-04:00

Getting back to business, today's Modern and Modest post features Jenn, who dresses modestly not out of religious convictions but as a means of feeling empowered.

What does "modesty" mean to you? Why do you choose to dress modestly? Modesty means portraying an image sans sexuality. Most times I want to be seen for who I am and not as a sexual being. Modesty can be a challenge for me because of the nature of my body: plus-sized with a large bodice. Sometimes I leave the house thinking I am dressed modestly - then items shift during flight - and later in the day I find I am showing more than I would prefer.

What are your personal modesty restrictions? Describe a daily look. Are there places where modesty doesn't apply or situations in which the rules change (ie: your bedroom, your home, the beach, with your spouse, with family)? Most days I would prefer to show no or very little cleavage. Exceptions to that would be when I am home alone, or with my husband; warm days when I am not at work, just going to the store for example, a little cleavage may be okay. At the beach or outdoors I showing a little cleavage may be okay in the way of comfort. Skirts generally do not go above the knee, and I often wear leggings. I also wear a bathing suit with a skirt.

Do you dress in a typical style for your religious community, if you are part of one? If not, how does your style differ? How do you feel about members of your religious community who choose to dress differently? I am not religious. I simply want to be seen in ways that align with my identity and in a way that is comfortable.

Have your modesty standards changed over time? How so? I am more comfortable with my standards for dress now. I am comfortable with being more revealing in certain circumstances because I know myself better.

Do you find modesty empowering, restrictive, or somewhere in between? Is it something about which you feel passionate? I dress to feel empowered: modesty is often one component of that.
I dress to feel empowered: modesty is often one component of that.
How do you balance your personal style with modesty requirements? Are the two the same? I don't find the two incompatible. Sometimes styles show more than I feel comfortable with but that is easily amended with a cami or leggings.

What role does modesty play in your religious observance, if you are religious?
None.

Do you dress in a style typical for your geographic location? If not, have you ever felt out of place or overly conspicuous because of your appearance? In early grad school (I was 23), people equated my style of dress with conservative religious/social beliefs and were surprised I am socially/politically liberal. Because of my size it was difficult/impossible for me to keep up with young style trends growing up and through my early 20's. I often chose to dress older and more professional. In certain social settings during my college years and 20's I felt out of place with my modest dress.
What role does your spouse/significant other play in your clothing choices? He is pleased regardless.
Does blogging or reading modesty blogs strengthen, weaken or somehow alter your relationship with modesty? What has been the impact of going public with modesty?Blogs have a positive effect on the modesty-movement. As a feminist and fashion-blog reader I have learned more about the reasons behind dressing modestly and blogging probably helps modesty's visibility as not only a conservative-religious-anti-feminist choice.

Interested in contributing to the series and being featured on the blog? Simply click below to fill out the survey.

High School

2013-08-08T13:14:00.001-04:00

{tank: Target // jean jacket: DKNY Jeans via Century 21 // navy maxi skirt: c/o Kosher Casual // yellow sandals: Rocket Dog via Marshall's // brown belt: H&M // statement necklace: Target }

I wore a long black skirt every day in high school. Tucked underneath were pajama pants, leggings or, in classic Modern Orthodox high school girl style, a pair of sweatpants from a boys' yeshiva league sports team. I've been slowly weeding those out of my closet, but have hung on to a few pairs... because nothing says 27-year-old mother/PhD candidate like wearing a pair of HANC softball sweats.

When Kosher Casual contacted me to do another review, I saw this navy maxi skirt and immediately remembered those 4 years of slinky black comfort. And boy, does this skirt deliver. At 5'4, it hits me somewhere between my natural waist and my hips, though you could probably fold over the top if you'd like a lower rise. The jersey material flows beautifully, and I wear it every day I need to be down on the floor with the baby (yup, every day). The quality is far superior to the maxis I've seen recently at Target and Old Navy for a comparable price, so if you're in the market for a great long skirt, look no further. The skirt does has visible seams running down its length, which can be worn in front or (as seen above), positioned on the sides. It washes well, but since the seams do tend to pick up a bit of lint, wash inside out.

In other news, baby boy is 6 months old! My time at home with him is nearing a close, but we've thankfully found a highly recommended daycare close to our apartment, public transportation and (priorities) the grocery store. I finally submitted my last papers, so I'm trying to make the most of our last weeks together.

Note: The skirt above was provided for review by Kosher Casual. I received no compensation for this review, and all opinions are my own.

Chevron

2013-07-10T20:36:00.001-04:00

{tank: Hanes // cardi: Target // skirt: Target // sneakers: DSW // necklace: Filene's }

Hey girl. I've been wearing these sneakers nonstop because they're the most comfortable shoes ever and I am in desperate need of a pedicure (and someone to watch my baby during said activity). Also, chevron pencil skirt, welcome to my life. We will be the best of friends, I just know it.

Happy Retirement, Google Reader

2013-06-20T11:39:00.000-04:00

{via}

As many of you have heard by now, Google Reader will cease to exist July 1st. If you follow along via Reader or Google Friend Connect, time for a new method to follow alltumbledown! I recommend Bloglovin' or Feedly. If you're an email subscriber, you'll still receive posts.

Also, I just joined Vine (6 second video clips). Find me here.

Florida

2013-06-17T11:40:00.002-04:00

{shirt: Pink Rose via Loehmann's // skirt: Loft // shoes: Mattiko via DSW // jacket: Calvin Klein Denim via Century 21 // lace earrings: gift from hubs }

Usual disclaimer: I started off way less wrinkled than these pictures would indicate. A few weeks ago a kosher pop-up BBQ truck visited our 'hood, and we ate our fill of applewood smoked brisket sandwiches before heading home for the bub's bedtime. I wore my new button down blouse, which makes me feel like a 70-something retiree in South Florida. In a good way.

In other news, I finally uploaded pictures from my too-fancy-for-me camera to the computer. Here is a 4-month beauty shot, 3 weeks late. Now that his naps have gotten a bit longer and more regular, it is back to the grindstone for me. I'm hoping to churn out a paper this week and then another over the next month, getting back in mental shape for school to start up again. Maybe he'll even sleep through the night by then! Hey, a girl can dream.

Save it for a Rainy Day

2013-06-05T18:29:00.003-04:00

{cardigan: J. Crew Outlet // striped tee: UO // jean skirt: Loft // rainbooties: Melissa // necklace: Filene's }

Oh hi there. We've hit 4 months postpartum and baby boy is belly laughing, rolling and squawking up a storm. I'm losing hair by the handful (gah), so got my first haircut in nearly a year with some volumizing all-over layers and side bangs to make me feel like I have a style on bun days (yknow, every day). I'm still getting dressed but finding time to take semi-decent shots lacking. On the above day, despite the general drizzly gloom, I got a blissful 3 hours of nap. Hello, outfit pictures (and laundry. The neverending laundry.)

Transitioning

2013-05-13T10:33:00.002-04:00

{sweater: J. Crew Factory // skirt: Max Studio Jeans // booties: Bamboo // earrings: craft fair in Tel Aviv }

My life right now consists of a lot of floor time, giggling and cooing with our nearly 4-month-old bub. I think I need to just accept wrinkles as an occupational hazard. We're still transitioning to warm weather here, hence the sweater + booties + bare legs (!) combination.

And here you have my favorite hair-do of late. I often shower at night after baby is asleep, and wake up with crazy hair that needs taming. This look has been my salvation: french-braid and pin back the front, pull out a strand or two, and stick the rest of it in a bun. Takes about 30 seconds, stays all day, and I don't look like I stuck my finger in an electric socket. Win.

Spring. Maybe.

2013-05-02T09:37:00.004-04:00

{striped dress: BCBG via Ross // sandals: Lucky Brand // jacket: Calvin Klein Jeans // necklace: Banana Republic via hubs }

Yesterday certainly felt like spring, but I've been fooled several times now over the past month. Holding my horses over here. I've been loving the maxi dress now that btd is playing on the floor, and this stripey number actually has sleeves long enough to wear on its own. Since it was still a bit chilly I paired it with the jean jacket (not my first choice, but I couldn't find the one I wanted to wear. It was on the couch. My brain and I need to have a little chat).

Wearing this dress felt like celebrating the body I currently have, flabby bits and all. No hiding behind stiff fabric or a smoothing tank top, just me and the softly flowing jersey. Coming to terms with my postpartum figure, with its wider hips, larger bust and doughy stomach is taking time, but it felt rather freeing to embrace it in this body-conscious look. My body has done some pretty fantastic things over the past year and I'm learning to embrace it.

Behind the Camera: Or, Ode to a Chambray Shirt

2013-05-01T08:43:00.000-04:00

These days, I find myself behind the lens far more frequently than in front of it. Lots of outfits worn, few documented. So here are a few shots of what I've been wearing from Instagram, because taking a shot in a mirror is about what I'm capable of at the mo.

{Old Navy star chambray shirt // American Apparel skirt // French Connection sweater // Corso Como boots}

An oldie but this was one of my first solo jaunts with babytumbledown, and my first wear of what has become a closet staple, the Old Navy star print chambray. I've been wearing button-down tops nonstop while breastfeeding, but most of mine just.wouldn't.close over my impressive new bust. Yup, I currently rock a size that I didn't even know existed prior. Thanks to Old Navy, I have a few inexpensive button downs that do indeed button (ok, I sewed a snap in between a few buttons for extra coverage). The fit on the rest of me isn't the best, but with a sweater and rolled up sleeves nobody is the wiser.

{F21 chambray // J. Crew pencil skirt // Hue tights // Target booties // baby}

Bring baby to work (school) day, as I prepared for my second-year meeting with the members of my orals committee. The above was taken after I successfully located the lactation room on campus AND a bathroom with a changing table (and, yknow, wrote a progress report and filed my first-year thesis in my portfolio). Felt rather accomplished that day.

{F21 chambray shirt // grey H&M grandpa cardigan // J Crew Outlet pencil skirt}

Continuing the theme of chambray skirt + colored pencil skirt above, I wore this to coffee with friends and out to pick up some more baby socks (where do they go?!? Actually, I know the answer to that question: inside all the other items in the laundry. Discovered this when I got dressed the other day and found a baby sock inside my sleeve.) I was considerably less wrinkled when I got dressed.

So, in a word: chambray.

Leopard Stripe

2013-04-18T21:49:00.002-04:00

{striped tee: Target // jean jacket: Calvin Klein Denim // skirt: American Apparel // tights: Hue // leopard booties: Target // scarf: Filene's}

We're almost at 3 months postpartum here, folks, and I have finally laid my maternity clothes to rest. Except for one item-- my much-worn denim pencil skirt, because I don't have one in my wardrobe and I just love it to pieces. Wearing it now, however, entails doing the hike-up dance every few feet if I walk too far, a pretty good reminder that it should be in the box with the rest of its compatriots.

The outfit above was hopefully the last tights day of the season. I do love jean jacket weather, which seems to last but a moment each spring/fall, so I'm not complaining about the temps any time soon. 68 and sunny, bring it on.

Leather Pencil

2013-03-21T14:22:00.003-04:00

{purple leather pencil skirt: DKNY via ebay // cream blouse: Lohemann's // grey cardigan: H&M // black tights: Hue // black flats: Nine West }

Our first Saturday back in synagogue with the baby, and out to lunch at friends afterward. It has been so nice to settle back into our social life with baby in tow! He loves crowds, and is generally well-behaved (and super sleepy) when we're out. I may just need to invite 30 people every night at bedtime.

Drape

2013-03-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

{rust tunic: via Ross // grey cardigan: Express // navy pencil skirt: via Ross // navy sweater tights: Hue // silver sparkley loafers: Nine West via Marshall's // spectacles necklace: F21 }

Not only did I get dressed today, but I actually took outfit shots. Thank heaven for a baby who for the first time this week decided to nap somewhere other than my arms (we're dealing with a bit of colic here and holding him seems to be the only way he'll sleep during the day instead of screaming). Thankfully, he is pretty much perfect at night-- sleeps for 5-6 hours, feeds once, and heads back to sleep for another 3-4, so I'm relatively well-rested and equipped to deal with the daytime fussiness.

The above has been pretty standard for an actual getting-dressed outfit. There have been plenty of days when a nursing tank, zipup and yoga pants sufficed, but I'm trying to get out at least once a day now and find myself reaching for drapey tops that can be easily lifted for nursing, pencil skirts because I have a waist for the first time in nearly a year, and fun shoes to keep it all from being too dull. And of course, the topknot, because some days, washing my hair is simply out of the question.

My favorite recent shot of the bub (those cheeks. I die.):