I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of flat black boots to wear with my black skinny jeans…and found these for a whopping $10.48.

Done.

Target Mossimo “Karsten” Buckle Boots, $10.48

A pretty dress for spring, especially when paired with nude ballet flats.

ASOS Shift Dress, $98

I know it’s time to get my hair done because it’s starting to take on a reddish tone that signals it’s been far too long since my last color. I’ve been toying with the idea of chopping off a few inches and doing a long bob sorta thing, but I just know I’ll chicken out when I see the scissors.

1. Street Vendor Scarf (Similar by Jones New York)
2. Target Jacket (Similar from ModCloth)
3. Forever21 Bracelets
4. H&M Dress (Similar by Volcom)
5. Target Tights
6. Target Booties (Similar by Franco Sarto)

See a few more snaps after the jump!

Read More

I was never naive enough to be one of those people that said, “I am determined not to let this baby change my life.” Instead, I said something more stupid: “I am determined to fit my life around the baby and make everything work perfectly.”

The past few weeks have been a big adjustment in a lot of the expected ways. I knew about the sleep deprivation, the changes in routine, the breastfeeding, the living-in-pajamas, etc. I knew those things were coming down the pike for me and had appropriate expectations of how difficult it might be.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have appropriate expectations when it came to another aspect of my life: my work. I work from home and so I thought I might be able to get back to work (at least for a few hours a day) as soon as a week after. (“Hey Brandon, watch Isobel while I sit on this conference call!”)

Those of you who have children are probably face-palming to infinity right now, but wait! It gets worse. I actually did that. I’ve been squeezing in work all over the place. You know the saying “sleep when the baby sleeps”? I work when the baby sleeps.

Before you label me a full-on crazy, know that there are a few reasons I’ve been trying to acclimate myself back into my old work routine so quickly:

1. My maternity leave is unpaid.
2. Many of my work responsibilities require immediate attention. (Several people were shouldering different aspects of my work to cover for me, but that didn’t provide coverage for everything.) 

So, the full scope of my situation becomes clear! With savings and a modified budget, an unpaid maternity leave is not crippling. But, thanks to a workaholic streak and a total aversion to financial stress, I have placed immense pressure on myself to keep one foot in the door. I should note that my work stressed to me that I should take as much time as I needed, that my responsibilities would be covered, etc. I love my job and they are extraordinarily understanding. So…the “immense pressure” in this situation has come from me and from my own expectations.

However, the reason I’m writing this post is not to give you a detailed play-by-play of how I arrange Isobel in my lap or in her sling and crank out as many emails as I can in between feedings. (Although I guess I just gave you a play-by-play, so there’s that!)

The reason I’m writing this is because I know I’m not the only one trying to juggle a work/life balance. Many women have maternity leave, find a nanny or childcare and then go back to work. I have a maternity leave I’ve halfheartedly taken, will be the primary childcare for my child and when I go back to work full-time, it will be while I’m acting as that primary childcare…in our home. If you’re confused, imagine my trepidation! I have no idea how I’m going to do this.

Yet, I have to! And I will (to the best of my ability). I’m sure it’s going to be hell some of the time, but—

(just now I jumped up to reinsert a dropped pacifier)

—whenever I feel discouraged or that I’m not up to the task, I take things back to basics: I have a daughter and a job! I am immeasurably lucky for both. As long as I keep sight of that, perhaps the bad & tough days—because they will come—will not seem so bad or tough.

(It’s not easy breastfeeding on a conference call, but someone’s got to do it…on mute, FYI.)

I’ll admit it: I think “mullet skirt” every time I see one of these, but they’ll be a big trend this spring. (Or so I hear.) I highly recommend getting your fix with one of these bright, pretty options from Forever21 since you won’t regret spending only $30 when the trend wears off again.

(P.S. Just noticed these skirts match the colors of my blog theme almost exactly. I feel like I should buy them on that premise alone.)

Forever21 Tulip Tail Skirt, $27.80

I love the green in this leopard-print scarf.

Staring at Stars Leopard Chenille Eternity Scarf, $17 (from $34)

We just can’t get enough leopard over here:

I’m not at all anxious for summer to appear (after last year’s 4 months of furnace-like heat and humidity), but I am looking forward to wearing bright, pretty sandals like this.

Madden Girl “Anzwer” Sandals, $40

Here are a few I’ve spotted for under $100:

I love how clean and minimal this is.

Nixon Oversized Time Teller Watch, $100 

Fun and bright with an easy-to-read white face.

Anne Klein Leather Strap Watch, $55

Completely impractical, but I like it anyway.

Vestal Alpha White Bravo Watch, $65

Can’t beat the price!

American Eagle Sparkle Chrono Watch, $29.50

It’s pink, but not overly girly.

ASOS Pink Boyfriend Watch, $54

Maybe my favorite of the bunch.

La Mer Oversized Vintage Watch, $85

Which is your favorite?

I rarely post items over $100, but I had to make an exception for this leather-trim and wool dress. I’d wear it with black tights, wedge booties and a bright scarf—maybe pink?

Madewell Leather Trim Attache Dress, $158

In today’s edition of Valentine’s Day-appropriate jewelry that doesn’t suck, I present this pretty necklace. (See previous editions here and here.)

rossmore Hand Wire Heart Necklace, $46 (from $92)