Or perhaps something like this:

Ah, but then I may never leave the house. And alas, I do need to leave the house. On Monday is my first web design class, and I am going to need something to wear aside from snuggly pajamas and leggings! Like, oh, maybe something like this:

Ah, but you know what no one tells you? That after you have a baby, there will be this interminable period of time when you still don’t fit into your pre-baby clothes, and yet you can’t wear your maternity clothes anymore either. Which is why I find myself somewhat dreading a shopping trip this afternoon to pick up a few in-between outfits. Repeat after me: I deserve to look lovely right now, no matter what size I am!

(images: Toast)

Toggle coat + Cross-body bag + Lace-up boots + Cute bike

Layered tops + Blazer + Jeggings + (more) Lace-up boots

Jacket + Bold necklace + Full skirt + Cowgirl boots

Do you have any favorite outfits you’re yearning to pull on again once the weather changes?

(images: Urban Weeds)

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time, you probably know I have a bit of a thing for Orla Kiely, but I have not until now justified shelling out the cash for any of her lovely things. Well, sometime late in my pregnancy as my feet were swelling and my belly had grown so huge I couldn’t see them anyway, I decided that I really couldn’t go another day without an Orla Kiely diaper bag (I got mine from here) lol. I made myself feel better about buying the bag by telling myself it will make an excellent travel bag when it’s no longer holding nappies – and it will, I tell you!!

And it fits perfectly over the handlebar of our stroller (which I also love, by the way) for easy access while on the move. Here you see Bixby posing by the trail entrance to our first nature walk this past weekend (of course, he didn’t open his eyes the whole time, so it’s not like he knows he was on his first nature walk). Bottom line is, I love it. There is room for everything one with a baby might need to schlep, the strap adjusts so you can wear it over your shoulder or across the body, messenger-style, and I will never get sick of it.

This morning I was up very early, seeing my Mom off to the airport. We all loved having “Nana” here so much and will miss her dearly! And now I am busy packing for a road trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. This will be our first time traveling with Bixby, and it is quite an ambitious trip to be going on, so please wish us luck! Orla will be coming along, so at least I will be stylish on the road, even if there is a screaming wee one in my ear :)

Of course, this means that posts will be very light (hm, maybe even nonexistent?) over the next week as I enjoy some well-deserved R&R. I hope you can also find time this week to take care of yourself or even get away!!

{images: Laura Gaskill}

Are you already in-the-know? Emerson and her husband Ryan (that’s those two cuties above) create and ship all of the goods from their farm – now if that’s not the sweet life, I don’t know what is!

EmersonMade is known for lovely handmade flowers fashioned into garlands, necklaces, sashes and hair pins, like the ones above and below…

…and adorable little clutches and “bouquets” of blooms to give your friends…

But I am really excited about the new clothing line EmersonMade has recently unveiled! Available for pre-order now, the collection is filled with the kind of classic pieces that will be in heavy rotation in your wardrobe for many happy years!

I am dying to have this 60′s style tweed jacket, and a big bloom that Carrie Bradshaw would love is pretty tempting as well! Ah, but then there is this wonderfully rustic table runner that would look magnificent on my dining room table…

What’s making your wish list? Visit EmersonMade to see (and drool over) it all.

{all images: EmersonMade}

Clockwise from top left: 1. Pyramid studded belt from Madewell; 2. Steven Alan beach blankets; 3. Vintage-inspired bike from Bowery Lane Bicycles; 4. Jeans from Anthro; Ode to J.D. Salinger tote from I Miss You Already; 5. St. James sailor shirt; Tomato-red espadrilles. Espadrilles and sailor shirt found via lox papers.

In the summers, one of my favorite things to do is head down to our local city park on the spur of the moment with a bag full of goodies like cheese, fresh fruit and a baguette from the bakery on the corner, spread out on a big blanket and while away the afternoon. It’s been too hot here lately to take our brand-new bébé to the park, but I am hoping it will cool down a bit one of these weekends!

{images: linked to numbered sources above}

Clockwise from top left: 1. “Welcome” print by Sweet William; 2. A new edition of Tom Sawyer with gorgeous cover art, via my book covers; 3. Aztec cushion cover by Leah Duncan; 4. Boyfriend jeans; Feather tee from Spool No.72; 5. Natural cotton flowers necklace from Autumn Rae Art; 6. Balloon Factory sculpture by PearsonMaron.

This week’s Summer Style is all about fresh, sunshiny colors and being lazy at home with a good book. Prop yourself up on soft pillows in a sunny window or in a hammock in the backyard (if you are so lucky!) and revisit some childhood favorites – on my list? Little House on the Prairie, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Enjoy!

{images: linked to numbered sources above}

Clockwise from top left: 1. Wall decal from Shanna Murray that I am obsessed with; 2. Lovely lace earrings from White Owl; 3. Soft leather ballet flats (I so want these!!) from Luna; 4. TokyoMilk perfume; 5. Sweetest chambray dress from Ruche; 6. Silver bow bracelet from White Fly; 7. French market baskets from Sadie Olive.

Just a few little things that made me smile :) I really hope you enjoyed this first installment!

{images: linked to numbered sources above}

I am having a little daydream about lounging in a big white peacock chair surrounded by bright pillows beside my (imaginary) backyard pool, sipping a tall iced drink with an umbrella in it. As long as we are daydreaming, let’s pretend I am not 8 months pregnant and let’s make that drink a mojito – and do my hair and makeup just like the so-60′s lady above. Would you like to join me? And perhaps we can arrange for someone to bring us little treats like paninis and ice-cold grapes on a tray? ha ha!

Seriously though, any of the items in Trina Turk’s residential collection would add such a fun element to a patio or backyard, don’t you think? And if I were not limited to maternity clothes at the moment (and if price were no object) I think one of her dresses would be just the ticket for attending summer weddings and parties :)

And have you seen her outdoor fabrics? I love the idea of using these inside as well, especially if you have children because they are virtually indestructible, yet still so chic!

{all images: Trina Turk}

These first 5 items I imagine going in a sweet little workspace or studio – fun curtains to frame your view, a sweet little jacket and clutch to throw on at lunch, a pretty print for your wall, and cool zinc letters to prop on a shelf above your desk…

1. Wish-Upon Curtain; 2. Landmarks Jacket; 3. What-A-Snap Clutch; 4. Pen & Ink Violas; 5. Oversized Zinc Letters.

And the last five I love for their whimsy – a twirly skirt that reminds me of childhood dress-up parties, cap-toe ballerina flats, sparkly hair pins, repurposed silver plant markers, and a fresh copy of Alice in Wonderland…

6. Masterpiece Awaits Skirt; 7. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; 8. Toe-Tapping Flats; 9. Sparkle Bobbies; 10. Vintage Garden Markers.

Oh dear, oh my, there is so much to love in that store! I really do wish they would open up shop in Providence…even though it would be hard to keep from emptying my wallet! The whole environment they create is enough to lift my spirits – the music, the creative window displays, the bountiful piles of gorgeousness, ah…

So, which are your favorites?

{images: Anthropologie}

Don’t these images – the clothes, the mood, the scenery – make you want to pack a suitcase and head out the door for a trip to a far-flung place right this very minute? Sigh. I feel very lucky to already have many delightful travel memories to savor, and yet there are still so many places I want to go!! You can view the entire Toast collection right here, and do check out their new Toast Travels section, which includes articles, podcasts, and other fun stuff.

So I am signing off for the weekend a wee bit early as I have lots of fun things planned! I’ll be going to the cinema with my sweetie (doesn’t that sound so much more romantic than the movies?) – I’d like to see this, which looks like a visually gorgeous film (the costumes! the scenery!) – enjoying a few nice, leisurely meals, and generally puttering around and relaxing :) Have a lovely weekend, and I thank you so much for choosing to spend a bit of your time here with me; your sweet words and emails really make my day!