My Happy, Hybrid Baby Shower

I know I've said this before, but being pregnant during a pandemic can be a little strange. People don't come up to you in the grocery store to ask how far along you are (and you wouldn't want them to). Birthing classes are hosted virtually. Hubbies aren't allowed to come along for doctor's appointments. 

And then there's the baby shower. A few months back, I resigned myself to the idea that I probably wouldn't have one, but my dear friend Becca proposed hosting one at her new cottage, equipped with a roomy yard with plenty of space for social distancing. I knew we would have to keep things small for safety, but didn't want to exclude friends and family who live out of state. We came up with a hybrid concept that let us enjoy the best of both worlds.

A group of local gals came for a picnic lunch (complete with coordinating picnic blankets and custom matching masks made by my mom). Everything was individually packaged and served to avoid the need for buffets, catering, or cooking. We were able to spread out while still being close enough to chat and enjoy the afternoon.

Then, we logged on to Zoom to join friends and family from afar to play games together with the in-person group. Sean and I had a special table with the laptop, and a flat-screen TV was connected to display the participants. It really made it feel so special and as if we were all there gathered together. 

We had a beautiful afternoon of perfect September Connecticut weather, and the decor was adorable. I felt so much love and support for our growing family, and I can't wait to bring our baby girl into such a sweet community. So many thanks to my dear hostess, my mom, and all my friends who helped the day come together and go off without a hitch—in person and from afar! How are you making celebrations special during this crazy time? 

'70s Prairie Dress

Head to Toe: Dress, Free People // Wedges, EMU // Bag and belt, vintage

As I was editing these photos, I thought to myself, "Woah, I'm pregnant." I'm crossing into the third trimester this weekend, and I'm starting to feel, well—huge. I still have good energy levels, but simple tasks (like buckling these cute wedges) are getting a bit more difficult.

Free People has been my go-to, thanks to the brand's signature flowy silhouettes. This loose prairie dress feels very '70s to me with its warm colors and oversized fit. I added a belt over my belly to give it a little bit of shape, but thankfully there is plenty of room. The fabric is also super light and airy, perfect for this in-between season. I'm still sipping iced coffee...When do you switch over? 

But First (Pumpkin) Coffee

Head to Toe: Tee, c/o Feel Great Goods // Pants, Citizens of Humanity // Bag, Brahmin // Shoes, Thrifted

Hey there, September! You sure crept up on me. There has been a definite chill in the air this week in Connecticut, so I opted for pants the other morning instead of a summer dress. (Maternity pants, might I add, that I ordered in a size up and still needed my belly extender to fasten.) I also indulged in a Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew. They are just so dang delicious, and I'm not an iced coffee drinker in the cold so I've been enjoying them during this in-between time.

But I am not declaring summer over yet! We have an absolutely gorgeous Labor Day weekend forecasted here ahead—sunny, 80-degree days. I plan on doing all the summer things, like hitting the beach and barbecuing in the back yard. Come Tuesday it will be back to the grind, and I'll reward myself for a busy day back by putting up some fall decorations...but we won't think about that just yet. Enjoy the holiday, fashionistas!

The Late August Summer Dress

Head to Toe: Dress, CT Couture // Sandals, Cambiani // Earrings, Anna Pearl's Curiousities // Bag, thrifted (DIY pom poms)

The end of August is always such a strange time. Kids and teachers are heading back to school (especially strange this year, I might add), but the temperatures are still sky-high. For me, I love to enjoy every last drop of summer through Labor Day Weekend. That includes getting more wears out of my favorite summer dresses, like this tribal cold-shoulder number my mom made. After that, I will coat my life in pumpkin spice, put up my fall decorations, and embrace all-things autumn—not that I'm opposed to a September beach day if the weather allows.

It's funny to see the different camps of thought play out. Some of the bloggers I follow are already posting sweaters with Halloween motifs, while Refinery 29 is publishing snarky articles about why people enjoy pumpkin spice lattes. (Because they're delicious, that's why.) My thought is, do what makes you happy! This year more than ever, can we just let people enjoy their pumpkins in August, and their beach days in October? I mean it's 2020, is the calendar even relevant? What do you think—team summer, team fall, or team whatever the mood strikes? 

Smock It To Me

Head to Toe: Top, CT Couture // Jeans, Mavi Denim // Sandals, Teva (similar) // Earrings, Impulse Control Vintage

Believe it or not, this stunning view is just a quick walk from our new house! We've officially been moved in for a week, and we're finally feeling a little bit more settled. We're getting a crash course in the joys of home ownership, and learning some lessons of the measure twice, cut once persuasion. (I spent the weekend steam-removing wallpaper, and Sean did yard work.)

But, it's a labor of love! And it will be super worth it when everything comes together. Most days last week, you could find me in an old T-shirt and paint-stained shorts. But, I did manage to get dressed in some stretchy jeans (non maternity and fitted on top with a belly band) and this cute '70s smock. My mom made it from a vintage maternity pattern found on Etsy, and I paired with retro earrings and a vintage clutch. I'm excited to restyle it as a layering piece in the fall...which is coming up, fast. Can you believe Labor Day is the weekend after next?

We Bought A House!

Head to Toe: (above) Dress, Sui by Anna Sui (below) Top, Free People // Shorts, Amazon // Sandals, Teva

I've been pretty mum with details about our new house. Sean and I are first-time homeowners, and buying can feel really uncertain and stressful. I didn't want to jinx it! There were minor hiccups, but everything really went off without a hitch this week. Thankfully, we had a great team and Realtor to get us through. 

The house is a three-bedroom split level. We're staying in Connecticut, and it is walking distance to the beach! The previous homeowners took great care of the place and cultivated some really beautiful landscaping. I'm hoping to be able to maintain all of their hard work—check out those pretty flowering trees in my backyard pics below. 

We'll be spending the weekend painting and sprucing. Monday we move everything in from our Norwalk apartment! It's a really great feeling to have a place all our own, and Sean and I are excited for this special time. Of course, I hope to share all the fun decor and DIY projects with you here! Do you have any suggestions for us as first-time homeowners? Tell me! 

Botanical Tee, Take Two

Head to Toe: Tee, Parks Project // Shorts, DL 1961 // Shoes, Converse // Bag and earrings, vintage // Watch, Michael Kors via The Real Real

Oh 2020, what else can you throw at us? Yesterday, it was a hurricane. I didn't expect it to be much, until Sean and I were watching the weatherman report on a tornado spiraling through our town. A few minutes later, we lost power. And this preggo gets hot, fast, so Sean and I sought refuge today at my Dad's marketing office. 

Internet has been touch and go, but we've been rolling with the punches and figuring it out. That's the theme of this year, right? As Ross Geller would say, "Pivot!" I'm having the same mindset with my clothes, which is why I can't get enough of this soft, versatile tee. Today, I wanted to focus on comfort and keeping cool, so I threw it on with some maternity shorts and Chucks. Done. I hope you're staying cool!

Photos by Chris Loynd