Pre-Pregnancy Jeans

About 10 days ago, I decided to try on these pre-pregnancy jeans and I was pleasantly surprised I could BUTTON them!!! Only 1 week before, I couldn’t. They are still a little tight, but they are proof of the progress I am making on my post partum journey. I have completed two full fitness programs since I had my 3rd baby in August, and I am currently in the middle of another. I haven’t been super strict or hard on myself in terms of nutrition this time around. I am making healthy choices for the most part and following my plan (save some wine and some weekend indulgences), but I am nursing a tiny human! I want to enjoy balance and the holidays…and hell, I birthed a human…it takes TIME! I HAVE been staying very consistent with my workouts, because I know how important it is for me to move my body not only physically but mentally. And while these were a little tight to squeeze on, it felt good to know that the rest of my normal clothing is in my near future!

I had also been eyeing this gorgeous Cloudspun sweater from American Eagle for awhile, so when it went on sale for Black Friday, I had to scoop it up! Unfortunately this color is now sold out, but they have four other beautiful colors from which to choose!

Cloudspun Sweater: American Eagle (unfortunately this color is sold out, but they have four other beautiful colors from which to choose and they are all on sale!) / Jeans: ZARA (my old pre-pregnancy jeans that I can finally button again, whoop whoop!) – similar / Booties: Target (old) – also like these / Earrings and Bracelet: Selah Box / Lip: MAC Heartless – discontinued, but try Brave Red

This week has been busy busy with holiday shopping and activities (Santa and Dyker Heights Christmas lights!) and trying out our brand new workout program that will be officially launching mid-January. It’s going to be only TWENTY minutes, you guys! I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty perfect for this busy mama. I’m filling up my group now, so for those of you who are looking for a plan of action in 2019, let’s get to chatting!

This weekend we have a few holiday parties coming up and we are taking the boys to the NY Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show, because they have pretty much been waiting to go back since last year. This time of year is my absolutely favorite, so while it’s busy with work, I’m trying to soak up every second I can with the fam!

What do you love about this time of year?

XO,

Gina

Weekend Casual

Maxi Dress: Forever 21 / Hat: P. Luca for Barami – similar on eBay / Shoes: ALDO / Scarf: Gifted – similar / Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Necklace: Vintage / Aviators: NY Street Vendor / Watch: Michael Kors (now on sale!) / Bracelet: J. Crew – also love this gold pave link bracelet / Earrings: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Impassioned 

Along with spring cleaning, we also joined my grandmother and aunt for lunch over the weekend while they were in Brooklyn for the day.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’m excited to break out the dresses again.  A maxi dress lends itself to putting together a complete look quickly.  It allows you to stay comfortable, but also put together at the same time.  Nico is just starting to be a bit more mobile and with all the chasing I imagine on the horizon, I have a feeling maxi dresses are going to be a staple item again this summer.  The only difference (as I quickly learned Saturday) is that I am going to have to hem my maxis.  They tend to run a little long when I’m sans baby bump!

In case you missed my post yesterday, I’m hosting a little closet sale over on Pinterest if you are interested in checking it out!

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Flower Child

 Flowing Floral Pants: Forever 21 / Top: Target / Jean Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Flower Crown Headband: Urban Outfitters – similar / Shoes: Nine West – similar / Earrings: Baublebar – similar / Medallion: old / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – also like it in silver / Chevron Rings: Baublebar (sold out, but like these sets as well) / Bracelet: cara New York – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: MAC Snob

I’m not usually one for a wide leg pant, but I could not resist this vibrant floral pair from Forever 21.  If you are looking for a pair of pants as comfortable as pajamas but acceptable to wear outside of the house, then these are definitely the pants for you!  I wore these last weekend on a long walk to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and they were both flowy and light.  I was clearly excited that spring had arrived as you can see from the multitude of florals in my attire.  We had a great time exploring and seeing the new buds coming up showing the first signs of the season.  I am definitely planning on going back here again toward the end of the month when things are in full bloom.  I took a few more photos of our trip to the botanical gardens, so stay tuned next week!

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Lace Skirt on Repeat

This little lace skirt has become a staple in my wardrobe lately as I’m loving winter white, and it makes me feel better to not have to wear maternity jeans or yoga pants all the time.  Again, this outfit repurposes a lot of older outfits in my closet.  I’m looking forward to the day when I can start buying some new items back in my “normal” size, but for now, it’s been fun to recreate new outfits out of items I already own.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Plaid Button Up: ZARA – similar / Lace Skirt: American Eagle (old) – similar here and here / (Faux) Fur Collar: Forever 21 – similar here – also like this oversized one / Ankle Booties: Kohl’s – similar here / Polka Dot Tights: Madewell / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bracelet: NY Street Vendor / Watch: Michael Kors / Earrings: Gifted / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Headed out for a walk today with the ladies and the babies.

I would also like to wish my amazing parents a Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary today!  You are both an inspiration, and I love you so much.

Hope you are enjoying the week thus far!

XO,

Gina

Horsing Around

Photos by: Melissa DiGiulian / Edited by: Myself

Horse Sweatshirt: J. Crew – also like this one / Lace Skirt: American Eagle (old) similar here and here / Flats: Go Jane (old) – similar / Sunnies: ModCloth / Watch: Betsey Johnson (old) – also like this one / Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet: Gifted / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Snob

These photos were taken last Friday after a little Mommy Hour sesh at Bar Chord in Ditmas Park with my fellow new moms in the neighborhood.  Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to take your baby to a bar in Brooklyn…so long as you go before the regular patrons get out of work for regular happy hour time.  Haha.  It was a beautiful day, and their back garden was open, so a group of us got together for some drinks, snacks, baby talk, and funny stories.  I’m very fortunate to have met these wonderful ladies and their adorable babies, and looking forward to more adventures to come as they grow.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Boho Bump

You may remember this Free People number from last fall when I styled it with a military flair.  These days, flowy dresses are the most comfortable thing to wear, and I love that this dress is so versatile and adaptable from season to season.  I paired it with a sari bag and handmade bracelets from Uncommon Goods as well as a beaded headpiece for a summery bohemian look.  These photos were taken at 36.5 weeks pregnant on my trip to the Hester Street Fair last weekend, and I cannot believe I only have a few more weeks of outfit photos left with this baby bump!

Photos By: Zack Notes / Edited By: Myself

Dress: Free People (old) – Free People Dress Shop / Headpiece: American Eagle / Flops: Havaianas / Sari Bag: Uncommon Goods / Bracelets: Uncommon Goods and Guilty Jean / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Coach / Elephant Ring: nOir / Lip: MAC Up the Amp / Nails: Essie Naughty Nautical

Happy Friday Everyone!

XO,

Gina

Desert Florals

Here are some images from our second day enjoying Sedona, Arizona.  Oh, how I love those red rocks!  The views were absolutely stunning, and it’s tough to really capture it in a photo alone.  I hadn’t been feeling that great in the middle of our trip, but this day, I was feeling much better and able to explore.  We drove around making stops at different locations for photos, and then walked a little on the West Fork at Oak Creek trail which was a lot of fun.  I really hope to go back to Sedona when I’m back to my athletic self and can really take it all in!

Floral Pants: Motherhood – similar here, here, and here (in non-maternity) / Chambray Top: GAP – similar (runs big FYI!) / Tank: American Eagle / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Shades: c/o Waveborn / Earrings: Baublebar – similar / Ring: Banana Republic / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Beaded Skull Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Bow Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: MAC Impassioned

Tonight I’m headed out with the girls for a little mani/pedi action.  I usually do my own nails, but the belly is starting to get in the way making it impossible to paint my toes these days.  Oh darn, I guess I have to pamper myself!  Looking forward to hanging with the ladies.

Tomorrow I am participating in the Wall Street Heart Walk with my Alpha Phi sorority Alums in NYC.  Did you know that heart disease is the leading killer in America?  There’s one more day to donate, so if you are able to contribute, I would really appreciate it!

Hope you all have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Find the Sun {Waveborn}

My Waveborn sunnies arrived in the mail, and I was super excited to rock them this past weekend!  For each pair of Italian designed and handcrafted shades you purchase, Waveborn provides a new pair of prescription eyeglasses or funds a portion of vision-restoring cataract surgery for a person in need through their partners Unite for Sight and SEE International.

They are currently hosting a crowdfunding campaign so they can continue to bring you more styles and colors for 2013.  They raised over $10,000 on the first day of their campaign, and the numbers are still increasing.  There is still plenty of time to join the campaign, so check it out!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Sunglasses: c/o Waveborn / Maxi Dress: Target / Jean Jacket: American Eagle / Flip Flops: J. Crew – similar / Bag: Longchamp – this color sold out, but more colors here / Travel Bag: Urban Outfitters (old) / Earrings: ? (old) / Necklace: Family Heirloom /  Chevron Stack Rings: Baublebar / Snake Bangle: Henri Bendel – sold out, but shop bangles here / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Guilty Jean, ASOS, Baublebar (similar) / Nails: Essie Mint Candy Apple w/ Madison Avenue Hue accent nail / Toes: Essie Avenue Maintain / Lip: MAC Impassioned

I was very excited to find this colorful maxi dress for such a bargain price at Target this past week!  Typically, with my 5’0 stature, it’s very difficult for me to find a maxi dress that isn’t too long.  I suppose since this dress was in the “juniors” section, maybe it was a bit shorter.  Or could it be because I’m now sporting a little baby bump?  Either way, I plan on rocking maxi dresses all summer long.  Frankly, I have found the majority of maternity clothes I have come across to be old-looking, frumpy, and just plain ugly.  Of course, there have been some good finds here and there, but I am beginning to think gorgeous maxis from the regular sections (sans ones with zippers) may be the way to go this spring/summer!

Happy Hump Day!

XO,

Gina

Boho Spring {Guilty Jean Series #4}

This is my fourth and final post from the Guilty Jean series.  This is one of my favorite spring/summer dresses, and I love the way the Guilty Jean jewelry adds to this boho look.  It has been a ton of fun accessorizing my looks with the Guilty Jean pieces these past couple weeks.  Nicole and Maria are extremely talented designers, and they put love into every single piece they make.  Thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of this collaboration!

Photos by: Justin Goldberg of Eudora Video Solutions

Dress: Language (old) via Amity Boutique in OBX / Tank (under dress): Nordstrom / Jacket: American Eagle / Ankle Boots: Target / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. / All Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sinner and Saint Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sunglasses: NY Street Vendor / Lip: MAC Snob

Make sure to check out the Guilty Jean website.  Besides the fact that their 20% sale is still going on for their “Sinner and Saint” and “Rockstar Buddha” collections, they have some phenomenal new pieces in their spring/summer “Love, Gypsy” collection as well!

It’s another beautiful day so far up here in the Big Apple.  Hope you all have been enjoying this sunshine!

XO,

Gina

{4} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading  I took a little reading break over the holidays with all the craziness, but now that I’m back to the Big Apple and doing my daily subway commute again, I have started Book 4 of the Harry Potter series.

writing  Yesterday and today, I have been catching up on writing e-mails since I have been away on holiday.  Still have a few more to go, but I’m getting there!

listening  Was recently introduced to this a cappella version of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” performed by Walk Off the Earth feat. KRNFX.  Pure genius.  Thanks for sending this to me Krissy!

thinking  About taking my Christmas tree down this weekend.  Are the holidays really over?

smelling  Lolita Lempicka perfume that I put on this morning.  A musky floral vanilla scent that is sensual and romantic.

wishing  My friend Erin all the best on her move back to Connecticut from the Big Apple.  Good luck on your new venture with grad school.  You will be missed, but you better come visit!

hoping  That all my family and friends are starting off 2013 on a happy note!

wearing  Lots of black.  Black peplum top from StyleMint with military blazer from Macy’s over top.  Black skinny jeans from ZARA with my new Steve Madden studded combat boots.  Swoon!  Pops of pink from my Barami necklace and American Eagle beanie (thanks Meg!)  Lastly, my new black military style winter coat that I got from the hubby for Christmas from ASOS.  Obsessed!

loving  That I just got back to work yesterday, and it’s already the weekend today.

wanting  To see Les Mis this weekend.  Yes, that must happen.

needing  To get back in shape.  I know, I know.  It’s the new year and everyone has these fitness resolutions.  So sue me if I want to jump onto that bandwagon.  The holidays were fun, but now my pants are too tight.

feeling  Excited for the possibilities that 2013 brings!  We already have a few weddings on the books, some travel ideas (thinking Arizona!), a photography class scheduled, and (shocker!) even some relaxation time in the next few weeks with no bi-monthly trips to Maryland.  Sorry fam/friends, it’s your turn to come visit US!

clicking  Researching through different animation company reels and catching up on e-mails and my favorite blogs.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.