Model/Real Life: Seeing Dots

Model/Real Life: Dots 

I absolutely adore polka dots!  I mean, like totally am in love with them.  I would wear them from head to toe if I could-who am I kidding, I probably will!  Polka dots simply make me smile.  They have the ability to make an everyday outfit fun and in turn, can be clean and chic in subtle doses.  

I found this simple vintage tank top at the thrift shop for $2 the other day and squealed silently in delight when I spied the little polka dots on it.  These dots remind me of Wonder Bread, since they are yellow, red and blue.  This top is comfy and easy to throw on, which is a priority for this mom.  I like how it adds a little color and jazz to basic jeans, which I wore because we were running around doing errands & eating Indian burritos (epic!)  And it would look cute with a denim button up layered over it or with boyfriend jeans like how the pretty lady above rocked her dots.  Had to include Mister Boy because he made me look ten times cuter!  

The Details:

Vintage 80s Top-thrifted

Jeans-thrifted skinnies

Vintage woven sandals-thrifted

Vintage wool hat-passed down from my Nana 

Gold "Love" necklace-handmade by Faith

Backpack-Baggu

Baby-made by me!

Model/Real Life: Turban Into Fall

A little style post to get the weekend going.  Since I cut my hair into a shorter bob, I have been revisiting my scarf collection and tying my favorite ones into chic turban styles.  This style looks so cute with short hair and gives you some versatility.  It's also a wonderful layering accessory that helps transition any outfit into fall!  I love the model's thicker, interlocking turban paired with a messy bun in back.  Hair scarves are always classic.  And with fall upon us (I weep for the loss of summer), I will be sharing more go-to transitional pieces and styling to get you set!  In the meantime, keep rockin' those breezy summer cut-offs and Saltwater sandals.

City Essentials

I am spending the rest of this week getting ready for our trip to to San Francisco and packing is on the top of the list.  The City is known for its foggy, overcast and chilly days when summer comes around. That usually means you gotta wear layers, especially if you intend on moving from one neighborhood to the next-it may be bundle up weather by the beach but warmer once your feet hit the Mission neighborhood pavement.

We are staying with friends who have a house in what locals call the Sunset district.  It's usually always overcast out there, but we plan to make our way downtown, to the Castro and Mission Districts and beyond.  So, I always bring pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched-one layer at a time!  And I will be packing as light as possible since I have to make more room for baby gear.  I will be bringing classic basics in easy fabrics with an emphasis on comfort (for all that city walking) and a hint of summer style.  Anyone else heading off to the city?  Here are the essentials for your luggage bag!

      City Essentials 
             click above to see where to buy these goodies


Must bring... 

     A hat, a basic sweater t-shirt for comfort, a pair of t-strap espadrilles in honor of summer, but a bit more coverage than sandals, a spunky flowy top, a pair of bright sneakers so everyone can see you when you cross those busy streets, a coral hued cardigan for layering, a pair of trusty sunnies, a canvas backpack that doubles as a diaper bay & is perfect for lugging around while walking all day, a light army jacket, a worn in pair of jeans and a classic striped stretchy skirt.  

The Ultimate

For me, the ultimate go-to piece this summer has been a sleeveless denim button up.  I am actually pretty obsessed with denim looks right now.  Denim is so easy to wear & can be easily altered from preppy fun to worn in cool.  I am currently loving my denim with a little 90s messiness  or 70s bohemian flare.  Denim button ups or men's collared shirts are perfect for layering, look so cute tied up front with a maxi skirt and double as a cover-up at the beach.  Here are some of my fav looks from around the web...

Look 1/2/3/4

Here's my ultimate summer go-to outfit.  I have been wearing some variation of this all summer long!  It's just so easy, comfortable and chic.  Cheers to summer! 

The Ultimate Summer Essentials 

What I'm Dreaming Of...My Summer Outfit

Images found in my Pinterest

Summer is all about easy-easy days lounging on the cool grass, easy treats like ice cream and easy dressing.  Easy is especially good when you are a mom.  Lately, I have been a much simpler dresser-opting for comfy tees and flowing maxi skirts.  When the weather is warm and sunny, I like to get outside as soon as I can.  That's where a simple, comfy and cute go-to outfit comes in handy!  And, I found my dream summer outfit: a pair of high-waisted shorts, a cropped tee, boater hat, cut-out style oxfords and a classic leather satchel.  This outfit works for warmer days by the ocean and as something I can really live in while walking with my little guy everyday.  Here is my version of this super versatile summer look!

  

I opted for a floral pair of high-waisted shorts, freeing my inner 90's girl, but I would also rock a simple linen or cotton pair in that amazing rust color!  A striped, cropped tee would also work well with these shorts for some cooky pattern play.  I also choose a felt boater hat, since it's still pretty cool by the ocean during summer so I can get away with it.  But, a cute straw-like one would work great for warmer weather.  I love the idea of a pair of leather oxfords with cooling cutouts for summer & a classic leather satchel like the Madewell one above is all you need on your sunny adventures. ♥

Whimsical Mama Style

Ok Mama's out there, this one is for you.  Especially if you insist on remaining true to your style roots even while pregnant, with a growing belly (among other growing things) and all.  When I blogged for Love Fox Vintage (my previous vintage shop's little blog), I began weekly style posts on styling non-maternity clothing during pregnancy.  You can check out a few of those posts here and here.  

It was a fun challenge to see what I could come up with without spending money on maternity clothes that I would only wear for a couple of months.  Well, I'm still pregnant and still the same old Benicia who loves fashion and way too many accessories!  And if you are also pregnant and love to look stylish, chic, on trend or simply cute-I have some tips for you & a fun look to inspire your bulging belly dress up days!  Hooray!  

Who said you have to wear maternity clothes while you are pregnant?!  Not I!  First of all, they can get quite pricey & you won't wear them forever-something about that combination drives my recycling/frugal self crazy!  The solution?  First, look in your closet-you may be surprised to find some forgiving shapes & fabrics that can accommodate your growing bump for a while.  I found vintage shift dresses, empire waisted dresses & tunics, stretchy maxi dresses and anything flowy & hippie especially fitting.  Second, hit up the thrift stores and look for larger sizes (this one is fun too because you still get to shop but at way less the price tag).  I found lots of comfy, basic tees and dresses for a few dollars here and there.  Finally, do invest (moderately, of course) in a few great pairs of stretchy, trusty yoga pants and leggings-they will be your best friends!  And, if a rad friend gives you a couple pairs of those funky maternity jeans-take them!  Because lord knows, sometimes you just want to wear a pair of jeans, even if they are pull-up style.

This tip comes in handy when all you wanna do is wear the same comfy leggings everyday!  All you gotta do to take that "everyday" outfit to new heights, is accessorize!  This tip is true for all of life's fashion challenges, pregnant or not.  Adding a brightly printed scarf, a pair of leather & metal earrings, a bold statement necklace, chunky knee-high socks or a great pair of beat-up leather boots will bump your bump up so many levels!  Plus, it's cheaper to invest in on-trend accessories than the whole outfit-so you can still look foxy all 9 months.  I also tried my hand at fun hair styles, pretty lipstick and hats.

Here's my look, incorporating most of the little tips (minus the maternity jeans-yep, I am wearing a pair) above and going for a 70s vibe.  I had this pretty lace top already (a gift from my mom) and it's the perfect length to cover up my bum while wearing leggings & it just looks lovely peeking out.  The floral 1970s wrap top is one of my favorite pieces that I bought right before I knew I was pregnant, so I didn't get to wear it all that much.  Well, I decided to wear it anyway, tying it in the front since it won't wrap around my expanded waistline!  I love the sleeves on the blouse & the layers of pretty florals & lace.  And, I wore my hair in milk-braids with pieces of leather here and there-so cute!  A dangly pair of boho earrings and my moccasins and I am set!  All pieces found in my closet already-hooray for mama style!