Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Bathing Suit Shopping

With Mexico less than a month away, 3 weeks to be exact, I've been in overdrive mode about my eating habits and trying to make it to the gym a good 5 days a week (trying is the key word.) This wedding comes at a perfect time because it's like a jump start into the summer!

Bathing suit shopping pre-kids was always kind of difficult for me. I had a tiny butt and big boobs so I could never just buy one size and have it fit perfectly. Back in the day to buy suits separately you had to go to stores like Everything But Water, Macys or Nordstrum, for a high school or college kid those price tags were a big no no in my book!

As the years have gone by everyone is selling tops and bottoms separately so it's easier to mix and match. However, enter post kids body. My boobs just DON'T fit into suits like they use to and those low rise cheeky bottoms just do NOT flatter me any longer! I also have found that I can't and SHOULDN'T just buy cheap bathing suits, those are the ones that don't fit my body well. So just like a good pair of jeans, I need to spend a little bit more money to find suits that fit me.

Last summer I posted this photo online because I LOVED the way I looked and felt in my new one piece. This year I'm on the hunt for another cute one to add to my summer wardrobe but also some bikini's that show off the hard work I've been putting in with my food and gym habits.

With working and having kids, getting to the store and actually trying suits on is a real pain in the ass. My love online shopping, point blank. I LOVE seeing packages on my doorstep when I get home from a long day at work and trying on in the comfort of my home, not worrying if I'm taking too long in the dressing room. I've rounded up some of my favorites I've been eyeing, now I just need to pull the trigger on a few.
best-bathingsuits-two-piece
best-bathingsuits-two-piece

best_black_bathing_suits


best_mom_bathing_suits


Let me know what ones you like the best, or if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments below!  XX

Shopbop Sale: Friends and Family Discount

Last night I stayed up till 2 am because I was attempting to make up all the personal time I felt I've lost these last few weeks with how busy I've been. My alarm then went off at 530 am and I realized that perhaps that 2nd Griffin Claw wasn't the best idea, but it wasn't my worst so #YOLO

My mental health is hugely important to me as a mom. If I'm not mentally all together I end up yelling and acting like an all around imbecile to everyone I encounter! Online shopping is something that brings me joy and stabilizes me in times of breakdowns. If you couldn't tell by my Facebook post Tuesday night, I've been a little unstable lately due to projects and pressure at work. Coming home from a long day of work to find a package on your doorstep brings me happiness in a way that a mall does not. Who else is with me, can I get an amen?!

Twice a year Shopbop has their friends and family sale where everything online is 25% off, yeah guys, yeah! Last night I did the whole "lets fill my cart up but not press purchase because I don't get paid till Thursday" thing. Let me tell you, it felt magical and the stress I came home with was instantly relieved but my wallet is begging me to say yes to one or two things. Now the question is what do I remove and what do I purchase, decisions, decisions.

Since Shopbop is filled with designers the price tags are not usually ones as low as Target or Forever 21 so I normally window shop, ain't nobody got time to pay full price! However, when there is a great sale going on, you can snag some amazing finds, just like you would at Nordstrom Rack! Without further BSing, here are some of the contenders hanging out in my shopping cart, waiting for me to pull the trigger. Don't worry Jerek, I won't say yes to all 9 things, I know you were wondering that! Realistically, I have about 2 pairs of jeans that fit my bod so I most likely will be purchasing the jeans. Those boots, those boots have been calling my name for the past few winters so well ya, those might be purchased as well! If you're feeling like you need to take a mental health day, I say do it and shop away! Enter INTHEFAM25 at checkout for 25% off but don't wait because the sale ends tonight at midnight TONIGHT and they only do this twice a year! They also have mens, kids and maternity so get going!

What I'm Wearing

Hola friends and happy Friday! I hate to rub it in, or do I, but we have another Friday and Monday off this week, WAHOO! While Friday's are great and all THIS Friday is double awesome because Jer and I are headed to Chicago for the weekend, KID-FREE! Yes, I'll repeat that for you, NO KIDS, JUST ADULTS! We're headed there so I can shoot my girlfriend from college's wedding video on Saturday and I'm super excited!

NEWSFLASH! Jer and I haven't had a night without kids since New Years Eve. No joke, it's been over 8 months! While I will be there to shoot the wedding, we will most definitely sneak in some us time and hopefully a Sprinkle cupcake and some Jamba Juice #priorities 

MONDAY|  Jeans + Tee + Sandals (similar) 

TUESDAY| Shorts + Tee + Shoes

WEDNESDAY| Pants + Top + Shoes (similar) 

THURSDAY| Jeans + Tee + Sandals


FRIDAY| Shorts + Tank + Cardigan (similar) 


UHHH so can you guys tell I like jeans and tee's a little too much!  For real though, skinny jeans and a loose fitting tee are the way to my heart. Throw in a good pair of ankle booties, a scarf and a leather jacket, BOOM, fall yo, freaking fall!

Alright guys it's time to finish the laundry, packing & charging to the cameras & off to Chicago we go! XO

Wedding Talk: Boys Outfits

Having the boys in the wedding has probably been one of the things I've been excited about the most. I will probably just cry seeing them, never mind them walking me down the isle and me trying to keep it together to read vows. Eff!

Summer is coming to and end and I'm about to go ham on the sale racks! I need to scoop up as much summer gear as I possible for our trip to Mexico in April. I'm talking shorts, shirts, swim suits, swim shirts, wedding attire, everything. I need to get it all before it's full price next spring and I'm left cursing up a storm because I waited so long.

SO with that being said here are a few of the different looks I'm thinking for the boys for the wedding in Mexico. Keep in mind we still aren't sure what Jer and the guys will be wearing but I'm jonesing for navy pants and a light top, that's a topic for another day though!

little_boy_wedding_outfit_ideas
little_boy_wedding_outfit_ideas

So what number is your favorite? Me, personally, I like 2, 3 with a side of 4. The sass in 6 is amazing but I think it might be too warm for the jacket. Trace has already said he's not "doing" suspenders so there's that. I'm really leaning towards navy shorts because stains yo! Now to find all the deals, all the sales and all the clothes!


What I'm Wearing

Good morning! Hello! Hope you are doing great and if you aren't well, you are the only one who can change that and I hope you do because guys, it's Friday!

Yesterday's post was one of those that just poured out of me. I didn't sit down and think hmm, I'd like to talk about something mommyish today, what shall it be! Basically word vomit, and then I spell checked it.

Sometimes when I write motherly/parenting posts I hesitate to push publish. I mean, really, who am I to give advice as I only have two kids, they are only under 5 and I'm only 29. However over the last 2 years I hope you have gotten to know me and that the filter on my mouth only works about 25% of the time. This is usually in work settings (although some beg to differ) and when I'm talking to my grandparents, although I've probably slipped a F bomb here or there with them, sorry gram!

Know that when I complain, when I spew at the mouth or when I try to be uplifting and encouraging it comes from a good place. I read SO.MANY.BLOGS and when I come across something that resonates with me I think to myself how happy I am to have read that post, maybe it changed my way of thinking or maybe just lifted me up from the hole I've been laying in for the past few days feeling sorry for myself. Yes, that was a huge run on sentence, I know. Whatever that may be, I hope that maybe you find that in my any of mother/parenting post.

While I enjoying writing a sappy, feel good post I sure do love taking selfies in the mirror every morning for these Friday posts!

This week was a full 5 days or work {BOO!} But next week is a 3 day work week so BOOYA!

 
DRESS: save | splurge
SHIRT: save splurge
BOOTS: save | splurge
JEANS (Express): save splurge
SHOES: save | splurge
SHIRT: save | splurge
JEANS: save | splurge
SHOES: Converse
SHIRT: save | splurge

DRESS: save | splurge
SHOES (Target-old): save | splurge (similar)
JEANS: save | splurge 
SHOES: save | splurge
GRAY SHIRT: save | splurge
FLANNEL: save | splurge

You may have noticed that I wore Monday's outfit a few weeks ago on Thursday but I changed up my shoes, this can sometimes change an entire outfit. I'm really trying to find new ways to wear the clothes I already have before I go bat shit crazy and drop money that should be for other things, IE: the wedding, and spend it on new clothes. 

Yes, I also realize I'm wearing a flannel around my waist and have ZERO intent on putting it on, well maybe in my office because it's freezing in here, but besides that it was solely put on to add a little color and show off my waist, making it appear to look smaller. I will also be headed to the gym straight after work to work on said waist, happy Friday! TGIF!!!




What I'm Wearing

Hey ya'll! It's Friday again and the third What I'm Wearing post! I realize I'm taking selfies of myself with less than par lighting and most likely a few, or more finger prints grace themselves on my mirror, but do we like these? I'm really digging them to be honest! I've been surfing around Pinterest more looking for inspiration that I can pull out of my own closet in hopes that I inspire you to do the same! That made sense right?

This week we started Monday off with no work, hence the off the shoulder top I wore, wahoo! Jer and I had another day off so we rushed and dropped the kids off at daycare and started our day of house projects and drinks on the patio! We headed down to Ferndale and had taco's, hot dogs and beer at Imperial and it was glorious! Then we headed back home and I filmed a new video and worked on finishing my dressing room, which it's finished thanks to the wonderful man that's good with a hammer and nails, Jerek! Room tour coming soon yooo!

The rest of the week was work, work and more work! It's a really a busy time there if I haven't stressed this enough by now. I'll spare you the boring automotive talk but I'll be traveling soon in September, October and November so I'm trying to make sure the home front is my main priority lately, Tracen doesn't do well when I'm gone over night.
JEANS: save | splurge 
SHIRT: old from Forever 21


DRESS: save | splurge


SHIRT: save | splurge
JEANS: save | splurge


DRESS: save | splurge
SHIRT: save 
PANTS: save | splurge
SHOES: save

[Here and here are the other What I'm Wearing posts in case you missed them

I'm getting pretty excited for fall to come, I love pumpkin spiced everything, big huge, chunky knit sweaters, boots and beanies. My face lights up just thinking about it all! Since I work full-time and we have a casual dress code the summer months are hard to dress for to be honest, so the cooler weather is something I don't mind, strictly for dressing for work purposes! Happy Friday folks!



What I'm Wearing

It's Friday, FINALLY! Today is twice as nice because Jer and I took today AND Monday off andddd these are daycare days which we've already paid for. Meaning we get two glorious days to ourselves to get things done kids-less, can you say productiveness, can you say DAY DATES! Today we're headed out to my moms house to go over pre-ception stuff and grab some lunch. Who knows what else the day will bring when you have no kids, perhaps a patio and some adult beverages while we hold hands and gaze into each others eyes and talk about how in love we are! Did I make you barf yet? Who really does that anyways!? In all seriousness, we will probably end up grabbing a drink and whilst walking there Jerek will go to grab my hand and notice I forgot to wear my engagement ring, again, and then give me 'the look' and ask me if he should just return it because I always forget to wear it. Then we'll end up talking about the kids the whole time like we normally do and smile at the kids next to us acting a fool while their parents are frazzled. #parentlife yo!

I seemed to get a good reaction from last weeks post so here we are again with this weeks outfits! I will say, in my attempt to not wear leggings on the week days to work, I did wear them Wednesday because my ovaries were aching and jeans were just NOT happening. As you can see though, I still looked semi put together...right???

[I tried finding links for everything but also wanted share different options for different price points]
Jeans (Express): save | splurge
Shirt (H&M): save | splurge
Sandals: save | splurge
Dress (similar): save | splurge
Sandals (Target-old): save | splurge (similar)
Leggings: save | splurge
Shirt (old Forever21)
Vest: save | splurge
Dress: save | splurge
Shirt: save | splurge
Sandals: save | splurge


Shorts: Levi's (vintage) save | splurge
Cardigan: save | splurge
Tank top: save | splurge

As you can see today's outfit wasn't one I wore to work because I wasn't in the office today. This is something I usually wear on the weekends, it's easy and comfortable yet doesn't scream look I haven't washed my hair in three days...I mean who does that... > <

A special shout out to my not so little nephew Griffin who turns 5 today! Time.Freaking.FLIES!
Have a great weekend! XO

What I'm Wearing

I'm not a fashion blogger,
and I'm not a makeup artist,
I've also never claimed to be either.
But I love posting outfit details
or makeup tutorials,
so I'll continue to do so.
mommy_budget_clothes

As a mother, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people assume that once you pop a babe out you should "dress like a mom." I'd love to know what that means because as far as I know 'mom jeans' (high waisted Levi's) are in and they are pretty expensive at Urban.

I recently made a trip Ikea to grab the finishing touches for my dressing room remodel. One of the pieces I picked up was this fabulous full length mirror. I wanted one that I could prop up against the wall for full-length selfies, very important things people. I was on a search for the perfect mirror because I had plans.

As a mom I love my kids and as a 29 year old (that's weird to say) girl women, I love clothes. Why people assume you need to change your entire wardrobe once you have kids is beyond me. Fashion and clothing all depend on how you dress yourself, how the items lay on your body and for a mother that's a hard concept. Our bodies change in the craziest ways and I even bet Angelina Jolie's body is a little funky after all those kids!

After a little over 4 years of dressing my postpartum body I've started to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. My hips got massively wider but that's okay, I was able to push two kids out because they did. My boobs got bigger and then shrunk and now don't fit into bra's the same way, but that's okay because they fed my babies. My stomach is not flat like a pancake, in fact, it's a little fluffy because I like eating pancakes, but I'm working on it! While I have continued to work on my body an important lesson I learned was I needed to learn how to dress with every stage I was going through.

So I've decided to start a little fashion series here on East Willow Grove that will hopefully helps other moms, or other women, struggling to figure out what to wear and where to find things that they can afford. 

| M O N D A Y |
mommy_fashion_budget_friendly

| T U E S D A Y |
stripe_shirt_easy_outfit_fashion

| W E D N E S D A Y |
maxi_dress_fashion_easy

| T H U R S D A Y |
easy_mommy_fashion

| F R I D A Y |
best_forever21_dress

I've tried my best to find links to everything I've purchased but if I can't I've tried to find something similar to help with your search! Every morning I took a selfie of my outfit. Not only does this help you ladies see what I'm wearing but it gives you ideas for outfits that maybe you already have in your closet but didn't realize! I'm not here to tell you to never wear leggings and your favorite Target V-neck, because I rock that shit too, I'm just trying to give you ideas on how you can still dress comfortable while you're headed to work, running errands or staying home watching the little ones. 

I would like to make these an every Friday thing but in the case that they don't, you can follow me along on my Instagram where I'll be posting outfits as well! I'll be using the hashtag #chelseascloset and #whatimwearing so if you want to join in use these hashtags too and we can see all gather ideas from each other!

Over the years I've discovered that I feel my best when I get off my butt, into the shower and put something else on other than leggings. So I'm here to hopefully inspire you to do the same, even if it's just one day a week! We all deserve to feel good about ourselves, by doing so we will be better mothers, better women, and learn to love ourselves more. 

Let me know if you like this idea and what your favorite outfit may be, have a great weekend! XO

How to Wear a Bathing Suit and Be a Mom


Fourth of July this year falls on a weekend and I couldn't be happier! While I always have the 3rd and 4th off from work it just makes it that much sweeter it's on a weekend. In my mind, I can go ahead  and consume a few extra glasses of wine since I'm not stuck in an office the next day.

This year we don't have any plans but to BBQ, catch some fireworks and hang with friends and family. Facebook has been blowin up letting me know that everyone is headed north this weekend. While we're staying local for the fourth we will be headed north next weekend. We're headed to Watervale to celebrate my birthday and get a small little family vacation in with my mom and Tom. To say it's greatly needed is an understatement!

Before having kids bathing suit was already hard for me. I was a petite girl with big boobs and finding tops that fit and I didn't have a Britney nip slip was next to impossible. Five years and two kids later it got about 20 times harder. AWESOME! Today I wanted to share a few suits that I've recently purchased that I feel really comfortable in and that most importantly, actually fit my current body shape!

Starting off with a top that gives me the ultimate boob lift, I scored this baby recently at good ole Target. The colors and style remind me of the famous Triangle Bikini's but without the price tag. Besides the colors and the instant boob job it gives me, I was originally drawn to the back! The razor back design is dreamy, but the tie part at the bottom makes it almost (don't quote me!) impossible to fall out of this thing!
target_bathing_suit_triangle_swimwear_dupe

Next up are two tops I recently got from Swim Outlet. I wanted something a little trendy but again, would also hold the girls in while I'm playing with the boys in the backyard, on the beach or doing some yard work and getting some sun. I loved the high neckline of the Athena but that it also had adjustable bra straps and a cute mesh panel.
high_neck_swimsuit_top
The other one I got from Swim Outlet was the Volcom Trouble Maker Bustier Top. I purchased the classic black so I can mix it with a colorful bottom. Again, I love the razor back design, it feels secure when I'm wearing it but also a little sexy with the bustier sweetheart front.

volcom_black_bathing_suit_top
Next up on the topic of suits is what do you wear on your butt checks. I have a few different low rise bottoms that look alright on me but I purchased this pair of high rise bottoms last year to feel a little more comfortable. I've mentioned a million times now that I'm eating better, and working out but something that will never go away are my tiger stripes from carrying these boys so low. I'm proud of these things but I also want to feel comfortable in my own body and these bottoms help me cover up the area I'm desperately working on.
best_one_piece_swimsuit_of_all_time
Now on to the star of the show! I finally found this one-piece that fits me perfectly! I have always had trouble finding one that didn't give me camel toe or pull my sagbags down to my belly button, the struggle man, the struggle! I saw that Target was having a 20% off all bathing suits this week and spotted that beauty online and knew I needed to try it on in person.


Many women would never try on a bathing suit that has horizontal stripes because it makes you look as wide as a semi but because of the positioning and draping of the material it hides all my insecurities so well. I loved how I felt in it and couldn't take a picture fast enough to send to my sister in law. After sending it to her and then purchasing, I posted the picture below on a private mommy facebook group I'm in, telling everyone they needed to go get it!

You may think posting a picture of myself in a Facebook group of over 4,000 women is insane, but that's why this mommy group is so awesome! We are always posting good clothing finds or posting pictures of ourselves asking 'does this outfit make me look fat' or 'is this okay for an interview', etc. A few minutes after posting it my phone started blowing up. Everyone was on the hunt for the suit now, people were buying on-line, having their mother in laws picking it up, going to the store in the morning or right then, it was insane! Basically what I'm saying is that Target should thank me for all the sales these past few days, I'm pretty sure all of southeast Michigan is sold out now!

Remember that at the end of the day you should feel comfortable in your own skin and you shouldn't let a little extra fluff stop you from getting in the water or out in the sun with your kids or family! Have a great weekend, stay safe and rock your mom bod, whatever that size may be!