9.16.2013

Little Eli Guy #5: Major Picture Update Post | Months 13 - 17

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts, so this is going to be a huge picture post!
What is Little Eli Guy Doing Now?

As I'm typing this, Eli is asleep nearby. He's snoring loudly and rolling around, waking up briefly to make sure I'm still in the room. In the past few months since my last LEG (Little Eli Guy) post, we have had so many adventures together and reached all his milestones.
Since the last LEG post, Eli has:
Visited Historical Landmarks in the city.

Fitness Journey: Progress Shot & New Fitness/Wellness Plan | September 2013

191.0 lbs. - September 2013
I haven't exercised very much in the last four weeks because I've been feeling under the weather, but after taking my progress shots, I am re-motivated. I am going to set a few wellness/fitness goals for myself each week and reward myself when I meet them. If I fail, I will have to give up something I want for the week, like going to the movies or a restaurant.
Here is my wellness/fitness routine for the next four weeks:
Fitness
1) Yoga for 30 minutes - 3 Days/Weekly
2) Walking - 2 Miles/Weekly
3) Calisthenics  - 3 Days/Weekly
4) Rest - 1 Day/Weekly
Wellness
1) Track all meals for accurate caloric intake.
2) Have at least 10g protein and 5g fiber in every meal.
3) Take vitamins every morning.
So far this is what I have planned for fitness/wellness. Please leave comments below if you'd like to know more about my lifestyle or stats or if you have questions in general. Also, check the FAQ tab on the top of this blog, I may have answered your question already.
Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3
~ Domo ~
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9.05.2013

Fashion for the Fatigued: Style after Eli

 
The start of a new season always makes me happy. I feel like it’s a clean slate and the possibilities for next three months are endless. Of course, I’m exaggerating, but the feeling of newness is definitely in the air and I’m ready to tackle a new project. Myself.
It's been seventeen months since Eli was born and I'm still wearing maternity clothing three sizes too big. I admit I've been a little afraid to buy anything new. My weight has yo-yoed for years forcing me between twelve's and sixteen's and my body is nowhere near toned. But, recently I've managed to follow a fitness routine and I lost a significant amount baby weight. I'm putting my needs on the endless list of responsibilities and making it a personal goal for Fall/Winter 2013 to buy the staples for a new wardrobe.


Blogs, Vlogs, and Lookbooks
 
I've been reading a lot of blogs, scanning magazines, and watching hauls and lookbooks on YouTube for the past few months. Something I noticed right away was that many people were following every trend and trying to incorporate it into their style whether it suited them or not.

Some vloggers, bloggers, beauty gurus, and style icons have a distinct style. Unfortunately, what I’m continuously seeing online and on the street is repetitive styling and ill-fitting clothing for the sake of being trendy. I believe in wearing what you want and feeling confident in what your wear, but at five-three with an inseam of thirty, I also believe in tailored clothing. Whether you're rocking a Gothic Lolita or Bohemian style, clothing tailored to your body can make a ten dollar blouse look like a one-hundred dollar blouse.

If I had the money to burn on new trends, I'd be tempted to buy everything, but I happen to be on a tight budget, so I have to choose my clothing more thoughtfully. Most trends I’ve seen don’t become staples and are not long-lasting. Since I tend to keep my clothing five or more years I have to pick pieces that flatter, are good quality, are versatile for many occasions, and affordable. I might have champagne style and beer money, but I grew up learning to thrift, so I know how to find a bargain. I’m sure I can find every piece on my wishlist in my price range.


Finding Style
 
At the ripe old age of twenty-three, I'm finally branching out and dressing in something other than sweats and sneakers. I’m craving a more mature style without sacrificing my individuality and quirks. Although I dabble in Cosplay, dressing in bootcut jeans, a t-shirt with some kind of geek culture reference on it, and sneakers are my “uniform”. I’m ready to change that up and make it more adult.

Lower East Side Chelsea Flat in Black - Payless | Merona Large Tote Handbag in Black - Target
 
This year, after realizing that I had no casual shoes or a bag big enough for both my things and Eli's, I purchased a pair of black, patent flats and a huge cross-body/tote bag. These two items are the beginning of an evolved style.

I can wear the flats with jeans, pants, a skirt or dress, and the bag is black with silver hardware so it goes with everything! Both items were less than forty dollars each and also very good quality. If taken care of properly, I’ll have both for a year or more.

There are so many items I want to add to my closet, so I thought the only appropriate thing to do (since this post is already so wordy) was to make a collage on Polyvore!


Here you go!:


 
All About Ponte



Mossimo blue dress / Forever New cap sleeve short dress, $54 / Orla Kiely sleeveless top, $155 / Topshop white cardigan / DKNY shirt / Under Armour moisture wicking shirt / Vero Moda button shirt, $53 / Safiyaa shirt top / Mango coat / Oasis red blazer, $93 / Dorothy Perkins fake leather skirt / Bridal flat / Vans waffle trainer / Monet t-strap pumps / Kate Spade long purse / Jimmy Choo black envelope clutch bag / Marc by Marc Jacobs flower earrings / Lauren Ralph Lauren yellow gold necklace / Astley Clarke cord bracelet, $130 / Band ring / Hive & Honey drop earrings / Kate Spade polish jewelry / Ponte pants
 
 
Fall 2013



Forever New black skater skirt, $54 / Under Armour moisture wicking t shirt / Topshop cable knit cardigan / Ralph Lauren Blue Label wool cable knit sweater / Wallis sleeveless blouse / The North Face faux jacket / Uniqlo beige trench coat / H&M jeans, $47 / Apt. 9 ankle length pants / Chinti and Parker short mini skirt / Moschino high waisted pencil skirt / Converse trainers, $70 / Flat bridal shoes / Side zipper boots / Boohoo wedge heel shoes / TOMS black flat shoes, $54 / ALDO platform flat / Monet peeptoe pumps / Yves Saint Laurent loop belt
 
 
 
What are you most excited about for Fall/Winter 2013? What do you like/dislike about what I've chosen to be the basics/staples of my new wardrobe?
 
Let me know in the comments below. That rhymes. :)
 
 
Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3
 
~ Domo ~
 
 
 
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