An Ode to Old Navy

On the Left: Beige zip booties: Old Navy // On the right: Beige zip booties: Rag & Bone // On the left: Black zip booties: Old Navy // On the right: Black zip booties: Rag & Bone // On the left: Beige ankle strap booties: Old Navy // On the right: Beige ankle strap booties: Rag & Bone // On the Left: Black ankle strap booties: Old Navy // On the right: Black ankle strap booties: Rag & Bone

I can safely say that up until a few months ago I couldn't honestly tell you the last time I had stepped foot into Old Navy. Maybe it's the mass produced "4th of July [insert year here]" tee for $4 that turned me off but I just couldn't do it. It wasn't until I got pregnant that people started suggesting I go in there for cheap maternity clothes. Naturally, I thought all their tops would look like they came straight from the '80's handbook with a tie-back "waist" because doesn't every pregnant woman want to showcase their stomach like it's a big present? (The answer is no. Yes, it's a beautiful thing. But no, I don't want to walk around like I am giving the entire metro the gift of life.)

Hesitant to what I'd see there, on a boring weekend I decided to venture into the unknown and see what all the hype was about. Once again, I was proved wrong. Dead. Wrong. Yes, they still have their $4 Tees that look like they may or may not fall apart in the washing machine. And yes, their jeans are still $32 but you run the risk of some serious mom-butt. But, for the most part, their fashionable clothing are very much so on-trend and still extremely cheap. The biggest find for me were their shoes...

Any time I can buy a pair of boots or booties that are $32 instead of $525, I'm in. Even if they only last me 1 month...money well spent in my books. The quality felt great (although not real leather), they look like they will be able to last me, at the very least, 1 season, and I'm saving money while wearing them. Now, if I could just talk to them about their maternity section, I'd be their #1 fan. 

{Amy} 

Casual Saturday

Top: Rag & Bone // Shorts: SOLD denim, similar here // Shoes: Chanel, similar here // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff // Sunnies: Ray-Ban // Watch: Michele // Bracelets: David Yurman, Vintage, DIY // Hat: J. Crew

Photo Cred: The one and only, Ryland Devero.

2 weeks ago I traveled to a city that will forever have a piece of my heart; My beloved Chicago. This trip was different then the last 15 I've taken over the past 4 years. When Alcohol and partying isn't allowed on the agenda I was forced to, once again, keep it simple.

Thankfully for me, I stayed with one of the strongest friends I know, a girl I'm lucky enough to call "one of my people". Ryland is the type of genuine friend that when she says she wants you to succeed, she means it. Even if it isn't want I want to hear, she will give me advice and I am forced to step back and realize that what she is saying is right (most of the time...). She reminded me this weekend that girlfriends are what will always stay constant in your life. Sure, some might come and go. But without them, it is a lonely, dark road, that I never want to be on alone.

And by the way, for those of you that go to Chicago strictly to booze it up and shop...there's a lot more out there then just that! The lake is beautiful at any time of the day, my personal favorite is at sunset (obviously). Second City comedy club is the birthplace of Tina Fey and the talent there is just incredible. Finally, don't even get me started on the Oreo & Praline Flapjacks from The Bongo Room. Holy. Shit.

{Amy}

What is familiar

Jacket: Kate Spade // Tank: Patterson j. Kincaid // Jeans: Rag & Bone // Bracelets: Coordinate collection, J. Crew, David Yurman // Watch: Michele // Sunnies: Ray-Ban // Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner // Shoes: Christian Louboutin, similar here // Earrings: Lily Dawson // Moccasins: Minnetonka

Photo creds: Ryland Devero

Can we really act surprised? Scott and I come from a family of just girls. No, I am not kidding. I only have 1 older sister, my mom has 1 younger sister, my dad has 1 younger sister, my 1 grandmother only has 2 girls, and my other grandmother as 1 girl and 1 boy (my dad).  Scott is the youngest of 3 with 2 older sisters, with his oldest sister having1 baby girl,  his mother is a twin to a sister (and has a younger sister), and his father has 1 younger sister.

I mean, come on. As much as we would have loved to have a baby Scott first, I can't act like I didn't see this coming. 

The idea of carrying on the "firstborn girl tradition" was something I honestly feared. As much of a girlie girl as I am, I was terrified at the idea of bring a girl into this cruel, mean, caddy world. I wanted to change the tradition. Before you judge my parenting skills (before I even give birth) let me explain myself...

Having female relationships was never my strong suit. I have always felt most comfortable around men and hanging with the guys. I have just a select few girlfriends that I talk to on the regular and even though I was in a sorority, I wasn't the one that had all the friends. the backstabbing, bad-mouthing, cattiness was something I physically could not handle. My sister and I are deathly close but we weren't always that way. We actually hated each other until I was abut 18. My parents would have to get babysitters for us into our teens for the fear of us killing each other was too real from them to ignore. We fought like hell, and we were cruel to each other. It went past name calling and hair pulling, it was deeper than that. We truly, hated each other with all of our beings. Times have changed and my sister is my closest confidant. It wasn't until my sister confided in me the deep dark 'secret' she was keeping that made her who she was. It's amazing what happens when you set YOUR truth free. My Mother and I are extremely close. At times, I question if we are too close. However, we have our issues like any mother/daughter duo. We have both been through enormous amounts of changes over the past few years and it's hard changing your ways after being in the same routine for 21 years.

Yes, boy or girl, I am scared. But, isn't that what motherhood is all about? If I wasn't scared I don't think I would be able to say "I'm going to be a great mother". Scott and I are thrilled to be having a girl. I can only imagine how she will have Scott wrapped around her fingers and how I will now have a new forever best friend. But, the truth is, it's scary. It's scary to be a woman in this world, to have gone through all the challenges and triumphs that I've been through and not be scared to bring a baby girl into this world. But we are. And in my eyes, she will be perfect, every single inch of her. No matter what any pre-teen, caddy girl says. 

{Amy}

They're back

Shoes: Birkenstock // Jacket: W118 by Walter Baker, similar here // Boyfriend Jeans: Rag & Bone // Hat: Target

One trend I am THRILLED to see back this summer? Birkenstocks. Yes, "those hippie sandals". Not only are they the most comfortable sandals I have EVER owned (I think my first pair was back when I was 13) but they simply go with everything, and frankly, aren't too expensive.

I found these at DSW last weekend for close to $60 plus, DSW is always handing out coupons and deals that you could easily get them down to $50. ALSO, I was at Nordstrom Rack this weekend and saw a pair there for also $60. Be sure to check the discounted stores and, dare I say it...thrift stores before you pay more than $80 for a pair.

{Amy}

Repeat Offender

Tee: Kate Spade// Scarf: Nordstrom // Sweater: Rag & Bone for target// Shorts: H & M // Tights: Target// Shoes: Dolce Vita, similar here

I did it again, I went shopping in the men's department. I can't help myself. When Rag & Bone does a collaboration with Target (yes, that was 'so last year') you can't pass it up. And again, when God gives you a 60 degree day in late January, you put on your shorts and dress to impress.

Don't be afraid to shop in the men's department. The trends right now for men and women are walking a parallel line and you'd be shocked at just how similar some styles are and the drastic price difference between men and women. 

{Amy}