I was looking for something on my computer this weekend and realized I never shared these photos, which if I'm remembering correctly, I took back at the beginning of May! Oh poor early quarantine Kristina, she had no idea what was in store.
But, on the plus side, that Kristina decided during a nap time to run around and try to self timer some photos of a top that was, at the time, brand new. It's no longer brand new, but lucky for you, it is now on sale ;) I have been loving it because it is tee shirt material so it's really comfortable and feels casual, but then that lace just takes it up a notch. Just what you need for all of those video calls! It's really beautiful, and goes around the back too.
These also are my favorite shorts of all time. I think I've been wearing them in summer outfit photos since basically the beginning of this blog, because they really are that good. (Awww little 2015 Kristina) The only difference is that this summer, I decided to unroll the hem a little. Apparently Mommy Kristina shows half an inch less leg than 24 year old Kristina.
Wow, we've been talking a lot about various kinds of Kristina.
After just saying it had been nice not trying to shoot outfit photos all the time, it turns out we shot outfit photos! This weekend we were celebrating our wedding anniversary and Father's Day, so we decided to go out to the patio at River Valley for brunch! We hadn't been to a restaurant since March 7th, and it was such a nice change of pace.
I was a little unsure when patios started opening up in Chicago whether I'd feel safe going to one, (especially since the corner bar across the street from us did not seem to be doing a great job with the distancing). But River Valley was awesome! They had plexiglass up to block us from people on the sidewalk, and they did a good job of actually spacing out the tables. Plus for the most part the other patrons did a good job of wearing masks when they weren't eating/drinking. Brunch tasted that much better since we've been cooking at home so much. I had to get french fries since those just aren't the same when you order takeout!
Of course, I personally was super excited to have a reason to get a little dressed up and take my new sandals and bag out for a spin. My dress is from last fall (sorry it's old!!) but it's weirdly one of those dresses that works well in the spring, summer, or fall. I don't pick dresses often with Mia in tow, shorts are usually just more practical. But breaking out this dress made the occasion that much more fun.
Here are a few more pretty dresses for summer:
Are you still social distancing, or are you starting to go out and see people more?
Oh hiiiiiii!! Have you missed the STYLE part of this life & style blog?! It's actually been nice not to shoot outfits every weekend, but I do kinda miss it. I've been sharing a lot of my daily outfits on Instagram Stories instead, and thought I'd round up a few of them here for you. Good news - J.Crew and Madewell are allowing me to link stuff again, so I can share a lot more direct links than I've been sharing on Instagram!
Tee (or similar) / Shorts (I unrolled these once to get a tiny bit more length) / Mia's Romper (it came with pretty terrible bows, I snipped them off!) / Mia's Hair Bow
My best quarantine purchase - a super soft romper for lounging! Would also be cute with a denim jacket and sandals for running errands. Go down a size!
Sweater - Loft / Jeans - J.Crew / Mules - Sam Edelman / Bag - Tory Burch / Earrings - gifted so I'm not sure where they're from, but here are a few with a similar vibe: one, two, three, four
What, an outfit post? Did I ::gasp:: GO OUTSIDE?!??!
Lol these pictures are actually from the last weekend before quarantine (BQ) when we went out to brunch with a bunch of friends as a late birthday celebration for me. I was sitting on the pictures, thinking it was weird to post them in quarantine, but as that was now FIVE WEEKS ago I'm feeling like it's now or never. How long until it's cool to go outside again?
This sweater though. This sweater! It just makes me feel cool. I love the puff sleeves. I love the pointelle pattern. I love it so much I bought it in white too (worn here)! It's just a sweater that feels very now. I actually couldn't find the jeans I wanted to pair it with here (they were hiding in my workout clothes drawer for two weeks, if that gives you any idea of how much I work out), but dark wash skinnies really go with everything, am I right? A washed black jean though feels super fresh with them. I'm thinking this style of sweater will be fun moving into spring too paired with distressed shorts.
Just a note that this sweater is completely see through, in case you couldn't tell. I'm wearing a nude cami underneath it. I would actually recommend a tank with a higher neckline after seeing these pictures!
That's all I've got for you for today - stay healthy out there!!
Sweater - Loft / Jeans - J.Crew / Mules - Sam Edelman / Bag - Tory Burch / Earrings - gifted so I'm not sure where they're from, but here are a few with a similar vibe: one, two, three, four
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Like many of you I'm sure, we had our daycare announce on Friday that they'd be closed through the end of the month. Jeff and I are both working from home, so we're trying to balance watching Mia and staying on top of our jobs. Luckily I work for the best company ever, so instead of focusing on how many hours I'm working, they've been encouraging me to take the time I need with Mia and still take breaks for my mental health.
I'm also very grateful that Mia is still at an age where we don't have to plan activities or worry about being bored. The only games we need to play are "chase" and "hand things back and forth," and Mia is perfectly happy to walk in circles around the couch for half an hour straight. To stay sane, we've also been going for walks every day for some fresh air and a change in scenery.
Okay okay, enough rambling about our current situation - I know you've been hearing about it enough!
Let's talk about the outfit.
The sweater
I had been really wanting to try the whole "cardigan as a sweater" trend (groundbreaking I know) and decided to hop in with this inexpensive version from Old Navy. I've seen a ton of these sweaters around, but a lot of them are super cropped or really low cut, neither of which really flies with my body type. I ordered this twice to get the right size, and ended up in a tall large. It fit perfectly, that is, until I accidentally put it in the dryer. Noooo! Now I would say it fits more like a regular large. So my suggestion would be to get the tall size even if you don't usually wear talls, because it will likely shrink.
The jeans
I'm back on a light-wash jean kick now that spring is peaking its head out! I bought this pair last year and am still very in on them. They are a slightly higher rise than I usually prefer, so these are definitely not a "comfy lounge" kind of jean, more of a "change into sweatpants as soon as you walk in the door" jean. This pair is obviously old, but here's a similar one. It had bothered me all last year that this pair was a little too wide and long at the ankle, so I actually took some scissors to them and now am much happier with them! If you want to cut the ankles of your jeans, I suggest looking in a mirror and marking the length you want.
The jacket
I'm still so excited every year when it warms up enough to put this jacket back in rotation. You may remember that I specifically classify my jackets by temperature, and I would say this one works from about 50 degrees to 65. J.Crew has been really going in on sales this past year, so definitely don't pay full price. I'd wait until you see it at least 40% off. I got a tall xl in this coat, and it's slightly oversized but in a good way - I love that the sleeves are long enough for me to give a little roll! Touches like rolling your sleeves (or a front tuck on your top) make your outfit look more intentional.
The sneakers
These are, by far, my favorite sneakers that I've owned as an adult. My feet just keep getting pickier and pickier in terms of what they find comfortable, and a lot of sneakers end up rubbing my ankles weird or the tongue is uncomfortable. Not these! The whole shoe is like a sock, with a stretchy, soft piece that goes all around your foot and laces on the outside. No tongue! I also love the little leather details, it makes them look slightly elevated over your average sneaker.
I hope you have a great Wednesday, enjoy your social distancing and stay healthy!!
An outfit post, oh my! I know, I know, I haven't been living up to the whole style blogger thing as of late. It's a whole lot harder to run outside to snap a few photos when we have to get Mia down and out too, and honestly since I mostly work from home now I'm not getting dressed a ton anyway.
BUT.
I had to share a few of my new favorite things with you. Because what kind of friend would I be if I didn't share?
I've been wanting another wool winter coat, because as much as I love this one I feel a little silly with the faux fur collar in all situations, like when we dress up or when it happens to be 30 degrees in May in Chicago. I ordered and returned 5 or 6 coats this fall until I came upon this one. It's cute and simple, but the details like the gold zipper and ribbed cuffs really elevate it. I also am loving the warm camel color - I've always wanted a camel coat! As far as sizing, I'm in my normal J.Crew size in a tall. It's slightly more fitted than the Chateaux parka but still an a-line.
Then we have the jeans. It's amazing, I get compliments on these every time I wear them. The button fly is surprisingly flattering even though I carry my weight in my mid-section. They are a 9" high rise, which for me goes right above my belly button (I have long legs and a short waist). I went down one size, and honestly could have gone down two because they stretch out easily. I am wearing a tall, and every time I wash them the ankles get a little more frayed making them a tiny bit shorter. The frayed ankles do look a little weird with booties and winter boots, but are really cute with mules, loafers and sneakers.
And of course, that leads us to the mules. How much can one talk about loving a pair of shoes before she starts to sound a bit crazy? But really, these are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes in my closet, and I wear them just about every chance that Chicago lets me. They go with surprisingly just about everything in my closet, and have the ability to take a basic outfit to the next level. I love them so much I'm thinking about ordering them in black too.
Is that enough incoherent rambling about one outfit? Okay cool thanks, let's call it a day :)
