WIW 7/26 Kawaii ultracasual with new Tokidoki x Ju.Ju.Be diaper bag

After I got home from work wearing this zigzag outfit, I changed into a simple T shirt and shorts and sneaks so we could take the kids to the playground. We are trying to help DD to learn to ride her bike, but we are usually so busy we don't get to take her to practice very often. It takes two of us to watch both of the older kids on bikes plus DS2 (who also wanted in on the action even though his feet don't even reach the pedals). We have to pack bikes, safety equipment, diaper bags, water and snacks and everything into the car and have to drive somewhere safe and flat (because we live on a busy street), so it's quite a production to take them out for a simple bike ride!

Anyways, I thought I'd show you my ultracasual side for a change. Also to show off my new diaper bag! All the ones I have are huge because I always try to bring everything. Well, after trying to lug a massive Ju.Ju.Be Be Prepared diaper bag (think large airline carry-on size bag) around Disneyland for the first morning because I didn't want to leave it on the stroller during the rides, I realized that sometimes it's better to streamline and just put a few diapers and wipes into my purse and not bother with carrying everything I might possibly need. The rest can stay in the car or stroller or hotel room. So I got a new smaller diaper bag, that can also function as a purse later on. It doesn't hold very much, but it will help me learn how to pack lighter.

Lately I've been obsessed with Tokidoki, a company that has really cute Japanese-style "kawaii" (Japanese for cute) cartoon characters like Donutella, a girl with Princess Leia-ish donuts on her head, or Bastardino, a little dog dressed in a cactus costume, or the Moo-fia cows. They did a line of diaper bags with Ju.Ju.Be and they are super cute. Each bag has lots of different characters all over the bag--it's like a giant party. Plus Ju.Ju.Be bags are easy wipe and machine washable, with lots of pockets to hold things. I bought the Sea Amo print, because it has an underwater theme with mermaids (I love the ocean). I also bought a light Super Be tote in the same print that I can use as a beach bag. I also bought a backpack for each of the kids--DD wanted one with unicorns, and DS1 wanted the fairy tale one with knights and dragons, and I got the sea one for DS2 eventually. OK, I know this is not consistent with my goals to look more polished and grown up, but I can't resist the cuteness. I love Hello Kitty and Paul Frank; I have a bunch of Paul Frank T shirts and handbags etc. that I used to collect pre-kids. I still have not been able to get rid of my collection, even though I never use them and probably should. It reminds me of that thread discussing how we all keep returning to the same loves/styles over and over again. Here's my kawaii shadow persona in action for MOTG! Anyone else into cutesy too?

Gap navy T shirt, Banana Republic dot print shorts, Brooks Adrenaline sneakers, Tokidoki x Ju.Ju.Be Hobo Be bag, green yarn necklace and bracelet made by DD.

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WIW 7/27 Animalistic: ink, brown, grey and black

Wanted to try a version of Angie's formula with ink, brown, grey and black in one outfit. Pulled out the ink blue jacket and the cognac leather skirt. I've paired them together before. Then added the leopard Okalas, because they already had the black and brown combo. These haven't been getting much wear yet, so I wanted to put them into rotation. I tried the outfit with a simple black shell but it didn't look like me--not enough pattern. So I used this leopard silk shell. It was in my purge section, because I've been less into large doses of leopard lately (I purged a Target ponte leopard skirt and gave it to my sister). But this was the only thing that seemed to work, plus it fulfilled the matchy matchy requirement. It's a little more ALGO than I'd like, especially with the pussy bow combined with ruffles in the jacket. I feel like this outfit gives off kind of a '70's secretary vibe with the animal print, brown, pussy bow etc.--not sure if that's a good thing. Finally, added the leopard bracelet for more matchy matchy and the grey croc tote for the grey. Is four animal prints in one outfit too much? Let me know if it's TMGO! I keep saying I want to streamline, but then end up with all these ALGO outfits because of my love of prints and matchy matchy!

Thanks for looking and commenting!

WHBM ink blue jacket
Vince Camuto leopard pussy bow silk shell
Leith gingerbread leather skirt
Sam Edelman Okala leopard heels
Kate Spade grey croc tote
Vince Camuto leopard bracelet

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WIW 7/26: B&W Zig Zags

Another B&W combo (for ElizabethP since she said she likes me in B&W).
I like matchy matchy themes as you know, so the zig zag bracelet matches the zig zag skirt and the pointy necklace and stripey shoes echo the theme. I am getting lazy and just using the black studded satchel most days lately! I am on call this week, so trying to dress "work appropriate" and polished but still with some flair.

WHBM white blouse and zig zag skirt
Kate Spade zig zag bracelet
Munro Abby slingbacks
Alexis Bittar necklace
Michael Kors satchel

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WIW 7/25: NAS leather skater midi skirt (Vans or Munro?)

Which shoes do you like better for this outfit and why?
I liked the look of the Vince suede slip ons, but the Vans were cheaper and I like the retro-ness of the original. But are they OK to wear to work? I kind of like the skater vibe of the flared leather skirt with Vans, but not sure if it works.
Thanks!

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WIW 7/23: NAS DVF lace sweater & skirt

DH and I went for a date lunch while the kids were slaving away at cooking camp...

NAS DVF lace sweater and skirt
NAS Munro Abby shoes
Michael Kors black satchel
Karl Lagerfield black watch

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WIW 7/22: NAS ALGO floral + plaid + stripes + leopard

I felt very J Crew-ish in this crazy combo. Does this work or is it too ALGO? I wore this to work, not sure if it's too much. People seemed to like the outfit though, especially the sweater. Bonus pic with my mom who was visiting.

NAS Halogen floral sweater
NAS Equipment Margaux striped shirt
NAS Jolt plaid skinny jeans (juniors)
Stuart Weitzmann leopard ballet flats
Jason Wu for Target straw satchel
Burberry watch

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WIW 7/19: Stripetastic and new specs!

This is what I'm going to wear to my sister's baby shower later today. I need to wear a two piece instead of a dress, because DS2 might want nursing access during the day. Stripes and more stripes = matchy matchy heaven! Even the purse and shoes have stripes! And I just picked up my new glasses. What do you think?
Anne Fontaine black shirt
Kate Spade Fiorella bib necklace
Halogen pleat midi skirt in cream/black stripes
Brahmin striped satchel
Munro Abby (these sandals are getting quite the workout!)

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WIW 7/18 NAS finds: boucle dress, plaid shirt & moto leggings

Couldn't wait till fall to pull out my NAS purchases. It's cold enough in the summer here that it can feel like fall in the mornings and late afternoons. In fact I took my mom and brother out for dinner (they are visiting from out of town) and we were sitting outdoors because that was what was available. We were all freezing because of the wind!

I wore this Laundry by Shelli Segal dress to work. Slightly risque with the leather sleeves, but I'm on Team Boucle. It fit well and I didn't find the arms constricting. I think it's funny that the tag says the color is "Hot Date". I wore the second outfit to go out to a casual dinner with my mom & brother and the three kids.

What do you think of the second outfit? The plaid shirt and moto leggings aren't my typical style, but it's fun to explore new personas--who knew I had a rock and roll side? Do you like the peep toe booties or do they look totally ridiculous with the bare toes and heels?

Laundry by Shelli Segal boucle dress with leather trim & sleeves
Munro Abby sandals
Michael Kors studded black satchel
Treasure & Bond red plaid shirt
Two by Vince Camuto black moto leggings
Topshop Jolie peep toe bootie

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WIW 7/16: Bubbles and Silly Faces

Wore the bubble print dress and got lots of compliments. It was $20 at TJ Maxx I think. Matchy blue and green bubble bracelet. Munro Abby sandals were super comfy at work all day! Lots of silly faces from my crew. I was trying on the Rag & Bone moto jacket and EF silk ankle pants, but I don't think it was super flattering so I returned the jacket. DD said, "It looks like a rug!" and wanted to try walking on it (#10). LOL. DH and DD could be the next Joan and Melissa Rivers, with their snappy fashion commentary about my outfits!

TJ Maxx bubble print dress
Banana Republic bracelet
Kate Spade satchel
Munro Abby sandals

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WIW 7/11: Allsaints Fressia and Munro Aries (pseudoBirk)

Got one of the popular Allstaints Fressia dresses during the recent sale. I didn't feel comfortable wearing without leggings, so it's more of a tunic than a dress for me. It's a size 4 (one size down from my usual dress size), but still very flowy. I've also been wearing these Birk alternatives a lot. Birks didn't work well for my low volume feet and long 2nd toe, which hit the edge of the raised bed. These Munro Aries sandals are super comfy! I could wear them all day!
AllSaints Fressia dress
White capri leggings
Munro Aries sandals
F21 bracelet
Karl Lagerfield black watch
Michael Kors black studded satchel

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