White tulle, black pleats (and matchy matchy cat purse)

Hi YLF, it's been ages since I posted, mostly because I've been so super busy with work and the kids, but also because I haven't been in a real fashion mood for a long time now because of my spare tire. I'm about 20 lb up in the past 4.5 years since baby #3, and carrying it all in my midsection. I still get asked if I'm pregnant a lot by my patients. Even last week my 4 year old son patted my tummy and said "Mama, is there anyone in there?" Ugggh. It's extra annoying because one of the other docs I work with IS actually pregnant right now, yet I'm the one getting all the pregnant questions. I had to really thin out my closet with a lot of things I still like, but don't fit any more. I lost maybe half my closet. But I don't feel like shopping for "fat" clothes so I have just been making do with what I have. Even today I tried two dresses on and realize I can't wear them any more because of the belly pooch. I tried a bunch of stuff on for NAS, but the only thing I kept was this black pleated skirt. Nothing else looked good on me. 

I know I need to get stricter with my diet (ever since November I've been in a constant state of frustration at all the disasters and the evil things happening in the world, and probably sheetcaking in response). I also need to get in better shape, but never seem to have the time to exercise. I've been on call for the past week and basically working from 7 am to midnight every day. I come home and barely see my kids for an hour before they go to bed and then finish dictations and charting. Cannot wait for Friday when I'm off call and have a day off...to go to the dentist and volunteer at school! I think it's been extra busy this week because some of the nearby hospitals closed due to the wildfires, so more patients are getting transferred here. We are safe but our thoughts are with those who are affected. It was super smoky around here for the past week--the air quality was supposedly as bad as Beijing. Kids had to stay indoors for recess (they even cancelled school Friday). Outdoor activities like swimming and soccer were cancelled all of last week and got cancelled again today. My daughter is trying to convince the school to let her hold a bake sale for the fire victims (she organized one two years ago for the Valley fire victims).

We were really stressed out because a couple weeks ago, our black cat Cranberry (who is normally a 100% indoor cat) disappeared when a worker that came to the house left the door open and she ran out. We could not find her all day and night even searching up and down the whole neighborhood (DH says he saw someone call the cops on him because he was wandering around with a flashlight looking under people's houses!). We even posted a lost cat flyer on Nextdoor. I thought she was gone for good, especially when I saw a coyote in our backyard! DH camped out in a tent in the backyard all night to watch for her and she finally came back at 5 in the morning! Happy ending--we and the kids are so relieved and her brother Melon is so glad to have her back too.

Anyways, I thought I'd show a glimmer of my old fashion sense so that you don't think I've completely dropped off the face of the earth! In my usual M.O. of light/dark ladylike vs. shadow persona dressing, I wore the same outfit in Kate Spade vs. UWP versions. One with pastel pink cashmere sweater with white tulle skirt for a mom's night out to see Hamlet, and then a grey/black pleated skirt version. And threw in a matchy matchy cat and cat purse (#6) just for fun. I love it when my accessories match. I'm so glad to have her back. And yes I confess, I'm totally sucking it in for the pics. ;)

Everlane pink cashmere sweater
Bailey 44 white tulle skirt
Halogen blush studded flats
Charming Charlie rose gold flower necklace
Stella and Dot rose gold thorn bracelet
Kate Spade cat purse

Theory grey sweater
Vince black pleated midi skirt
Topshop sandals
Michael Kors studded satchel
Hospital $5 jewelry sale necklace
Spring St. bracelet

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36 Comments

  • replied 6 years ago

    OMG.  Do you look amazing.  I have never forgotten your white tulle skirt.  You styled it beautifully.  And once again, I am envious. 

  • Mainelady replied 6 years ago

    You and your style are gorgeous! Your current size and weight are not your style. They are temporary visitors. Treat them kindly and when you are ready, send them on their way.
    Wear what you love, put a smile on your face (the best accessory of all time) and enjoy every day. Life gets busy. Stressful situations happen. I think it is easier to manage challenging moments when feeling confident and fab. You have everything you need to make that happen. You have to get dressed everyday, so choose at least one item that makes your heart smile. Have fun and when you have time, please post some pictures.

  • Momo replied 6 years ago

    You look beautiful! I love the tullle skirt and of course your match match accessories as always are perfect!
    I am sorry life has been too busy. It is so hard to fit anything in for yourself when you feel like you are pulled in a million directions. Hang in there !

  • The Cat replied 6 years ago

    Beautiful and chic styling. Fun cat bag. You look fab!

  • Aquamarine replied 6 years ago

    So good to see you! You look great and it’s fun to see the tulle skirt in action again and one of your fab bags. As usual, reading about the frenetic pace of your life leaves me exhausted....please be gentle with yourself. It took me over 15 years to lose the weight from my third pregnancy, and I was nowhere near as busy as you.

    LOL...sheetcaking...that’s one of the funniest things I’ve heard in a long time :-)

  • Lucy replied 6 years ago

    Oh gosh, you look so lovely! I'd never have guessed you were feeling a bit down, from these pictures. You really do look gorgeous!  
    I love both iterations, but I really love the white skirt, it is just a bit unexpected. And what a great bag, to go with your precious fur babies!

  • harmonica replied 6 years ago

    Amazing! So sorry life is too busy. I echo Mainelady and others. Be kind to yourself and put a smile on your face. You look adorable as ever and the cat accessories are the best! So happy to see you again :-) Lots of love to you and your family.

  • Murph11 replied 6 years ago

    YOU'VE BEEN MISSED and lovely as ever!

  • Runcarla replied 6 years ago

    So glad to see you posting!  Nobody does maximal as well as you do! 

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    This is so adorable! I love the kitty purse!! I would love to be one of your patients. What a fashion treat! 

    So glad you found your kitty and hang in there. You are doing GREAT. I found it tough to manage with just ONE kid. Heck. 

  • JuniperGreen replied 6 years ago

    I love it ALL!  Both outfits, that bag (!), the cameos from the fuzzies, the little guy's pose - so great!  

  • Sara L. replied 6 years ago

    It's so good to see you!  I'm glad you found your kitty again.  It's so stressful when animals go missing.  We lost our dog for a couple days once and it was just the worst feeling.  

    Great outfits!  I really like the soft light neutrals in the first one and the harder edged accessories in your second outfit.

  • Zibbets replied 6 years ago

    Gorgeous as always! I love your style! Be gentle with your beautiful self.
    I'm so glad you are safe during the fires and that you found your kitty. They are members of the family!
    I hear you on the frustration of having a closet full of lovely things that don't fit. That's the worst part. I laughed out loud at "sheetcaking."

  • Lisa replied 6 years ago

    Weight gain is always frustrating because it seems to be so easy to put on and take so long to get off again! But you aren't alone with weight gain. I've tried diet after diet after diet and I wake up at 4:30am 5 days a week to go to the gym and I still put on 15lbs over the years. And while I'd love to believe it is muscle going up in pant sizing does not lie, it's fat. Plus add in the fact that we always age and all you ever read about is how "your metabolism slows down as you age" and it is downright depressing. But weight is something we all struggle with, you are not alone. And you are looking lovely in your outfit, extra weight and all. Size does not affect style, and your's is as spot on as ever. 

  • kellygirl replied 6 years ago

    Gorgeous as ever! Your playful, elegant style has not suffered one bit in your absence here. What a treat to see you. I'm sorry that life has been so hectic and stressful. You look terrific at any rate! 

  • DonnaF replied 6 years ago

    Love to see your stylings!!! I've been thinking about you and especially your family as Halloween rolls around. Anything special in store?

  • Janet replied 6 years ago

    You look amazing no matter what! You have the best matchy-matchup style ever. But I hear you about stressful times and sheetcaking. Ahem, I had cupcakes for breakfast two days in a row this weekend (leftover from a party we hosted). LOL

    So glad your kitty is back!

  • JAileen replied 6 years ago

    I'm so happy to see your post. I've always loved your outfits, your kids, your Halloween costumes, etc. In spite of your weight gain, you really look fab. Especially in your cat outfit, surrounded by your cats. Your husband is a gem.

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    WOW, Natalie. YOU ARE VERY BUSY. Soooo glad that kitty turned up after all.

    You just can't have it all sometimes, Natalie - although your Super Hero powers allow you to achieve much more than others. Try to accept that this is where you are right now. Be kind to yourself. You are a full time specialist with three kids - enough said! If you can't work out, you can't work out. It's not a train smash. We can all only do so much. And you my dear, win the prize for doing the MOST! You are SUPER NATALIE

    You look KILLER fab in both these outfits. Elegant, graceful, on trend and stylish. Rock on, and much love to you. 

  • goldenpig replied 6 years ago

    Thank you all so much for your kind words of support! I'm normally a very positive person, but the world has felt a very different place for the past 11 months. We just have to concentrate on finding the good in the world. I am heartened to see the quick response of everyone helping people who have lost their homes or been displaced in the local fires.

    Oh and I haven't been literally sheetcaking, by the way, just figuratively. While I don't necessarily agree with the whole premise of Tina Fey's SNL sketch (because we really should turn our anger into action), I do find the image of her gorging on sheet cake in response to her frustration at the evil in the world kind of hilarious. And I would love to blame my weight gain on someone else, LOL.

  • Roxanna replied 6 years ago

    Goldenpig - so nice to see you here! And I must say, what you wrote about being overly busy and trying to keep your head up really resonated with me. Love how honest you always are, and please know I am right there with you (right down to abandoning half of my closet because my clothes are too tight - ugh.)

  • delurked replied 6 years ago

    I am so glad to see you here. You look very nice. You have the best accessories too. Glad you got your little kitty back. I feel your pain on weight, but I hope you take heed of the kind words here and know you are doing a great job with all the busy you are facing.

  • RobinF replied 6 years ago

    I always love your fabulous outfits and quirky bags. Glad to see you back. As a full-time working mom of 3 I get where you're coming from. Mine are older now (26, 24 and 21) and it does get better! You always have them to worry about, maybe that never goes away, but the physical busy-ness decreases and I actually miss some of that now. Anyway, you look great! Those skirts are super fun and love your shoes.

  • Emily K replied 6 years ago

    I didn't know the meaning of "sheetcaking" but I have fully adopted it now that I've been introduced!  Your outfits look fab!  I think I may need to steal your Theory sweater.  I love it and it fits you really well.

    So glad your kitty has returned!

  • Diana replied 6 years ago

    Hey lady, it's great to see you (and your photo bombers)!  So glad that the kitty story had a happy ending.  As usual you look great!  I think you're really being too hard on yourself.  Just reading about your schedule makes me tired, and I don't even have any kids!  I don't know how you do it, truly.

    I'm loving pleated skirts lately too and am having fun transitioning mine from summer to fall.  Love your renditions here. 

  • approprio replied 6 years ago

    Sheetcaking? A new concept to me, but I understand... You look great.

    If I may say so, I think you're doing yourself a disservice. I also own a white tulle skirt and I know exactly what that style does to my midsection. You totally pulled it off ;)

    And the kitties and the kitty purse. Adorbs.

  • cobaltblue replied 6 years ago

    Natalie! I’d been wondering about you and searched the forum for you just last week to see if I’d been missing your posts in my intermittent lurking.

    I’m in the throes of PhD study with a 6 month-old baby (#3) in the mix, so I understand the crazy life you’re leading. (And thought of you and your busy life when I’d wear the maternity jeans you once sent me!) As Angie says, even Super Natalie can’t do it all - be gentle with yourself.

    I love these outfits, especially the white tulle and the kitty purse too.

    Becky

  • jill58 replied 6 years ago

    So happy to see your post --very happy to hear your kitty returned. I worry about our cats whenever we have anyone working on the house. Even if you mention it to workers, they don't always remember. You do not look pregnant! You look lovely--great purse! 

  • Jane replied 6 years ago

    You look so well. Your tulle skirt is beautiful. So pleased that your cat returned. Thank you for sharing, it is lovely to see you and no one does matchy matchy like you.

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    You Look Fab! I've missed you. Not a spare moment, eh? You are totally on trend: cat are it. I say this as a dog owner... your kitty bag is awesome!

  • chouette22 replied 6 years ago

    I have missed your fun posts here too, along with the most adorable photobombers as Diana has said too. You are a superwoman in my eyes!

  • elpgal replied 6 years ago

    It's nice seeing you. I love the soft pink and the tulle together. I miss the pile of toys behind you. I am guessing the kids have moved on to something different. I sold all of my son's baby toys recently but every single pic in my phone had something in the background, so can't quite forget them.

  • Laura G replied 6 years ago

    I love your tulle-and-cashmere outfit. The pointy toed flats are the perfect counterpart to all the softness and pink. 

    I have a wall of fruit crate labels like yours, only they're lemons because that's what we grow on our farm.

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    You look just fantastic Natalie, just how you are right now. So happy your cat came home - how could he resist a picture with your bag! Also sheetcaking! I loved that skit! 

  • Nebraskim replied 6 years ago

    Great to see you back. Love the kitty purse and I totally snorted laughing at sheetcaking. I am going to use that as my excuse.

  • Style Fan replied 6 years ago

    Great to see you post.  I love your style.  You are Super Natalie.  The cat and kitty purse pic is beyond adorable!  DH sounds amazing.  Camping out in the backyard.  What a guy!  

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