Man I used to love to shop. I was good at it too. Like marathon quality. I could make my way through a department store, hit all the interior shops and a few good vintage ones on the way home. Ever since I had a kid it’s like I’ve lost all super powers in that department and somehow I’m regressing to the same jean shorts from 10 years ago (because they’re soft and loose and just feel good) and some stupid t-shirt that has stains but it used to be cool and might have been expensive a long time ago and I feel guilty throwing it away.

This post is clearly a desperate cry for help. I’m realizing that.

Is it because I have too much on my mind or that I just got so used to every bodily fluid being thrown my way for the last 16 months that I’ve let it all go?  Either way, there’s a time and a place for this mom wear but I’ve got to get out of my rut and remember what it felt like to watch Sex in the City and literally have fashion inspiration for days on end.

I need to look cute but not spend a million dollars because of said aforementioned fluids and also, I just have other things to spend money on these days (#adulting). I want to be one with the trends but also not have tight shorts up my butt because I’m in my late-thirties and I can’t hang with being that uncomfortable anymore. Also… one word, cougartown.

Here’s a few places I’ve found totally helpful and trends I’m loving right now that seem cute, sensible and totes apropos.

Eliza J

Just discovered this brand this year and I’m obsessed. Sweetest dresses that are totally right for a work occasion, family dinner, bridal shower, baby shower, wedding, date night… good god the list goes on. Can’t tell you the amount of compliments I get whenever I wear any of these dresses and for how nice they are, I think they’re a great value. Plus, now that I know my size, I can just order online, which BTW is maybe the best thing ever.

Also most of them have… wait for it… pockets. Yep. You’re welcome.

Georgia’s 1st birthday

Brandon’s Graduation

My writing partner Hanna’s wedding