Shakira was not lying, these hips DO NOT lie
Stepping back in with some new year new me thoughts, the return of real outfits and a heavily polled denim roundup. Namastizzle.
Hi everyone, we made it to 2024. I know we’re already one week into this but I consider the first week a write off. I’m not a big resolution kind of gal but I do like to set smaller daily habits and aspirations that feel more attainable.
Feel free to share yours in the comments or borrow these if they strike your fancy —
Be more intentional with documenting memories and milestones. I realized that I hardly have any physical photos of my loved ones and I don’t want my most cherished memories to be on a phone so I got this Instax Polaroid Camera to have on hand. The photos make a nice gift for grandparents and little momentos.
Be a better listener. I stole this from my friend Jessie who said she wants to ask more questions. I think this can apply to everyone if you’re in the market for some additional ones. I am always woring on active listening and practicing empathy. The Goop Podcast episode with Cleo Wade is good listen on this if you are interested.
Be more mindful with my diet. Strict restrictions don’t work on me so I don’t typically ban any types of foods, just try to eat cleaner, order less and cook more. I am proud to say I only ordered postmates ONCE this week which is huge for me.
What my brain feels like trying to abstain. Baby steps! I am still giving myself one treat day a week. If you watched my instagram stories over the weekend you saw the chocolate chip cookies. What’s been helpful is having a baby who is now mostly eating solids and having to prepare her foods. I like to meal prep, so I go to the farmers, grab a ton of veggies and roast two big trays which I can use later in the week. I know this is not revolutionary but cooking dinner and eating out every night in New York kind of is the standard… so I’m going to give myself a pat on the back here. For context, I once received a Valentines day card from someone who worked at the Bedford Ave Bagelsmith I used to live above, that’s how often I went in for my daily sesame toasted bagel with tofu scallion cream cheese.
Wear real clothes. I am laughing aloud as I type this because I am reading them back and you would think that this is the bare minimum for most but I am evidently an Australian feral bushpig (drink water, eat real food and wear a real outfit — the bar is truly in hell, what happened to me?? motherhood apparently)
I’m back people. 10 months postpartum and I am going to attempt to revisit the non sweatpants and spandex options in my closet (and buy some new ones because let’s face it, most of those don’t fit the same anyway) I’m still figuring out my new momiform — and what that looks like. Sometimes I miss my old skinny privilege that allowed me to be a little more experimental without having to consider, “will this work or will I look like a character from Sesame Street?” I want to figure out a way to still have fun but have a roster of go to outfits that feel elevated but still me (crazy, sexy, cool, iconic and amazing) and are timeless and easy to throw on for when I don’t have the brain real estate to put together a look because I am trying to wipe baby food off the walls. You do not have to have a child to feel like this by the way.
My first task was to find a good pair of jeans. None of my older styles worked on these new childbearing hips. I polled IG for the favorites and bought a pair from the suggestions. These are the Levi’s Low Loose in Medium Wash, per the reviews I sized up 2 sizes. I usually find Levi’s too fitted in the thigh but this style really worked. I am definitely going to repurchase in a few different washes.
Wore this outfit to meet my friend Jessie, who tried to convince me (sabotage me? still unsure) me to embrace my postpartum hair breakage and let her cut me bangs. I politely declined. I splurged on the Toteme wool polo sweater. It’s on SALE!!!!!!! The sizing on it is massive, I typically purchase a M/L in knits for a little room but sized down to a S and it’s still roomy. I hate how much I love this (mostly because the RRP price is outrageous) but I’ve been wearing it religiously — most layered over a turtleneck and jeans but I have plans in the future for her to be worn over little slip dresses and mini skirts and I just purchased a few similar styles here (like this Loulou Studio one that’s marked down on SSENSE, I also snagged it in Red & Navy on the Outnet, which I always forget about but they had a ton of cashmere down to $200!! They also have matching skirts which I purchased here in Black)
I am a total slut for cashmere, especially twin sets that let me put together an entire outfit without the mental gymnastics. Definitely check out the OUTNET selection for Loulou Studio, these are all heavily reduced. As per requested, here is a consolidated list of accomodating and flattering denim styles that you all shared with me on Instagram (I compiled almost 300! So I couldn’t include them all) Here are the heavy hitters:
AG Golde Low Rise Straight Leg Jeans. These are already reduced and have an extra 20% off, so basically free! This was by far the MOST suggested brand and pair.
Still Here (another extremely popular mention) I like their Cowgirl Jean. Yeehaw!
Gap Men’s Loose 90s Jeans, super low slung — I bought these in Black too! Will report back.
FRAME Long Barrel Jeans — there was a ton of love for these
Citizens of Humanity in Paloma Baggy. Linked here in the Brown Corduroy because as Leandra Medine declared, Brown Corduroys could be the New Jeans !! and I AGREE.
Everlane’s Curvy Way High Jean — and while you’re there — really into THIS Merino Zip at $149
SLVRLAKE Denim’s Cropped High Rise Straight Leg — I like this black wash
The last element to my momiform — the loafers. I’ll never retire my sneakers but it is nice to have another option on days I want to feel a little dressier. The one’s pictured above are ALD’s (impossibly sold out, sometimes you can find a pair on TRR if you’re lucky) but I really love Sebago for reasonably priced good quality options. I have a code AMRIT15 for 15% off the entire site (sale included!)
One final thing I am doing, is keeping a list of things I am proud of. My love language is Words of Affirmation (even if I have to give it to myself!) So here are the things I am proud of this week:
Going for a run, only 2 miles but a start!
Wearing many real outfits
Allowing my daughter to settle herself in the crib and learn how to put herself down
Making an effort to send my mum Frankie photos so she doesn’t have to screenshot my instagram stories.
That’s all from ME. Thanks for taking the time to step outside with me. Until next time, ciao for now! -ax
Trying not to shop for the first 6 mo of the year (impossible??) this made it tougher but also adding all to the growing list of things I want when the ban is over....cashmere skirt first. HNY!!