Gigi New York quickly became my favorite line for handbags. They can be a little bit pricey, but in my opinion, totally worth it. They have sent me a tote this spring and a crossbody this summer… I use both regularly and love that they’re fun for everyday use and also professional. In fact, I purchased the Teddie tote for my sister when she graduated college to carry with her to her job. The little embossed monogram is certainly a great touch without being over the top.
The size is really what stands out to me as the best feature. It’s right in between a full sized tote and a handbag… so you can carry all the essentials you need without feeling weighted down. I’ve been tossing in my iPad and a book along with my regular “purse” things.
It comes in a few colors. I love the stone color of mine because it goes with everything, but the navy bag is gorgeous.
Ah! I'm so jealous of the fact that all of these incredible brands sponsor you! The stone is definitely the perfect color for Fall. I may have to splurge on one of these for myself, I mean…it's basically going to be a necessity, right?
I try to force myself to carry small bags so that I don't lug junk around, but it's difficult for me to find a small bag that fits everything I need (needing to carry a water bottle around kinda ruins the whole bring-a-small-bag thing). On a side-note, I love the color of your skirt–it's so hard to find a beautiful shade of green! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
Lately I’ve been letting my inner child take the lead and it’s been so healing. I signed up for tap dancing (yes, really!!!), started to play more games (like mahjong- in person and virtually too), and I’ve started baking for fun the way I used to with my mom. I used to embroider scraps of fabric while my sister played soccer, now it’s needlepoint during nap time and sewing whenever I feel inspired for a project that energizes me to stay up late into the night.
Adulthood comes with a lot of mental tabs open (anyone else?), but there’s something magical about chasing the things you loved before life got so full of responsibility.
So this is your permission slip: be a little frivolous, a little nostalgic, a little playful. Let that younger version of you come out and dance a bit. She might just know the way. 🙏🏻
GRWM while I chat about aging naturally, embracing low-maintenance skincare, and skipping the needles. Spoiler: the @omniluxled red light mask has been a game-changer for me. And in the spirit of upcoming Mother’s Day and treating ourselves with love... I’m SO excited to be giving away TWO Omnilux Contour Face masks!!! This is hands-down my favorite at-home skincare tool, and I can’t wait to gift one to you or a mom that you love. To enter: Follow @carly and @omniluxled, comment “MOM” below 👇 and I’ll DM you a link with how to enter! (You must submit your email + phone number via the landing page to be eligible to win! Two winners will be chosen on 4/27/25) 💌 BONUS: Everyone who enters will also get early access to Omnilux’s Mother’s Day sale!! Let’s celebrate moms, ourselves, and the beauty of getting older 🫶🏼💗 #ad
Here are some of the outfits I’ve worn recently as a mom of two young boys (Jack is 3.5 and Rory just turned one.) 👩🏻 🧥 👖 🥿 Lately, I’ve been leaning into outfit formulas that just work. I’m in a season of life where I need to be able to chase after my kids at the playground, get on the floor to build Magnatiles, and still feel like myself when I pass a mirror.
Comfort is non-negotiable... but so is feeling put together. I’m prioritizing jeans that actually fit and move with me, sweaters and tops that go with everything, and comfortable shoes so I can keep up with my boys.
For me, right now, it’s not about being trendy. It’s about feeling good, being present, and making life just a little bit easier.
If you’re in that same stage, juggling a million things and still wanting to look cute, this one’s for you. 🙌🏻 Swipe through for some of my go-to, real-life mom outfits that are comfy, practical, and pulled together... because we all deserve that! If you want links to specific things I’m wearing (like the investment coat I’ve worn for over 10 years, the ballet flats I swear by, or the jeans I rotate through the most), comment “WARDROBE STAPLES” below and I’ll send you my current wardrobe staples!
A wild Saturday night as a mom of two young boys with timestamps! I try to maximize the evenings. A little bit productive and a little bit for me! Tonight I folded laundry, cleaned the playroom, showered and blow dried my hair, prepped sourdough bread, needlepointed, and played some mahjong online!
I turned 35 last summer and, honestly, I’ve never felt more confident in my own skin... even without injectables! I love finding products that enhance my natural beauty without covering it up, and the new Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer from @jonesroadbeauty does exactly that. I used the shade “Ivory”! It’s lightweight, easy to apply (no mirror needed!), and gives me that effortless “your skin but better” look– perfect for busy mom life. 🙌🏻 #ad
I’ve been playing mahjong every week with some girlfriends and I brought some candy salad treats for everyone to take home. 🀄️ 🍬🩷 I definitely have a “mahj-or sweet tooth” 😉 (I live for a good pun!!!) I found these watercolor illustrations on @etsy by @lilas.hills and I will be personalizing everything with them from here on out!
So cute! loving this whole outfit! 🙂
http://www.fashioncoma.com
I love your outfit!
I think you might like a store called Simons ( its from canada but they ship to US too) simons.ca 🙂
Ah! I'm so jealous of the fact that all of these incredible brands sponsor you! The stone is definitely the perfect color for Fall. I may have to splurge on one of these for myself, I mean…it's basically going to be a necessity, right?
xoxo, SS
http://www.TheSouthernStylista.blogspot.com
Wow that bag is stunning!
Love your initials and where they are placed, too!
xo,
Amanda
affordablebyamanda.blogspot.com
The whole outfit is gorgeous and the bag is so stunning!
Michaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner
You look gorgeous! 🙂
I try to force myself to carry small bags so that I don't lug junk around, but it's difficult for me to find a small bag that fits everything I need (needing to carry a water bottle around kinda ruins the whole bring-a-small-bag thing). On a side-note, I love the color of your skirt–it's so hard to find a beautiful shade of green! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
This bag is incredible! It would be perfect for traveling! 🙂
<3
kimberrleigh
You look absolutely stunning and that bag is seriously perfect!
Pink Champagne Problems
Adorable – such a cute and classic look!
Kerrie. xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com/