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Carly A. Riordan
a little bit of life, a little bit of style, and everything in between.
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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
Our town just got the sweetest, chicest little bakery! Sourdough everything with a side of immaculate vibes 🤍 🥐 ☕️ 🥖✨ Be back soon @thebakernj!
These April showers better result in the best May flowers we’ve ever seen… ☔️ 🌷 ☀️ in the meantime, comment “BUTTER” and l’ll DM you my outfit 🧈
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!
I absolutely love all of J.Crew's holiday looks. Especially the buffalo check peacoat! I can't wait to start planning my outfits for the holiday parties I'm going to, and now I have inspiration! Thanks Carly!
Argyle Girl | thegirlintheargylesweater.blogspot.com
Great picks, my favorite was the necklace… you're right it would be perfect for every holiday party!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Oh my gosh, I'm obsessed with that pearl necklace and the red dress! I think holiday outfits are my favorite…just an extra excuse for more sparkle and glitter!
Meredith | monogrammeredith.blogspot.com
I am obsessed with the bow flats, but love all their pieces!
Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com
Those bow flats, and the fairisle and the jammies are calling my name they're all so gorgeous!
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
Just adorable. Love looking at things like this will the holidays rolling in. Will be sure to put some of them on my wishlist.
Lauren
sideofsweetmint.blogspot.com
love these looks esp that plaid coat! bring on the holidays!!! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I love the J. Crew holiday looks and the new arrivals!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I love all of the holiday outfits! The red is such a fabulous color and style! I totally agree about the buffalo check!
I also LOVE Lilly's dresses for the holidays!
xx
Breckenridge Clare
http://www.whimofthesouth.com
1. More flannel, less problems. I don't think truer words have ever been spoken.
2. Those flats with the bow. DYING. Seriously. Need them now.
I love the JCrew holiday collection! Those flats with the ankle strap and the bow went straight to the top of my Christmas wish list 😉
I couldn't wear any of this in Los Angeles, today it was 90 degrees! A girl can dream i guess…..
Thanks so much for re-posting content that I already saw on J. Crew's own site.
So original!
Love all of those! Especially the fair isle sweater…so cozy! 🙂
daughterofasonofasailor.blogspot.com