Life in the Lunchroom

Do you remember your high school cafeteria? Do you remember how each table was reserved for particular cliques? Jocks here, drama club over there, band geeks  I mean members at that one...
Ok...maybe I'm actually thinking the movie Mean Girls, but I still think there is a bit of truth to it. It may not have been quite so segregated and stereotypical in real life, but I do remember the feeling that you had to find your niche with a particular group, or be left eating your sandwich at the little round table by the lunch room monitor's station.

And though I'm a long way from my high school days, I still sometimes feel like the odd one out. I'm a grown up now, and with that comes a lot of new groups and new labels, but in the end, I'm sometimes still a girl tentatively carrying my lunch tray, looking for somewhere to sit...somewhere to fit.

Should I sit with the moms? Maybe, but a bunch of them stay at home with their kids...I couldn't hide that I can't (or don't want to) do that. 

What about the working women? Well...I kind of fit in there, but will they give me side-eye when I have to leave early to make daycare pick up in time? 

I could join that Christian table...but...I'm not sure they'd understand how I work in such a shallow/superficial field. And what if politics comes up? Yikes.

I can't quite find that table that's perfectly suited to me. In my mind, it's a mix of overlapping labels, which look a little like this:

Different people might understand different parts of me. Some people can relate to some things. But that precise area in the center of all the circles is pretty small, and sometimes it feels like a table with seating for one. 

I'm torn between multiple things, none of which feel like a totally accurate descriptor. I'm a little of this, but not like that. I love this, but I also really value that. I do this, but that doesn't mean I don't also believe in that.

I'm a mom of two, with another one on the way. In the corporate world, that makes me a bit of an anomaly. But at church, where three kids is the norm, or maybe even on the low end of the spectrum, my passion (or personal need, even) for pursuing a full-time career, even while juggling the needs of multiple little ones, isn't something everyone identifies with. I love branding and marketing and all things creative, but I know there's so much more to life than selling jeans, undies, jam, or ice cream (though that is pretty fun!). I'm a little bit of a lot of things, but nothing entirely.

But the difference between high school me, and grown-up me (or a difference anyway...let's not dwell on some of the other changes...) is that I now realize that the idea of anyone fitting 100% into any one category is impossible. And I realize I'm not alone in feeling caught between different worlds. Your circles might look different- you might be an adoptive mom, or an entrepreneur, or a missionary, or a single woman...or any number of things. But I bet you've felt alone at times, like you're the only one trying to make that exact combination of circles work. 

And if that's true, then I have to think that there are probably more women than I think, who are sharing my teeny tiny sliver of space, and even more who feel a similar pull of multiple identities, even if they're different than my own. Maybe no two people have the exact same combo, but it's good to remember that we're all more than just one thing. Moms, and workers, and dreamers, and reality show fans, and volunteers, and...and...and...
We don't have to be one thing. We don't have to fit at one table. Or maybe we can, because it's bigger and more diverse than we ever thought.

So what are some of the labels you're trying to balance and embrace? And how do you go about finding your metaphorical lunch-mates who share some of your overlaps?

I'm thrilled to be partnering with Lily Jade, makers of a line of bags that works for mom-me (converts to backpack, and has washable/removable lining? yes please!), business professional-me (the pockets! so many pockets!),  fashionista-me (mmmm, leather!), and all the versions and combos in between. {Madeline diaper bag care of Lily Jade. All thoughts (and insecurities) are my own}

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Solly Baby + Oh Joy!

If I were to list all the the things I'm passionate about, here's a few things that would be near the top of the list: 

Design, motherhood, blogging, authenticity, creativity, hard work...

(yes, there are big giant family/faith things on the list as well, and of course some littler passions like Coke Slushies/afternoon naps that would make the cut for sure, but stick with me, I'm headed somewhere with this...)

So to have all of these topics come together in one post? Oh yeah...that's the stuff. 

I was chatting with the team at Solly Baby, kicking around a few ideas for a feature on their brand when they mentioned they had a designer collaboration coming up, and offered to have me interview Elle (the Solly founder) and the guest designer. Heck, yeah! Oh- and then? They announced that the partnership was with Joy Cho of Oh Joy! Stahhhhhhp it...

So I acted cool completely geeked out, and set up some time to chat with them. If you're familiar with either Solly Baby or Oh Joy! I don't have to tell you that a collaboration between them is pretty much guaranteed awesome.




I could go on and on about how beautiful the wraps are, how fun the Oh Joy! limited edition print is  and how talented both of these designers are...But for me, the story goes way beyond the product. It's really about the passion each of these women have for what they do. I was honored to have a chance  to talk with them, and I'm thrilled to share pieces of their experiences and perspectives. 

(OK...inspiring business ladies aside, the wrap is pretty awesome...And that baby might be just perfect):

Click to read the full story...

A bad stitchfix...and how to fix it

Remember Stitchfix? Ok, you probably never forgot, because it's constantly all over the blogosphere, but it's been a while since I had a fix of my own. Actually...It's been about a year and a half. I didn't have anything against it, per se...I guess I just didn't have a huge need for clothes. And/or, I was constantly transitioning between sizes, so the idea of someone else finding a good fit for me seemed a little unlikely. But then I went and got knocked up, and serendipitously they just announced they're now offering maternity clothes (and petite sizes...but I don't know nothin' 'bout that.) So though I have a good bit of maternity wear (or more accurately, non-maternity but big-like-a-sack wear) I figured I'd give it a shot again. I made some quick updates to my profile, and scheduled my fix.

The day it arrived, Dustin tossed the box to me on the front lawn, and I unpacked my goodies with my neighbor-friends while the kids ran amok. And as excited as I was to give the maternity stuff a shot...I was a little underwhelmed with my assortment. There were a couple cute pieces, but overall it just didn't live up to my expectations. I brought it all in to try on (and snap awkward selfies to blog about, obviously...) and as I completed my fashion show, I realized that my stylist hadn't done me wrong, really. It was more that I set her up to fail. See- the Stitchfix stylists are good, but they're not mind readers, and I think I had just as much of a hand in the missteps as my girl Kate did. So if you're thinking about scheduling a fix of your own, please learn from my mistakes.

First of all, let me just say that my fix wasn't terrible. It was actually all pretty close to my style...But as a whole, I just felt like it missed the mark somehow, and while all the pieces were just fine, none of them were wow-worthy.

Stitchfix Fix #1: Be Specific
I realized the biggest miss in my box...it was stuff more suited to cold weather when I was hoping for Summer. But did I tell them that I wanted Summer threads? Nope. Sure, Spring is on its way, so I'm sure they have seasonality in mind, but if I was really hoping for warm-weather duds, I should have said so. And even worse- I realized that some of my answers to the survey questions probably lead them astray. There's a section about what parts of your body you like to flaunt, and I answered it pretty conservatively...mostly in an effort to avoid short dresses, or thin strapped tanks. I may have overcompensated a bit, and let them to believe long sleeves were the way to go. Next time, I'll just put my limitations and wishes in the notes section. Based on the personalized notes they send (so cute!) I know they read every word, so if I had just thought things through a bit I might have realized I wasn't being totally clear. They're not mind readers...so more info is never a bad thing.


Stitchfix Fix #2: Pin it to Win it
One of the coolest parts of the Stitchfix profile is that you can link to a Pinterest board, in order to give them a better sense of what you love. Fun! So I sent them my Fashion board, and waited for the perfect picks to roll in...

Well...not so perfect. (ok...I actually like the plaid poncho..maybe more for September than now...But the vest? No thanks). But before I hated on the vest too much, I remembered that maaaaaybe I had a ton of vest pins on my Pinterest board. I have a green utility vest that I actually really love, but I struggle a little with knowing how to style it, so I pinned a bunch of inspiration looks to help me put together more outfits with it. But Stitchfix doesn't know that...they probably just think I really like vests. Whoops.

Also I realized after re-looking at my board, I have a lot of fall looks in there...Or looks that I sort of like for one reason or another, but my reasons might not be totally clear without explanation. So while my Pinterest board wasn't exactly hurtful, I'm not sure it was very helpful either. Stitchfix actually suggests creating a board specifically for your stylist- with looks, pieces, colors etc. that you love. You can even write notes in the captions of the pins to clarify what you like about the pic (rather than just re-pinning whatever non-sense pops up there, like I do on 99% of my pins). I think taking a little bit of time to curate the collection of what I showed them, would have gone a long way to helping them nail my style and wishes.

Stitchfix Fix #3: Get Adventurous
Ok...in a lot of ways...Stitchfix can't win with me. If they give me something that is too "out there", I hate it and send it back. But if they send things that fit in perfectly with my style, then I get disappointed that it's not special, and just blends in with the other 37 grey/navy/stripe/cotton t's I already have. Yeah. I'm a difficult customer.

Do I love that grey t? Yeah. It's ridiculously comfy, has some cool subtle texture on the sleeves, and fits great. But....do I already own at least four similar pieces? Probably. And even if not, it's hard to get too jazzed about something so simple. Even if it's totally in my comfort zone (literally and figuratively). (Full disclosure...I might keep this anyway. I'm a creature of habit, who can't even follow her own advice.)

So next time, I'm going to convince myself to take some risks. I still believe in being honest on the survey (with them and with yourself). There are colors I don't like (and I'm just never going to like) and pieces that just don't work for me (hey there, pencil skirts) so let's not waste our time. But if, for example, I have the urge to try more florals, or wear more maxi dresses, Stitchfix is a fun way to experiment a little, without the commitment. By all means, tell your stylist what you don't like and what you don't need, but then be sure to be at least a little open minded about trying something new when that little patterned box arrives.

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Have you tried Stitchfix yet? Did you love it? Or did it leave you wanting more? I think half the fun of Stitchfix is the surprise, and with a little bit of thought, you can set yourself up for a good surprise. 

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Fashion Fashion

More Fashion Fashion, with the Party Party app. Because if I'm going to go to the effort of getting dressed every single day, I might as well tell the internet about it. 

Up first: my favorite jeans (AE of course), with my favorite pattern (stripes, of course), with 79 bracelets (of course), and my rainbow sandals (of course).

  Shirt: J. Crew Outlet. Necklace: Tiffany & Co., Jeans: AE. Ring: Birthday present.

Bracelets: H&M, my grandmother's from Mexico. Sandals: Rainbow.

Then, in the  #showyourreal category, we have me all sweated up after a run (ok...mostly walk...) around the neighborhood. On the scale of fitness cuteness, I could probably do a bit better...but I could definitely do worse. And in any case, at least I'm getting out there. Related: Anyone else do the Couch to 5K plan? I kinda love it (as much as I'm able to love running.)

  Tank: Old Navy. Headband: AE. Shoes: Adidas/DSW.

Sports bra(not shown, thank goodness)/leggings: aerie.

Here's the behind the scenes shot of my newest round of bio pics -otherwise known as Courtney stands awkwardly in her backyard, trying to act all serious writer/approachable blogger/halfway normal person. Good thing I had my security blanket- in the form of 1 million bracelets and a giant scarf (plus my fav jeans and sandals again!)

Tank/Jeans/Bracelets: AE. Scarf/Bracelets/Ring: Forever 21.

  Necklaces: Etsy & Vintage shop in Denver. Sandals: Rainbow. 

Wait, did someone say awkward? In that case, let's take this to another level and get my coworkers involved. I'm sure they wouldn't mind taking a few fashion pics in the middle of their Starbucks run. A blog takes a village, after all. (thanks Amanda!)

  Shirt: Gap Outlet. Ring: Forever21. Necklaces: Target

Jeans: AE. Sandals: Rainbow. 

Annnnnnd, let's end this on a high note- my fav destroyed denim (I actually got a compliment on these from a stranger the other day. It was a mom taking her 8 year old to the Katy Perry concert, so I maybe should question the source a little...but no...I shall accept the compliment), paired with a fancy necklace, a side bun to disguise some dirty hair, and the addition of some lipstick...a monstrously rare occurrence in my life.

 Shirt: Urban Outfitters. Necklace: Charming Charlie.

  Belt: Target. Jeans/Shoes: AE. 

LIPSTICK?! Maybelline Vivids- Shocking Coral

So that's what it's looked like around here the past few weeks. What's been in your closet rotation?

P.s. Check out the inaugural round of fashion party reels, or follow all the fashion fun on instagram. 

Lighten up it's just fashion

So yeah. I went to school for fashion design. 
And yes, I had five internships working as a designer, product developer, and merchant for various apparel companies. 
And yesssssssss, I worked in specialty retail in visual merchandising for the better part of a decade. (I'm rounding up slightly, but work in retail is like dog years...it all counts as extra).
And beyond that, I do love fashion in a myriad of forms...magazines, branding, street style, shopping, costumes...

But does that mean I'm a fashionista? A fashion plate? A model? A style icon? A fashion blogger?

Heck to the no. 

(Did I just blow your mind there? Really guys. I'm not a style icon. No matter what anyone has told you. I'll let that sink for a bit. I'm sure it's a shock. Here...I'll give you proof just to make sure we're clear. I call it: style snippets from basically every night of my life.)

Frankly, most days I'd settle for "mostly not frumpy". 
But even if I'm not the most gifted stylist and designer in the world (if for some crazy reason you even have a modicum of doubt, I can assure you, I am not) I technically do know what I'm doing when it comes to this whole fashion thing. I know how to dress myself- correction- I know how I should dress myself, I'm qualified to give style advice on at least a semi-professional level (which I actually did for a while in the form of Closet Crash Course), and I like keeping up with trends/style/general fashion stuff etc. etc.

It's just that my enthusiasm for all things fashion, doesn't exactly always translate into my actual style. As in- the things I buy with my money and spend time putting on in the morning. It's all very- the cobbler's kids don't have any shoes (or whatever the saying is for that strange phenomenon that causes people to neglect their profession when it comes to their personal lives.) I've actually already waxed (not-so) poetically on this already, when I started my foray into style consulting, talking about how I struggle with positioning myself seriously in the realm of fashion, when I am just so very lazy and simplistic with my own choices (Warning: I am unoriginal enough to use the same cobbler analogy, so pretty much any of my self-deprecating humor is well deserved...) I mean, there are a million fashion bloggers out there who are passionate about the whole thing....turning themselves out day after day- in trendy gear, and designer pieces- sharing their love, and talent, with well-lit selfies and perfect detail shots. Dressing well, (and if we're being honest- not being borderline unbearably cheap about clothes) comes naturally to some people...so it kinda makes sense to leave the fashion blogging to them. I may have the head knowledge, and the interest, but I certainly don't literally have the wardrobe to back it up. And my photo posing game? Could use some work. 

But.....but....

I think it's fun! Fashion is fun. Blogging is fun. Fashion blogging is pretty fun! Sure, I feel like a complete doufus pausing to take a picture of my shoes on the brick street outside my office... And yes, it sometimes takes a full week for me to stumble into an outfit that I deem worthy of sharing.

But...but...

It's fun. 

So I'm going to drop the self doubt (or at least shove it way down deep in my non-designer bag), and just have some fun with you all. I'll try to ignore my cheesy awkward face, and my terrible awkward posing. And you'll have to ignore the fact that I wear a rotating set of a grand total of 3 pairs of shoes. It's just fashion. Sometimes it's cute. Sometimes it's comfy. Sometimes it's inspiring, and sometimes it's just fun to make some goofy gifs. So that's what I'll do.

I played around with the new uber-stylish, and ridiculously fun partypartyapp and took some shots of my outfits this past week. So while they're not all total winners, they're at least real. No dressing up for the sake of a photoshoot just to put on sweats five minutes later. It's more like- dressing kinda up for the sake of my (super fashion-flexible) job, take a quick pic (ignoring the confused stares from my neighbors), and then put on sweats.

Most of my stuff is fairly old and random, so I hesitate to flatter myself with the idea that you'll all be clamoring for purchasing details. But just in case, I'll list the general info here. 

 Vest: Old Navy, Shirt: Urban Outfitters. Ring: from Jamaica.

 Watch: Fossil, Jeans/Necklace/Bracelets: AE. Shoes/Purse: DSW. 

  Shirt/Bracelets/Shoes: AE, Necklace: J.Crew via Ebay, Dress: H&M. 

   Shirt/Belt/Jeans: AE, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Tiffany & Co. 

Bracelet: my grandmother's from Mexico

   Shirt/Shoes: AE, Scarf: DSW, Dress: Target. Belt/Bracelets: Foever 21.

  Shoes/jeans: AE, Necklace: Tiffany & Co, Shirt: Forever 21.

Sunglasses: Old Navy, Bracelets: Forever21 + my grandmothers from Mexico. 

Check out more of my sartorial silliness in the archives, or on Instagram: #bowdenismstyle 
And please enjoy this bonus song to go with the post title. 

Fixed-up

It's been a while since I've done a fashion related post. Probably because it's been a long while since I wore anything but a nursing tank and sweatpants. Ohhhhh babies. So glamorous.

But Summer's over (so a tank with jean shorts isn't cutting it), and I'm back at work now (so a tank and jean shorts definitely isn't cutting it). And though nursing is helping me shed the pregnancy pounds, I'm not exactly back where I was, or where I want to be, so getting dressed- flatteringly- is still a bit of an art form.  I do have tons of clothes, but I have considerably fewer clothes I'm excited about. And we all know that full closet, isn't the same as a good closet, so I've been in the market for a few pieces that would help me feel excited about getting dressed in the morning. Problem(s) with that? With two kids it's a liiiiiiitle hard to get out to the mall. And even when I did get out to the mall? I found out I hated the mall. I used to be fun to browse around, pile up an armful of goodies and do a dressing room fashion show with my friends. But now any shopping trip I have is squeezed before or after work, or into the briefest of nap-times on weekends, and the entire time I'm out I can hear an imaginary clock ticking telling me I need to wrap it up and get home to the kiddos (only sometimes that imaginary clock is actually a real baby, and the ticking is actually wailing). Plus, trying on clothes when you still feel like you have to hide the leftovers of the kangaroo pouch is not much fun. This size jean is too big, that size is too small, this shirt is too loose, that one is too tight. It's a tall order to dress a postpartum mama, and though I consider myself fairly good at this whole shopping thing (it's kinda my job...) it still isn't my favorite stage to wade through.

So....I decided to outsource it!
Remember StitchFix?

I wrote about them a few times before, and after a bit of a rocky start, I found myself completely addicted. I got seven fixes over the last year, and it started to become an event at work, with people gathering around my desk every time that signature box showed up. I even got a fix or two after I found out I was pregnant with Fin! But once I moved from "adorable bump" to "self-conscious waddle" I took a break from the fashion service, and just stocked up on some mumu's (I kid. But I did hit the Old Navy XL clearance section pretty hard.)

But a few weeks ago I decided it was the perfect time to get back in the game. I've gotten a couple new pieces of clothing since Fin was born, and have come to learn that anything that makes me feel pretty (or thin...or BOTH) is worth its weight in gold. So though we're not exactly swimming in money these days (we're swimming in diapers...which is similar, yet completely different), I am trying to splurge a little to feel good about myself. Nothing crazy, but a new pair of jeans to work while I'm in between sizes, a few new tops that I can nurse in and look presentable at the same time, and an armful of fake gold bangles to make me feel fancy? Yes please!

I updated my StitchFix profile, telling them what I was looking for (and what I wasn't), and scheduled my fix for the week before Piper's birthday. (I mean, I did play a rather large role in all of that...I should get a present too, right?)

And when my magic box of sartorial surprises arrived? It came with the nicest note ever. Never mind the clothes. I'm just in this for the fan mail. (xoxo Jackie!)

People gathered around my cube to see what treasures were enclosed...and I was pleasantly surprised by the options I was given. Not that I don't hope for keepers...I just try to keep my expectations low so I'm not disappointed.

Here's what was included this time around:

I did a quick fashion show at work, and knew there were some definite contenders in the mix. But I needed to try them on at home (and not over my current outfit) to know for sure. 

So I rounded up my peanut gallery, and checked out my fix. 

(And to get a little Show Your Real with you, this was a no-shower day, so I'm rocking a stubby pony, with greased pinned back bangs. And my makeup wasn't exactly holding up. Oh...and our room is a mess, I'm the most awkward selfie taker ever, my bedroom mirror is broken and my eyes are two different sizes. Soooo, yeah. I'm practically a professional StitchFix model. Prepare yourself.)

First up was a blouse that I sort of liked in the box, and then reaaaaally liked on. 

It's blue, which is my weakness, it has a fun print, it makes me feel skinny, and I can nurse in it. That is a lot of wins for one shirt. 

Next? A sweater my coworkers dubbed: The Pitt Cardi (like University of Pittsburgh, not like armpit. It was a compliment). I really liked the colors and the print- but the cut was a little too short for me. It's also a bit more preppy than I normally am but overall was a pretty good try. 

And then...there was a robe. 

Ok, it's a sweatshirt cardigan...with a belt...which is practically a robe if you ask me. Sorry, Jackie. Not a fan. 

Though it did make me look tough (rough?):

Moving on...
This one is pink. And fancy. Which is code for so not me. It's pretty...but just isn't a fit for my lifestyle.(I'm not sure "attempting to survive each day" counts as a lifestyle really, but still.) Back in the box. 

Last...but not even close to least, is this stripey number. 

This....is my jam. The minute I opened the box it started calling my name. Do I own 17 striped grey 3/4 sleeve shirts? Yes. But do I own this striped grey 3/4 sleeve shirt? No! Or should I say: Not yet!

I was pretty much certain I was keeping this guy, but wanted to try a few different things to be sure. I wasn't 100% sold on the hem in the front. It was feeling a little frumpy, and wasn't quite as flattering as I wanted, so I tried tucking it in, which I liked, but didn't love. (And I needed to tighten my belt one more notch, but give me a break...it was a long day...)

So I tried it with shorts, to see if it would be a good match with my summer uniform. 

Still ok, but not knock my (polka dotted) socks off. 

So then I tried it with a scarf rolled up underneath. You know...just in case, somehow, someway, I end up with pregnant belly again someday...

Yesssss. That's the stuff. 

(If Dustin is even skimming this, he is rolling his eyes in exasperated fear, whispering "Too Soon"!)

But in the end, I wasn't completely sold on it, and felt like I could probably find something similar at Forever21 if I was absolutely dying to complete my Striped Shirt Archives. 

So I hemmed and hawed about the whole thing for another day, totally torn on what I wanted to keep (and maxing out the "keep things for 3 days" rule. But I finally went with my gut and kept the blue blouse. It was a bit more than I usually like to pay for a shirt (meaning- it was more than $15) but I really loved it and knew I'd regret it if I sent it back. Again, a little splurge, in order to feel excited about getting dressed in the morning, and look pulled together without trying? Worth it. 

Since then, I've already worn my new top twice; Once for impromptu family photoshoot in the park (It's hiding under another recent "splurge" of mine: a $30 Forever21 jacket I wear every. single. day.) and once the next day. (Because we all know that Sunday/Monday outfits doesn't count as a repeat. Totally different audiences.) If I was a better fashion blogger (or even a fashion blogger at all) I would have thought to take a picture of my outfit...Bonus points for looking off in the distance all thoughtful-like. 

But....I didn't. But when we get the professional pictures back from our park trip, I promise to share (as long as my eyes don't look wonky!)

In the meantime, you should sign up for a fix of your own! If you follow my link, I get referral credit, and you get a box to impress your coworkers, bore your children, and entertain the internet masses. Aw, yeeeeah.

Once (Or Twice...Or Infinity) Upon a Child

Confession:  I'm addicted.

Something has a hold of me, and try as I might, I just can't shake it.

My mind is consumed...

Weekends are spend pursuing my craving...

I spend money to feed the beast, but nothing seems to fully satisfy the need...

I get more and more, and it's still not enough...

The rumors are true:

My name is Courtney, and I am a baby-clothes-a-holic.

Whew. I feel better already.

When Piper was born, I tried really hard to be reasonable. I barely bought anything before she arrived (even though we knew she was a she...which required extra resistance to avoid splurging on adorable dresses). And when she was little, I still kept my spending in check, appreciating all the beautiful gifts people got us.

As she grew out of the 3-6 month stage it became a little more necessary to stock up on some outfits, but I still had a pretty practical mindset. We knew we wanted more kids someday, so any purchase would hopefully not be a waste, but without knowing the gender of hypothetical future kids (and keeping in mind they were in fact, still hypothetical) I tried to buy only the necessities, and keep it as gender neutral as possible.

I believe "tried" is the key word there.

I think there is a baby shopping gene, and I have inherited it (from my mom's side, if we want to start the finger pointing). Though I made effort to be practical, I could feel myself getting sucked in to the teeny tiny world of baby fashionistas.

And I have to be honest- now that we are actually having another baby, and that other baby is a GIRL, the wheels have pretty much fallen off. I can rationalize pretty much every shopping trip, dividing the cost in half because surely I won't have to buy anything for the next baby. All of my Piper Purchases now can serve double duty! It's silly not to stock up!!

I kid, slightly. I'm not to the level of needing an intervention. Our bills haven't gotten out of control, I can still fit all of Piper's wardrobe in her closet, and she actually wears at least  75% of everything I've amassed over the last year or so. (That's good, right?!) But I do at least realize it's a pretty silly obsession. I'm not one of those moms that needs my child to look perfect, in brand new duds every day. But I am one of those moms that can't walk away from a sale bin of shoes, regardless of how many nearly identical pairs she already owns. (We've come a long way from the days of a search for a few solid pairs...and then again...we haven't).

 

It's truly not about showing off, or presenting some sort of perfect image to the world. It's really just that I'm kind of obsessed with grown-up fashion shrunk down to little bitty sizes. And animals on butts. And footie pajamas. If you're under 3, I can't get enough of that stuff. I don't buy things to dress her up and parade her like a doll. I buy things to dress her up and eat her up with a spoon she's so cute. But no, I don't hate that she looks presentable for the daily photo ops I force her into.

So yes, I probably buy Piper a few too many outfits. She probably doesn't need another pair of jeggings (though truth be told:  they are the only truly fool-proof option for the mornings Dustin dresses her-which is nearly always-so backups are helpful). We could probably get by with less, do a bit more laundry, and stop caring if she repeats/clashes/doesn't look like a miniature model in my instagram feed.

BUT- I have a least one rule that keeps me from flying off the deep end:

I don't buy anything full price. 

Never. (unless some sort of extenuating circumstances force me to. Such as: those jammies are so cute and I just have to have them....)

I wait for 30% off sales at Old Navy, and stalk the clearance racks at Target, but my favorite deal source- by far- is Once Upon a Child.

OH- you guys. This place is my jam. If you're not familiar, it's a resale shop just for kids. We have a few here in Pittsburgh, and several in Columbus. They buy used clothes (for like a penny per item....hardly worth it, in my experience), and resell them at a pretty discounted rate (compared to new). They're pretty strict on quality, so most things are in great condition, and sometimes they even have the original tags. It's become my new routine to hit them up every six months or so, and do a full wardrobe seasonal stock up. Plus, they have a loyalty card that can earn additional discounts after so many purchases. It's like deals on top of more deals, on top of baby clothes, on top of more baby clothes. So, yeah. I'm in. (Disclosure: Once Upon a Child has no idea who I am, or that I'm bothering to write this, so alas- I'm not getting a kickback from them.)

I thought it would be fun to share my most recent haul- Piper's Summer Stock Up:

I went in with one toddler + one 20% off coupon, and came out with:

• 10 tank tops
• 11 short sleeve tops
• 4 pairs of pants
• 9 pairs of shorts (I ended up returning two...but then bought others, so we'll call that a wash)
• 4 skirts
• 4 dresses
• 4 rompers
• 1 jacket
• 4 pairs of shoes (for a friend! I swear! except, ok, maybe I kept one pair after they didn't fit the intended recipient....)
• 1 cranky baby (I may have pushed the limits of how long a 1.5yr old can sift through clothing racks. She did really well, all things considered...)

Check it out:

And for those of you who are geeked about the math of it all (me, Dustin...) that's 51 total items.

Impressive tally. But more impressive? The grand total was $128.40.

People. That's $2.52 per item. I'm not sorry anymore. I'm proud.

As addictions go, it could be much, much worse. I mean...just look at the side effects: