What (Not) to Wear: Wedding Edition

We have a wedding to go to at the end of December, and I’m trying to narrow down my dress options. I’ll be using Rent the Runway yet again. I cannot rave about the service enough! You get two sizes of whatever dress you choose, and the size & fit guide along with real reviews make it a breeze to choose flattering dresses. I’ve rented for weddings, showers, vacations, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Like most women, my size fluctuates–especially during and after pregnancy–and Rent the Runway offers the perfect fit for whatever size I am at the moment. Love!

I like the idea of long sleeves for a winter wedding, so that’s how I chose most of these. It’s an evening ceremony with the reception immediately following, so I feel comfortable being a little more…glamorous? than I otherwise would be. I’ve had my eye on the Sequin Bell Sleeve Sheath forever, but I’m worried it might be too white for a wedding. Although plenty of reviews claim it’s more of a pink / nude color in person, and lots have worn it to weddings. Avril gives me a Black Swan feeling, but I love the feminine feel. Very glamorous. Midnight Kiss has a v-back, and Mini Sequin Pixie has an exposed zipper. I’m not sure how I could accessorize either of those, although I guess that much sparkle doesn’t need much else. Such a Duchess is lacy and classy and my favorite color. Decisions, decisions!

Skin & Stress

Y’all, my skin is terrible right now. I’m sure it’s hormones and stress and the fact that I unconsciously sit with my chin resting on my hand most of the day, but still! I’ve been plugging along with my normal skincare routine, but maybe I should set an appointment with a dermatologist here sooner rather than later. I look really young–I am young, but I look younger–and I think it does me a disservice at work. Breaking out like a teenager? Not helping!

My go-to face wash is and always has been Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin. It’s super gentle, and I’ve never known a dermatologist to recommend anything else. I’m happy with this.

My St. Louis dermatologist prescribed Finacea, an azelaic acid topical treatment. I think it’s actually for rosacea, but I have sensitive skin and after a bad experience or three with retinoids, we landed on this. I took a daily antibiotic for a long time, but switched to topical erythromycin when I got pregnant with Audrey. I still use both products twice daily. 

For daytime sun protection and moisturization, I use Beyond Coastal Active SPF 34. At night, I use Mary Kay Oil-Free Hydrating Gel, Mary Kay TimeWise Firming Eye Cream, and Clean & Clear Advantage Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment if necessary. I’ve been using all of these products for years, with the exception of the sunblock. And even that’s been a daily product for at least six months!

Seriously. Any other ideas? I can’t imagine anything but less stress will help with stress breakouts. Hopefully as I get busier at work I won’t have time for so much chin resting. Ha!

Five on Friday

{ONE}

I bought this Two by Vince Camuto Utility Jacket from Nordstrom last month, and I cannot stop wearing it. Military jackets are huge this fall and they are ridiculously versatile. Seriously, I’ve worn it with jeans, my favorite black dress, as a light jacket over my work clothes… The possibilities are endless you guys. And now its 40% off! GO BUY IT! The color is sort of nondescript online, but it’s a really pretty dark grayish green in person.

{TWO}

I met a friend today! I went to a new employee orientation at work {which was pretty boring–policies and such that I’d already learned about via eLearning options}, and met someone near my age. We hit it off, and I think we’re going to go to lunch next week! I also signed up for the new employee group. They seem to have fun and useful events each month, and there’s no requirement to go if I don’t want to. First up will be a networking & social event on October 30 at Carolina Ale House.

{THREE}

I also signed up for a Charlotte Social blogging group. The girls who host this very Five on Friday link up? From Charlotte! Maybe I’ll be brave enough to go to a meet up.

{FOUR}

Audrey is adjusting well overall, but she’s been having a fair amount of tantrums lately. We call them “ginger snaps” because, well, our little ginger is snapping! I almost don’t mind them just because they have such an awesome name. Ha! She’s going through a major word explosion, so I’m hopeful that she will revert back to her usual happy self once she’s able to vocalize her feelings a bit more.

{FIVE}

I’m planning a date night for Saturday night. The goal is to eat dinner Uptown–we’ve run out of non-chain options around here, and I’m excited to explore the city. I work Uptown so I see some of it every day, but I’ve only gone out to eat twice for lunch so it’s really all new for me, too. E2 Emeril’s Eatery and Levant are both right by my work, or maybe we could try Ilios Noche or Napa on Providence. Decisions, decisions!

Five on Friday

{ONE}

We’re moving to Charlotte! I accepted a job offer on Wednesday, and gave my notice today. It’s happening so fast. Hang on to your hats! I’m going to be from the South, y’all! {Too much? Ha!}

{TWO}

I treated myself to a few new fall clothing items over Labor Day. I meant to return one or two. Eh, not so much. I’m keeping them all. {THREE}

Pumpkin Spice Lattes have been out for nearly a week, and I haven’t laid my hands on one. What the what?! We’ll have to rectify that situation tomorrow. Perhaps after the Audmeister’s Gymboree class because…

{FOUR}

…we’re having a Mama & Audrey day! The hubs claims we have a to-do list a mile long, although he’s currently sitting on the couch watching TV. Can’t be that pressing, huh? Audrey and I are tasked with staying out of his way this weekend, while he finishes up some projects.

{FIVE}

I’m pumped for football season. Sounds like a good excuse to pick out some new Mizzou gear for Audrey. I mean, we will be living in heart of SEC country…even if we are cheering for the wrong team. MIZ!

Leopard to Camo and Booties

After the ill-fated incident with my leopard pumps, I decided to mix it up and purchase a pair of suede booties instead. I am so not a bootie person, but I was really drawn to this collage on Pinterest Told Me To and decided to try it out.

I don’t own camo pants, either, but I have my eyes set on these 1969 camo front-zip always skinny jeans from Gap.

Just waiting for a good sale! Anyway, the booties. I spotted these Merona Molly Shooties in Taupe at Target, and immediately realized that they would be a good first bootie for me. The vamp of the shoe is lower, so it’s more like a shoe than a boot. Hence the “shootie” name. And even if I am never brave enough to wear ’em with skinnies, they will look great under long bootcut jeans as well.

I can’t wait to try them out! Hello, Mother Nature? It’s past Labor Day. No more 90+ degree days, please! Mama needs some fall clothes!

A Tale of Two Shoes

As I posted this morning on Instagram, I officially broke out the fall clothes today – starting with these new leopard print pumps. What?! Leopard is definitely a neutral. Even better, I scored them for $15 on clearance at Target. …