Mama Style // Tribe bag

Posted on | December 5, 2011 | 20 Comments

sweater: gap, thrifted // top: target // jeans: old navy // boots: target // bag:  singapore sling in cognac, courtesy of Tribe

about 6 months ago, i packed up my diaper bag and put it away. i was eager to go back to a purse and started just throwing everything that Harper and i needed into my satchel style bag and heading out the door. the problem with all of my purses/bags is that they have no pockets or compartments so once you put diapers (she was still in them), a sippy, snacks, my wallet, maybe my camera, phone and all the other things we needed, it was all mary poppins style trying to get anything out. it was a mess. yet i kept on.

Tribe is a new company, started by mom Rosie Jansen, making gorgeous diaper bags that are super stylish. it wasn’t until i started using mine (the second it arrived on my doorstep, thankyouverymuch) that i realized that although i have a three year old, potty trained toddler – it is still makes sense to use a “diaper” bag. the compartments! the organization! ALL THE THINGS within reach. i have fallen in love all over again.

the inside is a dream for semi-ocd people like myself – zip pockets, open pockets, places for bottles or sippies (or your water bottle). inside is a changing pad and two water resistant pouches for a change of clothes, toys, etc. i have been putting a change of undies for the nugget in there in case of emergency, and i leave the changing pad at home, obviously. outside are two more pockets perfect for bottles, two open pockets (with clip for keys and spots for pens) and two zipper pockets as well! holy places for stuff, batman.

i also love the fact that the bag (mine is in Cognac) goes with everything and doesn’t even look like a diaper bag! and i can sling it over my shoulder like my satchel purses, which is the most comfortable for me. the strap is adjustable so you can make it perfect for you.

price-wise, it is steep. i personally cannot afford this bag, and i know most new moms also can’t. but for those of you who can, or people who want something really special to last through all of your little ones (i’m excited to stuff actual diapers and other baby goodies in this someday), this is an amazing option.

i wore this comfy ensemble to cut down our Christmas tree! i’ll share photos later this week (Harper was too cute), andplusalso – this is a good time to let you know that Mama Style is returning weekly! with more lovely moms from around the web as the new year gets going. i’m so excited! it’s one of my favorite features.

i’m stoked to own this gorgeous bag, and am very thankful to Tribe for sending it to me. but i’m even more stoked that i get to give one away to one of you, starting friday. see you then?

Mama Style – thrifty.

Posted on | September 20, 2011 | 46 Comments


tee: target // jeans: GAP, thrifted // sweater: no tag, thrifted // shoes: target, thrifted // bag: vintage, thrifted // bracelet: flourish // necklaces: target & f21

so it’s not news: i have a slight thrifting problem. i mean, i guess it’s considered a problem to some people. but not to me, or my wallet. some days like today i realize most of what i’m wearing was bought second hand and i give myself a little mental high five. what good is doing an outfit post where everything is thrifted and probably no longer available to buy, you ask? why would we want to see what you’re wearing if we can’t go out and get it, you ask? i have no idea. my hopes are that you may find inspiration to set out and find your own goodies. sometimes you need to see a normal (i mean, you know, relatively) person wearing a grandma-chic sweater to know you can do it, too. and you can! and you should.

this bag makes me happy. i needed something to tote my laptop around in, now that i take it places with me sometimes when H goes to preschool. and by places, i do mean starbucks and by sometimes, i mean i’ve tried it twice now. the first time i spent a half an hour trying to figure out how to use the wifi, im-ing Mae swear words, until i left in a huffy puff with my supposed-tech-savvy tail between my legs (i run a blog you guys!). it was pathetic. but at least i got caffeinated first! thank gawd. the second was this day (monday), and i was successful! anywho, this bag was six dollars and i adore it.

have you guys found anything thrifty and nifty lately? i’ve been on missions lately trying to find the finishing touches for Harper’s room re-do and it’s almost there! i’m excited to share with you guys the changes we’ve made to it very soon.

tell me about your recent finds. please? it’s like my drug. give me the thrifties.

Mama Style – oh, ‘ello!

Posted on | May 19, 2011 | 28 Comments

hi guys! i decided to bogart mama style today. i haven’t done my own in so long and i wanted to share an outfit with you that is easy, cute and seriously affordable – i didn’t realize until i was getting the photos together that this whole look is under 45 bucks. heyo!

i wore this yesterday first to the zoo for an awesome meetup with lots of friends and babies, then later to get iced coffee and bbq supplies with Scot and Harper. we took a walk by the waterfront and i was fittin’ right in with my nautical look (kinda?).

sunglasses // $5.80
tank // $8.00
cardi // $14.99
skirt // $10.50
sandals // $3.99

the cardi and skirt are from last year, but super basic. obviously the sandals were thrifted so the price tag couldn’t be better. whole outfit for under $45! proof you don’t need to spend a ton of money to make a cute, comfy outfit.

let’s talk about forever 21 for a moment. let’s be real – we are not forever 21. we (and by we, i do mean me) are almost 30. all rules of science say i should stop setting my foot in the door, but i can’t. damn you f21 and your plethora of clothes for unreasonably amazing prices! i shake my fist at your tiny price tags and prints that pull me in (take it freaking easy on the stripes though – i’ve almost gone blind the last few times i’ve gone in there – along with deaf). so what if you’re pushing a stroller through a loud store while actual 21 year olds try on rompers and succeed. there are gems to be found my friends.

what is your favorite place to shop for cute pieces at affordable prices? i’ve been hearing great things about francesca’s, but still haven’t had a chance to go. of course h & m is a must. your turn!

Mama Style {Twenty Five Design}

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | 6 Comments

happy friday friends! today we have the gorgeous and talented miss Torie, owner of Twenty Five Design and author of Life with Rylie. she participates in every Steppin’ Out Saturday, is one of my amazing sponsors, and just about the sweetest lady ever. i just adore her! she has great style and i love checking out her outfit posts – and Rylie has pretty impeccable style herself! such a cute pair, these girls. i highly recommend you check out her blog and take a spin around her shop. say hello to Torie!


how has your style changed since you became a mom?
I honestly don’t think it has changed much and as a matter of fact, I think my style has improved. Blogs like this have inspired me to maintain my style and even better it as much as possible. Yeah, there are days that I don’t get out of my yoga pants and tank top, but whenever I leave the house I want to feel good about myself and I think keeping my style has helped with that.

if you’re having a particularly crazy day, what is the beauty/style step you absolutely will not skip?
There have been many mornings when I am trying to get a toddler fed, husband out the door for work, orders packed and ready to ship. Those are the mornings that I throw a headband (Twenty Five Design of course) on my head, a little powder and mascara on my face and rush out the door. I have perfected the “2 minute face.”

have you ever been mistaken for the nanny?
Haha. No I haven’t but I’d like to think it’s because me daughter looks too much like me to be mistaken for anybody else’s.

piece of advice for new moms who don’t want to give up their style?
Don’t give up on style. Those first few months after having a baby are tough. Things may not fit, and you may not be happy with your body but don’t get discouraged. Find pieces that you love and work around that. I found that stretchy waist skirts were my best friend from the moment my belly “popped” through the last 15 pounds I had to lose after having my daughter.

Accessories are a style saver as well. You can change the entire look of an outfit with a few bold accessories.

Lastly don’t be afraid to try new things. I use to let the fear of what others thought get in the way of what I wanted to wear. I finally got to the point of not caring and now I feel the most comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before. I may not be able to run around in 5″ stilettos anymore, but I wear what makes me feel good and that is what counts.

thanks so much Torie! see you guys back here Sunday for SOS. have an amazing weekend!

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