summer dressing, the row alternatives and a seen library hang

Last month we took our yearly trip to England and this time, added a few days in Amsterdam which was a highlight. I fell in love with the city and cannot wait to go back.

Since coming back, I’ve been easing back into work and planning the next Seen Library gatherings (in LA and New York, specifically), which has been a bit difficult as my husband and I don’t have as much support with the baby as we did prior to our trip when my family was able to help out. Working and having a baby feels impossible sometimes and even though I’ve already let go of clients to take weight off my plate, it doesn’t seem enough. What is this balance that people speak of? I can’t seem to figure it out. I knew I would have to shed things in my life to make room for the responsibility that is motherhood, but how much of it can I realistically keep and still show up as a good mother and still feel like me?

Anyway! Below I’m sharing some of the things that I’ve been loving in the past month, including my heat wave uniform(s), The Row alternatives, workout wear and the next Seen Library gathering that’ll take place in one of my favorite coffeeshops.

1. It has been hot — both in Europe and here in LA. I’m still figuring out how to dress my postpartum body and what pieces I feel good in. On one hand, summer dressing can feel too flowy and veer too bohemian, and on the other, can feel too sexy and exposed. I want to feel cool and comfortable, but not too casual or frumpy. These have been my go-to’s: Cotton poplin pants — I love these, these these and these. The James Pant — in white, black and mocha (which is currently 20% off) — that can be dressed up or down. Comfy but chic tops, like this loose halter, semi-sheer tank and cotton halter from everyone’s favorite basics brand. And easy black sandals, both flat and heeled. I just got these ones from Archie’s and they’re as comfy as everyone says they are… which cannot be said for most flip flops IMO!

1. Someone recently asked if I still love my Dragon Diffusion tote and I said yes — and that it’s my most worn bag all summer and maybe even in general. I think the dark rich color and it being made of leather vs. rattan like other basket bags makes it wearable beyond the season, too.

2. While on the topic of totes, I’ve been wearing the canvas one from The Row a ton on my travels and when lugging around books and baby things. I felt silly spending so much on a canvas tote and still think it’s an obscene price for canvas. As much as I use it, I have a bit of buyers’ remorse especially when similar totes have sprung up at a fraction of the price: this Sezane one that I’ve just ordered (and also comes in a cute smaller size) and this Kallmeyer one I’ve had my eye on (and also comes in a good brown).

3. I recently shared a photo wearing good denim from Banana Republic and it was by far my most shared post in a while. I got a few messages asking about the exact style, which I’ve shared here. I got the petite length and they were perfect and needed no tailoring, which is rare for someone standing at 5 foot like me!

1. I told myself I’d get on a consistent workout routine by 6 months postpartum but it took me after a year (and only after my recent trip) to actually get on one. For the first time ever, I signed up for private sessions with a trainer. I like that it’s been holding me accountable and actually getting me to the gym. My trainer also pushes me to do workouts I would never do on my own (I have zero self motivation when it comes to working out). I’m not sure I see much of a difference in my body but it’s enough for me to know that I’m getting stronger, especially as my baby grows and gets heavier to carry.

2. At the gym, I keep it really simple — always opting for all black — paired with either wear my Asics or Hokas (no matter how ugly they are lol). I often reach for my Norba leggings, but have been recently loving these flared pants from Vuori and wide leg pants from Adanola, especially on the days I’m running errands after the gym.

1. When I’m doing cardio on the treadmill, I usually take it easy and walk. I often try to get work done and kill two birds with one stone, but when I’m not on my phone, I sometimes listen to a podcast or read a book. I’ve shared some of Hasan Minhaj’s episodes in the past but I recently loved this one about the current state of the Democratic party (which I shared with a Republican family member in an attempt to find common ground lol) and this one with Ta-Nehisi Coates.

2. As for what I’m reading, I’m in the middle of Kin by Tayari Jones, which has been recommended to me by a few of my friends who had the best things to say about it. I loved her book American Marriage and figured I’d love this one, too. I recently finished I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman and found it so beautiful in such a quiet, subtle way. A must read.

1. PS: If you’re looking for your next read or just want to hangout with likeminded book lovers and readers, come by the next Seen Library gathering at Junia Cafe (one of my favorite coffeeshops!) on Sunday, August 23 from 10am to 2pm!

beauty must-haves, ai normalization and low maintenance hangs

·

Jul 1

Summer is here and I am so excited to take a little breather and just be away for a bit, exploring new cafes and restaurants and walking outside and visiting family we haven’t seen in a while. The first half of this year has been nonstop and I hope that this

girlbossing, reading slumps and chic black sandals

·

May 18

Since the beginning of this year, it feels like things have been nonstop. Juggling new motherhood, running Seen Library, developing my collection with ERA, working with my social media clients and doing content creation… all while trying to spend time with my loved ones, move my body and do mundane things like, I don’t know, eat and shower, has been

upcoming travels, the real real finds and working less

·

Jun 11

The start of this month has been a whirlwind but I’m hoping things start to slow down, especially as I head to Amsterdam and London (which I’m doing a Seen Library gathering in!!!) for summer travels. The past couple weeks have been full of celebrations and happenings — my daughter’s first birthday and planning my own that’s coming up, weddings and taki…