On Saturday, my wonderful husband surprised me (read: forced me) to leave Nate with his auntie so that we could have a romantic night out as a special treat for Mother’s Day. I am so bad at leaving Nate with family to babysit because he has had trouble sleeping, but now that he is sleeping through the night I suppose it is time to let go of my vice-like grip on him. Playing dress up in my new Vero Moda rockabilly inspired dress did help coax me out the door, as did the promise of a meal eaten while still warm without simultaneously feeding a tiny beast.

I love this dress. It is very floaty and girlie (and has a button down placket for nursing). The flowers are much brighter red and electric blue, which add a nice punch of colour on these dreary days. I thought the retro vibe of the dress looked perfect with my new Ralph Lauren glasses–my first truly indulgent specs. I love them, but I wish they said ‘Lauren’ on the arm instead of ‘Ralph’. Fact: I was named after Ralph Lauren. Just as we were about to leave, I remembered this great handbag I found among a file of lovely treasures an old woman was selling in Howth. I love discovering truley vintage pieces in unexpected places. And of course I wore my ‘N’ necklace in honour of Nate.

Chris took me to Lock’s Brasserie and it was amazing. I don’t think I can describe how good the food was or how nice it was to do something grown up and romantic with my hubby.

After Nate was born, Chris got my a lovely necklace from E. Ria Designs on Etsy with a N for Nate on it. I absolutely love my necklace (so that he can always be close to my heart, gah). I picked out this necklace because the initial was quite small and offset, making it a little different. I debated gold or silver for a while and opted for silver with a gold pearl. Any future kids can be gold (then silver, then gold, then silver…now Chris is really sweating!) Husbands, dads, sons, take note: this is a lovely gift for a mom.

Orange Polka Dot Dress $42.50

60s-70s Chambray Dress w/ Rainbow Stitching $24

Day at the Beach Dress $25

60s Black Velvet Dress $22

70s Ivory Dress $10

There are over 200 items in the shop (run by a Texas gal no less) and all are organised by colour. It’s really a fun shop to click through as the colours change from black to brown to green to blue… If you’re looking for a Little Black Dress, you’ll definitely find one here. Just don’t take the velvet dress, I think I need that for my 30th celebration later this year!

Oh Etsy, how I missed you. Check out the secretary-chic styles at Fine and Dandy Vintage. Finally an Etsy vintage seller who doesn’t peddle only size S or XS!

Art Teacher Top $25

Mary Tyler Two Piece $30

♥ Vintage babies love little blue gym shorts, hipster-to-be cardigans and little champ baseball shirts! ♥

Check out Hart+Sew on Etsy or visit the sweet blog chronicling the adorable life of Stacy her Little Miss.

JenLovesKev //JenLovesKev on Etsy

Mint Parcel on Etsy // mintparcel.com

1. Vintage Glass Flowers Brass Earrings ($44) from Balanced on Etsy

2. Vintage 1960s Bright Yellow Handbag ($24) from Anna Carina Vintage on Etsy

3. Hot Pink Paper Suitcases ($11.50-$15) from Pink Loves Brown

4. The Brightside Dress ($59.99) from Modcloth

5. Vintage Mustard Yellow Phone ($35) from adVintagous on Etsy

6. Octopus Wrapping Paper ($7.95) from Paper Source

7. Ditsy Print & Polka Dot Trilby (£17) from Accessorize