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.

♥ Dress, Scarf: Forever 21 ♥ Cardigan: Gap ♥ Leggings: Old Navy ♥ Boots: M&S ♥ Bag: Dublin Flea ♥

Well folks, it’s my first outfit post in about 6 months. I have to admit, I have been lacking on the cute outfit front opting for stay-warm cardigans, yoga pants, hiking boots and nursing tops. For the most part, I’m on the floor playing with my busy little man or pushing him all around the neighborhood in his buggy. But I’m trying to pull it together a bit more on the weekends. This dress from Forever 21 is one of my first new purchases (not counting my many H&M nursing tops that I can’t live without) worn for shopping and lunch in Dundrum. It is a prefect post-baby outfit. Let’s be honest: a dark pattern to hide the baby slobber, button up top for easy boob access and flowy skirt for hiding that ever present baby tummy are all I need! That and my little monster in toe.

PS: He’s a doll. Here’s proof.

]]> http://stylebynumbers.info/2011/01/first-post/feed/ 0 http://stylebynumbers.info/2010/06/wtwwye-3rd-trimester-nautical/ http://stylebynumbers.info/2010/06/wtwwye-3rd-trimester-nautical/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:45:45 +0000 laurendare http://stylebynumbers.info/?p=1851 ♥ Red cardigan: H&M ♥ Sea gull and sail boats tank: Penneys ♥ Black jersey pencil skirt: Mothercare ♥ Red deck shoes: M&S ♥ Shades: A|Wear ♥ Vintage pin: Tiny antique store in Dingle ♥

@33WeeksΞ Well, I am most definitely in the 3rd trimester and most definitely showing! Especially with this tight figure hugging outfit. Surprisingly, it doesn’t make my bus mates any more keen to give up a seat!  I’ve felt quite nautical lately with this outrageously sunny weather. This top has little sea gulls and sailboats and is not maternity. I have a suspicion that its a really tacky tank dress, but the stretch jersey makes it perfect for my bump.

Along with the nautical top, I added my lovely little antique store in Dingle (just before we hopped aboard a boat to visit Fungi the Dolphin). I love collecting little pins or scarves on my holidays that remind me special moments.

Now, just a note and apology for the lack of posts recently. But the 3rd trimester is exhausting! Not only am I ridiculously round, but there’s a million things to do at work (only one week left though!) and so much left to buy for the baby. And this hot weather does nothing for my style as I’m generally hot and puffy as I get home from work, neglecting my photo and blog duties. I’ll have a few more cute outfits to come once I start my leave.

@32WeeksΞMy husband planned a lovely day out on Dollymount Stand on the bank holiday, but true to Irish form, the sunny weather disapeared and we got a wicked windy and wet day. It didn’t really matter to me. The sea is the sea and I love long walks on the beach, rain or shine. By the way, in the top photo I am pointing out a seagull–because you know, you never see them at the beach!

There’s not much to say about this outfit except that it is very comfortable for a day of mixed weather conditions. I love these Keds so much. They were slightly too big, but now that my feet have swelled they fit like a charm. So now I’m trying to build as many outfits around them as possible. How fantastic are the old bathing shelters at the far end of Dollymount Strand? I really wish I could go back in time to see the beach in it’s heyday.

Oh yeah…and check out that 23-week bump! PS: These shoes are my annual spring/summer peep-toe purchase making the beginning of the beautiful seasons! Yay!

♥ Grey Coat: M&S ♥ Grey Scarf: H&M ♥ Navy Wool Nautical Skirt: H&M ♥ Green and Grey Plaid Shirt: Penneys ♥ Navy Knit Tights: Penneys ♥ Grey Boots: New Look ♥ Striped Shopper: Tesco, DIYed by me ♥ Horsey Pocket Watch: Lulu*s ♥

This outfit really came together last minute and worked! (That usually doesn’t happen, like when I get dressed in the dark and mismatch my tights) It works because it’s an easy silhouette that mixes trends (big plaid flannel) and classic pieces (navy wool pencil skirt). I had fun playing around with photos too…

]]> http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/11/green-and-grey/feed/ 0 http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/11/happy-birthday-to-me/ http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/11/happy-birthday-to-me/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:12:09 +0000 laurendare http://stylebynumbers.info/?p=793 Yesterday was me birfday, and what a day it was. I had a full day planned including Ages of the Moon at the Abbey (fantastic), Wax Museum Plus (unusual), cocktails at M&S rooftop (seriously), dinner at Bloom Brasserie (delicious), coffee at Bewleys (caffeinated) and drinks with friends at The Church (holy). I wanted to look fantastic, obviously, and needed to go from day to night. This dress from Spitafields Market, London (£30) definitely did the trick.

♥ Dress: Spitafields Market ♥ Plum Tights: M&S ♥ Booties: M&S ♥

I’m also pleased to report that my new M&S booties are super comfortable. We walked all over Dublin (from Upper Baggot Street to Parnell Square) and I still felt light on my toes at the end of the night.

Navy, lavender, mint, blue…lots of great colours to play with and a great print too. I love this dress so much. It is easy to wear, comfy and chic. I’ve styled it up a few different ways (sans photos) and it always feels different. I’ll try to remix it sometime soon or maybe even copy the pattern to make my own…seems a simple enough construction.

And because it is my birthday, some truly vain shots. I actually put some effort in my make-up instead of slopping on the lip gloss and heading out the door. What you see on me: Body Shop eyeshadow in Slate, Clinique Colour Surge Eye Colour Stay Matte in Night Plum, Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil in Jet Black and lip gloss.

And check out those brows! Expertly sculpted by the Sarah at the Benefit Brow Bar in Brown Thomas (€14 for wax shaping). I’m really pleased with the shape after a year of being non plused about the many other places I’ve tried.