Cheers to my first solo outfit post since Ava was born!  I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to keep doing these or not... Having a baby has completely changed my priorities.  But I have missed it some, so if I have the time and inspiration to do one, then I will.  If I don't, then I won't!  This is kind of how I feel about everything right now.  If it feels good, then yes, if it feels draining, then no. 

I will say this is a way for me to exercise my self confidence, which I admittedly talked about on an instagram post the other day after cutting my hair.  You can feel so silly and guilty even worrying about your postpartum self when you have this beautiful little baby in your life!  But at the same time, I think it should be talked about for that very reason, b/c all of our feelings are valid.  When there is shame and guilt around something, it should be looked at and examined.  It has been trying learning to love my postpartum body and all it's millions of changes.  I'm pretty positive if you are human and you have had a baby, you probably have felt some of the same things.  It's a whole new world post baby... the extra pounds, the hair loss, the skin changes, the way you function below the waist, joint issues, perpetually less sleep... just to name a few.  It all adds up and can be easy to feel self defeating.

So, I'm working on it.  That's all I can say.  I'm learning to cut myself some slack, to focus on more important things, and remind myself it's a transition.  That's why they call it the 4th trimester after all.  It's a very real thing. 

Speaking of change... I am doing a MAJOR closet purge.  If you follow me on instagram than you already know.  I'm selling half of my closet over on @laurashomeandcloset and still have more to list!  Since becoming a mama I feel so much changing, including my style and my need for ease.  I feel like I have been decluttering for a year now and could do so for another year.  I've been going through my closet over and over again, pulling out things I haven't worn in a very long time, some I've only worn once.  I hold on to these things b/c they are beautiful, or because a friend made it... but if it's not getting the proper love it should in my possession, I feel it should move onto another who will show it more love.  So even though I am letting go of some very special things, I feel good about it.  Knowing they will live a new life! 

I'm also saving up for my dream couch and this closet sale is helping me.  In the movement of decluttering I am also rethinking some of the pieces in my home.  Our couch is a great couch, we got it passed down to us from our friends and we have loved it alot!  But it's a sectional and I really just want a regular couch to create more space in the center of our home.  Bella was the only one that used the part that sticks out, and now that she is gone, I feel like I can let go of this couch.  Plus, my brother needs one, so it's already getting a good new home!  The three couches I have owned in my life have all been passed down from family or friends.  I'm really excited to pick out and buy my own couch for the first time! 

Btw, that beautiful mala... it's a natural teething necklace for Ava!  Check out Little Biting Tree!

Even though so many pieces in my closet have been transitory over the years as my style changes, some pieces never leave.  I have some things in my closet that I have owned since I was about 15!  This kimono I found at f21 years ago, and it is still one of my favorite things to wear.  Same goes with all of my Blowfish shoes!  They are the most comfortable shoes with the yummiest earth tones.  They are all keepers.  I'm so in love with these sand colored booties.  And this hat I found at World Market quickly became my favorite.  I wear it ALOT!  My rings from Bella & Chloe are also some of my go to's.  I wear alot less jewelry most days now b/c of Ava. Maybe a cuff or ring or two, maybe a necklace, sometimes none... and that's it.  I'm sure that will change as she gets older, but for now, I'm loving the simplicity.

I'm pretty obsessed with this color pallette right now too.  If you check out my pinterest, you can clearly see what my eyes have been drawn to lately.  Earthy pastels... mauve, peach, tan, cream, sage green, dusty blue, burnt umber & sienna, grey.  Really since I got pregnant these colors have stuck out to me. 

Apparently it feels good to blog again!  I had alot to say!  Hopefully I'll be back soon. Peace.