There's No Place Like The Mall

<- Okay, these aren't exactly Dorothy's shoes, but don't they look like they'd take you somewhere magical?


This has been a very, very important weekend for me, style wise. You see, ever since I had a baby, I wasn't sure exactly what it was. Geez, now that I think about it, even before my pregnancy. After college, I went through an illumination period when I defined exactly what I wanted (doll-like shoes/accessories, and beaded everything), so shopping was a breeze. I was getting compliments for what I wore for the first time, and even a lot of "wow, you're dressing way better" - as in, you sucked before. Which I was much more grateful for than offended.

But ever since becoming a married lady, and eventually a mother, my college-like apparel didn't really seem to fit. I mean, literally. But even mentally - I didn't identity with the "little girl" look anymore, but at the same time didn't want to look too old. This led me to many strictly functional trips to Target, when I'd just buy whatever covered me with a v-neck (to avoid looking any rounder). It was (or it's been) a dark age for me fashion-wise, but I was too distracted with marriage and childbearing to give it much thought.

Now, that Melissa's an independent toddler, I finally looked at myself in the mirror and realized I had no idea if I liked what I saw. There was no piece of clothing that I really took pride on, and no intentional look of any sort. I simply covered myself. How sad is that?

So one sweet day, I stumbled upon a few coupons for Kohl's and Payless, and that gave me the perfect excuse to go shopping. What husband can argue with coupons, right? So after couple of wonderful hours with partner in crime Jen (who had her own post-baby fashion emergency), I purchased not one, but two summer dresses! This might seem silly, but those who know me know what a progress this is for me. I'm a jeans girl, so to be able to say I'm wearing a flowery dress as I type is the sign of a new era.

Well, the next day after that, it was time to spend my Payless coupon! I planned on just getting some basic brown sandals for my dresses, but could not resist when I saw those shoes. I tried them on just for fun (since I have zero things to wear them with), and couldn't not take them.

I hope I'm not boring you all with my shopping adventures, but the point of this post is that I think - hope - I've found my post-baby style. It involves cute flats (for baby chasing), ruffles (for belly hiding) and yes, even dresses. Because twirling happens to be one of the best ways to entertain a child.

And speaking of whom, I'm so glad to see her following in my footsteps :).