[Guest Blogger: Sara] Shopping is a Group Sport.

I am spreading the blog love.  My first official Guest Blogger is none other than my BFF and playgroup co-leader, Sara.  We met over six years ago at our first playgroup when our boys were just weeks old.  She is as sweet as molasses, and I don't know how I would survive this crazy ride through motherhood without her. 

-Mollie

Take it away, Sara...

Waist-Cinching Romper, Anthropologie

shoes, Kelly and Katie via DSW

Birdwhistle necklace, Madewell

Give a Hoot bracelet, Francesca's

Last week, I went to the Tucson Anthropologie by myself and found this totally cute romper in the sale room.  Every time I see a romper I think - that would look awful on me.  You see... I'm a tall girl.  5' 8."  Barefoot.  Add some heels and I tower over people.  Rompers are made for 4 year olds with cute little bodies - not giants.  But lately, this blog has encouraged me to take some fashion risks and step out of my box just a little bit.  So I tried it on.  It was cute, and a bargain at only $29.99, but I just couldn't convince myself to buy it.  Where would I wear it?  Would my husband make fun of me?  Is it appropriate for anyone over the age of 30 to wear this?  You know that conversation.  You've had the same one in a dressing room a hundred times.  So I left this baby behind and continued on with my day.  

The next thing I knew I was off to Girls Weekend in Scottsdale with my BFF (the writer of this blog) and her sister.  Super fun weekend with lots of dining out, lounging poolside and shopping.  Low and behold, we ended up at Anthropologie in Scottsdale.  And there it was again - the Moss Green Romper of my dreams.  So I tried it on again with the encouragement of the girls.  They loved it and now it was marked down to $19.99!  I decided it was fate and bought the romper.  I wore it out to Geisha A Go-Go for a sushi dinner with the hipsters of Scottsdale (trying not to feel self-conscious the whole time).  And you know what?  I think I pulled it off.  

As I look back on the evening, I have decided 3 things: 

1. Sometimes we need to let go of our insecurities and live a little.

2. My legs still look pretty good for a 35 year old with 2 kids. 

3. Shopping is a group sport.  Sometimes you just need a little encouragement from your girlfriends.  

So go out today and buy yourself a romper.  You'll be glad you did.

Just make sure you bring your girlfriends!

Sara

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Canopy Lookout dress, Anthropologie
belt, Francesca's
Candid sandals, Dr. Scholl's via DSW
Idiom bangles, Kate Spade
Gumdrop earrings, Kate Spade

Date night with the fellas!  They boys surprised me Mother's Day morning with tickets to see Mary Poppins!  The evening was "practically perfect in every way." 

  

I just wish I could have worn this necklace...

Supercalifragilipstick necklace, Kate Spade
(sold out... sad face)

Occupation: Homemaker

Spiraea Shirtdress, Anthropologie
Sweet Zinnia stud earrings, kate spade
Sailor's Knot Hinge bangle, kate spade
Rosaleen, kate spade
Turquoise Kitten Heels, Butter

I hate this question:  "What do you do?"

Answer:  "I'm a stay-at-home mom."  (Insert uncomfortable "Now what do we talk about" silence because apparently by being out of the work-force, I am neither interesting to talk to, nor can I handle any discussion beyond the addition of the newest member of the Wiggles.)  

But, yes, I'm just a Homemaker.  And, yes, I run the sweeper in kitten heels while tending to my dear children and husband.

Now, Darling, fetch me my bon bons?

Goody two shoes.

Flux Wedges, Anthropologie

They're on sale!  I'm just sayin'...

A blessed Easter morning.

Stamped Dot dress, Anthropologie

Bow belt, Anthropologie

Bubble necklace, Francesca's

Bryleigh wedges, b.o.c. via DSW  

Ah, Easter morning.  The birds are singing.  The good china is set for a lovely Easter spread of homemade bread, eggs and fruit.  The children skip to church dressed in their Sunday best.  (Insert record scratch sound effect.)      

Not at my house.

It's rush the kids through their Easter baskets because we're already late, scarf down a handful of cereal, hog wrestle the kids into Easter outfits, then drag them to church while giving a stern, "God sees all."  Sigh.  Sometimes you have to let the hungry and poor fend for themselves and pray for patience for a solid hour at church.  

An open letter to the hungry and poor:

I'll getcha next week.

-Mollie

Mama needs a new pair of shoes.

How awesome are these lime green Sperry's?

Top-sider Halyard Lace boat shoes,  Sperry

It's just too bad they're for 6 year-old boys.  

These are the Mommy size.  But no lime green.  Sad face.

Degrees and decades.

Stitchery Peasant blouse, Anthropologie
J Brand Bette jeans, Anthropologie
sunnies, Karen Walker
saddlebag, Anthropologie
Leoma bangles, Chico's
clogs, Anthropologie

Summer temps are on their way to the Arizona desert.  (Groan.)  In honor of today being our last day around the 70 degree mark, I wore a little 1970's inspired outfit.  I didn't get a chance to get an outfit pic before I changed back into my sweats, so you have to use your imagination, kids.

Tomorrow is supposed to be 84 degrees.  I will be crimping my hair and wearing blue eye shadow.

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

"Come here, Loverboy..."

Tie-front Blouse, Anthropologie

Pintuck Sleeveless Tops, Old Navy

Denim Bermudas, Old Navy

Classic Canvas, TOMS

An homage to Frances "Baby" Houseman.

Packing List: So Cal wedding weekend edition

Outfit 1:

Rehearsal

Drop Waist dress, Anthropologie

Idiom bangle, kate spade

Leoma bangles, Chico's

Leoma necklace, Chico's

Chardae earrings, Chico's

Elise, Indigo by Clarks

black opaque tights, Hue

Holy awkward.  My first attempt at an outfit pic.  I am really digging the Beverly Hills Hotel-esque wallpaper.

Outfit 2:

The Wedding

Sumana dress, Anthropologie

Leoma bangles, Chico's

Envelope clutch, Aldo (similar)

Chardae earrings, Chico's

Fiddle Bridge sandals, Indigo by Clarks

Leoma Pendant necklace, Chico's

This is my fake walking up the stairs pose.  Tyra would call it "fierce."  I call it my "senior picture" pose.  I just hope I ordered enough wallet pics for my friends.

The Classics.

Broadway T Dress, StyleMint
Original Wayfarer, Ray-Ban
All Star, Converse
Legacy Shoulder bag, Anthropologie 

I love to play with the hot minute trends.  But it's nice to know there are pieces in my closet that will last more than just one season.

Goody goody gumdrops.

Gumdrop earrings, kate spade

Hmmm.  I think I need a new outfit to go with my new earrings.   

Gumdrop Earrings, kate spade

Leoma Bangles, Chico's

Ping-Pong Tank, Anthropologie

Level 99 Jones Wide-Legs, Anthropologie

Distressed Leather Ballet Flat, Tory Burch

How cute is the back of this blouse?  Love.

Disco.

Shiloh Silk Peasant blouse, Anthropologie

J Brand Bette jeans, Anthropologie

Bent Rays Hoops, Anthropologie

Riika Heels, Anthropologie

What is with my obsession with peasant tops?  Well, for one I think they look so chic with chunky heels and retro flares.  Or maybe it's because they are flowy so I don't have to suck in my stomach.  Tip: Wear a peasant top to your next trip to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

(And you thought you wouldn't learn anything from this blog.  Pish-posh.)

S#!t girls say when shopping...

3" Chino shorts, J. Crew
Taylor sunglasses, Elizabeth and James
Great Outdoors Buttondown (bicycle print), Anthropologie
Riika Heels, Anthropologie

"This is cute."  

"OMG.  That is cute."

"Ugh.  I need a cookie break."

"I hate fluorescent lights."

"I'm never eating again."

"Let's split a Cinnibon."

"This outfit would be perfect for shopping."

"Of course I like everything that's not on sale."

"Maybe with a different bra?"

"My butt looks awesome in this!"

"My butt looks huge in this!"

"Cuuuuuuute."

"Can I wear that to playgroup?"  (Wink.)

One for One.

Mollie's faves:
Canvas Classics in white, Canvas Classics in navy, University Red Rope Sole
Canvas Classics in Red (got 'em), Silver Glitters (got 'em)
Morroco Vegan Classics, Campus Classics Auburn U, Tyler Ramsey Hand Painted Natural Classics

TOMS.  Love the shoes.  Love the mission:  

"With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.  One for One."

And now TOMS has sunnies!  Love 'em.  Want 'em.

TOMS Classic 101
Navy : White : Red

I heart my girlfriends.
*Thanks for the blog post inspiration today, Natalie!  You looked adorable today (as always), especially in your TOMS.  And thanks for "babysitting" me.  
*Sara!  You stole Natalie's shoes right off of her feet?  j/k  Thanks again for the goodies!  PS Loved your super fun orange nails!