I can be fashionable...

Ever since I realized that Hannah was about to turn one, and that 'new{born} mommy' phase was quickly coming to an end, I've been trying to really make an effort in not looking so... craptastic.

I chopped my long hair for a shorter layered cut (which is now due for a trim), bought some jeans that didn't come with an elastic panel, and have been paying more attention to fashion instead of what works best with nursing/pumping.

Back when I was pumping 3 times a day while at work and then nursing 3+ times a day at home, it didn't make sense to wear anything too fussy - too many buttons, too tight, too wrinkle prone - so I mostly wore loose cotton tops. Now, my workplace is very laid back and no one but the receptionist is very fashion forward so the bar (and expectations) were not set very high. While I'm not looking to become a fashionista, I'd like to have more than 1 photo worthy outfit in my closet.  Edit - Now that we're slowly cutting back on the frequency of nursing sessions, I'm starting to worry less and less about how 'nursing compatible' my outfit is.  Even though it doesn't sound like it above - YES, I'm still nursing Hannah, just not as often. :)

I used to think Summer was my favorite time of year. It's warm and sunny and everyone is in a good mood.

But there is just something COZY about fall.  I dug some sweaters out last weekend and the leaves are changing colors... It's so crisp and beautiful that I just want to grab a scarf and take a stroll outside. 

So today I admit it - My name is Carla, and I love Fall.

Something about that makes me feel like an adult. 

Like I've matured past being a summertime sun worshipper. 

Or maybe it's just because I don't look as good in a bikini anymore.

Anyway - above at the Pantone Fall 2011 colors for men and women.  Bamboo to Phlox is surprising and so bright and sunny - perfect to buy now and pair with gray, then wear again in the spring/summer.  Cedar, Teal, Coffee and Nougat are great - and slightly obvious - fall colors, and quarry is a mainstay of my decorating palate, but I think the real surprise is the orchid.

Love.

I don't think I could pull of a light orchid sweater as it'd wash me out, but maybe a great scarf or bag. 

TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross here I come!

Join the conversation:

Which of the colors do you love the most? 

orchid hush is so intriguing

Which do you think would be the easiest/hardest for you to pull off?

easiest- teal, hardest - emberglow

Have you made a purchase to help bring your wardrobe into fall?

I'm currently waiting on 4 - yes FOUR - pair of closed toed shoes to arrive today from Zappos.  I won't be keeping all of them, but I'm excited to try them all out.  I'm also on the hunt for some more great scarves to add to my collection.

Which color do you think they forgot?

it would stick out like a sore thumb with this palate, but I love a deep cranberry for fall/winter.