NY Style Map: Feeling a 90s Snap in NYC

I miss New York. 

I miss everything about it. I miss wearing sweaters. I miss complaining about how cold it is and dreading that first pang of freezing temperature that hits your face when you walk out of your building. I miss waiting at the bus stop for the M79 (immortalized forever by Vampire Weekend). I miss getting squashed by a gazillion commuters on the overcrowded 6 train. I miss the noise. I miss sunbathing at Central Park and picnics with too much wine. I miss my daily trips to the swings to watch Maya lose it in a fit of giggles. I miss Duane Reade. I miss $7 manicures and Gray's Papaya hot dogs. I miss my neighborhood wine store and early morning bagel runs. I miss the museums. I miss aimlessly visiting the city's neighborhoods and pretending we lived in every Carrie Bradshaw looking townhouse on Charles Street. I miss that guy that rollerbladed in a thong down 2nd avenue. Even that guy. 

I miss it. And every so often, these feelings of missing a place that's so engraved in who you are, creep up and get you all emotional over something that was, and still somewhat, feels like home, even though you are no longer there. But at the same time, I'm thankful for the opportunity to miss something so wonderful. I'm thankful that I got the chance to experience the greatest city in the world and I made it my own. I'm thankful for the home I made, the career I have, the husband I married, the children I have- all thanks to that great city. I'm thankful for toughening up, for growing an inevitable second skin, and for the kindness of some of the friendliest and resilient people you will ever meet (yeah, I'm talking about New Yorkers). I'm thankful for the polaroid snapshots of festive dinner parties in apartment 5A and family adventures on every bridge and in borough. 

I'm thankful. 

That's why every trip is an opportunity to refuel, recharge, and reconnect with all the things I miss and love to do- whether I visit solo or with the family- every trip becomes a self-satisfying adventure. This time around, I made the trip solo, which was much needed. I was in fashion week glory, jumping from show to show, feeling lost in glamorous clothing and backstage interview with the city 'clackers.' There were zero plans on my agenda. I went in there completely open and free and it felt fantastic! Everything was planned on the spot; but, the first order of business was just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do. I checked restaurants off my list, popped into an exhibit at the Whitney, met up for catch-up dinners with friends, had tea for one, and slept. Boy, did I sleep! I almost didn't know what to do with all the free time. Oh yeah, I also squeezed in this fashion shoot with my Miami-turned-Brooklynite photographer, Carmen Rodriguez (http://carmenishere.tumblr.com), because while I was in the city, I took a trip back to the 90s- Fresh Prince style. 

I love the 90s. I love everything about it. Movies (Clueless, Titanic, Empire Records, You've Got Mail, Home Alone), fashion (Nirvana's Grunge, Cher Horowitz's baby doll dresses, everything Madonna) , and music (Salt N' Peppa, Vanilla Ice, Kid N' Play, TLC, No Doubt), reigned supreme during this decade and some of those 90s trends and influences were all that and a bag of chips (see what I did there?)! And now they're seeping through in 2016. 

Like this totally rad H&M geometric sweater that I stole out of Zach Morris'closet. It's bangin' (I'm still going with the 90s slang)! These bright, neon colors are vibrant and catchy and I paired it with another 90s staple- the baggy joggers (in faux leather)- comfortable and chic. I normally wear my hair flung on one side like so easy breezy, and then it hit me that I'm secretly channeling my 90s beauty icon- Kelly Kapowski- queen of all things scrungies and biker shorts. I threw my mom's vintage mink over my look to keep warm, which also made me think about how my mom owned 90s fashion- Adidas windbreakers, tracksuits, high waisted Guess jeans, tousled hair, and midi denim skirts for every occasion! So I must have been influenced by her- after all, she was my first fashion idol! 

Union Square adds as the perfect backdrop, wouldn't you say? Because if it's one thing about New York- it's been a pop culture constant through every decade! 

It's always great to see you, New York. Thanks for the memories.

On Me: 

Sweater- H&M

Joggers- Forever 21

Booties- Steve Madden

Sunnies- Forever 21

Mink- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami 'Mom' Style Map: Gearing Up for Swimsuit Season and Putting Those 'Tummy Shamers' on Lockdown

Squeezers! It's been way too long! Three weeks, actually, since my last post. My daily life has become a professional juggling act of trying to balance kids, family, work, and blogging! I have to remind myself to come up for air, breathe, and take a minute or two to myself, because if not, I'll go mad. But in the words of Olaf, 'All good things, all good things,' so you'll hear very little complaining on my end. 

I'm so excited to bring you my first swimsuit post of the season via this sensational floral one piece from Red Carter Swim. A big thank you to fellow momma photographer, Jenise Subervi (www.photosbyjenise.com) for capturing these fantastic photos. This swimsuit was gifted to me while I was pregnant and I was boldly confident that I could squeeze my ginormous belly into it. I was obviously wrong. The suit didn't even go up my thigh, so off it went into the 'after baby' pile with a tear in my eye. A few months after giving birth, I said, 'let's give this swimsuit a whirl!' And voila! It finally fit.  Now, did I have that flat stomach and those washboard abs to go with it? Not really, and why should I?!  Hello, I had just popped out a baby. I'm entitled to this leftover tummy!

Which brings me to tonight's post....tummy shaming. Oh yeah, tummy shaming is a thing. A real, annoying thing. When I hear, "Omg, you are the CUTEST pregnant girl I've ever seen," or "I hope I look like you when I'm pregnant." Yeah, thanks. Only I'm not pregnant. I just had a baby. But thanks for tummy shaming me. Note to humans everywhere: Never assume a woman is pregnant. Even if you see a baby's head popping out of a vagina, just don't assume. Why are women expected to look like their pre-pregnancy selves a few short months after having a baby? Considering we all have different body types, metabolisms, and lifestyles to factor into our weight loss. Yeah, I'm skinny and I think I look pretty good even if my stomach isn't paper flat. Here's the thing people- I don't care. And you shouldn't either. 

No one is going to make me feel bad about having a kangaroo pouch seven months after giving birth to Rocco. It's just not on my to-do list- after laundry, taking care of a baby, doing pick up and drop offs, meeting writing deadlines, sending emails and catching up on my Netflix- I really don't know where that falls on my 'priority' column. Actually, it doesn't even land anywhere near it because I just DGAF. When the slightest ounce of self-doubt crawls inside my brain, I remind myself, 'I did the most insane thing in the world- I pushed a baby out of my vagina and created life. This belly was a vessel and it should be given a medal or at least a stake in lottery winnings.' Bam! Mic drop. If my parting gift after childbirth is a loose tummy, well then so be it. That's why they have elliptical machines and plastic surgeons. At some point, it'll go away (basically when I stop being lazy and exercise because prayer alone doesn't seem to be working). In the meantime, I wear it proud. To all the mommas out there- tell those tummy shakers to SUCK IT! 

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Getting into a swimsuit of any type after having a baby is a monumental task. Hide the harsh lighting and the fun house mirrors. It's a gradual process when it comes to finding a suit that compliments your new body- because let's be frank, your body changes after baby and hey, that's totally okay and normal! Be easy on yourself. 

I've been on a 'one piece' kick for some time now, and when I got this floral stunner, I was in love! For starters, the colors are a kaleidoscope of amazingness! They're so bright and vibrant and cheery; the suit is an instant mood perk. Next up, is the silhouette. I mean, who doesn't love a sweetheart cut? It's one of the most flattering styles for any body type. Add little bit of sexy 'oomph' with the low cut accent. It gives my post-baby-post-surgery boobs, a nice little lift. Momma likes! 

Fitting into the suit, tummy and all, felt absolutely fabulous! Yeah, I know what some of you are thinking, "She's skinny. It's easy for her to say that," but; here's the thing. Whether you're skinny, tall, short, or overweight, we all have our insecurities. It doesn't matter what shape or size we come in. Let's embrace that. Some days will be more difficult than others, I get that, but this is our body, its the only one we get, and it does amazing things, like make babies. It's one of the most gratifying and selfless gifts in the world. Be proud of your scars, of your tummies, your cellulite, and the wrinkles that come with it. You created life!  So the next time someone asks you if you're pregnant when you're out and about, or comments on your oh-so-adorable belly, give them a kick in the groin and salute your tummy pride! 

On Me: 

Swimsuit- Red Carter Swim 

Shades- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

My Crash Course Into Becoming A Flamenco Dancer!

I’ve never met a dance film I didn’t like. Ask me how many times I’ve watched ‘Step It Up’ or ‘Save the Last Dance’ and it’s almost embarrassing. I’m guilty of staging my own choreographed routines just so I can live out my fly girl dreams ala Jennifer Lopez. So when the opportunity came to catch renowned Flamenco sensation, Farruquito, at the Flamenco Festival held at the Adrienne Arsht Center, I gave an enthused, Pues Claro! How hard could it be?!

Well, actually really hard. To be quite honest, I know nothing about flamenco, except that I’m a flamenco enthusiast. I’ve been to countless shows from Sevilla to New York and I enjoy them immensely. That’s as far as it goes. And maybe after too many vino tintos, I fancy myself a flamenco dancer, hand gestures and all. The dance and the storytelling that is achieved through the combined forces of the ‘canto,’ ‘baile,’ and ‘toque,’ is a passionate language of love and emotion. It is a marriage of the singer and the song and the melody. There is so much technique that goes into the dance, and the most important factor is following the rhythm and counts of the singer’s cante. Every region has its own rhythm and cante, and when you dance flamenco, what changes is el ‘marcaje' (where you step and accentuate), which is dependent on the region. The singer and the dancer engage in an almost seamless conversation through movement that appears effortless. 

However, effortless it is not as I came to learn! I also learned that I have two left feet and almost tripped a few times and was not in synch with the counts or was I following along as I expected, with Farruquito’s ‘palmado.’ There was a lot of ‘uno, DOS, tres, cuatro, cinco, SEIS, siete, ocho, NUEVE…’ and Farruquito making it look so easy. There were also lots of technical terms like compas and compas de alegria and buleria. The goal is to really listen to what kind of ‘compas’ it is, so you can dance to that particular rhythm. Flamenco is not about learning a choreography- anyone can do that- its about listening to the person singing and what they’re playing and accentuating, because thats when you clap and you ‘marcar (marcaje)’ with your feet (the really fun part where you stomp but have to restrain from stomping too hard because then you definitely won’t look like a pro).

I failed terribly at ‘marcando’ and replicating any of Farruquito’s cantos and palmas. I looked like a fumbling hot mess trying to marcar with my feet while simultaneously trying to find the right count when I did my palmas. My coordination was off, bumping into the person next to me, all while trying to muster some form of dignity and comprehension so my teacher wouldn’t think I was complete flamenco rookie! Thankfully, the workshop was for all ages and all levels. I did scan the room and concluded I was still the least coordinated person there. But you know what? I had fun and I walked away with a new respect for this dance. 

When I got home later that evening, I was trying to demonstrate to my husband all the moves (or lack thereof) that I picked up at the workshop. I did my palmas and all those hand movements flamenco is popular for, and I danced all over my living room. I realized that for that hour and a half, I dared to try something that I never thought I would try and whether I was good at it or not, it didn’t matter. I got a taste of what it meant to be a flamenco dancer- the discipline it entails and all the hard work that comes with it- and I can say that I tried. The art of flamenco is beautiful; but, difficult to master. I’ll leave it to the professionals and watch admiringly from the comfort of my seat! 

In Style, 

Kat 

Rocco Report/Miami Style Map: Having a Miscarriage Doesn't Make You Different; It Makes You Like Everybody Else

It's not lost on me that many women struggle to get pregnant. It's something, that for the most part, is out of our biological control; and yet, many women feel at fault when they have a hard time conceiving or when they suffer some sort of miscarriage along the way. 

I was very fortunate that I got pregnant rather quickly. Both Maya and Rocco were conceived on the first try, much to the dismay of my husband, who was so looking forward to months of endless sex (poor guy). I never took that fact for granted. I personally know many women who have struggled or currently struggle to have a child and my heart breaks for them. I can only imagine how many tears, how much heartbreak, or how many 'why me?' questions, they suffer through when things don't go according to plan. And yet, many of them never give up, never lose hope, never stop trying. That's admirable and brave. 

You never think about it, really, until it happens to you. And it did. I had an ectopic pregnancy in May of 2014 and it broke me. It was unexpected, and a fluke, we came to learn, which made it tougher to swallow since there was no rhyme or reason as to why it happened. We were ecstatic to find out that we were pregnant with our second. Growing our brood was always the plan and now that dream was becoming a reality. Coco was over the moon, yet simultaneously bummed, because again, pregnant on the first try meant no more sexy time trying to make a baby! I was immediately tired, slightly nauseous, and moody. I peed on the stick and did the blood work (the numbers kept going up). I was very much pregnant and I was thrilled. We shared the news immediately with a very small number of family members.

Shortly thereafter, I started spotting. Now, spotting is pretty normal when you're pregnant, only I never spotted with Maya so I was a bit concerned. I called the doc, she reassured me it was perfectly normal, but if it didn't stop, to call her. Not only did it stop, when I went for the next round of blood work, my numbers went up again. I was scheduled for my first trans vaginal ultrasound. I was 5.5 weeks and we were hoping to hear the heartbeat, or if not, at least see it. They saw a sac, but no heartbeat yet. It wasn't much to worry about, I was told. It was still early so they scheduled an appointment for the following week. A few days after that, we left to LA for one of my dear friend's wedding. We couldn't wait to share the news with them. There was much to celebrate! This pregnancy was already exhausting me, but that didn't stop me from dancing all night long and having a good ol' time! I had nothing to worry about.

The next morning, I started spotting again. I freaked out. What if I overdid it at the wedding? What if I danced too much or too hard? What if I carried Maya for too long? I made myself nuts with countless 'what ifs.' I called the doctor and she said she would schedule an ultrasound on an earlier date just to check things out. I knew that something wasn't right. I know my body and something was off. I told Coco I wanted to come home a day early so I could get this ultrasound done. I was a nervous wreck. 

The night before my ultrasound, I couldn't sleep. I was still lightly spotting and I couldn't stop my racing mind. Patience is not my strongest virtue, and my anxiety levels were through the roof. The morning of that appointment, I showed up 45 minutes early and waited. Those were the longest 45 minutes I could remember and sitting through that silent ultrasound was even worse. You are so exposed emotionally and you are just lying there hoping for some information but instead, hearing nothing because the technicians aren't allowed to give you any results. It was excruciating. I kept asking, "can you see anything?" "can you hear anything?" and all she kept saying was, "you're still very early," and that the doctor would be in to talk to me after the exam. 

It was back to the waiting room- and then- a call. It was my OBGYN's office. The doctor on site had called to give my doctor the results. I was having an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic what? I had heard about ectopic pregnancies but never really thought about it, because why would I? I never had an issue getting pregnant so why this now? An ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy). Basically it's not a viable pregnancy and considered extremely dangerous (sometimes deadly) because it can cause your tubes to  rupture. It can also lead to infertility. I was numb. I called Coco to meet me at the OBGYN's office so we could plan out the next steps. Unlike miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies have to be terminated right away to avoid any complications and/or death. 

The car ride was a blur. I felt so shitty. I felt like there was something wrong with me. As I sat there in my doctor's office, waiting for her to come in, I started crying. I felt terrible and alone and even though Coco was there with me, it just sucked. I felt pregnant. I was starting to get attached. I had told everyone and now- this. Miscarriages are so common in women. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10-25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriages (http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/). One in 50 of those pregnancies are ectopic. Chances are, someone you know has had either a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. It's that common. Yet, women feel the need to keep quiet about it and find it difficult to share. There's shame and humiliation attached to it. But why? It isn't our fault this happened. If we all talked about it to one another, there would be so much more acceptance, support, and healthy encouragement amongst women. We don't have to go through it alone. There's nothing wrong with you! It doesn't make you any less of a women or any less of a mother for going through these unfortunate situations. 

I didn't have any of the risk factors associated with an ectopic, which made it frustrating.  Ectopic pregnancies are treated two ways- one is surgery, the other is using a drug called, methotraxate, which is used to treat cancer patients. The injection is administered by a gynecological oncologist. After my visit to the OB, she sent me right away to see the gynecological oncologist for the shot. The hope was that I would only need one shot to terminate the ectopic pregnancy. I would have to do blood work every 2-3 days to make sure my HCG numbers went back to zero. Sometimes it takes two rounds of methotraxate, but thankfully, I only had to go through one. The aftermath felt like a very bad, and heavy period. I had cramps and some pain, but it was bearable. I rested for the first few days and took it easy. I was down in the dumps for the first day or two, but hanging out with Coco and Maya, and catching a flick with my best friend, cheered me up tremendously. 

I had to wait three to four months before trying again, and before trying, I had to make sure my fallopian tubes were in good shape. I went in for what's called a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG test http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysterosalpingogram-21590). In layman's term, a tube is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus. A dye is injected and will flow into the tubes. From there, a doctor will check for blockage of any kind and see what's going on inside the tubes to better determine what caused the ectopic pregnancy. It's also done to determine a women's fertility. I had no blockage whatsoever, and thankfully, two healthy tubes. There was no damage. The ectopic was a rare occurrence, in my case. For once, my neurosis and anxiety saved my life. Spotting is one of the earliest indicators of an ectopic. If I would have ignored it, my outcome would have been very different and much worse.  

The good news was that even after having an ectopic, my likelihood of getting pregnant again was still high. Yes, my chances of having another ectopic pregnancy also went up, but I much rather focus on the positive. My wonderful doctor, Dr. Roselyn Bonilla, and Coco were immensely supportive and I was so happy to have received positive results. More importantly though, when I started talking to other women about what had happened to me, I was shocked to learn how many had either had ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages themselves. We shared the same emotional storyline of frustration, sadness, humiliation, and defeat. But we also shared the same story of hope, of encouragement, of love, and of resilience. I realized that having an ectopic pregnancy didn't make me different or make me a failure, it made me just like everybody else. And there was nothing to be ashamed of! 

On Janaury 2015, I found out I was expecting! We welcomed a happy and healthy baby boy on September 9th. Of course, I was excited and terrified when we learned we were pregnant. I wasn't so quick to share the news this time around. I waited. Every first trimester appointment came with some nerves and trepidation, and when we heard that heartbeat, it was the most beautiful sound in the world. Once I was out of the first trimester,  we told the world! Sometimes, at the very moment we are navigating choppy waters, we have no idea why these things are happening in our life. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason isn't very clear at first. My experience of having an ectopic pregnancy has given me the chance to share my story with others and help remove a stigma that many women feel over something that is very mainstream and has nothing to do with who we are as individuals. I am also aware that my story had a happy ending, some don't, and many women have a difficult and painful road to motherhood that is not always ideal or successful. 

I do not take that for granted and I am thankful to God, each and everyday, for my two greatest gifts because there is no greater joy in my life than my children. 

A special thank you to photographer, Yesica Flores, of Simply Lively (www.simplylively.com)  for capturing these beautiful images of me and my little boy. I don't think she had any idea that her photos would be part of such a touching, and emotional tapestry of womanhood and motherhood! Thank you for being part of my story. 

On Me: 

Slip Dress- Forever 21

Coat- Guess

Boots- Free People 

In Style, 

Kat (Rocco and Maya's Mom)

Miami Style Map: The AC Hotel Miami Beach- SOBEWFF's Best Kept Secret

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival has descended upon South Florida, which means, foodies everywhere are ready to chomp down on some delicious cuisine and refreshing drinks from some of the most renowned chefs in the nation. The only downside? Scoring a ticket can often prove unsuccessful (unless you are willing to dish the big bucks) and that bad beach traffic and nonexistent parking is enough for any festival goer to lose their appetite. Fret not, my fellow food lovers! I have a stylish and yummy alternative that is quite savory and chic, without the hassle of reservations and scalped tickets. And the best part? It's located right in Mid-Beach- in the center of all the SOBEWFF action. 

A few days ago, I was invited to experience the European-inspired AC Hotel Miami Beach (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miaac-ac-hotel-miami-beach/), a boutique hotel offering top notch amenities in a more intimate and sophisticated setting in the heart of Miami Beach. When I walked into the sleek lobby of the hotel, with its muted grey and white palette, I immediately felt a cool-like energy that was both vibrant and relaxing. One of my favorite spaces within the hotel, was the laid back yet sultry lounge space available to both guests and locals. It's the perfect spot for a pre-game cocktail before heading off to your next glamorous adventure! 

Have a SOBEWFF event but want a grab a drink with friends beforehand? Not a problem. The AC Lounge has you covered. No reservations or tickets required! In fact, anyone who visits the AC Lounge during the festival and checks in and/or posts a picture tagging the property (with the handles @AChotelmiamibeach and #achotelmiamibeach,) on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter is eligible to win a $50 bar tab. 

I was very excited to sample the lounge's tapas drink and appetizer menu on my visit and I'm excited to share with you some of my most memorable tastes! First up, this filling Antipasto salad with prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, and roasted vegetables-  which was a home run in the salad department. Conjuring both the spicy and rich of a starter salad, this was the ideal starter to kick off the rest of the dishes. It was paired with a gin and tonic- which unfortunately, was a little too strong for my taste- but hey, it could easily be someone else's bag.

Let's introduce the second presentation with this fun newsflash: drinks at the AC Lounge are affordable- yes, you heard me- affordable, which is pretty much a myth in Miami Beach. Cocktails range anywhere from $9-$11. Not a bad way to start your night! Taking my first bite into the Tomato Braised Eggplant and Ricotta Toast was absolutely heavenly. The addition of the parmesan gave a nice kick to the bite's finish. If you're big on bourbon, then you'll love the  Biscayne Boulevardier, which is made with Cyrus Noble Bourbon, Fruitlab Hibiscus Liqueur, and Aperol. It'll give your body a surprising jolt! 

If you're coming a with a group of friends, set up shop at one of the lounge's tufted spaces. They're comfortable and great for flowing conversation! If you rather a more private and 'up-close-and-personal' vibe, head to the streamlined mirrored bar and get lost amidst the allure of bar dining and decadent drums. 

I think I speak for most foodies when I say, bring on the dessert! AC Lounge won me over with their delicious goat cheese and honey cheesecake. The glaze was mouthwatering combined with the creaminess of the cheesecake. It was proportionately sized so I didn't feel engorged or like a beached whale after consuming such wonderfully rich and appetizing dishes! This particular dessert dish was paired with a berry-anise liqueur from Spain- tangy and evenly sweet when enjoyed with the goat cheese. 

You won this girl over! 

I have to give a special mention to this preferred cocktail because it was actually one of my favorites. It's called The Flagler- made with Titos Vodka, Macchu Pisco, Simple Syrup, Key Lime, and Amargo Vallet Angostura. I'm usually not a vodka drinker, but this libation was off the charts refreshing and tasty. 

Coming by the AC Lounge felt like I was getting the full SOBEWFF experience within my own hidden gem! If you need a place to escape the beach madness, come to the AC Hotel. If you're a guest of the hotel, grab a drink and head to the rooftop, which offers the most stunning views of the ocean and the picturesque Miami Beach street scape. 

We finished off our day with a glass of bubbly, specifically, the Stiltsville - an effervescent delight made from Cocchi Americano, Sparkling Wine, St. George Absinthe, and lemon Juice. Pair it with some scrumptious and crunchy macaroons, and you've got yourself a winning combo! 

Now that I've consumed a tapas meal fit for a king, I'm ready to spread the good word about the AC Hotel Miami Beach. If these pictures taken by the talented and creative Chris Carter of Ra-Haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com) haven't convinced you yet, then you need to check out the lounge for yourself! Be a trendsetter, or a food setter, and start the night right at the AC Lounge. Did I mention how affordable your tab would be?! You'll find me there Saturday evening with some champagne in my hand! 

On Me: 

Dress- Erin Fetherston for Rent The Runway

Hat- Goorin Bros Lincoln Road 

Sunnies- Forever 21

Heels- Christian Siriano for Payless Shoes 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Moods and 'Momcations'

Squeezers! I'm back with a brand new post, featuring the mad photographic 'genuisness' (yes, I totally just invented that word) of the one, the only, Elizabeth from Ra-Haus Fotografie www.a-haus.com. See, Liz and I have been busy popping out babies and getting them on sleep schedules so we haven't been able to shoot for some time. But alas, the baby gods smiled upon us and we rolled up to our location with our tricked out strollers and arsenal of baby toys, ready to shoot the sh^%t of this faux leather look from Forever 21. It's giving off all sorts of moods, and I love it! It's what we do best. 

In a few days, I'm headed off to New York to cover fashion week and I can't even begin to explain how freaking excited I am. Whenever I get the opportunity to do what I love, a part of me comes alive and I'm reborn in a new light. I absolutely love what I do and I no longer take those opportunities and experiences for granted. That excitement, though, comes paired with a mountain of anxiety and 'what ifs' that plague me during the days that lead up to my trip. Call it mom guilt. It's a bitch. It isn't until I'm in the trenches of work, doing my red carpet interviews and running after designers backstage, that I finally ease up and zen out in my happy place. 

I call this my 'momcation'- where I take some time away to detach, to regroup, and recharge my batteries without having to worry about school drop offs and pickups, laundry, nighttime feedings, or walking dogs.  Basically it gives me sanity. And I think all moms need and deserve a 'momcation'- whether it's a few hours, a full day, or a couple of days. We moms need a little break to take care of ourselves and hit the refresh button. The last time I had a 'momcation,' was in June when I went to New York for my sister-in-law's bridal shower. I was six months pregnant, and though I wasn't technically alone (hello, Rocco), it was nice to get away for a few days and reconnect with the people I love in the city I love. 

Since becoming a momma of two this past September, I'm double exhausted, double sleep deprived, and have very little recollection of what 'alone time' really means. That must be a foreign language! However, my happiness has quadrupled a million times over now with Maya and Rocco, and I'm oozing love and gratitude in every way possible. And thankfully, Coco and I work tremendously hard at creating some sort of imperfect balance to help each other out. It's tough; but, we do it and it's so worth it. Who needs sleep anyway, right?! 

With that being said, I got one foot on that plane. But just ask me how I'm feeling a few days before I head out. I'm an anxious mess. I hate leaving my babies. It kills me inside. There's definitely tears (mostly on my end), suffocating hugs, and those inescapable 'maybe I shouldn't go' conversations that always end with my husband bringing me back to reality. I've made daily schedules for Coco, I've put together some outfits for the kids (I've learned to let go of this one, somewhat), set up playdates and Gymboree classes, and touched base with babysitters, grandparents, and friends. A mom's work is never done; not even when I'm 1500 miles away. Expect texts, FaceTime, emails, and random phone calls, because that's just what I do. I'm never 100% detached and I'm okay with that. 

I'm almost overwhelmed with how much time I'm going to have to myself. I don't even know where to begin. Do I read magazines? Do I catch up on old shows? Do I write the forgotten 'thank you' cards from Rocco's baptism or update his baby book? My head is spinning from all the mundane possibilities of what I'm free to do. Here's the thing when you have kids- when you do get those odd moments of 'free time,' whether it's five minutes or five hours, you run with it and make sh$t happen. I'm not saying save the world, I'm talking about having a cup of coffee without interruption, sleep a full 6-8 hours, or sit on the toilet scrolling through your Instagram without anybody bothering you. Do whatever makes you happy with that treasured 'mommy's time out,' because those are few and far between. 

But you know what the best part of going away is? Missing the heck out of my husband and kids and getting to come home after being away. I'm already looking forward to  sleeping like sardines in our bed because there is no better feeling than being with my babies! So let's get this momcation started and leave the guilt baggage at the door! 

We're moving on from 'momcations' to moods, and this all-black-all-faux-leather ensemble is giving off vibes right now. It is easy to pull off and easy to wear. And it all lies in the mood! I channeled my inner 'dark and stormy' with deep vampy lips and tousled tresses. I love the combination of the leather top and the shorts. As a matter of fact, I'm packing a variation of this look for NYFW. I'm trading in the shorts for faux leather joggers! 

Normally, I would slap on a pair of booties with this look but I wanted to change it up a bit- step outside my comfort zone.  I'm showing you how you can dress up this look with a sexy pair of animal-print heels and these Chiffino heels are one of my favorites! I added a pair of gold statement earrings from NY jewelry, Marshellys (www.marshellys.com), because anything else wouldn't make sense with this look. The earrings are modern and sleek but also quite simple. 

Remember, there's a hot mom inside all of us- so bring her out to play- maybe on your next 'momcation!'

On Me: 

faux leather top- Forever 21

faux leather shorts- Forever 21

Heels- Chiffino

Earrings- Marshellys

In Style, 

Kat