I will be back.

I'm still here.  Still learning to live this new life.  It's been a crazy 5 months.  I accepted a new position at a new company, and while it was probably the worst possible timing to take a new job, I needed the fresh start.  Between the new job and the boys starting school, my time for blogging has been zero.  Until I'm ready to blog again, I hope you will follow me on Instagram.  I'm still posting daily outfits and snapshots of our life, and I'd love for you to be a part of that.  You can find me on Instagram under lauschej.  See you there, and I miss this blog very much.

Thanks Gigi for being the best blog friend.

Dillon Maxwell, age 3

I've never met most of you who read my blog.  Still, I feel like over the last year and a half I have gotten to know many of of you.  Gigi was one of my first blogger friends.  I have always loved her blog, and commented there long before starting my own.  She has always been so friendly, funny and real.

When my husband Zack disappeared on May 29th, 2013, Gigi immediately encouraged her blog readers to donate money to Texas Equusearch, the nonprofit volunteer team that organized search parties for Zack.  On June 4th Zack's vehicle and body were found in a rural area north of Cincinnati.  He had taken his own life...and with his life, he has taken a part of my life...and a part of our three young sons' lives.  After the news broke, my best friend from college set up a family fund for our children.  Gigi immediately encouraged blog readers to donate to our family fund.  Amazingly, Gigi  and you, our amazing blog readers from all over the world, donated more than $2200 to the fund.

I can't thank you enough.  To put in in tangible terms: The money that you, as blog readers, raised is enough to send our 3 year old son Dillon to preschool this coming year.  Dillon probably won't remember his dad.  That breaks my heart a thousand times over.  But he will know the kindness of people whom I never met in person, because I will tell him when he is old enough about how you donated your kindness and money to help my family during this tragedy.

I will be grateful to you forever.

"Til Kingdom Come"

"Til Kingdom Come"

Steal my heart and hold my tongue.
I feel my time, my time has come.
Let me in, unlock the door.
I've never felt this way before.

The wheels just keep on turning,
The drummer begins to drum,
I don't know which way I'm going,
I don't know which way I've come.

Hold my head inside your hands,
I need someone who understands.
I need someone, someone who hears,
For you, I've waited all these years.

For you, I'd wait 'til kingdom come.
Until my day, my day is done.
And say you'll come, and set me free,
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me.

In your tears and in your blood,
In your fire and in your flood,
I hear you laugh, I heard you sing,
"I wouldn't change a single thing."

The wheels just keep on turning,
The drummers begin to drum,
I don't know which way I'm going,
I don't know what I've become.

For you, I'd wait 'til kingdom come,
Until my days, my days are done.
Say you'll come and set me free,
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me.
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me.
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me.

 

-Coldplay

Thank You

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.   There are no words to explain what my family has been through, and I can't begin to try.  My heart is broken but my spirit is strong and I am determined to see that my three little boys still experience a wonderful life.  This weekend we took a trip to Norris Lake in Tennessee with four other couples and 14 children total.  This trip had been planned since January and there was no way I could take it away from my boys with all that has already been lost.  The trip was sad and difficult, yet bittersweet and hopeful too.  It was my first time ever taking the kids on a trip by myself, and although I had all my friends there helping us a great deal, I was proud of myself for having the courage to go.  Logan and Liam don't have any experience with lake activities, and within one day both of them were swimming like fish, tubing, jet skiing, and knee boarding.  Little Dillon loved to swim around the dock area with me holding him.  I was so very proud of all of them, yet with each new accomplishment came an overwhelming wave of sadness because Zack wasn't there to see his boys.  He will miss each and every new accomplishment they achieve for the rest of their lives.  And that fact will take my breath away everyday for the rest of my life. 

Despite advice to the contrary I am not going to shut down my blog.  It will definitely change focus somewhat, but ever since I started blogging in April 2012 it has brought me a sense of happiness that I don't want to give up.  I want to share my life with you...and I hope you want to keep reading too.  It won't be updated very often at this point, but as time goes on I will hopefully get back into a routine...a "new normal" as people have told me.  Right now the thought of the future as a big picture is so overwhelming I can't think about it.  I am just taking it day by day.  Helping my boys heal and being strong for them gives me a sense of purpose and pride.  They need me more than ever...and I will never, ever let them down.

Thanks for being here.

Norris Lake with my beautiful boys

Lilly Pulitzer tunic + Banana Republic white skinny jeans

Tunic (size 2): Lilly Pulitzer, 2010
White skinny ankle jeans (size 28): Banana Repulic, here
Gold navajo wedges: Jack Rogers

Tuesday but it feels like Monday doesn't it?  I wore this outfit for a casual day with the kids over Memorial Day weekend.  I've been on the hunt for a pair of white skinny ankle jeans for a while and finally settled on this pair from Banana Republic.  I looked at the reviews online and it seems like not many people like them, most reviews claimed they run small.  I did not find this to be the case.  In fact I was prepared to size up to a 29 because tight white jeans are just no good...but the 28 fit great and the 29 was huge.  They hit right above my ankles and are not too see-through, which is always my concern with white denim.  So I guess try them on and make sure of the sizing, if you order online you may want to order 2 sizes and just return the ones that don't fit.

I'm not really a big tunic-wearer.  I love the look of them on other women but for some reason I always get a frumpy feeling in them.  Not so much with this one, which I have had for years. I always loved it but do not wear it much as I always feel like it goes from being too cold for tunics to too hot in about 5 seconds here in Cincinnati.  Memorial Day weekend here was on the cool side so it was finally the opportunity to wear it.

Do you like tunics?  How do you wear them without feeling frumpy?  Thanks for visiting!

Lindsay Sweater Dress + resort chic wedge by Lilly Pulitzer

Lindsay sweater dress in splash pink roaring stripe (size medium): Lilly Pulitzer, here
Resort chic wedge in island coral:  Lilly Pulitzer, here

Hope everyone is enjoying a long, restful weekend.  My kids are all disasters today, which always happens the day after the sitter lets them stay up late.  As I'm writing this I can hear my 3 year old downstairs whining, "Owwwwwweeeee, oweeeeee" and my husband saying "What happened? What happened?" I am assuming there is no blood or I would have been summoned, so hopefully he has it under control.  Anyway, moving on...

Hello body consciousness!  While I think this sweater dress is gorgeous for a night out, it shows off Every. Single. Curve.  I don't even own a pair of spanx of any sort, but this dress is kind of making me want to go buy some.   This dress is definitely NOT one that will come to mind during a "having a fat day" kind of day. It's more of a "Oh I was so busy I forgot to eat today" kind of dress if you know what I mean.  Ha.  It is actually really comfortable though, and I like the wide waistband.  Plus I got a good ab workout in by sucking in my gut all night.  One word on fit:  Lilly Pulitzer knit dresses that have alpha sizes notoriously run very small.  I take a size small 95% of the time, but in these knit dresses I always take a medium.  You can tell by looking at it that there is no extra room...so if you're ever ordering a Lilly knit dress in S, M, or L...size up!

This wedges look a bit orangier in the photo than IRL...I thought they matched better than this.  But next time I will go with a neutral shoe.  Both the dress and the wedges are from a local Dillard's in Cincinnati that happens to have one of the few department store Lilly Pulitzer sections in the nation.  I can always find great deals there, since Dillard's tends to mark items down much quicker than boutiques.  I was surprised to find this dress still full price on Lilly's website, when I paid around $94.00 for it.  I love feeling like I got a good deal!

Do you like sweater dresses?  Thanks for visiting!

"You look like a ladybug," Factory polka dots + exploded eyelet

Printed boatneck blouse (size small): J.Crew Factory, here
Exploded eyelet pencil skirt: J.Crew Factory, here
Garrah pump in black: Banana Republic, here

On Friday one of my favorite women in all the offices I call on said in her Venezuelan accent, "You look like a ladybug today."  I cracked up!  I totally do look like my favorite bug in this outfit, maybe that's why it appealed to me so much.  I've said this before and I will always maintain that people inadventently love polka dots, whether they know it or not.  Why is that?  Something about the contrast of the dots?  The cheeriness?  It's a mystery. 

I have gone from having very little Factory items in my closet to having quite a few over the past several months.  So many of their items have appealed to me lately, and the prices are so reasonable. Again, I am breaking my own rules by wearing this polyester top, but the material of these boatneck tops from Factory don't bother me at all.  They feel quite nice actually. This top popped back in my size a week or so ago and with the promo Factory was running I paid less than $40. 

I hope you enjoy your long weekend.  We have date night tonight but other than that I just want to be with my boys.   Lately I have realized more than ever that I need to soak it all in while they're still little.  I can't believe my oldest is 8!  I feel like time just slips away.  Thanks for reading!

Review: Soft wash gingham shirt by Banana Republic

Soft wash gingham shirt in pink strawberry (size small): Banana Republic, here
Green shorts (size 6): Banana Republic, summer 2012, check in stores for this year's version
Hamptons Navajo high wedge in gold: Jack Rogers, silver here
Belt: J.Crew

It's ok, you can be honest...I kind of look like a picnic table cloth in this shirt.  I even said that to one of the SA's when I purchased it.  Her response?  "Yeah but if anyone can get away with it, it's you." Hmmmm.  Not sure how to take that comment other than the fact that the entire retail world in Cincinnati knows I unabashedly like all things pink and colorful. So sue me, right?  I love this shirt, picnic table appeal and all.

This shirt also comes in a pretty lavendar gingham and a navy gingham.  Both are also lovely.  The shirt is TTS, so soft and comfy.  I can see myself living in it all summer, with shorts, white jeans, and even over my bathing suit. 

I like posting casual outfits on my blog.  I wore this out to a quite dinner with the family and my dad and his wife.  Trust me, you would have fallen asleep if I would have posted a picture of the boring suit I wore to work today.  This outfit may not be screaming with excitment either, but at least you'll get an idea about how this shirt looks and fits IRL if you are scanning Banana Republic's webiste and are curious. 

I've lost weight lately, mainly because of stress, and it shows... unattactively in the baggy fit of my shorts, pants and skirts.  Not planned, and not good.   Life, you can ease up on me any time now.  I'm waiting.

Thanks for reading!

Lilly Pulitzer's silk Elsa top + tweed

Silk Elsa top with floral cutouts (size small):  Lilly Pulitzer, similar here
Multi-color tweed skirt (size 6): Ann Taylor, spring 2013
Nude Colette pumps:  Tahari
Necklace:  Banana Republic, 2012

The past few days have been long and gut-wrenching as I witnessed a dear friend go through the most profound loss a parent could go through.  I'm not going to talk about it on here, as it's not my story to tell and honestly, it is too terribly sad. But if my face looks worn out in this picture, there is  definitely a good reason.  It's been an emotional few days and my friend's loss made me realize that my son being diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD is a mere blip on the radar compared to what some parents go through.  If you have children, go hug them right now.  Seriously.  Stop reading this, go hug your kids, and come back.  I'll wait.

I wanted something easy and breezy for the humid weather today, so I pulled out this Lilly Pulitzer top I bought a few months ago on clearance but never got around to wearing.  I have a weakness for bright silk tops, and I thought the floral cutouts on the sleeve were something different.  I wasn't sure this top was going to work professionally, but paired with a tweed pencil skirt, I thought it worked out just fine.  I love the color...it reminds me of a summer pool, which I have been craving lately.  A pool, some sunshine, and a margarita.  I'm not sure how my train of thought went from a silk top to a poolside margarita, but whatever.  That's how my mind is working these days. 

Thanks for reading.  I appreciate it so much.

J.Crew's pinwheel eyelet shorts: Breaking my own rules

Pinwheel eyelet shorts (size 6): J.Crew, here
Merino tippi sweater in stripe monach (size small): J.Crew, here
Coral wedges:  Banana Republic, summer 2012

For several years now I staunchly lived under my own made-up rule of "no short-shorts."  I scoffed at women my age who wore them.  "Ridiculous" I thought.  "You're a mother now.  You're in your 30's.  You are too old for short-shorts!"  You know what I have decided for this summer, from this point forward until my legs are old and withered?  Screw that rule!  Why shouldn't I wear short shorts?  When I tried these on, the sweet sales associate told me I had to get them.  That I looked great in them, that my legs looked pretty.  It made me feel really good.  So I bought them.  I am wearing them tonight to a party, and I feel confident in them. Why did I decide years ago that I was too old for shorter shorts? Who knows...I am always very conscious about dressing my age, and not trying to look like I'm still chasing the good old high school and college days.  In any case, I am happy I broke my own silly rule.  Oh, and my husband likes them too.

For sizing reference, these shorts are TTS to a tiny bit on the small size.  Usually a size 6 short at J.Crew are very big on me, and these are fitted...but in a good way.  The sweater is TTS to slightly big.  The material seems thicker than the regular plain tippis, which is surprising considering this is summer sweater.  But I love it.  The butterflies are very nicely done. 

Side note: Both of these items are still full-price online, but they are on sale in-store and an additional 30% off! 

Have a good weekend! 

A retail treasure found at J.Crew Factory

J.Crew Collection silk kerchief paisley skirt (size 6): J.Crew Factory
Pleated blouse (size small): Banana Republic, old
Belt: Nordstrom, 2012
Heels: Sam Edelman, 2012 

Hello Friday, you evasive lovely thing you.  It's wonderful to see you again.  Lately I've found myself working in close proximity to our closest J.Crew Factory.  Which is good and bad.  Good because I can sneak there during lunch and peruse the racks.  Bad because I am very vulnerable to making impulse buys, like this gorgeous skirt I found hanging alone on a clearance rack.  "Is this a Factory item?"  I asked a sales associate.  She said no, that once in a blue moon Factory will receive a random retail item.  "It's been here for a couple days, I can't believe it hasn't sold yet," she said.  "I would buy it immediately if it was my size!"  Of course that peer pressure was all it took for me to try it on and fall in love.  It's a Collection piece with an original price tag of $398.  Say whaaaa?  J.Crew, I love you but sometimes your prices are completely outlandish!  Fortunately the price I paid was more than 75% off that retail price.  I did a quick Google search and not much came up, I'm not even sure what season this is from. But I adore the bright colors, paisley pattern, and thick silk twill material. It's fun to twirl in too.  Come on, you know you twirl around too when you wear a full skirt!

Now my challenge is finding something to wear with it.  I've had the skirt for several weeks but have had trouble styling it.  I always think full skirts look so pretty on other girls, but I struggle a bit with them.  Any top you pair with a full skirt has to be really fitted.  Really, one wrong move with a full skirt and you land sqarely in frumpville, right?  I liked this old coral top I found in my closet, but next time I want to pair it with a fitted black tank.  I barely have any black tops in my closet. 

Have you ever scored a retail piece at a J.Crew Factory?  Thanks for reading, hope your Friday is fantastic!

Don't be Koi

Lulu dress in "don't be koi" (size 6): Lilly Pulitzer, 2010
Heels: Audrey Brooke (DSW)
Aviators:  Anthropologie

One thing I love about Lilly Pulitzer is the clever names of her patterns.  If you look closely this dress pattern is koi fish...hence the pattern name, "don't be koi."  I think clever names for articles of clothing draws us in, that's obviously part of Anthro's charm too, right?  I'm not sure why...probably because as women we are drawn to the cute and the clever. 

If you work, what do you do when you get home as far as clothing goes?  Do you stay in your work clothes all night?  I cannot even imagine!  I get home and literally run upstairs to change that very minute.  Shorts and a Lacoste polo usually in the warmer months, with Jack Rogers navajos.  In the winter I'm even lazier... sweats or jeans and slippers.  Which makes me think if I were a stay at home mom, I'd be a slovenly slob admiring fashion blogs in my stained fleece and flannel jammie pants.  Hey I'm just trying to be transparent here...I dress up for work every day but definitely enjoy my comfort too!  What about you?

Thanks for reading!

Factory boatneck blouse + sunshine peony

Boatneck blouse in pink (size small): J.Crew Factory, spring 2013
Sunshine peony pencil skirt (size 6): J.Crew, spring 2010
Double strand enamel giraffe necklace:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Heels: Joan & David

Sorry for this craaaaazy picture.  My 8 year old son took it and I think he was literally hopping off one of the porch steps as he was taking it.  But I didn't want to not share this OOTD, so here it is, blurry shot and all.  I totally broke my no-polyester pledge by buying this top from Factory.  But it was inexpensive enough that I didn't mind, I love the color, and I've already worn it 2 or 3 times. So I think it was worth the low cost.  And you know what?  I realize I don't worry about it as much as I do my silk blouses, because I know I can just throw it in the washer on gentle/cold.  So I guess maybe, just maybe there can be a tiny space in my wardrobe for poly.  Who would have thought?

I saw this pencil skirt on Apples and Pencil Skirts and then reached for it in my own closet.  It really is such a pretty pattern for spring!

Thanks for visiting and I hope your week is off to a great start!

Happy Mother's Day!

I love my mom

Happy Mother's Day to all of you hardworking, amazing beautiful mothers out there.  Life is short.  And precious.  And painful sometimes.  Hug your kids, hug your mom today.  If you don't have a mom or kids hug someone else.  I'm so thankful to still have my mom.  I'm thankful to have three healthy kids.   I'm the youngest of 4 children.  My mom always wanted 6 but had to stop at 4...I like to tease her and say she stopped once she had the perfect child.  She laughs at me.

Thanks for reading! 

Tipped blazer + Floral variety skirt

Tipped blazer (size 6): Banana Republic, spring 2012
Natasha top in modern red (size 6): J.Crew, 2012
Floral variety pencil skirt (size 6): Loft, spring 2013
Heels: Joan & David
Handbag:  Kate Spade

First of all, thank you SO much for all of your wonderfully supportive comments yesterday.  They mean the world to me and I mean that.  I am always amazed at the kindness of others...simply taking the time to reach out and tell me your story, or tell me it will be ok...each word was greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Last time I wore this skirt, I paired it with a bright blazer and navy top.  Today I reversed it and went with the navy jacket.  I can't decide which pairing I prefer, but I do love how versatile and cheerful this skirt is.  I hope Loft continues to surprise us with pretty cotton items!

So I want to share with you an adorable Mother's Day gift my sweet middle son made for me.  He was so proud to present it to me today after school.  I will look at this picture every day and think of my relief to know that he finally has a diagnosis of dyslexia (and ADHD):

See how 2013 is written all backwards?  Awww it breaks my heart.  But it's so sweet at the same time.  I will smile every  time I look at this sweet picture. 

Thanks for reading and thanks especially for all the kind words!  I'm just a regular mom with a job and a family who happens to love clothes, and I love to share this little part of my life with all of you.  It is so amazing that you read my little blog and take the time to offer your comments, it is more wonderful than I can verbalize.  Thank you!  Have a great weekend! 

Anthropologie's Limabird Cardigan by Tabitha

Limabird cardigan by Tabitha (size small): Anthropologie, holiday 2012
Eyelet skirt (size 6): J.Crew, summer 2012
Heels: Tahari

Do I match my lush green background or what?  I can't tell you how excited I get when I can grab an item I love at Anthropologie on second markdown.  This cardigan is like nothing else in my closet, and I adore the details and colors. It's sold out online but it is marked from $128 to $40 right now if you can find it in-store. 

What I don't adore?  The fact that I ripped a big ol' hole on the side of this skirt on the rough, 100 year old door jamb of my front door.  Noooooo!  This is only the 3rd time I have worn this skirt!  Luckily my mom has a good friend who can work miracles with tailoring so hopefully it's not a goner.  It's totally my luck of late that I would do something so clumsy though!

I like to keep things light and fun on this blog usually.  It is a personal style blog, after all.  Nothing too serious, you know?  But lately my life has gotten a little stressful.  My middle son, age 6, was recently diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD.  We have to make some pretty important decisions about his future and school over the next few weeks, and it's completely overwhelming to me, and a little sad.  I don't want him to struggle his whole life, and I want to do what is best for him.  Sometimes it sucks to have to be the responsible grown-up and make such life-altering decisions!  So if I've been quiet lately...that's why.  Just a lot on my mind. 

Thanks for reading! 

Nautical sequins for Cinco de Mayo

Nautical sequin tank (size smalL): J.Crew Factory, here
Toothpick jean in garment dyed twill (size 28 long): J.Crew, summer 2012
Nude heels:  Franco Sarto
Monogram necklace:  Local boutique (The Pink Box)

Yes, my face says it all in these pictures:  Too. Much. Partying.  I will definitely be reigning it in this coming weekend.  A Cinco de Mayo party right on the heels of Derby, and 1st Communion nearly did me in!  I thought this sequin tank and bright jeans were just festive enough for the occassion.  I mean, who can't get behind jeans the color of a frozen margarita, right?  

And now it's Monday again, cruel as ever.  I am definitely in need of a full 8 hours of beauty sleep tonight! 

Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?  Please tell me my friends and I are not the only ones looking for any excuse for a cocktail?

Thanks for visiting!

J.Crew Factory printed Cora dress

Printed Cora dress in bold orange (size 6): J.Crew Factory, here
Handbag: Kate Spade, spring 2012
Coral wedges:  Banana Republic, summer 2012

I have never been away from the blog for so long, and I really missed it!  First communion week, Derby week, and other commitments coincided to make this past week busier than I could have ever imagined!  I promise to catch up on comments and on your blogs as soon as possible!

I bought the printed Cora dress a couple of weekends ago when Factory was offering the 50% off everything promotion. (What a GREAT promotion, right?) I love it so much and I wore it to my son's First Communion.  If you're considering it, I say it is TTS to slightly big.  I am wearing a 6 with plenty of room but couldn't have sized down to a 4 due to my chest.  Now my bag and shoes may be too matchy-matchy for more daring ladies...but for my logical, analytical tendancies, I loved the coordination of it all.

On Friday, we also had the great fortune of once again attending the Kentucky at Churchill Downs.  This is the day of racing the precludes the Kentucky Derby, and it is so much fun.  There are 100,000 people in attendance, and you see just as many fabulous dresses, hats, and men's suits as on the day of the Derby.  I'm terribly forgetful at getting a full shot of my dress, but here is nearly a full length shot of me and my husband.  We're standing in the paddock area of Churchill:

My dress: Lilly Pulitzer, 2010 I think?
Hat: Nordstom Rack
His tie:  Lilly Pulitzer

It is always a fantastic day.  So a very busy, very exhausting, weekend for us! 

Thanks for visiting! 

Gap's chambray academy blazer

Chambray academy blazer (size 6): Gap, sold out online, check stores
Navy silk ruffle cami: J.Crew, old
No 2 wool pencil skirt in neon azalea (size 6): J.Crew, 2012
Heels: Joan & David

Polka dots and chambray seemed like a good way to chase away the cloudy Monday blues.  If you can still find this blazer grab it!  I bought it online for around $50 and was pleasantly surprised by the great quality.  I usually don't have much luck at Gap...but this blazer is great for work and casual wear.  I love the kelly green sleeve lining too.  Also see it on AppGal here.  The best thing about a chambray blazer is that, just like chambray button-downs, it goes with everything.  I'm looking forward to creating more outfits around it.

Thanks for visiting!

A stripe, a peplum, and a bubble

Striped peplum hem short sleeve sweater (size small): Loft, other colors here
Jeans:  Seven for all Mankind
Flats:  Coach
Bubble necklace & earrings in neon azalea:  J.Crew, 2012

I was going to say something about this being a simple outfit, but then again, with the stripes, the peplum, and the bubble necklace going on...maybe it's not so simple after all.  I wore this for a regular Sunday of errands, grocery shopping, and an outing with the kids.  I bought this peplum sweater at Loft for $20 several weeks ago but never got around to wearing it because it's been so cold.  Now it appears that the white/black striped combo is sold out online, but other colors are still left.  I love this little top and it sure is a steal right now.  The material is very thin and soft and the fit is TTS.  I hope the peplum trend sticks around for a long, long time because it's so flattering and feminine.  Anyway, it's a fun little top that probably won't last for the next 5 years but for $20 or less it's a fun way to get on the peplum trend.

Hope you all had a great weekend.  Now for your dose of weekend boy cuteness here is a picture of my three sons.  They were throwing rocks in the Ohio River on the banks of Newport, Kentucky, right across the river from downtown Cincinnati.  We keep it classy folks!

Thanks for visiting!