Sweater: Dress Barn | Dress: Kohl's (Elle)
Necklace: grandmother's | Boots: Big Buddha
Necklace: grandmother's | Boots: Big Buddha
I just bought this dress yesterday. Do you always have to wear something new right after you buy it? I do! This beauty was only $6 at Kohl's. I was shopping for work pants for David, but ended up with two dresses instead. I love the other one I bought even more than this one, but it wasn't breastfeeding friendly, whereas this was low-cut enough that I could nurse in, so this one won out for Mass. I'll wear the other to work tomorrow.
I was proud that I thought to accessorize today and actually threw on a necklace. I got this from my grandmother's jewelry box after she passed away. I'm not sure where it's from, but if I had to guess, it would be QVC. Grandma loved to shop from home.
This is only the third week of posting my Sunday outfits and already two pieces are making a second appearance. I wore this cardigan last week and these boots two weeks ago (and several more times than that in between Sundays).
This week I want to talk about what I'm NOT wearing more than what I am. Other than mascara, I'm not wearing makeup. That's right, I didn't wear makeup to church today. If you read my recent post about my post-baby body, you know how I've struggled with anything-but-clear skin since Lucia was born (eleven months ago yesterday). My self-esteem has taken a huge hit in the meantime. But my skin has been getting better, maybe because I'm a little less stressed, maybe because I've been taking fish oil supplements thanks to a suggestion from Stacy, or maybe because my hormones are starting to get "back to normal". Even though my face is getting better though, it's still not clear. I have many scars and marks. I've had it on my heart recently to wear less makeup and since we were running a little late getting out of the house this morning, I took that as a sign. I don't think God minded that I showed up bare-faced, and surprisingly, I was pretty at peace with how I looked during Mass. Before you call me brave, though, I'll admit that there was no way that I would have put up a close up picture of myself without makeup. Maybe I'll get to that point at sometime, but I'm not there yet.
This week I want to talk about what I'm NOT wearing more than what I am. Other than mascara, I'm not wearing makeup. That's right, I didn't wear makeup to church today. If you read my recent post about my post-baby body, you know how I've struggled with anything-but-clear skin since Lucia was born (eleven months ago yesterday). My self-esteem has taken a huge hit in the meantime. But my skin has been getting better, maybe because I'm a little less stressed, maybe because I've been taking fish oil supplements thanks to a suggestion from Stacy, or maybe because my hormones are starting to get "back to normal". Even though my face is getting better though, it's still not clear. I have many scars and marks. I've had it on my heart recently to wear less makeup and since we were running a little late getting out of the house this morning, I took that as a sign. I don't think God minded that I showed up bare-faced, and surprisingly, I was pretty at peace with how I looked during Mass. Before you call me brave, though, I'll admit that there was no way that I would have put up a close up picture of myself without makeup. Maybe I'll get to that point at sometime, but I'm not there yet.
I'm linking up to Fine Linen and Purple's What I Wore Sunday linkup. Check it out for more church attire inspiration.
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Good for you! I wore makeup today and was reminded of how much time I am normally able to save by not wearing it.
ReplyDeleteYou look great.
LOVE that dress! You are just too cute.
ReplyDeleteA little tip for the make-up (if you ever want to wear it but are in a hurry) is to keep the essentials in a little zipper bag in your purse or the car. That's what I do and then I make hubby drive and I do my make-up on the way. Works out great!
The outfit is adorable. I hope your skin continues to get better, but happy to hear that it didn't keep you from going to Mass!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I did to get my terrible skin to clear up and to fade my scarring was start to wash it with a paste of baking soda and water. It gets your skin super clean and it's gentle, but very very exfoliating, which helps with scars. I then follow up with witch-hazel. All natural! Your skin really doesn't look bad, though.
ReplyDeleteSo glad it's improving! Not only do I love that dress, but those colors look great on you!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous. Great colors on you!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! And good for you taking the plunge skipping makeup. I get self conscious about my complexion too, but I've found that going without makeup a few times a week actually boosts my self-confidence. It's probably good for your skin too!
ReplyDeleteMandi, you are gorgeous! I have been struggling with my skin a lot too, lately--I quit using Proactiv after 9 years in an attempt to clean up my beauty routine before possible pregnancy, and it's been such a battle for me, too. So inspired by your barefaced beauty! Seriously! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteOH Mandy...I hear you with the face "issues." First of all, you look beautiful and I had no idea (nor did anyone else) that you weren't wearing make-up. My husband always says he loves when I don't wear any...not that I really follow that lead. It's nice to have a little mascara at least :) Seriously though, for years I struggled with terrible acne. I had done everything...I mean everything (!), but it wasn't until I went to the dermatologist and she recommended a strong topical prescription that my world changed forever. I will have to look and see what it was if you're ever interested...miracle in a bottle, no lie. Love the dress by the way! Sorry for writing a novel :/
ReplyDeleteThe blue is such a great color on you! I can't believe the dress was only $6. Such a steal! You inspired me to go boot shopping, by the way. I love the dress and boots look!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was brave enough to wear less makeup! You look beautiful in this picture, but I understand the self conscious feeling . Way to go!
That is a gorgeous outfit! I would have never guessed you skipped
ReplyDeletemakeup! I hear ya with the skin, before during and after pregnancy (for me).
Obviously, hormones are the main issue and you can't control what they
do. I've found that with me during this postpartum time (my baby is 7
months old) that drinking tons of water when I feel a breakout coming
(along with taking my fish oil and other supplements) has made a big
difference. I also started using a simple tea tree oil wash from Trader
Joe's and Philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer. All in all, my skin
is doing better than ever! I wish I could tell my teenage self to just drink more water. I think that would have eliminated much of the problem back then!
Oh, and I'm the exact same way with new clothes! My husband makes fun of me for it all the time.
ReplyDeleteGreat color combination. You look lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou look adorable! I love the boots! I completely understand what you're saying about your insecurities with your skin. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago and it makes me break out horribly. I went all through high school and college without a zit and now I have a crater face. Unfortunately the face can't be covered with a sweater so it can make you feel very sensitive. I'm glad that it is starting to heal up for you. I'm going to have to try out that fish oil idea. Take care :)
ReplyDeleteThat dress is adorable! Kohl's is the best!
ReplyDeleteLiterally my first thought when I saw you pic was "dang!" You look great and I love the pose. hahah! Pretty dress, cute accessories, and great hair too!!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful first of all! and secondly {this might be a little long, sry} My face freaked out after I had my son. It was like torture for me. I have always struggled with acne and I felt like I was back at the place when i was my worst. Pregnancy will do that to you i guess with the all the hormones and such. Anyway I stopped BF at 12 months and got off birth control {sorry, i'm not catholic so i have used bc on and off} After that my face started clearing up. It wasn't perfect but it was better. Then you know once a month my face would blow up again and it would take three weeks to get back to normal only to blow up again b/c it was that time of the month. I found this "secret" for acne on a blog and figure eh why not try it, what do i have to loose? The secret was Apple Cider Vinegar! Can you believe that? I have been using it 2x a day for probably about 2-3 months now. {i did a little over half a water bottle of vinegar and the other part water} I just use a cotton ball and apply to my face like you would with any astringent. My acne is not completely gone but my face doesn't blow up with breakouts anymore I am back to getting only 2-3 littles at a time. And I have noticed that they go away faster and they don't really leave a scar either. I just thought I would share since I feel like this simple homemade solution really helped me. Maybe it will help you too! Its worth a shot :)
ReplyDelete