Cloudfeel Espadrille Sandal \\ Straw Hat \\ Button Down Blouse \\ Distressed Denim \\ Straw Crossbody \\ Sunglasses
Happy Monday! I’m partnering with Cole Haan to share a new sandal from their women’s line. It’s crazy how comfortable this espadrille sandal is. The word ‘cloudfeel’ is in the name and they aren’t kidding – holy amazing!
Chris was very jealous of this partnership consider he is one of Cole Haan’s biggest customers. He LOVES their shoes and now I know why. Every time we are shopping in store, I always try on shoes from their women’s selection. They are stylish, versatile and extremely comfy.
The Cloudfeel Espadrille Sandal is available in four colors. I went with white because I wanted a comfy shoe to carry me through summer. I can just see this shoe paired with a flowy maxi dress at the beach! I also think the rose is a great neutral option. The sandal pairs perfectly with distressed denim and a button down blouse.
The fit is true to size.
We love ordering from Cole Haan because they offer FREE shipping plus free returns and exchanges. You can always order more than one size and send back the option that doesn’t work. That way you are guaranteed to get something that works the first time!
Now that you know a little more about my outfit, I wanted to give you a little life update. Collins is 11 weeks old today. I have no idea where the time has gone. It’s weird because it feels like just yesterday my water broke but at the same time it feels like she’s been with us for years. I’ve loved every single second of being her mom. It’s the toughest, yet most rewarding job of all time.
Last Friday, I had a mini breakdown. I felt like I had one millions things on my plate and I was being stretched so thin that I freaked out. I am pretty chill and go with the flow but letting so much stress build up plus trying to accomplish everything on my to do list is NOT a good combination.
I was letting the comparison game get the best of me. We all struggle with this. It’s hard not to when everyone is sharing how perfect their life is in tiny squares all day, every day. As often as I remind myself that social media is usually just the highlight reel, I still get stuck comparing what I’m doing to those around me.
I’m juggling several jobs right now. I’m a wife, a mom (a new mom at that), an entrepreneur and a boss. I run a business that thrives and grows based off how much I put into it. Basically, if I stop posting, I stop making money, plain and simple. I love what I do so much but there is a ton of hard work that goes into it day in and day out.
There have been so many times since Collins’ was born that I’ve worried that I’m not doing “enough” for my blog and for my followers. Have I shared enough clothes for the spring? Should I do another try on session? Should I add more brand collaborations to my monthly schedule? I sound crazy, I know, but it’s just the truth about how I feel. I also love doing the things mentioned about and oftentimes it doesn’t even feel like work. That is a blessing an a curse. It also doesn’t help that I’m a doer and can’t sit still for long. I would drive myself crazy if I had taken a proper maternity leave – which FYI, in this industry, there is no such thing as a maternity leave. I thrive as a human when I am busy and “doing” things. But I think there needs to be some balance between doing all the things and taking a break.
Of course Collins is getting everything from me that she needs. Being her mom is my first priority and I would 100% drop anything to make sure that she is taken care of properly. At the same time, I’m not simply just a stay at home mom. Running Loverly Grey requires a lot of work and isn’t just a hobby like it once was. I’m so thankful that I have my mom close by to watch Collins three days a week so I can work. I’ve definitely cut back on the hours spent blogging each week but that’s just where I am right now.
So what is my solution to this breakdown? I don’t know all the answers but I know it’s got to start with rest. And being okay with taking the weekend off to spend time with family and not worrying about what could be happening on Loverly Grey. Stopping the comparison game before it even starts. No one is perfect and this last part will be hard to do but it’s possible!
I’m sharing all of this with you today to admit that I am struggling with something that I know others struggle with too. If you look at my page and watch my stories and think that “I have it all together” and “I bounced back so quick after having a baby”, just know that there is so much more going on behind the scenes. I’m human and I have struggles too.
Thank you so much for reading today’s post. This post is sponsored by Cole Haan. As always, all opinions are my own.
Photos by KVC Photography
comments
Thank you for opening up and being so honest about this new season of life. I work a corporate job all day, then try to run my blog in my off-hours, plus be all the other things i need to be for those around me. My dad was recently diagnosed with a serious disease, and that has almost been the tipping point for me. Life is hard – just stay focused on your priorities and remain as graceful as you always are…you’ll get through it!
It’s so nice to hear a genuine admission that we are HUMAN! I’m just an admirer & a follower, but I do know adding a baby in the mix totally changes your dynamics, especially when life is already busy to begin with. And you should never have to apologize for that! Most everyone is happy & excited to share your joyous moments & expect you will have days when you or Collins aren’t feeling well; that’s life! If you feel you’re “slacking off” your posting, do posts on her new baby items that work for you or like you just did about the nursing friendly tops. Moms will love you for it. And still enjoy your posts as much as ever. I do! ?
I love your heart and your honesty. As someone who has been following you for several years now, I want to say that if you took the weekend off every week – yes, we would miss you, but we’re not going anywhere! What you have built and what you share is so trustworthy and that will last even if you take some time for you. I love the thought of bloggers taking a true “sabbath.” I think as influencers, people will see you taking a day off from social media and want to do the same! Kind of a cool idea. Love you friend! And seriously might be purchasing this entire outfit ??
I can’t imagine how crazy things must be for u with Collins and running Loverly Grey. You are doing a great job and if you cut out a post or two, never worry, your followers will keep loving you all the same! Your outfits are always spot on and I love seeing Collins. Glad u had the weekend at your parents! You r awesome!❤️❤️??
I so appreciate your honesty! I’m a new mom too (16 months in, it still feels new!) and I also own my own business, so my mom/work structure is super flexible. It is definitely a blessing and a curse not having defined time for each! Thanks for sharing your struggles, and I hope you take comfort in knowing you’re not alone, in the same way I took comfort in you sharing! Hang in there, you’re killing it!
Good for you being honest and candid. Too many bloggers pretend everything is always giggles, coos and under control. You’re INCREDIBLE for doing all you do as a new mom!! This honesty is refreshing and needed for other new moms to read and feel relieved when they feel the same way.
I’m also a doer and struggle with the days that are just laundry, diapers, nursing and naps. It can give you major cabin fever!
This post touched me – thank you for your honesty. I am a new mom as well and work a full-time corporate job. The struggle is real and, from what I hear, it doesn’t get lighter, we just get better at handling it all. Hopefully we will also become more forgiving of ourselves. For what it is worth, we (the readers) understand that you have a lot going on just now and, for the record, you are doing a great job. Being a parent is an incredible gift that takes a lot of time, energy and patience. At different stages in life you will have different priorities. It will not always be your kids. It will not always be work. It will not always be you or your husband. That’s okay. It will shift and you will ride the waves. Trust yourself and make sure that you are still a priority (at least every once in a while). Keep up the great work.
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this! I had my second baby a week after you had Collins, and I have treasured getting to walk this maternity and motherhood journey with you. Not to mention I’ve bought so many nursing friendly tops that you’ve shared. You’ve helped me figure out how to dress again for this season of life. I had my own meltdown a couple weeks ago feeling like I’m working so hard and everything yet not doing enough for anything. Am I paying enough attention to my 2 year old? Am I enjoying and savoring and noticing my baby enough? Am I making sure my husband feels loved and appreciated? Is my house clean enough? Am I getting my to do list done? Am I focusing too much on my to do list and missing the moments? And let’s not talk about my body. And how in the world will I be ready to go back to work in a couple weeks?? ?? thank you for your authenticity and vulnerability to remind others like me that we’re not alone. You’re doing such a great job juggling everything and are an encouragement to many. Thank you! Way to go mama!!
Hi Brittany~
I have been following you for a couple of years now, and I have really enjoyed your content and LOVE seeing Collins on your stories. I always look forward to your try-ons and get great ideas. It has been amazing to see your growth and you should definitely be very proud! That being said, I noticed that you weren’t on stories as much in the last several days and I was worried! ( I feel like you’re my friend ?) I can only imagine the temptation to get sucked in to comparing yourself to others in your industry. I have three children- a 17 year old daughter and twin boys who are 15. My daughter, Caroline, is a junior in high school and in the process of looking at colleges. It is a very stressful time! But I always say to her- “stay in your lane – don’t focus on what others are doing- this is YOUR path” Basically – u do u! You have worked hard to gain the following you have- we like you and look forward to what you are sharing- that is not going to disappear! One of the reasons, I think ,is because you are so relatable and I don’t ever get the impression from you that life is perfect and everything is wonderful- you are juggling a lot— just like the rest of us! Give yourself grace my friend- you are awesome! Xoxo
As one of your ‘newer’ followers I have been incredibly impressed with your transition into motherhood as well as your ability to still provide and care for your followers. I am a female physician and see the ‘mom struggle’ all the time as well social media driving anxiety, depression, and feeling inadequate. I think you did a great job at hitting the nail on the head on how this affects not only you but other women every day. I think you are doing an amazing job and only wish the best for you and your new family, take all the time and rest you need girl!
Thank you for sharing! I too struggle with the am I doing enough on the social media game. We can not compare ourselves to others. We will drive ourselves mad! I enjoy watching your stories & reading your blog. You are a fashion icon for me. I’m in between that age of crop tops & pant suits so I never know what to wear. You have great taste that is still young & hip, but also professional. Keep rocking sis! 🙂 You’re doing better than you think!
Girl, you are totally awesome. Enjoy that baby. I love you and your blog and I’m 65 years old! The comparison game still even creeps into my thoughts at times and I’m retired. I think it’s just the type of personality I have. Take care of you and your family and it will all fall into place. You will struggle with this for the rest of your life as your children grow up and life continues to get busier and busier. I know I was good mom but nothing is easy at times. Hang in there! You are awesome.
You’re doing great & hang in there, you’ll find the balance!
I love the rawness & how you shared that your business isn’t just a typical stay at home mom type job that some may think it is — I get this all the time in my business too.
Many people think being a realtor means I just stay at home all day when in reality I’m basically working 24/7 with no off switch!
It’s hard to find that balance. I’m still trying & I applaud you for trying to do so as well!
Hey I love those new old navy jeans! What size are u wearing? I’d love to order a pair.