Father-son fashion

I'm a sucker for handsome dads and sons (well, especially the ones who belong to me).   We had a really special event last weekend, and I thought my guys looked especially handsome.  Just thought I'd share!

 (On a fashion note, all little boy suits are J. Crew, Dad's seersucker suit is Ralph Lauren, his gray suit is J. Crew.)

OUTFIT: Mama's day out

OUTFIT DETAILS: 
Activity: Brooklyn Museum Costume exhibit at the Legion of Honor, shopping the boutiques and resale shops along West Portal Street around Vicente Street (San Francisco)

Blazer: thrifted (similar)
Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Pants: Gap, thrifted and refashioned to bring flared legs in (similar)
Shoes: Michael Kors, via ebay (similar)
Bracelet: Magnolia Farms store, Waco, TX (similar)
Earrings: vintage - purchased that day! (similar)
Necklace: Boutique in Gruen, TX (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs (similar)

It was a landmark day.  The first day my baby was going to be away from me at a school-like environment (since he starts 4K this fall, I suppose it's time to prepare him!).  He's only ever been with a friend or family member when not with us, so it was a big event for the whole family.  Mom got a day off, Dad got a morning off, and Gavin got to see what it was like to be at "school" (actually a gymnastics day camp).  

I'm happy to report that both activities were successful.  And, of course, Mom had to celebrate her mom's day out with an appropriate non-kid-friendly outfit and appropriate non-kid-friendly activities.  I did bring an extra Shout wipe, in case of stains, but amazingly didn't require it.  (Probably something to do with the kid-free status?)

If you're in the San Francisco area, and were debating about getting the the costume exhibit at the Legion of Honor before it ends on July 19, go!  It's pretty amazing.  Not cheap ($41 a ticket), but some amazing examples of dresses that are testaments to engineering and design.  Just incredible.  

OUTFIT: Casual cute

OUTFIT DETAILS: 
Activity: Family fun day at Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Tee: Forever 21 (exact) (reviewed here)
Plaid shirt (tied around waist): thrifted (similar)
Shorts: ebay (similar)
Belt: Lands' End, old (similar)
Sandals: Piperlime, old (similar)
Necklace: ebay (similar)
Earrings: ebay (similar)
Watch: Kenneth Cole, old (similar)
Bracelet: old (similar)
Lipstick: Revlon "Certainly Red" (exact)

I find California oddly hard to dress for.  Here in San Francisco in the "summer", the weather varies from the 50's to the low 70's, so you wear layers for that range of temperatures.  But, if you leave San Francisco, you're going to immediately encounter a completely different range of temperatures, more like 70's to 100's.  So you have to plan accordingly - leaving your home in weather in the 50's, but probably arriving somewhere with much warmer temperatures (and sun!).  

There's also the challenge of dressing for the right range of occasions.  You know what I mean - how do you look appropriate and comfortable for a casual beach boardwalk day that might end in a semi-fancy restaurant or shop?  I hate feeling under or over dressed, so it's a real accomplishment when I hit the right range.

So, this is what I chose for a (really fun!) family day trip to Santa Cruz.  It felt right, both according to the climate and the occasions we encountered during the day.  The accessories give it a step up from tee shirt and shorts, especially bright earrings and a belt.  The shirt around the waist was a useful layer, and if it happens to be trendy right now.... hey, I won't complain!

OUTFIT: Seeing stars

And here's a bonus with my date night cutie (he was mid-mustache experiment) - Sorry for the bad quality, the "selfie" side of the phone doesn't take great pics):

Blazer: ebay (similar)
Top: Forever 21 +, currently sold out (similar)
Jeans: LOFT (similar)
Shoes: Cole Haan (exact) (reviewed here)
Bracelets: large one was my grandmother's, smaller two are thrifted (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Craft Fair (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs (similar) 

Date nights are rare and special affairs when you live thousands of miles from family (aka trusted babysitters).  So, this one was a most anticipated event.  Remembering this top was a happy thought that helped me pull the rest of the outfit together.  As comfortable as a tee, but a slightly different shape than I usually wear, this drapey, button-back blouse made me feel slightly fancier than normal, but just as comfortable. Note to self: remember to look at my hanging clothes for casual outfits, too!  I always look to my tee-shirts when I'm not dressing up too much, but there's no reason my blouses can't get some casual-time love, too!