Almost time...

...for a little shopping for mama.

Despite having found some real gems (my flutter-sleeve milkstars top is ridiculously flattering and comfy - and practical) online in the past few weeks and awaiting the arrival of more at my mama's house (shipped them there so I'd be sure to have them on our "vacation"), I'm jonesin' for some real shopping.

I'm sure I'll get frustrated and feel like a big cow in the dressing room (just part of the transition from M clothes to "real" clothes), but I'm excited. I'm feeling pretty good, and my Beans are relatively cooperative when it comes to being out and about. That means my mama and I can take them to the Exton Square Mall - or maybe even King of Prussia - and hit a couple of stores.

Yes, I'm going mall shopping.

For me right now - in transitional sizes - it's the most practical. It also helps that we're transitioning between seasons; I'm hoping for some sales.

On the list: a couple of pairs of pants, a skirt or two, and maybe some new shoes. I'd love to have more skirts than slacks, but so far, I'm not terribly inspired by what's out there. A simple denim skirt (lordy, am I having flashbacks there) will probably suffice, plus the black pleated one I ordered and have waiting for me at grandma's house.

My treat to myself, though (other than the massage my mama's making me get)? I'll see what fanciness I can find at Malena's. Like I've mentioned before, this is a gem of a vintage store (also reachable online) owned and expertly run by a childhood friend of my sister's (aka prettyinpink). She's always got a scarf or purse or buckle or pair of brilliantly gaudy earrings I just have to have. Unfortunately, even without the baby weight, I'm usually to Germanically-boned for vintage clothing, and my size 9s are usually too long for vintage shoes, but I can accessorize (what's that word? as Fancy Nancy* says) 'til the cows come home - and they will, up in southeastern PA, where I'll be spending the next week...

*Fancy Nancy is a gloriously diva-ish little girl who frequents a series of children's books. One of The Bean's favorite "aunts" brings her new installments in the series (sticker books, flip out books - the latest and most popular so far) when she visits. Thanks, BlueSuitGirl, for cultivating my daughter's interest in All Things Fancy.

Warning: Mama Post Ensuing

Apologies in advance to those of you without kids...but read on if you know anybody with young'uns or expecting - I'd be thrilled to get these as a gift.

In the two and a half years since The Bean arrived, mamastyle has evolved. If you remember my posts back then (and I've alluded to them now), I was jonesin' to wear a dress. As a primary source of nutrition for my Beans, I have to wear things that provide easy, discrete access. And pulling a dress over one's head just won't do the trick. So "back then," I had a few nursing camis in black and white, but the couple of shirts I tried were just atrocious. Always faux-wrap, always boring. So I resorted to button downs and nursing camis layered under Ts or other light shirts.

This time around, even the nursing camis have gotten better. While I haven't managed to master the sling nurse, the company that makes my sling now also makes "hands free" nursing camis. Only in black and white, sure, but the detail on the bodice is very flattering, and the length is comforting and slimming to a mama trying to loose the Bean weight. I can't say I'd wear one on its own, but the shelf bra is substantial - and comfortable - enough for at least upper-medium endowed mamas. So maybe when it's hot outside I'd throw on the black with some easy bottoms for a jaunt to the playground.

And in the more stylish department, thank you to Daily Candy Kids (did you know there was one?) for the tip on milkstars. Sigh. Fabulous. Wear them with your favorite (and I use the term VERY loosly - they're god-awful) nursing bra, they have bright colors any fashionista would be proud to don. I've already tried two - the Michelle and the Jenny. After wearing each for a day, I wanted to order more. Softest, softest knit, they feel luxurious (hey, I'll take what I can get in this time when I can barely manage to wash my hair), and their ingenious construction - full panel layer on the inside - offers access discrete enough for an "open air" playground nurse for even the boob-skittish.

So like I said, even if you don't have or aren't expecting any little ones, and you're struggling to find a new mama gift (the baby gets plenty - mama needs a little attention, please) for a friend, go buy. Now.