PGH Fashion Week

This week kicks off Pittsburgh Fashion Week and I can honestly say I am so excited, especially since this is my first time attending the runway show.  Yesterday a local publication, Social Butterfly Magazine, hosted an event at Chocolate Moonshine & Co to celebrate the beginning of Fashion Week here in Pittsburgh.  Besides being surrounded by fun, fashion & food, I had the chance to interact with some of the area’s most influential creatives.

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They say to stay close to the ones that inspire you, and let me just say these girls are goals!  It’s so amazing to be surrounded by such motivated, strong women.  I love seeing everyone’s individual style, hearing their stories and having the chance to learn from them.

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Yesterday, I decided last minute to layer this shift dress from Vintage Grace Boutique underneath this lightweight, sleeveless trench from Versona; both local shops.  Lately I have found myself more inspired by the pressure of procrastination rather than planning my outfits in advance.  I finished this look with my peep toe booties from Stitch Fix and my favorite faux leather bag from Amazon.

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As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

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Fashion, Depression & Motherhood

Well, once again, life happened & the blog took a backseat.  It’s been one hell of a busy summer full of camping, swimming, traveling etc. etc. When I’ve managed to get some “me” time I haven’t felt fully motivated to write anything besides a quick Instagram post.  However, as I sit here on this beautiful Sunday morning with the windows open & coffee in hand I find myself inspired to write something. 

On one of my recent Instagram posts I reintroduced myself and why I started blogging.  As much as I tend to overshare with my friends & family, I am not always as open about my life on social media, besides what I’m wearing/eating.  Today I am taking a little bit of a risk & opening up about myself….

My name is Laura & I live in Wexford, PA with my husband & little man, hence the name The Wexford Housewife.  I recently turned 33 & although my 30’s scared me when I was younger, I am embracing the hell out of them now!  With age comes experience and I’ve learned to keep close the ones you love & rid life of toxicity including people, habits and feelings.

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I went to school for Fashion which gave me the opportunity to live in LA & NYC but in the end I put down my roots in Pittsburgh which is where I met my husband.  Long story short, we met on Match.com, got married 2 years later & now have an energetic, full of life 4 year old boy named Stone.

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After having our son I had post partum depression which I didn’t acknowledge until a year later.  Looking back it was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced.  I was overwhelmed with my new role as a mother & didn’t talk about it in fear of being viewed as a failure.  Excuse my language, but motherhood is fucking hard!  The anxiety I felt put pressure on my marriage, causing my husband & I to constantly argue and be at odds.  He tried to understand what I was going through, but I couldn’t help but feel alone, unappreciated, and angry.  I was mad at myself for leaving my full-time job & becoming a stay at home mom, I was mad at my husband for, well everything, I was made at my son for not sleeping or nursing…. I was just mad.  I finally met with my doctor and was put on medication which to be honest was a godsend.  I had experienced depression & anxiety previously but nothing like this.  I know medication isn’t for everyone but it works for me.  I finally felt like I could breath again, that a dark cloud was lifted & I could finally be me.

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Being a SAHM is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had.  Once I finally got the hang of it, a year later lol, I needed something to regain my identity & call my own which is why I started The Wexford Housewife.  Throughout the years I have found other creative outlets like being a  member of Style Collective & GrlPwrPgh, I am also a Senior Stylist for Stitch Fix & will soon be helping my husband with his landscaping business.  They say idle hands are the devils playground, and I’ve learned the hard way I need to stay busy or my mind runs wild.

Through all of this madness I have learned that it’s okay to ask for help.  It’s okay to talk about things that aren’t normally discussed.  It’s okay to open up about feelings of failure, depression & anxiety.  At 33, I finally feel like I know who I am and what I want from life.  I feel healthy & happy.  I am so blessed to have such a supportive husband, a strong-willed little man, family that loves me continuously regardless of my mood, and a tribe of friends that are ride or die!

If you’ve made it through this entire post, I thank you!  If anything, I hope that me opening up helps someone else reading this and to know that you are not alone.

Stitch Fix Reveal

As a Senior Stylist for Stitch Fix, I not only get the opportunity to style some amazing women, but I also get to style myself.  After seeing all of the summer-inspired styles in our inventory, I couldn’t resist sending myself a Fix.  Scroll down to see the pieces I decided to keep & send back, and some quick styling tips for each item.

Lux & Co Knit Maxi Dress

This is by far my favorite style from this Fix.  I love the pattern mixing and pockets, the lightweight fabrication and the figure-flattering A-line silhouette.  It’s a little long, but I’m only 5’0″ so that’s normal for me; nothing some strappy wedges can’t fix.  I cannot wait to wear this dress out for date night with a floral statement necklace & a black clutch.

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Nine Britton Jemima Knit Dress

This lightweight shift dress is perfect for summer!  Not only does it have pockets but a built in shelf bra as well.  It will look great worn during the day with a strappy leather sandal then to dinner on an outdoor patio with a denim jacket and an espadrille wedge.

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Market & Spruce Belt Bag AND Pistola Button Front Frayed Hem Skinny Jeans

I am in love with both of these styles!  The belt bag is unlike anything I currently have in my wardrobe plus it’s only $38, and the Pistola Jeans have an elongating high-rise waist & unique distressed detailing.  I paired the jeans with several different tops, but I think a knotted tee or body suit will look best.

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Fun2Fun Casterino V-Neck Top

This is only style that I wasn’t sold on.  I love the woven detailing around the neckline but I think the color washes me out a little.  It’s a great silhouette, so I may try it again but in a different color/pattern.

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Interested in trying Stitch Fix?  Click on the link below to get the $20 styling fee waived on your first Fix.  Or, if you need a new stylist feel free to request me, Laura E.

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5956306?sod=w&som=c

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx