A friend recently said “You’ve got a little more pink in you these days.” Not that I’ve been wearing pink; it was her way of describing a change I’ve experienced since Maggie came. Now that I have a daughter, I feel more inclined to wear… well… pretty things. Over the years I’ve gone through style phases: tough, artsy, academic, dramatic, or just plain blah. Lately I’ve been dressing very “Bostonian.” It’s pretty convenient to put an outfit together in the morning when most of what you own is black or gray –or black and gray– and your only shoe option is black knee-high boots. But now that Maggie’s here and my dryer lint has turned to a color I call “raspberry sorbet,” I feel like maybe I could soften my look a bit.
Having just had my second child (nothing fits anymore!) and since I have no budget for new things (anthropologie will have to wait), I’ve been feeling exceptionally unpretty. But there are three things that always save the day when I’m looking ill-fitted or frumpy.
1. A long black crocheted cardigan recently embellished with wide satin ribbon at the waist. For something I got on clearance two years ago ($12!), it has been indispensable. It’s pretty enough and neutral enough to fix any outfit.
2. Ballet flats, a Christmas present from my family, and much more feminine than my tromping boots.
3. Dangling earrings, most of them home-cooked. 
So what are your favorites, things that make you feel a little more pulled-together on a blah day?
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1. Heart shaped necklace that my husband gave me. It adds feminity and a touch of sparkle. Plus it reminds me that someone loves me even on my “blah days.”
2. High Heals. I love comfort too much to wear them to work everyday. But when I need some extra confidence they put a little pizzazz in my step.
3. Anything Pink: earings, under garments, socks. A touch of pink really does make me feel prettier even if no one else can see it.
~A cute bag: I immediately feel better about any outfit if I can carry a favorite bag with it.
~My hair half-up: When it’s not all just hanging in my face I feel prettier. And it only takes about 30 seconds to get it that way.
~Pretty shoes: Every outfit looks better with cute shoes that match it. You look so much more put-together.
~Coffee: Ok, so you don’t wear it, but don’t you feel a little more in-control with a Starbucks cup in your hand? Maybe it’s just me.