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byL does SWIM!!

20 Mar
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The Perfect Suit!

When I was pregnant, my mom and I went swimsuit shopping. I was about 5 months and at that in between phase where fat/bloated meets pregnant. It was a scary disaster. My mom kept choosing mumsy mumus while I pulled out string bikinis (like only I would!). The whole ordeal ended, reminiscent of my teenage years, with my mom walking out of the store and I bought what I wanted! I refused to look like a mom, just because I was a with child.   And you know what? A few days later, I felt amazingly confident sipping my mocktail on  South Beach looking (perhaps a little chubbier) but fabulous because I felt like myself!

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Bathing Beauties… at the Jersey Shore Summer 2012.

Fast forward a year later when littleM was about 9 months when I wrote a little blog post that declared my refusal to be a mom who wears a Land’s End tankini. Again, not my style! At that point, I wasn’t quite ready for the itty bitty bikini. But I was prepared for something that showed off my new mommie curves and the Zinke Weekender was just the suit! All summer (and beyond), I rocked that gorgeous one piece and felt great. Even better? I could chase after my toddler without fear of anything moving out of place.

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Taking a hydration break in Jamaica!

So, completely in honor of my love of vacation, beach, sun, and this suit in particular, byL is now selling SWIM!! The Weekender is our first suit but we will be getting another 2 piece in from Zinke in May, as well as a few fun, one of a kind options from young, CFDA extraordinaire designer Ari Dein in the next week. We also love to wear our lingerie out of the bedroom and encourage rocking that romper to the pool!

Take that romper out of the bedroom…

I’d love to hear from you about swim, so please send me your questions about swimwear and cover-ups to askMollie@byLangley.com. I’m as passionate and realistic about swim as I am about lingerie, lounge, or love and totally want to hear what you think/want! XOXO!

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Maniac Magazine & byL

19 Mar

Recently, I have had the PLEASURE to get to know the editorial staff of a really interesting magazine published here in Pittsburgh, Maniac Magazine. April Hubal and her energetic team have been developing this awesome publication for over 11 years. Really a testament to the do anything kind of spirit we love here at byL, April has photographed and interviewed celebrities (Maggie Grace graces this month’s cover) and style icons (Kelly O) all over the world… while staying grounded here in the burgh.  From the March/April issue, check out the Style Profile on yours truly. Also, don’t miss the surprise appearance of littleM… THe cutest shout out ever! 

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Who Runs the World? Girls!

9 Mar

Last night I was all alone in my empty house and given the gift of freedom. Part of doing whatever I wanted meant watching Beyonce’s documentary “Life is But a Dream”. Our talented designer, Dina (aka Octopus Arms), told me a few weeks ago that I had to see it and was she right!

Beyonce, artistically and eloquently, reveals what it is like to be a modern woman. Now let’s be clear, my life and hair are far less glamorous than B’s, but there are some real truths here that she discusses quite candidly.

The first truth is that it’s relatively impossible to be  polite in business. I have never met B, but when I worked at Tommy Hilfiger in the mid 2000′s she did a fragrance with the brand. Everyone who did connect with her described her as ladylike — a word we don’t see very much especially with a celebrity. When she took over managing her own career, she discovered that being polite wasn’t always the best way to get results. In the documentary, she talks about how important it is to fight for what you believe in (but be sure you recognize that it is worth the fight). This means that you have to be a tough.

Professionally, I have struggled with this concept at times because being called a bitch isn’t something I have appreciated… which, by the way, is never what a man is called and was a true 30 years ago as it is today. But it’s also the incredibly difficult to get what is needed done when you, as the boss, are attempting to make everyone else happy. Being the girl my mom raised and the woman that is my father’s daughter has been the impossible balancing act of being a woman in business.   As Beyonce much more eloquently video blogs, it’s relatively impossible.

The second truth is how powerful motherhood is for women. Beyonce talks about her own struggles with miscarriage (which I have also experienced), the joys and great expectations of a healthy pregnancy, and the incredible depth of love that occurs once our angels are born.

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The love that goes into our families is above all else whether on a world tour or creating a Pop Up store. Bottom line, it is a struggle to be a working mother. There are times when I question the value of my own ambitions and career in the life of my daughter. But what B pretty much Imageacknowledges is that women do have to work harder, be smarter, and are stronger than men. So maybe that is exactly the lesson I am teaching littleM. 

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byL POP UP SAMPLE SALE!!

4 Mar

byL POP UP SAMPLE SALE!!

Hope you can join us!! The more the merrier!

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Pack It Up!!

19 Feb

My mind is happily drifting to my little family’s spring break next week. This is our first non-extended family vacation since M was born. While the babes will be joining us, I still have a vision that is beyond the “mommie” I am. Always, cool and effortless, this is my packing list,  from our favorite byL brands and beyond.

 

1.)  Sexy String Bikini & Mommy Friendly One Piece: I like to feel sexy but am a realist – I am no Kate Upton! And with a 19month old baby, the reality is that I’m swimming, running, and playing more than lounging.  I like to choose swimwear that stays in place but definitely am not going working out like a madwoman to be completely covered up!

Image 4 of ASOS Plunge Backless Suit
 
 
Tribal Goddess Kate Bikini Bottom
 

2.)  Comfy PJs: This trip is all about sun, fun, and snuggling with my loves. Great pjs to wear while enjoying breakfast in bed is just right!

Eberjey Gisele Short PJ Shirt

 

3.)  Sexy Slip: While comfy, cozy Pjs are a must, a silky slip is still on my packing list for a little femininity for after the babes falls asleep.

This color will be so pretty when I’m “tan”.

 

4.)  Cover Up or Dress?: Multi-purpose packing is pretty key. Love the fact that I could totally wear one of these great dresses to the beach or to dinner.

5.)  Chic Pants: I love summer pants. Silky or linen but typically printed, these are a packing must have for me.

Love these comfy pants!! Great for a little Island shopping excursion.

  • Vanna Printed Pant

    Pair with a white tank and lots of jewelry for an easy dinner date look.

 

6.)  SPF 100 Suntan Lotion and a big ole’ hat: As much as I dream (and spray tan) to be the golden goddess of my dreams, it’s really not a reality. I am very serious about my family’s skin. My motto: The more protection the better! Now get over here and lather up!

CVS Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Clear Spray SPF 100

No joke, I am obsessed with the smell of this generic brand of suntan lotion from CVS.

7.)  Worlds Best Shorts to Hang In: If you don’t have them, you need these Monrow shorts.  On the hanger, theyre like whatever. On your tush? A very different story.

Best. Shorts. Ever.

8.)  White Tees & Tanks: A tropical trip is the perfect time to update my white tee drawer.

Time for a new white tee!

 

9.)  Ivory Wear Any Where Sweater: I will throw this on for dinner or maybe, post pool over my bathing suit for a real editorial look!

This is the world’s most comfortable pullover.

 

10.)  New Sandals: An inexpensive little flip flop in a neutral color will work at the beach, pool, or in a restaurant (we’re not talking Reefs here). I wear my everyday sandals to DEATH so I don’t like to spend too much dough on these.

 

 

 

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Featuring Zinke Top

15 Feb

Emily DiDonato was photographed by Kayt Jones in Namibia. Top by ZINKE, Bottom by Voda Swim.

Spring Break is definitely on it’s way…

To be honest, I love the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. I love swimsuits and cool beaches. This year, the Zinke Crush Crop Top is featured and we just can’t help but be pleased! It’s a great little top for that girl who really lacks inhibitions. A perfect piece to throw in your spring break bag. Ideal for bed or beach. 

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Hallmark Holiday Poo Poo

14 Feb

xo

xoxoxo

This week, when I asked a new acquaintence what she and her BF were doing for Valentine’s Day she replied, “Nothing. I don’t really see the point of a holiday devoted to love when love should be celebrated everyday.”

Now I couldn’t agree more, but today on my morning run, I started thinking about the meaning of Valentine’s Day. Looking through my PollyAnna spectacles beyond the Hallmark Holiday, V-Day is not just about saying “I LOVE YOU” February 14th, but about taking the moment to acknowledge that love is important and the foundation of our happiness.

While T and I say those three sweet words to each other every single day, it is uttered during the craziness that is life: kids, work, errand running, stress. So, yes while love should ideally be celebrated everyday, it is great to have a reason in this busy world to stop, smell those gorgeous roses that your man brings you home from work tonight, and have a reason to feel a little frisky. 

http://www.marthastewart.com/306688/heart-shaped-crafts/@center/276967/valentines-day#272535

Share your heart TODAY!

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This is kind of how I feel about all those I LOVE… HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

14 Feb

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Why It Matters

12 Feb

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Maryn sent a Valentine out to a few of her admirers this year…

Even before I sold Lingerie for a living, Valentine’s Day has been special to me. 

In my awkward teenage years (before I became the klutzy femme fatal I am today) my mom would always make it a point to show her love on V-day with a small trinket just to let me know that I was loved.

Perhaps I wasn’t adored and idolized by my high school crush, but definitely by my parents (insert teenage eye roll here).  Then while in college and coming into my own, actually learning what it meant to have a broken heart and to break a few along the way, my mom would still send a little care package to Syracuse. I was the only one in my sorority to receive something on Valentine’s Day from my parents – cookies, an orchid (which I promptly murdered), or a little piece of fun jewelry.

The point of my story is that, of course, the focus of Valentine’s Day is on romantic love but, as a mom today, I hope that I also make a point of showing my M love on the 14th. While I don’t think I totally got it 15 plus years ago, my mom was making a point to say that I was truly loved and appreciated by someone which in the end gave me the confidence to find right, lasting love with a man that does appreciate, respect, adore, and completely idolizes me.  I believe that love like that trumps everything but it takes a mother to show her daughter, in the smallest, silliest of ways maybe, that’s exactly what she deserves.

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Lingerie when Pregnant…

10 Feb

While the halter style will be ideal for your bulging breasts (Kate Upton anyone?) the soft flow of the peplum here will really be lovely against your bump. Pair with shorts or sweet thong.

 

On Friday, we were pulling items for a Valentine’s Day POP UP shop we’re having this week and came across the above pretty little number from Zinke. The reaction of our newest employee was, “Wouldn’t  this be great for a pregnant body?”  

These soft cups also offer more support. You will look like a vision of womanhood!!

 

Of course it would be as would so many other little babydoll lingerie style, but something I tend to forget to talk about on my blog. A lot of our clients are, like me, in their procreating years and should not have to give up lingerie just because of a bulging waist line. Seriously, for a lot of women, this is the time in our lives when sex is pretty much a prime thought in our heads (another wonderful reality of pregnancy brain).

 

So, as Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, what better time to find something that will make you feel as sexy as you really are… I mean, you’re GLOWING!! 

We love this babydoll because, honestly, worn with a tank underneath it is completely versatile for out of the house wear. But paired with the little lace Laurel Panty, it’s a super pretty edition to your lingerie.

 

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