Maternity Style

I know it has been far too long between posts, so I apologize. My plan is to do a lot more posts because I have so many projects underway for the nursery. We also have been completing projects for our home so as soon as I can I will start posting our progress. I also want to make this blog more of a lifestyle blog instead of just being so focused on style and interiors. Being pregnant, family and our little girl's arrival pretty much consume my thoughts so I would love to document it.

So on to this post. I wasn't quite sure what kind of things I would want to wear while being pregnant, I didn't know if all I would want to wear was maternity or if I could make some of my own pieces work. Well my answer has been a mix of those. My bump didn't really progress that much until around 25 weeks, then it all seemed to arrive at once! Well I have really been able to wear a lot of my regular clothes like loose blouses, maxi skirts and dresses, some sweaters, tanks and tees. I have been lucky. The hardest area has been pants, more specifically jeans. Luckily I had a few pairs that were a little big that I was able to wear until just a couple weeks ago, and probably could still wear with a hair band, but when I have tried that it has been pretty uncomfortable. Luckily I had one pair of jeans that are sort of bell bottomy that also stretch and at 30 weeks I can still button them and wear them comfortably. Everyone is so different when it comes to what works for them, and the shape that their bump takes on is also a big factor. But I wanted to compile a board that showed the outfits and pieces that I live in and can't get enough of! I'm hoping I will still be able to squeeze myself into these the next couple months!

Graphic tee and maxi skirt - Let's face it, maxi skirts are like pajamas. They are so unbelievably comfy and you can get them in so many colors. I probably have 5 but I wear them all the time. I have a blue one like above, a couple neutral colors and then a couple more brights. I love pairing them with stretchy graphic tees, or a plain white tee or tank and a fun scarf.

Maxi dress - Or a high low dress or any dress! Maxis are great because again they are comfortable, they let you breathe and they are versatile. I love throwing a cardigan or denim jacket over mine and I feel stylish and comfy. Sometimes I even put a colorful blouse over the top to simply make them look like skirts. You cannot go wrong with maxis and being pregnant. I have a lot of maxi dresses, my favorites to currently wear I purchased for next to nothing at places like Ross and TJ Maxx. I hate the thought of spending money on clothes I will only wear or a short time. I just bought a size up from what I normally wear, got them in mostly stretchy fabrics and bam, you have the best pregnancy staple besides food!
Denim jacket - I already had one in my closet that I wore the heck out of, and I still do. Like I said, put it on over a dress or with the skirt outfit and you're good to go. It is great to have for spring or summer evenings or when you're unsure of what the weather will do. Especially like me living in Oregon where the weather is always unpredictable! I have one in white as well that I have had since high school and I still rock it.
Loose fitting blouses - These are another thing I already had in my closet and so far they have been great. I feel like I can look stylish and keep my bump happy. Plus there are a million and one loose and adorable styles to choose from. Fashion trends right now are so perfect for the pregnant lady!
Jeans - Now like I said, I am lucky to have a pair I can still wiggle into, but if you need maternity jeans I say get a pair or two. I switch off between my skinny maternity jeans and my flare regulars, but for me my regulars are just more comfortable. Plus they look great paired with a blouse, kind of puts out that 70's look that I'm so fond of. The point is you need a pair of jeans that fit comfortably or else you will have a whole lot of tops that you have nothing to pair with.
Tunics and leggings - Another fave of mine is any tunic, or summer dress paired with leggings. So comfy, so instantly cute. You can wear the combo year round with boots, or sandals. I can still squeeze into most of my leggings and I have them in a lot of colors. I also have a ton of little dresses and I'm sure you do too to make this look work for you. Again, a super comfy outfit for you and baby, that can be dressed up or down.
Flats and Sandals - I had a pair of booties I somehow managed to go shopping in when I was around 24 weeks. It was the last time I will wear any sort of heel, let me tell you! My back ACHED. So from that day on I made the commitment to flat shoes. The farther along I get I notice how crazy hard it is to put on tennis shoes, so I recommend flats and sandals because in most cases you can slip them on. They are pretty comfy too. Although, we had some snow last week so I wore my uggs and realized how nice those winter pregnant Mammas have it!

Here is a picture of me in a black maxi and owl tee taken a couple weeks ago at 7 months pregnant. 

Birthday Wish List

My birthday is coming up on Thursday! I thought it would be fun to put together a little wish list. I really don't plan on getting any of these things but my Mom did say we might go shopping so I figured doing a little shopping online would give me a good idea of some things I should look for. I have some recurring themes here I realized. One is that I am really into teal, red/orange, and neutrals like black and white. It was funny to me to see all these things together. Also I am already thinking about career wardrobes and fall. Fall is my favorite season, so it is hard not to get excited.

Anyway, throw some Nike + running shoes into this list (I couldn't decide on a pair to add), a hair dryer and other beauty supplies and this sums up the only things I could think of that I want. What I really want for my birthday is to spend some time with the people that I love, maybe get outdoors, play some games, get my hair done, grab a good coffee and have some good food and I will be one happy lady! So here it is! My Birthday wish list!! I love having a summer birthday and being a Leo is of course the coolest thing ever ;). Yay for birthdays!!


Numbers connect to links. Sizes: top - small, shoes - 8, bottoms - small or size 4.

 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

What to Wear to Weddings

Being in my twenties, it seems every year we get a handful of wedding invitations. I obviously love weddings, and I always have so much fun no matter whom the couple or the theme. It can be a daunting task figuring out what to wear just from a simple invite. If you are lucky the invite will indicate the attire that is appropriate, otherwise you might only get the simple cue of garden, beach or a hotel name. I like to dress for weddings according to some simple rules that are good to keep in mind. They are:

1. Keep it classy - This is a ceremony often religious and you don't want to come wearing the neon, midriff  bearing, cleavage showing, glitter dress you wore in Vegas to the bachelorette party!

2. Don't wear all white, cream or any shade resembling a wedding dress - It is the bride's big day, let her stand out in the color that is reserved for her or her bridesmaids just this once.

3. Dress for the weather - One VERY important rule I have learned about dressing that I would like to share with you is if it is windy, don't wear anything that can fly upwards in the wind. This is especially true for the Beach wedding category, anything flowy, and above the knees will be driving you crazy all night if there is wind. And that leads me to my next rule...

4. Dress comfortably - Weddings are a time to celebrate love and romance, but they are also a time to let loose, party with friends, eat some good food and have a couple of drinks. Wear something that you are comfortable dancing in, and having an extra piece of cake in. Also by dressing comfortably, wear something that is you, something that fits your personality because when you dress that way you are always more comfortable.

5. Better to overdress than under-dress - This rule is pretty self explanatory. If you are worried about overdressing, don't. You will be much more comfortable wearing something dressy than if you show up in something casual and everyone else looks dressier than you. But it is possible to overdress, unless it says black tie, don't show up wearing anything that resembles your prom dress or that is covered in rhinestones and sparkles. Just keep it simple.


Well I have put together a few of my favorite options to inspire your wardrobe for wedding season, and have broken it down into 3 categories of possible wedding types. Pair the following ensembles with the right shoes and accessories and you will surely be set. Which are your favorite looks?

Backyard/Garden Wedding

1. Forever 21  2. Skirt - Forever 21, Top - Lulus  3. Tobi  4. Lulus

Beach Wedding

1. Lulus  2. Tobi  3. Lulus  4. Lulus

Elegant (Museum, Church, Hotel) Wedding

1. BEBE  2. Tobi  3. Tobi  4. Lulus

Fall and Winter Bridesmaids

A while back I was helping a friend come up with design ideas for her winter wedding. Rustic weddings are so popular lately as is giving your bridesmaids individuality. Well I thought it would be so beautiful and adorable to put a little twist on the bridesmaids traditional attire for a fall or winter wedding. To keep it in the rustic category what if you had all of your best girls wear a cream lacy or girly type dress of their choosing. They could be long sleeved or sleeveless that way they are comfortable and the girls could show their own style, like this:

All dresses from Lulus

Or, like my original thought, have them wear matching, or mismatched sweater dresses in your winter wedding. Or lace, velvet or even sequined dresses! Wouldn't that be so cute?? They could even wear colored or dark tights and adding a metallic gold or silver skinny belt to a lot of these would top the outfit off perfectly. Here are a couple examples in mostly neutral colors to give you an idea, but you could do this in any color, any material, any embellishment. The idea is to really think out of the box for your bridesmaids especially if you want your wedding to be original. Also, this could save your ladies a lot of money as almost every single dress is well under $100 and if it isn't you could find a version of it for the price range I am sure, not to mention they would be totally comfortable. Can't you just imagine these beautiful and cozy dresses paired with some adorable heels, and a gorgeous bouquet?? Here are my picks:

Dresses - Victorias Secret

Trend - Brooch Bouquets

Ever since Miranda Lambert was married this spring I have noticed she started a trend of having your bridal bouquet made from antique brooches. It is an interesting take on something that has otherwise been pretty standard for years. I think it is great because it allows a way to add a lot of sentiment if you are able to use any family pieces in it. It will also last forever and can become a piece of art and a memento from your wedding. You could even pass it down to your children someday! Also, it allows you to add colors that you may not typically be able to achieve from traditional flowers. Though it is super 'blingy' and often very spendy to have made, I don't like that it misses the whole big fluffy bouquet thing that I personally love. But I do love love love the ones that are combined with silk flowers, fabric and feathers because it adds volume and texture but still has that something vintage, sentimental and sparkly vibe. What is your take on the brooch bouquets? Here are a few of my picks from Etsy, and below the girl that started it all Mrs. Blake Shelton.

I love that as I am looking at her photo her song just came on T.V.! =)

Image found here.

Has more fabric than bling but I love the combination.
Bouquet found here.

Monochromatic, DIY, very vintage version
Bouquet found here.

Bouquet found here.

Bouquet found here.

Bouquet found here.

FAVORITE
Bouquet found here.

Bouquet found here.

A different kind of color combination.
Bouquet found here.

LOVE the gold leaves.
Bouquet found here.

Another favorite, beautiful for a fall wedding.
Bouquet found here.

From Design to Reality!

Last year I designed an inspiration board for one of my best friend's weddings. She planned one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen! From vintage and feminine centerpieces, her grandmother's collection of hankies as favors, to a romance filled ceremony she didn't miss one detail! It was so breathtaking and I was so excited to help design it and be a part of her special day. So here is the inspiration board titled Vintage Blush Romance from one year ago, followed by the board of the actual day. I threw in a few gorgeous photos from their wedding as well done by Anna Jaye Photography. Brittany made the most stunning of brides!

Inspiration

The actual wedding!

Stylish Blogger Award!!

I am so honored that my friend and old co-worker Jenna, chose my personal blog and this one for the:

!!!!

This is my first blogging award ever, and 2 all at once! So awesome! Jenna's blog jennacaps is all about beauty and more, she even posts video tutorials, so I highly suggest you check it out. After only a few posts I have been entertained and learned a lot from this lady. Doesn't get much better! Thank you!! 

So the rules of the award are to list 7 facts about yourself and tag 7 other stylish blogs with this special award. It is going to be hard to pick 7 interesting things..hmmm but here it goes!

1. I have a serrrrrrrrriiiiioooous sweet tooth! I mean SERIOUS!! As in, my favorite things that I crave often are Blizzards and frozen hot chocolates from Dairy Queen, any type of ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, sugary cereals like Trix, Cap'n Crunch Berries, Cocoa Puffs...more and candy.

2. I am a coffee addict and my addiction really is not just to caffeine but really good coffee like caramel machiattos, caramel sauce white mochas, peppermint white mochas, and in the fall pumpkin spice white mochas. I often wonder how much more in shape I would look if I could cut this out! But sadly I am surely addicted and my motto is, if I have no other unhealthy addictions in life, I can have this ONE thing most mornings. The sad part is I also hooked my hubby even though it is sort of fun at the same time to have the same addiction =) I just feel a little guilty for dragging him into this too.

3. I am really good at video games. I mean like reaaaallly good especially for a girl. I have played them my whole life, grew up having a Nintendo and Super Nintendo in my room and just loved to play. My all time favorite games are the original Super Mario Bros 3, Mario Kart for Wii, and Tetris for Super Nintendo, and yes I will most likely kick your butt at all of those. 

4. I have seen every single Lifetime Movie ever made, and probably at least twice. Yes, I love my movies, especially my girly ones and Lifetime is just my fave. I grew up watching them with my Mom and it has just been something special I like to turn on while working on my computer and doing homework, or having a lazy day with a girlfriend or Mom and Sis. There really is nothing better in the world to me then having one of my previous listed addictions of coffee, being lazy in my pjs, curled up on the couch with a movie. I don't think I could name a favorite movie, but generally the ones filmed from 1996-2000 are my favorites.

5. I have a couple of big dreams on my life to do list including buying a house and starting a family. I am sooooo anxious to start having children with my amazing husband, but I really am fighting that urge until  a couple of things get sorted out first like graduating college, saving up a little, buying a house and traveling Europe. But whenever it happens I know there is nothing that will make me happier.

6. I am a little obsessed with music and movies. I love my celebrity news and gossip and my whole life I have wanted to be an artist but I also have always wanted to be an actress. That is why having my own show on HGTV would be the best of both worlds. I also get totally star struck! My favorite celebrities? Reese Witherspoon, Leonardo Dicaprio, Carrie Underwood, and Trey Songz.

7. My senses and memory are impeccable. My friend told me she learned in psychology class that I have what is called "hypersensitivity". I have great eye sight, hearing, and taste but more than anything my smell is crazy good. People call me a hound dog because I can smell things minutes before others can and I can distinguish what smells are easily. I am also very easily tickled and my touch is sensitive I guess you could say for example if someone is washing there hands in front of me I might get to the faucet and the water would burn my hands...always been this way. Also my memory is crazy, I am known to describe what you were wearing the first day I met you, I can remember scenes and visual imagery very well. I may not remember everything that was said at a particular moment but trust that I can remember what everything looked like. I often freak people out with this, and have memories of events that family members, friends, and loved ones hardly have a recollection of.

And now I will tag seven other stylish blogs with this award.

1. Love at First Quack  Follow my friend Brittany on the road to her wedding.

2. Zephyr Sarah a great family friend, is HANDS DOWN one of the most creative people I know, she is amazing and was the photographer for our wedding which you can see pics of under the wedding tab. Check her out!

2. Dirt-Cheap-Chic My friend Megan from high school and her style blog all about fashion, photography and thriftiness. So awesome for a girl living on a budget!

3. Frills For Thrills Love my friend Sarah's blog about fashion, style, interior design and more. Her blog is truly inspiring, hilarious, fun to read and very popular!

4. Zipped Another awesomely popular style blog from a gal with awesome style in Seattle

5. Design Sponge Totally famous blog but I likey =)

6. Style Me Pretty Obviously you all know this one too, but if you don't. Just click and you will see why this blog is so famous for their style awesomeness.

7. Walks With Bella A sweet blog,  a little about weddings, a little about life but always cheery and heart felt.

Thanks again for my Style Award! I hope some of you other bloggers will see this and feel free to start it off by giving the award out to 7 blogs, it's fun!

An Alice in Wonderland Themed Wedding Shower

Bringing Fantasy to life! 

A few co-bridesmaids, Mother, and of course MOH are planning a May Alice in Wonderland themed Wedding Shower at the Bride-to-be's request. This theme is pretty much every girl's dream. We are going to give her the tea party/shower of a lifetime! Dressing the part will be one of the main pieces to this equation. As the planners we will practically be walking decorations. I am sure it will make for a photo perfect day.

I have been styling outfits in my head in anticipation for the fun filled festivities. I know Brittany (bride-to-be) really wants to keep her ensemble as close to Alice's as possible with a little bit of a modern twist. With Tim Burton's box office hit, Alice in Wonderland-inspired clothing is really everywhere you turn your head. Finding these outfits was way easier than I could have imagined. Whether attending a themed party or not, I think taking some cues from the style boards would add a little fun and fantasy to any gal's wardrobe. After all I found everything in regular shopping sites and just threw them together, so the pieces are in fact in style!

I don't know if I can say I have a favorite. I have been the Queen of Hearts twice for Halloween, once making my costume by hand, and it turned out fabulous! I will most likely either go as a regular tea party attendee or do a little bit of a Mad Hatter inspired look. No matter what, I think the key to selecting an outfit for a day spent in Wonderland is to pick crazy, romantic, fun, wild, uber girly, and historic inspired items to complete your outfit. So what do you think? If you were an attendee what would you wear? And what Alice inspired ensemble do you think would look best on our petite and curvacious blonde, bombshell bride Brittany?!