EXPECTING CHIC

Bringing in Spring

2012-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

I'm pulling the trigger a bit early on spring colors.

Jacket: Ben Sherman
Blouse: Jason Wu for Target
Pants: Gap
Necklace: H&M
Watch: Michael Kors
Clutch: Aldo
Wedges: Payless

I dove into the early morning crowds to get this top and after one wear, I have no regrets. It is a versatile piece in a color that I adore. It reminds me of how clear the skies have been lately in San Francisco. And the clutch made me think that perhaps a trip to the zoo is in order this coming weekend. Let's just call this outfit an interpretation of all the plans I have in my head.

In other news, Expecting Chic is listed as a blog in the running for Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Moms - 2012. If you have a spare click and want to vote for me, I'd appreciate it! You can vote once a day from now until February 28.

Happy Shiny Person

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

If there was ever a question about how happy my son makes me, let the picture above be proof positive.

Cardigan: LOFT (color sold out)
Tank: H&M
Jeans: J Brand
Belt: Express
Brooch: bridesmaid gift
Rings: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors
Flats: Kenneth Cole

Like, crazy happy. I'm laughing back at his giggles while he marvels at his oddball mother snapping away shots in the corner.

We headed out to a 2-year-old birthday party this weekend. Being a mom really does affect your wardrobe choices. I had a cute little dress picked out until I realized I would be chasing my little man and his newfound walking abilities across the party all day. No one would be excited about the idea of me bending over repeatedly and awkwardly in a dress. The activities of the day dictated the clothes, so I went with skinny jeans and my new favorite cardigan, dolled up with sparkly touches in my ring, brooch and stud earrings. That way, I didn't have to be self-conscious when I bent over to hand my son his first balloon. It is all about enjoying every minute.

Stella & Dot Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Serenity Stone Drops from the Stella & Dot giveaway is...

Congratulations, Linda! Check your inbox for an email from me. Thanks to everyone who entered. If you would like to purchase the earrings for yourself (as I will be doing), click the picture below or click here.

The Jason Wu for Target Shopping Experience

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I woke up early on Sunday and mentally prepared for my trip to Target. The Missoni for Target line wasn't my cup of tea, but I've been fawning over all the online fanfare for the Jason Wu for Target collection. On my drive 30 minutes north to what I thought might be an obscure target, I congratulated myself for out-thinking the masses in San Francisco who were surely lined up in the city and frustrated at the lack of supply.

With Keagan strapped into our cart, we strolled over to the clothes. There, I was faced with nearly bare racks, holding only a few random blouses and dresses in sizes XL and XS. Two women had three carts full of every size and piece from the line. They were sorting through sizes and plotting out their eBay riches. I'm fairly sure one of them growled at me when I asked them if they were keeping everything in their carts.

A woman cruised by with arms full of clothing. "There is a rack by the dressing room of more stuff people tried on and didn't buy," she whispered. I whipped my head up and towards the back of the store. In the distance, a crowd was swarming. Arms and hands were flying and clawing into the air to reach the highest rack.

I sped down there to see if I would be able to grab any cast-offs, but with Keagan in the cart, I couldn't even get a good vantage point. I popped him out of the seat and into my arms so I could wiggle in closer. One woman with a cart full of goods looked at me hard and said, "Why didn't you leave him home with his daddy?" It was as though she was insinuating that I was bringing my son into the eye of a tornado. Like danger was looming at the local Target. I considered saying something outrageous to shame her for attempt to shame me, like, "He doesn't have a father...anymore," or perhaps something expletive. Instead, I held my tongue as to not contribute to the growing frenzy and instead gave her a snake eyes, back-off stare as another woman ripped a tee-shirt right out of my hands.

The picture above shows the two items I walked away with, which I'm sure will show up in future posts. I really like both of them, but was it worth an hour round-trip, physical struggles with fellow shoppers and verbal jabs from women with their literal and figurative claws out? No, it wasn't. I'm going to stick to thrifting original designer finds in the future among the civilized.

While standing in the checkout line, I noticed that two girls behind me were holding some of the collection. Since they were cooing over Keagan, I struck up a conversation, commenting on how difficult it was to get a hold of these clothes. One girl struck the nail on the head. She said, "Yeah. But the extreme rush for all the clothes was kind of a turn-off. They're nice, but not that nice."

Also overheard at Target among the swarm:

"There was a line here at 6 AM. It was a mad house."

"You look like you could fit into a large....um, because you are tall." (This one was said to me by the eBay lady when I asked her if she would be parting with any mediums. Sigh.)

"I went online at midnight and had trouble getting things!"

"Only your best girlfriend would come with you at 8 AM to Target in this mess."

Power Colors

2012-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

I promise I'm not ignoring my daily duties of posting here at Expecting Chic. This has just been an extremely work-heavy week, filled with real-life pressures and little time to snap photos. But I did want to assure everyone that for this important work day, I'm wearing my power colors - red, white and black.

Have you entered the Stella & Dot giveaway yet?

Stella & Dot Giveaway

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Playing dress-up with jewelry - not just for little kids.

Turtleneck: Club Monaco
Pants: H&M
Wedges: Payless
Necklace: Stella & Dot Pegasus

Last weekend, I attended my friend Stacey's launch party for her new role as a Stella & Dot stylist. There is a lot of Stella & Dot in magazines and on the style blog scene, but I'd never seen it in person. I was completely smitten. I patted myself on the back for planning ahead and wearing a shirt that served as a neutral backdrop to all the jewelry. With the Pegasus around my neck, I strutted around like I was really somebody.

You couldn't get me to take off this necklace. IN LOVE. Here are some other shots of all the jewelry I adored...

I bought the triple set of rings on the far right and was inspired by the use of broaches as a means to triple up pearl strings.

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm hosting a Stella & Dot giveaway! Below are my favorite, pop-of-color earrings, the Serenity Stone drops.

In order to win:

1. Go to Stella & Dot and leave a comment telling everyone your favorite piece.

For additional entries:

1. Follow Expecting Chic on Facebook.
2. Follow Expecting Chic on Twitter.
3. Follow Expecting Chic on Pinterest.

That's four chances to win! The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 7th, chosen by random.org. Good luck!

PS...if you have questions about Stella & Dot or upcoming trunk shows in the greater Bay Area/Sacramento, Stacey said you can totally Twitter her.

The Art of Relaxation

2012-01-30T16:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday, everyone. May your week be as stress-free as Turbo's everyday.

Put A Blazer On It

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

If I put on a blazer, does that make it count as "business casual"?

Blazer: H&M
Button up: Free People
Jeans: Joe's
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Banana Republic
Boots: Frye

I'm going to answer that with a resounding "YES". This has been my go-to blazer lately. Whenever I'm feeling not quite dressed up enough, I put a blazer on it. I'm stealing this concept from Portlandia. Just put a blazer on it. And while we are talking about Portlandia, sorry, Pacific North West, but there is nothing truer than THIS.

And apparently, I like to match my accessories to my furniture. It's something I do to distract you from the cardboard boxes and plastic bins I have peeking out in my photos. Nothing to see here...hey, look! Matching leather tones!

Review: Hana Salon Flat Iron and Misikko

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is my natural hair texture - air dryed and hanging fancy free. It's kind of Carrie Bradshaw...if she was caught in a windstorm and forgot to brush her hair for three weeks. In other words, without some serious attention, it is a wavy mess.

When I was asked by Misikko, an online styling tool boutique, if I wanted to review one of their hair straighteners, my fingers tripped over each other because I couldn't type, "Yes, please!" fast enough.

I've never taken the plunge on fancy straighteners like CHI flat irons and I haven't known of any other brand to turn to. I was directed to try the HANA Titanium1.5" Flat Iron and I waited eagerly for its arrival.

When a giant box arrived, I was confused because flat irons are typically fairly compact. Upon opening the box, I squealed with delight at all the extra goodies that I received. A brush, an eyelash curler, eyeshadow, hair serum, bath soaps. And of course, the gorgeous flat iron.

I laid out my new tools, including a silicon pad to protect countertops from heat.

What a huge success! I was ready to come away from my hair trial with a big fat F for fail. Straightening my hair has never really worked for me. I always feel like it ends up frizzy or fried. Plus, it usually takes me over an hour to get my hair straight and at least three nostril-cringing whiffs of burnt hair. This is why I default to barrel curls. But the Hana iron has me dreaming of all the straight styles I can now achieve. After blowing out my hair, I tamed my frizzy ends in less than five minutes. I whizzed the Hana through my strands and was left with silky, soft hair...and no burning! Though the iron is a bit pricey, it is of professional quality and worth the investment if you torture your hair every day with a barrel brush blow-out like I do. Observe the results:

This is one happy, straight-haired girl! Thank you Misikko!

(Full disclosure: I received the reviewed flat iron free-of-charge, however my views and thoughts on this product are my own, unbiased opinions. I can't fake a smile like this!)

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

2012-01-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the Shabby Apple necklace giveaway is...Debra Lee!

Congratulations! You've won the White Rabbit's Time Keeper. I need your email, so be sure to email me so I can get your address!

For those who didn't win, you can still use the 10% off code of "CHIC10OFF" for the next couple of weeks. Happy shopping and thanks for entering!

You Gotta Coordinate

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I can be so unintentionally matchy-matchy.

Sweater: Gap

Blouse: Express

Pants: LOFT

Heels: Urban Outfitters

iPad 2 cover: Roocase

I bought this iPad cover with my basic "pop of color" rule in mind (not to mention the fact that I am a notorious device dropper). I put on my red heels to liven up a basic work outfit and picked up my case as I was heading out the door. I marveled at my little matching pops and patted myself on the back for coordinating. Then I thought of my favorite scene in Boomerang where incomparable John Witherspoon declares that "you gotta coordinate." Then I spent the rest of the day wishing that I had a mushroom belt.

What To Wear - The Sports Fan

2012-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Flare Denim by Paige
Watches by Nine West

News flash about me: I'm a sports fan. It's not something I blog about much, but sports are a major part of my world. I've been known to cancel a flight in order to stay in a sports bar to celebrate a big playoff win. Since my dad raised me to be a die-hard Lakers fan (sorry, Warriors), I have an extensive collection of vintage Lakers tee. My husband is an encyclopedia of sports knowledge. Sports Center is a constant fixture on the TV at home and while living in Seattle, we paid out the nose to get all the DirecTV sports packages just so we could watch Bay Area sports. Now that we are back in San Francisco, it is only fitting that the 49ers are vying for the NFC championship this Sunday. It's almost like a welcome home present, just for us.

Since our entire weekend revolves around plunking down on the couch for the big game with giant sandwiches, chips and ice-cold Diet Cokes, I might as well plan out my super-fan outfit as well. I'm keeping it casual - vintage-style tee, hoodie to snuggle up in, comfy jeans and Chuck Taylors. I tossed the watch into the mix because I spotted it, loved the TV shaped-face and I'm now obsessed with it.

Go Niners!

P.S.....have you entered the Shabby Apple giveaway yet?

1st Birthday Bash

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

First the party dress, then the party details.

Dress: H&M
Cardigan: H&M
Flats: Steve Madden

I mentioned last week that Pinterest was serving as my planning tool for my son's first birthday party. It is tough being a working mom. I gather these grand visions of all the hand-crafted love that I want to pour into the party, then I realize that time is not on my side. My original plan was to create an initials-and-numbers theme. But the more K's and 1's that I cut out, the more tedious it became and nothing was looking cute, special or fun to me. After a few late nights catching up on DVR with a pair of scissors in hand, I incorporated the paper, cut outs and Martha Stewart templates I printed out into a colorful theme of shapes. Of course, this meant I had to wear my polka-dot dress. The occasion called for it.

Here are some pictures of the finishing touches:

Dairy-free vegan cupcakes for the allergy-ridden birthday boy, made by my wonderful husband, Kevin.

A timeline of the months, through photos. I made this with scrapbook paper and color-printed photos. It made for great party conversation and I'm planning on putting this into a folder to keep!

The party banner, made with scrapbook paper, beading string and Martha Stewart templates.

Cups, scrapbook paper and Martha Stewart templates made for great decoration and utensil holders. I cut out circles of various sizes from scrapbook paper and scattered it on the table for extra color.

The floor decoration: Turbo.

The end result - one happy one year old and an extremely proud mama.

Shabby Apple: Jewelry Giveaway!

2012-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

I've recently discovered a fantastic new online store called Shabby Apple. They have an adorable array of dresses with a vintage feel, adorable dresses for little girls, and my favorite, stylish maternity dresses.

What stood out the most to me was their line of jewelry. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to giveaway my favorite piece from Shabby Apple to one of my readers!

I chose the White Rabbit's Time Keeper because I've been obsessing about owning an oversized watch necklace. I love the utility, the design and the vintage elements of this classic piece. It is a timeless necklace that will never go out of style. And it can be yours!

To enter, please leave a comment for EACH of the following for multiple chances to win:

1. "Like" Expecting Chic on Facebook.

2. "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. (They give great updates on sales, promotions and discounts.)

3. Follow Expecting Chic on Twitter.

4. Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter.

5. Follow Expecting Chic on Pinterest.

That is FIVE chances to win! Remember, leave a comment for each of the actions above. You must have a US shipping address to win. The winner will be selected on Monday, January 23rd by random.org and contacted via email.

In the meantime, Shabby Apple is offering a discount code to Expecting Chic readers. Enter the code "CHIC10OFF" at checkout for a 10% discount. The code expires 30 days from now.

Good luck!

Pinterest: 1st Birthday Party Planning

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

My son turns one year old this Saturday! While we have decided to have a low-key, family-only celebration, I cannot turn down the volume on my excitement for this milestone. I've been thinking about decorations for the past few months and I landed on an initials-and-numbers themed party. Lots of K's, lots of 1's and tons of cupcakes. I turned to my trusty Pinterest account to gather ideas. Are we friends on Pinterest yet?

You can also follow along with Expecting Chic via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter or Bloglovin'. Birthday party pictures soon to follow!

Share your birthday theme ideas in the comments!

(All images via Pinterest via marthastewart.com)

Deja Vu

2012-01-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

So nice, wore it twice.

Jacket: H&M

Tee: H&M

Jeans: J Brand

Scarf: gift

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs c/o Rue La La

Wedges: Payless

Feel like you've seen this before? Well, you have. I took the outfit I wore on New Year's Eve and did a lather-rinse-repeat last weekend. I changed out my black tee for a white one and my scarf for one with an animal print to achieve that urban safari, weekend warrior feel. I'm all about recycling. Can this be considered a means of going green?

New Year's Style Resolutions

2012-01-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

True, we are over a week into the New Year, but I'm trying to stick to my New Year's resolutions. No, not the ones I know that I'll break in another week, like promising to go to the gym every day or resolving to give up Diet Coke, but the resolutions I made around personal style. Here are some of my goals, both for my style and for this blog:

1) Even if I second guess whether an outfit works, in theory or for the occasion, wear it anyway. I labored this past Saturday over whether to wear a dress or jeans to a party because I didn't know if it was going to be low-key or an opportunity to wear a dress. I went with the dress mainly because I rarely have the opportunity to wear a gold mini-shift dress. What is the point of having cute dresses only to have them hang in your closet? I'm going to dress up how I want, when I want, without question.

2) I'm going to post pictures to this blog of outfits that are less than exciting. You may think, "Uh, that's not what I'm coming here for." I'm sorry for that. It is reality. Sometimes I wear boring things, like sweaters, old faded jeans and baseball caps on the weekend. I check out some blogs of these lovely women wearing fantastic clothes and I think, "There is no way that they don't have a sweatpants moment somewhere in their week." And hey - maybe they don't. Maybe they have the resolve to stay away from drawstring flannel pants while hanging around the house and more power to them! But sometimes you just can't pull it together and that is perfectly OK. Sometimes, you look like this while going to the beach and you still have an awesome time:

3) I resolve to actually take photos so I have more outfit posts this year. For my own purposes of feeling great through the day, I take the time to carefully craft an outfit. For blog purposes, I aim to take a picture, then I end up flying after my son as he tries to dump the dog's water bowl on his lap (again). I'm on to the next thing and before I know it, the day is done, my makeup is smeared, my hair is a mess and the last thing I want to do is strut before a camera. Life comes before the blog, though. Case in point:

I fully intended on snapping blog pics of this coat and scarf combo, but swinging absolutely came first.

The point is, I had a year that involved a whirlwind of activity and very little of it revolved around self-gratification. Just like my little son, I'm finding my feet again and striding forward into the new year with excitement, confidence and a huge smile.

What are your New Year's style resolutions?

Comfy NYE

2012-01-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, putting the glitter dresses away makes for a better time.

Jacket: H&M

Tee: Gap

Jeans: J Brand

Scarf: gift

Wedges: Payless

I packed up two sparkly dresses with grand visions of my night out for New Year's Eve. My husband and I went to Sonoma so we could drop off our son with the grandparents and hit up some bars, sans gigantic cover fees. When the night's temperature hit 35 degrees, I realized a dress would be miserable and I was going for low-key fun. Skinnies, leather (OK, pleather) jacket, wedges and some slight shine to my scarf was as festive as I was going to get. And I'll tell you this. I had a ball. A little dive bar dancing and a kiss at midnight with my husband as we looked at a picture of our beautiful son on his phone was the perfect way to bring in the New Year.

Pinterest: Hairstyle Planning

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

It's old news now that I got a new haircut a few weeks ago, but I thought I would use this as an opportunity to profess my ongoing love affair with Pinterest. Before Pinterest, I would use the two (ok, more like three) months in between cuts and colors to spy photos from magazines for my next trip to the stylist. I would bring in different glossy pics I had been hoarding and lay them out for my stylist to accept or shoot down (she's really good at telling me I'm kidding myself when I think I can pull off Drew Barrymore's latest color). This time, I used Pinterest to keep track of my hair musings. Above are a few pics that I used to express what I wanted. You can see the rest here.

Pinterest, I thank you, my hair thanks you, and my stylist surely thanks you for helping to keep track of my wandering lust for a new style! You can follow me on Pinterest here.

Homebody

2012-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

It wasn't all baby, all the time over my holiday break. He took some naps somewhere in between.

Hat: H&M
Blouse: H&M
Jeans: Joe's
Necklace: H&M
Boots: Frye Melissa boots

See those pictures on the wall behind me? I totally hung those up myself. I didn't finish, but at least I started. It has been over three months since we moved back to San Francisco and we still have a room filled with un-hung photos and paintings, torn-down cardboard boxes and general I-don't-know-whats. When my son was sleeping, I took advantage of the free time by starting to put pictures on the wall and generally moving in. I also took advantage of the opportunity to break in my new Frye boots. I've been sporting a knock-off pair from Target for over a year now - boots that were fairly passable and pretty comfortable - but I will tell you what. There is nothing like the real thing, baby.

And when I realized my hammering was pushing the limit of my child's ability to sleep, I hung out with my other kid, Turbo.

I could have used two more weeks of this, both for the unfinished decorating and the cuddles.

A Year In Review: October to December

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was still playing catch-up in October following the big move, so outfit posts were sparse. However, this outfit still remains one of my favorites and I've worn it in various iterations many times since.

Accessory Fever

In November, my door replaced my Seattle backyard fence as the backdrop for pictures. And apparently, I had a thing for stripes.

Foreshadowing | Daydreaming

Come December, I welcomed an excellent new sponsor, donned me now some gay apparel and rung in the holidays with a new camera. Ho ho ho yes!

New Sponsor and Review: Pre-Owned Handbags 4 Less | Lofty Ambitions | Holidazed

What a year it has been. Between becoming a new mom, moving to our home city and starting a new job, I'm proud that Expecting Chic has kept up with the entire ride. Thank you to everyone who has read along and will continue to read into 2012!

A Year In Review: July to September

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hurray for summer! Out rolled the dresses, though true to Seattle, jackets and sweaters were still in the mix. But my milky white skin got healthy doses of Vitamin D - enough to get me through until our pending move back to California.

Casual Friday | Smooth Sailing | Business On Top, Party On The Bottom

I had an awesome August. I think the combination of visible sun and the knowledge that I would be returning to my beloved Bay Area put giant grins on my face and flowing dresses on my body.

Braving the Breeze | Maximizing the Heat | Seattle Style Blogger Love

Then September happened! I moved to San Francisco! I started a new job! I barely posted to the blog! I was exhausted!

A Total Blur

The countdown concludes tomorrow as we say hello to 2012!

A Year In Review: April to June

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

April was my final month before returning to work. I spent most of the time getting dressed up for short jaunts out of the house to the mall or for coffee. A need for caffeine and a desire to shop - that pretty much sums it up.

Back in Black | Copycat | What I Would Have Wore: Sorority Reunion

In May, Expecting Chic turned one-year old and I headed back to work. Some new activities and a few random rays of Seattle sunshine kept me going through a hard transition away from being at home with my baby. Wearing red heels also helps boost a mood. It's science.

Expecting Chic Turns 1 Year Old | Retail Rapture | Hi Ho | Cropping Up

By June, I'd done a few shopping trips to replenish my wardrobe since it had been taken over by tunics and leggings from days of maternity past. Heels re-entered the rotation and since breastfeeding was done, I didn't have to be as conscious of button-up tops.

Pop Out | Throw and Go | Blocking It Out

Stay tuned for the second half of the year in review!

Holidazed

2011-12-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over? I'm a bit behind.

Cardigan: H&M
Tank: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Scarf: H&M
Tights: Hue
Wedges: Payless

I'm on vacation from my real-life day job and the days seem to be ticking quickly by. I'm enjoying every blissful minute with my son and recounting the past few phenomenal holiday days. It was while drinking coffee on my couch at 9:30 AM this morning that I remembered a) I got a sweet new camera for Christmas, thanks to a very generous husband and many moments griping about poor picture quality with my point-and-shoot, b) I love my new shoes from Payless - words I never thought I would say and c) I have a blog that has been severely neglected. So here is what I wore on Christmas Eve at my in-laws family celebration. And in the next few days, I'll finish my year-end, best-of wrap up. And oh! Did I mention I got a new haircut? Bangs to bring in 2012! I'm still trying to nail down what I'm going to wear on New Year's Eve and I'm obsessing over my new, real deal Frye boots, so I will have plenty to share in the New Year.

Enjoy every last minute of 2011!

A Year In Review: January to March

2011-12-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

2011. You have changed my life. When reflecting on the year and scrolling back through pictures, I'm amazed I was able to get dressed most days through all the exhaustion, the joy and the tornado of diaper changes and spit-ups. The above pictures are from the week before I went into labor - in fact, the poncho picture is what I wore to the hospital.

Week 38: The Cavernous Closet | Week 39: Last Dance

With a change of lifestyle, I did a change of hair. The blonde was gone, replaced with a fun brunette to keep things simple and low-maintenance. I was still wearing maternity clothes through the month of January.

New Mom, New Hair | Re-Engaged

I quickly realized that dressing my ever changing post-baby body was challenging. I had a closet full of clothes I couldn't wear and my maternity clothes were dropping off of me. I tried to solve this dilemma by wearing bright pops of color.

Color Conditions | Crushin'

I started to get my groove in March. My pre-baby clothes were starting to fit again and I began exploring outfits that were mom-friendly (read: not ruined by drool and spit-up) yet fun and current.

Power Shopping | Mixing In the Mom Friendly Attire

More of my year in review to come!