Suburban Style

It's All In The Jeans

2012-03-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a total jeans girl- I wear them everyday. And while I do like to splurge on designer jeans- I like a great pair for cheap too. Years ago a girlfriend of mine turned me on to American Eagle Jeans. Great fit- they wear well and are under $50 (easy to find them as low at $29.50) Here are a few of my favs

Original Boot Cut $49.50

Straight Leg $39.50

Trouser Jean $49.50 (I adore them in white!)

Here's a tip- join the AERewards club, and get some great perks- I got a free t-shirt of my choice the month of my birthday- but thats not on the list...

15% off the month of your birthday at AE, Aerie and 77kids when you share your e-mail.
Kids score a gift in any 77kids store on their birthday.
Free Aerie Bras: Buy 5 Bras Get the 6th Free. Every time.
Members-Only Sales and Events

Plus 15% off for every $100 you spend.

Spring Accessories

2012-03-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

To temper yesterdays encouragement to spend- here are a few great spring accessories for pocket change. A quick wardrobe update- $10 or less.

Way to rock your inner eight year old- Daisy Chain Headband $4.95 at H&M

The thing about wayfarers is that I already wore them the first time around- but these in blush pink seem fresh and new. I hear my inner hipster calling...
$7.50 WetSeal

I love a brooch added to a cardigan or blazer- and this mint color is totally on trend for spring.
$9.90 from Zara

I saved the best for last- I LOVE this filigree bracelet from Forever21. It screams "hooray, the sun is out!" $4.50. Yep- enough left over for an ice cream cone.

Start the week with a splurge.

2012-03-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

Uusally I like to find deals under $100 (under $50- even better!!) but there are some amazing splurge items today, at higher prices than I usually conscider.

Bruno Magli "Kelsey" Mary Jane on My Habit $175, regular price $350. Shoes are an easy call for a splurge- especially a shoe like this that is NEVER going out of style. Spending a little more on a shoe means it will be more comfortable and will wear longer.

A white dress is a summer essential- my lovely husband shrunk my go-to white dress, so I am in the market for a new one. I love the neckline on this one, and the nipped in waist/ shorter hem line combo is really flattering. Shoshonna Pleated Cotton Ruffle Sheath on Gilt.com $149 regular price $340

Color blocking is a huge trend- we have all heard it. I love this top because it is "on trend" without being "trendy"

Sarah Block Silk Top by French Connection, $118 on Amazon- this is not really a sale price, BUT- sign up for fashion news from Amazon and you get 20% off.

Enjoy your monday splurges. Just think of all the money you save the rest of the week!

meanwhile...

2012-03-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been radio silent while I walk, eat spicy food, do jumping-jacks and pretty much anything else I can think of to get this baby out. But since she's not budging, I thought I'd go ahead and introduce a new idea I've had. For the little while, I'm going to use this as a online shopping round up- my fav things at the best prices, keeping in line with the Suburban Style philosophy- that the cutest trends in home, fashion and beauty should still be accessible to a mom in a minivan. Sales don't last forever, so to avoid missing out- hit the subscribe button or follow me on Bloglovin'. Enough chatter- here are today's best steals.

Tuscan Storage Coffee Table- I am all about adding storage space, and when it comes in this beautiful rustic elm finish- I love it even more. $560.95 on Joss&Main

My favorite coats are the ones I buy when it's too late in Spring to wear them- that's because as the weather heats up, the prices come down, and I get super cute fall styles at screaming deals. I love this "Ganache and Golly" coat with faux fur and velvet trim from Modcloth. I'd really consider it at full price- $164.99, but on sale for $49.99, how can you go wrong?

Brightly colored denim is HUGE for Spring (does that mean the 90's are vintage?!) but I'm not sure its a look that is going to last more than one season. I love to buy trendy items like this from a few trusted, less expensive stores. Old Navy has skinny and flared styles of colored denim, I love this pair of slim flare in "Blue Moon" easy to try at a whopping $25.

Happy Shopping- let me know your thoughts on the new format!

Wantful

2012-02-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day means two things to me this year.

1. Making sure my daughter doesn't show up to preschool with the epic fail of class Valentines like she did last year. (Seriously- these kids are handing out full blown goody bags and I sent mine to school with little paper Elmo cards...but I digress)

2. Having to come up with something- anything- that shows my honey how much I love him. And being about to deliver a baby, my fall back of new lingerie and an overnight baby-sitter isn't the likely winner.

Enter Wantful

You log in to their site, answer some question about the gift recipient and give them a price range. VIOLA! They send you this lovely little printed book- a catalog really, and your loved one picks what they want.

Like a very personal gift card. Love it!

Spring Dress Round-up

2012-01-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

They're here! They're here! It's Spring dress time and even though Winter just hit Northern California- I am so ready. True, I am still an incubator, but with any luck (and a little help from the Stork and the Spanx Fairy) I'll be wearing some of these by Easter!

This year, with the new baby and the time off etc. budget for a Spring wardrobe is extra tight, so I'm forgoing Anthropologie *sniff* and sticking with some more economical options. Frankly- Old Navy and Target have really stepped it up the last few seasons... and I already sang the praises of the Jason Wu for Target collection.

So, without further ado- some of my fave Spring dresses. Chic, easy to wear, (ahem) slimming and under $40

Navy striped dress with lemon yellow belt: $24.99 at Target

Navy Surpliced Linen Dress: $29.80 Forever 21

Navy (seeing a trend?) Flower Printed Tie Waist Dress: $34.94 Old Navy

Ruffle Front Jersey Dress: $19.50 on sale now at Old Navy

Kimono Style Chiffon Dress: $34.95 from H&M

So much to love!

OP-I Think I Changed My Polish

2012-01-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

I make no secret about the fact that I am a nail polish snooze fest. I am addicted to OPI's I'm Not Really A Waitress, and it is all I wear... until now.

As you know, I am on a mission to spice my self up- I need to spice things up a bit before my early thirties turn in to my early forties. And more importantly before I become defined as a mommy. (Seriously, what happens to these fun, sexy women when thy have kids? Suddenly its ok to wear a matching velour sweatsuit? NEWSFLASH: it's NEVER ok, even if it's a designer sweatsuit!) Sorry... I digress...

Anyhow- I am breaking the mold and trying some new polishes... here are my two current faves:

Meet Me on The Star Ferry: Part of the OPI Hong Kong Collection from a few years ago. This is a warm flattering purple that seems like it would work on anyone. Light enough to qualify as low maintenance and with just a touch of glitter.

The other is Black Cherry Chutney: dark violet with a touch of red. This is a very bold choice for me, but the hint of red flatters my skin in the same way that the deep red of I'm Not Really A Waitress does

Next step for me is is a gray. I'm thinking gun-metal... any suggestions?

Jason Wu at Target this Spring!

2012-01-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Do you know why the Super Bowl starts at 3? So you have plenty of time to shop the Jason Wu collection at Target!! Available nation wide on February 5^th (yep- Super Bowl Sunday) each piece of Jason Wu’s collection of modern classics is available for $59.99 or less. And if you haven’t seen them yet- they are amazing! Check out a few of my favs:

This trench makes April Showers look appealing!

Cream dress with black petticoat- so Audrey!

Spring-tastic shoulder bag with a great Mod shape

And subtle color blocking in red, white & blue

I might take my giant bump down to Target and buy my self some baby weight loss inspiration!

Post-Partum Compression

2012-01-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Ok- I'm T-2 months and really, really ready for my old clothes (and a nice cold beer!) But, this is the most treacherous part of pregnancy- at least it is for my waist line. I'm supposed to gain a pound a week- that's 8 pounds if you are counting- and I know all too well I could gain 2 pounds a week- and leave the hospital with a beautiful little girl and a body that still looks 8 months pregnant.
So I've been doing a lot of research on how to manage weight gain over these last few weeks )diets are forbidden and the baby does need me to gain some weight- but I'd like to keep it under control) and how to jump start weight loss after baby. This is how I discovered post-partum compression lingerie. Apparently, I was completely oblivious after my first baby, because this is all new to me. It seems everyone from Angelina Jolie to the mom reviewers on Amazon know about this and most swear by it! It sounds like the trick is to start wearing it hours after birth- I didn't even know that was allowed...

So, here is what I have discovered- there are hundreds of styles- panties, wraps, girdles, tanks ranging from under $20 to well over $100 here are a couple I have discovered:

Japanese Weekend Nursing Body Shaper $66

Underworks post delivery girdle $16.99

Yummie Tummie Nursing Tank $86

I'm leaning towards the nursing tank style. Really, just because it solves two problems as once. And I've worn Yummie Tummie shapewear for a while and love it, but the nursing tanks get so-so reviews.

So here's the question- have you tried post-partum compression clothing? And if so to what degree of success, and what kind? My jelly belly and my skinny jeans thank you!

Now... back to real life.

2012-01-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over, its back to real life for me. And my real life looks like this: we just moved a two year old into her "big girl room"
She's very excited to have all her toys in her bedroom, I am excited with the outcome of my striped wall

It is sort of a pepto-pink paradise, but she loves it.

Plus, we having another baby in about 8 weeks, so I am trying to do a minimal revamp of our existing nursery- there is no need to buy new furniture and I have most of the essentials, but I don't want this baby to live in all hand me downs...

Walls are "Christopher Robin's Swing" a sage green color by Disney for Behr with white trim. Furniture is dark cherry with excepting an baby armoire that was my dad's, which is white. (Yes, sentimentality trumps decor.)

So- I am torn between a vintage feel: loving these antique nursery rhyme prints

and this Eiffel tower decal from lot26.com

ideas? anyone?

Chandelier Tree- great idea I can take no credit for...

2011-12-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I came across this picture on pintrest an thought to myself "now that's how you decorate a chandelier"

photo from http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com//

I followed the link to Pearls Handcuffs and Happy Hour and checked out this post. Turns out that this is a super easy DIY project that even I can do... and it cost a whopping $9.96 thanks to the Michael's holiday blow-out sale I hit yesterday during lunch.

If you are keeping track, thats:
$2.49 for 1 nine foot garland
$2.99 for the wreath
1.99 for the cranberry garland I dismantled (cheaper than buying individual picks in the floral section)
2.49 for the ribbon (with plenty left over for gift wrapping)

That's actually a savings off the $12 price tag on the original post (already super cheap!)

And here it is...

...better than yesterday

2011-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

As promised, I went home yesterday scrapped most of what I was wearing. This morning, I an feeling a little better about myself. Please forgive the quality of the camera phone pics... I leave for work at 6 am, and just couldn't deal with downloading from my camera this morning, as you can see- the bed isn't even made yet.

The biggest impact, I actually did my hair- a little curl with a 1" iron does wonders for my spirit and hides the kinks from yesterdays bun. I stuck with black and white (a preggers's best friend...) and jeans, just with better detail.

The pattern of the shirt helps down-play the bump. (I LOVE my bump, but everyone who sees me knows its there, there's no reason to highlight it.) The cardigan has a little ruffle detail to make it more interesting than most black cardigans. The skinny jean is getting a little tough to pull off, but I'm down to 3 pairs of jeans- well, 2 after yesterday- so I have to do what I can. Lastly, red croco pump- love this shoe to pieces- they dress up everything and are super comfortable. Nine West Gwendle pump in red patent croco $59.95 at DSW

here is yesterday and today side by side:

Any moms or moms to be with tips on how to dress without looking like you are wearing a tent?

Clothes-tastrophe

2011-12-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am going waaaay out on a limb, the whole point of a blog about fashion, decor etc is to share fabulous ideas. But, a friend told be once that if more women shared the hardships and pit falls of being a woman, life would be a little easier for all of us. In that spirit I am going to show you what happens when sleep deprivation and pregnancy hormones collide. A momentary stumble in the closet of a girl who is trying to be anything but... well... this:

Mistake #1- the maternity jean. I've been pretty lucky, I've been able to wear my regular jeans (with the help of a BellyBand) and lots of my own clothes through most of my pregnancy. But now, at 6 1/2 months pregnant, and with a 2 year old who won't sleep in her own bed- I gave in to the perceived comfort of a maternity jean. Frankly, they are too big to start with, and the grow as the day goes on. Plus they require constant tugging at the waist- always a good look...

Mistake #2- the fake necklace shirt... these had a moment... a while ago... and although never really my taste, this might have been a more reasonable article of clothing when the friend who lent it to me was pregnant. It is not any longer. And moreover the justification for putting it on this morning (it is long enough to cover the elastic waistband on my maternity jeans) doesn't really matter when the jeans keep falling down.

Mistake # 3- the hair. Insult to injury, I've actually had pretty cute hair all weekend thanks to a great tutorial from The Small Things Blog, This is not the cute hair. This is hair that is washed and thrown in a bun so I can still get to work on time even though I snoozed (twice)

Honestly, I love the sweater, and often, its very flattering- but this outfit does it no favors...

Soooo there you have it. My clothes-tastrophe. A Monday morning gone horribly wrong. You can go read something else now- I still have to go to the grocery store and to pick up my daughter looking like this! But in the spirit of forgiveness and growth- I'm not wallowing in it any longer... I will, however lay out a cute outfit tonight- in case its another tough night, and post a pic of that tomorrow so you can see if I did any better.

'Tis The Season...

2011-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

I hate to brag, but I am this close to being done with my Christmas shopping. So for all of you Last-Minute Lucy's here is my 10 fav gifts to give... under $50.

7" Silver Polka Dot Bowl- I love this super chic bowl for cut flowers or a fruit arrangement, plus its always a treat to give a gift worth way more than you spent! $39 One Kings Lane for 2 days only (while they last)

Archipelago Botanicals boxed candle in Pomegranate Citrus- delish brightly scented candle, and pomegranate is oh-so "in" $24.50 at Amazon

Just Being Audrey A picture-book biography of actress Audrey Hepburn- because it's never to soon for a girl to obsess over the greatest fashion icon of all time. $11.89 Anthropologie

Yuletide Traditions Plates- cheerful appetizer or dessert plates without the typical Christmas tree motif. $24.99 Cost Plus

Vintage Style Aprons- make baking more fun, and be perfectly accessorized for your dinner parties. 29.95 Sur La Table

Wallet bottle opener- ever been stuck without one? TRAGIC! Made for a man, but great for a fun girl too- credit card sized bottle opener fits in a wallet (always handy) and can be personalized for $10 more. 19.95 Red Envelope

Christmas Stocking Chocolates- This San Franciscan purveyor of artisan chocolates is a staple for well over a decade. I love LOVE their burnt caramel chocolates, and these festive designs make them perfect for gifting. But be sure you check out all the flavors They'll ship nationwide. $20 Recchiuti Confections

Succulent Drop earrings- I've mentioned her before- but I love Kris Nations Jewelry, and these earrings make a great unique gift without breaking the bank. Sale Price $45 Kris Nations Jewels

Flour Sack towels- this is COMPLETELY suburban, and against the whole philosophy of this blog, but the holidays bring out my domesticity, so here goes: I love to wrap baked goods in dish towels and give them to my neighbors or co-workers. I think baked goods are the ultimate gift for those people you want to acknowledge, but don't know well enough to shop for, and I love wrapping that serves an actual purpose. (Plus that old-fashioned feeling of a flour sack towel tied with ribbon.) This chirping rooster is just the vintage feel I am going for. $4 at Amazon. (ps- Trader Joe's sells great boxed bread mixes, I like to sugar the pan to give the breads a nice sugary crunch.)

Cashmere scarf- an absolute classic that never fails to please. I love the hounds-tooth both because its trendy without being trendy, and because I love all things hounds-tooth. $14.99 for two days only at Zulily.com, while supplies last

Happy giving! And yes, I know, second holiday post in a row. Full disclosure: there will be more. I LOVE the holidays!

Haul out the holly...

2011-12-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

My husband just spent the better part of the evening schlepping all our Christmas decoration up the from the garage, and I was greeted with 32 years of holiday. Hooray!

Although I never part with anything Christmas related, I have created some very specific rules around what goes on display- simply put, it has to be red or gold. No silver bells and no green- unless its pine scented. The only exceptions being our actual tree decorations- our tree is like a scrap book and I'd take the memories over the department store perfect tree anytime.

I was looking through the decorations and mulling over the dress your space philosophy. I've mentioned it before, but I love the idea that thoughtful decor would reflect the same taste as a great outfit. Well, consider this dressing your space in reverse... and check out these great holiday duds inspired by my fav decorations, and with an eye towards your budget, nothing over $100.

ps... can we have a moments pause for that red handbag from DSW? $35- really?! I'll race you to it.

Haul Out The Holly by substyle featuring a disco dress

Oasis crepe dress
$75 - oasis-stores.com

Moon Collection disco dress
$53 - modcloth.com

BKE top
$28 - buckle.com

Cropped jacket
£24 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Jersey pants
£19 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Nine West slip on shoes
$80 - zappos.com

La Regale metallic clutch
$30 - macys.com

Red handbag
$35 - dsw.com

Fur Real

2011-11-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

... or more accurately faux fur real. I am so in love with the fur trend that comes out in fall- it makes me feel like Doris Day sipping cocoa next to a fireplace.

But, from a practical standpoint fur creates some challenges. The first is ahem financial- not only can I not justify coat that costs as much as my mortgage, but I always run the risk of anything from a sucker to spit-up getting ground into what I'm wearing. Then, there is the issue of proportion- a curvy girl in a fur piece can tend to look a little... Sasquatch-y. Lastly, I hate looking like I rushed out and bought a trend, and while fur (real or faux) is timeless- many of the styles I'm drawn to smack of this weeks fashion mags.

So I've gathered a collection of my fav, mostly faux, fur pieces. Reasonably priced (under $200), body skimming (to avoid "bulk") and each with a touch of retro. Eat your heart out daycare moms!

Fur Real by substyle featuring a faux fur trim coat

Fur dress
$75 - modcloth.com

ONLY fur cardigan
£48 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Faux fur trim coat
$170 - topshop.com

Fake fur vest
$105 - warehouse.co.uk

Helene berman
$46 - theoutnet.com

Zara fur heel boots
$159 - zara.com

Star by Julien Macdonald teal bag
£39 - debenhams.com

Abercrombie Fitch knitted shawl
$98 - abercrombie.com

Lipsy Snowflake Fur Earmuffs - Lipsy
£10 - lipsy.co.uk

The Big Purge

2011-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

If you wonder where I've been lately, look in my closet. Well, not my closet, but my guestroom closet. In the four years we have lived in our house, we have had one room that has served as a catch-all. Our guest room-cum office- soon to be a cotton candy pink paradise for a two year old. That means getting rid of everything I'm not attached to, and finding a new home for all the keepers from photos to wrapping paper.

So... since I am currently obsessed with organizing my most precious possessions, here are a few of my top 5 space saving solutions.

1. Space Bags: I know, I know, right into the world of "as seen on TV" but I swear- I use these for everything- linens, baby clothes, sweaters... best of all they fit anywhere!

2. Wrapping paper storage: I dream of a wrapping paper station that looks like this

but in my mini house... I'm getting one that looks like this

...its actually a great solution with a spot for ribbon, tape and scissors as well as the bin space for the paper rolls. Beats the heck out of propping the rolls up in the corner.

3. Bedroom office equipment: When my husband and I moved in together we agreed on a no TV in the bedroom rule. I think TVs in the bedroom are the first step towards divorce... But, with our spare room, we loose our home office which means all the bills and office equipment need a new home. In the land of lap tops we don't need a n actual workspace, but we do need some equipment. Enter the wireless printer- it communicates with my lap top in the living room and fits on a bedroom shelf without making me feel like I am sleeping in the office.

4. Photo Storage: I have a million pre digital photos, and they aren't going anywhere. So I love this 'Havana' platinum-grey medium photo box by Kolo - it's pretty enough to shelve (unlike the giant plastic bins I've been using) and made with archival paper to keep my treasures safe.

5. Under the bed storage: This is my FAV- mostly because it make use of my vintage suitcase collection... currently taking up space in the garage. And shamefully, I had never thought of it... So much chicer than the plastic bins peeking out from under my bed now. Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens for the idea!

And bonus- if I had no budget... and was in the market for some bonus storage, I'd embrace my Alice in Wonderland fantasy with this amazing shelving unit from Dust Furniture... to die for...

In the pink

2011-10-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

I was pretty disappointed in myself when I realized it is October 24th, and I haven't even mentioned Breast Cancer Awareness month. My family, like many others, has been touched my this disease, and although we should be aware of our bodies and our health all year long- this is an especially important time to remember: do self exams regularly and get mammograms when appropriate. In honor or breast cancer awareness- here are some of my fav things in pink.

Think Pink set by substyle featuring a knee length a line skirt

Structured dress
£28 - houseoffraser.co.uk

CALYPSO ST BARTH chiffon top
$69 - calypsostbarth.com

Dorothy Perkins pink top
£8 - dorothyperkins.com

Knee length a line skirt
$17 - amazon.com

Havaiana
$30 - generalpants.com.au

Miu Miu logo bag
$420 - miumiu.com

BCBGeneration stretch jewelry
$34 - zappos.com

SMYTHSON Mini Pochette maquillage Cliquez pour Agrandir
€250 - colette.fr

stila cosmetics - lip enamel Giggle Hot Pink
stilacosmetics.com

Annie Patterned Accent Chair | dfs | think sofas think dfs
£798 - dfs.co.uk

Camelia Avenue Posy Vase
$25 - katespade.com

Coolest Bed Ever

2011-10-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

I thought this was worth sharing- this has to be the coolest bed ever- check it out on One Kings Lane today and tomorrow. If I had a sprawling yard with a pool, an airy loft, or a house bigger than a shoebox... I'd be starting a campaign for this bed today.

You can leave it as is and let it rock, or, if you are concerned about motion sickness- use small rubber stoppers to keep it in place. Either way, I love the way it feels like a cross between a wine cask and a traditional canopy bed.

My new love...

2011-10-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

I was at my Target the other day, and I saw something...

...could it be? No... YES! Tucked away in the jewelry- doubtless hidden by someone who intended to come back for it was... my new Missoni scarf!

Here's the glamor shot

I love LOVE it for Fall, the warm neutrals with gold thread woven through are screaming Autumn and although today I am wearing it with a tank (we are enjoying an 85 degree Indian Summer day here on the West Coast) it is light enough to easily layer over a sweater when things cool off.

Bonus- the infinity scarf design is easy to wear. I am forever trying to tie my scarf like a Parisian- do French women take classes in how to tie scarves?

My weekly visit to Target paid off! Word is there will be sporadic replenishment of the Missoni collection through out the month of October, so if you are kicking yourself for missing it- there is hope!

Tufted Headboards- cozy on the cheap

2011-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

I've always gravitated to the commanding look of a four-poster bed. But, lately I am really loving tufted headboards. There is something about them that just seems so cozy and inviting, I just want to snuggle in.
Even better- they are usually a less expensive alternative to big wooden bedsteads.
I especially love when they are slightly winged like this version from Broyhill. They just barely remind me of the forts I built out of blankets as a kid- gotta love a reason to hideout in bed!

Here's My dream bedroom in creams and blues:

tufted headboard by substyle on polyvore.com

Lands End Country Luxe Upholstered Headboard
$300 - sears.com

Cole Chair
$749 - roomandboard.com

Amherst Wall Swing Arm Lamp - Wall Lamps - Wall Lighting - Lighting |...
$99 - homedecorators.com

The best dressed bump

2011-10-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

I was wandering a bookstore this weekend, and found Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement by Amy Tara Koch

It started out as something to read on the couch while my in-laws are in town, but it sort of hooked me. With my first pregnancy, I didn't give pregnancy fashion much thought. I was so thrilled to be pregnant I wanted to wear maternity clothes (hormones...) After my daughter was born, I looked back an my pregnancy with the clarity that only time can bring. It was pretty awful. I gained over 40 pounds (OMG- did I just admit that?!) and lived in denim maternity capris and bulky tops. That's not quite true... my mom took me shopping early in my pregnancy and got me a couple of really cute things to wear to work and some events I had. But, when left to my own devices, I was a disaster!
This time, I am determined to rock the hot mama look. (Frankly, the first step has been not rocking so many hot fudge sundaes.) But, not as easy as I thought... this book had a couple of tips that I had already discovered, and a few I hadn't thought of. Here are a few of my favs.

The Bella Band by Ingrid & Isabel
One of the thing I liked best about this book is that it encourages you to wear your own clothes, so this is the only product I''ll call out. The Bella Band is a super stretchy tube of fabric thats fits over the waistband of your pants or skirts. Thanks to an assortment of these darlings I'm almost halfway through my pregnancy and I am still wearing my own pants (so much cuter than anything with an elastic waist!) They come in a rainbow of colors so you can coordinate them to your outfits (they look like a layering tank) although in many cases they don't show at all.

Long "wife-beater" style tanks
My daughter was born in late summer, so I sadly went through a very hot pregnancy without these. This time I can't get enough- I'm wearing them by themselves on warm Indian Summer days and under cardigans and blazers when it's cooler. Most everyone has them, but if not, they are pretty cheap ($6 at Target right now) and come in great colors. They show off the cute 2nd trimester bump, and if they are long enough stretch out my short round torso.

Accessorize:
Seems like a no brainer, but they call it "baby-brain" for a reason. It frankly never occurred to me that a strategic accessory choice could distract from my size. I at a point, I tried to shrink more than shine. This time I am going the opposite route. I put away my dainty jewelry, and moved my statement pieces to the front. I got a fedora too. Also belts- this has always confused me in pregnancy... belt above the bump? below? Turns out, both are right- but the book helped me figure out when.

Wear Heels:
This is one to do as long as possible. 36 weeks into growing a human, it's not always possible to wear heels. Also, balance is a huge issue in pregnancy. But a decent wedge, or kitten heel can go far to make a girl look a) smaller and b) pulled together.

So far, it must be working. Yesterday my husband said to me- "you are so much cuter this pregnancy" sweet!

Great Vintage Dress Giveaway!

2011-10-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Fellow blogger, Paper Moons and Macaroons is offering this fabulous vintage dress giveaway.

Check out her beautiful blog and enter to win!

Statement jewelry at subtle prices

2011-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Handmade jewelry has a deliciously special feel to it, and finding a designer who hand-makes great jewelry at a reasonable price is the kind of secret you sort of want to share, and sort of don't. But I will share- it's just the kind of girl I am!

Kris Nations is a Northern California jewelry designer and my go-to girl for unique gifts for the women in my life. She designs great, easily wearable pieces ranging from simple to statement, most all pieces are available in gold or silver. Affordable and from recycled metals too! Here's a few pieces on my wish list:

Arc Hoops

Blade Cuff

Blade Hoops

Dahlia Double Chain Necklace

Geo Leaf Ring

Wear your bridesmaids dress again... really

2011-10-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

If your late twenties were anything like mine, you may have noticed that all your friends get married at once. One summer I was in three weddings. THREE! Long after I had paid off the hair, make-up, shower, bachelorette party debt, I was still left with a closet stuffed with $300 dollar dresses. Especially painful since I've never spent $300 dollar dress that I actually wanted. (My wedding dress was a gift from my mom) I think a hidden camera in my apartment provided the inspiration for the closet in 27 Dresses

And every one was a dress I was promised I would "wear again". Sure, because I have so much use for a periwinkle ball gown (maybe a Cinderella Halloween costume?) or a lime green cocktail dress (just a hunch, but no one ever wears a lime green cocktail dress again...) Excuse the sarcasm, but really! What's worse? At least two of the dresses have outlasted the marriage. They hang in my "extra" closet in plastic dry-cleaner bags. Not because I'm a pack rat like my husband says, but because I can't bring myself to throw away thousands of dollars.

Finally a solution! I saw an add for NewlyMaid- a service that turns your cotton candy pink tulle nightmare into a sophisticated little black dress. Its like magic... kind of.

You buy a postage paid box and send them the dresses cluttering your closet. They inspect the dress and send you discounted pricing on your choice of the 6 classically styled LBDs. Best of all your old dress gets recycled into new cloth, or donated to a charity. Not dumpster filler here!

My fav is called "Kate" sexy for evening, but still cute with a cardigan for work. It's worth a try, if you are trying to jump start your own style makeover, you are going to need the space anyhow.

The worst bridesmaid dress I ever had was the lime green one, the color was called "lettuce" knee length satin with a rhinestone belt. What was the worst dress you ever wore?