Gingham Style

March 10, 2015

Eh – Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh
Oppa is Gingham style…

Try to get that song out of your head now! It is going to stick with you for a bit. And, to think it only took three years since it was released to finally fight the earworm off. I know I am sorry!

You know what I am not sorry for? This Spring 2015 fashion trend and these looks that hopefully will stick with you like that darn song…

Notice the trend? This Spring’s fashion points to all things Gingham and I love this look. It is a refreshing style that can be dressed up or down and as you can see from some of the inspiration pictures I pulled above, whether you are leaning on the subtle side of the Gingham fence or dare to be bold, this Spring trend is so versatile.

Ready to shop? Here are some Gingham pieces I am currently eyeing up.

From left to right: 1. Shirt – Forever 21 – 17.90 | 2. Skirt – Bloomingdale’s – 68.00 | 3. Dress – ASOS – Reg. 92.00, Sale 37.00 | 4. Coat – Nordstrom (Michael Kors) – 128.00

Now hurry up and turn on some music to get the song out of your head and start shopping!

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SALE ALERT: Extra 30% Off & Free Shipping

March 5, 2015

I am obsessed with pinning outfits on Pinterest. Have you seen MY BOARD? Problem is when you click the image and see the price points of the items that make up those outfits. WOW! Most of the time they are so out of my price range.

I like a good deal. So, I get a thrill out of replicating a look with less expensive, yet similar clothing items. What is even better? When the actual item you are eyeing up goes on sales. A really, really good sale.

Such is the case with this look I have been eyeing up on Pinterest.

Image credit

See that chain link bracelet? Yep! She has caught my eye for some time. Unfortunately, I was not willing to pay the price for her. So, when I saw that J.Crew Factory was having a FLASH SALE today I was all game to fill my shopping cart. Guess what? The bracelet… it is there and on sale too!

SAVE AN EXTRA 30% OFF with the code SHOPSALE. Below are some of my favorite sale items. Keep in mind… an extra 30% off J.Crew Factory Clearance!! It is a good day.

EDIT: Offer valid at jcrewfactory.com through March 8, 2015, through 11:59pm ET. Some exclusions apply.

Get your shopping on!

February Favorites

February 28, 2015

It is the last day of February! Hard to believe that we are heading into March, but to be honest, I am looking forward to the flip of the calendar as we enter a new month. We are one step closer to Spring… one step closer to temperatures above freezing… one step closer to not having to scrape car windows… one step closer to busting out flip flops! Man, I miss those flip flops.

If you have been following my Blog, you know that I am a New Mommy. We hit the 10 week old mark today which translates to – “Mommy, is starting to get the hang of this thing.” With that comes some new found personal time to start pampering myself again. Even if pampering means a 10 minute shower and 10 minutes of quiet, peaceful bathroom time alone to focus on me. I will take what I can get!

1 – Well-Rested Face and Eye Brightener – I strategically made this favorite item #1 on my list. I mean the name speaks for itself. A 24-hour span goes something like this… (starting at 8 pm) feed baby, put baby to bed, do some dishes,check baby, lay out items for work, check on baby, pack baby’s diaper bag for sitter, check on baby, brush teeth, check on baby, go to bed myself, wake up because baby cooed or made a new sound in sleep, back to sleep, wake up to crying baby, change baby, feed baby, put baby back to bed, lay awake staring at ceiling worrying about something, fall asleep, wake up to baby crying, change baby, feed baby, debate whether to go back to bed or just get up for the day, get up for the day, leave for work, work, multiple calls and texts checking on baby, lunch, work, drive home, pick-up baby, cuddle baby, feed baby, put baby down for nap, eat part of dinner until baby wakes, feed baby, change baby, bath baby, cuddle time and REPEAT. Yes… there are bags under my eyes! This product is amazing.

2 – Bed Head Colour Goddess Oil Infused Shampoo – The first and foremost reason I love this product is simply due to its scent. It oozes sweet caramel and I melt. My hair has never been smoother and it leaves a great shine. But again, back to its scent… while it is made for your hair, I have been tempted just to use as a body wash, because it smells that good!

3 – C.O. Bigelow – Vanillamint Supreme – I am a sucker for lip gloss. Always have been and probably always will be. I have never been a lipstick kind of girl. I feel most comfortable with a balm and if I am feeling extra fancy just give me the gloss. This product provides great lip moisturizer, includes a breath freshener and leaves a great walk-out-the-door, I really am trying, shine.

4 – Mary Kay Oil-Free Makeup Remover – Add this to a cotton ball, give your face and eyelids a few swipes and you have yourself a shiny clean face. I will admit I was a go to bed in makeup kind of girl, until I was introduced to Mary Kay’s Makeup Remover. I think I may have even heard my pores screaming when I would use a wet wash cloth and body bar soap to scrub away the daily grime. Thankfully those were my old ways. Plus, this product is hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive skin.

5 – Essie’s Miss Fancy Pants – This is such a chic color and it reminds me of Spring. Essie while pricier than most nail polishes is just a better nail polish quality. It always lasts longer on my nails. Also, if you are currently pregnant, Essie is considered a “safe” nail polish to use. So, schedule that pedicure! And, to all, if you are looking for a good laugh… do yourself a favor and read this Buzzfeed article, One Man’s Attempt To Guess Nail Polish Names. It will leave you chuckling out loud and in tears.

Happy February!

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Wednesday Wisdom

February 25, 2015

Well we made it folks… halfway through the work week. It was a big and rough week for me as I returned to the workforce after my Maternity Leave. Was it hard? Absolutely! Have I cried? Well, was Vanilla Ice a one-hit-wonder?

Yes! Of course. I cried! A lot.

The worst part was the days leading up to my return. The best way to describe it is as follows… imagine an amazing vacation, a vacation in paradise, the perfect vacation, a vacation you dreamed about and waited so long for. Now imagine the last day of that perfect world. You know that feeling? The dreaded countdown. This is our last night, last lunch, last sunset, last day without a care in the world… until we return next year. Now take that thought and multiple it by 100. No, maybe 200. Dramatic? Nah! The gut wrenching pain is real.

I have found comfort in quotes through multiple points in my life. Whether it has been times of happiness or pain; quotes have provided me with the eloquent words I wish I could say. So, it was no exception that as I struggled with my emotions, I found myself searching the Internet (I told you I was a Professional Googler – See Here) for something to grasp and make me feel better.

It is amazingly simple but therapeutic, so I thought I would share some that stuck out to me this week as I searched for the right things to think or say. I call this post Wednesday Wisdom. I do not plan on doing this every week, but here and there on Wednesdays when the urge calls. Hopefully, one of these will resonate with you. And, maybe, just maybe it will be the simple thing you need to get through anything that may be nagging at you.

Have a great week, friends!

Let this post be a feel good post. If you have a favorite quote you have found this week or one that you live by, please share below.

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Marsala, And I Don’t Mean Chicken…

February 8, 2015

Pantone has collaborated again to bring us their Fashion Report for Spring 2015. This year’s colors have a softer theme than last season. (Here is the recap I did of their Spring 2014 picks with some style looks). Overall, looking at the colors it did resemble last seasons, with one big difference… marsala, and I don’t mean chicken! I had to go throw in a joke. A bad one, but a joke still.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. – Leatrice Eisema, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute^®

Photo courtesy of Pantone.com

To be honest, marsala reminds me more of a Fall / Winter look. Therefore, I found it interesting to see if Pantone’s “color of the year” pick translated well into wardrobe options for the Spring. Surprisingly, my search uncovered some great fashion items of all different price points. Here are some styles I am eyeing up this season.

From left to right – 1. Jacket – Gap – 88.00 (Currently, a 30% Off Sale! Use MORE) | 2. Long Sleeve – Forever 21 – 12.90 | 3. Pants – Old Navy – 34.94 (Currently on sale for 24.97) | 4. Flats – ModCloth – 29.99 | 5. Purse – Michael Kors – 298.00 | 6. Necklace – ModCloth – 39.99

As the season changes, I will update the Blog with some new picks. Do you have any favorite marsala items? If so, please feel free to share links in the comment section below.

What I Wore: Week 29

October 27, 2014

Week 29! Eek! Actually, tomorrow is Week 30. I remember early on with the pregnancy thinking about the weeks that I am experiencing now just seeming so far away and now when I look back, I feel like then was such a long time ago. Overall, I am just surprised how quickly time is flying by. It is amazing how you look at time when you put it into perspective. If someone said, “You leave for your tropical vacation in 10 weeks,” you would think, “That is forever away!” However, when you think, “I have 10 weeks to go with my pregnancy.” The excitement of nearing the single digits and being so close to meeting this baby, you can’t help but think, “I got this!”

One thing though that I am trying really hard to say “I got,” is dressing my new body. I have very few maternity items. I am trying so very hard to not spend a lot of money on such clothes, but there are some key pieces, or must haves in my opinion. I am saving some money by trying to work with what I got. Sometimes I pair it with a maternity item, and other times I can rely on pre-pregnancy items to work. Here is what i wore during week 29.

Pants: Leggings (Lauren Conrad – Kohls)
Top: Button-up (GAP)
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats (Payless)
Scarf: Gift
Jewelry: Watch (Michael Kors) and Bracelet (TJ MAXX)

Dress: Maternity Long-Sleeve (Liz Lange – Target)
Hose: Previous Owned (Vera Bradley – Kohls)
Shoes: Mary Janes (Kohls)
Belt: Black Belt (Mossimo Supply Co – Target)
Jewelry: Bracelet (Gift) and Necklace (Owned for so long, I forget where I purchased)

What I Wore: Week 27

October 13, 2014

So, I am really putting it out there with today’s post. When I first found out we were expecting, I threw myself into reading and researching. I remember the very early weeks becoming quite overwhelmed. The more I read, the more I felt like I should have been preparing for baby long before I knew there was a baby. I remember thinking… “how am I going to have enough time to accomplish all I need to do?”

Slowly, as time went by and the weeks past I learned that you just have to take it day by day. You will feel overwhelmed some days and other days you will simply enjoy the process of being pregnant. One thing I focus on is the things I can control, which is taking care of myself. From trying to eat healthy, getting rest and quite frankly making myself feel good. Your body changes and I will be the first to admit that it has not been easy. Aches and pains that accompany pregnancy and then the selfish thoughts of “will I ever go back to my pre-pregnancy self?” enter my mind as I stand in the mirror. Again, taking everything day by day seems to really help. Some days I am tired and miserable and other days I feel such an inner glow and truly enjoy this time. I think it is natural for most women.

I bring all of this up because superficially, making yourself feel good, really can have an impact on your pregnancy. I feel better when I get up and do my hair, put on make-up and dress my best than I do on days when I lounge in sweatpants with a messy bun on my head. Maybe it is just me? But I feel more myself put together. Now don’t get me wrong… there are days when sweatpants are the answer and believe after a long day at work, the first thing I do is go home and change into lounge wear.

Dressing a pregnant body can be hard. Especially when you work in a field where professional attire is required. It is also hard when you are stubborn like me and are trying to watch your every dollar by making your current clothing work and not spending a fortune on maternity. I did break down and buy Maternity Jeans and oh my goodness… heaven! Do yourself a favor ladies… accept it and enjoy the pure bliss of comfortableness.

As I mentioned before I have thrown myself into reading and searching the internet. I LOVE the many week by week pregnancy blogs out there. It is super helpful to hear what other women are going through especially during the week you are in. I even found myself in those early stages excited at the thought of dressing myself as my body changed. Now here I am! So, here are a few outfits I wore during week 27:

Dress: Black Summer Maxi from Target
Sweater: Cardigan from Target
Belt: Target
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats from Payless
Jewelry: Silver Bracelet (Cannot remember where I bought. I have owned for awhile)

None of the items in this outfit are maternity, so you really can work with what you have to make an outfit work. I love summer dresses! They are great paired with tights or leggings or a sweater to push them through the Fall and Winter seasons.

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity
Tank Top: Gap
Sweater: Cardigan from Gap
Shoes: Steve Madden Boots
Scarf: Purchased for me as a Christmas Gift. Not sure the brand.
Jewelry: Watch from Michael Kors and Necklace from the Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl’s

With this outfit, the only thing maternity is the jeans. Everything is items I wore before I was pregnant. Tops that you own that were once flowy are now perfect when your pregnant. That is what i did with the Tank Top in this this outfit.

Do you have any fashion advice for dressing when pregnant? If so, share in the comments below!

The Perfect Beach Cover Ups

June 20, 2014

On the eve of the first official day of summer, let’s get our excitement levels up as we swoon over the return of a great season. Life is better in the summer. I always feel healthier, have a little more pep in my step and enjoy the carefreeness that comes with the season. Who is with me?

With vacations in the near future, I find myself more concerned and excited over the perfect beach cover-up than the swimsuit itself. Think about it – you are showing off your cover-up more than your actual suit in most cases. I mean we choose this assemble for that very reason – to cover us up from our itsy bitsy teeny bikinis.

I get more excited over cover-up fashions than swimwear and this season there are some great cover-up finds.

1 – ASOS Cold Shoulder Beach Cover Up | $38.11
First, this one looks like an adorable dress. Paired with some wedge heels, this cover-up can take you from day to night as to hit the local hot spots or beach bars. Plus, the color is perfect for the season! Remember my Pantone Spring Fashion Report round-up? It is that Dazzling Blue.

2 – Forever 21 Floral Swim Cover Up | $15.80
Can you beat this price? I think not! Plus, bold colors and bold prints are very much in trend this season.

3 – Anthropolgie Offshore Caftan | $120
This would be my summer splurge! I adore everything about this cover-up. It is distinctly feminine, un-restrictive and reminds me of the perfect go-to as you walk the beach at night.

4 – Victoria’s Secret Relaxed Linen Pant | Orig. $49.50 – Sale $39.50
I love everything about this look. Particularly the word “relaxed.” That is just what a beach vacation or day at the pool should be… relaxing. With this outfit, you don’t have to care, but you look good doing it!

Happy Summer!

Hey, Ladies… It’s Swimsuit Time!

May 1, 2014

It is the most dreaded time of year for females all over the world… Swimsuit Season. You know, the time where you psych yourself up, maybe throw back a shot or two and over and over in your head you prep yourself… “I got this!” And, then it happens. You stand there in front of three, sometimes you are lucky and there are five or maybe you have hit the jackpot and get the dressing rooms with full panoramic mirrors and, if you are like me, you cringe. Thoughts that go through your mind may include…

“I am so pale I can see my veins.”
“Who the heck invented florescent light?”
“Why does St. Patrick’s day fall between Winter and Summer? Darn dark beers!”
“Who the heck invented low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Who the heck wears low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Why does Easter fall between my New Year’s Resolution and Summer? Darn chocolate!”
“I could always walk sideways to the ocean.”

But Summertime comes and our mentality changes. I just love this saying…

It is true though! Especially, once you finally, finally get by the water. Cares seem to fade away. You forget about the materialistic side of life and the stress of being perfect and as you put on your summer swimsuit to head to the beach, you pass a mirror and say, “I got this!” and you mean it! Because who cares? It is summer! And hopefully, you are work and stress free with a beverage in-hand.

So, as I get into my summer mindset and face the reality that it does include swimwear of some kind. I actually push all those negative thoughts behind me and find the excitement in a new season and the carefree attitude that comes with it.

I cruise the internet instead of stepping foot in the store to find the perfect swimwear. For me, trying on my purchases in the comfort of my own home is much more appealing.

These are some of my favorite swimsuit fashion trends for summer 2014:

Bright Colors – Think Neon
One Pieces are back
Hello, Fringe and Ruffles
Lace and Vintage Looks
Bold Prints

1 – Saks Fifth Avenue – 165 | 2 – Victoria Secret – 42.50 (Top) and 18.50 (Bottom) | 3 – AE – 19.99 (Top) and 14.99 (Bottoms) | 4 – asos – 50.80 |- Anthropologie – 132

In honor of social media’s appointed #ThrowBackThursdays… I thought I would be vulnerable and share a picture of my all-time favorite swimwear. In all honest, after this winter it feels like it has been this long since I enjoyed sweet summertime!

Soul By The Sea – Nautical Trends

April 21, 2014

I am pretty sure that my soul belongs by the sea. During a stressful day or situation, when someone says, “Go to your happy place,” mine is always by the water. If I had my choice or say, I would always go with the ocean. The waves, the sand, the breeze… there is nothing better in my opinion. However, give me a lake, stream or bay and I am an equally happy girl!

Maybe it is the way of life of such waterfront towns that pull me in the most? Especially, those off the beaten path. Drive the coastal Carolina’s or even along the bay of good ol’ Maryland, and you will understand what I am saying. Kent Island, St. Micheal’s, Easton, Cambridge – all Maryland Bay towns, that you not only remember for their attractions but for the way you feel when you visit.

It is a way of life. A slower pace. A calm. I long for it this time of year.

The nautical trend is seeing its way back into stores and closets. Here are some of my favorite picks from this season’s trend. I plan on embracing the style while I work away in the mountains and long for my summer days by the sea! Enjoy!