Best Maternity Fashion Basics

November 9, 2018

*This post contains affiliate links.

I am pregnant. Have I shared that? I mean I have mentioned it to you, correct? Like 5,000 times, right? I know my husband would agree with that last part. He feels the brunt of my whining, groaning, general heavy breathing, and constant reminders that I am indeed growing a baby over here. I also am great at wanting my back rubbed, the laundry basket delivered up and down the steps, and begging for a nap during the day on the weekend. I do deserve those things though. If you don’t agree, stop reading.

The second time around isn’t a charm. No, not for this ole’ girl. I swear every night my back is going to break in two. I can feel it knot up and tighten and pretty soon I am in agony with upper back pain. This is just one side effect. There is heartburn from the depths of Hades, dizziness, and constant pressure and pain over each nook and cranny of my body.

I sound like I am complaining. Okay, I am complaining. The reality is that what I am trying to do is set you up for the blog post which features some of my absolute favorite pregnancy clothing products. The top things I cannot live without. Why? Because they bring me a bit of comfort and joy to this otherwise changing body. I would recommend them a 1,000 times over to my family, friends, or enemies. Yes, even enemies get the love from me when they are going through pregnancy. 🙂 Plus, when you feel like everything is changing and you are constantly uncomfortable, you grab onto the small things that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and semi-human again. These Maternity Fashion Basics make me feel all of those things!

Plus, I am not all into buying a bunch of clothes on items that I won’t need after a few months. Instead, I tried to purchase as minimally as possible this time around. I focused on the basics highlighted here and then wear pre-pregnancy clothes to compliment my body – open-front cardigans, flowy tops, and dresses, you get the picture.

Maternity Leggings – Get yourself a pair, or two, or three. Just live in these. I know I do. They are perfect for casual dress and perfect for work attire. Because they are thinner and tight, I can wear these with dresses, or longer tops, and I never feel like I am dressing down. The best part is when I get home. I can exchange the dress or top with a comfortable hoodie or t-shirt, and I am in PJ mode.

Maternity Tank Tops – You need this! And, you need one in every color. I own white, black, and green. These are a great way to look like you have a bunch of maternity clothes when the reality is you are wearing one of these tank tops and pairing with a non-maternity sweater, button-up, and/or jacket.

A Comfortable Dress – I bought one dress this go around that was specifically a maternity dress. I made sure it was one that would grow with me and my belly and was comfortable. Otherwise, I tried to extend the life of my pre-pregnancy dresses. The form fitted ones were moved to the back and my flowy ones are now in the spotlight.

Cardigan Sweaters – So, this is a great investment when you are pregnant because these can last through nursing and post-pregnancy. This is where I choose to splurge when I shop because I do not feel like I am buying clothing that will have a short lifespan. I love these this season – This One and This One.

Belly Band -This is a great item for the first and early second trimesters. This is how I sustained buying maternity jeans for so long. With a belly band, you can continue to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans, shorts, and dress pants. You just slide this over your waist to hide the buttons that will not close anymore and the belly band looks like a tank top layer with tops. I bought a black, white, and nude, so it would go with various tops I had.

In total, I have purchased one pair of maternity leggings, one pair of jeans, three maternity tank tops, and three belly bands, which are all maternity specific clothing items. I am in my third trimester and have been able to use these basic items to compliment the clothes already in my closet.

Hopefully, you will find that you do not have to spend a great deal of money on clothing when you are pregnant. Save that money instead of a spa day, lunch or dinner date with friends, or manicure before baby arrives.

Fall Fashion Must Haves

September 27, 2017

I think the older I get, the more I adore Fall. There is just something magical about the season. The air has a certain smell, the beauty of the colors bursting on the mountainside, and the incredible tastes of warm soups, candy apples and kettle corn, actually I realize in this moment that it is the awakening of all senses that make me adore the season.

Too bad, Mother Nature has cast her warm spell upon us Mountain Marylanders who typically welcome Fall with extended arms. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine and fact that I am not bundling up in a coat because we all know too well that sometimes a four-letter word appears in our woods each October and that is SNOW.

As I wait for the cooler temperatures, I sit here and dream up all the items my closet needs to support these visions.

Affiliate Links:

Long Sweater | T-Shirt | Flannel Shirt | Striped Top

Utility Jacket | Leather Jacket | Vest | Trench Coat

Black Leggings | Boyfriend Jeans | Black Jeans | Scarf

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The 30 Day Hair Challenge

June 6, 2017

Y’all, I feel like a real life beauty blogger tonight.

I know what you are thinking, “Ashli, we see you.” You are not fooling us with your NEVER penciled in eyebrows and Miss “I don’t wash my face” before bed look. I actually commented on another Blogger’s Instagram this weekend when she shared her favorite face mask and asked her readers what their favorites were. My reply, “the last face mask I wore was in the aisle of WalMart at Halloween, about 10 years ago.” Yeah, that’s me.

So when Hairstory asked me to participate in a 30-day hair challenge, I was that girl looking over my shoulder for the hot blonde with epic waves flowing as she tossed her head and locks from side to side. She wasn’t there. Instead, it was me. A young (I am young still, right?) Momma in desperate need of some beauty hacks and love.

What is HairStory?
Hairstory is a new brand of hair products. They produce four products that are “simple, straightforward, and deliver beautiful results.”

What is New Wash?
A hair cleanser that completely replaces shampoo and conditioner. “New Wash cleanses with a proprietary blend of essential oils and naturally derived saturated cleansers, which respect the body’s natural moisture barrier that detergent destroys.” It works on ALL types of hair versus hundreds of traditional, specialized shampoos – and transforms hair that has been ritually abused by detergent, styling, and bleach. It is paraben-, pthalate-, sulfate-free, and detergent free.

How does it work?
1) Wet your hair.
2) Coat all of your hair.
3) Massage your scalp.
4) Shower as usual.
5) Rinse, or as Hairstory tells you, squeegee your hair.

The Challenge
Hairstory sent me a free bottle and asked me to replace my shampoo, conditioner and all products for 30 days and share my journey.

My Journey
Pre-Hairstory, my hair tends to be dry and a bit brittle. I do not dye my hair, so I have never had a lot of products in my hair. I have ombre’ed these locks about four or five times, but that is it. I have a bit of a wave that never dries too great but instead needs a nice style, due to my natural frizzies. I would consider myself low-maintenance (although my husband would total disagree). I use no after shower products, shutter, I know. And, a curling iron is my best friend whether I add wave or use the hot burning iron to straighten my hair.

But here is the real scoop – I am a busy Momma and I want easy – with a capital E, so EASY!

OVERALL
I took the #takeashowerwithus 30 Day Challenge and I have pros and cons. I noticed that during week one, my hair seemed greasier than usual but as the 30 days developed my hair did start to change.

PROS:

My hair was smooth, like ridiculously smooth. When I got out of the shower, I could comb my hair with my fingers and there were no tangles.
My hair air dried better than ever! No more, weird “natural” frizz!
Fewer products in the shower. No conditioner, just an all-in-one product.
The scent! I adored the scent.

CONS:

Maybe I did something wrong but after one day my hair began to look greasy. While it did get better it never seemed to last more than a day or two and I use to be able to get three or even four days in without a hair wash.
Cost is a bit high but if you really do the math like the other bloggers out there, eliminating the need to buy shampoo, conditioner and after shower products, well you may find, money saved.

Overall, I would give this 3.5 out of 5. Why? The greasy factor I experienced made me feel like I had to shower more and as a busy mom, I just have no time for that. The Pros though are super strong, and I feel the need to fully disclose that I do have well water and that may have impacted the product and my hair. Other bloggers rave about the fact that their need to wash their hair was cut down. I do however adore this product’s thought and mission. Providing a healthy, natural product is really important to me and I would very much be interested in continuing this product or experiencing others as part of their brand.

Thanks to Hairstory for partnering with me on this post!

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Best Crossbody Purses

March 7, 2017

Ladies I am about to debunk something for you. I am about to shed some light on the great purse debate. While these opinions are entirely my own, I feel compelled to share the following with you. A ginormous purse / bag is not a necessity. And, I am saying this as a mommy of a two-year old. You know, a mother who must tote gummy bears, juice boxes, diapers, a change of clothes, grocery store coupons, a baby doll, a book bag, baby doll’s bottle, Lo’s favorite blanket, baby doll’s rattle, all as I head to the grocery store. I know roll your eyes and gasp. Seriously!

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Spring 2017 Shoe Fashion Top Picks

February 28, 2017

I was never ever a shoe girl. Ever. I was more of a top splurger. I could never have enough cute tops. I really enjoyed spending my money browsing t-shirts, sweaters and long sleeves in the store versus the shoe department, but as I have become more conscious on style and my closet I realize shoes are essential to “putting” it all together.

You see a few things stand out in my mind. When I started dating my husband, Nathan, I would always get teased by his two older sisters for my love of thick white crew socks. Abbey particularly would call me out for pairing with brown suede mary jane flats. Proclaiming I needed some dress socks. Reluctantly, I ditched the socks after adhering to her advise. I did indeed save two pairs that I hid in my sock drawer until about a year ago. Seriously, there is nothing better than straight out of the package white crew socks. Delightful.

In my attempt to impress I headed to their home one Christmas Eve, when I pulled out my skirt for the late night church service, Abbey started to giggle and basically redressed / styled me in their old childhood bedroom. There were clothes everywhere among us three girls and shoes upon shoes. We were slightly tipsy too from the oyster shooter shot and glasses of red wine from dinner. As Nathan’s parents yelled from downstairs that we were to leave in five, I grabbed two knee high boots and followed the girls to the door. As I went to jump in a car, again, his beloved sisters started to giggle at me, “Ashli! Seriously?” I looked down and had two different boots on. See, my love affair for shoes, well it became acquired.

I knew I had to up my game. But, who would I turn to? The classiest, stylish, Meema. My grandmother use to have to most impressive shoe and jewelry collection you could imagine. Stilettos and open toe heels before open toe heels were cool. There were red high heels, and brown leather pumps, cork wedges and cute flats with a slight heel. Heaven! Slowly, she started given me pair after pair stating, “Oh, I cannot where heels like this anymore.” She was the shoe Queen! And, thankfully, I wore just her size.

I was set! Over the years when I received compliments it was usually a pair of her passed down shoes, and nearly 10 years since she started passing box after box along. I still have three pairs I wear.

So, you can say, shoe love, well it grew on me. I had to take it step by step (pun intended!).

Now, 30 years old (Eek! Ugh!) I actually spend my money on shoes. Like the Pair in the picture above that I snagged from Old Navy this weekend. They really do make an outfit.

Old Navy Gladiator Sandal

J.Crew Sandals

GAP

Converse

J.Crew Gladiator Sandal

Target Pumps

Old Navy Flats

Adidas Sneakers

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My Favorite Products of 2016

January 3, 2017

Aside from mommyhood, which I often talk about and share here on the blog, I do have a full-time career in marketing / pr. Did you know that? Maybe you did but if you did not, now you do. One thing I have learned from my many years in the industry is that world of mouth is still king! Think about it. Why do you think social media is as big as it is? It is all about conversation and connection. So, essentially social media is one big blob of word of mouth. People ask for recommendations on a hairstylist, sitter, restaurants and contractors. We trust other people before we trust advertisers. Still to this day, we put our guard up about advertisers, thinking a commercial, a print AD or a billboard are visual displays of a facade of the brands very best. The thing is advertising is changing and meshing so much due to social media and digital landscapes that we often do not even realize we are being advertised to, when in fact we are.

As a blogger, we work with brands often. Sponsored posts are how many major bloggers make some serious dough. I am not at that level. Nope, not yet! Just little ole’ me providing you with true word of mouth great products with no connection or tie to these brands. I throw that out there to really emphasis the fact that by me sharing these products with you I am truly picking my favorites with no biases. These are products that I purchased with my own money in 2016 and fell in love with enough to share with you. That is all. Just like BFF’s do. So, you can say we are BFF’s for life, minus the best friend forever necklace.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm – 58.00
I introduced Dermalogica Multivitamin to the Blog early this year. It was my first solid skin care investment. This product focuses on the skin around your eyes. As I have gotten older I have clearly noticed the new visible lines that curve around my eyes and in the middle of my brow. This product contains Vitamin A which is supposed to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process and Vitamins C and E which are to assist with elasticity, ultimately reducing the thin lines that seem to just appear for an unwelcome face party.

Philosophy Pure Grace – 48.00
I credit my Momma for this beauty must-have. She has been a fan of the Philosophy line for sometime, raving about the scents and the products. I finally gave it a try, or sniff on the wrist when we shopped at an Ulta. When I was in college I worked for Bath & Body Works and learned when determining a new scent it is beneficial to test the scent on your wrist and walk away. Give it time to combine with your body chemicals. If you lose the smell of the scent on you after 5-10 minutes it is actually a great thing! The opposite means the scent is too strong for you. Philosophy Pure Grace was that product. The scent that passed my little test. I often get compliments too, which is not a bad thing.

Jane Iredal BeautyPrep Face Moisturizer – 45.00
This is my new favorite skin care product. I literally picked this up as a splurge and now I am hooked. It has a faint smell of lemon which is so fresh and cool to the skin. I apply this moisturizer to my face after every shower, each morning before my makeup and before bed.

bareMinerals Prime Time – 27.00
If you have not already realized by now, I am not glued to one product line. Instead I enjoy finding the right product versus getting consumed by a whole skin care line. bareMinerals was the first “real” beauty line I started investing in outside of drug store products. I was introduced to the foundation over 10 years ago. Through the years I have swayed from the line, but the Prime Time is one product I continue to invest in. You apply the primer to your skin prior to foundation application. Prime Time allows for your foundation and eye shadow to stick better. Also, the product includes SPF and diminishes blemishes and uneven skin tones.

Maybelline Mascara – 6.99
Simple enough, huh? I am a big mascara girl. If I am not wearing it, then you might as well make me walk out of the house with no clothes on. Yikes! Fun fact about myself? I can actually put on mascara without a mirror. May be my best trick ever. I am pretty sure I can relate this back to my high school cheerleading days when you practically got ready for the game on the track, with no mirror. This is my new go to. I love the wand, coverage and the price point is not bad either. Tip of the day, did you know you should throw out or replace your mascara every three month? See, that is why the price is crucial.

Target Crossbody Bag – 29.99
This item was on my Christmas wish list this year and I got it, so yeah for me! I have been a big bag girl all my life. (Not to be mistaken for big bad girl – you read it that way first, didn’t you?) Do you know how hard that is? Do you understand the struggle? I have crumbled crackers in the bottom of my purse, spoons, Lo’s binkies and headbands, and once I found a rotten banana. Gross! I decided I was simplifying in 2017, so part of that was losing the baggage, get what I am saying? Now that is not to say I won’t break out a big bag again, but for now the crossbody bag is perfect because it forces me to asses what I need and allows for me not to not have a dumping ground hanging off my shoulder.

J.Crew Factory Winnie Pant – 43.50
I know what you are thinking, “Really?” Yes! I am in work clothes more hours in a week than I am in casual, so I tend to invest that way. While I do tend to live in dresses and skirts I do like nice dress pants or slacks in the winter months. Dress pants are hard, or at least they are for me. I find that they are either unflattering or too long. J.Crew’s Winnie Pant was my win for the year!

Love Your Melon – 30.00
I received this beanie for Christmas this year and immediately knew I was in love. First, the beanie is adorable, well made and super comfy. More importantly, the brand’s mission supports pediatric cancer. The brand is dedicated to providing every child battling cancer in America with a beanie. Plus, 50% of all profit from sales is donated to nonprofit partners.

Old Navy Rib-Knit Sweater – 15.00
Usually the products I love the most are typically unexpected buys. This sweater was one of those. I think it was probably an online situation dilemma in which I needed to hit a total minimum to redeem free shipping or some cash coupon promotion. I bought this sweater on the fly and immediately adored. It is lightweight and soft. I am a big sweater texture girl. Certain fabrics make my skin crawl just thinking about them. And, happily this is not one!

So, there you have it! True recommendations from me. See, word of mouth still wins!

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Gift Ideas for Her: $25 and Under

November 22, 2016

Tis’ the season to be jolly! We all need a little jolly wouldn’t you say? I think I am more excited for this holiday season than in year’s past. There are a multitude of reasons which have been built up to this magnitude of holiday cheer. The stress from a hectic work year, the age and playfulness of Lo, the need for some downtime, the fact that the holidays have always been my most favorite season and with all the heartache 2016 has brought this time always brings out the good and the outlook for a fresh start. Doesn’t that sound delightful?

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Favorite Clothing Brands for Toddler Girls

October 24, 2016

We have been on the G-O these days. More on that to come here soon. I know you are all on the edge of your seat in suspense. Don’t be. Just typical parenting life and talk happening over here. Some days I feel like we live in the cyclone part of a vacuum, swept up like a dust bunny on the floor and swirled around among all the other dust bunnies until someone pushes the off button and we come crashing down to rest. It is a whirlwind most days. Go, go, go, go – crash and burn, stop! Repeat.

Please tell me I am going to hit the lottery soon, so I can focus all my attention on Lo girl? I feel like if I put that statement out there in the universe it could happen, right? Ahh! Who knows?

And how does one really lead in with the paragraph above and then abruptly change the subject to this? Well, I do, my friends! It is two-part, really.

Being on the go a decent amount of time means running into many people out and about. I have to admit that little Lo gets complimented on her attire more than me these days. It is okay. I have come to accept this and that it is part of having kids. I now live vicariously through my toddler. But, all joking aside, I do get asked where I buy her clothes quite a bit.
That whole lottery thing. Yeah, it would come in handy with all the cutest out there in the kid fashion world. Luckily for me and for you – the brands featured above are for the most part incredibly reasonable. I am an 80% sale shopper and 20% regular price shopper. For the most part, I head to clearance and sale, before “new arrivals.” Some brands above are better than others at this. I divulge below.

Baby Gap – Pictured
I love GAP for the quality and pricing. So much of Lo’s wardrobe is from GAP. I would recommend becoming a Card Holder. You get extra discounts and they have great Cash Backs programs that basically is virtual money to spend in store or online. Besides all that, I love them for their pajamas alone.

Burts Bees Baby – Pictured
I fell in love with Burts Bees as a beauty product brand, then one day when Lo was just a few months old, Zulily had a sale featuring the Burts Bees Baby clothing line. I gave it a chance and have been hooked ever since. The material is so soft! I often give this line to expecting mothers because it just really is a quality of itself.

Crazy 8’s – Pictured
Here is the thing about Crazy 8’s, they have some of the best pricing around. Often they have store wide $12.99 sales and during the holidays, you cannot beat their promotions. My favorite item though is their leggings. They are my go-to for Lo.

H&M – Pictured
This is a newbie brand for me in terms of toddler fashion. I have been an H&M fan personally, for many years. They have very reasonable pricing and out-of-the-ordinary styles. A bit more fashion forward. The same holds true for their kids line.

J.Crew – Pictured
This is my go-to when I am looking for those must-have pieces that look like mini mommy. That sounds strange?! What I mean, is I can buy Lo classic tops, bottoms, dresses and outer wear that are so similar in style to something I would wear you would swear Nathan shrunk my sweater. J.Crew is incredibly on-point with their children’s line. And, little secret – J.Crew Factory offers incredible sales! Just saying.

Mini Boden – Pictured
This is my new gawking obsession. Mini Boden is the most expensive of the lines featured above, but they have a strong quality and incredible designs. Right now they are featuring a limited edition Roald Dahl collection, you know, the author of famed stories, such as James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check it our Here. The line is a top-quality splurge!

Old Navy – Pictured and Pictured
Can I tell you who has been on-point each season with kids fashions? Old Navy! I am not sure if they hired new designers, merchandisers, etc but each season, their selection has been worthy of my dollars. With GAP as a sister brand, Card Members get the same perks mentioned above at Old Navy as well. (Cards also can be used at Banana Republic and Athleta!). The prices are the best for quick growing children!

Target – Pictured
Hands down, their Cat & Jack line is the easiest purchases I make. Not once do I second guess the amount of wear I will get out of them. I can run into Target for one item and leave with three outfits for Lo, under $20 when you count their incredible pricing and versatile mix and match options. I love, love this line!! And, Target Card Holders get an extra 5% off every day!

Zara – Pictured
High-fashion options? Meet Zara! Really, I want to wear almost every item that is showcased under the kids section. This is where I bought Lo’s Baptism gown and where I often stock for special occasion attire. Not priced as low as some of my other favorite brands, the pricing is still very much reasonable given the quality of the pieces and fashion-forwardness. Lastly, when your online order arrives, the packaging is so classic, it makes you want to order again and again. Or, is that just me?

All thoughts and suggestions featured in this post are 100% my opinion.

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Puffer Vest Probs

September 29, 2016

Hi. My name is Ashli and I have a Puffer Vest problem.

one | two | three | four | five

There, now that I have that out in the open, let me share my latest fall fashion finds with you.

The Puffer Vest is such a versatile piece. They are hardy, meaning an investment in one is well worth it. They last! Years and years, might I add, so don’t go out of style. Okay?

I love how they provide the outerwear layer that is needed in the fall. You know, when the temperatures are in between. It is too warm for a coat, yet there is enough of a chill in the air to need an additional layer.

Let’s not forget, they are cute! Yes, they can be paired with gingham, chambray, plaid, you name it. I love how I can mix and match with tops in my closest and wear one vest in multiple ways.

The only problem I see is that I am obsessed; therefore, I can’t stop shopping and buying! Now I see these five options for this fall fashion season and I am torn on which to invest in. Decisions, decisions.

So, which is your favorite? Comment below or share a link! Am I crazy? Don’t answer that.

Happy Shopping!

Lo Fashion Finds: Swimsuit Season

July 2, 2016

My little Lo bug is enjoying this sweet summertime season. She is definitely a child of nature. She loves being outside. Playing with bubbles, picking my flowers, drawing across the sidewalk with chalk, eating that same sidewalk chalk, swinging at the playground, jumping in the cool pool waters or taking a leisurely stroll through a local park grounds. This little girl was made to explore and roam Mother Nature.

I love that about her!

Last Spring, I started a new Blog Series (you can view Here) series focused on her and her incredibly since of toddler fashion. I mean, we have had to sit her down many times and talk about her online shopping problem. She just stares at us. Sometimes jumping up and just shacking her head “no.” We will have to work with her.

As the summer season is now part of our lives. The heat, the sun, the layers of sunscreen, and pool pruning, I decided to share some great Toddler Fashion, swimsuit season finds.

All of these are, Lo approved!

One – 11.00 | Two – 22.78 | Three – 9.00 | Four – 12.99 | Five – 8.88 | Six – 13.99 | Seven – 8.99

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