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2.13.2014

Conquering the "Skinny" Maternity Jean Debacle







So I admit it. I was one of those that was determined to wear my own, regular skinny jeans as long as I could during this entire pregnancy. I convinced myself that once that baby got bigger and moved out of the lower belly area and upward, then I would maybe be comfortable enough to throw those old skinnies back on like it ain't no thang. Unfortunately, I quickly learned that, while I could still button them, all comfort had gone out the window and would not be coming back as far as those jeans were concerned. At least not for the next few months. The waist line had become unforgiving and the button and zippers just weren't accommodating for my expanding midsection. I couldn't help but secretly stress that I was cutting off all oxygen and smooshing my unborn child in the womb. YES, I know that's a stretch, guys, but come on. First time mom here. This task of growing a baby has REALLY panicked the already major panicker that I am.

Anyway, frustrated and uncomfortable, I confined myself to the legging world. I wasn't about to go out and spend bookoos of money on those ugly maternity jeans that are stretchy and have an elastic panel that comes up to the boobs, y'all. Because that's really the only option there is, right? At least that's what I thought. Um, I was so wrong. So SO wrong, my baby bearing friends. Or maybe you're not baby bearing but you're reading this anyway. Kudos to you.  I discovered this life-changing information while talking to my hair stylist as I was getting my hair done a few weeks ago. (Side note: if you live in Dallas and want a fab colorist or hair cut, visit Ashley Warnick at Salon Pompeo. She'll work some magic.) Ashley so kindly informed me that these days, maternity jeans aren't looking like those old maternity jeans we all know and love. Unless of course you prefer that kind, then proceed and ignore this info. Designers and maternity stores alike have created this genius low-rise, under-the-bump jean that looks just like any old skinny jean except for a small elastic panel on the side that has some good stretch to it. The waist line is cut to come a little higher in the back and dips real low in the front to allow that bump to breathe. They literally look NOTHING like a maternity jean and they are just the bomb diggity. No more having to wear long shirts to cover up the bum in those high-waisted leggings. You can wear somewhat normal looking clothes and feel like a woman who is dressed all sorts of trendy and cute but is maybe carrying a child and a little front heavy ;) The elastic insert at the waist makes all the difference and you can comfortably wear them without feeling like you're harming that little nugget inside of you. Win and win. If you're not a skinny jean person or maybe you are but you want another jean option, not to worry! You can find this style of jean in all different cuts - flare, bootcut, boyfriend...whatever your taste! It's all about that low-rise, under the belly, elastic insert waistline. So stop what you're doing, heed my advice and go getchaself a pair. They'll rock yo world. 

PS: Sometimes these great fitting jeans, maternity or not, run a little pricey. To me, jeans are worth the investment because you definitely get what you pay for, and I've found that my favorite, best fitting pairs are the ones I spent a little more money on. I stand by PAIGE denim through and through. Their jeans, all fits and cuts, are seriously the best and 100% worth the investment. J Brand is another great option, but again, they're a little pricey.

 However, there ARE low-cost options. My two favorite maternity jeans I'm wearing these days both cost less than $60. One pair came from ASOS (online retailer) and the other came from Motherhood Maternity. The Gap also has some fantastic choices. So, there are great options for those that don't want to break the bank!

Here are some great options to shop from home:



2.10.2014

Alyson's Baby Shower





This weekend I attended a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Alyson, and her sweet baby girl, Ashlyn.
It was a pretty little shower, full of lots of hot pink and gifts and mingling with family and friends.
I managed to snag a few pics along the way and thought I would share!

Can't wait to meet our sweet niece next month! 



















2.04.2014

Because Stripes Always Win: A Quick #selfie Style Diary



So it's no secret at this point that I'm pregnant. I thought it was, until I had three people on Friday alone ask me when I was due. It was the perfect opportunity for me to pull one of those "WHAT! I'm not pregnant!" moments and make everyone super uncomfortable and then feel sorry for me because I've obviously put on a few lbs in the midsection, but I didn't have the heart to do that. In light of this new found baby bump that was non-existent for the first five months of this pregnancy, I'm struggling finding outfit options that aren't just super repetitive. I've been fairly stubborn in not buying maternity garb just yet, but I'm going to have to bite the bullet. I have like, 3 long comfy shirts that I can wear over leggings and that's about the extent of my day-to-day wardrobe. Coincidentally, all three of these shirts that I'm recycling over and over again are also black and white striped. So, because I didn't have time to formally capture any of them to feature on this bliggiity blog, I couldn't do a full outfit feature like I like to do. However, I DO have some quick snapshots I took in the mirror to post to my Instagram for the time being. I post quick snaps of my outfits on my Instagram a lot, FYI. Outfits and pictures of my dog, Parker. If you're interested in either of those things, hit me up. Let's be friends. 


Here's visual proof that the black and white stripes have won. 
Also, in case you didn' t know, b+w stripes are kind of a staple and can be mixed with other patterns and colors anytime. 

Maybe if you're pregnant you'll find this post as easy outfit inspiration. 
Maybe if you're not pregnant you'll still find this post as easy outfit inspiration. 
Maybe if you're uninterested in clothes or my outfits you should just quit reading my blog.





Shop similar looks for MATERNITY styles below:

Shop similar NON-MATERNITY looks here:

2.03.2014

Life As of Late



Just an update and peek into this little life of mine lately...




Enjoyed the rather disappointing Cowboys vs. Eagles game from a Suite at AT&T Stadium with my family.


Some QT with these two cuties. See what I did there? 


Lots of black leatherish garb for a meeting with a styling agency in Dallas.


Who doesn't love a gorgeous wedding with old friends and a fab photobooth?


This. Necklace. Let's all take a sec to thank our designer friends over at H&M for this beaut.


So. This happened. Baby girl is starting to poke her little self out a little...:)


Speaking of baby girl....look at this adorable little profile shot we got of her at our last ultrasound.
Can't wait to meet the little munchkin!


Then, as usual, there's been some crafting. I painted this blank canvas with purple stripes and a free-handed glitter monogram for my little sister, Kristin, for Christmas.
Free-handed monograms aren't easy. 

So that's it. Sorry you just spent 45 seconds of your day scrolling through pics that aren't all that exciting.

To make your Monday a LITTLE more exciting, check out the right sidebar for five of my favorite items you can shop right now!

Happy February!