Wedge Your Way Into Spring

Here are a few great wedge options for you to add to your collection this spring. Click the image to shop it!

Enjoy!!

A rambling kind of boring update on my pregnancy thus far.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way shape or form related to fashion. Sorry, I know you come here expecting to be awed by some new fashion garb or another, but not today. Sorry boutcha. Unless, of course, you are curious to know that I conquered a big fear and wore a tight dress to a cocktail event the other night. OK fine. I'll tell you more about that real quick because it makes this post relevant on a fashion blog.

I really battled this decision, you guys. Finding an appropriate dress to wear to a cocktail-attire event while pregnant proves to be much harder than I had imagined it would be. I refused to throw on the typical cliche maternity belted wrap dress, and anything that is flowy just looks like a sheet hanging off of me. Not flattering. Not at all. So, because my waistline is now gone and normal dresses with a normal non-pregnant person's waistline don't fit me, this left me with one option. Blatantly rocking the baby bump with something fitted. Now, I'll admit. I've had mixed feelings about this look. I see some pregnant women wearing tight dresses and it totally freaks me out. But then I see others and I'm like, OK, she's proud, she's working it, it actually looks pretty cute. So I thought I would just figure out how I felt about them on myself. This brought me to my next dilemma: Where do I find a fitted maternity dress? Maybe I buy a normal dress a size up to accommodate my bump? Or maybe I don't have to go a size up because it'll be stretchy. But maybe if it's stretchy then it'll totally pull and look ridiculous over this soccerball of a belly I currently own. ....These are the thoughts that haunted me for a couple of weeks, y'all. So totally overworked this in my head to a point of frustration because I'm crazy like that. So, I searched and debated on where to go to find a dress I would like and what I was willing to spend on a maternity dress for a cocktail event that I probably won't wear again during this pregnancy because we're not that cool or fun or social enough to go out more than once every couple of months these days, let's be honest. Anyway. I ended up finding this basic black dress at H&M for $24 and ordered it and just prayed it would work. And it did, PTL. Arrived the day before the event, with not a moment to spare, but it worked nonetheless. And it was not a maternity dress, and it was a size small, so I can wear it post-baby, too. High five to me for the find. I was thrilled. Of course I think I asked my husband 8,000 times if I looked ridiculous trying to rock a fitted dress with three very large lady lumps on my front side. He was encouraging as usual and I bit the bullet and wore it. The funny thing about wearing a tight dress when you're pregnant AND at a casino night event is that you have people that size you up and down trying to figure out if you are in fact, pregnant, or if you're just trying to be that girl that wants to squeeze into her old high school getup .I just imagined that every female I walked by looked at me and said, "Aww..bless her heart. She thinks she can still fit in that." And for those that could tell that I was obviously pregnant, they were thinking, "What is SHE doing at a casino night? I hope that's just water in that glass of hers." Seriously. I do this to myself. Over think and over analyze every single thing. I'm crazy..straight cray cray.

Here's a quick selfie of how the look turned out:

So there's a little fashion talk for you on your Wednesday. There wasn't any kind of point to it except to maybe say that if you're pregnant and don't know what to wear to a cocktail event, I feel you.

My original intent for this post was just to give you all a little update on this journey we're on. I told myself I would do this along the way and write down memories and pregnancy happenings and all that, but truth be told, it's all been pretty uneventful thus far. Which I'm thankful for, don't get me wrong. I was symptom-free during the first trimester...which apparently reeeeally irritates other pregnant women that didn't fair so well. I'm sorry, do you WANT me to try and be sick and miserable? Don't know what you want me to say here - Um, sorry? At 12 weeks, we had an early prediction from our doctor that the little munch was going to be a girl. Apparently, there's a little nub of a bone that, at 12 weeks, looks different on a boy and girl. When they look at this little bone on an ultrasound, they're able to make an educated guess that they claim is 80% accurate. (Google the nub theory if you want to know more. It's super interesting.) Still, we had to wait until our official gender reveal full anatomy ultrasound at 18 weeks to get actual, visual confirmation of certain parts...:)

We felt our first bout of movement from the little nugget on Christmas morning when I was 16 weeks along. I was laying on my back scrolling my phone when it felt like suddenly someone poked me from the inside out. A weird little jab and that was it. Of course I immediately woke my husband up and said, "SHE KICKED ME!" And then made him rest his hand on my stomach for like, 30 minutes, hoping she would do it again. She didn't. But, those little jabs became more frequent and more recognizable over the next couple of weeks and it was super exciting when husband could feel them himself for the first time. My friends ask me all the time what it feels like, and my only way to describe it is that it feels like there's a little alien parasite squirming around inside of me. Super bizarre. At 18 weeks, we found out that we do, in fact, have a little lady in there. Yay! Good thing too, because we were loaded up with girly goodies from our families at Christmas who decided that the 80% accurate odds we had been given in our first prediction were good enough to run with. Even still, I didn't start feeling super pregnant until week 22 or so, when I would be distracted at the gym because all I could look at was my stomach that felt heavy on my hips and was no longer flat in my reflection. Since then, my little bump has grown by leaps and bounds and it keeps surprising me every time I stop to look at myself in a mirror. Little lady is doing cartwheels and forward rolls constantly and I find myself sitting at work staring at my stomach watching it move. I swear she's the little vampire baby from Twilight who is inhumanly strong and trying to climb and pry her way out of me. Sometimes during the day I look down and see that my whole right side is hard as a rock and the left side looks deflated and flat. Homegirl likes to camp out on my right - she has since day one. I can almost guarantee an angry jab back at me if I push around anywhere on the right side of my stomach! I don't know if I'll ever get used to the ripply rolls and waves my stomach feels like it's doing these days. The other night, my husband had his hand on me when she was being super active and said "Oh that felt like a fish swimming by you in the water!" ...I guess that's a pretty good way of describing it. It's amazing how much she's squirms around in there. Kind of eerie.

Now, at 26 weeks, we're about done with the second trimester. It treated us just as kind as the first one did, and we're hoping this last little hike through the third trimester will do so, as well! I'm full on pregnant looking now, no disguising it anymore! We have our glucose test coming up next week (yuck) and our 28-week ultrasound after that. Baby is opening her eyes and hearing sounds starting this week. A big milestone! She's like 10 inches long and weighs almost two pounds now too, so the next ultrasound will be exciting to see! That's about the size of a large eggplant, in case you're wondering. That's what my app says. Yes, there's an app for that. Still haven't had any weird cravings or symptoms, either. Maybe I'm a LITTLE more emotional than usual, but that's still not saying much. Just not a sentimental person, you guys, what can I say? Someone once told me I was heartless and incapable of emotion. To that I say: Haters gon hate. Food has been pretty easy for me as long as I eat small meals. I wish I could be like, "Today I had pickles covered in mayonnaise dipped in peanut butter!" but luckily my stomach and taste buds have been pretty normal. Chicken is kind of geeking me out - especially Chick-Fil-A. Which breaks my heart. The good Lord knows I love me some CFA, and I just can't do it anymore. I have found, however, that I can eat cereal pretty much for every meal and not get sick of it. So we've been cycling through some seriously unhealthy amounts of Honey Nut Cheerios and Rice Krispies around our household. And by we I mean me.

I have found myself wondering what the last few days of this pregnancy will be like. It will be here before we know it and I am down right petrified. Seriously a nervous wreck of a human being. I can't believe it's so close! I've told several people that I didn't even really feel pregnant or different until about 6 weeks ago, so this pregnancy has seemed to fly! We're only 14 weeks from our due date and it just seems pretty unreal. We have so much to do between now and then, but it is super exciting to know that the little munch will be joining us for this summer! Also helps to know that I have two months of maternity leave, and my husband will be off at the same time because he is a teacher and has his summers off! Perfect timing :) Can't wait to meet this little girl that has been such a surprise but is already such a blessing in our lives!

I'll keep you all posted on how things go over these last couple of months! Can't wait until June!

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:

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! 

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:

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!

Monday Inspiration: Superbowl Chic

I don't know about you guys, but I'm a big fan of this sporty-meets-chic trend that's happening right now. People ask me all the time what my personal style is, and I like to think this encompasses it. In fact, it kind of inspired the name of my blog, Champagne + Sneakers. I love the juxtaposition of mixing the girly side of me with the tomboy side of me, and letting that reflect in my daily wardrobe. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of days where I'm all in on one side or the other, but for the most part, my ideal outfit embraces both styles. I think there's just something cool about a laid-back look that is put together and chic, but easy going and a little "off-duty". As a female, I think it's important to have a little bit of it all inside of you, too. Embrace the feminine, girly side of yourself, but don't be afraid to get outside and play and get dirty and hang with the boys. Sometimes I think there's nothing more fun than being glammed up in my heels and red lipstick at work and surprising the boys around the office by hanging with their college football talk or hunting stories.

With the Superbowl coming up this weekend, we all know Sunday will be jam-packed with parties galore. BBQ, beer, appetizers, loud screaming and lots of emotion will flood the day. As I'm thinking ahead to the weekend, of course I'm thinking about what I'll be wearing, and what better time than to bring out that girly-meets-sporty side of you? Am I right? Naturally, I've been browsing for inspiration and came across these images that are all examples of fun ways to wear the trend.

Now, don't get me wrong here, there's nothing wrong with throwing on a jersey and some cutoffs and calling it a day. But, if the inner female inside of you wants to get a little more glammed up, here are some great ways to do so!

Enjoy! Happy Monday!!