Friday, August 2, 2013

Non-Maternity Maternity Style

I am officially six months into my pregnancy and besides my JBrand Maternity shorts (shop HERE), I have bought no maternity clothes.  This time around I vowed to buy no unnecessary maternity clothes.  There are so many options now for regular clothes that will fit us preggos.  I have nothing against maternity clothes, but they are expensive and I have a hard time justifying spending that on something I will wear less than a year.  Why not buy regular clothes that you can wear before and after the baby? 

The picture above is from last week, I am actually 24 weeks this week (yay)!  I wanted to show it because it is my standard pregnancy outfit.  A loose blouse + Jean Shorts.  I live in that outfit, switching up the tops but always my jean shorts!

 Matt used to always joke before I got pregnant that I dressed like a pregnant woman.  Truth is I love loose blouses, shift dresses, maxi dresses,  and tunics, that is just my style and it has served me well this pregnancy because most of my clothes still fit.  My go to brands that are great for pregnancy and after are Joie, Rebecca Taylor, Vince, DVF,  and Tibi.  They are timeless brands that yes, are bit a expensive but last forever and always look chic.  

I will say you probably do need to buy maternity bottoms.  You can't really get away with regular bottoms with a huge belly!  JBrand is my favorite.  I have these jeans from when I was pregnant with Sterling and then bought the cut-off shorts this time.   I love this JBrand Color for Fall and these White jeans for Summer.   You don't need many bottoms just wear the same ones.  I honestly wear my same jean shorts everyday.  I tried the Old Navy ones and no comparison the JBrand ones are so much better.  They fit better and are just more comfortable!  Better to buy one pair of nice shorts than 5 pairs of shorts you don't really love.  Leggings are also a good idea.  Otherwise you can just rock your maternity bottoms with cute loose blouses or wear loose maxi dresses.  I do also love a fitted dress as well- show off that bump!

I rounded up a few of my favorite non-maternity pieces that you can easily rock while pregnant and then still still wear them post baby!  Just scroll thru to view them all!
(I own the Rag and Bone Dress, JBrand JeansVince Top, and Vince Dress- recommend them all!)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Round Here.

Happy Thursday!  My parents are in town and we are operation get nursery started! I love having my parents visit. I hope Sterling and baby girl want to hang out with Matt and I when they are older like I do with my parents.  I love spending time with my parents.  
Thought I would share a few happenings around here.


Lamps.com was sweet enough to send me this lamp that I originally planned to use in the nursery.  That was until Sterling saw it and insisted it needed to go in his room.  How can I say no to him when baby girl keeps getting stuff, I wanted him to have something new too.  So we put it in his room and it looks awesome.  I love that it is so sleek and modern.  I never met a piece of Lucite I didn't like.  This is my new favorite lamp in our house.  Lamps.com has some really killer lamps.  If you see something you like they are offering my readers 10% anything!  Just use code DESIGNERBAGS at checkout.



My favorite thing about this lamp is that it has a dimmer switch so you can make it as bright or not bright as you like.  It is perfect for Sterling because he insists on having a light on when he sleeps so I can leave it on the dimmer setting.


It comes in 8 different colors.  I loved the clear but I think the hot pink or green or bright blue would be so fun in a kids room!  Check out the whole selection at Lamps.com!


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Last week while I was home we went up to my grandfathers house to look at some of his stuff and see if we wanted anything.  Always a sad thing to do, but also special that we were able to pick out pieces with special meaning to each of us.  I got a piece of furniture I plan to use as the changing table in the nursery (pics later) and this horse picture, I always loved it.  I hung it our den and it makes me smile every time I see it because it reminds me of my grandparents.


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I narrowed the paint down to three colors for the nursery.  I am such an advocate of testing paint colors first, they look so different on the walls than in pictures.  Here are the three choices, my dad is painting this weekend so I will show pics next week and reveal which color we choose.

1 Pratt and Lambert Quartz Moon | 2 Benjamin Moore Misty Lilac | 3 Farrow and Ball Pink Ground


My friend Katie let me borrow her book, House Beautiful Colors For Your Home and I must say it was super helpful.  It has swatches of the paint and then decorators advice beside it.  It is categorized by room and color.  It lead me to colors #2 and #3 which are fore runners.  Plus the book is small you can throw it in your purse and just take it to the paint store.  They matched my paint right out of the book!

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My sister is giving me this piece of artwork from her house that she is not using that I hope to use in the nursery,  depending if it will go with our paint color and other patterns.  My thought is to hang it horizontally over the crib.  It is even more awesome in person, this picture doesn't do it justice.  I love non-baby art for nurseries.


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I made the most amazing kale salad last night for dinner.  My mom recommended it and it was awesome.  It is the New York Times Tuscan Kale Salad.  I highly recommend it, it is so simple but delicious.   It is better the longer you let the dressing sit on it, I thought it was even better the second day after it sat for 24 hours.  Also I doubled the dressing recipe and used panko breadcrumbs instead of making my own (who has time for that)!


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I continue to be obsessed with Rag and Bone, is there a line any more perfect than Rag and Bone?  Their clothes fit impeccably and their shoes are amazing.  Latest score this stripped dress- can you tell I am loving stripes this pregnancy?  This dress will be great post pregnancy as well.  I picture it in the Fall with a blazer and my Rag and Bone Booties.  It is on sale (40% percent off, which Rag and Bone rarely is)  snag it while you can - runs true to size, it does have stretch in it.  I got a small for those curious.
Had to show a side view because I love the stripe down the side.


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In continuing with my reading bonanza this Summer, I have been addicted to Mary Kay Andrews books.  I just devoured these two the last week.  Such easy, fun, chick reads.  Anyone read any of her other books?


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Lastly, Rikshaw Designs is having their big Summer sale, almost everything is 50% off.  How adorable is this outfit for baby girl?   They have tunics for women too! Check out their sale HERE.


xoxo


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Mexican Rice Bowls



I have said it before but I am a freak for Mexican Food. My favorite food genre by far, I could eat it everyday. We usually do taco night on Wednesday nights, but lately I have gotten the urge to switch things up- that and taco + tequila night is just not the same without the tequila. This week I decided to make Mexican Rice Bowls.  Matt and I both agreed they were incredible and we will be making them often.  If you pre-chop the toppings this takes no time to assemble and cook,  it is such an easy week night meal.   We used ground beef in ours but you could easily substitute chicken, turkey, shrimp or even just do all vegetarian.  Honestly I thought it was great with just the veggies! 
Enjoy!


:: M E X I C A N   R I C E   B O W L S ::
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (cook according to bag)
- 2 ears of corn
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Mexican Queso
- Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Tortillas for side


Cook rice according to box/bag instructions.  We found one cup was plenty for both of us with leftovers.  
Cook ground beef and season with taco seasoning (we make homemade seasoning, recipe HERE). 
 Peel ears of corn and wrap in foil.  Bake in oven at 350 degrees about 30 minutes.  Chop kernels off corn after it has slightly cooled.
Heat up Queso on stove or in microwave.  
Start layering bowls, start with rice, ground beef, queso, and then all other ingredients.  Heat Tortillas in oven or microwave, roll and place on side of bowl (totally optional but we liked it to dip in).  Top with salsa and sour cream and serve!
 


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Obsessions

I have been all about ankle strap sandals lately and I am beyond obsessed with this Dolce Vita pair for Fall- Dolce Vita seriously makes the best shoes!   Right now Piperlime is having 25% off their top shoes and these are part of the sale.  Pretty sure I need to snag them for Fall while they are onsale.  I am leaning towards the black because they would go with everything but a part of me loves the snakeskin too.  Don't forget to use code CLOSET when you check out to get 25% off.



The pattern on this dress is gorgeous.  I picture it with a leather jacket and ankle booties for Fall.  I love the flirty skirt and ruffle details.


I love all of Lulie Wallace's artwork, so this calendar is a must for my desk area.  Such gorgeous flower pictures.

These are Sterling's next new pair of shoes.  When we bought his Chucks last week we had his foot measured and he had grown a whole size and half.  Needless to say all his old shoes are too small and he needs some new ones.  I love the bright blue color, I am sucker for cute kids shoes and these are part of the Nordstrom anniversary sale so they are a great deal!


My favorite T-Bags dress is finally back in stock.  Ever since I saw Kristen Cavalleri wear this dress to her baby shower I have been obsessed with finding it.  It is the perfect pregnancy dress that you can wear after too!



I have been lusting after this necklace for awhile now.  I feel like it would go with everything.  I love my cross Jennifer Zuener necklace and wear it everyday so I know I would love this one just as much!


I have convinced myself I need a blazer for Fall.  I think they are so cute over tight fitted dresses to transition into Fall.  This one had great reviews and it is a stellar price at $68- some colors are on sale for $39!  I think I would probably play it safe and go with black or blue though.



If you read Vault Files then you read about Gaby's latest venture yesterday.  She is selling some of her fabulous photographs in her Etsy Shop.  To say I am obsessed with these is an understatement.  Gaby is such a talent!  I am certain baby girl needs one or two of these beauties in her nursery!


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  Lastly, if you live Charlotte you must stop by friend Bethany's event today.  You probably know her as BSOUP, the gorgeous girl with amazing style!  She is starting her own online boutique and the preview is today.  I can assure you,  I am sure there are some fabulous clothes there plus there is wine too:) Go support a local friend!



Monday, July 29, 2013

Scenes From Our Weekend

How is it possibly Monday already? This weekend flew by, like all they always do! 

 I started off the weekend with a girls shopping date with Caycee, I wanted to look for cute stuff for baby girl but found nothing! 
 I did however manage to snag these Rebecca Minkoff sandals for half price. I found them at Shoes on King- can you believe I have never been in there before? They have a great shoe selection, and a huge sale going on right now,  and the owners were super nice and helpful- not pushy at all! I am so in love with my shoes, they are suede so I plan to wear to them into fall too! 

  
I could not find the flat version anywhere online but they had a few sizes left at Shoes on King for any of you locals.  I did find the heel version online at Revolve Clothing, which I equally love.
 

I tried on this super cute long sleeve maxi at F21 but didn't buy it, probably should have for $19.  It was so comfortable.  It comes in gray and black too.  I love the idea of long sleeved maxis for the fall.
 

Friday night we ate dinner at the Yacht Club. My sister and her husband were in town and we had so much fun.  My sister is the skinniest person ever post baby.


 I got in alot of quality time with my nephew.  Its a good thing I am already pregnant or he would be giving me baby fever.  He is the sweetest baby ever.


My sister bought all the new flavors of the Lays chips and we tried out the Sriracha.
They were good with a bit of heat but didn't really taste that much like srirachia.


We actually ate alot of junk food all weekend.  Sterling and I stopped at the gas station and we picked up some Bugles.  I used to love these growing up and had not had them in years.  Sterling loved them and I guess all kids think to put them on their fingers- I know my sister and I always did.


For brunch we tried out a new restaurant on James Island, Cory's Grilled Cheese.  They have a food truck and just opened a place off Maybank.  We tried 4 sandwiches off the menu and they all were awesome!  We will most definitely be eating here again!  I had Cory's Famous Grilled Cheese it seems weird but it was so good- Cinnamon Raisin Bread with Muenster Cheese, Bacon, and Honey Mustard. 


I had the best surprise gift in the mail this weekend.  Sweet Sarah from Social Dress Shop sent me this dress I had been eyeing as a congrats on having a baby girl.   The dress is on sale right now and I can't say enough good things about it.  The colors are so gorgeous in person.  It is such a fabulous maxi, there are only a few left so snag one before they are gone!  It is perfect of you are pregnant because the body part is loose.



Have a great Monday!  I am off to pick up paint samples for the nursery, I have to make a decision by this weekend so my Dad can help me paint!
xoxo


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Weekend Style Files: Stripes x 2

I am such a Fall person. I love Fall clothes, jeans, boots, jackets you name it! I can't wait for some cooler temps here. I adore this outfit. It is so chic. Its from the Blog Tuula Vintage.
The blog is by Jessica Stein and she is stunning with mad style!  I have been stalking her past posts and have a crazy girl crush on her now.



I seriously want every item Jessica is wearing!  I included two different tee styles.  The longer sleeve tee is the same style as my blush Joie top I blogged about Monday and its on super sale. Pretty sure I need it in the stripe version.
 I had to include my favorite Rag and Bone high waisted jeans, can not wait to fit back in mine again! The shoes she is wearing are freaking amazing but crazy expensive, I included some flats for more practical wear!  I have wanted that Marc Jacobs cross body bag forever.  That and the wishbone necklace need to be mine- push presents maybe??

style files 2




JOIE STRIPED TEE | ALEXANDER WANG STRIPED TEE | RAG AND BONE HIGH WAISTED SKINNY JEANS | ASOS COAT | MICHAEL KORS WATCH | JENNIFER ZUENER WISHBONE NECKLACE | SEE BY CHOLE STUDDED FLATS | MARC JACOBS CROSS BODY BAG | ISABEL MARNAT STUDDED SHOES

Happy Weekend!
xoxo