Trying Something New

There are times where I question a look I am trying to put together and need to phone a friend for reassurance. I am so glad I did. I love the look of skinny jeans and ankle boots, on other people, but wasn’t sure if it was something I could pull off. The advice I received was “keep the top neutral and make the shoe the focal point”. I feel like I did just that!

sweater: BCBG Max Azria; tank: Mossimo; jeans: Marni for Motherhood Maternity; shoes: Farylrobin; handbag: Burberry

I got numerous compliments on my shoes that would other wise have been hidden by longer jeans. I love this top! It was so comfy and I loved that the light weight wool kept me warm against the fall chill in the air. As a repeat attempt, I think I will pair this same outfit with my Jessica Simpson taupe, peep toe booties that are complete with rows of ruffles.

What are your thoughts? Would you try this look? 

I'm so excited...

I am so excited to announce that I found a pair of maternity pants that are made for heels! As you recall, I purchased two pairs of Liz Lange Maternity pants a couple of weeks ago at Target and I pulled on the more casual pair this morning. To my astonishment, they pooled around my feet screaming for a pair of heeled boots! I answered their call by adding a pair I purchased at J.Crew several years ago. I am going to run out and purchase another pair!

On a side note, I have not received the ones I ordered online. I will keep you posted on their lengths. As for now, I am content with the ones I’m wearing today! Pics to come!

Feather Dusting

I have always wanted a feather skirt so you can imagine my excitement when Ann Taylor introduced one as part of their holiday collection. Available online only, I took a chance with the size and style of the skirt. It all worked out in my favor! I got it in the mail this week and planned to save it for next year, all things considered, but I don’t have to! The fit works with the baby bump, just barely showing the tell-tell sign, and I already have plans to wear it to our anniversary dinner in a couple of weeks. If all things look proportionate in December, it will be perfect for holiday festivities. What do you guys think? Worth the purchase?

Photo taken from Ann Taylor’s website. 

Maternity Take One

As I start to shop for maternity clothes, I have found that I really need to sit down with some of the designers and give them a few fashion tips. Things that come to mind are quality of fabric, length of pants and jeans, and more options in skirts and dresses. Just because we’re pregnant doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style.

I hit A Pea in a Pod and Motherhood Maternity first and only found fashionable/trendy pieces at A Pea in a Pod. I picked up a pair of Joe’s jeans, which I am so excited about, a pair of Marni skinny jeans that I’ve already sported, a simple sweater dress in black, a classic black cardigan, and a couple pair of cords in chocolate and grey. The quality of fabric for all of these pieces is great, but the length of the cords is in question. I will more than likely need to wear flats or very low heeled shoes. The dress is classic and can be worn all the time. I can vary my shoes between heels and boots, but I would have liked to see different styles and colors available. The only thing I purchased from Motherhood was my Heidi Klum grey, skinny jeans which I’ve worn on several occasions. Again, flats are the only shoe I can wear, but I will try to shove them into a pair of tall, black boots.

top: BCBG Max Azria; jeans: Heidi Klum for Motherhood; flats: Tory Burch

blazer: Ann Taylor Loft; scarf: Ann Taylor; t-shirt: Mossimo; jeans: Liz Lange Maternity; flats: Tory Burch

My next visit was the Liz Lange Maternity grouping in Target. I purchased two pairs of jeans for a more relaxed/weekend look. I like them, but again, only for flats and my Privo tennis shoes. I’ve worn them a couple of times and they really are my weekend go to jeans. My most recent purchase was two pairs of black pants. You get what you pay for! The “dressy” trouser is a very light weight fabric that’s perfect for this time of year, but won’t take me very long into winter. A nice, lightweight wool would be awesome to find. Also, could we get other colors than just black? I would love a pair of gray, camel and chocolate brown. I can’t wear jeans everyday to work! The other pair is a more casual pant that I will also wear to work, and they are a made of a cotton/jersey blend. I found that Liz Lange offers extended lengths that can only be ordered online. I ordered a pair of jeans and another pair of black pants. I will keep you posted on how they work with heels.

dress: Funky People; leather blazer: ELLE Contemporary Collection; tights: Merona; booties: Nicole

dress: Banana Republic; tights: Merona; shoes (not shown): Jessica Simpson

I continue to shop out of closet for items that are non-maternity. I’ve worn sweater dresses that have more of an empire waist, loose tops, baggy sweaters, and the occasion fitted t-neck and t-shirt. I don’t want to look like those pregnant celebs who are constantly wearing form fitted clothing that exaggerates their mid-section. I’m so happy to be pregnant, but not everyone has to see it! I will continue my mission for quality maternity clothes that don’t cost a fortune and will tell you all about my finds. I will also post photos along the way. Stay tuned…

How I Would Wear It: Winter Floppy Hats

I love hats and my coat closet shelf is teeming with them. When I heard about this contest, I was so excited! I purchased this hat last season at K-Mart knowing that the grey would go with everything. Here is how I would wear the latest trend for fall. I paired my new blue cape with black leggings and over the knee boots. Perfect for an outdoor shopping trip to the Country Club Plaza.

Celebrity Baubles

It seems like everyone is getting into the designing game and that includes celebrities. Heidi Klum started a line of maternity clothing for Motherhood, of which I just invested in a pair of gray jeans. Rachel Zoe is designing clothing and accessories for QVC and I love her line of faux fur vests and coats. And Jessica Simpson has found major success in clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry of which I own several pieces!

Though I own several pieces of clothing by celebrity designers, I seem to be investing in jewelry as of late. The Tori Spelling Collection premiered on HSN back in 2007 and the collection featured only 12 pieces. Today she offers over 40. It runs the gamut of every day to dressy cocktail. Most of the pieces I’ve purchased lean more toward every day, however, I recently purchased a cluster necklace of black, clear and gray stones that will be perfect for the holidays. 

Nicole Ritchie began House of Harlow 1960 and premiered at Kitson’s online boutique in 2008. Today, she is featured on several popular websites, including the ever stylish Piperlime. Last year, during a Live with Regis and Kelly segment, Kelly Ripa gave several ideas for stocking stuffers. One happened to be a Peacock Cocktail ring that I fell in love with. I don’t wear it often, but when I do, it’s the only piece I need. Because it makes such a statement, I love pairing it with jeans and a simple black sweater.

Last, but not least, Kristian Alfonso, Hope on Days of Our Lives, started Hope Faith Miracles in 2006 based on pieces she had designed in Italy for herself. It all began with the Fleur de lis and from there, the collection has grown. I made my first purchase last year at the annual Kansas City Junior League Holiday Mart and actually met Kristian who was working the event. I purchased her signature Fleu de lis drop earrings and matching silver band. Each piece is delicate but makes a statement. Made of sterling silver and cubic zirconia, they are great with jeans for every day but look great for cocktail parties as well. 

No matter what your jewelry style might be, there is something for everyone with these three designers. All of them are tried and true so you have my guarantee. Check them out for yourself, and if you make a purchase, let me know. I love to see what others are into as well!

 

A Readers Kind Words

A friend of mine sent me the sweetest message on Facebook today and I had to share it with all of you. This was my goal when I started my blog and couldn’t be happier to hear this kind of feedback. It truly made my day!

“I absolutely love reading your blog and seeing how you rework different styles. I’m more confident in buying unique pieces when I shop. I’ve been trying out some of your suggestions and love the new looks. Just by reading your blog and watching Project Runway, I’ve really seen my thoughts in fashion change. You do a great job of making fashion down to earth, and logical. You give reasons why some fashions don’t work, and ways to make it cost-effective. I can justify buying something if I can wear it in different settings.”

Again, Kimberly, thank you so much for the kind words. I am so glad that you are taking risks with fashion and that they are paying off. I would love to see some pics of those new items! Send them soon!