My Current Wish List

As we start moving from fall into winter, I find that I’m constantly expanding my wish list. While I thumb through catalogs and browse stores online, I make a mental note of little things I would love to add to my wardrobe. Below are just a few things that have caught my eye.

Sam Edelman Effie Bootie in Graphite

Rosette collar from Talbots in blush

Stitched Border Sweatercoat from Anthropologie

Burberry Carina Diaper Bag

Photo Credits:

Sam Edelman shoes from Piperlime’s website.

Rosette collar from Talbot’s website.

Sweatercoat from Anthropologie’s website.

Burberry diaper bag from Saks Fifth Avenue’s website.

My Special Day

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft; Tights: Hue; Boots: Miss Sixty; Necklace: Silpada; Handbag: BCBGenerations; Sunglasses: Tom Ford

Yesterday was my birthday, and for the first time that I can remember, it wasn’t unseasonably warm. I wanted a look that was comfortable, cute and a little trendy. I love sweater dresses this time of year. It’s still warm enough to get away with tights and boots because come December, it is all about pants for this girl! I am still trying new things with my wardrobe. I didn’t want a monochromatic look that was completely gray on gray on gray, so I added navy tights into the mix. I have to say I like how it turned out. And, the deep purple handbag added just a punch of color without taking over the outfit. Aside from the brisk wind, it was a great day complete with dinner, birthday cake and presents!

A Spotlight on Habitat Shoe Boutique

Quite often I’m asked, “Where do you shop”, and to be honest I shop everywhere! However, there are several small boutiques within the metro that I love to frequent. They each carry unique designers, select sizes and have their own personality. Their store fronts, internal fixtures, and background music all lend themselves to unique touches that make them worth checking out. This is the first in a series of posts based on the boutiques I love to shop.

My favorite place to shop for shoes is Habitat Shoe Boutique. Originally located in the Crossroads District, it’s now in the 119 Shopping Center off of Roe and 119^th Street. They carry limited designers and sizes, but what they do carry is amazing! Their motto, “We don’t sell shoes based on trends or socialites. We sell the shoes we love.” My favorite of their brands is the Chie Mihara line. I own several pairs and each one is as unique as the other. The designs are low key, but there are details within the shoes that make them standout. I also love the wider heel. It’s a nice alternative to the skinny heels I often sport. Every time I wear them, I receive tons of compliments.

Other lines include: Seychelles, Cynthia Vincent, J Shoes, Tsubo and Fry, just to name a few. Their men’s line of shoes are great as well. They run from rugged outdoorsy to trendy chic. They also offer a wide variety of tennis shoes. Basically, there are shoes for both genders and all style seekers within this industrial type space.

My most recent Chie Mihara purchase. I love the fringe around the shoe.

Chie Mihara from last season. I love the heels! There are tiny, silver dots scattered all over the heel that I couldn’t capture on film.

Chie Mihara from several seasons ago. I love the folded leather across the toe.

In addition to shoes, they offer clothing and darling accessories. Again, both male and female lines are available. The designs are clean and carry minimal details. On my recent visit, I fell in love with a basic black dress with a cutout back and a collar that created a cape effect over the shoulders. Perfect for a night at the theater, dinner with friends and the impending holidays. I purchased a darling sweater dress last winter and pulled it out last week. I love pairing it with tights and tall boots, but I’m playing around with adding ankle boots for a more on trend approach.

If you haven’t stopped by Habitat, you owe yourself a visit. Owned by a husband and wife team, the vibe of the store is laid back and super friendly. They host several events through out the year so make sure you sign up for their mailing list. You won’t be sorry you did!

Photo Credit of Habitat Shoe Boutique store front: The Spree

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…