Smart Maternity Buys

Stretch Your Wardrobe Further!

If you're anything like me I didn't really feel like dropping a wad of cash on maternity clothes that would only last me a couple months each and then when the nine month time is up they'd be completely retired...until (and if) you have another baby but who knows by then they might even be out of style! Well there is a sneaky way around this problem. Two in fact, not only can you stretch the time you can wear your clothes you owned pre-pregnancy longer, but follow a few helpful tips to purchase new clothes that will see you through your pregnancy and you can keep sporting long after that baby weight has melted away!

I went through my whole closet and pulled out all my clothes that I knew would last me through out the pregnancy already so I could see exactly what I had to work with and what I needed to add. I had a couple empire waist dresses, a couple skirts, and a handful of baggy shirts I used to wear belted. If you were fortunate like me most my jeans (except a couple recently) still fit, but if not don't fret! You can pick up a Belly Band, I got mine at Target, and they help your normal jeans last longer into pregnancy by covering and holding up jeans that are too tight to button any longer. Leggings are also great with long tunics or dresses that your bump has made considerably shorter than normal! But other than a few key pieces to make your life easier there really isn't any need to buy 'maternity' clothes what so ever!

1. Look for fabric with give- jersey and other fabric blends with spandex are great options because they can grow with you and your belly, but still will be fitted once your back to your pre-baby bod.

I picked this little number up at Nordstrom Rack and love the way it hugs my baby bump!

2. Favor empire waist lines and princess cuts- empire waistlines are a given for pregnant woman everywhere accentuating your new lovely lady lumps and leaving plenty of room for baby; but princess cuts are another great alternative to spice up your wardrobe. 

I grabbed this princess cut dress at Old Navy for $30. It was flattering in the first half of pregnancy and hid my bump and now in the second half it's still comfortable and accommodates my growing tummy.

3. Maxi skirts and dresses are your friend- maxi skirts you can hike up to above your belly and sport all summer long, and nothing makes you feel better than throwing on a maxi dress that hugs or covers your baby bump. They instantly make you feel prettier and they feel just like wearing pajamas which when your pregnant is the ultimate goal!

I also picked this maxi up at Old Navy before our Babymoon and love it! It is so comfortable 

and I know it will be something I will wear long after pregnancy. 

4. Flowy tops- I had a plethora of these in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe that I converted over to my maternity days. They can be belted above the belly in your starting stages and left as is in your last few months. 

This flawy top I owned before pregnancy and would wear it with a cream belt around my waist, it is now perfect as-is for the hot summer days and has plenty more room to expand!

5. Comfy tees- Before my pregnancy I wasn't really one for wearing tees (other than sporting to bed) but when you're dealing with fatigue, cramps and other fun pregnancy woes a comfy tee may be just what you need! Soft fabric and extra long length are great factors to the perfect pregnancy tee.

Here are two of my favourite tees from Target, the comfy fabric makes it a sure casual go to

on my not so great pregnancy days and perfect for around the house.

None of these clothes are maternity clothes and will last me to full term pregnancy and will definitely keep a home in my closet for my wardrobe as a mommy afterwards! Stick to these simple guidelines and take the stress out of maternity shopping and save those extra bucks for diapers in the near future because let's face it- you'll need it!

New Job

Starting a New Chapter. . . 

I recently took on a new job that is pretty far removed from the glitz and glamour of fashion. I've traded in high heels and makeup for baby bottles and diapers. I'm officially a nanny of two sweet little boys, a six week old and a three year old who affectionately calls me "Un". I'm still doing design work on the side but I've decided to only take on very specific clients after dealing with a very dysfunctional one previously (One was enough!) so it can remain my passion and be enjoyable not a chore or a means to an end! I'm currently working with a wonderful photographer on a year long project that she is creating, shooting and publishing. I can't wait to share more on that later but I have to keep it under wraps for the time being. Between that project and making my wedding dress, I think that's all I'll take on fashion wise for this year!

Nannying is kind of a big deal on the East Coast, they are very common! Almost every family with younger children has one, which coming from Kansas is just crazy and very, very different. I think the Midwest has a lot more households that have one parent that stays home with the kids all day or if both parents work I think taking the child to daycare is a lot more common practice than hiring a live-in (or out) nanny.

I'm so excited to start this new chapter in my life, something away from the fast paced fashion world and in addition a very rewarding experience. The small taste of motherhood has given me an even larger appreciation not only for all mothers (or stay at home Dads!) but for mine in particular! These little boys have the same difference in age as my older sister and I, so I'm getting a first hand experience of exactly what my Mom went through with us!! And I have to say. . . Sorry Mom!

Both the boys are at such an adorable age and are hitting so many firsts in their little lives, many of which I've already been apart of. The parents are a younger couple and are as sweet as can be, I'm thankful they've chosen me to be with their family during these precious times. Sometimes it's truly like getting a glimpse into the future (however near or far off that may be). Although, this was not a path I ever saw for myself, I think this job fell into my lap at the perfect time and I already couldn't imagine having taken another job to do something else.  I've already learned so much about myself and I can't wait to see these little boys continue to grow and learn every day!

Precious Moments.

Chloe + Isabel

Excited to Announce I'm a Merchandiser!

If you didn't catch it in my Black Friday post, I am excited to announce that I am now a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel jewelry! It is a start up company, founded and based out of where else but, New York City! Everything is designed here in NYC and each piece is hand crafted,  can you believe that? All jewelry is hypo-allergenic (thank goodness because my skin is ridiculously sensitive) and nickel free and every item is backed by a life time guarantee to boot! Get it caught in you jacket and break that new necklace- send it in and they replace it wether you bought it a month ago, a year or five! Crazy, right?! 

They don't sell wholesale or in ANY retail outlet they sell directly through people like me, the merchandisers! I love that it leaves me flexibility with my schedule and that I can do things my way. That also means I can bring great giveaways and discounts to YOU! (Little heads up- I've got a great giveaway planned for the New Year so stay tuned!) Can't wait until then? Shop my boutique for all your stocking stuffer and gal pal needs now. 

Use the code: FRIEND for 25% off your entire purchase!

That means you can snag adorable deals like these for as low as $16! 

I'm crossing off all the girls on my list now- there is seriously something for everyone. Hurry, discount is only until the 11th! 

  

I wouldn't represent something I don't believe in and I find

Chloe + Isabel wonderful for so many different reasons:

• It's a start up - I love supporting other entrepreneurs and small businesses
• It's fashionable- love the style and so have Vogue, Style and Glamour magazines!
• It was founded by a woman- call me a feminist but I'll always support this
• They back up their products with a life time guarantee so you know you're getting your moneys worth
• It gives women like me the chance to work from home rather than selling out to massive stores
• They come up with incentives for people to host Chloe+Isabel parties every month

So excited to start this new endeavor and experience in my life!

If you want to be a host and earn free jewelry send me a message 

even if you're not in the New York area I can help you out! 

Winterize Your Wardrobe

How to Repurpose Your Summer Clothing. . .

The worst part about living in New York is quite frankly the closet space (unless your famous or just dripping in money) you are left to the most measly sized of closets. I was dreading the move here for this particular reason form the very beginning. Given back in Kansas I was livin' the dream. I had four closets and one was just purely dedicated to my shoes! It took me ages to sort through everything and after many headaches, and a few tears I got rid of about 2/3 of my closet and about 1/2 of my shoes. . . although a few extras might have snuck their way here. I swear I have no idea how that happened. . . When I arrived to New York I thought the boy was going to kill me we had my clothes coming out of our ears. They were EVERYWHERE! And he only recently discovered a few weeks ago I've been storing sweaters in our coffee bar drawers. . . oops. 

What felt like months, I finally had everything situated and home for all my treasures. I even managed to bag up another round of donate items that I couldn't part with in Kansas. I had to 'divide' my closet, which I haven't had to do since I lived in a little shoebox of a flat in London. Where I put all my winter clothes in tubs and stuff them under the bed and leave all the valuable hanging space and dresser drawers for everyday things and summer goodies. Well, as the leaves have been turning and the air around us keeps getting more crisp I've had the dreaded task of switching out my light, bright summer clothing with my bulky, heavy winter outfits. I fiiiinnallly just finished playing musical 'tubs' with my clothes and our bedroom has ceased to look like a littered dressing room.

This new divided closet brought about a new problem however. Before, in Kansas all my clothes were on display and readily available so I could mix and match as I pleased. Now, the likeliness of me digging under my bed to find that 'one skirt' that matches perfectly with my jacket is well- None. So, I decided to hold back any summer clothes I saw winter potential in, and proceeded to pack up all the clothes that screamed- it's 100 degrees! 

I love mixing and matching clothes that you might only have seen one purpose for, it's like a favourite hobby of mine. It's a great way to get extra milage out of the clothes you already have and make new outfits you might never have thought of. They tend to end up being some of my favourite outfits. 

Here's some examples of how you can get creative 

and get those extra wears out of the items you love!

Don't be afraid to add pops of colour to your cooler weather clothes. This is one of my favourite summer dresses, it's bright and cheery yellow stripes are sure to put you in a good mood. I paired it with a muted gray sweater so the yellow wasn't too overwhelming. I belted the top to keep that cinched waist of the dress I love. Add your favourite ankle boots, a chunky necklace and you're ready to go! 

You'd think this light weight turquoise crop top had seen the last of it's days when the weather veered south of 80, but think again! I gave it a whole new life by pairing it with a heavy long-sleeve white top, dark wash denim jeans and blinged it out with some jewelry and fun suede knee-high boots to make this a perfect go-to for any causal day. 

This backless summer dress lends itself to the fall colour palette making it a simple transition to your winter wardrobe. I pulled out the plum colour from the print and added some tights, threw on a solid chunky knit cream sweater and added a thin braided belt to add some more texture to make a shape out of a bulky sweater! I added a fun military inspired boots to keep that edgy chic look and one of my favourite vintage clutches. My back is covered from the cold viola, now I can wear this dress all year long. 

Key Items to Look for:

•  Already have a fall colour palette (plums, deep reds, browns, oranges, tans, blacks, dark greens)
• Can easily be paired with a long sleeve shirt to give it a new life
• A fun dress that matches a sweater you own

Easy Add-Ons to Instantly Winterize:

• tights, tights, tights! 
• Winter boots
• A great sweater or awesome jacket

What Are You Waiting For? Go Winterize Your Wardrobe!