Things I Absolutely Am Loving / #2

When I was pregnant with Skip I borrowed a lot of maternity clothes from friends. They were all so gracious and I purchased a shirt and a pair of shorts (hello summer pregnancy!) for myself. For the most part I wore what was given to me. And I was truly happy with that.

While I am all about thrifting and hand me downs this time around I changed my ways (some). It may come as a shocker because I truly see beauty in all things but a pregnant body does nothing for me. I never have felt confident while pregnant, ever. This time I told myself to invest in a few things that no matter my size will fit and the biggest thing is work before, during and after pregnancy but mostly make me feel GOOD!

R saved up a little shopping for me for me. We live in a small town with no maternity options so to Oldnavy.com I went. My biggest mission was to purchase things with minimal side ruching plus worked after baby. I also wanted to feel cute and fashionable and like I had plenty to throw together. I think not caring last time didn't help me mentally leading up to Skip being born. I have worked really hard to do it all differently this time around.

Here are a few of the staples I bought. Most are free flowing making them perfect for after Clara makes her debut. And can I say I am all about the pink shade. I had to resist getting everything in that color.

These linen pants (above) are only $20! Run. Don't walk. The blue floral dress is the perfect length and crazy enough (from the front) I don't look pregnant. How did they manage that magic? Ha!

Also in honor of April Fool's Day Old Navy is offering 41% off 1 item and 30% off all Old Navy purchases (overall) with coupon code: NOTAJOKE.

What are your favorite places to shop for maternity goodies? Let me know! Oh, and happy, happy, joyful Friday to you!

linen pants || patterned shorts || eyelet dress || tank dress || swing tank || crew neck tank || ribbed tank

Nothing Says Summer Like: Dresses

Guys, a big hearty yeehaw! on the official start to summer! Three cheers. Prost. Wahoo. Emoji crazy.

With summer in full swing I wanted to create a series that highlights my favorite things about this time of year. So starting with dresses makes sense. Right? I knew you would see it that way.

One of my favorite things about summer is sitting by the lake, swimming, air drying my curls and then coming in to slip on a comfy dress for dinner out with my little family. It just feels like summer to me.

I rounded up my favorite dresses from Loft. I have never gone wrong in this store. It has stuck with me from baby weight to good sales to clothes that last forever and never age. Oh and the fit of their pants? Perfection.

And might I add that it was hard to only pick a few.

Also Loft is having a 50% off sale in stores only and 50% tanks, tops and tees online. So run, don't walk people. Or click through the internet fast? Whatever that means.

perfect for hosting a dinner party.

perfect for a lunch date with your best gals.

perfect for a date night with your love.

perfect for when you feel you don't have anything cute to wear.

perfect for all day shopping.

perfect for brunch.

perfect for a summer wedding.

full bloom // gingham // french hen // mosaic // pinwheel // sky bloom // summer cami

Jeans That I Love and That Love Me Back

Since Skip was born I have been looking for a pair of jeans that I adored. Heck, I just wanted the sensation of zipping my pants again versus a tummy panel that pulled up over my postpartum belly.

I tried on jeans after jeans, style after style and had no luck. I started to get discouraged especially when I had to keep putting on my pregnancy jeans.

It finally took me waking up to the fact that my body is different now. I am not the same size. I now wear stretch marks on my stomach {in the shape of a heart :)}, thighs and hips. I am shaped differently and that is okay.

But I still wanted that perfect jean.

My ideal jean is a dark wash. Rugged. Skinny fit. Perfect with booties.

This post brings you good news and puts an end to all the suspense because YES! I have finally found the perfect pair of jeans!

Guys, these jeans make this mommy and woman feel like a million dollars. I almost want to sleep in them I love them so much. At least wear them will folding laundry. I know...I live on the edge. :)

Old Navy for the win. I literally screamed out loud in the dressing room when I pulled these bad boys on yesterday. And then a happy dance ensued. Because a) they fit and don't bunch in the back and b) I finally found them. So yes, this may seem like a love letter to a pair of pants but I want all women to find jeans that make them happy....especially after baby.

Want your pair? Here you go. I opted for the rockstar distressed super skinny but the better news is there are lots of options for you. Happy Thursday!

And almost Christmas!!

Heart Jeans for Valentine's Day

So every time I do a outfit post or have an outfit idea, I always second guess myself. One: my photos are taken with an iPhone. No professional photos here. And second: I am not natural in front of the camera, never have been.

Also, my eyes may not be open in some of these.

But I digress in that it is so easy to pick at the negative. Hey, I am trying something new. And I love my outfit. And Rusty and I had so much fun with these photos.

I wanted to create an outfit that I would really wear on a Valentine's date with R. Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up but this outfit is truly me. A comfy sweater and pencil jeans. I also love the realistic price tag of this outfit.

You cannot tell but my jeans have a whitewash heart stencil on them making them perfect for V-Day.

What are you wearing? Do you have a go to date outfit? Will you wear red lips? I hope so. I love red lips.

And to end on a funny note:

{Outfit} Follow Your Heart Sweater: Old Navy {sold out but similar} // Purse: TJ Maxx // Lauren Conrad Heart Jeans: Kohls {sold out but similar} // Suede Booties: Old Navy {sold out but similar}

Bloggers Closet and How Brilliant It Is

Let us talk about how awesome Bloggers Closet is. I mean what a clever idea. I am kind of mad I didn't think of it. Instead I get to write a fun post all about it and encourage you to go shopping. You know, just a random Thursday and shopping. That then equates to a perfect Thursday because Bloggers Closet is full of good finds at great prices!

But alas, all the credit goes to the lovely Lauren Slade, creator of Style Elixir. Lauren wanted to give bloggers an opportunity to sell their clothing maybe due to only needing it for one post or making more room in their closet. This then gives us ladies the chance to snatch up designer brands or fashionable finds at discounted prices. We get to shop the closet of our favorite fashion bloggers.

One thing you may or may not know is that I read fashion blogs more than any other type of blog. It surprises some people because a. I write a relationship (ish) blog and publish weddings and b. I am not all that fashionable. In fact, my style has really come into its own within the last year or so. Picking out a professional outfit every day has been a challenge but fun too.

I am also a blogger on a budget so the idea of being able to buy clothes from my favorite fashion bloggers closets is amaz-ing y'all. Who doesn't love a good discount?

Some of my favorite things for sale:

Dittos Coated Jeans // Starting bid $15 

Steve Madden Roger Booties // $40

Lilac Skirt // $25 

Vintage Style Cardigan Sweater // Starting bid $22

Pretty nice stuff. So now it is your turn to go sign up for bloggers closet and get shopping. Make sure you share what you buy with us! Happy Thursday and happy shopping!

This post is not sponsored by Bloggers Closet. All opinions are my own and I am writing this because I think they are rad.

How A Little Tulle Skirt Can Change Your Day

One thing about living in a small town is that the shopping is limited. I have about two stores that I am able to buy from so online shopping has been my thing.

This past New Year we traveled to New Braunfels (the sweet little town we called home for two years) and I was so looking forward to a New Years party. I had bought jeans a cute top with some sparkle. Rusty and I spent that day shopping around town with plenty of options. We stopped into Kohl's were I started browsing their clearance section. Lo' and behold I pulled out the cutest tulle skirt. On clearance. And the angels rejoiced.

I thought too myself, you are 26-years-old. You don't need a tulle skirt. Where would I wear it? Uh duh self, New Years that night. I thought about it and decided to take it into the dressing room to try on. I fell in love. I couldn't believe how much I could love a tulle skirt with a sparkly gold glitter band. It fit perfect and I didn't feel silly; I felt fab. (Even Rusty liked it and he can be picky!)

So I snatched it up.

I took the skirt and ran.

I loved wearing it to the party that night and bringing in 2014 in tulle. It was so much fun!

One thing I want to do with this blog that I mentioned before is making it more lifestyle. I want to talk about clothes, shopping on a budget, realistic clothes purchases. I feel fashion blogs give great ideas but honestly, who drops $250 on a new top? That is crazy!

So here goes nothing with my first outfit(ish) post. And yes, these are taken with an iPhone in my backyard. Hi plastic shed. Style at its best. :)

Top: Old Navy // Skirt: Lauren Conrad at Kohls // Watch: Target // Bracelet: Old Navy {old}