My Inner Fashionlogue

My mind is currently on sun, sand, sun, cabanas, sun, cocktails, sun…….and more sun. This past weekend I went on a family trip to Chicago where I was also able to catch up with a good girlfriend. We try to take 1 trip a year to catch up with each other and some much needed girl time. I missed last year’s trip to New Orleans. While the girls were maxing and relaxing, I was at home pregnant dealing with the side effects of the first trimester. Not this time!! With one of our girls returning safely from serving in Afghanistan, there is so much to celebrate. The trip is definitely on this summer and I can not wait!

Come with me…….destination. south beach.

via anthropologie

via anthropologie

via anthropologie

via free people

shopbop

shopbop

shopbop

urban outfitters

urban outfitters

urban outfitters

j.crew

All the stripes are just coincidence…I must be going through a phase.

~L

Our families are not from Minnesota, so we fly back and forth between Florida and Texas throughout the year. As a frequent flyer, I have mastered the art of carry-on only luggage (even with the addition of Baby Miles!) and know the importance of dressing comfortably. I look to style, comfort, and warmth for the plane ride. And now with a little one in tow, unfussy clothing (yet stylish- this will always be important!) is key.

As we head home to Florida for the Christmas Holiday, this outfit is perfect and not just because my uniform seems to always involve leggings! The drape turtleneck sweater is like wearing a blanket and the oxfords make the outfit current, interesting, and totally effortlessly chic. And the tote can double as a diaper bag for the plane ride where less is always more.

PS- it is never ok to wear a snuggie in public or in private for that matter!

No…no..this is not a Jerry Springer-esque baby daddy mama drama post. This one is for all the expectant mamas out there. I just went through my first pregnancy and everyday I wondered what the heck I was going to wear!! The buttons on my pre-pregnancy jeans were tight fast and nothing seemed to fit even in the first trimester. I found it difficult and frustrating to find maternity clothes that were fashionable and also flattered my growing belly. It was definitely a lot of trial and error!

Here’s what I learned:
- First and foremost, leggings are your best friend. I like non-maternity H&M leggings for their higher waist (they are good pre and post pregnancy).

- Embrace your new shape and opt for form fitting tops and dresses. Clothing that is too loose-fitting will just make you look frumpy and much larger.

- Try non maternity styles one size larger than your normal size in the first and second trimester. Juicy Couture for dresses, Urban Outfitters and Hot Mama (non maternity section) for tops, and parc boutique for tunics were brands/stores that worked for me.

- Gap Maternity has great basic dresses that you can wear over and over again- just restyle with new cardigans, jackets, shoes, scarfs, and jewelry

- Accesorize with statement rings and necklaces.

- No need to stash all your heels just choose more supportive styles like the wedge

- Full panel bottoms are a must in the last trimester. They provide comfort and much needed support in the last months. I liked A Pea in the Pod’s Secret Fit Belly bottoms.

- And lastly, don’t forget confidence is key! Feeling confident=Feeling good=Looking good! Staying active socially and physically helps a lot.

A few tried and true favorites:

via dakotacollective.com, also available at parc boutique. I recently purchased this tunic from Parc Boutique in a bronze tone. Purchase one size larger and pair with leggings or textured tights and lace-up boots or ankle booties for the perfect fall maternity or non-maternity look.

Me in the BB Dakota tunic (purchased at Parc Boutique) pictured above post pregnancy. The loose, flowing silhouette is perfect for my post-pregnancy bod. I will get my pre-pregnancy body back-- slowly but surely is my motto!

Any of the Spanx bra-llelujah line bras are hands down the most comfortable bra line that I discovered during pregnancy but are great pregnant or not. The bra line is available at Hot Mama and online at spanx.com

The Tummy Sleeve by Maternity Motherhood allows you to wear your pre-maternity jeans longer. A definite must!

A few maternity favorites:

Great basic dress that can be dressed up or down, via gap.com

via gap.com, slim cropped pants look chic and work appropriate paired with heels, silky top, and cardigan or boyfriend jacket

Maternity style perfect for the many holiday gatherings and the lace-up boots make the style current and fashion forward, Ann Taylor Loft

Great top for date night, Ann Taylor Loft

And lastly, a great example of maternity chic:

Project Runway Judge, Marie Claire fashion director, and best selling author Nina Garcia, via zimbio.com

Try this tie sleeve dress from the Gap to recreate a similiar look-

~L

The perfect “I just threw this together/not trying to hard” kinda outfit. It’s a little menswear inspired, a little rocker, and polished enough for casual holiday get togethers.

The clutch adds the perfect shot of color.

via shopbop.com

I just bought a similiar cardi on sale from j.crew, so I just may try and recreate this get up.

~L

Today’s look of the day is from the Nov 2010 Anthropologie catalog. Anthro is always inspiring!

This outfit is perfect for a casual lunch, dinner date, or a relaxed evening with friends. The cardi and cotton striped henley top keeps the sparkly skirt casual.

My wishlist keeps getting longer!! Don’t be surprised if you see me in this exact fit

Happy weekend to all!!
~L

Wool shorts and tights- this one is definitely on my list...so easy and the bold pop of color makes it so chic, via madewell.com

The Winter Poncho, via madewell.com

Great party dress look---contrasting texture of the circle scarf and vintage leather belt add interest...and you already know I am digging the lace-up boots. via madewell.com

Cropped trousers transition from summer to fall! via madewell.com

~L

Hi Everybody! Don’t give up on me yet. My output over the last few months has been less than stellar I know. My brain has been filled with all things BABY as of late! Oh yes- learning all about the newly discovered wide world of baby gear! I certainly didn’t know such a tiny thing could need soooo much!   

Anyhow, I was going through my growing list of drafts that are just sitting in pending status and saw this short post on stripes. My last post was a street style feature on stripes. It is such a versatile look that can easily be transitioned into fall  but before we start talking fall fashion, I wanted to share one of my present favorite looks for summer–casual, effortless cool-girl style. All that’s needed are jean shorts- cut offs or rolled up, your favorite striped shirt, a hot pair of sandals, and top it off with a crossbody purse or messenger bag and your good to go! 

via shopbop.com

via shopbop.com

Sharing a few budget-friendly options: 

forever 21, $8

forever 21, $19.80

forever 21, $12.90

forever 21

~L

Stripes are in right now. There are so many different ways to wear them- preppy, mod, sporty, or casual. I like the casual look below, because it represents classic style that will never die. It does not scream TRENDY.

What I also love is this silky striped shirt can be worn season after season in an endless number of combinations- with cutoffs or skinnies for a casual summer look, tucked into a skirt for a fun dinner date night look, or add trousers, a blazer or cardigan for an office appropriate look. If you can put together at least 3 different looks, it is worth the investment in my book.

Perfect casual, cool street style for a weekend of outdoor shopping, walking, and cafe hopping

Who: Cher
Where: SOHO, NYC
The deets: Joie silk racerback striped tank, JBrand skinny jeans, Havaianas flip flops, Timex Military Watch, Urban Outfitters Purse.

This is me giving myself a little pep talk for fear of one day going into a deep rut and resorting to “mom” jeans. Ok- not really- i’m being a bit dramatic, but maybe all the fat pregnancy jokes from my friends, who shall remain nameless, is catching up with me. On a serious note, I think it is important to make a conscious effort as women to do things that make you feel confident, beautiful, and sexy. And that “thing” can be different for each woman whether it is working out, getting a massage, getting your hair colored and cut, buying a new outfit or new pair of heels, etc…I am a strong believer that if you feel good on the inside spiritually, emotionally, and physically, it radiates on the outside, and you are the best for your husband or significant other, your family, your friends, and most importantly, YOURSELF!

This post is inspired by a recent post about stylish moms on WhoWhatWear, one of my go-to fashion sites. They do a great job of highlighting current trends, listing the labels that celebs are wearing, and also offering similar budget friendly options.  This recent post about Stylish Moms spoke to me as I am currently pregnant and hope to be as stylish as these women throughout motherhood!

via whowhatwear.com

TGIF!!
~LM

I recently stayed the weekend at the Ivy Hotel (post coming soon!) and was able to check out the Ivy Spa, which is an oasis in the middle of the city! From the state of the art gym to the plunge pool, steam room, and sauna, it has everything you need to reset and renew! And the staff was so courteous and friendly, which made the experience that much more enjoyable. It really was the perfect relaxing weekend getaway!

What a fun, new way to spend your next date night or even girls night out. And let me just say the Ivy signature massage is heavenly! Pampering with massages and such sometimes takes a backseat in our lives, but I urge you to give it a try. It is the treatment you didn’t know you NEEDED until you experience it.

Date nights are an ongoing event at the Ivy Spa, so if you can not make this one, make sure you check out the site for future date nights and other promotions. I will definitely be returning.

~L