Hidden Gem in Connecticut + Bumpdate!

I have lived in Connecticut my entire life and I was so surprised I hadn't discovered this little gem before!  Lavender Pond Farm, which is located near the shoreline in Killingworth, Connecticut, is such a breathtaking place to visit in the summer.  Since it's early June, the lavender was not in full bloom (they recommended I come back in July) but nevertheless it was such a gorgeous view.

Being 5 months pregnant, I have to creative on "things to do" since I am limited and cannot do the usual happy hour events or super intense activities since I tend to get tired so easily these days.  Visiting this lavender farm was the perfect day of relaxation + shopping.  The little shop on site is so eclectic and the smell of lavender exuding from all of the products is simply incredible!  From lavender oils to lavender flavored baking items, there were so many amazing homemade products that are derived right from the lavender grown on-site.  I decided to get a natural bug repellent so I can be confident Gavin has a healthy chemical-free bug spray.  Plus, bonus that it smells like lavender!

Now for the Bumpdate, I am halfway there at 20 weeks!  I find out the sex next Wednesday so stay tuned for a gender reveal next week.  It seems like forever this time because I found out the sex at 12 weeks with Gavin since I was high-risk and was referred to do genetic testing pretty early on.  This time around, morning sickness has been so much more moderate than with Gavin and I have far less food aversions than my last pregnancy.  This time around I am hungry all. the. time.  Like seriously, cannot get enough, haha!  Overall, it's been a pretty pleasant pregnancy and much easier than the first go-around!  Have a wonderful weekend! xx

Shop the look:

{Straw Cross-body handbag: Urban Outfitters | White tie front blouse: Target | Wide-leg floral pants: similar here}

Ever After,

Jamie

Yes, You Can Wear White After Labor Day

    I am here to give you permission to wear white after labor day! This fashion rule idea of "no white after labor day" came about in the 20th century so this supposed fashion rule is over 100 years old.  I for one, am not going to pack away all my white clothes in the fall/winter because some uptight woman said it wasn't OK to wear white, haha. 
     I am embracing my daring fashion sense, and am in love with this white dress find at the Express Outlet on clearance At Clinton Premium Outlets .  In the summer, it was perfect as-is and for an appropriate workday, I layered a dress shirt underneath to fare the cooler weather. 
Please wear your white dresses, white pants, and white everything this fall/winter to stop this age-old tradition.  Just don't wear legging as pants. :)

{Dress: Express Factory Outlet | Franco Sarto Lace-up wedges also worn here: DSW | Dress shirt: Express| Sunglasses: Ray Ban}

Ever After,

Jamie

90's Child Style

   Yes, I loved everything about growing up in he 90's from the choker necklaces to the jelly sandals.  Needless to say, I am super excited about 90's style making a comeback.   Gavin photo-bombed my style shoot collected sticks so I had to share his cute little face as well. :)

   I found this fun 90's look on sale and figured it would be a super comfy dress with sneakers. I am loving some of these more daring, colorful slip dresses with tees underneath in this Cosmo style article as well.
What is your favorite 90's style? 

Lip color: Show Stopper c/o LuLu (local in CT!)  | platform sneakers: Primark (similar here) | Layered Dress: H&M }

Ever After,

Jamie

My Top 5 Tips for Saving on Designer at Consignment Stores

 I went to an amazing local blog event right in Connecticut to celebrate the grand opening of Consignment Originals in Manchester, CT.  The event was hosted by one of my best friend's advertising agency, Linked Media, so I knew it would be a great time.  We had so much finding treasures with each other and getting the first look at the store's hidden treasures.  Truth is, I am not newbie to consignment and am so excited that Consignment Originals has so many locations so I can hunt each one for treasures.

Here are my top 5 tips when shopping at consignment:

1. Follow them on Social Media. 

 Many times, social media is the first place that the staff posts the item.  You may want to check their policy on "claiming" an item, but if you follow on social media, you may be one of the first to know if you are following their social media channels.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time. 

One of the necessary evils of a consignment store is really going through the racks.  Some consignment stores, like Consignment Originals, make is easier if they are separated by brand, style, etc. but even so you really do have to be patient and go through

3.  Build a rapport with the staff.

If you plan on hunting for specific items, chat it up with the staff since they are the ones that do go through new inventory daily.  I had luck when I was looking for a vintage Chanel when I told one of the staff the type of bag I was looking for.  She called me when she though one came in so having that personal relationship really helped!

4. Consign your pre-owned clothing.

I find that if I have designer items that I find myself not getting much use of, I like to sort of "trade" it at a consignment store.  this way if I want something pricier, I can use my consignment credit toward the bigger purchases.

5. Keep in mind where the store is located.  

Know the geographic and demographics of the consignment store.  For example, if it's a wealthy town, you may find more designer items or if you know it's a "younger" city, there may be more options for junior styles, etc.  The people that consign at that store are likely residents of the area so your shopping should follow suit to the "style" of that city/town.

Hope these tips help!  Have you found any treasures at local consignment stores?

Ever After,

Jamie

Cinco de Mayo Inspired

When I think of Mexican-inspired fashion, I think of lots of vibrant colors and comfortable, wearable pieces.  I have been on a hunt for a Mexican-flair top because Gavin's 2nd birthday coming up in late May is going to be a Fiesta-themed pool party.  I found this top on sale at Aero and was so excited because it's comfy for a long day of hosting, light-weight, and super cute. I also got the royal treatment with hair and makeup.. all the details are below! 

 What are your plans for Cinco de Mayo? 

{Lace-up Peasant Top: Aeropostale (on sale!) | Red pixie pants: Old Navy | Franco Sarto Lace-up wedges: DSW}

Hair + Makeup by Allure Traveling Beauty

Photos by 5 Diamond Photography

Ever After,

Jamie

Velvet Dreams + Date Nights

Could not be a more perfect day to share this gorgeous velvet dress on a SNOW DAY!  I am dreaming of being back at Fort Lauderdale Beach wearing wedges and flip flops on the beach.  One of my favorite things about our vacation last week, was that me and Ryan were able to have some time for date nights since my Mom and stepdad were traveling with us.  It made me realize how important it is to make time for each other and take advantage of people who say, "I'll babysit anytime."  It also felt nice to take get dressed up and dolled up.  Oh and I am so excited to tell you this dress in on sale for $34 at Tobi.com!

{Velvet Midi Body-con dress c/o Tobi | Wedges: Steve Madden}

Ever After,

Jamie

*LuLaRoe Holiday Giveaway*

 I heard friends buzzing about LuLaRoe from a few friends and thought the prints were so adorable and different.  What I didn't know but I soon learned after trying on a few outfits from Melissa's Lularoe shop  was exactly how comfortable it really is.  They are the softest leggings and tops I have ever worn, EVER! 
  My Mommy friends raved about the items and how comfortable they were and now I can totally stand by that.  I was pleased that I could wear something so comfy to work, yet still look professional, and be able to play with Gavin in the same clothes since they were so comfortable!

Now is your chance to win with a holiday contest!  Enter to win on Instagram and Facebook for a $25 gift card for your very own LuLaRoe purchase.. just in time for Christmas!

To enter simply follow @JamieEverAfter and lularoemelissamonholland on Instagram!
For an additional entry, check out Melissa's VIP facebook group where she showcases all of her inventory as she gets it.  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 20th.  Good luck!

Ever After,

Jamie

Plum lips + a Cozy Sweater

September in New England is the perfect weather.  Chilly mornings but warmer, breezy afternoons and so many fall festivals and pumpkin patches.  I tend to stretch my summer clothes as long as possible to transition slowly into fall attire.  I love a cozy sweatshirt with jean shorts for a casual transitional look.  This particular sweater feel as cozy as a hoody but looks a little more chic than your average sweatshirt.

{Lace-up sweatshirt: Zaful (on sale for under $20!) | Gold sneakers: T.J. Maxx| Lace-trimmed shorts: Forever 21| Lip color: NYX Matte in Siren}

Ever After,

Jamie

LCD (Little Colored Dress)

 
   The most versatile dress most of us own is the LBD (little Black Dress) but do you own a favorite Little Colored Dress (LCD)?  You should!  It's for those events that you dare not wear black (or white) such as the amazing outdoor wedding I attended (and photographed) at The Greer Tree Farm in Griswold, CT.

   There is something about outdoor venues that compels me to wear bright, contrasting colors so I went through my collection of solid colored dresses and settled on this bold, magenta cocktail dress that I paired with a statement necklace.  Do you have a go-to LCD?



Ever After,

Jamie

P.S. the drink options were bomb!  I stuck with the Porch Rockers which were a concoction of Bourbon, Cynder Liquor, Tea syrup, and Orange. 

Sunset + Floral Dress

   Hi loves!  Last week I was on vacation and had an amazing time.  It reminded me how beautiful my home state is.  We drove less than an hour to the CT shoreline and stayed in a beautiful cottage right on the beach in Old, Lyme. The est part was it was easy to pack up Gavin since it was a short right and we even got to take Zoey on her first family vacation.  Zoey absolutely loved the beach and come to find out he loves long walks at sunset!
    Overall, my style on vacation was comfy and barefoot!   It's very rare that one can pull off a dress with no shoes but this loose and airy floral dress was just the perfect dress to transition from a sunset walk to a dinner date.  Don't you love when something that is so comfy is also so adorable?  I was a little hesitant about this dress before I got in the mail because it was under $20 but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and overall really impressed. 
Shop this look: Ethnic Style Long Sleeve Floral Dress by Sammy Dress

What is left on your summer bucket list?

Ever After,

Jamie