Getting Real with Pregnancy #2 + Fave Pink Blush Maternity Top!

     Some days I feel like super mom.  I have donated 16 bags of clothing over the last month and let me tell you that is the most freeing feeling in the world.  I envy minimalists and follow many social minimalist groups to try to even be 1/100th as minimal as they are and it is so inspiring.  Making space for a tiny little person is a lot harder than it looks.
     Other days, I find myself exhausted and barely able to do thing I normally love to do.  I love cooking dinner and lately it's become such a chore.  I find myself guilty of letting Gavin watch YouTube while I cook a half-assed dinner just so we don't starve :)  Luckily, my hubby is there to help (he's a great griller) and of course, there is always take-out.  I'd be lying if I said the savings in our wine bill was not replaced by our takeout and dining spending!
    Another struggle is getting dressed everyday!  I have to be honest- my last pregnancy was more difficult in several ways because I was so sick and that resulting in very little weight gain.  I was able to fit in almost everything until month 9.  This time is another story.. every day it's like I've outgrown the last.  As mentioned in my last post, I really am tried to be minimalist with clothing for this pregnancy so the pieces I am investing in are pieces I can wear after the baby comes.  This Pink Blush Floral Peplum top is such a cute one and it will be adorable post-baby as well.  It's soft, comfortable, and feminine which makes it one of my favorite tops to wear this pregnancy.
For more of their amazing selections: Shop Pink Blush

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

All About that Lace

 I do not wear flats often, but when I do, they have to be incredibly chic and comfortable.  I found these flats at Forever 21 and although this trend has been worn and seen by every fashion blogger around town, there's a reason they became so popular.  These flats were the perfect accessory paired with a basic black jumpsuit for a business/blogger lunch with my favorite foodie-meets-fashion blogger, Kat from Champs et Frites. 

My picks for the best in this trend: All About that Lace

 

1. J.Crew lace-up ballet flats

2. Lace-up leather sandals: Zara

3. Sueded Lace-up espadrilles: Old Navy

4. Michael Kor's snakeskin lace-up flats: goop 

5. Espadrille flatforms: Forever 21

6. Kendall + Kyle blush lace-up ankle flats: Shopbob

Ever After,

Jamie

Denim + Diapers

I have two diaper bags because one is more functional but let's be honest- most of those "functional" diaper bags are so boring.  I got neural gray one in the beginning because I wanted Daddy to be able to carry around the diaper bag without feeling like he's carrying a handbag.  But, I also wanted a cute one for myself on days that Gavin and I go out in style.  I was so happy with my recent diaper bag purchase, this Hip Cub one, which adorable and holds a lot of necessary baby items. I didn't want to spend a ton, honestly, because between bottles and puffs, everything of Gavin's someone manages to get wet, dirty, or stained. What's your favorite purchase this month?

Denim dress: similar here | Black strappy sandals: Old Navy (on sale for $15!) | Striped diaper tote: Hip Cub | Sunglasses: Burberry

Ever After,

Jamie

Trending: Versatile Jogger Pant

 The jogger pant is taking over women's and men's fashion this season. I love them for a few very important reasons.  Number one, they are soo comfortable. They can also be worn with anything; you can dress it up for work with a chic dress shirt or pair it with a fun crop top (like I did) and it's the perfect weekend outfit.  Lastly + most importantly in my opinion, the jogger shows off the shoes.  Sometimes I have the most adorable shoes on and my pants are hiding the best part. I love that joggers show off the entire shoe... those babies were meant to be seen!

 Traveler pant: Cabi | Striped crop top: Cabi | MK Travel Bag | Laced Booties: Charlotte Russe | Aviator Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Helios Cuff bracelet: Cabi

Ever After,

Jamie

Bib + Scalloped Details

One of my favorite things about spring fashion, are the cute, lightweight dresses that can easily be worn to work, and then also perfect for a date night or happy hour with friends.  This versatile dress was a steal at T.J. Maxx and also paired with these $12 flats from Forever 21.
Normally, I cannot pull of the bib neckline as I feel like I look like a school-girl or a nun but I actually liked this dress's neckline and paired it with a fun necklace.
My favorite part about this outfit is that the look was under $30 from head to toe.  :)

Scalloped dress: T.J. Maxx | Red flats: Forever 21 | Layered collar necklace gifted

Photos by 5 Diamond Photo

Ever After,

Jamie

Red Carpet Event Round-up!

  One of the best parts of my job in media and advertising is meeting amazing, successful, talented people.  Also, it's being exposed to incredible businesses and charities.  On Oscar Sunday, the TV station I work for, WTNH (ABC affiliate in CT), broadcasted live for our CT Style show from the AIDS CT Red Carpet party.  It was an amazing cause and a great success!  I had a mini-wardrobe issue because I was originally supposed to be loaned a dress from Asiye's Boutique, but unfortunately my 5'2 stature, even with my highest heels, was not tall enough without some hemming.  Luckily, I had a dress in my closet from another TV event I went to a few years prior.  I was lucky that I could suck in enough as my my zipped up the dress, hoping it didn't snap! :)  The picture above is from the event in Hartford, with one of my co-workers, Kate, who helped pull off the success of the broadcast.  Her creativity and hard-work definitely shined through! 
  Another event I attended a few weeks ago, was my good friend's App-Launch Party.  Ashley Stone has been a friend of mine for a few years now and she is an incredible hair stylist and entrepreneur.  She owns Beauty Entourage and she just launched the Beauty Entourage App which is a free beauty app that makes booking hair and makeup appointment super easy.  You should definitely download it!  I am so proud of her hard-work and success.  I love being surrounding by such amazing talent because their energy and charisma is infectious.

 {Beauty Entourage also has a product line.. my favorite is the dry shampoo + hairspray!}

Ever After,

Jamie

Mommy + Me Style

The snow is melting and spring is right around the corner.  I cannot to do many "firsts" with Gavin this spring as the weather gets warmer such as push him in a swing, take him to the park, and have a messy, baby-food filled picnic!  Gavin was born late May so it's no surprise that he loves being outside in the fresh air.  His absolutely favorite thing is watching animals.  He loves to watch our cat, Jingles and our dog, Zoey, and outside he is mesmerized by the neighborhood cats and dogs (and occasional squirrel or bird). 

   Also, whoever said dressing a boy is no fun was completely wrong.  Move over glitter and bows, we've got bow ties + hipster outfits that will put your tutus to shame (haha!).  Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! 

Gavin: Geometric Bodysuit: Old Navy | Jeans: Old Navy | Socks/slippers: Hand me Downs| Bib: Aden + Anais

Jamie: Skinny pant in merlot: American Eagle | Metallic pumps: Steve Madden | Lace cardigan: Target  

Ever After,

Jamie