Guest Chic Bump: Cecilia

http://www.dearestlou.com/

I’ve been happily married since December 20th of last year. My husband and I weren’t expecting to get pregnant so easily but we are so excited for our little bundle of joy. I graduated last April in business management at UVU and I’m so happy I finished my degree before becoming a mom. I like to do crafts, blog, find great deals, and read in my free time.

I met my husband on an accidental blind date. My friend told me we were going to go hang out with a bunch of guys at the pool and the only two that showed up was the guy she was into and my husband. He played a little hard to get so we didn’t hit it off right away but within a couple of months we were inseparable!

My baby is due November 26, 2012 and it’s a boy!

My number one beauty essential would have to be my lancome eyelash curler. My eyes look super teeny tiny when my eye lashes aren’t curled! My eyelash curler gives my eyes that extra pop so they don’t look so tiny and sad!

My favorite go to look since I’ve been pregnant would have to me a maxi skirt, basic top, vest, and a belt around my waist. I love belting my waist to make my bump stand out even more than it already does.

My short chambray top definitely gets worn the most. It ties right under my boobs and makes my bump stand out with any other thing I decide to wear it with.

I wish I had some sort of style icon but I really don’t. My sense of style is sort of my sixth sense and I know what does and doesn’t flatter my body. Don’t get me wrong, I really love looking through magazines and other blogs for ideas and inspiration though!

It’s a tie between Penelope Cruz and Natalie Portman. I think they’re both absolutely gorgeous and look great with all sorts of different hair styles, make up, etc.

The best advice I’ve gotten since I got pregnant is to take it one day at a time and enjoy life!

I think it’s really hard for women to truly feel beautiful and comfortable in their skin when their body is dramatically changing. I would like to let My Chic Bump readers know that pregnancy is a beautiful and amazing thing. Sometimes there are negative or unpleasant side effects but I know once your little baby comes out everything that you’ve gone through to get to that point is worth it!

I wanted to keep some sort of journal of my outfits and watch my style grow. A lot of my friends complemented me and liked the way I dressed. I would get numerous questions from both friends and strangers about where I purchased an item or how I styled an outfit. I thought that starting a public blog would be a fun hobby and maybe help some friends and readers along the way.

I would describe my style as unpredictable. I don’t have a certain set style I like to dress however I’m feeling that day, sometimes it’s sweats and a t shirt other times it’s all dolled up.

My favorite places to shop are thrift stores, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters (clearance of course), and online boutiques.

The most rewarding thing about blogging is inspiring others and making friends all over the globe!

You can find me here at Dearest Lou!

A very special thanks to my friend Cecilia for sharing her styling and pregnancy tips with us!

She sure knows how to work that chic bump!

If you or someone you know would like to be featured as Guest Chic Bump, leave me a comment!

** Don’t forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a gorgeous bubble necklace! **

Bubble Necklace Giveaway {Closed}

By Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: Asos, Cardigan: Papaya Clothing. Necklace: Wild About Jewerly, Maternity leggings: Asos, Shoes: Kate Spade

One of my favorite statement necklaces this season is the bubble necklace! You know what I’m talking about, right? This little beauty has been floating around all over Pinterest and has already become an icon this year. Do you know how much they cost at J Crew? $150.00! Whaaaaaat!

But not to worry, if you are as in love with these necklaces as I am and want to have one of your own, MyChicBump and Wild About Jewelry have teamed up to give one lucky reader this necklace!! (pictured above). Want to know more? Keep reading!

What makes Wild About Jewelry stand out from all other online stores is that it is a weekly, fixed-price auction offering trendy, affordable accessories each Monday at 9pm ET. All items are priced between $15 and $40 and shipping is always FREE! Simply like their page, watch their Monday night auction, and comment “sold” when you see an item you would like to purchase. It’s that easy and so much fun!! Check out their wide variety of jewelry collection, you’ll be sure to fall in love with them!

And the winner of this gorgeous bubble necklace from Wild About Jewelry is ….

Congrats Chacoy!

Email me your address at karen @ mychicbump dot com

or leave me a comment on Facebook

Thank you to all who entered! Keep following MyChicBump for more awesome giveaways and styling tips!

Skinny dippin’

Photos taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: Forever21, Vest: Vera Vera Wang (similar style here), Pants: Similar style here + here, Shoes: Last seen here

Skinny dippin’ ….

…. In gray skinny jeans, that is! They are dark enough to minimize your curves and are far more interesting than your basic black pants/leggings. You can pair these edgy, cool pants with virtually anything, cozy sweaters, long knit cardigans, tunics, blazers … making them the perfect jeans for Fall!  Look for stretchy denim or gray leggings, like you’ll find at Express, for a more comfortable fit during your pregnancy.

Stay tuned on Tuesday for an AMAZING giveaway! I can’t wait to show y’all!

Happy Monday!

Top Picks of September

You’ve picked them! Here are your favorite posts of the month! Thank you for all the love! Keep coming back for more styling tips and don’t forget to share it with friends!

Knits & Lace

(Original post here)

Casual Chic

(Original post here)

Fall Blossoms

(Original post here)

Show Me Some Length, Honey!

(Original post here)

Ode to Autumn

(Original post here)

 

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Guest Chic Bump: Corilynn

http://laviepetite.blogspot.com/

Well, I am super petite (4’11” on my best day), and I have been married for 9 years.  I’ve got 3 children (I call them my littles) and am pregnant with my 4th.  I’ve been style blogging for about a year and a half and I started my own indie clothing line earlier this year.

Ah, so many things!  Being a mom is just such a beautiful gift.  Everything that is wonderful about being a woman is wrapped up in motherhood.  Getting to completely love and nurture another human being.  Feeling your own little creation growing and moving inside of you.  Wow!  I don’t think I’ll ever stop being in awe of that.  Mostly, I love how rewarding it is to love and care for my children, to watch them grow and progress and succeed.  Penelope Leach said: “Loving a child is a circular business.  The more you give, the more you get, the more you want to give.”  So true.

My baby is due on November 1st, and it’s a girl.  So I’ll have 2 girls and 2 boys!  Yay!  I’m counting on her coming a little early, as all three of my other littles have, which means if she’s born in October she’ll be my 3rd October baby.  Lucky time of year for us I guess!

Without a doubt my beauty essential is my Bare Minerals foundation.  I converted years ago and I will never look back.  The stuff is amazing!   I think I tell everyone I know about it.  It makes you look flawless everyday, and even improves your skin.  You’d think I’m getting paid to say this but really I just love it that much.  I just started using their new foundation and it’s even more incredible than the original.

My favorite go-to look is a pair of boyfriend jeans with some wedges and a fun top with a blazer or cardigan.  I love boyfriend jeans so much!  They are a great way to have the functionality of jeans and still be stylish.  I’ve made a pair work through my entire pregnancy by just going up a couple sizes and buying a super low rise.

Hm, tricky.  Right now, probably my be-band, because it makes all my non-maternity pants fit!  I’d like to hug whoever invented that thing.  Pure brilliance.  I’ve also bought several dresses from Gap this pregnancy (some maternity and some not) and they are in constant rotation.  It’s really hot in AZ this time of year and dresses are a must have.

My sister told me to make sure I rest and take care of myself.  I have a hard time taking a break without feeling like a schmuck.  Plus, with 3 littles, a house and clothing line to run I am just so so busy all the time.  It was good for me to hear her say that I need to stop and take care of myself.  Sounds simple enough, but sometimes it’s hard to remember!  I love to do pilates, it helps my back and makes me feel so much better, so I try to make time for that now.  And if I’m super tired, I lay down and take a little nap.

The idea actually came from my husband. I started sewing when I was very young, and then I started designing my own patterns when I realized that nobody sold a pattern small enough to fit me. Once I realized how much I enjoyed creating my own designs, I started getting really interested pairing them with unique prints and fabrics.  Before long the requests were rolling in, and I was doing 10 custom orders a week and not even close to keeping up with the demand.  I told my husband I wished I could branch out on my designs but I was never caught up enough to do anything new.  He suggested I just start my own line, and then I’d have the freedom to do more.  I thought it was brilliant and so we got started and never looked back.  Thankfully, he’s also an MBA so he helps me through all the numbers/businessy stuff.  He also does all our photography, and he’s fantastic.  I think we make a pretty good team!

I love classic silhouettes, but I love to work with lots of color and I love bold and whimsical prints.  I definitely lean towards feminine classic.  Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, and Chanel are my muses.  I love their elegant simplicity.  I have a serious weakness for anything nautical.

I have an amazing husband, that’s how!  He is completely supportive of me in my role as a mother and also as a designer.  He helps me with pretty much every aspect of my business and I could not do it without him.  I feel like the most important thing is having your priorities straight.  Being a wife and mom is always first for me, and I don’t do “work” when my littles are awake or around.  I feel like they deserve to have me “present” when I’m there, not distracted.  I work on my clothing line at night or during the day when they are at school.  (Basically, in every spare minute)  Other than that, we try to stay super organized and keep our house very clean.  When things are messy, or out of order EVERYTHING takes longer and I don’t have enough extra time for anything to take longer.  I  won’t lie and say that life isn’t a little crazy or hectic, but when you love what you’re doing it’s worth it.

I would love to do a maternity line!  Right now I’m just trying to keep up with the demand and development on my regular line, but in the future I’d love to add petites, maternity, and I really really want to do a children’s line as well!

You can find me at my style blog: laviepetite.blogspot.com, and you can find my designs on my website dresscorilynn.com

A very special thanks to my friend Cori for sharing with us her style/pregnancy tips!

 

She sure knows how to work that chic bump of hers!

 

If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a Guest Chic Bump of the week, leave me a comment!

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Color Trend: Burgundy

Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Jacket: Last seen here, Blouse: Similar style here + here, Skirt: Love Culture (Less than $20! Such a bargain!) Belt: Charlotte Russe, Gloves: Kohls, Tights: White & Black, Shoes: Last seen here

This season, the color Burgundy is a must-have for your wardrobe!  It’s rich and warm and such a lovely complement to any outfit! Prints, solids, you name it! They are calling it “the new black”  because it acts as an alternative warm neutral that can be worn from head to toe without being considered too much. If you are looking for the best way to update your look this Fall, spice it up a bit by adding this luscious color to your wardrobe! Tres chic!

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Cardi Wrap

Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Cardigan: Similar style here + here+ here, Top: Similar style here + here + here, Scarf: Similar style here + here + here (On Sale!), Basic black leggings, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

I am completely obsessed with cardigans! There I said it! My husband always teases me because whenever I go shopping, I always manage to find one “I just HAVE to have!”  And its because these little button down sweaters are perfect for throwing on for class, work, going out, running errands, chasing kids around … you name it! A cardigan is a girl’s best friend, it will keep you looking stylish, slimming, and ready for any weather.  Plus you can wear your summer tank tops well into Fall, talk about wardrobe versatility!

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Guest Chic Bump: Lyndsey

A very special thanks to my friend Lyndsey for sharing her style/pregnancy tips with us!

She definitely knows how to work that chic bump!

If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a Guest Chic Bump of the week, leave me a comment!

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Knits + Lace

Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: Motherhood, Skirt: From Puerto Rico (similar style here + here ), Shoes: Charlotte Russe (On Sale!)

Come fall, these feminine patterns remain to be a favorite in the fashion world (and my wardrobe). Why wouldn’t they? From lace embellishments to crochet knit fabrics, they ooze a sense of delicateness and elegance. I am loving this knitted sweater, from Motherhood, in particular! It not only feels like a warm hug, but the ruching on the sides accentuate your curves in all the right places. By hugging your hips and waist, it makes sure the focus stays on your silhouette and on your best features. Add a pair of bold printed pumps to bring some spice to your chic cozy look.

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Fall Blossoms

Introducing my good friend and AMAZING photographer Lizzy from Lizzy Jean Photography! You may remember seeing her here as one of my Guest Chic Bumps of the week. She and I are teaming up not only to bring you the best quality pictures, but also to share an INCREDIBLE offer to all of Mychicbump readers! You really want to know? Check out her page (Top Menu) to find out!

Fall Blossoms

Before you start putting your floral print tops/dresses away, think again. This summery floral trend looks like it will be sticking around even into the cooler months! To make your floral prints last longer, pair them with dark denim, black leggings or tights, a belted cardigan and a great pair of booties!

Can’t get enough of this feminine look? Check out our other post Love In Bloom.

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