Mommy & Me Bracelets Giveaway

Pictures taken by my wonderful sisters. I love you girls!

Stella & Dot is a fabulous jewelry line inspired by and created for strong women. Featured in top fashion magazines such as InStyle, Vogue, and O Magazine just to name a few! What sets them apart from other online boutique companies is not only the versatility and  affordability of their collection (with half of their line being under $50), but most importantly their mission to raise money for women’s organizations around the world. They do this to enable women to live bold and joyful lives and make positive changes with grace and style.

Introducing the Stella & Dot Foundation …

“In creating a foundation, we wanted its mission to mirror the same mission we pursue in our business every day. And so, the Stella & Dot Foundation is focused on creating positive change in women’s lives through the support of organizations that promote women through education or economic empowerment. ”

Stella & Dot works towards this goal in two main ways. First, by providing a flexible career option that lends itself to stay at home moms becoming entrepreneurs. And second, they support causes such as Accion USA, BuildOn and Girls, Inc. in order to strengthen communities and empower women.

One of my favorite items from the foundation is their Mommy & Me matching foundation bracelets! My husband will tell you how much Naomi and I love dressing up together! It’s so much fun as she grows up to see her copy little things I do and try to be a big girl. It makes me want to set a good example and hopefully through my actions, help her become a strong, interdependent woman who loves life and believes in herself. And so when Naomi Rosenstein, a Stella & Dot stylist, sent me these little beauties and information about the Stella & Dot Foundation, I could not wait to try them on and share them with all of you.

The bracelets feature semi-precious stones such as jade, citrine and prehinite. Each comes with a Stella & Dot Foundation coin, a briolette charm and a signature Stella & Dot dot disc.  If just 15,000 bracelets are sold, they can build two schools, help hundreds of girls apply to Girls Inc., or help tens of women start their own businesses in the U.S. and in impoverished countries around the world. If you’re looking to make an impact and score some beautiful accessories, I would encourage you to check out their collection.

Giveaway

Here comes the fun part! Naomi R. and I have come together to give you the chance to win these gorgeous bracelets for you and your little one.

** And the winner of the Mommy & Me Matching Bracelets from Stella & Dot is ….

Congrats Mary! **

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!

A Touch of Luxe

A special thanks to my sister Melanie for helping me with this photo shoot!

Top: Seraphine Maternity (Luxe Collection), Treggings: Seraphine Maternity, Shoes: Similar style here, Purse:  White House/Black Market (Last seen here)

I’ve been hesitant in the past to buy lots of maternity specific clothes, but Seraphine Maternity is one of the main reasons I’ve come to change my mind. They have done an outstanding job catering to exactly what a pregnant woman wants and needs. Not only in size and fit but in bringing luxury and high style to pregnancy. And you all know how much I love looking chic! They’ve done such a good job in fact, that Hollywood stars like Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller and Angelina Jolie are also wearing the high quality European designer for their pregnancies.

But more than for their A-list clients, the quality of the materials they use, the inspiration they take from the latest fashion trends and their carefully thought out designs which flatter and provide comfort are what has made me fall in love with Seraphine and their Luxe maternity collection.

I recently got this gorgeous black and gold tunic which has become one of my favorite pieces. This elegant top instantly transformed my view of maternity clothes. I thought this was going to be a regular tunic but boy was I wrong! It feels so flowy and feminine I almost wanted to spin around like my daughter wearing a fun dress for the first time. It is incredibly light and comfortable because of it’s silky, sheer material and feels like a dream to wear. I’m a huge fan of outfits that feel and fit great, while still looking chic and trendy, and this doesn’t disappoint.

It is beautifully designed. The black base color has a slimming effect on the body and makes the metallic gold pattern pop that much more. As a tunic the length is also a huge plus because it doesn’t stop at your widest point but instead creates a sleek flattering silhouette by continuing down to around your thighs. This piece does something even better though. When I wear it with black bottoms it ties the blacks together and disguises the break between the top and bottom. The rounded gold pattern breaks it up further and tricks the eye into thinking that the tunic just keeps going, elongating your body that much more.

The belt just above my bump is equally creative in it’s usefulness and style. You’d think it’s just a normal, well placed, flattering belt to highlight your best parts by breaking up your bump from your bust. But it actually does much more than just look good. The belt actually has two hidden ties, one in front and another in back that enable you to keep it in perfect position at all times. As I’m sure you all know, this is incredibly helpful when trying to keep clothes in place over an 8 month baby bump (and take a bunch of pictures)! They clearly understand pregnant women’s struggle and went the extra mile to make it easy to look good and stay comfortable, all while hiding underneath a beautiful and unassuming belt.

Maybe the best thing about this outfit is the fact that it looks great on a pregnant body, but it will be just as gorgeous after giving birth. This beloved tunic will fall perfectly on my post-preggo body and look just as amazing. It’s definitely worth investing in high quality pieces like this when you can feel beautiful and be able to use it for longer than just the 2-3 months when you’re super pregnant. Overall, the slimming base color, feminine, silky material and metallic gold pattern make this piece both chic, Luxe, and a must have for pregnancy.

*Enjoy FREE DELIVERY on your order when you enter the code SVKFD at the checkout*

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Guest Chic Bump: Cara

Lifestyle/fashion blogger, adoring wife and mama to the cutest little stud!

http://caraloren.blogspot.com/

I am a momma to a 1 year old handsome little man and wife to my dream man.  I am inspired by so many things but fashion is up on the top of the list.

Yes, it is very cliche but I danced on my college dance team while he played basketball.  He instantly caught my eye and I knew he was the one.

My Hanes is the world to me and has changed my life in the best way I could have ever imagined.  I never thought I could care about someone as much as I do.  He makes me want to be better everyday so he is proud to called me mommy.  I wake up in the morning thinking about him and fall asleep praying about him.

My favorite thing about being a mom is being able to call Hanes my son.  I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Without a doubt my answer would be maxi skirts!! They are heavenly on that tummy and the best invention for preggo gals ever!

I would have to say that the best advice I received and made sure i kept close to my heart was to be grateful to be pregnant because not everyone has that blessing.  It may seem rough sometimes but it is the most important and amazing thing you will ever do and you are lucky to be able to do it.

I wish I would have known that it is ok to not bounce back in a day haha! It may take a little more time than you think to feel back to normal.

The best are the firsts! Like first smile, first giggle, first time saying mama, first tooth and what I’m looking forward to in a couple days first birthday!

I have been asked this a lot and my answers is always that I needed something for me again and I am so passionate about fashion!  What you wear is how you feel!

This is really tough because I don’t think I stick with one style. I love trying new things and being unique

Great hair and shoes are a must!!!

That perfect white tee that you can wear with just about everything.

Urban Outfitters

H&M

Forever21

Zara

Steve Madden

Hanes always comes first no matter what! Blog can wait!

The sweet emails saying I inspire them!  They will never get old and it is so important for me to continue inspiring girls!

www.caraloren.blogspot.com

A very special thanks to my girl Cara for sharing her thoughts on pregnancy, style and motherhood.

If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a Guest Chic Bump of the week, send me an email.

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Peek-a-Bump!

(photographs taken by Lizzy Jean Photography)

Top: H & M, Belt: Last seen here, Pants: Last seen here, Shoes: old, Payless

Boy do I have some exciting news for you today!

First of all … Hooray! I’m officially 35 weeks pregnant. That means only two more weeks until baby is full term! Apparently baby can’t wait to make her debut because people are starting to say hi to my bump before me. She’s already stealing the spotlight! Haha

Next, for all of my fabulous readers who have been messaging me asking if I’ll be continuing the blog after I give birth, I am delighted to announce that I will continue the blog even after my little bun is out of the oven. I’ll be expanding the scope a bit to include post pregnancy life.

You can follow my journey getting back into shape, building a healthy lifestyle and of course, more fabulous styling tips. Feel free to send feedback and ideas on what else you’d like to see more of in the coming months. You can send me an email at  karen (at) mychicbump (dot) com. I can’t wait to share this upcoming adventure with you!

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The Shacket (Shirt/jacket)

(Photographs by Lizzy Jean Photography, special discount on your Maternity/Newborn pictures for all Mychicbump followers!)

Denim Shirt:  JCrew (Maternity style here). Last seen here  |  Striped Top: Similar style here  |  Pants: Papaya Co (Maternity style here)

One of the most versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe is a chambray top, or mostly known as the denim shirt. This simple piece can be worn in half a dozen different ways (depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy). For example, you can wear it as your basic tee shirt. Layer it with a cardigan over the top and your favorite pair or jeans. Denim on denim? Yep! Just make sure you pair them with washes that aren’t identical. Add  a pop of color with either a bold colored belt or jewelry.

If you’re like me, 8 months pregnant, and can no longer button up a blouse for the life of me then the best way to wear a denim top is by using it as a  jacket. What I love about wearing it as a jacket is that I can wear it with basically anything! I can wear it under or over a dress (see here), a striped skirt, colored jeans or jeggings, fun patterns like a leopard print, under a sweater as a layering piece, and many, many more! Talk about versatility!

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Guest Chic Bump: Emily

http://www.emandtayjackson.com/

My husband played basketball for BYU and saw me from across the court at one of the games. He came over to me after the game and got my number.  He was the nicest, sweetest guy I had ever met.  The rest is history!

My life has changed dramatically since having Capri.  I used to do exactly what I wanted when I wanted and now everything I do I think of Capri first. She is a wonderful baby and she has made our lives so happy.

I love spending every second with Capri. She has the sweetest personality, I love everything about her and being a mom and I could not imagine my life without her.

I was VERY pregnant in the summer so I always wore dresses. I found that they kept me the coolest. I loved Maxi dresses and wrap dresses. My favorite maternity dress was from Isabella Oliver.  It fit perfect and was super comfy.

The best advice I received was to take care of myself, workout, eat right, and get ready even when I didn’t want to.  I got less sleep due to these things, but it made me feel better about myself overall.  It made me really think that taking those steps everyday helped me feel good about my changing body and appearance.

Babies change so fast. Everyday they are learning and doing something new. Watching them explore and discover their world is a miracle.  Everyday is a new adventure. That is the most fun part of having a baby.

I have always loved classy, simple yet functional pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

 

My Mom and sisters

 Olivia Palermo, and my sister, Rachel Parcell from The Pink Peonies

My Jbrand Jeans

Jcrew, Kate Spade, Nordstrom, and Zara 

I blog when Capri is napping or after she goes to sleep at night.  She’s my best little friend and loves to be in pictures with me. Especially if it includes doing something outdoors!

I have loved blogging because it allows me to share fun parts of my life with others. Also, I think as moms we often get so caught up in errands and checklists that we forget we need to have an outlet where we can just do what we love.  For me, my outlets are my blog and running!

At http://emandtayjackson.com

Thanks so much for having me!!

(All maternity photographs were taken by the incredibly talented Heather Telford)

A very special thanks to my friend Emily for sharing her style and motherhood tips with us!

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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Top Picks of October

You’ve picked them! Here are your top posts since our last Top Pick of the Month (check it out here). Thank you for all the love! Keep coming back for more styling tips and don’t forget to share it with friends!

Color Trend: Burgundy

(Original post here)

Skinny Dippin’

(Original post here)

Girl on a Budget

(Original post here)

Polished Femininity

(Original post here)

Leopard Print

(Original post here)

Cardi Wrap

(Original post here)

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Fashion Designer and Woman Extraordinaire

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things

Meet Cécile Pelous. Fashion designer to the finest fashion houses in Paris—Dior, Cardin, and Ricci. She’s worked with fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Gwen Stefani. But what makes her special is that she is a mother—a mother to 154 orphaned children.

For more than 20 years, this incredible woman has use her glamorous career for the service and care of others. The letter contained a single phrase: “Come, all hands are needed.” So Cécile sold her Paris home, brought her hands to Nepal, and built an orphanage … Read more about her journey here (LDS, Liahona).

No bump needed to be recognized at MyChicBump, just the heart of a mother and the knowledge that we are here on earth to care for one another.

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Nice and Cozy: The Snug

Photographs by Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: Motherhood (Last seen here), Scarf: Bohme Boutique in stores, Pants: Bohme Boutique, Boots: old, Charlotte Russe

Growing a baby is hard work and I have the aches, pains and bodily discomforts to prove it. For days when I don’t feel like getting out of bed, I put on the coziest clothes I can find in my closet to give me that ultimate comfort I desperately need to get me through. Remember gals, coziness doesn’t mean to pull on a pair of baggy old sweats, this is true especially during pregnancy.  When it comes to staying comfortable but still looking fabulous, a good rule of thumb is to choose pieces that are fitted or hug you in all the right places. What do i mean by that? Well, for example you can still wear clothes that are loose and flowy, like this sweater i’m wearing above, as long as you pair it with a structured jacket or the top itself comes with ruching on the sides. That way you make sure only your best features and curves are shown and it will always give you that flattering silhouette all of us, pregnant women, look for in an outfit. Follow this simple rule and wear your bump proudly!

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Falling for Knits

Photographs taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Dress: Forever21 in stores (similar style here), Vest: Old, Kohls (loving this one!), Boots: Last seen here

The cold, crispy air of Fall makes soft and comfortable fibers simply irresistible! One of my favorite go-to pieces this season is this warm knitted vest. I love its intricate design and texture! Not only does it balances the solid color of the dress underneath, but the difference in a simple cotton of the dress and the thick, varied design of the vest makes for an interesting twist on this outfit. And you wanna know what the best part is? It slims you down and covers the not-so fond things about your body that comes with pregnancy, especially with a 8 month old belly like mine!

Quick tip: Keep in mind, however, that when you slip on something like this loose layering piece, you pair it with something fitted underneath for a stylish, flattering look.

PS, if you haven’t seen my post on The Dime Diary, check it out here!

(5 Essentials Every Pregnant Woman Should Have)

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