Announcing Baby Break …

To all my beautiful followers, mommies and soon-to-be-mommies, I want to thank you all for following me throughout this whole journey! Thank you for all your super sweet comments, emails, and encouraging words! You are the reason I continued to post even after watching over a super energetic 2 year old with my very pregnant, achy body. Now that baby #2 will be arriving soon (any day now! woohoo!!) and with the holidays fast approaching, I will be taking a little break until after New Years. We wouldn’t want to miss a moment with our new little angel, and besides, this tired mama needs a break.

Be on the watch for new updates as it gets closer to the end of the year. I’m excited to keep sharing this new adventure with you through style, fitness and fashion. Be sure to keep emailing your ideas about what you’d like to see in the future, it’s been great to hear from each of you! For now I am looking forward to finally meeting and holding my newest little one. Here’s hoping for a  healthy and strong baby, and a smooth delivery (Eek!). Wish me luck!

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Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Stripes Made Simple

Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Dress:  ModCloth, Fur vest: H&M (similar style here), Boots: DSW

“Unlike the nimble zebras camouflaging pattern this diagonally striped dress allows you to stand out in a crowd! The lines of black and beige create quirky angles on this flattering cotton-blend dress while the sleeves feature button tacks which you can adjust as you wish. Wear this dress with a long golden necklace and knee-high boots to create a fiercely fashionable ensemble.” The store description of the dress sums it up pretty good, doesn’t it?

When it comes to stripes, it’s all about choosing the right cut and style. Stripes can make you look wider on your pregnant body if you’re not careful. So opt for skinny stripes, preferably in a basic neutral color to give you that flattering silhouette we all look for. Trust me, when you’re balancing around a 9 month old belly, stripes can and will become your best friend! I already own 8 different kinds of striped apparel to get me through this last month! (So be on the lookout for more striped outfits coming up!)

Still nervous about stripes? Tone it down by layering it with a structured blazer or cardigan, or a fabulous fur vest, like this one. It doesn’t get any trendier than a faux fur vest this Fall.

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On Trend: The Treggings

Pictures taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Jacket: Kohls ,  Top: White House/Black Market (similar style here), Treggings: Seraphine Maternity, Necklace: Previously seen here

Leggings have become an essential part of every girl’s wardrobe recently and pregnancy is no exception. You’ve heard me talk about their comfort and style here, here, and here. But today I’m doing one better. Let me introduce you to the legging’s elegant upgrade, the Tregging!

So what’s the big difference between leggings and treggings, you might ask. What sets it apart is that Treggings lean more towards the trouser/pant end of the style spectrum than leggings. Whoa whoa whoa! You mean I can wear them as regular pants? That’s right! And not only that but it still gives you the benefit of the stretch and comfort fit of leggings.

With Winter fast approaching, having something slightly thicker (and much warmer) to wear is a lifesaver. Treggings are great for that but the right pair can provide much more than just warmth. The Seraphine Treggings I’m wearing here are a gorgeous combination of comfort, style and smart touches. They are made with really high quality material so it’s not only warmer, but it will last longer, look nicer and keep its shape better over time.

Having more styling flexibility while still keeping the comfort and stretch that made leggings so popular is amazing! Seraphine has added several nice touches that really sell the pant look and make all this possible. First, the line down the front of the leg is a really slick trick. It makes it obvious that there is some structure to the pant and gives it a stylish, tailored look. It also elongates the body and has a slimming effect because of the continuous line it creates down your legs.

Another great feature is the “under-bump’ cut, unlike maternity pants which wrap over your belly to stay in place. Both fits have their benefits but the under-bump cut definitely adds to the pant feeling. It is also what makes it possible to wear all types of tops and make it look great. In this outfit I’m wearing a normal cut shirt and layering it with this awesome tweed jacket for a stylish casual look. For an evening look, pair Treggings with an elegant top or tunic like the LUXE tunic worn here.

Something that may get overlooked if you’re not careful but that makes a big difference are the working, usable belt loops! It’s another nod to a trouser feature and opens up all kinds of possibilities with belts, scarves and other waist accessories. This lets you be creative with your belt placement and mix it up a bit with color and style.

So if you’re looking to upgrade your look heading into Winter and want to stay on trend, Treggings may be just the right fit for you.

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Guest Chic Bump: Shannon

http://stylewithshannon.com/

My name is Shannon and I’m 29 years old. I have two little boys ages 3 and 5. I’ve been married for almost 8 years to the most wonderful man ever! I was born and raised in Los Angeles and moved to Utah about 10 years ago.

My roommate had a crush on his roommate. We went over to their apartment to chat and I met my hubby. Funny thing is we DID NOT liked each other at first. I thought he was full of himself and he thought I was a stuck up. A few months later we went on our first date. We dated for two years before we got married.

My life is so much more fulfilling with children. Everything I do has a purpose. It is also harder. Children humble you.

One of my favorite things about being a mom is living life through my kids’ eyes. I love new experiences and the holidays. Everything is so magical to them!

Always think about the big picture. For me, pregnancy was hard. I gained a lot of weight with my first. This made it hard with postpartum after I gave birth. When I had my second I watch my weight more and planed a triathlon three months after I had him. The exercise helped me a lot and I didn’t get postpartum the second time around.

A cotton dress with embellished sandals and a statement necklace.

It’s hard. I had a colicky baby that didn’t sleep through the night till he we over a year old. I felt like I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be.

Snuggling!!! There is nothing better then holding your own baby! The fresh baby smell is also amazing!

Seeing other blogs and needing an outlet. I’ve always been involved with fashion but the blog was an outlet for me to do when I have young children. 

I think my style is classic with a L.A. edge.

Gwen Stefani! I love that her style is original. She is so amazing! 

My fake eyelashes and tinted moisturizer.

My J.crew black heals! They go with everything and they have some edge.

I love to shop at

 ASOS

Zara

J Crew

H&M

Target

I try to balance it all but sometimes I feel like my life is chaos  If I’m feeling overwhelmed I try to block everything out of my mind and live in the moment!

Making new friends! I’ve loved all the wonderful people I’ve met blogging!

 You can find me at http://www.stylewithshannon.com

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

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

** Click here to see if you won our Mommy & Me Matching Bracelets Giveaway!!

Thanks to all who entered! **

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Connect The Dots

Photographs taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: H&M (similar style here) | Pants: Last seen here | Shoes:  Kate Spade (Last seen here ) } Bracelet: Similar style here | Earrings: H&M (similar style here)

For a look that is casual but always on trend, you don’t necessarily need special tips or tricks. Some of my favorite looks are classics that worked well yesterday, look great today and will still be beautiful tomorrow. A great example of this kind of timeless style is polka dots. This fun pattern has been popular for decades and maintains it’s place in modern wardrobes because it’s just the right balance of structured pattern and playful fun.

For those willing to dabble in dots there are tons of options available to you. Whether in pants, coats, dresses, hosiery or accessories you are sure to find something that fits your style. And it is such a classic print that you can have in your closet forever.  If you’re not sure where to start, you simply can’t go wrong with a fluid polka dot blouse. It works for day and night and as can even have a slimming effect if you get the right type of dot. For example, the blouse I’m wearing here has a black base color which gets things going in the right direction, and is complemented with smaller polka dots so that it plays more as a pattern, instead of the bulbous lady bug look.

As a general rule, try to avoid wearing large polka dots. There is a time and place where they can look great but the 9 months when you’re body is playing tricks on you isn’t one of them. Also, wearing polka dots from head to toe may flatter a taller, thinner body because it adds interesting curves to your shape but again, take it easy on your pregnant body and stick with one piece at a time. In other words “pick your spots.” haha

If you’re still looking for some extra flair try adding a modern twist to this classic polka dot shirt, by pairing it with bold colored pants for a playful accent. Especially when you’re working with a black or dark colored top to minimize your size, your pants give you the opportunity to throw some excitement in the  mix. Bring in fun colors that match the season and that can add a kick of life to normal dreary winter clothing options. If you’re not quite sure about the full colors pants, you can get a similar effect by wearing matching shoes and accessories to add balance while exploring color pops more cautiously.

So whether you’re a dare devil watching the cutting edge of fashion, or a bit more on the conservative site, polka dots can and should be your friend. They work for the home, the office or a night out with your hubby (or girlfriends) and will always be in style. Use bright colors in creative ways to draw attention where you want it and rock that chic, polka dot bump!

*Don’t forget to enter our Mommy & Me Matching Bracelets Giveaway!!*

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The Perfect White Blouse

Photographs taken by Lizzy Jean Photography

Top: Isabella Oliver, Pants: Previously seen here (similar style here, Maternity skinny jeans here), Necklace: Hello Fab!, Shoes: Last seen here

The world of pregnancy style can feel overwhelming, especially to first timers. But if you ever find yourself borrowing one of your husband’s white dress shirts, DON’T DO IT, put it back, and step away from his closet. No matter what you may have heard, you can’t actually turn that into an empire-waist dress shirt, and it will not turn out as flattering as you want it to. That being said, when you do find a real empire-waisted top, it fits right, looks incredibly feminine and can do wonders for dressing up your growing bump. So instead of that baggy man shirt, let’s go with a beautiful white blouse that’s meant for you!

But where can you find that perfectly fitting piece to keep you looking great through maternity? Look no further than the Isabella Oliver collection. They have a broad assortment of great items designed specifically for fashion-conscious women, that happen to be pregnant. I love their attention to detail, high quality material and flattering tailored fit. It makes for an effortless, chic look. Making an investment in a beautiful, well fitted white blouse like this one is a smart choice. You should be looking for one that is versatile and has a classic look, like with an empire waist, that can last you through multiple pregnancies. A white blouse is a pregnancy wardrobe essential, no matter the season.

What I love about this specific piece is that it’s high-quality, simple and yet elegant. You can see the great attention to details in the open structured collar, additional working buttons on the sleeves, the perfect extra length in front and back (to accommodate your little bundle) and especially the delicate looking but sturdy sash around the waist. The super functional sash was a great surprise when I tried it on as it is spaced just right on my torso, slightly wider than expected and can handle being pulled tight to highlight my shape in all the right ways.  It helps because it allows you to tweak the already great fit slightly to accentuate your upper chest and make your rib cage appear as though it’s smaller than it really is. All this makes for a distinctly feminine look that works great on a pregnant body.

Bonus Styling Tips:

• Wear it with a pair of dark trousers or tailored pants for the office
• For a more casual look try it with jeggings or maternity jeans
• Date night deserves heels and a statement necklace like this fabulous find from Hello Fab

*Don’t forget to enter our Mommy & Me Matching Bracelets Giveaway!!*

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Guest Chic Bump: Morgan

http://www.thedimediary.com/

I’m mommy to my sweet (almost) 1 year old daughter Ava. I am also married to the most wonderful man in the world. I am a full time mommy and a part time Sales Director for Elase Medical Spa.

I met in a singles ward in Colorado. We got married exactly 1 year after we started dating!

Ava has changed everything for me. Before having her, everything I did was for myself. I did what I wanted and when I wanted to do it. Now Ava always comes first, and that’s a good thing! She is the biggest blessing I could have ever hoped for, and I’m so glad she is mine.

It is amazing to see someone unconditionally love and need you. I never thought I could love someone so much until she was born. I love coming home to her after a day at work and seeing her light up with excitement to see me. Best feeling ever.

Maxi dresses and skirts! It was big and prego during the entire summer with her, so I was dying from the heat! I loved being able to slip on a stretchy and comfy maxi dress, and throw a cardigan over it.

Probably that is ok to ask for help once she was born. Sometimes I get prideful and feel like I can do everything on my own, so it was a huge reality check to realize that I could ask and needed to ask for help whenever I needed it!  Also even though it isn’t always fun for everyone, the first month especially, try to enjoy it as much as possible. It can be hard for some, but cherish it because they grow WAY too fast and you will look back at 1 year old and want that little newborn back!

How much work it would be! I knew it was going to be life changing, but I didn’t really anticipate how everyday life changes so much! I wish I was more prepared for life after baby.

I will never forget the first time Ava smiled at me! Those little changes they make over the first year are really fun to go back and look at later and see how much they have changed!

Well I started out with a family blog, but then I felt like I just do such a great job finding inexpensive clothing that I wanted to share it with other girls like me and maybe help them. It has been really fun!

I don’t know if I could call it anything really, I will wear anything from preppy, trendy, boho, and everything in between. I love to try different things here and there, but for the most part I would say it’s pretty classic.

I pull inspiration for everywhere! Here in Utah all the girls have awesome fashion sense, so I get some from people all around me.

I love love love Jennifer Anistons’ style and I think that Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars is gorgeous!

I have a few! Chapstick and mascara are a MUST, and then I think fresh bright skin makes any outfit.

Probably my Chambray shirt and my black leggings. I wear them with everything!

Forever 21, H&M, J.Crew, LOFT, and TJ Maxx

Sometimes it really hard! Especially with a job in the mix, getting everything done is madness! I wouldn’t be able to balance it all without my incredible husband Scott though, he is always willing to help me and does anything he can to make my life easier.

I love getting e-mails from people who love my blog and I have helped! I love knowing that my blog not only makes me happy as a hobby, but also serves others as well.

 www.thedimediary.com

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

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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