Pregnant | American Apparel?

This post is a result of a thought I had last week about maternity clothes: "All I really need right now is a pack of men's undershirts that are cheap and I can wear to the playground. Surely someone makes a basic, cheap, comfy-casual tee for pregnant women!"

I then remembered the only two sorority tees that I kept and still wear, and both are from American Apparel. I keep going back to them every summer for their incredible fit, length, and their casual but flattering look. Today I am a day short of being 24 weeks pregnant and am wearing one of those tees, which happens to be a whole 2 sizes smaller than my normal size. It still covers my stomach, and although it is a little snug, it's still comfortable and works well in spite of my expanding waistline.

So maybe I've been looking in the wrong place for great basic maternity clothes? Gap has some cute things, but let me tell you, absolutely none of my Gap tees took me to the end of my pregnancy. They are just too short. Why invest in something that you can only wear for a few weeks or months, and not to mention are overpriced and get holes and what-have-you. I want longevity with my maternity clothes.

Here are my two reasons to try American Apparel: 1) You don't get the, "Hey, look at the ruching at my waistline. I'm so pregnant" look, and 2) They are going to help me transition into my postpartum days just beautifully. Who wants to wear maternity clothes after they have a baby? I know I felt sloppy for at least 4 months after having Seb.

In case you still have doubts as to the suitability of American Apparel for your maternity wear, check out this lady's series. American Apparel took her through her entire pregnancy, wearing these shorts at 35 weeks. I am impressed.

Also, in case you are lamenting that the HATCH Collection is so pricey, try these pieces instead: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

So who wants to go to Charlotte with me for some American Apparel action?

image

Husband | Mustard socks

This guy was not the first to sport the mustard sock...

 This guy probs set the trend

In this film

You know the scene where Phil pretends to break his leg so General Waverly will stay away from the Ed Harrison show? Well, he's wearing these fabulous mustard colored socks, and I want them for Cody. Now, off to hunt for a pair. Wish me luck!

P.S. Speaking of Christmas movies, stay tuned for my list of favorites tomorrow!

Fashion | The LBB

Cody's cousin is getting married in Seattle around New Year's Eve, and we're going! I'm so excited for this trip. Of course, unfortunately, I have what-the-heck-do-I-wear syndrome. I think I'm going to pull out one of my darker summer dresses, and pair it with black tights, and... well, I just don't know. Every dress ensemble that I think of needs just one last thing: a pair of black suede booties. The only other wedding-appropriate option that I have is a pair of black suede peep-toe heels. I love them, but I'm not so sure about peep-toes with black tights, and I don't want my toes to freeze/get wet.

Thoughts?

Clockwise from Top Left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Fashion | The Everywhere LBD

1

2

3

I have this amazing black sweater dress that I believe my mom found on clearance at a department store several years ago. I never used to wear it, but I recently got it out of my closet again, and have fallen madly in love with it. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I now have black leggings, and cognac boots to pair with it, and let me tell you, that's just a dynamite combo. For some reason I got it in my head that I need another such dress. Think about it; I can't wear the same dress to church every week this winter! So maybe if I alternate between two...

If you're looking for an LBD like the one that has recently become my best friend, try these Zara versions! One and Two come in Black, and oddly, the Third comes in dark blue, and a "blue" that looks like it's actually eggplant... hhmmm... maybe try this one on in the store.

Happy Weekend!

P.S. If you're looking for a little weekend inspiration check out 1) Meg & Andy for craft/diy inspiration and 2), you've probs heard of it, but indulge me for a minute: Nat the Fat Rat. This is such a charming blog written by a fellow mama. I never get bored over there.

Okay, I should really go to bed now. Have a lovely and restful Sunday, my friends!

Fashion | Cardigan Frenzy

< & >

< & >

I've been thinking about what to put on my Christmas list, and decided tonight that a new cardigan is a must. They serve me so well. It doesn't hurt that the world is being overtaken by total genius cardigan designers, and these are just Gap and Banana Republic! Don't get me started on Anthro cardigans. I can't even handle it.

What is top on your wishlist?

Fashion | Shoes for Fall

via

My trusty pair of Minnetonka moccasins are showing some wear—probably all that snow, ice, rain and salt that I subjected them to. I would like to replace them, and possibly with something a bit different, but with still the same look. Here are a few styles that I love. Are you getting new casual shoes this fall? Any recommendations?

1 / 2

P.S. Have you signed up for the new Madewell catalog?

Fashion | What to don in your first ever hurricane

Maybe you've heard, maybe you haven't, but we're about to get a hurricane up in here! I'm usually a bit of a ninny when it comes to severe weather, but we're just far enough away that I must admit I'm a bit excited.

Hello, we don't get hurricanes in Michigan, or Ohio...

So basically, we're about to get some rain, or at least that is what this guy below tells me. Saturday afternoon you say? Well okay, then!

Naturally, my next thought is, "What should I do to prepare?" I don't think I'll need to be boarding up the windows any time soon, but I will probably be needing to make sure I have some proper footwear?

Yes, yes. Or no?

Thanks weather forecast. I liked where I was a moment ago. Lots. Of. Rain. I guess my first hurricane is going to be nothing too exciting after all...

Darn. I do love rain.

Fashion | Sweatshirts

1 / 2

I know that I am moving to the considerably warmer climate of North Carolina in less than two weeks, but all I can think about wearing are these. Maybe in 5 months or so...

Fashion | Do or don't: Worishofer Sandals

So apparently I'm a bit behind the times because I just found out about Worishofer sandals (pronounced worsh-ifer)   a few days ago when I saw a post about them by Leigh on Marvelous Kiddo.

I'm not so sure about all of the styles... I do think I like 251. But really, considering the comfort and German factors involved, how can I not like them? Plus, hello, that's Michelle Williams in the middle.

Would you wear them? If so, what would you wear them with?

image

Fashion | A Merry Mishap

1 | 2

Have you seen A Merry Mishap on Etsy? It takes a lot for me to want new jewelry, and this shop has it. I love these earrings. How about you? Have you snagged any new jewelry lately, or have something on your wishlist?

And, my new obsession: A Merry Mishap, the blog.

Fashion | My turban

I never made it to Salvation Army to find a silk scarf, but since I got what I consider to be a fairly butch haircut on Thursday (eek!), I was desperate for a little cover-up today. I snagged a bit of fabric from my scrap pile, and did a knot above my forehead, and tucked the ends under the band.

Little man liked it, too.

Happy Saturday!

Fashion | Quality vs. Quantity

This article, History of the Cheap Dress, is eye-opening to say the least. It is about a change in clothing consumerism over the last 100 years, and how we've traded quality for quantity. Just a quick snippet from the article, 


"In 1930, the average American woman owned an average of nine outfits. Today, we each buy more than 60 pieces of new clothing on average per year. Our closets are larger and more stuffed than ever, as we've traded quality and style for low prices and trend-chasing. In the face of these irresistible deals, our total spending on clothing has actually increased, from $7.82 billion spent on apparel in 1950 to $375 billion today."


I have always been irresistibly drawn to quality, and viewed it as somewhat of a burden. I would say to myself something along the lines of, "No one else cares if their shoes are from wal-mart! No one else cares if their baby's toys are made of cheap materials, or clothes of polyester!"Now, however, I'm challenged to view that desire as something good, so long as I am not striving for constant flux in my wardrobe and possessions.  In order to have quality, the majority of us I think, must choose to trade the hottest trends for a stable wardrobe. 


I wonder what my closet would look like if I had an average of 9 outfits? I'm curious, what would yours look like?


Thanks to the amazing Lena Corwin for bringing this article to my attention!


image

Fashion | Shorts

I'm shorts shopping for Cody, and maybe myself, too... It was just for Cody until I saw their little promo: All men's and women's full-price shorts and flip-flops 20% off + free s/h. And the fact is, I'm in desperate need of some chic, not shabby, shorts.

Just yesterday I found Elaine's post about How to Look Good in Mom Shorts. A task which I always deemed impossible, but she hits the nail on the head with this one. I love the way she styles them. However, after much thought and trepidation, I've decided that style isn't for me (read: I'm too lazy to make them look good + I would look like a boy). So I am really wanting this pair, above. Cute + comfy is just my style.

Do you have a staple pair of shorts? Tell me about them!

Fashion | Wrap your hair

Mmmkay. Liz from Say Yes! to Hoboken is one of my top blogging heroes. Yes, there is such a thing. I'm in love with summer turbans, and she just posted a great tutorial on her two favorite ties. I'm wondering how well they work on super-short hair like mine? There's only one way to find out, I guess. Maybe I can make a quick trip to Salvation Army to find a vintage scarf today...

Have you tried this look? What do you think of it? Thoughts, please! I hope you had a marvelous and relaxing Memorial Day weekend, and were able to thank people who have given their time and risked their lives for our country.

P.S. The Priscilla home will be (gradually) undergoing a face-lift. I hope you like it!

[image]

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\//\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Have you seen Nestling?

Follow me and make my day, pretty please! :)

Fashion | Resolution: Wear more dresses

You get bonus points if you wear a floral one.

I'm happy to say that I have two new floral dresses to wear this summer. If you're dying for a splash of flowers in your wardrobe, I would recommend looking at Target, H&M and Dorothy Perkins. Do you often wear floral? What about dresses?

Day floral
Fancy floral
Casual floral
Maxi floral or here
Office floral

image credit

j.crew catalog highlights

Sorry, blogger was totally cramping my style yesterday.

I'm back now, and thought I'd hit you with some quick highlights from the J.Crew catalog I got in the mail yesterday. Obviously, I'm totally into stripes. And isn't the strapless dress + belt look really pretty? My cousin sported this style at a wedding the other day, and looked completely fabulous. Have you tried it? Target has some really beautiful floral (my other love!) strapless maxi dresses for less than $30 right now.

What are you really loving right now?

Friday Fashion—Stripes

pinstripes/nautical stripes/candy stripes/brushstroke stripes/seersucker stripes 

or

just. plain. stripes.

No matter what kind, they're everywhere. Stripes are totally on-trend right now, and if you're like me, that makes you want to shy away from them. But this is a trend that is completely acceptable and should most definitely be embraced, because the fact of the matter is, stripes are classic—a wardrobe staple—if you will.

Some stripes for you:

tops...

striped spring polo

ribbed stripe tank with buttons 

stripe sunburst tank

lining-the-field scoopneck

bottoms...

cabana stripe paperboy shorts

stripe dreamy cotton pant

dresses...

clipper stripe dress

zip-back tee dress

accessories...

stripe farmer's market tote

stripes and solids bucket hat

awning stripe tablecloth

P.S. We are totally going to do a stripe family photo shoot, just as soon as we all have some fab stripes to don!

[1,2,3,4]

jeans come in all shapes...

... but lately, I'm totally into the straight look. I also really love the wide leg look that has come back in full force, but I'm inclined to think that those look better on the long-legged type. I'm 5'6", and though not short per se, definitely not tall. And what's more, I have short legs, so the skinny/straight look tends to work best on me. What style is your go-to pair?

Buy these jeans here.

Have you taken the poll? Look ——>

blue. green. gingham.

Ok. Let's face it, I'm probs not getting either color (b/c $$) but hypothetically, which color should I get? Or better yet, which color would you get? I am really into gingham right now. And ooo... with the perfect jeans? Jeans are my answer to every fashion question. And gingham?

BUY IT

Friday Fashion—The year of 24

No, not the TV show! My birthday, the "big 2-4," is in a little less than a week (!), so please forgive me for my self-indulgence. I have a lot of things on my wishlist, and many, admittedly, not at all fashion related. I would love, however, to have these things, just a few of my ideal summer (and simply practical/frivolous) pieces. What's top on your wishlist right now? Happy Friday!

Bensimmon Sneakers, Pleated Pembroke Dress, Gingham umbrella, Vera Bradley Eyeglass Case, J.Crew Marguerite Leather Wedges (in toffee), California Coast Pencil-stripe Tee, Silk Sandbank Tank (in black truffle)