Accessories Worth Investing In

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Putting together the Accessories portion of this series was a bit more fun, and more challenging, than the wardrobe pieces, just because overall, even in the designer realm, accessories are a bit more attainable.  Higher accessibility means more to choose from and I had a tough time narrowing my personal list down to just 10.  Some of these selections come from my own personal experience.  I have invested (or received as gifts) some of these items already and can attest to just how nice it is to have a pair of earrings I can rely on wearing every single day if I want to, or to have a wallet that looks as good 6 years later as it does the day I received it.  Let’s get started shall we?

1. A quality, go anywhere, do anything bag – if you read my post from over the weekend, I’m currently looking into investing into one of these, for my current stage in life.  Which means a bag big enough to carry all the stuff a mom needs to carry, yet still attractive enough to not look like a “mom bag” when I go out to dinner. Classic in color and shape too, with minimal hardware detail so it always looks current.  It’s tough because bags are expensive and I’m debating whether I’m really ready to go there just yet.  Or maybe just hold off till the kids are in college and it won’t kill me to see goldfish crumbs lying at the bottom of my $400 bag.  In case you’re wondering, my dream bag of dream bags is a Bottega Venetta hobo in a classic chocolate brown.  I’ve wanted one for years. If I had one I’d want to make out with it everyday.

2. A pretty, yet sturdy wallet – wallets are many times an after thought for a lot of women.  But think about how many times throughout the day you pull it out to grab cash, an insurance card, your ID, or a credit card.  Each and every time you’re putting wear and tear on it, and showing it to the world as you do so.  The way I see it, the wallet is just as important as the bag, and if you have a beautiful bag but a shabby wallet, it’s a contradiction in terms.  I can attest to the statement that if you invest in a good quality wallet you’ll have it, and be happy with it, for years to come.

3. A season-less scarf – I was originally going to say a cashmere scarf, but the more I thought about my favorite scarves, I realized that the scarf I get the most use out of is a lightweight wool blend in a graphic patter in bold, yet classic colors that works all year round.  It feels just as comfortable wrapped around me in winter as it does in summer, and adds such a classic touch to just about any look.

4. A good pair of sunglasses – Note, that does does not mean a designer pair of sunglasses you have to spend $350 on.  It just means a classic shape that flatters your face and are comfortable!  They must also have good lenses with UVA protection since they are sunscreen for your eyeballs.  It kills me when I hear of friends wearing $5 sunglasses from Forever 21.  There’s no way those could be good for you.  I’ve held out for 2 years now to find the perfect pair of Aviators and finally found them in a pair by Coach that were $69 and won at an event.  I wear them everyday and love them so.

5. A pair of specs you love (if necessary) – What did we do before Warby Parker?  I know, we wore glasses we were sort of okay with just wearing at night after you took out your contacts, or we spent hundreds on designer frames.  Because I’ve finally found a pair of glasses I LOVE after wearing glasses for almost 30 years, I’ve been able to change up my look day to day, and save some money on replacement contacts since I don’t go through them as fast.  Get thee a pair you love if you need them!  You won’t regret it!

6. A good pair of boots (in brown or black) – The tough thing about boots is how expensive they can be if you want to get a decent pair, and how vast the difference in quality is in a cheap versus expensive pair.  Basically, it seems easier to scrape by with an $80 pair of shoes than with an $80 pair of boots.  The good news is though, if you buy a classic style, they can last you for years due to being worn on a seasonal basis.  Take good care of them by getting them polished and resoled every season or two, and they’ll take care of you.

7. Nude pumps (or black) – It took me years to finally buy a nude pair of pumps, and after finally finding a pair on Shoe Mint of all places, they’re my go-to shoe for going out at night.  They go with everything, and now that I’m no longer working in an office environment, the need for a black pair of pumps is also no longer.  Take your pick though, either nude or black, you want a comfortable, classic pair of heels in your arsenal.  You never know when you’re gonna need them!

8. Practical pair of flats – I’ve been a fan of the Gap City Flats for a couple of years now, but after realizing that even at $30 a pair, I was replacing them every 2-3 months because they scuff and tear so easily, I’m ready to take the plunge and buy a comfortable and quality pair of flats to wear for errands and general running around.  I think I’ll still have the city flats on reserve though for park days.  I can’t see wanting to get sand in a pair of $100 flats.

9. A long strand of pearls – maybe when I’m older I’ll want a really pretty strand of short pearls, but for now, a super long strand is a classic essential that instantly glams up any outfit in a non-offensive obnoxious way.  Sure big chunky statement necklaces are great, but for the times and occasions when subtlety is called for, nothing is better suited for that than simple long pears, wrapped several times around your neck.  Here’s how I wear my long strand (which I picked up at a garage sale for 50 cents! One day I’ll buy the ones pictured from Nordstrom.  I’ve wanted this strand for at the last 5 years).

10. A pair of diamond (or CZ) studs – whether real or not, a classic pair of studs will see you through thick and thin.  Through trends and stages of huge hoops, to neck grazing bejewled numbers, your studs will always be there for you.  They’re so classic and easy to wear that I often sleep in mine and have one less accessory to worry about when getting dressed in the morning.

So what do you think of my personal list?  Any you would add or delete?  I just thought of another one; a classic watch.  See, I told you it was a tough list to narrow down!



Daily Style – Air Dry

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(Chambray shirt – Kohl’s; Tank – Gap Maternity; Shorts – Target; Sandals – Sam Edelman; Necklaces – Forever 21 & Lisa Leonard; Watch – Michele; Bangles – Forever 21; Aviators – Coach; Nails Essie Mint Candy Apple on the right hand, Going Incognito on the left)

I let my hair air dry today and that was sort of the catalyst to the rest of my outfit; casual with a put together feel to it.  I almost walked out of the house just wearing the shorts and a tank, but went back and added the chambray shirt and I’m so glad I did because I think it’s what made the outfit.

This outfit isn’t very ground breaking, I realize, but like I said in my post on Friday, I try to look presentable most of the time, but presentable and put together does not always equal groundbreaking.  Often it just equals feeling good with ease, and that’s fine by me.  It’s ten o’clock at night and I’m still lounging around in this outfit, a true statement to just how comfortable put together can feel. Happy hump day friends!  Linking up with Lindsay for WIWW. P.S. Miranda and I went air plant shopping today in Torrance and we each picked up a few of the strange but cool plants.  I got one for each of the kids and they already have them on display in their rooms.  Syd especially thinks his is really awesome.  They are the perfect mix of pretty and scary don’t you think?
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DIY Bead & Skull Keychain

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For the past two years I’ve carried around a wooden bead keychain that the kids made me for Mother’s Day.  I was always losing my keys in the bottom of my purse, so they thought (with some facilitating by my husband), bigger would be better.  The keychain is big alright, with each of their names spelled out, plus the words “We Love Mommy”, it can barely fit in a clutch.  But for obvious sentimental reasons I’ve carried it around with pride for two years.  The paint is chipping though and it’s just overall looking quite shabby, so I decided to make myself a new one.  It was so easy, I thought I’d share with you the tutorial so that you could make one for yourself, or a special friend in your life.  Here’s how you do it. Your supplies are few: pliers, head pins, some beads and a key ring.  All to be found at your local craft store.  Remember those skull beads I found while on my last bead excursion?  Well I finally figured out what to do with them! If necessary, begin by adding a small seed bead at the bottom of the head pin.  This is if your bead hole is slightly larger than the head of the pin, it will keep it from sliding off.  With the very tiny beads I used at the end, it wasn’t necessary, but with these larger turquoise beads it was. String your bead(s).  Take note, these head pins range in size from 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch, so only a few beads fit on each head pin.  This is good news for you my friends because it makes the overall project take oh, about 5 minutes to complete! Once your beads are strung, take your needle nose pliers and bend over to create a loop.  You want to have a good 1/4 inch left on your head pin so you can twist over and get a large enough loop to slide through your key ring.  So make sure to leave enough room at the top! Slide on your key ring and bam, you’re done!  Just add your keys of course. So fun and easy I created a sweet mini companion for my friend.  Skulls totally mix with pink, right?  I have to say, I now feel a bit more cool carrying around my little skull on a chain.    Happy DIY’ing my friends!  Let me know if you make one please?

Like For the Love Of for a chance to win a set of Neon Glittery Notecards!



Pleats & Folds

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(Skirt – Anthropologie last seen here; Top – old from local boutique Tullemoss; Sandals – Sam Edelman; Earrings & Bangle – Kate Spade; Necklace – DIY by me)

Well turns out there’s nothing better to get you flexing your styling muscles than a pregnant belly.  I’m not so sure I’d normally put this look together if I wasn’t pregnant, but I’m having to get more creative to make the most use out of my closet.  I’m also loving more of the flowy maternity looks right now, as opposed to the standard I’ve always clung to with each pregnancy, which is tight top to accentuate the belly.  Maybe it’s just me, but the draping over the belly looks so chic to me, well as chic as pregnancy can get.  So I’m experimenting and trying to have more fun this last time around.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

What do you all think?  Did this skirt work better when I paired it with a tight tank top, or do you like the flowing layers here?  I’m still undecided.

Styling Tip: The best pair of sandals you can have on hand to get you through Spring and Summer are a simple pair of leather strappy sandles in a neutral color.  They work with everything from dresses to jean shorts, and are available in any price range.  I love this pair from Old Navy for the fantastic price of $18, and these See by Chloe ones make me drool!

Pregnancy Styling Tip: Elastic waistbands save the day!  Don’t limit yourself to maternity clothes while pregnant.  If the skirt, pants or shorts have an elastic waist, just wear it a bit lower, and roll the waist once like I did here.  This stretches your dollar and makes your dressing options more varied. I had to share this last photo.  We went out to dinner tonight for my mom’s 63rd birthday.  3 generations pictured here and it amazes me how much we all look alike.  And doesn’t my mom look great?  She’s never used any sort of fancy skincare regimen and pretty much never wears makeup.  Ever.  Love you mom! Linking up with  Glamamom for Monday Mingle and Linking up with Lindsay for WIWW



Be Neutral – Best Shades of Polish To Do Just That

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While a bright pop of color is always a fun statement for a manicure, sometimes your mood, or an occasion, calls for you to go neutral and stick to a classic, timeless shade of beige of pale pink.  When I’m feeling like I’d rather my smile our my outfit to make the statement, not my nails, here are my top picks in polish. Essie’s Power Clutch is a newer favorite, given to me at Christmas by my friend Mary.  While it may not be neutral in the traditional sense, it’s dark gray coloring goes with just about any outfit and is perfect for the days when I want my hands to stand out just a bit, but not scream “cute!” or “happy!”.

Essie’s Sand Tropez is the loveliest shade of beige I’ve ever come across.  If you don’t want to go the traditional shade of pink for a subtle polish color, this is the perfect choice.  It has a beige base but isn’t boring or dull, and almost seems to have a hint of shimmer to it.  Reminds me of the perfect shade of linen.

Essie’s Topless & Barefoot is a pale pink but doesn’t have the slightest bit of sticky sweet to it at all.  It reminds me of a shade a very dignified women would wear, which means I probably shouldn’t be wearing it 😉  But nevertheless I appreciate it’s subtle hint of femininity it lends to my nails whenever I wear it.

OPI’s Dulce de Leche is the first polish I ever remember really being addicted to it and have worn it for at least ten years.  It’s classic in it’s pink and beige tones and almost blends into your skin, making it the perfect shade when you want to be subtle but still look polished.

OPI’s Dinner for Two is another classic and for the paler months is my shade of choice for subtlety over Dulce de Leche because it’s almost non existant in color, but in a good way.  It may be too beige for some though so test this one out first.

What are your favorite shades of neutrals?  Any I’ve left out here that I need to try? Linking up with Mani Monday.

 Like For the Love Of for a chance to win a set of Neon Glittery Notecards!



New Facebook Giveaway – Neon Glittery Notecards

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Thanks to all you crazy kids that helped get me to 100 likes on Facebook!  As promised, another giveaway would be offered, this time a set of my neon glittery notecards.  Again, you could go out and make these yourself since I already showed you how, but if you don’t want to lift a finger, I’ve got you covered!  I use mine all the time, just recently to write thank you notes for my birthday.

To be entered for a chance to win, just like my Facebook page.  Once we reach 150 likes, I’ll randomly pick a fan to receive a set of these babies.  Thanks so much for all of your support!  Please help spread the word if you feel so inclined…tweets, share on FB, whatever you fancy!  Thank you!!



Bag It Up – Weighing the Options

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I buy a new handbag about once every two years. Aside from a couple of clutches for evenings out or special events that I’ve either bought or made for myself, I carry the same bag day in and day out, trash it to hell and then buy a new one when the current one starts to look ragged.  After receiving a birthday gift card to Nordstrom, I decided it was about time to turn in my old Kate Spade bag I bought at the KS Outlet in 2010, and opt in for a fresh spring bag that could be a neutral color to carry me into Fall.  These are the bags I fell in love with while shopping last night.  One of the bags was in my price range, and added in with my gift card I wouldn’t be spending too much of my own additional money.  The other four were out of my price range, all of them being twice as much.  I was a good girl and bought the one in my price range, but couldn’t stop thinking of all the others I saw last night.

I was daydreaming about these bags so much that I posed this question to myself today on Facebook:

“I’ve always said I’m not a label whore, and for the most part I’m not. But after shopping for a new bag last night I’m wondering if maybe when it comes to certain items I sort of am. Found a great Steve Madden bag in my budget I really like, but still keep ‘daydreaming’ about the See by Chloe bag I found that was twice as much. Why? Is it that much better of a bag, or is it because I’d rather have that label? Important life questions to ponder here folks, while I’m at swim lessons.” 

The post garnered some interesting, well thought out responses and it has me thinking.  Since I do only buy a new bag once every couple of years, and I’m really hard on my bags, should I invest in something a bit more expensive if the quality is better?  It’s something I was going to talk about next week in my Pieces Worth Investing In post on Accessories, but let me ask it now.

Just how worthwhile are investment bags that are not really going to be treasured and kept safe, only to be used on occasion, but used everyday?  Does it make more sense to buy cheap because it’s going to get beaten up anyhow, or because it will be used everyday, should I get the best I can reasonably afford so that it will last a bit longer?

Mandy, my handbag expert friend (she worked in the business for years), and I exchanged texts for about twenty minutes today discussing this and weighing the options.  Before she makes her call and tells me to go big or go little, she asked to see the options, so here they are.  All bags are in a beautiful neutral color, all are functional, and all, except for #2 are a functional satchel bag with a crossbody handle to sling around on my shoulder when need be.

So what do you guys think, go big or go small?

Bags – #1 Rebecca Minkoff $495, #2 Steve Madden $198; #3 See by Chloe $495; #4 Marc by Marc Jacobs $428; #5 See by Chloe $495

p.s. here’s a bag that I would really never, ever buy because it’s way out of my price range and it’s so not practical, but ain’t it pretty?  Combines my love of bows, ombre and pink!



This Is Me

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If you’re here from my other blog, you know that I’m not afraid to be honest and open.  Perhaps a bit too much sometimes.  If you’re new though, you probably don’t know that by just looking around this space.  I’ve been blogging continuously for over 2 years now, and my other blog has always been a mish-mosh of reality, with some doses of pretty thrown in.  I wanted a space where I could focus on nothing but the pretty and the fun, and not feel guilty about trying to mix a fashion post in after a heavy post on religion, so I started this blog.  So far it’s worked out well.  I can talk about faith and zombies and crappy pregnancy symptoms over there, and here it’s all pretty flowers and DIY projects and style posts.

Encouraged by this series of posts here, I wrote my own Things I’m Afraid to Tell You post on my other blog, and while I’m not ready to get all down and dirty here in this space, I am encouraged to share with you all who I really am 99% of the time.  And show you pictures of my kids, the real passion of my life, because I’ve never shared a single picture of them yet here on this blog.  Shame on me.  This is me most days, hanging with my kids (most days I’m hanging with them at home, not in the middle of the desert, but you know what I mean).  Outfit details?  I’m wearing hand me down Gap maternity jeans and an old James Perse sample sweatshirt, hair pulled back and New Balance tennies.  Why do you think I only post outfit photos 1-2 times a week?  I promise you though that every outfit photo I do post is a real outfit I have worn all day, not something I put on just for the camera.  I have read some mom style bloggers admit to doing that, and I’ll be honest, that’s just dumb.  What’s the point? My kids don’t dress like Crew Cuts models, they choose their clothes everyday and have very particular tastes, all surrounding comfort, and I could give a care.  I try not to impose any of my beliefs about what looks good or cute, and just let them be kids.  I used to work in the fashion industry, but really I just got there by a mix of luck, good timing and a lot of friggin’ hard work.  I was nice to people and people appreciated that I guess.  It certainly wasn’t because I had some amazing design sense or incredible taste level.  My taste level and sense of style evolved and grew the older I got and the longer I was in the business.

Now, save for a concert here and there, my days are very, very ordinary and simple and also very lovely, in their own non-perfect way.  Sure, for some occasions I try to dress up my house with pretty flowers, I try to look somewhat presentable on an almost daily basis, or I get creative and decide to make a necklace or two.  But most of the time, it’s just us 3 hanging out, visiting the aquarium, doing homework, cooking dinner and waiting for dad to come home.  My husband owns his own business and works a lot.  Most nights after the kids go to bed we either watch TV (we like a lot of shows including Southland, Mad Men, Dexter and Modern Family), or we both come back here to our messy, mismatched office and sit at our desks and work, me on my blog and  him on actual work that will pay the bills.  It’s a normal life I guess, and it’s definitely not glamorous, but it’s a good life. Thanks for letting me share a bit about me, and who I really am most of the time.  It may sound cheesy and even boastful, but I like me and am proud of the life I’ve created for myself and the family that my husband and I have created together.  And in case you’re interested, these photos were taken at the Coachella Valley Preserve last month.  Miranda invited us out to Palm Desert for a short trip and we took a hike around the preserve with the kids.  It was a great place to visit, although not sure I can claim that in the middle of summer.  If you’re traveling with kids out to the desert anytime soon and looking for something different to do, check this place out.



Pieces Worth Investing In Part 1 – Apparel

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A while back when I asked for feedback on posts you’d like to see on the blog, someone mentioned that I should do a segment on pieces worth investing in, which I thought was a brilliant idea!  I decided to split it up into 2 posts, one for apparel and one for accessories.  I read an article in Lucky magazine once that listed 100 items that every women should have in their closet at some point in their lives.  Between you and me, that sounds a bit excessive, so I’ve nailed it down to 8 of the key apparel pieces I personally would love to invest in.

In terms of price point, it’s all relative to your own personal budget, so I’m not going to say how much an investment piece really costs/should cost because it varies from individual to individual.  In fact I’m not going to even link the brands in the pieces listed because that’s not the point.  The point is the style, not who makes it and how much it costs.  For me personally, I start to hyperventilate and get major guilt when I think about spending anything close to the $300 per piece range, so I’d say just for generalizations, the J. Crew realm is where I’m investing in, maybe dabbling in Theory or T by Alexander Wang.  But not much more.

The point to consider when buying “investment” pieces is that you are making an investment, so you are going for a) quality in materials and construction b) fit and c) the timelessness of the silhouette.  Those three things are what’s most important when you’re spending outside of your normal comfort zone.  Where the garment is produced often has a lot to do with quality as well, but that’s more important to some than others so I won’t really go there.  Brand names and labeling aside, you can in fact see and feel the difference in quality when you pay more.  It’s the age old adage, you get what you pay for.  If you continue to proceed with the same mentality of bargain shopping when buying investment pieces, you aren’t really investing.  So shall we begin by looking at my personal list?

1. A belted trench coat – trenches have been around for decades now and aside from a new fresh color or an added detail, the styling of them never really changes and continues to be a true classic.  The thing I always admire about a woman in a trench is the appearance of instant sophistication and class.  And not to mention there’s something just inherently sexy about trenches.  Sure they hide half of your body, but there’s always that mystery of what’s underneath.  The belt is crucial as well.  Might as well just be wearing a parka without a belt on your trench.

2. A black blazer – think of the blazer as the new cardigan.  It’s been around for years and has long been a staple in the workplace, but there are so many stylish and updated ways to wear a blazer now that you don’t have to limit it just to work anymore.  It’s the instant way to make a jeans and t-shirt look pulled together and chic.  Pay attention to fit and construction here and look for some sort of a lightweight wool/twill.

3.-4. A white button up (or taupe) – again, a button up in the right cut is sexy, not stuffy and every woman should have it in their closet.  Dress it up, dress it down, wear it layered or just on its own, the white button down is the most versatile piece you could have in your closet.

5. A cashmere sweater – I’m not much of a sweater person so I never really got the obsession with cashmere, but after buying my first grey cashmere v-neck last fall, I do in fact get it now.  It’s soft, it’s lightweight, but still has the ability to keep you warm, not hot, and it breathes like a dream, making it feel fresh on an almost continual basis, meaning it’s almost maintenance free.  It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I wore my cashmere sweater once for a whole week and I never had to even consider getting it cleaned.

6. An all purpose dress – Every woman should have a go-t0 dress in their closet that they can wear to a casual lunch or a nice dinner.  While it’s debatable that one single dress can carry you from the beach to ballroom, you can have a dress cover 9/10 occasions that the average woman needs to attend.  Go for a simple, yet elegant silhouette in a solid color (doesn’t have to be black), just avoid a wild print because those are more memorable.  A simple, solid colored dress is like a chameleon and can change its looks with the right accessories and environment.

7. Quality denim – For me this is debatable, but I’ve included it because many friends mentioned it.  For a few years I got caught up in the designer denim craze and owned a few pairs, but the last couple of years I’ve been reconsidering how much I should really be investing in denim.  Sure, the skinny pant doesn’t change much, but color, fit, and wash change every season and it’s hard to keep up.  I’ll leave this one up to you guys.

8. Cigarette pants – A few readers and friends didn’t know what cigarette pants were when I posted my list on Instagram, and all they are are just a slim fitting, slightly cropped pant.  Think Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.  Why include this in my list?  Well because they are a truly classic silhouette that doesn’t change from season to season, and can be worn a myriad of ways.  With a flat and cashmere sweater, you’re instantly channeling Audrey.  With a heel and a white button up shirt, you look sexy and sophisticated.  Unlike say a regular wide leg or boot cut trouser, that has more limited options, cigarette pants are versatile and a true classic.

If you have these pieces in your closet, you’re set for anything.  If you buy the best quality you can afford, y0u’ll also have them to enjoy for many, many years to come.  My accessories list will be out next week.  In the mean time, what are some of the items you’d add or delete to this list.  And what do you think is the most you’d spend on an investment piece?

P.S. My comment system had been wacky for the past 2 weeks, not leaving me able to reply to individual comments.  But it’s been fixed so we can start the conversation now and it will be easier to maintain!



Daily Style – Coldplay & Neon

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(Top – from local boutique; Long Sleeve T – James Perse; Jeans – Gap Maternity; Boots – Dolce Vita; Jacket – Nordstrom BP Dept; Gold Bangle – Kate Spade)

I’m still in the slightly delusional stage where I think I can buy myself a non-maternity item here and there and it will continue to work for me for many more months.  Really I know that’s not the case, but when I found this neon top in my favorite local boutique, and saw that it was only $36, I knew I could allow myself to be delusional a bit longer.  It doesn’t stretch, but it’s roomy enough that I should be able to wear it for at least 5-6 more weeks, and since I’m due at the end of August, I’ll still get at least another 2 months wear out of it for the end of summer.  That’s lots of opportunities to increase my cost per wear (cost of item/how many times I wear it = cost per wear).

We went to the Coldplay concert last night at the Hollywood Bowl, an outside venue.  The concert by the way, was incredible.  One of the best shows I have ever seen.  Since the weather turned chilly, and I really wanted to wear my new piece, I layered it over a light gauge knit top and I think it worked out perfect.  Wedges or gladiator sandals would have probably looked better with this look, but I needed to be practical and the boots are comfortable enough to walk in and would keep me warm.  Looking forward to styling this top a few different ways though for warmer weather.

Styling Tip: Neon paired back to neutrals is a great way to wear the trend in a very updated, modern way.  Look for small doses of neon in a bit more sophisticated silhouettes, like this longer fishtail hem, and fabrics so you feel fresh and current, not like you’re trying to relive your days in the 80’s.

Maternity Styling Tip: Don’t feel like you have to be limited to maternity wear during these 2nd trimester months.  Continue to look for elastic waistbands and flowy, loose silhouettes that will drape over, but not hide your cute bump. Linking up with Glamamom for Monday Mingle