The One Where I Attempt to Help You Feel Better In Your Clothes During the Early Stages of Your Pregnancy.

I've been thinking about how I would write about pregnancy fashion since I'm now trying to figure out how to dress my new shape without buying an entirely new wardrobe. It's not easy! I'm just under 4 months along so I'm finally getting to the point where my belly looks like a pregnant belly instead of a chubby belly, but it's still not quite formed enough for me to be super comfortable in everything. Can any of you other pregnant or formerly pregnant ladies relate to the feeling that maternity clothes don't quite work yet and normal clothes are just about not working either? I'm sure you've wondered the same thing "If these clothes don't fit... and these clothes don't fit... WHAT THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO WEAR?!?!" Especially since people frown on nudity in public.

I decided instead of telling you what to wear, I would tell you a couple things that have gotten me through the first few months where most people are still giving you the "Is she pregnant or does she just really like cake..." look.

1). H&M: Once again, this gem of a store comes through. The only downside to H&M is that their normally small sizes don't change at all for maternity. I am actually the exact same size in maternity pants that I am in normal pants there. So, if you already know you fit in their pants (which i'm telling you, don't feel bad if you don't because I'm pretty sure their designers do the majority of their sketches using stick people) then you will fit just splendidly in their maternity pants. Even in maternity pants I have the problem with the waist being to big in order to fit my thighs right but I'm coming to terms with my lot in life... i.e. constantly pulling up my pants.

The maternity section (atleast in Temecula) is very small and doesn't have a huge selection so you won't be able to find everything you need there but it's still pretty cheap and has some cute things. It's also in the same section as the baby clothes, which is just rude. How am I supposed to not buy baby clothes when H&M is flaunting them in front of me like that?

I discovered yesterday that H&M's tank dresses (they look like uber long tank tops) might possibly get me through being pregnant in the Southern California heat this summer. Them, and the beach. I always assumed they would be about mid thigh length and something only to be warn over leggings, but I bought one yesterday and tried it on and it's actually almost knee length and thick enough to be worn on it's own. Unless you are one of those sick people who stays their tiny size zero self even with a baby belly *cough cough* my sister in law *cough cough*, it's definitely a "wait until your belly really pops out" piece of clothing. I am almost to the point where I could wear it comfortably and not be concerned that people think I've just got a food baby. Nevertheless, it's beyond comfortable.

2). Target: Target has finally figured out how to make women feel better about themselves when trying on pants... but only if your pregnant. Target's sizes are notoriously odd when it comes to pants, but they are awesome when it comes to maternity pants. I found two pairs of jeans there both in a size smaller than I had been wearing before I got pregnant. Nobody say a word about how they probably oversize those because I like the world i'm living in. They don't have a ton of options, but they have some good capris. I'm tempted by the mint green ones every time, but I figure I probably don't need another pair of pants I won't be able to wear after the baby comes. Who knows what I'll feel like wearing when the next baby rolls around! The other great buy at Target is their maternity leggings. They are super comfy because they have the belly band that doesn't cut off all circulation to your upper extremities like normal waste bands do now.

So, those are my two non-maternity only stores that are cheap and convenient and don't make you feel like the frump monster. Any maxi dress (with stretch) is also fantastically wonderful now that the weather is warming up here (hang in there the rest of the country!). Also, I think I'll be buying several different swimsuit coverups that aren't see through and existing primarily in those and bathings suits while i'm at home during the summer. Sound like a plan?

I hope this helps some of you who are also in the early stages of pregnancy. I'll post more on pregnancy stuff as my pregnancy progresses, but remember that your style itself doesn't need to change because your pregnant. It may just take some tweaking to make it work with that lovely bump that is now protruding from your abdomen.

3 Styles That Never Looked Good and Never Will... So Just Stop.

There are just some styles that never should have made it beyond the sketchpad, but unfortunately they did and they subjected our bodies to horrible, horrible things. The worst part is that we thought most of these horrific styles had, for the most part, finally let us dress in peace... we were wrong. They're back!! You may have noticed that lately some people have started to look like a somewhat strange mash up of 80's, hippie, bohemian, punk. Don't get me wrong, I love eclectic, but eclectic doesn't work when your clothes are not flattering. Let's take a journey through the land of styles that will make you want to scratch your retinas out. I promise, it'll be fun!

1). High Waisted 80's Shorts:

Seriously. Has this look EVER been flattering? Who brought it back and why do they hate women? I know it's "the thing" right now, primarily with high school girls and early college age women, but that doesn't make it right. I am not opposed to all high-waisted shorts necessarily, some are cute. I am, however, opposed to high-waisted shorts that create the dreaded camel-toe, emphasize lower stomach area pooch (even if you don't normally have it, you will in these shorts), and probably the worst of all... the under-butt cleavage. You all know what I mean, and you know it's bad. I left the butt cleavage out of the examples... no one needs to see that. The girls in these photos are all thin and could probably pull off any look, and yet... they all look awful. And a little hunched over, or stuffed in. Please make it stop.

2). Leggings as Pants:

I would have thought that we would have learned our lesson about leggings with stirrup pants, but apparently we didn't. Well, at least we learned that leggings that some how floated off your legs and then strapped around your feet were a bad idea. I am definitely not opposed to leggings as a whole cause I think they have a definite place in our wardrobes, but that place is not as your sole means of covering your lower extremities. Solving this problem is as simple as wearing a tunic style shirt over leggings instead of a regular t-shirt or one of those square-ish cropped shirts. Wear them under a dress that is maybe a little to short or it's a little to cold outside for said dress. Wear them under those fun cute stretchy tube skirt things at H&M that are about 5 bucks. Seriously, cheap, versatile, cute, and they don't allow us to see a hint of skin under your leggings.

The photo in the middle is actress Olivia Wilde, no one will argue that homegirl is in great shape... however, even she can't pull this off.  Once again, the dreaded camel-toe raises its ugly head. The last photo is a great example of how to wear leggings and look adorable. You can thank me now for the photos I spared you from. Also, leggings with cutouts are even less pants than normal leggings.

3). Linebacker shoulder pads:

You may not believe me, but those giant angled shoulder pads are attempting to make a comeback. They have been showing up on runways and I'm scared. Hopefully, this will be one of those comebacks that never really leaves the runways and the Kardashians. We can only hope. I don't think I really need to explain to you why oversized shoulder pads are a bad idea. Do I? Let's just say, it may make your waist look smaller, but only at the expense of your shoulders.  For some odd reason not only are shoulder pads in general made a comeback, but they've come back as their futuristic cousins that are meant to be some sort of cheese-ball alien movie. Why do they now have points?!

Some shoulder pads are actually acceptable and somewhat helpful if you have small or narrow shoulders that don't fill out a tailored suit jacket or suit dress. Just a slight shoulder pad can help to balance out your tiny shoulder woes, but don't get crazy. None of these are good examples by the way. I'm too scared of the pointy shoulders to put a good example up here, they might kill it.

So there you have it. The top 3 looks that have never looked good and never will so please just stop. So what about you? What styles do you wish would just stop?

Someday I'll Have a Closet Big Enough to See What Clothes I have...

How often do you feel like there is absolutely NOTHING in your closet that goes together? I feel that way at least twice a week. Today is one of those days. When did I end up with absolutely nothing that works together? I thought I had things and then all of the sudden.... nothing. I have plenty of clothes, that is definitely not the problem, I just don't appear to have some necessary basics anymore. Do you ever wonder where your clothes run off to sometime? I do. I wonder what crazy things they are doing... My other conundrum is shear lack of space for the clothes and accessories that haven't up and left me.

Tonight my mission is basics. I am heading to Target and restocking my basic white and black long sleeve shirts. Sunday, I am pulling every bit of my clothing out of my closet and dressers that are still at my parents house and everything that is still in suitcases here at our new apartment and figuring out what must stay and what must go. I hate getting rid of clothes. I am always convinced that I'm going to need them the second I let them go. I also have a tendency to believe that my clothes have feelings and they are sad when I reject them. That's right. I'm not ashamed! The main reason for having to go through my clothes and seriously think about what I have is so that my husband can still live in our apartment and own more than one pair of pants and a shirt. The things I do for him.

I wonder how he'd feel about turning our guest room/office into a closet...

I Have the Answer to Your Medium Warmth Needs

First of all, my sincerest apologies for taking almost two months off without a warning. It wasn't really planned, and let's be honest I didn't realize it had been that long. I am going to blame it on the fact that it's been really hot and I don't like clothes as much when it's hot, and I'm getting married in just over two weeks. So, there are my excuses. Now for the new post!

Fall is finally upon us and the weather is starting to cool off in almost everywhere in the county. Don't get me started on how slow California is when it comes to fall.... Anywho, when the weather starts to get cold but not cold enough for a full coat what do you do? Yes, you could wear sweaters all the time or just long sleeves but sometimes you need just a bit more than that. I have your answer.

You've got great jeans, a simple long sleeve shirt, boots, a great bag, and a fun scarf. Alas, there is something missing. You want to be a little warmer but it's not cold enough for a full jacket. The answer to your conundrum is... a puffy vest!! They are the best. I love them. So so much. They are so versatile and comfy and they keep you just right amount of warm without the bulk.

There are so many options when it comes to vests. Bright colors, dark colors, prints, different fabrics, hood, no hood, super puffy, not very puffy, fur, no fur, tapered, not tapered... so many options!! I really like the orange one and the blue and bright green. I have a black vest that is tapered in at the waist like the brown one and has a hood like that too that is removable. I have worn that thing to death. I'm still refusing to retire it until it literally falls off of me. With the outfit above I would recommend the brown or purple vests (although the print one would work too!). Correction, I would recommend one like the brown vest because that one is over 1000 dollars.

So there you have it. Puffy vests are the way to go. Also, just a side note: There is nothing in the outfit I put together that costs more than 50 bucks. And yes, I do love combat boots. Just make sure your jeans are narrow at the ankle or else they will bunch and give you a pantaloon look, and we all know that's not a good look.

I will probably not write again until after the wedding... just keeping it real y'all.

Time To Test Your Fashion Pairing Skills

I decided to do something fun today. I am going to put together an outfit and give you an option of pairing it with two or three different accessories. Your job is to pick the best one for the outfit! Some of this will obviously be personal preference, but I want you to do your best to think about why you picked it because I want reasons.

Ready. Set. Pick!

Here's the first one: Gorgeous orange and burgundy trimmed trench coat. What bag would you pair with this simple coat and why?



Number 2: Polka dot blouse, dark jeans, black bag, simple jewelry.

Number 3: Navy blue and lace maxi dress. Go! Your answer cannot be "all".


Alright, now it's your turn to be the stylist. What would you choose?

Don't Cry if You Think Your Legs Are Too Short and Your Torso is Too Long... I'll Fix It.

After my last post a friend requested that I write about how to dress if you have a long torso and short legs. I had already had this on my list of things to write about in this series, but since I like her, I bumped it up! If you are like my friend and have (as she put it) "an abnormally long torso" for your height than this post is for you!

The key to lengthening your short legs and shortening your long torso is a higher waist. If you wear low waisted pants or skirts it will make your torso look even long and your legs even shorter. Higher waists (either hip bones or trust waist for skirts/pants and true waist or empire waist in dresses) will elongate your legs and make your torso look more proportional.

This is one of those posts that I really wish I could show you real people with before and afters. Maybe we'll do that soon just to help you out! For now though, here's the best I can do for you.

 

1). Belts: Belts help to define your waist up higher than your hips so that your legs look longer and your torso shorter. Also, they just look darn cute on dresses and longer shirts!

2). High Waists: Higher waists help to elongate your legs. Those slacks in the far right corner will make your legs look a mile long while defining your waist up higher as well. Both good things. Also, wearing heels with slacks and longer fuller skirts helps that long leg affect as well. The shorts, the grey skirt, and the jeans are other examples of higher waisted bottom halves. Make sure those high waisted shorts aren't too short, we don't want to see that.

3). Jackets or Sweaters with Peplums: Jackets or sweaters with peplums also help to create a higher waist and the illusion of longer legs. Make sure you don't create two waists though. If you have a jacket or sweater (or shirt) with that defined of a waist let that be your waist line. If you're wearing pants or a skirt either make sure your waist band on your pants or skirts either hit at the same waist line or you can camouflage it. Just don't wear a top with a really defined waist and then pants with a defined waist at a different place. Make sense?

So there you go. Your three keys to balancing your legs and torso. Really, it's all about defining your waist in the right spot.

Secrets for Long Torsos

I have a very long torso. With that comes the frustrating task of finding shirts that don't ride up or are even long enough in the first place. Thankfully with the way fashion is right now it's not as bad, but it can still be tough. I'm going to share my long torso secrets with you today. I know, you love me.

Here are my favorite basics and one little surprising secret...



All three shirts are from Target. Their tanks and v-neck T's are my absolute favorite and fantastic for long torso'd people. They stay fitted but they are soft, comfy, thin, and long. They're great for layering or wearing on their own. They are cheap too! Now for the secret... Maternity shirts. Yes, you read that right. The thermal striped shirt is part of Target's maternity line. They are great because they have extra length and elasticity that helps to keep them from stretching out and getting baggy and from riding up.

Now onto some long torso tricks.




1). Higher waisted jeans. Wearing low riding jeans make your torso look unusually long and truncate your legs. Even if you have longer legs and a long torso it will still make  your legs look shorter and your torso longer. Wearing jeans that hit right on or above your hip bones helps to not only smooth out your stomach (if you need that) but also to balance out top and bottom.

2). Belts are a long torso'd persons best friend. They help to draw attention to your natural waist and make your torso look slightly shorter and your legs longer. I don't know about you guys, but sometimes dresses make me look pregnant because of my long torso. I've found that belts help to counteract that little problem. Also, they are a super fun accessory!

3). Longer flowy tops. The current trend of longer loose tops is a great thing for those of us who are blessed with a little extra length in our stomach area. They usually hit us at the perfect spot (right around the pockets of your pants) and don't swallow us up like they can shorter torso'd people. Love them. Embrace them.

So there you go. Enjoy your long torso because it helps make you look like you have a lean thinner stomach and you can always make it look shorter!

For those of you with a short torso, stay tuned. You're next.

It's Too Hot for Clothes

It's officially too hot for clothes. All I want to do is either stay inside with the air conditioning blasting or lay in a pool. Either way, I don't want to wear clothes. I love clothes, but I don't want them anywhere near me right now. Does anyone else feel like they gain 20 pounds all of the sudden when it gets hot? Clothes suddenly feel tighter and stickier and like they are your own personal little torture chamber. Have I mentioned that heat makes me grumpy and dramatic?

Anyway, since clothes make me sweat I've decided to write about bathing suits. I know, for a lot of us thinking about bathing suits makes us sweat, but I'm going to write about them anyway. Believe it or not, there are right and wrong bathing suits for your body type. If you are bigger chested you NEED to wear a suit with more coverage and support or you will feel like you are about to give the world a show at any given moment. Oh, and you will look and feel saggy. If you are relatively flat chested, don't wear a straight bandeau. As cute as they are, they make you look even flatter. You can however wear one that has a sweet heart neck or a twist or something. Lets look at some visual aides.




The yellow suit is perfect if you are a little more full figured and want to create shape at your waist and give yourself that awesome hourglass Marilyn Monroe figure. Because it's strapless make sure you are not overly endowed in the chest area or bad things will happen. Your boobs need to fit INSIDE the cups of the suit with minimal spillage or it's too small. This suit is great especially if you want to show some leg but aren't comfortable with a typical bathing suit bottom. Also, the ruching does wonderful things to all people.

The blue two piece (without the flowers) is great if you are a little smaller on top but fuller on the bottom. It gives you extra coverage in your rear and on your hips but still has that super cute retro bikini look. This is another look that isn't wise if you have large boobs. It's perfect however for the larger hips/smaller boobs club. Once again, ruching is good. It gives cute detail and allows for more coverage.

The red striped bikini in the middle is the perfect full figure bikini. If you feel like you can't wear a bikini because string tied tops and bottoms just don't provide enough coverage and support, Modcloth is your new best friend (www.modcloth.com) . This suit is $90 but it gives you great coverage and adorable style. It's going to go right over the largest part of your hips and hit on your natural waist which will naturally give you a smoother look. The top is under wire and a thicker strapped halter so it provides enough coverage for larger boobs while still looking cute. This suit is also available in plus sizes so if it will fit anyone. The halter also can make your shoulders look more stately and narrow since it draws the eye up toward your neck which is (most likely) more narrow and slender than your shoulders.

The hounds tooth print suit (also from Modcloth) is super cute and also great for a more full figure if you don't want to show your stomach.The thicker strap once again allows for more support up top while still looking adorable and stylish and not like your grandma's bathing suit. It also has that retro cut which gives you more butt and thigh coverage also. Be careful to make sure it's not super tight or else you'll get a sort of cut off sausage look.

The last suit is great if you are more of a straight body type and don't need as much coverage anywhere but want to create the illusion of having more of a chest. Under wire bathing suits with padding are your new best friend. They give the same oomph that a good bra does, which is usually seriously lacking in a triangle top suit. I would steer clear of the under wire tops with the normal straps (not halter) because they tend to look like a bra.

The key to being comfortable in your bathing suit no matter what you're doing in it is coverage and fit. Make sure your bathing suit covers what you want covered even when you jump around. If you are just tanning than this is a little different, but if you are planning on being active in a suit make sure it fits well. Bandeau tops are not the best for being active. However, they usually come with a detachable halter strap which helps and than you can still get that strap free tan. If you aren't comfortable with your butt showing a bit than make sure your suit covers it all the way. If you feel like you will constantly be trying to make your top cover your boobs more than either buy a size up or a different style top. It's not worth being cute if you are uncomfortable and self conscious all day. There are so many options now, so take advantage of it! It might mean that you are spending a bit more money on one suit but it will be worth it. Also, make sure it's not too tight or too loose. It needs to fit snug but not squeeze. If you have to squeeze into your suit when it's dry (obviously there is always a little tug but it shouldn't get you out of breath) than it's too small. If you're constantly pulling it up, either your elastic is dead or it's too big so spring for a new one.

Now, go jump in the nearest body of water you can find.

Oxfords Aren't Just For Old British Men

First off I have to apologize for taking so long to write another post. I am really not sure how the days went by so fast. So anyway! After we did the photo shoot about Maxi dresses I had a few comments about the Oxford shoes that Erin wore with her dress. Several people were wondering how to style Oxford shoes, so this is me finally getting around to writing a post on how to style Oxford shoes!

Oxford shoes come in a ton of different colors, fabrics, and styles. So there are a lot of different ways you can wear them and a lot of different ways you can express your own style with these shoes. The great thing about them is that you can really pick your own style with them. One word of caution: they look best on people with narrow ankles. You don't have to necessarily have thin legs, just thin ankles. If you don't have narrow ankles but still love them I suggest wearing them with dark tights or dark narrow jeans to give the appearance of narrower ankles.

These three different shots of Sienna Miller show the versatility of these shoes. She is wearing the same pair of Oxford flats with three different outfits. Also, I love that red bag as much as she apparently does.  I love Oxfords with Boyfriend cut jeans, just make sure you adjust the length of your jeans based on your leg shape and length. I really like her red, white, and striped outfit. However, that skirt is dangerous. Cute, but dangerous. Either a little less volume or a little more length would be good. Despite my intense hatred for acid wash skinny jeans, I like the relaxed comfortability of the third outfit. Just switch out the acid wash disaster for normal skinny or narrow jeans. 

I love this Winter/Fall look below. In fact, I really want it for Christmas in North Carolina. The volume on top balances out the narrowness of her jeans (and ridiculously skinny legs!) and the narrow Oxfords.  Ok, I have to stop looking at this picture because I'm now starting to covet. One last thing, notice the light brown leather gloves that coordinate with the light brown leather detail in her Oxfords. Well done girl. Well done.

Another great thing about Oxfords is that they also come in heels! Yay! Oxford heels are so cute and classic looking and if you buy good ones they are super comfortable. These are Steve Madden. Also, they are gorgeous. I want them. Heels on your Oxfords dress them up and sometimes you just need that. 

This is an example of how cute Oxford heels can look. If her dress/shirt dealy was a wee bit longer this whole outfit would be fantastic. And once again, I want my bangs back. Anyway, back on topic. I love the dark teal and yellow and the light brown accents. I also want this for North Carolina at Christmas, minus the scarf. I'm not a fan of silk scarfs tied like that. Some people can pull it off, but i'm not one of them. 

So there you go! Oxfords 101. These shoes are definitely not for everyone. If you don't feel like you love them, then don't buy them. If you don't love them you won't wear them. Hopefully this helps you if you just have not been able to figure out how to wear the Oxfords you love. Enjoy!

Summer Does Not Equal Cut-offs That Show Your Booty.

If you haven't noticed, it's hot. Real hot. Unfortunately, hot can also mean trashy clothes. Sometimes it seems that people can't find the happy medium between wearing nothing when it's hot and just giving up and wearing jeans and long sleeve shirts because that's how you feel best. Believe me my dear friends, you can look cute, stay cool, and still not dress like a Jr. High girl. That is of course, unless you are a Jr. High Girl.

This first look is a look I'm really into right now. It's a little bit more of a younger look. I wouldn't recommend this on anyone over 35. Instead of wearing just your typical denim jeans, shorts, or capris and a colored top switch it up! These are blush colored denim capris (most people would need to roll them up or cuff them, this length is not great on most people) and they are great for summer. You already know I love colored pants, so I'm sure you're not surprised that I'm promoting them once again. This outfit is fresh and simple and not your typical denim. I paired the jeans with a really simple white tank top (white or cream, either one is awesome!) and a thin denim shirt to go over that. I really like that this shirt ties up because it helps to give your outfit shape and makes the denim more feminine and less bulky. Make sure if you wear a denim shirt it is thin and soft. Also, make sure you only wear a denim shirt with not blue denim jeans... avoid the Canadian tuxedo at all costs. The accessories for this outfit are also simple. I really like the wrap bracelet because it's not only a bracelet it's a watch! The necklace has a long simple chain with a cool detail at the end. Teal blues go really well with blush colors, they help to brighten up the colors. The bag is just a brown leather hobo bag. An important aspect to a carefree summer is making sure you are prepared for anything in your day. Larger bags that have detail and aren't just glorified duffle bags are key to looking put together but still being prepared!

 

This next outfit is great for really any age. It still involves fresh color, but it's a little more age neutral. I wouldn't put this on a 14 year old, but some version of it would work! Basic denim capris, a peach flowy but belted tank which will help give you a great waist and flow right over that upper/love handle area that we all love so much. Accessories are simple. There is no jewelry in this outfit except for the watch. Summer is all about simplicity, you don't want to go overboard with anything. The watch gives an extra dimension of femininity and color and it's practical too! I love wedges. They are generally way more comfortable than heels but they still give you either the height or slight shove toward a little more dressed up you are looking for. You could also wear flat sandals with this too if you wanted to. The bag is definitely a statement piece! It's woven, which I love, and it brings all the colors together. It's big enough to fit what you need but not too oversized so it doesn't look too young or casual but also not too formal or old.



I hope this inspires you to try something new this summer. You don't need to go to either extreme this summer, just enjoy the chance to wear light, flowy fabrics and color! In my world you can always wear color, but I know some people prefer to keep that to spring and summer. Crazies... Anyway! It's summer! Relax and have fun with your clothes!