I LOVE PATTERNED LEGGINGS

We will just use models for the time being - these legs are made for child baring, not modeling at the moment. 

I really do love patterned leggings. Pair them with a longer shirt or dress (please do not mistake them for jeans) and some cute summer shoes and you will have yourself looking all styled while remaining comfortable in the summer heat. Here are a few of my favorites this season.

1 >> 2 >> 3 

Joanna

DIY FLORAL CROWN

Anyone else in love with the whimsy a floral crown adds? I've been hoping to create one for a session and when little Brooklyn was born I knew she would wear a crown perfectly. Thus began my adventure in creating a floral crown. 

I read a lot of tutorials on how to make a one and as always, I have intentions of following the directions but at some point in the process I go rouge and do my own thing. So, my tutorial is pretty simple, as are most of my DIY's. . .

Supplies Needed:
Fake flowers - make sure they have wire stems
Jewelry wire
Scissors
Wire Cutters

*If you want to wear this for more than a photo-shoot purchase these items

Elastic
Hot glue/gun
Needle & thread

Instructions:
1. Purchasing the right mix of flowers is essential - it is very easy to make a fake looking/lets be honest "off looking - almost cute, but something isn't quite right" floral crown. Take your time moseying the store and dreaming up what would look good together. Because mine is for a newborn I knew I wanted it to be simple and organic looking and a few touches of color. I also knew it was only going to be about 13inches around so I had very little space to work with. 
2. Make sure the elastic and jewelry wire match your color scheme as well.
3. Start the floral arranging process. I cut a few pieces of flowers and moss and off, leaving about two inches of stem on each so I could wrap it together. 
4. I began wrapping the wire of the moss together leaving space in-between so I could add flowers to it later.
5. Once the moss was wrapped/wire twisted together and the correct length, I used jewelry wire to add in the flowers and little white fillers. Once it was all secure I twisted the wire in the back together to close it. 

*To make this into a longer-term wearable headband...

6. Once your crown is the proper size, take wire crown and hot glue it to elastic. You may choose to add a few flowers/fillers to cover the elastic. Make sure to leave a space of elastic blank in the back so it can stretch to fit your head. I would leave at lease two inches of bare elastic. 
7. Sew ends of elastic together and there you have it! A pretty floral crown.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Yesterday, July 9, I celebrated my 24th Birthday. The husband took me out for a delicious Italian restaurant and we ended the night watching a movie on the couch. Simple and sweet.

And July turned out to be quite a crazy month. I am in the midst of a lot of projects, both DIY and photography. Now, if only I could find time to finish them all and share them with you! I will soon, I promise. 

Joanna

SUMMER WISH LIST

With my wardrobe constantly in transition and knowing I'll be going from 9 months pregnant to a postpartum body soon, my summer wish list contains items I feel will work over the next couple of months.  And even if I wasn't pregnant, my wish list would probably be looking about the same, there are just so many fabulous items out this season! 

With that said, this summer, pregnant or not, bold patterns are a great way to add some freshness and flare to your wardrobe. 

Where are you shopping this summer? Here are links to the items on my wish list...

1>  2>  3>  4>  5>  6>  7>  8>

{35 Weeks} AND PREGNANCY FASHION

IPhone {VSCO Camera} pictures from the past month

35 weeks and what I’ve learned about pregnancy fashion 

1.      Don’t expect to feel amazing, BUT don’t give up on trying!

2.     Comfortable, slip on shoes are a MUST – I found mine here.

3.     Motherhood Maternity isn’t all that bad – at least for bottoms. I’m now the proud owner of a pair of skinny jeans, stretchy pants and a pair of shorts, all from Motherhood.

4.     Dresses and Maxi skirts are still one of your best friends. It’s worth purchasing a few of these during your second trimester because they will grow along with the rest of your body. Yes…as your stomach gets bigger so does the rest of you…sad, I know.

5.     Let’s talk about makeup – getting a mac makeover and switching to their products has tremendously helped me feel better about my fuller face. Don’t skimp on good make up. Like my sister used to say, you only get one face, so treat it well. Look out for a product review in the near future.

6.     Do your hair! The days I look in the mirror and cry about the way I look are the days I did nothing to my hair…It’s as simple as that.

7.      Basic tank tops – Target has a tank called “long and lean.” These are my new favorite. The straps are a bit thicker and they are fitted and long.

8.     Purchase undergarments that fit you well. Your bra and panties have a lot to do with how smooth things look.

9.     Accessorize. There are many days when the only thing I feel good in is my skinny jeans and a black tank top. BUT with a real cute necklace, rings, earrings and maybe even a headband I still can feel like I’m styled. And don’t forget about having a cute bag!

All that to say, being styled in your third trimester is going to take some effort, but it is totally possible. And it’s okay if you wear the same thing multiple times a week – no one who has ever been pregnant will judge you.

Can you tell I needed a pep talk? I mean, who doesn’t when you are 35 weeks along?

28 WEEKS {Golden Hour}

Shirt/Marshalls >> Necklace and Earrrings/Pac Sun >> Maternity Jeans/Gap

Spring is here which means pretty wildflowers and heat! Although my outfit is nothing glamorous, this long tank top has been a lifesaver over the past two weeks. Thanks, Marshall's!

Happy Friday!
Joanna

NINE HANDBAGS FOR THE SUMMER

Anyone else on the lookout for a new handbag? This spring and summer fringe and studs are trending and I think its a wonderful thing. I'm also loving the color palette of the rich creamy browns, yellows, orange and corals. Don't be afraid to go big and bold this spring, a cute bag is the perfect accessory for these warm months. 

1> 2> 3> 4> 5> 6> 7> 8> 9>

I'm curious, where are you finding cute handbags lately? 
Joanna

DIY EARRINGS

With the warm weather finally hitting the midwest, I was inspired to create a fresh pair of earrings. They are extremely simple to make. Once you've gathered your supplies, follow the instructions and let me know how they turn out! And I've included a 26 week bump picture for history's sake :)

Supplies:

1. Piece of Leather

2. Cording

3. Suede strands

4. Wire

5. Earring hooks

6. Scissors

7. Wire cutter

8. Iron

*I purchased all these items from Michaels/Joann Fabrics

Instructions:

1. Once you've gathered all your supplies, begin by cutting three thin strands of leather, four pieces of suede and one piece of cording. I cut each of mine about 4 inches long. 

2. If your suede looks like mine pictured above, you will need to iron the strands before moving to the next step.

3. Take all the strands and arrange them together in a bunch. 

4. Cut 4-5 inches of wire and wrap tightly around top of strands. Once they are secure, cut another couple inches of wire and wrap again, but this time twist the wire so it ends up in the center of the strands. 

5. Weave wire through earring hook and twist to secure. Make sure sharp edge of wire is inside the earring.

Joanna

THIRTEEN {Golden Hour}

There are people who come and go in your life, but a few remain. This little beauty just turned thirteen and I am grateful she remains in my life even though we no longer live close by. Watching her grow up into a beautiful person inside and out has been a privilege. 

The sun was just too beautiful the other day to pass this field by. On our way home from her family session(which you can find here) we pulled over along the road to snap a few pictures. Oh Golden Hour, you make everything so dreamy.

Outfit Details: 
1. Army Green Shirt >> Pac Sun/Kendall&Kylie 2. Floral Shirt>>Target 3. Jeans>>TJMaxx 4. Shoes>>Marshalls/SteveMadden 5. Glasses>> America's Best

Thanks for stopping by,
Joanna

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

My favorite quote from the week..."You are the color to my film" -- The Husband

DREAMING OF DRESSING HIM

1. Baby Gap >> 2. Baby Gap >> 3. Candy Kirby >> 4. H&M >> 5. Dot Dot Smile >> 6. H&M >> 7. Mason and the Tambourine >> 8. Target >> 9. Thief and Bandit 

Most days you can find me dreaming of dressing my little man. Once I found out I was having a boy my search for baby boy designers and trends was in full swing. There are so many options out there, but as I began looking it became clear to me how he would be styled. 

Just like his DNA, it is a blend of  the husband and I's styles. Typical baby patterns and colors just don't excite me when it comes to his nursery or his fashion. I usually say, if I or my husband wouldn't want to wear it than neither should my little one. 

All that to say, above are a few items/designers/shops I recommend checking out. 

What are your favorite designers or shops for little ones?
Joanna

{23 Weeks} AND PREGNANCY FASHION

I'm twenty three weeks in and I've learned a few lessons about what works and what doesn't when it comes to pregnancy fashion. I always imagined it would be so cute to dress my little bump but the thought of having to shop at motherhood maternity made me want to throw up, I'm just being honest. 

Well, this has proved to be a bit more difficult than I'd imagined. Did this happen to anyone else? I think it is a combination of when you feel huge nothing looks good and in reality, most regular clothes just don't work. They are either too short, too tight or just plain unflattering. All that to say, here are a few lessons I've learned about pregnancy fashion.

1. Your shirts need to be long, I mean very long.

2. Babydoll dresses are your best friend

3. Maxi Skirts are your other best friend

4. Just because your belly is xxl doesn't mean that is the size you should buy, I mean its not like your shoulders are growing too.

5. You need comfy shoes, not ugly shoes

6. Be creative and don't be afraid to take risks. Just send a picture to a friend before you go outside. 

7. You NEED your friends' help. I have two, Michelle and Elizabeth, that are my fashion police. Most days I send either one or both of them a picture of my outfit to see if it works.

8. Target tank tops have been one of my staples. They make everything longer and add color when needed.

9. Accessorize!!!!! Jewelry is always a good choice.

10. Maternity jeans are great. I'm a fan of Gap's line, they are worth the money.

My Outfit Breakdown:

Shoes/Reef >> Jeans/Gap >> Tank top/Target >> Denim shirt/Volcom >> Necklace/Urban Outfitters