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

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>

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

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

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

DIY LACE COLLAR

Have any extra doilies and string laying around? Here is a simple way to turn those extras into a little pop in your wardrobe. 

1. Find doily and decide how big you want your collar to be. Try tucking it into they neck of your shirt to see what effect you would like. This will help you know what kind of doily to use and how you should be cutting in the next steps.
2. Start by cutting doily in half.
3. Fold the amount of collar you want showing over and secure with bobby pin. Than cut a rounded shape to remove execs, that way you don't have a lumpy chest, haha.
4. Place the two halves together, collar facing up, so the edges you want meeting at the center of your collar are touching.
5. Take string, or your choice of ribbon, and cut a real long piece. Tie a pretty little bow to link the halves. I made two bows so it was secure.
6. Doing one side at a time, weave string through the doily so it creates a permanent fold. Once I get to the edges I looped it through a couple of times and did some sort of knot. I wish I was a not expert to tell you what I did. My advice is just make sure its secure without creating a big not.

And then you just tuck it into your shirt or dress and wal-la you have a cute lace collar.

Joanna

FOREVER 21 FOR MEN

Something the husband and I have in common is we like to find clothes that resonate with us, we say no to impulse shopping for the most part and choose to be intentional with what we purchase. 

Men's fashion can be difficult, especially for someone like the husband who is tall and thin. Enter Forever 21 for Men.... Can I just say that I LOVE their men's line of clothing! They offer eclectic items, as well as the typical guy flannel and it seems as though its made for guys who are tall and thin. This winter Greg purchased a few items from Forever 21 for the first time, one of which is this sweater. I was giddy inside because if you can't tell, I LOVE Aztec design.

So guys, or girls who buy their husband's clothes...take a peek at Forever 21's Men's line as you update your wardrobe for Spring, I'm certain you'll find something you love.

Joanna

TRANSITIONING TO SPRING

For me, this Winter's fashion was full of maternity jeans, flowy sweaters and gold accessories. This necklace and sweater in particular were my favorite. At 21 weeks my belly is making getting dressed a bit of a challenge at times, most of my tops are too short and anything tight on my belly doesn't feel so good. I think as Spring starts making an appearance so will my dresses and maxi skirts. Follow me on Pinterest to see what items catch my eye this spring.

Coral Maxi Skirt/last year from Swell.com >> Sweater/RVCA >> Necklace/Story Company >> Cameo Ring/From Great Grandmother >> Gold Earrings/Urban Outfitters

Thanks for stopping by!

Joanna

SPRING FASHION WATCH

1. Keds/Melon Coral Keds >> 2. P.S. I Adore You/Turquoise Clutch >> 3. Target/Fit & Flare Dress >> 4. Pac Sun/Ombre Bleached Western Denim Top  >> 

5. Story Company/Camari Necklace >> 6. Swell/Lowers Sandal >> 7. Minnetonka/Maui Poppy Sandal >> 8. Urban Outfitters/Urban Renewal Chambray Tent Dress >> 9. Billabong/Dreamscaper Maxi

Anyone else in the Midwest dreaming of Spring? Don't get me wrong, I love winter, but it is mid-March and I'm ready for a change. Here are a few items I've got my eye on for this Spring. They include pops of bright colors mixed with some feminine denim. I've already purchased #9 and I'm lovin it! 

Joanna

I LOVE BLAZERS

I love blazers. With a well fitted blazer your once casual outfit can take on a classy and professional look. I love the lace blazer because it provides frilly, feminine touch and reminds me of spring. The black blazer gives a clean and professional touch. When I need an extra boost of confidence I like to throw that item on. And then there is the electric blue blazer, does anyone else love this wild color? I paired it up with black and white stripes here, but I also love to layer it over another bright color like coral. And then most importantly, layer on the accessories to make your blazer uniquely you. 

Joanna

I LOVE SHORTS & TIGHTS

Don't let all your awesome summer shorts sit in storage this winter! Find some nice cozy tights and cute shoes and rock those shorts all year long, I know I will. Pair them with heels for a night on the town or boots a casual get together, who knows, shorts may become you new favorite piece. 

Joanna

I LOVE COLORED/PATTERNED SKINNIES

I love colored and patterned skinnies. There is no better way to spice up an outfit than by throwing on a pair of bold skinny jeans. Pick your favorite color or pattern, you honestly can't go wrong here. Have fun paring it with different patters, textures and layers to make this trend  uniquely you. I personally think leopard and and black and white stripes can take any outfit to the next level (in a good way).

Joanna

I LOVE BLACK & WHITE STRIPES

Style up your clothes with anything black and white striped. This season I seriously can't get enough black and white stripes in my closet! And don't be afraid of mixing patterns. Pairing it with leopard always a good choice. 

Joanna