For all of you that follow me on Instagram you know that I recently participated in a style challenge for Xpecting Boutique located in Costa Mesa, California. The darling owner, Stephani Clymer asked me to style this Splendid dress (seen below) three different ways in one week. Also, participating in this challenge was the talented OC based mommy blogger, Sarah Ollenburger of Juggling in Heels. She showed how to style the white version as the non-pregger mommy, and I the black version as the pregger mommy.
When Stephani brought the idea up to me, I jumped on it. How fun! And as you all know there is nothing I love more than putting together a fabulous look … okay maybe my kids… and my husband… and well my parents, extended family, friends and God… but that might be it:) So, obviously this was challenge I would take. Not to mention, when she asked me I knew I would be heading to Paris and that made the challenge all the more interesting. While Paris as my setting was beyond ideal, there was the added challenge of not having all of my wardrobe and accessories at hand. While I planned ahead a little bit, I also had to wing it. In fact, this is something I often do whether for myself or a client. I will have a general idea or theme in mind, but it does not all come to fruition until that moment. That is when I will make the final and crucial decisions on the accessories and this is what makes or breaks a look.
So here we go, my 18 week pregnant belly and I are ready to give you a few ideas for styling the perfect comfy chic black dress. xx
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The first image is taken in the hallway of our hotel. I had some difficulty finding the right lighting to really show the outfit. However, these two images came out pretty well. To which I would like to give a special thanks to my amazing photographers: my hubby and my 7 year old son. I know you both get sick of taking photos of my looks, but I truly appreciate it! I love that you tolerate and almost understand my fashion obsession. As my hubby said to my son, “you know how you feel about football… well that is how mommy feels about fashion”. This seemed to really resonate with him:). Kisses to you both!
Shop >>> Maje Clutch (similar here)
Shop>>> IRO Blazer (similar here)
Shop >>> Dolce Vita Sandal (on sale here)
Shop >>> Lanvin Necklace (similar here)
For look two I was going for a casual and warm weather look (even though it was freezing in Paris!). Often when I show you, my wonderful readers, a look it is for the season to come. This is especially true if we are close to making the seasonal transition. So, here I braved the 34 degree weather all in the name of fashion. Since the espadrille trend is one that isn’t going anywhere (nor does it really ever) and I couldn’t resist showing off these by the chic fashion house of Celine. They are also navy, and I love navy! It goes with everything and every color. It is a common misconception of the past that blue and black should not be mixed, but let go of this myth and mix on!
I included this photo below because it is the perfect example of my typical daytime beauty routine. As you can see there is not a lot to it. Which means it is one that a busy mom can do in under 5 minutes and we all know that is priceless!
During the day I tend to wear little or no eye make up. If I do a little mascara and brow pencil is usually all that is needed. Here I just didn’t have time for that, and besides I figured I would have on my sunglasses most of the time anyway. Keep in mind that heavy eye makeup during the day (unless for photo shoot purposes) is aging or just send the “trying to hard” message. Its better to aim for a “natural” look and more is not always more.
Not to mention more make up mean more time, and who has that?? Part of being a busy mom is mastering a beauty routine where you can look put together in very little time. So you must decide, what are my beauty priorities?
I always make time for a moisturizing skin cream with spf and to apply lip color. When I have the time I will also use my favorite foundation applied with a foundation brush, and I will add a hint of color to my checks. Blush or bronzer should be applied to the apple of your cheek and sweep towards hairline. Make sure to blend as needed.
As I mentioned before lip color is very important to me. I keep lip glosses everywhere- car, kitchen, multiple purses, etc… Sometimes I look for a pop of color that is longer lasting than just lip gloss as I did here. For this look I only applied lip pencil all over my lips and blended with a brush. It feels a tad dry, but lasts! Usually I will dab a little gloss in the center of my bottom lip and blot, but I don’t believe I did that here though… or if I did I don’t remember. Sorry! Major pregnancy brain happening right now!
Shop >>> Celine Espadrilles (similar here)
Shop >>> Nordstrom Scarf (similar here)
Shop >>> Oliver Peoples Sunnies
For my final look I was back in LA which meant two things: I had my whole wardrobe to style from, and it was time to show a look that said “SoCal”. While the BoHo chic look is hot everywhere right now, it has been “IN” here in LA for quite sometime. It’s a look I love for the casual chic vibe it gives off. If you haven’t already I urge to add some bohemian touches to your closet.
And on that note, we come full circle to another must have item I encourage you to add to your wardrobe- a black cotton dress. As you can see the style opportunities are endless and it is forever in style as well as flattering. And who doesn’t want that? The answer is no one. Absolutely no one:)
See you next week as I continue my “Pregancy Style Tour”. For now the time has come to go eat a pizza… really! It is one food I can’t get enough of when pregnant, or ever for that matter, but I feel more free to indulge when pregnant. There have to be some perks, right?
Shop >>> Vince Camuto Booties (similar here)
Shop >>> Forever 21 Kimono (similar here)
Shop >>> Janessa Leone Hat
Shop >>> St. Eve Necklace (similar here)
Shop >>> Chan Luu Bracelet (similar here)
Shop >>> Chloé Sunnies (similar here)
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