Bumped Up in Blue

My style has absolutely changed since I've been pregnant. Now at 34 weeks, I cherish the time I have to pamper myself in the morning, or the moments where I can stand in my closet and mull over what to wear. But, I've come to realize that those times will be fleeting once the boys are here - and I'm completely ready for it!

My time will be devoted to tending to my little dudes - and to say that I'm excited to see their faces soon would be a gigantic understatement. As I prep for my new role as a mother, I've been looking for style that can be summed up as effortless.

That's where this West 57th Satchel from Henri Bendel comes into play. Not only is it a beautiful shade of blue, the shape is modern... and effortless! I love that I can still be a funky mom with a bold and vibrant bag that is the perfect carryall for all my necessities. It makes the perfect statement for me as an accessory that let's me celebrate my sense of style, while being fun, luxurious and practical. 

Plus, as I warm up to the idea of there being more blue in my future, this gorgeous satchel will become my go-to for being a stylish mom that still loves fashion and eccentricity. 

Outfit details:

Faux Fur Collared Coat - LuLu*s / Pink Sweater - Liz Lange Maternity for Target / Floral Print Leggings - Destination Maternity / West 57th Satchel - c/o Henri Bendel / Lilac Knit Scarf - BCBGeneration / Black Wedge Ankle Booties - Modcloth / Alex and Ani Bracelets

My Baby Shower - 3/15/15

This past weekend was my Baby Shower! At 33 weeks pregnant, I was a little worried about attending since I've been feeling a little under the weather. But showing up and seeing my family and friends gather in celebration of the boys really made me feel so loved! I am completely overwhelmed by their generosity, and it's so amazing to know that the boys will be surrounded by such warm, giving and loving people for the rest of their lives. Mike and I were really touched, and I'm still in awe of the day!

I knew about the shower since I really did not want to take a chance of the kids dropping out of me if I were to be surprised. With this in mind, I of course searched for the perfect maternity dress to wear. I found this navy blue mod-inspired dress from ASOS - it has an empire waist and a simple white collar that reminded me of a 60s-inspired look. Cozy, comfortable and of course, blue! 

My mother put so much time and effort into planning it, and she really made me feel so special. From the twin elephant diaper cake, to my table centerpieces, games and decorations, everything was just perfect. I really couldn't have asked for anything better. I'll admit - I can be picky when it comes to certain things, but she put so much of herself into planning the shower just because I know how much it meant to her to see me happy. I can be difficult lately since I don't feel 100% at my best, and she took on the burden of dealing with my cranky pregnancy tendencies all because she wanted the day to be the best it could be. And it truly was.

The centerpieces are from Etsy, and feature baby washclothes wrapped like lollipops! We added real lollipops for a little contrast. I'm telling you - Etsy is the mecca for unique baby shower decorations!

As for my favors, it's a pen and notebook set. Since my invites had a chalkboard theme, these little twin-themed favors were perfect. I'm a big fan of practical favors so hopefully, everyone will use em!

My very, very talented best friend made these uber tasty onesie cookies, too! They seriously are too cute! Guests took these home in addition to my favors, but of course, I kept my own stash of cookies as I'm still eating them at work! 

My husband, Mike, was also there. In the past, I think baby showers were strictly thought of as a "women only" event. But I wanted Mike to be a part of it because this is an important part in his life too, and he has gone above and beyond for me during my pregnancy taking care of me, and really keeping our house in order. I'm so very lucky to have him as my husband, and he really doesn't get enough credit for all that he does for me.

And of course, there were lots of presents! I truly was shocked by the amount of gifts on the table. Again, my family and friends are just wonderfully thoughtful people and because of their absolute generosity, we'll be able to make our home warm and welcoming with everything we need to take care of our little dudes. 

Punk Rock Mom

While I don't style too many outfits with sneakers, I do have a pretty extensive collection of kicks. Converse are a must... My Air Force 1's are considered more of a collector's item than footwear (but I do wear them), and the hightop Reebok's I'm wearing are considered more fashionable than functional. I like sneakers that don't look like running shoes. 

And I'm gunna be honest - the day I took these photos I absolutely felt so pregnant. Oh, and I've officially hit 8 months!

I've been thinking about putting together a look that gives a nod to my days when my life revolved music. When I was a writer for music magazines. Although I'm not attending many concerts these days, I still love music culture. So when I found this baseball tee with The Beatles on it, the first thing I thought was:

"This is so punk rock mom."

I've been very lucky that many typical pregnant symptoms have just started to catch up to me now.

My hands have recently started to swell... so my wedding ring will have to be put away for a bit. 

And my feet... thank God it's not summer. 

My belly button - it's officially an outie.

All in all, I still feel like myself. But carrying around two human beings is absolutely a reality now that I feel the weight in my tummy. Walking is a little difficult. Driving can be uncomfortable. But to be honest, I have been so unbelievably blessed that I have had no complications throughout my pregnancy that I roll with the minor aches. It just means that I might have to put those heels away, throw on leggings and add a little extra lip gloss to my style routine... 

Outfit details:

Blank NYC Vegan Leather Panel Jacket / The Beatles " Good Day Sunshine" Baseball Tee - Forever 21 / Black Leggings - Destination Maternity / High Top Sneakers - Reebok / River Island Satchel / Henri Bendel Spiked Cuff & Henri Bendel Leather and Crystal Bracelet / Roman Numeral Cuff via Etsy

Preggo Is The New Black

I'll be honest with you: I spend the majority of my free time lately upstairs in my bedroom. My pregnancy has absolutely started to catch up to me. I feel bigger, heavier and tired more often, and after a day of work, I usually head upstairs with a book or pop in a DVD and just straight up relax or fall asleep. So, the amount of snow New Jersey has been hit with, combined with the freezing cold, inspired me to take outfit shots in my current favorite indoor place.

But even on days when I'm feeling a little under the weather, one thing I always do is get dressed in something that makes me feel like I'm... me. 

I couldn't feel more like myself in this "Preggo Is The New Black" Mesh Insert Sweatshirt that Preggo Leggings gifted to me, along with these ridiculously stretchy and comfortable red maternity leggings. The mesh panel has a "peek-a-boo" shoulder that allows me to dress it up with skinny jeans, or throw on a pair of leggings and heels for dinner with my husband.

There is nothing more prideful for me than celebrating my growing belly when it comes to putting together an outfit. Maternity clothing tends to have a stereotype that it's dowdy and bland. Totally not the case! Even if I wasn't a fashion blogger, being stylish while pregnant was important to me because I always wanted to maintain my sense of self - but just a different part of myself in a different stage of my life. 

So for me, preggo really IS the new black!

Outfit details:

Preggo Is The New Back Mesh Insert Sweatshirt - c/o Preggo Leggings / Red Leggings in Kiss Me Hello - c/o Preggo Leggings / Bobby Brown Lipstick in Old Hollywood / What To Expect When You're Expecting (aka - the pregnant lady's bible) / Chunky Heel Combat Ankle Boots - Steve Madden

Denim and DVF

Thank goodness for denim chambray shirts. Up until I become pregnant, I actually never owned a denim shirt. The look of pairing it with skirts and prints was always something I loved, but for some reason, I think I was afraid it would look too plain. 

Boy was I wrong.

I found this super soft denim chambray shirt at Gap Maternity, and I immediately knew I wanted to wear it with my favorite fuzzy vest for extra coziness. At 7 months pregnant, I continue to grow bigger and bigger, and lucky, this shirt covers my tummy in warmthness as New Jersey continues to be pelted with snow week after week... after week.

Also, I finally filfulled one of my dreams - I am now the proud owner of this amazing 440 Courier Rail Quilted Bag from one of my favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg. Long have I admired her work, and I've always wanted to purchase a bag of hers. I couldn't resist this beauty in black, and the luggage tag is just over the top adorable with her signature DVF lips logo. I'm considering it a preemptive push present to myself.

I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant, and I can say that it's starting to get harder for me to feel like myself. I'm tired more, I feel heavy and sleep is non-existant. I do my best to cope with it all because I know that it's just part of being pregnant. I don't mind the pain because I know when I see my two boys I'm going to forget any aches and pains I once had. 

Can't believe they'll be here soon!

Outfit Details:

440 Courier Rail Quilted Leather Bag - DVF.com / Denim Shirt - Gap Maternity (but here's the non maternity option! / Faux Fur Vest - Forever 21 / Black Leggings - Destination Maternity / Studded Ankle Boots - Francesca's