What I Wore | Blossom

WhatIWore: Surprise! Surprise! I’m in another full floral print skirt! This version is a sateen fabric, so it could be on the dressy side, which is why I partnered it with my favorite beat up denim jacket. I toyed with the idea of doing a graphic tee underneath but liked the simplicity of a soft three quarter length sweater instead. Because it was on the chilly side, I opted for booties over sandals or heels.

When: April 27, 2015

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Necklace: LOFT (old)
Sweater: J.Crew
Jean Jacket: Mavi (similar option here)
Skirt: Chicwish (on sale)
Booties: L.L. Bean Signature

Where: Final Day of Class

Then | Now: Back in Bloom, March 16, 2015

Monday also marked the final day of my fashion illustration class that I taught at Indiana University. It’s always amazing for me to see how my students grow through the course and how beautiful their final portfolios turn out. I learned a few things from the class too. First - I need to find more time to do creative projects, including illustrations. I miss drawing! Two - I need to keep signing up for classes on my own. Not full semesters, but weekend conferences or hat making classes or cooking classes. I get so inspired in a classroom setting, whether it’s as the student or instructor! 

How Do You Feel About | Faux Flowers?

WhatIWore: I think I’ve come full circle on my feelings for fake flowers. When I was a little girl - I loved ‘em. My mom had a huge stash of silk flowers for all seasons and was always arranging and rearranging them for spring, summer, fall and winter. She let me play with them too and make arrangements for my room. I’ll never forget when I did a big display of tulips behind my headboard one spring! I’ve always been a DIYer! 

When I lived in New York City, I got spoiled by low priced fresh flowers, available on just about every corner. A dozen roses were less than $10 and I’d pick them up regularly. Now in Bloomington, I grow a lot of my own flowers or buy them at the grocery. I’d love to have fresh flowers around the house all of the time, but multiple arrangements that last between 5-9 days gets $$$$$.

Then, on a recent trip back to my hometown, I got inspired to make a wreath for my front door using faux flowers again. I’m back where I started because I love them! You need to be careful on the types of blooms you pick and aim for natural colors and textures (anything shiny screams tacky to me!)

So tell me, how do you feel about fake flowers? Join the conversation on my facebook page! 

What I Wore | Active

WhatIWore: All moms have a bag of tricks to make their lives run smoother. In our family, stroller walks are my saving grace! We bundled up all winter to get outside and now that it’s spring, we go on up to three or four walks a day. It cures us of cabin fever, lulls my baby to sleep and best of all - it’s great exercise! 

Depending on the day, I either wear my everyday street clothes (for short walks and when I have social plans) or leggings and sneakers (and a tee or sweatshirt). We have beautiful historic hilly neighborhoods, a park nearby and an awesome cross city trail called the B-line. Adam’s business is just under a half mile from our house on the B-line, so I often stroller over and meet friends there for nice long walks. 

Even on the days I’m not dressed up I still like to be pulled together. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be cute! I realized after I picked out these pieces that I hadn’t updated any of my active wear in two years! It’s kind of motivating to put on a sporty outfit (I took three walks wearing this yesterday!) 

I’ve put these sports bras to the test and I love the design and support (I picked out an XL for reference). I also like how the tanks are on the long side, because even though I love my legs, I like to cover my tush a bit when I wear leggings. All of these pieces are currently on sale at Old Navy, our sponsor for this post! 

In this post: Sports Bra, Burn Out Tank, Knit Cardigan and Leggings, all courtesy of Old Navy, Sunglasses, Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’, Fitbit Charge, Sneakers, Nike, Stroller Britax B-Agile

Heads up! This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to be a work-at-home mom and support my family. 

MoM | Summer Maternity Style

WhatIWore: I’m grateful I was pregnant during the summer. I loved wearing knit dresses and layering jackets. I’ve gone through my pregnancy archives and picked out some of my favorite maternity style trends. Pass along to your pregnant girlfriends for ideas! 

Knit Maxi with Jean Jacket Pair up a cool and comfy maternity maxi with one of your pre-pregnacy jackets. Above left, right

Basic Black with Accessories I love the simplicity of a basic black knit dress and cute summer accessories. A light weight scarf or straw hat and skinny belt over your bump is an easy way to pull your look together. Above left, right

Printed Maxis None of these dresses were sold as maternity styles, but all worked great for a growing bump. Don’t limit yourself to pieces you can only wear while pregnant! Above top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right

Stripes Conventional fashion advice would tell you that horizontal stripes make you look wider and thus should be avoided. I’ll tell you otherwise. Girl! You’re pregnant and it’s a time to celebrate your expanding waistline! Stripes are a cute summer style and they work well for a pregnant body. Above left, right

See my full Maternity Gallery HERE.