Recent OOTDs + Recent Purchases

Here are a few outfits I've posted on Instagram that never made it to the blog until today! Getting dressed this pregnancy has probably been the easiest so far, but I can't wait to wear whatever I want. bout half and half of my clothes right now are maternity vs non-maternity and I should be able to wear almost all of them postpartum. Thank you loose fit!

OOTD: Floral and Scallops

Thank you Jane for providing the top for this post!

Happy Thursday! I'm so happy the weekend is so close! We don't have any plans this weekend and I'm keeping it this way! I have to work for a couple of hours on Saturday, but after that I'm staying home with my family. Sometimes you just need a day without plans!

Recent IG OOTDs

Good morning! Hope your day is off to a good start and your work day goes quickly. I love daylight savings time in the mornings, but man I hate coming home in the dark! Arizona has it good when it comes to the time change, plus, who really gets an extra hour of sleep? Honestly.

Here's a few OOTD pics from Instagram, I'm hoping to do some more outfit pics, but it's so hard on the weekend with all of our activities and now with it being so dark after work, it's gonna be tough! I love these posts so I'm hoping to have more soon!

Vegas: What I'm Packing

This weekend marks our 5th wedding anniversary and to celebrate, Matt and I are headed to Vegas! I'm so excited to get away and some time to ourselves. We rarely get any time for ourselves and when we do, it's always with an agenda. We have no plans and no schedule for the weekend and I can't wait! All we have on our to-do list is eat, sleep, and lounge by the pool. It's supposed to be cooler temps with possible rain so I'm not sure if we'll get too much time at the pool, but I'll be ready!

For the last week, I've been planning my outfits and what to pack and I finally had a chance to lay everything out to see how it would look together and make sure I don't forget anything. It's not a new concept by any means, but I like to lay everything out and see how I can make the most of what I want to pack. Can I mix and match them? Is there something I can leave home to keep a lighter bag? I always pack a few extra outfits or pieces like jeans or a cardigan and there's still one outfit I need to try on to see how they look together in real life, but I think I'm all set otherwise!

Sweater (old, similar here) // Soft Shorts // Sandals (love these too!) // Purse // Necklace

I've tried these shorts on so many times at Target and I've always loved them because they're so soft, but just never bought them. They're on sale for $15 and I thought they'd be perfect for walking the strip or driving home. My SIL gifted me this gorgeous blue handbag from my Spring Wishlist for my birthday and I can't wait to use it this weekend! There's a ton of pockets and the color is perfection!

Tank // Shorts (Old Navy last year, similar here) // Purse // Necklace

I'll probably wear this outfit on the way there. This peplum tank has been on repeat a lot lately (I have it in white too), it's so easy to just throw on and head out the door. I bought these shorts last year when I was pregnant and they're so comfortable. They have pockets too! I wish I bought every pair last year, luckily a lot of shops have similar styles in this year so I can add some more to my closet.

Hat (Old, similar here) // Cover up // Suit (Victoria Secret- in store only, similar here)

Sunnies // Kimono (Forever 21 last year, similar here) // Top // Bottom

I'm really hoping and praying that there's good weather this weekend, because all I want to do is lounge around the pool and the hotel's lazy river. What's a vacation without a pool day?

Pants // Top (similar here) // Necklace

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this outfit- I wore it on Sunday to celebrate my birthday with a family BBQ. I'm obsessed with these pants and necklace! Palazzo pants are so cozy and soft to wear and they're great in the summer since they're so lightweight. The necklace is amazing, I won it from Brittany's IG giveaway and I love it! It pairs so perfect with the pants and my blue crossbody above, I always get so many compliments on it! It's a great statement piece for sure.

Top // Shorts // Sandals (love these too!) // Lipstick (Coral Crush)

I'm still loving this outfit! It's definitely a go-to for me. I plan on wearing this for walking the strip and shopping during the day. I picked up this fun bright coral and haven't really had the chance to wear it, but I hope to bust it out this weekend.

Top (similar here) // Jeans // Purse // Lipstick (Long Legged & Fabulous) // Shoes

I've been saving this look for a date night (see it on in this post) and we plan on doing a nice dinner one night and this is what I'm gonna wear. I LOVE the lace detailing on this top and flutter sleeves. It's so feminine and chic. I ordered a dress too last week and if it arrives in time, I'm going to pack that too as an alternative or second nice meal outfit.

Only three more sleeps until our trip! Can you tell I'm excited? I haven't been to Vegas in so long and I used to go all the time to party back in college. It's definitely going to be a different trip this time and I've never gone just Matt and I. I'm really looking forward for us to reconnect and get some adult time and recharge together.

What are your favorite Vegas shows and restaurants? He wanted to surprise me with Britney tickets, but she just had her last show last weekend! We want to check out a show while we're there, what do you suggest?

Gladiator Sandals Under $75

One trend I'm still not over is gladiator sandals, I just love all the straps! I think they scream summer and help give a casual outfit a bit of edge and help dress it up. I love that they work with shorts, dresses, and even pants for cool nights. I found a ton of great options at good prices, but the best is that there's so many variations. Some fit lower on the ankler, have ties, back zippers, and different designs.

One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six

I just ordered the last pair today and I can't wait for them to get in! I love that they lace up, but zip in the back for easy access. I'm also eyeballing number 5 too, the laser cut design is gorgeous!

Recent OOTDs

Good morning! Hope you're all having a great week so far. Lately, my days have been short but the weeks have seemed long. Does that ever happen to you?

I've been trying to take some more pics of my weekend outfits. During the week, the lighting isn't good and I don't really wear anything great or that I haven't worn a hundred times before. My work uniform is pretty much a nice top, black skinny slacks, and flats. Oh and a blazer. Nothing exciting. Before transferring when we moved, I was in a different department and had a casual dress code. It's crazy how much I miss it! I loved wearing jeans, sandals, and whatever top I wanted. I didn't have to see clients face to face so it makes sense why we had a casual dress code, but man I miss being able to wear whatever I want and getting more use out of my closet!

Top // Shorts // Necklace // Polish I saw this top on the shop's Instagram and bought it immediately during a late night nursing session (those get me every time!). I've bought a few accessories from Mindy Mae's Market through Jane, but not any clothes. This shirt is so well made and thick with some stretch. I was surprised by how high quality it is. I absolutely love it and want to wear it every day. I wore it for Easter with a bright pink lip and then another day with a coral red lip. It's just a great top that's easy to wear and pair with fun shades of accessories and makeup. I've talked about this necklace a ton on Instagram, I seriously wear it nearly every day and had our wedding date engraved on it with an L for our last name. You can get 20% off your purchase from Mia and Mac using Kristen20 at check out! 

Cardi // Top // Shorts

A few weeks ago, I took the girls to meet my sister for lunch, shopping, and dessert down in San Diego. We had so much fun eating pizza and shopping. I love hanging out with my sister and we've been so busy that we've mostly only seen each other at family parties so we haven't had the chance to talk as much together (even though we talk on the phone almost daily). The girls love their auntie and they had a great time together goofing off. After shopping we went back to BJs for the pizookie sampler- one of our faves!

Top // Jeans // Sandals // Sunnies // Necklace

I wore this a few weekends ago to run some errands and get some ice cream with the family. The girls ended up falling asleep in the car so Matt and I got ice cream to ourselves! Yum! This is the same top as above, but in black. It's only $9 at Old Navy so get yourself one! It's a thin cotton that will be perfect for the summer heat. I do wish it was a little longer though. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a happy hump day!

Recent Mommy Outfits

Just to preface this post, I only get dressed when we leave the house. Our week is full of errands, play dates, reading time, and the park and getting pulled together helps me feel accomplished.  It's nothing fancy or groundbreaking, but I always like to see what other people wear on their day to day basis.

 Tunic // Shorts (old, similar) // Purse // Nails

I wore this for a day of errands and doctor appointments for the girls. Immunizations are no fun and both girls had to get them, I definitely could have used a large slurpee after that appointment, it was tough to get through! In this post, I talked about this plaid tunic I had to go back and snag and I'm so happy I did! It fits really well and will be great to layer once the weather cools (if that ever happens!).

Top // Skirt (old, similar)

We made it to church for the first time since having Emma and it felt so nice to fit into a pencil skirt! I haven't worn one in months and it's perfect to nurse in since I just have to untuck my shirt. That's one thing that's hard when you're breastfeeding, most dresses won't work. It's so hard to find dresses that button (or have sleeves for that matter). 

Striped Tee // Shorts (old, similar here) // Necklace (c/o)

This outfit is worn weekly, it's just so easy to wear. This boyfriend tee is super comfortable and so easy to throw on and head out the door. The necklace is a teether and I'll be doing a full review soon!

Top // Hat (similar here too)

This hat has been one of my favorites and I'm so glad my aunt talked me into it! I was on the fence about buying it since I can't wear hats to work, but I've worn it a lot so far during my leave. I'm sure it will die down once I'm back to work and only have the weekend to really wear whatever I want (i.e. sweats). 

So that's what I've been wearing during my leave while we're out. Once we get home, I always change into jammie bottoms and a tee. I like to be more comfortable when I'm home and I'm playing with the girls and relaxing. I'm pretty sure nearly every human being in the world does the exact same thing when they get home too. 

Feeling Fall

Scarf // Jeans // Sweater // Boots // Purse

Last week we had two glorious days of rain and it was awesome! Mostly, because I had no where to go and got to stay inside with my girls. Everyone is so over the moon about fall, but living in CA, I won't get to really wear fall clothes til Halloween, so I have a few weeks left to enjoy the heat before it's gone. 

Those two days last week really got me thinking about my fall wardrobe (especially after my closet purge) and what outfits I'm excited to wear...which led to looking online for new stuff. I'm dying over these accessories and I'm so in love with the scarf and purse (both under $40!). The two things I seem to never have enough of and wear all the time year after year is a good crew neck sweater and a great scarf. My scarf game is on point all year long and this one will definitely have to find it's way to my collection.

Closet Purge + Purchases

While my aunt was in town, we tackled my closet and dresser and purged a ton. Some things were easy to toss and other things she had to twist my arm. See all of those pretty bras? Thanks to pregnancy and nursing, they'll never fit again. See ya later C cups, I've moved on to bigger jugs. I totally had to take a break after that drawer, it was really hard to see all those pretties gone. We got rid of everything that didn't fit, was badly pilled, or hadn't been worn in the last year. There's really no need for several cocktail dresses when they only cocktails anyone is drinking around here are the ones my body produces for a baby.

Life is just different now that we have children and although Matt and I have date nights once in a blue moon, I'm not wearing anything fancy. The trips to Vegas have stopped, weddings and bachelorette parties are almost done, and baby showers have started to slow a bit too. It was time to go through my clothing and keep only the items that work with my lifestyle and get a lot of wear (i.e. mostly work stuff). It was awesome having a third person there to help evaluate items and talk about memories with; I remember where I wore something, what I bought it for, if anything special happened in it, etc. I'm totally a sentimental closet hoarder.

Now that my closet was clean and I could see a purpose in my clothes, I made a mental note of the items it was missing or needed to be replaced.

- A dark and a light wash pair of jeans
- Black denim
- A gray and a tan long cardigan
- Black flats
- Some lightweight short sleeve tops for work
- Black blazer
- Every day white tee



Here's some items I've purchased to replace the items I tossed above:
-Tan Cardi
-Gray Cardi (shown in black)
-Black Skinnies
-V Neck Tank
-Light Wash Skinnies

Light Wash Skinnies // Top (Old Navy, not online)

I absolutely love these jeans! I bought them at the regular length so they would hit just above my foot and look good with both flats or heels. They're really comfortable and have a nice tight stretch to them.

This top is perfect to look pulled together and comfortable. It's great for CA weather too, I can wear this all year and the nice plum color is perfect for fall and winter.

V Neck Tank // Tan Cardi // Light Wash Skinnies

So I bought this top thinking it was solid white and apparently didn't bother to read the description or zoom in to see that it's white with oatmeal color dots on it. I don't think I would have ever have bought it or tried it on had I seen it in store, but I'm so happy with it. It was a great surprise. I love how it looks with the cardigan too. I do wish it was available in more solid colors because it fits great and it really thin so it's perfect to layer. 

This is the best inexpensive cardigan! I have it in three colors that I bought last year and they've really washed well. I'm kinda surprised since they're less than $10. Sometimes a win is a win though.

Gray Cardi  // Light Wash Skinnies

I love, love, love both the jeans and the cardigan! The cardi is really soft and I love the length. My only gripe is that it's a woven material that will snag so easily and everywhere. I'm thinking about returning it just for that reason, but it's so cute! Ugh. My heart is torn.  

These skinny jeans are amazing! They are more comfortable than the light wash jeans and are black perfection. They fit like a glove and stretch so well. I love how they fit and can't wait to wear them with some cute booties.

So, that's what I've been up to around here! I donated all the clothes above and I hope that someone will get a lot of wear out of them. They're all in good condition (I threw out anything that was worn out) and some items I was really sad to see go, but if I'm not wearing them someone else should be. It's been a real relief though to purge and it's nice to actually have room in my closet. 

When I've been out shopping, I've kept an eye out for items that will really add to my closet. To choose and try on items that I need and I know will get a lot of wear. I'm trying to stick to just needs and not wants and think about different ways I can style them and picking what will be the most versatile. It can be really hard! Especially with a new season upon us and tons of new trends and styles coming out. I've been strong so far though!

What are you looking to buy this fall? How often do you clean out your closets? 

Maternity Clothes Reviews

One of the things I told myself before I was pregnant, was that my second pregnancy I would buy more clothing. Most of my items are loose and flowy so I didn't have to buy a lot when I was pregnant with Ellie. However, by the end of my pregnancy, I was so sick of the few items that fit me at the end and it was too late to buy new clothes- I just didn't see the point in buying something that would only fit for a month or two. I mentioned in last week's bumpdate about doing a review of what I've bought so far and here it is! I still need to buy a few more items for every day wear and blouses for work, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Maternity Side Panel Pixie Pants

With my first pregnancy, I only bought full panel bottoms and this is my first pair of side-panel pants. The reviews on the pants were really mixed, but I went ahead and bought my regular size. Old Navy offers free returns/exchanges, so it was worth the “risk”. I absolutely love these pants! They are so cute on, fit great, they don’t stretch out, and wash well (I wash inside out in cold water and hang to dry). For me, they fit true to size, some of the reviews were mixed about that. I love the cropped pant leg, it looks great with flats or heels. My only complaint about the pants is that there’s no pockets, but I can live without that. I like these pants so much, I plan on buying a non-maternity pair when I return to work after my maternity leave.

Side Panel Cuffed Denim Shorts

When I was pregnant with Ellie, my mom bought me a cute pair of colored shorts (check them out here) and knowing that I was going to be pregnant all summer long, I had to buy some denim shorts to get me through. A woman from church game me a pair of Bermuda denim shorts in a dark wash, so I bought this pair to have a light wash in a different length. They are pretty comfy, but the first day I wore them literally all day long (from like 9am til 1am) and the seam on the side kind of bugged me by the end of the night. It just rubbed and rubbed and made my skin itch on that side. I’ve worn them since and it hasn’t bothered me, but I’m also haven’t worn them for 12+ hours. These also fit true to size and they have pockets! I like that these don’t have a full panel to them, they feel more like real shorts and are (mostly) comfortable to wear.

Boat Neck Top

I bought this shirt forever ago and it’s easy to just throw it on. It’s runs large, I did have to size down and even when I’m at the end of my pregnancy and I’m huge, it will still fit nicely. I wash it in cold water and hang to dry, but it still has pilled a bit. The description says it’s a sweater, but it’s really thin and will be ok to wear in the summer heat.

Scoop Neck Tee

I love me a good white tee and this one is perfect (white is currently sold out, available only in gray). I bought my regular size, it fits great, washes well, and I like the texturing on the shirt to make it a bit different than a regular t-shirt. My only complaint is that the scoop is a bit lower than I prefer.

Patterned Crepe Top

Initially, I bought the non-maternity version of this shirt, but it wouldn’t be long enough to last my whole pregnancy. I then exchanged it for the maternity version and love it. I actually prefer the hem line over the non-maternity version, pregnant or not. I don’t have very many prints in my closet and I fell in love with the florals on this shirt. It’s so easy to wear with my double pearl earrings (LINK TO ITEM) and I always get compliments any time I wear this top. Definitely a top pick for me!

Rockstar Full Panel Skinny Jeans

Ok, so I bought these when I was pregnant with Ellie, but I’m still wearing them and wanted to include them in my reviews. These pants are so comfortable, I could sleep in them. Plus, they have back pockets, woohoo! They wear and wash well, I swear by them and tell all my preggo girlfriends to check them out. I would definitely order two sizes to see what fits best, they run a bit different than their regular Rockstar jeans (not necessarily bigger or smaller, just different). Old Navy offers free returns/exchanges so it’s a great shop to test out different sizes you don’t find in store.

Striped Boyfriend Shirt

Oh my goodness, this shirt is so terrible. I returned it immediately, but with a sad heart because I really wanted this to fit. When looking through their site, the shirt didn’t appeal to me at first, but when you look at it on their model (LINK TO PIC), it’s adorable! I thought it would be the perfect shirt for work. The sizing is so terribly off though. I realize that this is a “boyfriend” fit, but it looked like I was wearing my husband’s shirt. It totally swallowed me up and I don’t think that sizing down would have done any wonders for it. Also, the collar is really slim/small and the wrong dimension for the shirt. Definitely pass on this baby!

Non-Maternity Items

V-Neck Cami Maxi

This dress is so comfortable and at a great price point- under $20. It comes in four colors and I just chose a color I didn’t already own for a maxi and went with basic black. I ordered my regular size and I think it’s roomy enough that I’ll be able to wear it til the end of my pregnancy and after. There is a slip underneath that will probably ride up, but the black isn’t see through, so I’m not worried about that. I’m really happy with this dress, it’s very easy to wear and just throw on and go. It looks really cute with a jacket or cardigan too.

Tropical Floral Maxi

I wore this dress for Easter and I love the print. I probably will only be able to wear it another two months, it’s not going to last me until the end, but I’ll definitely be able to wear it afterwards. The fabric is sheer and there’s a slip underneath that will ride up and there’s just not enough stretch or fabric to wear the full 9 months. I also bought this dress in my regular size.

Floral Kimono

This one obviously will be worn throughout my pregnancy and after. It runs a bit large, I bought my regular size and I’m happy with the fit, but if they’re out of your size, you can definitely size down and still have it fit right. One of my best girlfriends has a blue floral kimono and I’ve always loved it, she looks so adorable in it and when I saw this one online I immediately added to my cart and checked out.

Layering Tank

Every Target’s maternity section is so different and I really wish they carried more items overall at their store. They had similar white tanks for maternity, but they are always out of my size and it’s so annoying. Instead, I just bought a regular non-maternity long and lean tank in a size larger and I’m happy with it. I didn’t get a chance to compare their maternity vs non-maternity to see how different they were since they were out of a bunch of sizes. When I was pregnant with Ellie, I lived in these tanks, they’re such a staple in my wardrobe to wear under clothes, paired with cardis, or wear alone.

Pic Dump

Here's another post from pics that never made it to the internets, I take them to share with friends and family and some are taken totally for IG purposes, but they were never posted. So today is their day! I'm sure they're all so excited to see the light.

The view from above the bump
Shorts // Sandals // Sunglasses // Polish

I know that children and babies grow every minute, but some days and moments Ellie looks so big to me. When she curls up on the couch with her dolls, when she's telling me about her day, or when she hugs me and gives me pats on the back like I do to her. This moment of her on her belly coloring with her legs crossed just killed me. Why does time go by so quickly?

Shirt // Shorts
Eleanor is so girly and I absolutely love it. I don't know if she'll always be so girly, but I'm reveling in it now. She's obsessed with my makeup and loves to put some on when I'm getting ready.

This kimono is everything. So easy to wear and super comfortable.

Ellie got a little update to her room, the LOVE and bun frames are from Hobby Lobby, the E is from Home Goods, and the mirror is from Kirklands (same one here). We just added the two prints to the wall and the rest we already had in her room. Next up for her is a big girl bed. I'm glad that her nursery wasn't too baby and that it will be an easy to transition as she gets older and her tastes and needs change.

We went on a date with my girlfriend and her son to Chick-Fil-A for the first time and we really enjoyed it! I don't know why we haven't eaten there sooner! The ice cream was a big hit and I'm lucky she wanted to share it with me.

I love this polish shade! It's Sinful Colors Tempest.

The weekend is almost here! I hope the rest of the week goes quickly!

Must-Reads Reunion Post: Spring Trends

Spring is one of the best seasons in my opinion, it’s the pre-season to summer, but it’s not outrageously hot yet. It’s also one of the best times to shop for your warm weather wardrobe, you’ll get the most wear out of your purchases, right at the start of the season. Also, sometimes it’s easier to purchase on a smaller budget scale a new trend to test out before biting the bullet on a more expensive version of the trend.

Two of my favorite trends for spring are trends that seem to be around every year- pastels and florals. I love these two trends! They’re fun, easy to wear, and so versatile. I think they’re great for any age and gender. Pastels and florals are available at every price point and simple to try out in a variety of ways. Sandals, shorts, tops, dresses, and accessories are all ways you can try out a new trend without fully having to commit to it.

Here are some of my favorite pieces I’ve seen for the trend:

Sunglasses // Kimono // Sandals // Lace Dress // Necklace // Mint Shorts // Floral Shorts

A while ago, I used to participate monthly must-read posts with several bloggers and today's post was a reunion one! We haven't posted together in some time now and it was great to to catch up and see where everyone is today. Below is some recent posts from these great gals and you can also check out their favorite spring trends too!

What are your favorite sprint trends?

• Alison*Elle - Alison has been embracing 2015 with a helpful reminder from this love wall.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle discovers her favorite Express camisole comes in a Spring-worthy floral print. 
• Ella Pretty - Zeba was super-excited to get a full page feature in a Canadian magazine!
• Fifth & Bloor -  Mehreen is loving her extremely ripped jeans! She talks about how to style them here.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen just announced Baby #2 and shared some pregnancy updates.
• Schnelle Couture -  Danielle discusses her new hair care finds
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette channeled her inner Betty Draper with this dress for spring

Sandals I'm Loving

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 //

Sandals are staples for me and since I live in the California sun, I get to wear them all year. It's crazy to follow people all over the US and see how drastic the weather can change from one coast to the other. Luck for everyone warm weather is just around the corner and I've been drooling over some sandals I just had to share. As you can see, I'm a fan of neutrals although several of them come in varying colors. #1 in hot pink and green! I'm in love with 1,3, and 7 and have them in my carts ready for check out.