Hawaiian Tropic Apparel

Well, we are back from Kauai and had such an amazing trip!  I will be sharing a few posts on the things we did, products I used while there, and things we learned so you can learn from our mistakes! haha!  First off, I planned to take this Hawaiian Tropic Apparel cover-up with me to Hawaii- the first chance I would have to wear it this year, and I am so glad I did!

(Pictured on the left in the middle)

The best place I found to wear it was on the beach.  It came in really handy this day because my hips had gotten really sunburned the day before and I didn't want to wear any shorts or even have them in the sun.  This cover-up covered the exact places I needed it to that day while still leaving my top exposed enough to be cool and catch some more rays, along with showing my cute tankini.  It was super stretchy and comfortable and I totally recommend them if you are wanting a cover-up like this for summer.

You can shop their collection here:  http://hawaiiantropicapparel.com/

Rainy Spring Days

We have had QUITE the rainy Spring here and Utah, and thanks to some really cute and comfortable rain-wear, I haven't complained a single time about it!  I always cook things that my mom used to cook on rainy days since it reminds me of home.  This last week I made no-bake cookies and chicken and broccoli casserole :)

Rainjacket: Helly Hansen, Boots: Joules, Leather Bucket-Bag: The Sak, Jeans: Rock and Republic, Half-zip Jacket: Upsessive

Hawaii Packing List

We leave for Hawaii soon so I thought I'd share what's in my suitcase- I am sure I'll be updating this post when we get back...

Faves of Fall Fashion

In my opinion Fall is the easiest time of year to put a cute outfit together- mainly because the weather is so perfect and predictable for the most part.  This year I am really excited to start dressing for cooler temps because I bought a few pieces I have been wanting for years.  Here are my favorite trends and pieces this year:

1. Vests:

My Top Ten Winter Essentials

You guys, it is supposed to maybe snow this week...SNOW!  Ugh, the dreaded Utah winter is upon us and it is never something I look forward to.  Luckily it begins with the holidays, which is most definitely the most wonderful time of the year...then drags on for another couple months.  So, today I am sharing the little things that help get me through it.

1. Cute boots

Just bought myself some really cute ones at Target:

2. Cozy, warm scarves

The bigger the better- almost like carrying around a small blanket at all times.

3. Cetaphil

I love Cetaphil because it is so gentle and fragrance-free- because I am just lathering the stuff on ALL winter long, and I can use it with my babies.  AND it doesn't clash with any perfume.  Right now I've been loving their Restoraderm line and also the moisturizing cream.

4. Chapstick

I HATE wearing lipstick or lipgloss- so ChapStick is the answer when I want something a little bit more special than just vaseline.  They just came out with Total Hydration and I can't believe the difference it makes, even if I just apply it once each day. I am not a big chapstick person so applying more than once doesn't happen that often for me- so this stuff is perfect.  They come in 3 flavors and you can get them at Target.

5. Fingerless gloves

I really don't like the way gloves limit me in all sorts of ways, but driving without gloves is NOT fun (or doing a photoshoot outside) so fingerless is the answer and I LOVE my wool ones- they keep me so warm.  Got them at REI

6. Inka Coffee Substitute (non-coffee drink)

Since I don't drink coffee I am always looking for substitutes.  This is by far my favorite!  I buy it in bulk at My World Hut.

7. Cozy, warm coats

I love the look of a structured Pea Coat in the winter- all colors and lengths.  Something about putting on a pea coat and boots makes me feel so put together :) here is a cute one at Macy's

8. Long, warm socks

This doesn't need any explaining!  The softer the better too!

9. Heated blankets

The only bad thing about having heated blankets in your home is you will want to sit on the couch wrapped up in it all day..here is an affordable option at Shopko

10. A Treadmill

This is one thing I do not have yet, but may be on my Christmas/Birthday list this year (or maybe my husband's)  But, I love being able to get the blood flowing in the winter- for the many many reasons exercise is good for you, and on the treadmill with some Bachelor episodes to watch sounds pretty perfect to me :)  This one is definitely one I would love to have:

...speaking of The Bachelor- one of my friends was actually casted this year!  I am sure I'll be sharing my opinions of it here on the blog since I'll be more excited about it than usual and will have a little more insight into the show!  Stay tuned...



***Disclosure: The ChapStick® product and information have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Clothes I'm Crushing

So I just have to say that I am SUPER grateful to be pregnant.  But, I am SO not a happy pregnant person.  I can't wait to fit into normal clothes again!!  Here are a few things I've been wanting to wear right now:

Looks I'm Loving

Right now I am obsessed with big comfy tops- including sweaters.  Probably because that is my favorite thing to wear when I'm pregnant...and some comfy leggings or other bottoms.  Yes, I know leggings aren't really pants, but you know what?  When you are pregnant you are allowed to wear whatever the heck you want!  :)

Dressing The Baby Bump

So, I have a little story about maternity clothing...this pregnancy has by far been the hardest for me.  I have been feeling nauseous most of the time (and I am 22 weeks!) and the only way I feel good is if I keep eating ALL THE TIME.  It is super annoying because I still don't feel great that way and have gained more weight than with the last 2 pregnancies.  I can't complain too much because I am just really grateful to be pregnant and to have pretty easy pregnancies.  But, this is becoming a problem when I try to get dressed in the maternity clothing I have already had that is fitting me like I am 7 months pregnant. 

So, the other day I was trying to put a cute outfit together for a date with my husband and thought I had found a pretty cute and pretty flattering outfit.  Then, the Fed Ex guy surprised me with a package from Miccimo.  It was like Christmas- I went in my room and pulled out all of the goodies they sent and put everything on.  One after the other I was shocked at how much better their clothing fit and looked than the "cute" outfit I had just spent 15 minutes putting together.  I even kept the dress on that they had sent for an hour so that I could show my husband how cute it made my awkward body look. 

Miccimo KNOWS pregnant bodies.  They are SO good at dressing them- trust me.  So, I hate to even show you my awkward fashion blog pictures I attempted, because they really don't do the clothing justice.  I am still trying to get the posing thing down- you'd think I would be good at that since I'm a photographer, but I am just not good at posing myself.  These are three pieces they sent that worked well together. 

The blazer is so comfortable and works well with almost anything.  You can wear it open or close the clasp in the middle:

7 Maternity Must-Haves

1. Skinny Belt

A skinny belt can make all the difference in shape- especially when you are in that 2nd trimester awkward stage and people aren't sure if you are pregnant or if you've just packed on the pounds :)

Fall Fashion

Yay!  Its finally getting cold enough that boots and baggy sweaters are almost wearable!!!!  What is it about Fall style that I am so obsessed with?  I don't know, but here are the looks I am going crazy over right now:

Plaids & Flannels!

Right now I am obsessed with plaids and flannels!  If you saw what I wore everyday you might think I was a lumberjack or maybe Scottish.  I feel like one living out here so far from the city and in single digit temperatures!

Unexpected Winter Layers

Happy Monday!  I noticed that I hadn't done any fashion posts in a long time, so I thought I would share what I have been loving lately - LAYERS!  Anything that is loose and flowy or a fun print like flannel to poke out of big, comfy sweaters, cute jackets, or pretty winter coats.  And, the more layers the better!  Add a scarf, skinnies, and boots and you are set to brave the worst of storms or peel off the layers for warmer days like we've been having here in Salt Lake.

All image credits can be found here

Favorite Summer Pieces

What have you been wearing all summer?  This summer has been much different from last for me- especially when it comes to my wardrobe.  The whole not-being-pregnant thing gives me so many more options. :)  Here is what I have been going back to again and again this summer for my casual mom-on-the go look:

My white skinny Bermudas (chopped off AE cropped jeans)

My R&R Victoria Beckham jeans that I added lace to in the torn knee

My v-neck boyfriend tees from Target

AE flip flops

Cropped tees

(here are some that I love but don't own)

striped tee

lace tee

Layered Bracelets:

 these are from Forever 21

Big Earrings:

Rachael Ryen


White watches:

image

Accesorizing

Lately I have been trying to be better about accessorizing my typical jeans and a t-shirt wardrobe.  I bought a couple of bracelets at Forever 21 that I have been wearing almost every day, and just a few days ago I splurged on a bib necklace that I have been eyeing for over a year now...

 images

I bought the turquoise one, and now I am just patiently waiting and planning all the cute clothes I will be dressing it up with.  What's your favorite outfit to wear a statement necklace with?

Southern Belle?

I was just talking to my mom today about how excited I am for the new season of The Bachelorette and how I loved Emily from the previous season of The Bachelor...and how she is just a sweet, polite Southern Belle.  Which also gets me thinking about the derby, and I stumbled on this outfit on Brown Eyed Belle and had to share:

Now if THAT doesn't make you want to be a Southern Belle I don't know what would...

Happy Friday!

Easter

I realized that I hadn't posted anything about Easter! And this is probably my favorite time of year! So, here's a late Happy Easter!

Here are those cute seersucker outfits I was telling you about- thanks Mom!