FF–Nursery Edition

 

Happy Friday everybody!

Since my maternity outfits haven’t been too too exiting lately, I thought I would stay in the fashion realm, while giving you a sneak peak of our nursery ideas.

We are still waiting to find out the sex (this coming Wednesday!) to officially start painting,  plotting and planning, but here is our jumping off point with lots of Pinterest ideas and Etsy prints (as you know, two of my favorites!).

 

 

It is a pretty gender neutral nursery that can be used for baby #1 and hopefully baby #2 (whenever that time comes) without much change.  I love the calming colors and fun prints. 

I created this design board in Microsoft Publisher and loved how it came out.  Of course, our first priority will be using what we have around the house and refurbishing to make it fit in the room, but this gives you the gist of our plan!

What do you think?

FF–Ruffles

 

Today’s Fashionable Friday is all about ruffles (and I don’t mean the potato chips)!

A great way to disguise a growing bump (in the transitional phase) or just a bloated morning is…you guessed it…ruffles!

 

 

 

The texture and visual interest ruffles lend to an outfit is priceless, especially around the tummy area.  Darker colors are also key!

My friends at work couldn’t believe it yesterday when I told them this shirt was maternity – they loved it (Thanks Chrissey)!

 

 

Ruching near the stomach area is also a great tummy hiding trick, especially when talking bathing suits!

 

Happy Friday!

FF–The Cover Up

 

Happy Friday everyone!

I will tell you that my “Fashionable Fridays” are becoming a bit harder with a growing bump.  I am still in the transition period from regular clothing to maternity which can be frustrating at times.

Every morning I am trying to be creative with what I have while still maintaining the need for comfort and style.  The outfit below was my latest attempt – using my bathing suit cover up as a tunic! 

I paired it with a black camisole underneath and ended up loving the look.  The cover up is gauzy which is nice and cool and very long which covers a lot of my growing midsection.  While I have found that dressing the bump is all about “smoke and mirrors” - this will definitely be a new staple for the fall (and will look adorable with a comfy pair of leggings,too)!

 

New use: Tunic

 

Old Use: Bathing Suit Cover-Up

 

I have also been using an elastic hair tie to extend the life of my colored denim.  These are obviously not maternity jeans, but still fit everywhere else but the stomach – so I figured I would give this “waistband extender” method a try.

 

This technique worked great  and will definitely be used a few more times before I head full steam into regular maternity clothing!

 

T G I F !

FF: High-Low

 

Happy Fashionable Friday!

Today’s post is all about the “high-low” skirt/dress trend that was big this summer and is trickling into fall.  I have to admit that I wasn’t totally into it at first and thought of it more like a “mullet” design– you know; business in the front, party in the back?

But…after a few misses in the dressing room with high/low dresses (some versions are just way to short in the front), I found this skirt.  The flirty hemline is just.plain.fun and the plum color makes it a little bit more dramatic.  I love the way the skirt moves when I walk and the unique nature of it always seems to draw compliments.

 

 

The best news?  It is from Target (inexpensive), is made of a jersey knit (comfy) and has an elastic waist (I can wear it for a little while longer)!

Sounds like a winner to me.  Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone this fall.  Try new things and take a risk!

 

If you are new to this trend, here are a few other examples I found at www.polyvore.com.  Love these combos! :

 

 

 

 

 

T  G  I  F  !

FF– In Between

 

Having recently started my second trimester (crazy that I am already that far along!) I am at a bit of a crossroads.  Some days I hear how big my bump is getting and the next day I am told that I don’t look pregnant at all – it’s so crazy! 

My regular clothes are not really fitting…a little tight and un-comfy while at the same time, my bump is not quite ready for maternity clothes yet.

So, what is a girl (on a budget) to do?

Get creative and hang on for a few more weeks!

 

Front view – no bump.

 

Side view – bump.

(I know mom – I should stand up straight…look at the difference!)

Tips:

• Loose fitting dresses, wrap dresses that are adjustable and elastic waist skirts are my best friends at the moment!
• Wear braided belts (easily adjustable) above your bump. This accentuates the smallest part of your waist (while you still have one) and adds a bit of definition to an otherwise boxy dress.
• Busy, busy, busy patterns!  This is a great way to play tricks on the eyes and is very flattering.  This tip helps to present an overall look instead of just focusing on your growing areas (in the transition stages).
• Stretchy fabrics – they are comfortable.  Period.

 

Have a great LONG weekend everybody!

FF–Room to Grow

 

When going to back to school shopping this year I didn’t know what pieces I wanted to add to my wardrobe that would be functional (serving double duty in both fall and winter) and comfortable (walking, standing, sitting and bending down to 6 year olds all day). 

I was at a loss for a few days, but then it hit me…

why not make it one of my favorites: 

The Wrap Dress

 

I found two funky prints at Ross – each for $17 and jumped at the chance.  Wrap dresses gather at the waist and accentuate the smallest part of a person’s body.  Actually, they almost feel like nightgowns . 

Wrap dresses are also great with a scarf, a pair of leggings and boots for the colder weather months. A perfect investment in my opinion.

But, if you want to know the real reason I chose the wrap dress? They provide ample room to grow. 

Why you might ask? 

Because Grocery Lane is expanding.  Literally.  In the stomach region.  For the next 6 months.

 

 

Yep … you guessed it …

WE’RE EXPECTING!!!!

Due date:  2/18/13

 

FF - Colored Denim

 

Happy Fashionable Friday everyone!  Today we’re going to taste the rainbow with colored denim, one of my favorite new trends.

 

 

Colored denim has become a mega trend this year with emphasis on the spring and summer seasons.  I have been loving the look of these candy colored jeans (also in pastels) for a while now and decided yesterday to go ahead and bite the bullet.

Colored denim can be found everywhere these days: Forever 21, Old Navy, Gap and Macy’s just to name a few, but I found mine (on sale of course) at Target for $12.99!  Yesss!

These turquois jewel toned skinny jeans are bright and fun for the end of summer and beginning of the school year paired with sandals – they will be perfect for teaching – but will also transition into fall perfectly by adding some boots and richer colors.

 

 

On sale, double duty, and work appropriate – sign me up!

Have a great weekend and happy shopping!

Comfort Zone

 

Today’s post is a bit of a silly one, but I couldn’t resist. 

I have to say that I am a pretty organized person, I like routine and love to plan.  I don’t get bent out of shape if we don’t always go by the plan, but I love to have one just in case we need one.  In general, like most people, I like to be in my comfort zone.

Well, today I stepped out of my comfort zone just a bit and it felt really great!

I have been looking at these adorable fedora style hats for a while now and have wanted one, but didn’t think I could pull it off.  I would always think, that hat is so cute, but it would look ridiculous on me!

 

 

Well, as I was back to school shopping in Target today (yes, teachers go back to school clothes shopping, too) I saw these little gems; and again, fell in love with the look of them.

 

Then I saw this clearance tag.  It had to have been a sign from above.

I hardly ever pay full price for anything, which besides the ridiculousness comments going on in my head, was a contributing factor into not purchasing a hat before today.

Soooo, I thought, why not, I’ll try it on. 

 

 

I loved it!

Even better…I loved the price!  $3.88.  Score!

 

 

I wore it around the store for a couple of minutes and made sure I walked by a few mirrors and I had the same internal response each time.  I loved it.

 

 

Feeling daring (I know, it is just a hat, but it was a big deal for me) I put it on as soon as I got in my car and drove with it on the rest of the day. It didn’t match the rest of my outfit or I would have worn it while running the rest of my errands.

I felt awesome for going a bit out of my comfort zone – Mike would be so proud, he loves to push me out of my comfort zone- and was almost like breaking my own rules.  Nobody else knew what a big deal it was for me, but I did.

If you haven’t done something lately to get out of your ordinary routines or comfort zone, I encourage you to.  It can be something as small as wearing a silly hat, or something monumental that has been on your wish list for a while. 

Life is short – take some risks! 

FF–The Racerback

 

I don’t know if it is all of the U.S. Olympic Swimming trials that I have been watching this week, or what, but I am currently loving the shape of racerback tank tops.

The shape of a racerback was originally crafted for competitive swimwear to provide flexibility and movement of the arms during swimming, but has adapted into tanks, camis and workout wear.

***please excuse the hair in these pictures, this photo shoot happened post workout…eek!

 

Sequin Racerback $19.99 (on sale) – Marshalls

 

Reasons why I love them:

• It shows off shoulders and shoulder blades beautifully (assuming you like those assets).  If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
• The front looks like a normal tank top, but the back has more visual interest and gives off a sexy yet athletic vibe (I love that combo).
• You don’t have to worry about straps falling down!
• They are just as inexpensive as other tank tops. 

 

Racerback styles aren’t for everybody (just like halter tops aren’t for me), however if you find one you love from the front, but don’t like the back, don’t fret, just put a cardigan on and you’re all set! (didn’t really mean to rhyme right there, but it’s kind of fun!)

 

Lace Racerback $12.99 – Marshalls

 

Tribal Racerback  $9.99 – Ross

 

Black Ribbed Racerback $4 – Walmart

 

Have a great weekend!

FF–Neon and Neutral

 

 

I must say that until yesterday it has taken me a while to get on the neon bandwagon. I wasn’t so sure before, but after trying on a few things yesterday I love the loudness the neon vibe gives off.  I found this fluorescent yellowish chartreuse V-neck Target and had to add it to my collection (I have about 10 different colors of the same shirt = love). 

I didn’t quite know how or what to wear with fluorescent colors until I did a little research and found out that neon and neutrals, mainly khaki and gray, are apparently all the rage.

 

 

I love the way the neon brightens up blah shorts and adds a pop of color under an otherwise muted sweater.  I can’t wait to play around and find more combinations.

 

PS-  T G I F !

PPS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!

FF–The Maxi

 

max·i

n. pl. max·is

A long skirt, coat, or dress that usually extends to or just past the ankles.

(shortened from the word maximum)

 

Maxi Dress via Marshalls

 

Maxis are everywhere these days.  I wasn’t sold on them at first, but I do own one maxi dress and one maxi skirt, and have come to really like their versatility.  These long, billowing dresses or skirts are comfortable and low key while still being stylish,sexy and feminine.

They were popular in the 70s, but are no longer a tent of polyester fabric.  Today's designers use cotton and other fine fabrics, which keep the wearer feeling cool and breezy, even on the hottest of days.

Modern maxi dresses also offer a much more flattering fit, and are great for hiding problem areas on days that you don’t quite feel your best.  It’s almost like wearing a hat on a bad hair day.

They are great for running errands in the daytime, wearing as a beach cover-up or dressing it up for a night out on the town.  The best part?  They are so comfortable…it’s almost like wearing a nightgown!

 

Maxi Skirt via Old Navy

 

TGIF!

FF - Ikat

 

According to Wikipedia, Ikat, or Ikkat, is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process… whatever that means. 

I don’t fully understand the process, but I do know that Ikat is everywhere these days, from textiles, to housewares to ceramics, and I love the patterns that are created. 

These are just a few things I saw while shopping at World Market yesterday.  It was all over the store!  

 

 

I have had these Ikat shorts for about a year. I bought them on sale at Ann Taylor Loft and have not given them the love they deserve!

Dressed up for a night out, or down for a day of shopping, these shorts are classy without being too trendy, unique,  and fun.

 

Inspiration photos from J Crew, Calypso St. Barth (via Polyvore.com) and Ann Taylor Loft.  Ikat shorts are available and in stock at Gap, however these versions above have since sold out, or are out of stock at the previously mentioned stores.

 

TGIF!

FF–Orange and Black

 

It’s not just for Halloween anymore!

 

This  color combination is one of my current faves.  It’s clean, sharp and looks great with a little bit of khaki and white mixed in.  Play around and try it today!

TGIF!

FF: S-P-I-R-I-T

 

It is no secret that I love sports.  Playing, competing in, and watching, I love it all. 

With March Madness currently taking up a lot of our time, I thought it would be fun to do a post for those readers out there who love to show their team spirit, without looking frumpy.  Who said tailgating couldn’t be fashionable?

--if you are not a Gator, Badger or Packer fan, I apologize.  Just imagine your favorite team colors instead.

Here are some tips:

• Logo tees are always fun, but go for a more fitted look.  Most team stores have women's selections which are usually more fashionable than the men's.  Old Navy has a great selection of trendy yet comfy logo shirts.
• When shopping for solid color items (tanks/tees, scarves, belts, cardigans, camisoles) always look for your favorite team colors.  You will be so thankful you have them when it’s time to pick an outfit for a watching party!
• Look for prints in your team color(s), or one team color combined with white.
• Shoes can add another dimension to your outfit:  I have green slip-ons for Green Bay Packer parties, orange sandals for Gator games and black flip flops for Badger outfits.
• NCAA, NFL, MLB, etc. licensed merchandise can be expensive, especially if you buy at the stadium.  Instead, shop online after the specific sports season ends for great deals and save your purchases for the next year. Discount clothing stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross also have great team clothing selections.
• Don’t forget the accessories!  Finding jewelry , specifically statement earrings and necklaces, in your favorite team(s) colors can add a pop of color without being overbearing.

 

Look #1:   Logo t-shirts- just.plain.fun.

 

 

 

 

Look #2:  Solids-   tank tops, dresses, scarves, belts, cardigans

 

 

Look #3:  Prints:  stripes, polka dots

 

G o G a t o r s!

Elite 8 Baby!

FF–Sequins

 

I love sparkle, glitter and everything shimmery!  This black sequined tank top has become one of my staples and is actually very versatile.  I bought this particular top (Marshalls on clearance) for New Years Eve and have worn it many times either solo with a pair of jeans and heels or under a blazer/cardigan with black dress pants. 

The following pictures are from our date night this week and I loved how it came together.  This combo was just dressy enough to feel sassy while still casual enough for a mid week outing. 

 

Look #1:  Belt over cardigan.

 

Look #2:  Belt under cardigan.

 

Look #3:  No cardigan.  I liked this look the best, but because of the non-stop A/C in all of the restaurants in Florida, the cardigan was necessary!

 

Whether you are 18 or 80, sequins are great for all ages and dressed up or down, they are appropriate for almost all occasions. 

Get sequined and feel sassy – you deserve it!

FF–Inspiration

 

My brain works in mysterious ways.  When wardrobe planning, most people use pictures from magazines of other wardrobes as inspiration photos.  Not me, apparently.   I use fabrics, flowers and home décor. 

As I was perusing Pinterest a few days ago, I just randomly typed in the word orange, which happens to be my favorite color these days, in the search query. 

Some of the most interesting and quirky color combinations came up using all sorts of different shades of purple and orange together.  I never would have voluntarily put those two colors together, but loved how striking they were in the photos. 

 

 

So, I thought, if it works for décor, why not clothing? 

The result? 

 

 

I loved it!  This classy yet casual combination is probably one of my favorite outfits that I have come up with this (school) year and had so many compliments when I wore it to work.  Sometimes the most quirky combos are the most striking!

What inspires you?

 

Have a great weekend!

 

P.S. – Happy Birthday Dad!