Dressed up

The flirty flare of this dress is perfect for a date night.

Date night? What's that? Ha.

It's easy to style too...which is always a win for me.

I kind of stress over accessories- which actually work for what, etc.

The neckline on this dress means you can skip the necklace and just pop on some statement earrings.

I also threw on some simple bangles and grabbed a clutch.

A clutch? What's that? Haaa.

Can you tell it's been quite a while since I've been out with my husband? :-D

dress | earrings | bangles | clutch | sandal pumps

Dressed down

Grocery store, park, play date or weekend outfit - this dress works for all.

It has an amazing way of hiding that pooch too...

which I very much still have.

(I just started T25, but that's another story for another day. My body hurts ::hehh::)

The dress flares out riiiiight at the perfect spot. 

Grab a hat, huuuuge bag (to tote all that your toddler insists on stuffing in it) and you're good to go. 

dress | denim jacket | hat | handbag | sandals

Dressed for all around

So I threw this little ensemble on at the last minute and...my gosh.
I love it.
Mixing the feminine with the comfy and you've got a winning combo.
Am I right, mamas?
I'm ready to run around and get things done with babe on hip and toddler in tow.
BAM.

dress | shoes | canvas tote

Now, I wouldn't expect this dress to last for more than one or two seasons.
It's $15 and from Old Navy.
However, it's trendy and if you're looking to spend little...
this is the dress for you.

Being Type A & Letting things go

I am a Type A personality.
It's what both drives me and drives me crazy.
Having children throws off my type A groove...and I say that in the most loving way possible. lol.
I don't mean that I'm not happy and thankful to have children, because I am. Love them to death. It just means I have to really take steps to control my anxiety, impatience, high expectations and over-all need to go and do do doooooo.

I feel like I have to get. things. done. Everyday.
Not only that...I have to do them well. Almost perfectly.
It's ridiculous really, ya'll.
Having our first child did help me to slow down...a bit.
I could still pretty much do whatever I wanted or needed to do though. Once you get the hang of it it's relatively easy-ish to tote one babe around.
Now...two?
That's a totally different story.

I have days where I feel like I am trying to swim in quicksand...

and then there are the triumphant, "I CAN do this" days.

I've totally got it down pat and then another day comes and I totally don't have it. At all.

It's really a toss up. ;)

I guess what I'm trying to say with all of this (come on, Cams. Get to the point) is that with two I am really reeeeeally learning the importance of letting things go.
I can't get hung up on the fact that my sink is full of dirty dishes, my floors are filthy, I haven't gotten out of the house in a week and I look like a homeless person.
I have to let it go.
It's simply impossible to tackle it all in one day with two kids!
I have to lower my super high expectations...and it's hard for me.
Really. hard.

However, having to do so is making me a better mother. I can see it.
When I do calm down and let it go...I can breathe, notice more and soak up the small things that I would completely miss if I was running around like a maniac.
It's freeing and I'm much happier!
It's funny and almost doesn't make sense, but I think with each child...I have actually become a more patient person instead of the opposite.
I think that by being forced to get over things I have had to learn to control my anxiety, etc.

I will always be Type A. Ha. That will never change.
However, I hope to be a calmer, more patient version.
My babes deserve it, my husband needs it and most of all...
I will benefit from it.
Honestly, who really enjoys being a crazed maniac that's running around all of the time?
Not me.
I want to enjoy my kids, my husband, my days...life.

Who's with me on this? Are you Type A?

I have soooo many dirty dishes in my kitchen right now.
It's driving me crazyyyy. Haha!

:)

 outfit: sheInside jacket | Old Navy graphic tee | Target jeans | Target belt | DSW Crown Vintage loafer 

I'll be layered for Christmas.

the outfit: fur-collared white coat, Old Navy | plaid scarf, Old Navy | textured open front cardigan, Old Navy | skinny glitter belt, Target | MAMA maternity jeans, H&M | Chamber 14" boot, c/o Hush Puppies 

After yesterday's post I actually got all inspired to lock-down a Christmas day outfit. I think I've finally got it. We're headed to the in-law's house in the country, so this outfit will work great- nothing too fancy shmancy, has a festive quality to it...and it's comfortable (the most important thing). Now, the only trick is getting me out of my even more comfy flannel pajamas that day... ;). It may or may not happen. 

my maternity thanksgiving get-up

THE LOOK: 

textured open front cardi | Old Navy

long-sleeve graphic tee | Old Navy

plaid scarf | Old Navy

MAMA slim jeans | H&M

booties | Old Navy

I'm thankful for non-maternity clothes that still fit on my pregnant bod, even after a huge Thanksgiving dinner. :) Old Navy worked it for me this year...with the over-sized, comfy sweater, soft graphic tee, the perfect plaid scarf and booties (bought last year, fyi). We headed back to my hometown to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my fam and so I knew I had to be comfortable for the car trip...aaaand I didn't want some fussy outfit that I would just want to strip off halfway through the day. This outfit completely worked. Score one for the pregs team.

How was your Thanksgiving holiday??

A ball cap, sweatshirt...& the entire neighborhood parked behind me.

THE LOOK: 

herringbone baseball cap || parc boutique

Maharaja Fringe Strand necklace || Baublebar

crew-neck sweatshirt || Old Navy

polka dot button-up || F21, similar

boyfriend maternity jeans || A Pea In the Pod via Ebay, similar

Chuck Taylors || Converse via Ebay

Yehhhh, I'm pregnant. I got this Old Navy sweatshirt a couple sizes up thinking, "Oh, it'll totally work this entire pregnancy. Totaaaally". Try again, Cams. If my belly grows out any farther, which it's bound to...it's over for this sweatshirt. At least until the bump goes bye bye. Still! I have been able to wear it several times this Fall and have loved it- oober comfy and goes with tons (at least I pretended it did).

Now, let's talk about that hat. Herringbone + ball cap combined. What's not to love? My husband also digs a gal in a baseball cap, so helloooo. Win win. I think he especially loves it when the lady has a big belly to go along with it too. At least, that's the word on the street.

That was just my second outfit post for the week. Whaaaaat? That's some kind of record for me. Maybe I was feeling excited and inspired...and maybe I had a little more energy than usual. Don't get used to it. I am now worn out and will be resuming my usual 1 outfit/week routine. ;)

Peace. Love. Donuts. Really...I'm going to go eat some donuts now.

..................

PS. I did a little blog shoot with a local Charlotte photographer, wearing the same hat and sweatshirt (b/c they're awesome). I wanted to share a couple snaps from our session...

Photos: Lindsay Wynne Photography // You can find the rest of our session on LiM's Facebook page.

If you're looking for a photographer in the Charlotte area, definitely check her out! As you can see, she does lovely work.

double duty handbags

pic//1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Diaper bags are really a necessity when you have babes- or at least a bag with enough room for all of that stuff you need to lug around with you. I just prefer a normal handbag over a real diaper bag- basically, they don't say "oh, hey...I'm a diaper bag". Bleh. No bueno. *two exceptions being Timi & Leslie diaper bags as shown in this old post...and the Lily Jade diaper bag (shown above)

As mamas we already have to run out with crumbly, un-ironed shirts and messy hair on the regular, so shouldn't we at least be able to carry around a stylish bag? I think so!...& yes, you can find one that both looks good and functions as a diaper bag. It's true. Take a look at all of the options I found above- via Lily Jade, Wallis, Billabong, etc. They are all fully capable of holding the diapers, wipes, sippies, snacks, toys, etc etc etc. (aside from the last two that are just for a quick run into the store and such- a one diaper type deal. Ya know.)

The big plus side to having a normal handbag that doubles as a diaper bag, is that you can quickly ditch the baby stuff whenever you manage to head out alone (*gasp*). It's really a win win.

So, ladies...what do you use as a diaper bag?

Bumpin' into Fall.

THE LOOK: 

deer distressed sweater | c/o sheInside

white long-sleeve tee (so comfy)  | c/o Ingrid & Isabel

army green cargo skinnies | A Pea in the Pod, similar

booties | Old Navy, similar

arm candy | Target

We spent all of Sunday at my mother and father in-law's, out in the country. They basically have a farm...and we love it. Moo is in heaven there with all of the animals- baby ducks, chickens, & horses. She busies herself with chasing the chickens, splashing in the ducks' water and things like that...poor animals. They'll be so excited to meet our baby boy! Hehhhhh.

Hey, so...Fall is coming to the Carolinas. It's true. Believe it. Slowly, yet surely. Slowly being the keyword here. We've seen a couple cooler days...meaning it has been low 80's instead of the usual 90+. It was enough of an excuse for me to run out and grab a salted caramel latte, throw open the windows and break out the booties and light sweaters. I mean, a girl can only wait so long! sheesh. 

I didn't get the chance to dress in Fall outfits during my pregnancy with Moo, because the bump didn't make a real appearance until Christmastime. Of course, it made me overly excited about this first layered outfit- the lighter sweater, comfiest long-sleeve tee (ever) and booties...amazing. I didn't burn up completely and start stripping down in front of the fam, so that's a good thing. Those pregnancy hormones are so good at keeping you pretty toasty...at all times. I'll probably continue to stick with lighter layers to make sure that I keep my clothes on. ;)

ps. isn't my husband becoming an awesome photographer??

thredUP used clothing challenge: outfit #5

& this is ThredUP outfit #5.  If you've been following along since Monday, you know all about the awesomeness that is ThredUP and the used clothing challenge I took on with them this week. If not, you can get caught up here, here, here & here. This one may be my favorite outfit of all. I am pretty wary of mixing prints- as in, I never do it because I am too afraid I might mix the wrong prints together. I decided to go big or go home for my last challenge outfit though...and I like it!  I was on the way out the door for coffee with my dear friend (who is about to have her sweet little baby, btw...had to catch her before!). Long chats with her are always enjoyable- and we didn't want to stop this time even though we were both yawning every 5 sec. and it was wayyy past bedtime. Yeh. The best kind of coffee date! Now, let me have an honest moment with all of you... I did not actually wear these shoes...not to coffee here in Charlotte, NC. I slipped into a pair of silver, flat sandals before I left. ha-ha.  Just being honest!
THE LOOK: Old Navy striped top | c/o thredUP J.Crew floral patterned skirt | c/o thredUP Silver, studded high heel sandal | ZARA

ps. there may just be another one of these outfits tomorrow...maaayybeee. I have another fun little styling idea up my sleeve.  

A day in Mayberry.

We spent our Saturday in Mt. Airy, or a.k.a. Mayberry, with the husband's fam- Andy Griffith show anyone? It's the town the show's location was based off of. Cute place!...complete with a real soda bar, vintage-y cars, old movie theater, candy shop and mas. It was quite a day. Moo had two lollipops and no nap. Ha! Surprisingly there was no sugar crash breakdown. ;)
How was your weekend, lovey? 
THE OUTFIT: Old Navy chambray shirt dress Target sandals Target arm party Nordstrom Rack sunnies

5 Summer Style Staples

So...I started to think about what I actually pulled out of my closet to wear on the regular last summer- it surprised me how many times I wore the same things. It wasn't because I had severe style block or disliked my options...I just felt really good in those particular staples, so naturally I kept putting them back on day after day (I would just try to mix it up a bit by adding a different top, accessory or shoe).
Having those go-to items in your closet is like having a solid foundation- you can work your style up from them. Yeh, you're wearing the same chino shorts from yesterday, but today you wore them differently by adding a statement bauble and wedges. Ya catchin' my drift? I've put together my own little list of Summer Style Staples- they're the things I have realized I can't style without during those hot summer months. Maybe it'll help you to get more bang out of your summer wardrobe!

1. Yeh, those long-ish (not to be confused with mom shorts) shorts- comfy, forgiving and let's not forget cooooool. I found some at J.Crew (duh), Old Navy and  ASOS. You can even try cuffing them...if you're feeling a bit more dangerous than usual. 
2. Oh, Jack Rogers. I was skeptical at first, but you quickly made me believe. Ha. I do love them. I've found that they really are versatile- whether you're wearing shorts and tee or dressing it up a bit more with a  dress or skirt...Jacks do not disappoint. Yeh, you do spend a little bit of change on them, but it's worth it. They're comfy and sturdy. Mine are a year old and still going strong.
3. Maxi dresses. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles...which is awesome. It means no matter what body type or style you are, you are sure to find one that fits you well. FYI: the dress above...I have been stalking it for months waiting for it to be re-stocked. I must have eeeet. ps. this style would work on a mama-to-be! Here are some other options as well- Piperlime, GAP & ASOS.
4. A cross body bag is a lifesaver- for mamas and anyone on-the-go really. You'll want one that has a bit of room for all of the essentials...the teeny cell-phone size ones don't work (for me anyways). I still use the Target one I got about 3 years ago...love it. You'll find some here, here & here. 
5. My obsession with stripes may be why a striped top is included on this list. Maybe. They are that perfect summer top though! You can pair it with floral, dotted and even striped bottoms. I've worn mine with jean shorts, chinos, skirts and...I mean...anything. It's an essential. Found at: J.Crew, GAP and LOFT.
..& there you have it. If you have any other Summer staples, please do share! I'd like to hear...and I'm sure others would as well :). 
* don't miss out on the Lily Dawson Designs giveaway. Ends today.

smokey mountain memories...

Oooo adventures. The husband and I had a few this weekend in the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN! Ever been there, by chance? We had a ton of fun- even with the unending rain. I love doing something out of the ordinary, going somewhere we've never been...it can be such an unforgettable time. It makes me feel so adventurous and spontaneous (which isn't usually me at all. haha).  
So ... fun story time!...I made the trip even more adventurous by accidentally dropping my iPhone into the potty (woops). So fun. We jumped into the minivan in the rain, drove throughout the entire little town looking for rice (which actually does work to fix a waterlogged phone, btw)...and we finally found a grocery store...only about 30 min later. We were joking, laughing and flirting it up the entire time. It really is times like these that make life so so sweet- and marriage too, actually :). 
Oh, and yes...my phone was promptly stuffed into that bag of rice until it came back to life. Thank goodness for money saving tricks like that!...and for husbands who remain very stubborn until something is fixed. 
Hoping your weekend was lovely...and maybe adventurous? 
THE OUTFIT:  ae cardi J.Crew floral tee, clearance clearance ;) Caroline G. bauble c/o Puravida + Shashi bracelets Target cross-body bag Joe's Jeans outlet ankle jeans Old Navy ankle booties
*don't miss the current giveaway c/o of Lily Dawson Designs- here.