shorter & shorter

The bigger my belly got, the shorter & shorter this dress became...(evidenced here). Let's discuss something else that got shorter while I was pregnant: my hair.

Back story: I had spent more than a decade growing out my hair (high school through college and after graduation) after a disastrous few hair cuts in 2005. So, my hair was long and fine and blonde-ish, but LONG.

However, in February of 2016, I chopped off several inches of my hair. And it was okay. But about a month before the baby was born, I got the great idea to cut my hair even shorter. I figured I would have time to figure out how to do it before the baby arrived. It was a cute, short, textured lob for the cool mom I hoped to be.

Can you guess where this is going?

I successfully styled it a few times before the baby was born, then spent my first few months as a new mom wishing I hadn't cut it off . So, I've been growing it out ever since.

My advice to all moms-to-be: DO NOT make a drastic change to your hair before the baby arrives! Don't do it after the baby arrives, either (wait at least six months)! Your baby doesn't care what your hair looks like, but knowing how to do it with a go-to styling routine will help you to feel put together in those first few days/weeks/months of being a new & sleep-deprived mom. Trust me on this one.

dress: c/o PinkBlush Maternity, however, all opinions are my own

sandals: Target

necklace: WalMart

bracelet: Kohl's

flattering a mama-to-be

Oh, look! Another old maternity look! That's almost two years old! (YIKES!)

This is just a plain black dress, but the cut & fit helped to help make a new almost-mama feel pretty. Also, black is #treschic. And also one of my favorite colors. The best way to dress up a plain dress or outfit? JEWELRY. I played a lot with my jewelry when the number of options in my closet kept shrinking...sometimes a fancy necklace is where it's at (or, a "pretty," as my daughter & I call it).

dress: thrifted

sandals: Target

necklace: WalMart

bracelets: Kohl's

taking it waaay back

Let's take a trip back, shall we?

Waaaay back, to a pregnant belly, shorter hair, and the porch of our old house.

I was almost done being pregnant at this point and comfort was key - so, a flowy maxi dress with lots of room it was. I just love the colors on this dress. I even wore it postpartum to a friend's wedding (the grandparents kept the babe upstairs at the hotel while the husband and I danced the night away) - it's also nursing-friendly, if that is something that interests you.

So glad to be back!

long time no see, huh?

Hellooooooo!

*echo echo*

Hi. I'm Annie. The one in charge of this style blog (that has sat, neglected, for a YEAR AND A HALF) in this little corner of the interwebs.

Remember me? I know - I've missed you, too. And I've missed blogging. A LOT.

BUT...

I've had some other things on my mind.

And my time.

And my heart.

And my hands.

1. We had our baby! She arrived in the early summer of 2016. She was born, and our whole lives changed (some parts, instantly. Other parts, not so instantly. Keep reading...). She's getting so big, and busy, and sassy, and we just love her. I (gently) squeeze her and kiss her all day long. Also, tickles and hugs and kisses consume much of my day.

2. We moved! We sold our first home (the one I loved and never wanted to leave), moved in with family for a few weeks, then bought a new home. I love our new home, too, don't worry - but our first house holds a special place in my heart.

We also left some great friends & a great town that we both loved. Where we live now has its perks, of course, but I have yet to find my favorite local breakfast spot...

3. I left my job, and got THREE new ones!

A. a mama (this is my most challenging job)

B. property manager

C. personal assistant

(I do all 3 from home, which is wonderful! Yet challenging, as I'm sure any other work-at-home-mom can attest).

4. My husband had a career change! Hence, the move. *see item 2*

5. I naively thought I would have lots of free time to blog and play catch-up on things while the babe was a newborn. That was NOT the case. 1, because I couldn't get her to nap for very long, and 2, because we moved when she was 2 months old. That ate up a lot of my maternity leave. As well as the everyday responsibilities that come with being a homemaker, a homeowner, and a mother. *see items 1 & 3*

6. I had a hard time shedding the baby weight - I got pretty close and then STALLED for several months. So, not a lot of my closet fit for quite a while. That didn’t really get me excited to share my outfits, or share that size/shape on the internet.

A. HOWEVER - I still have SEVERAL old maternity looks to share with you (*hangs head in shame*).

B. I've been working really hard to get rid of this baby weight and gain some muscle. So, outfits will be forthcoming...sometime...soon-ish.

C. I have home improvement projects to share (some from our old house...so, a bit dated, but we're still very proud of the results).

So, there you have it. That's my absence, explained. Ta da!

Looking forward to reconnecting with you all again! 

Annie Bananie

to be continued

Hello! I haven't forgotten about this little blog - just experiencing a lot of change, all at once. I also thought I'd have more time than I currently do while the baby sleeps - not the case. I'll be back this fall - thanks for sticking around til then!

the fringe vest makes another appearance

The fringe vest makes another appearance! Aided by the colorful help of a purple dress from a sweet friend. I wore this on a date (our last as a twosome!) to dinner and a movie. We FINALLY saw Deadpool, you guys. Only a few months late...but it was good! Really funny. And I heart Ryan Reynolds.

But, when you're closing in your due date, you wear what fits and accessorize as best you can. Enter fringe vest. Layered over a sun dress. Ta da!

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

formulas and recipes

Here's an outfit I'd wear again, not pregnant. I'd change a few things, though - no maternity top or jeans. Instead, I'd choose my regular skinnies + a favorite gray v-neck. Pair it with the same jacket, scarf and accessories, and this is one of those easy outfit formulas that can be repeated while gestating or not.

What's your go-to outfit "formula" or "recipe" lately?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

room to grow

Not my most flattering dress, look, or phase of life, but this dress fits over the bump (with a little room to spare!). So, wear it I shall.

I found it at a consignment shop with my Mama when I was about 20 weeks - she kept telling me to get clothing that was big, because I'd need the room. I couldn't quite wrap my head about how big my bump would get with this little babe, but, she was right (as she usually is). I'm glad I listened and brought home this short-sleeve chambray dress, even if it's pretty shapeless and not my most flattering piece of clothing (or item of chambray).

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

blue Monday

We're getting closer and closer to meeting our new addition! Tough to say when, because, I'm not sure if you know this, but babies don't arrive on our schedules or time tables. Nor do they provide an ETA.

I've heard I better get used to it - my schedule will no longer be my own. That is proving to be pretty tough for this planner, list-maker, and scheduler. BUT, all for a good reason, my friends! I'm working (best I can, anyways) at being better at "going with the flow" and increasing my ability to adapt and be flexible - we'll see how I handle rolling with a newborn!

That being said, comfort is key lately, and I don't anticipate that going away after the baby arrives. So, a stretchy maxi skirt and soft shirt paired with easy accessories in the form of a denim jacket, beaded necklace and sandals were perfect for this "blue Monday" ;)

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

on repeat

You've seen this dress before - several times recently (here and here). I just dig it, you guys. A stretchy, comfortable, and flattering dress that's affordable and is basic enough to go with almost everything, yet has a fun print that keeps it from looking drab and dull. What's not to love?

If it's not TOO stretched out, it is definitely going to become a part of my regular rotation. And if it is too stretched out to pass as a regular clothing item, then it will get stored with the rest of my maternity clothes once the baby arrives for the next time.

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

milestones

Today marks a special day - it's our four year wedding anniversary. Four years ago today we were getting ready to walk down the aisle, say our "I Do"s and celebrate with friends and family. Flash forward to today and we're getting ready to welcome our first little babe into the world and our little family. Seems fitting, yes? We didn't plan it that way, promise - just happened to happily work out that way.

So, on this anniversary, to my husband: "I love you. Thanks. For everything. For making me breakfast, for cooking the bacon extra crispy. for loving our pup, for loving me, for loving our little babe, for all the nice things you do for me and for us. For being funny and my best friend. For putting up with me. Love you long time."

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

thoughts on Memorial Day, comfort, and weather

Did everyone have a nice long weekend? It's such a great way to start off the summer - with a holiday weekend. But the end of the summer is a little harder to take, I think - another holiday weekend to mark the end of a season of outdoor fun and sunshine. Can't a Colorado summer last forever?

However, the real reason for the three-day weekend is not to celebrate the start of summer or to get started on lawn work - it's to remember those who have passed while defending our freedom. Hope everyone remembered to thank a veteran and fly those American flags high and proud.

Switching gears, here's a casual outfit I wore recently. I've reached the point where pants are pretty uncomfortable, so this is one of my last looks to share with pants. Instead, i'm opting for dresses and skirts. And when I'm at home, the Mr.'s gym shorts, boxers and t-shirts (his side of the closet has become a treasure trove of comfortable clothing options).

This general uncomfortable-ness has made me thankful that this baby is due to arrive any day now in the early summer, so that 1) I'm not in my last few weeks/months in the heat of summer, and 2) I'm not trying to wear tights/leggings/sweaters/boots in the cold of winter in my last few weeks/months. I think each season of the year has something to offer pregnant women at different times of their pregnancies, so maybe I'm just biased and feeling really lucky and only seeing the silver lining as I end my gestational period.

That being said, we've still had some cold & rainy weather here in Colorado, mixed with very nice sunny & warm days. Talk about keeping me on my toes...do I store the long-sleeved newborn-sized onesies? What about the really warm fleece sleepers?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

just some (really nice) pics

We chose to take some maternity photos (by we, I mean that I did. The Mr. agreed and played along) to document this exciting time in our lives.

Our dear, dear friend who did our engagement photos in 2011 and took some wedding photos is busy with her OWN pregnancy and job and life a few hours away, so we chose a local photographer, who also happens to be a friend from high school. Ain't it grand when your friends are talented and creative people?

Jill Simonds, of Simonds Photographic, took our photos and we love (luuuuurve) them (we also had them within a week!). The hardest part has been deciding which ones to print and frame in the baby's room...

If you are looking for a photographer in Northern Colorado, I can't recommend Jill enough. She does weddings, engagement sessions, maternity & newborn photos, senior portraits, family portraits, and lifestyle shoots. Not only is she a great photographer, she's also a really nice person.

True story - she used to drive me home from high school sometimes ;)