thrifted & festive

This black & gold printed dress is something my Mom picked out for me to wear during that "uncomfortable phase." For me, that was finding out I was pregnant until about 20 weeks, when I actually had a wee bump to show off (instead of looking like I had overindulged in one too many brunches...)

I wore this dress (undocumented) a few times over the winter holidays, as it can be quite festive and lends itself nicely to pairing with fleece-lined tights and sweaters. But sadly, this might be the last time I wear it before Bebe arrives - while it is stretchy, I'm not sure it can accommodate THAT much stretch ;)

I paired it with the above raspberry colored sweater that I thrifted - it's by Motherhood Maternity and I found it at my local ARC. It's a little big through the arms and shoulders, but I've been wearing it over almost everything as an "oversized" cardigan, so the extra room has been quite useful. I also love the color and the weight - in certain light it leans pink, and others, it leans purple. I'm going to tuck away this look for the next time I need a festive look with some stretch - black, gold, and a pop of color, perfecto!

printed dress: Base Exchange

black leggings: Old Navy (maternity)

black flats: BCBG via TJ Maxx

raspberry cardigan: thrifted (Motherhood Maternity)

30 for 30: Day 6 - when I MET THE PIONEER WOMAN!

me & Ree - so worth the wait in line! and the drive! and the time off from work!

Last week, The Pioneer Woman came to Colorado on her latest book tour (A Year of Holidays - recipes for a whole year of holidays, beginning with New Year's Day, and ending with New Year's Eve). 

You better believe I went. And I got a picture with her (above, from my Instagram. 

And she signed my newest cookbook (and my previous one, too).

My sister-in-law introduced me to her sometime last year, and I'm so glad she did (thanks, KB)! P-Dubs has THE. BEST. recipes. Seriously. Everything I've made from her book is a HUGE hit at our house. I read her blog daily, and have her show on The Food Network set up to record on our DVR every week. I like to think we would be best friends in real life. Can I tell you I was SO awkward when I met her? I feel like I know so much about her, and she has no idea who I am 

*sigh*

I even took the afternoon off of work to make it to the signing, and my best friend came with me, and patiently waited in line with me. She's such a good friend - those are hard to find!

I could go on and on about how much I love the Pioneer Woman, but I'm going to suggest you check out her blog/cookbooks/show - let me know which of her recipes you make (and subsequently fall in love with). We're hosting Thanksgiving at our (NEW!) house, and have already drooled over the Thanksgiving section of her new book. And Christmas. And New Year's. And Valentine's Day...

my best friend is such a good blog photographer - she "directs the shot" and helps pose me

I was really proud of myself for this outfit for several reasons:

1) I don't care to wear tights, as I think they're uncomfortable. However, I wore these all day, and even longer than I normally would, as I didn't get home and into my pajamas until waaay past my bedtime.

2) I did some MAJOR print mixing here. Stripes AND houndstooth?? I patted myself on the back for this one. 

3) I think I look a teensy bit Parisian chic, which is something I'm obsessed with lately. We were sitting in the "fashion" section of The Tattered Cover (the location of the book signing), gleaning as much information about Paris fashion & becoing "tres chic" as we could without taking the new books home with us, as both of us agree it's more important to buy food and gas than books about clothes...

*sigh*

Someday...

thanks for coming with me, L. I really had the best time <3
also, I'm sorry I have blurry picture taking skills

linking up over at Simply Lulu Style, because I LOVED meeting the Pioneer Woman, AND spending the afternoon/evening with my best friend :)