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)

texturize

All of these neutral items are part of my "Maternity Capsule Wardrobe" (more on that soon!). My regular olive skinnies (RIP) were donated to Goodwill after heavy use over the past two and a half years. So I was thrilled to find these maternity olive skinnies at the thrift store - I think I even did a little jig in the dressing room when they fit. I won't sing the praises of olive-colored skinnies, but if you need some idea of how versatile they really are, check out these posts from the past. That's just the tip of the iceberg, trust me.

This oatmeal-colored sweater from my Mama has provided a nice backdrop for some different color combinations, while also extending the wearability of my wardrobe. It's a keeper, until it doesn't meet my pants anymore, then it will get boxed up with the rest of my pre & post-bebe wardrobe. But, for now, it's a nice & neutral color that plays well with others and provides any look with an interesting texture (and we know how I luuuuurve texture).

oatmeal sweater: Coldwater Creek from my Mama

scarf: gift from a friend

olive skinnies: thrifted

nude flats: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack

working formula

This layered navy look was perfect for a recent snowy day in Colorado. The only caveat - I wore my big SOREL snow boots to work, and slipped on these less cumbersome booties when I got to my desk (I'm definitely not going to wear these booties on ice).

You might think this looks eerily similar to another look I shared recently (check it out here), and you'd be right. When you've got a formula that works, you don't waiver too much. Especially when your closet is shrinking by the day as your belly grows.

Have a great Sunday - we're spending it around the house getting some things done, but also enjoying some much needed down time. Anyone else feel like they're going going going all the time lately? We sure do. Oof. Do adults get Spring Break?

red & navy striped shirt: thrifted

navy blue dress: thrifted

navy fleece-lined tights: GG Boutique

gold belt: thrifted

ankle booties: Old Navy

floral scarf: Target

old faithful

I've worn this dress at a variety of sizes - even at my thinnest, I toyed (for 1 silly second) with the idea of getting rid of it, but decided to keep it. And I'm glad I did. This dress always looks good, and if it's a teeny bit too big, I just belt it and call it a day.

Currently, it's part of my small collection of dresses that fit my growing bump (I've officially "popped" in the last week and a half). The waistband is just high enough to comfortably (for now, anyways) fit over my belly. I've been layering shirts and tights under for this winter weather (I had a snow day today! most likely my first and last grown up snow day), because there are little ties/bows on the shoulders that don't slide easily under sweaters. This dress has pockets, is a flattering length, and wouldn't you know, I found it at the thrift store, in the wrong section, inside out. I took an inexpensive chance and it's one of my favorite thrift store finds EVER. I'm not sure I'll ever part with it.

Today's lesson in maternity dressing: try layers under your dress - up top and on bottom.

Breton striped top: Target (not maternity)

dress: thrifted (not maternity)

fleece lined tights: GG Boutique (not maternity)

ankle booties: Old Navy

scarf: Pendleton

vested chambray

Oh look! All the pretty fall colors! Fitting, since these pictures are from this fall...and just now making an appearance...I digress...

Beautiful aspen trees in the mountains are the perfect backdrop for just about anything. Truly. They add an element of "nature" to everything, and somehow, magically, seem to complement anything they're paired with.

Enough with my love song to aspens - let's talk about my outfit. That's why you're here, yes? This is a simple, layered, fall look. Chambray dress, white vest + booties (not easily seen: aspen leaf earrings - they're a real thing, trust). When you need a little more warmth than just a thin dress, a vest is the perfect option - it adds dimension without overwhelming the entire look. And of course, booties - perfect for bare legs with skirts or dresses. However, this look could be easily adapted for the colder weather we're experiencing right now - add tights and a scarf, and voila! Colorado winter chic!

chambray dress: Kohl's

white denim vest: thrifted

ankle booties: Old Navy

girl crush

Ta da! Here is what I wore to see Miranda Lambert perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days ("the Daddy of 'em all"). We saw Tim McGraw last summer, (read that about here) and even before he came on stage, the rodeo announced the headliners for this coming year. Miranda was one of them, so we decided then and there that we had to come. The Mr. is a big Miranda fan (he likes "angry chick country," as he calls it. So of course we'll try to see Carrie Underwood sometime, too).

But this year, we were smarter, and we purchased seats in the stands, away from the drunken hot mess that is the "Party Zone," which is closer to the stage. So we were able to sit, enjoy one of our favorite musicians, and not spill our overpriced beers.

As for my outfit, I tried to lean a little towards rock n' roll (I know. really? me?), but Miranda is known for her bad-ass looks & bandanas & leather & studs & gun-baring shirts, and I wanted to dress appropriately for my girl crush. Enter my red studded tank (the only studded item I own). The vest was more of a completer piece but added some nice dimension (and warmth!), denim skirt and boots, because, obvi. A headband and braid because I ran out of time to my hair, per usual. And black earrings for a teeny bit more edge.

We had a great time at the show, and getting to and from Cheyenne, Wyoming, is SO much easier than Denver. There's less traffic, it's a shorter drive (for us), and the rodeo really has their shuttles and mass parking system worked out.

So, count on us going to Cheyenne Frontier Days every year.

Especially if they keep bringing in great performers, like they have been for a long time.

Maybe we'll even check out the actual rodeo.

See ya next year, CFD!

red studded tank: Old Navy

white vest: thrifted (Levi's)

denim skirt: Old Navy

boots: Steve Madden via DSW

crossbody bag: thrifted

30 for 30: day 7

This dress is a recent addition to my closet. It was picked out by someone other than myself (hint: in the picture below) for an occasion where someone may or may not have turned one year older. He likes to get me a Lilly Pulitzer dress for said occasion, and in years past, it's been something a bit fancier. However, I don't get tons of wear out of them, so this year he opted for something a bit more casual that I can wear to work.

And he did a pretty bang up job, don't you think?

It was a given that I would include it in my 30 for 30 this go-round.

And of course I styled it with some of my favorites - my Frye boots, crossbody bag, and faux leather jacket.

Oh oh, and fancy new sunglasses.

Those aviators make this girl pretty happy.

dress: Lilly Pulitzer

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

bag: thrifted

sunglasses: Smith Optics via The Eyes Have It

faux leather jacket: c/o Aéropostale

sunny sunday blues

You guys, I've had a great Sunday. I slept in, went on a great run with my best friend (so many endorphins! I didn't want to die! we only walked for about half a minute! the sun was out! there was a breeze!), caught up with my bestie, had bacon and eggs and coffee, played with my pups outside. We might have a long-boarder among our canine companions - the verdict is still out. He drags it backwards, and also tries to bite it. Maybe he thinks it's alive? Either way, it's very entertaining. And he is now pooped. So, that's a win.

In other news, this outfit. This top is actually two tank tops. The top is a sheer blue button-up chiffon deal, and the bottom is a navy blue star print ribbed tank. I thought it might be a fun way to subtley (quietly? demurely?) add some print to this blue, green and gray ensemble. And it's since made me look for a few more sheer/chiffon items to style in the same way. So far I've got a green floral top... Aaaand, I think that's it. So, stay tuned and maybe I'll come up with something. If not, you'll see this combination again. And would that be so terrible?

Hope your Sunday is pretty great, just like mine has been :)

linking up these fancy shoes over here

star tank: WalMart

chiffon tank: from a friend

gray cardigan: c/o Aéropostale

dark skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

bejeweled flats: thrifted

purse: COACH Outlet

scarf: Pendleton (2 days in a row!!)

tough to spring

You guys, I'm finding it tough to transition into spring outfits. I'm hanging onto the dark colors and layers and sweaters.

What is the deal?! I LOVE sunshine and warmth and sandals. 

I think it's that I'm more comfortable creating outfits with layers - the layers allow for more visual interest. In the summer, when it's hot, it's a top and a bottom. And typically sandals. That's about it. Most of the time it even feels too hot to wear jewelry, let alone a light jacket or cardigan or scarf. It's not that I don't like summer clothes - please don't misunderstand me.

What I like about layering is that it allows me the opportunity to remix my closet and the items in it - I can create LOTS of outfits using the same piece. In the summer, it feels like I've got a lot more limited options, since I can't really put anything over it, or wear it with tights, or add a scarf, or a vest or jacket on top. It's less pieces to remix and put together. But maybe I should just use this as an opportunity to flex my styling muscles?

Is this making any sense? I'm looking forward to warmer weather, I just always have a tricky time with the transition of the seasons - it takes me a few weeks to wrap my clothing & styling brain around the changing temperatures. Anyone else experience the same thing? Or am I the only goon hanging onto sweaters and scarves?

sweater: thrifted (J. Crew)

pants: Target

scarf: Pendleton

flats: thrifted