Bring on 2012!

I love the start of a new year. There always seems to be so much to look forward to...a fresh start, new memories to be made and for us, the arrival of our baby girl! My husband's side of the family is getting together for a fun dinner, which will require some sparkle and shine. Even though I am prego, I may have to find a way to incorporate some sequins...

Source: cocoribbon.com.au via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: seaofshoes.typepad.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Do you have big plans for NYE? What will you be wearing?

Dressing the bump: Week 21

I am channeling my inner Rachel Zoe this pregnancy by wearing a lot more black! I am a girl who loves color, but truly, there is nothing more slimming than black head to toe. But, I couldn't go without some color...hence the red peep toe bow shoes.

Since it's been so incredibly mild here in KC, I was able to layer on a favorite jacket of mine. It's by Anni Kuan and is as old as can be. But I never seem to tire of this beautiful red, yellow, and pale green silk jacquard.

TOP: Beaded neck tunic by Forever 21

 PANTS: Demi Panel Really Skinny Maternity by Gap (a MUST for you pregos out there)

SHOES: Old Nordstrom BP brand

 JACKET: Anni Kuan

He went to Hall's...

I always laugh at the "He went to Jared" commercials. Thankfully, my husband chose to go to Hall's Department store instead of Jared Jewelry. For those non Kansas City readers, Hall's is probably one of my favorite local stores. It is a high-end department store (of sorts) owned by Hallmark which is based out of KC. They have men's and women's clothing, a fabulous home department, fragrance and cosmetics as well as a gorgeous selection of shoes, handbags and accessories. Anytime someone comes home with a Hall's bag, you know it has to be good!

I have to give my husband credit, he always takes the time to pick out something he know I will love. This year he purchased me my first piece of jewelry by Alexis Bittar. His pieces are definitely one of a kind. I am kind of obsessed now and hope to expand my collection over the years!

The necklace he purchased is identical to these earrings. Simple, yet unique. He did good :)

He also surprised me with some new sunglasses! Perfect for our trip to Florida in a few months...

I had a wonderful week with my family in town. It always goes by so fast, doesn't it? Now we are on to New Years!!!

The Best Christmas gift EVER...

Some of the best presents don't need to be wrapped.  The best gift we received was the news that a little girl will be joining our family!  We have so much to celebrate and look forward to in 2012; we just can't wait to meet this little lady.

From my family to yours...we wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

and thanks to my friend Kelly at WH Hostess for making our lovely card this year.

3 outfits under $150!

Yesterday morning I did a news segment on KCTV5 sharing some of my favorite winter outerwear trends. It's crazy that it's mid-winter yet we still haven't had freezing cold weather! If you have held off on buying a new coat, then you are in luck. With Christmas only days away, most stores are offering incredibly low prices.

I styled outfits from The Legends Outlets Kansas City where right now there are some amazing deals to be had. Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth is offering 25-50% off the already discounted prices! And the Old Navy outlet will have over a million items on sale...yes, I said a MILLION!

On Madeline:

Old Navy Red Puffer-$17.99

Old Navy Polka Dot Sweater-$24.90

Old Navy Rockstar Skinny Jeans-$34.90

Gap Fingerless Gloves-$12.99

Marc Jacobs Bag from Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth-$234

Enzo Angiolini Leopard Flats from Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth-$179

On Cara:

entire look from Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth

Royal Blue Dress-$64.99 ($45.99 with additional discount)

Faux Fur Vest-$68.99 ($48.99 with additional discount)

Necklace-$69.99

Michael Kors Clutch-$144

Luxury Rebel Boots-$147 ($73 with additional discount)

On Shannon:

entire look from Saks Fifth Avenue Off fifth

Ellen Tracy Cape: $104 ($73 with additional discount)

Ellen Tracy Blouse-$59.99 ($41 with additional discount)

Ellen Tracy Pants-$39.99 ($27 with additional discount)

Kate Spade Patent Leather platforms-$199

Marc Jacobs Bag-$524 ($393 with additional discount)

Polka Dots are the new Stripe

It's not even Christmas and I am already thinking about Spring 2012! I should be shopping clearance racks and instead I am drawn to all the pretty resort wear that is starting to pop up.

 One big trend that we are starting to see already is polka dots. As much as I love a good stripe, I am kind of ready for something new. And polka dots happen to be another easy print to wear.

 They were seen on many runways this Spring from Tory Burch to Luca Luca...

images via marieclare.com

and already you can find the print at every price point...

Old Navy $24.94. Also comes in Pink which is super cute!

J.Crew Skirt $250

Torn By Ronny Kobo Sweater $280

What do you think of polka dots? Will you be wearing them this spring?

Dressing The Bump: Week 20

I have started working Part-Time at a gorgeous baby store here in Kansas City, called Lauren Alexandra. Good timing, right? It is definitely fun to be pregnant and be surrounded by such cute things!  So, the days I am working there I don't have to get super dressed up, but I still want to look nice and be comfortable.

This week I wore an indigo/black striped hooded sweater from Splendid, paired with my FAVE leggings (The Wide Waistband by Hue). Accessorized with old Steve Madden flats,  Fall 2011 J.Crew necklace and Foley & Corinna city tote. I have posted about this bag before...it's an oldie but a goodie; I have definitely gotten my money's worth with this bag! I love the versatile ways to wear it, and it has held up so well over the years.

Playing Santa...

What is more fun than playing Santa for the day? For all of you that live in Kansas City I will be at the Legends Outlets Kansas City from 2-4 PM  with the Legends Social Media Street Team searching out the most fashionable shoppers and giving them a chance to win a $25 Gift Card to use at the Legends Outlets.

The Legends has some fabulous new stores like the J.Crew/Crewcuts store, Cole Haan, Charming Charlie, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth. So, if you are needing some last minute gifts, there is no better time to come and shop!

I hope to see you all there!

The best of the best...

A dear friend of mine just gave me OPI's best of the best collection as a thank you for watching her little girl.  She knows me too well..I just love nail polish. This collection comes with 10 mini sized best sellers from OPI...

The colors included (in order) are: Alpine Snow, Bubble Bath, Tickle my Francy, Strawberry Margarita, Cajun Shrimp, Big Apple Red, I'm Not Really A Waitress, You Don't Know Jacques, Russian Navy and Lincoln Park After Dark.

It's such a great way to try out some new colors, or continue using some of your all time faves!

Now THAT'S a necklace...

My friend Sarah from Apparently Obsessed pinned this necklace on Pinterest and I about fell over when I saw it. This is like the necklace of all necklaces. If I owned this, what else could I possibly need?

Every bit of it is perfect...the mixed metals, assorted chains and the sparkly vintage necklace sandwiched in between it all.

By Juliet & Company on shopbop

Source: shopbop.com via Monda on Pinterest

My current obsession: Moon & Lola

Everyone loves the monogram necklace in gold and silver, but have you seen them in Acrylic by Moon & Lola? As someone obsessed with color, I think these are so fun! Not to mention, they are only $58 as opposed to $150. Poppy's Closet has 21 colors and 2 different fonts to choose from...

I think I would do the block style in pink! What would you choose?

Dressing the bump: Week 19

I wore this amazing DVF dress (on loan from a friend) to a baby shower this past weekend, and I am officially obsessed with it. There is something about Diane Von Furstenberg jersey that is incredibly comfortable, yet chic. This particular style is not maternity, but the a-line shape makes it the perfect silhouette to accommodate a baby bump.

I paired it with Grey Chevron tights by HUE, Black Boots (old by Arturo Chiang), skinny patent belt (also old and not sure who it is by!), super long pearls wrapped 3 times and a white and black quilted bag (Forever 21), nails-Hey Vito, is my Car Ready? by OPI

Where were these when I was a little girl?

We have a fabulous Crayola Store here in Kansas City that I could spend hours in. I did a lot of doodling and coloring as a child, and I am always fascinated with all of the new colors and gadgets for kids.

While browsing I came across the most fantastic books. They are called Rosie Flo's Coloring Books, which are based out of the U.K. The covers caught my eye, because of the colors and fun illustrations. As I flipped through them I was even more intrigued.

Each book has a "theme" with different illustrations in which your child would add the head and face, legs and arms and then color the body. For me, these would have been a dream! It gives them the creativity to create the "model" and also to give the outfit their own interpretation of pattern and color. They are quite fantastic, and I was tempted to buy one...who knows when a creative moment may strike?

Anybody own these cute coloring books? If so, I would love to know if your child loves them!

Girl Crush: Dianna Agron

I have always loved Dianna Agron from Glee. There is something so myserious and beautiful about her. I don't know if you have seen her spread in Nylon Magazine yet, but it's spectacular. Sure, the styling isn't anything groundbreaking...we have seen this theme before. But I just love her with this 70's "twiggy"esque look. Stunning, don't you think?

all photos via nylonmag.com