Super(model) Mom: Meet Darby!

If you live in Kansas City, you most likely have heard of Darby Brender. She is the adorable face (and, ahem...incredible body) behind Fusion Fitness. Darby was nominated by another local KC reader who had nothing but wonderful things to say about her. Darby has not only started a fitness empire here in Kansas City, but she is also a mom to 2 gorgeous children. Needless to say, she is one busy mama!

Stunning family photo by Peep Toe Photography

And how cute is she?! Working it for the cover of their new Fusion Fitness DVD...

Darby is changing women's bodies in Kansas City on a daily basis. I know many girls that currently workout there and they all look phenomenal!  According to Darby: "We have developed a system that will transform your body by elongating your muscles, decreasing body fat, improving cardiovascular endurance as well as increase flexibility." If you don't live in Kansas City, but you are curious about Fusion, you can now order their DVD. Click HERE for more details.

Darby has so kindly (in all her spare time :) ) answered our style questionnaire. Thanks Darby for participating and giving us some insight into your personal style!

1. WHAT IS YOUR DAILY UNIFORM?

I am so lucky that my uniform is very easy & comfortable. I wear lulu lemon run Capri's, a lulu lemon tank, & a lulu lemon hoodie.  Adidas or Nike sneakers & a pony tail. I almost never wear "street" clothes, in fact it is so rare, one day I picked my daughter up from school in my denim & a cute top & she asked me who's clothes I had on. Guess that is a sign I need to get out of the spandex more often!

2. WHOSE STYLE DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?

 Cameron Diaz.  She has a great casual & sporty look that is always well accessorized with trendy sunglasses, natural make up & minimal jewelry.  She has a very classy look when it's time to dress-up.  I love her look @ Paris Fashion week, in a black & white polka dot Dior dress.

3. IF YOU COULD RAID ONE CELEBRITY CLOSET, WHOSE WOULD IT BE?

 Undoubtedly, I would swap closets with any stylish celebrity, can you imagine? If I could raid any closet, I would get into my Grandmothers closet in the 60's. Heels, to jewelry, furs & dress suits.  She had it dialed in to the last detail. The classy style for women during the 60's was glamorous. Always excited to see this 60's look resurface, I have named this look, Vintage-Glam.  On occasion I will wear some of Grandma June's jewelry or fur, it feels good!

4. WHAT SPRING TREND ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Neon!  Everyone is showing neon colors.  I love the bright pops of pinks, yellows, & blues.  These colors compliment my skin tones & make me happy.

5.WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BUDGET ITEMS?

 Presently, I am am into cute bracelets & bangles.  I am always looking for unique beaded, leather, & metal bracelets to pile on my wrist, usually these items are budget friendly!

6. WHAT ARE YOUR 3 FAVORITE COSMETIC ITEMS?

My clarisonic- I love the way it makes my skin feel so soft & smooth.  "Perfekt"  Mascara- when I put it on right, people always ask if i have false lashes one... nope, just a whole tube of mascara. Nars lip gloss- it adds a pop of color & makes me feel "finished"

7. WHAT ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

My Baldwin Denim.  Love them, they fit my body the best & hold up great.   Always looking forward to see what new items they make to add to my growing  collection.

8. IF YOU COULD SPLURGE ON ONE ITEM RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Rocco Handbag by Alexander Wang - My friend walked into the studio with the new navy & silver hand bag & I was instantly obsessed! 

9. WHAT FASHION TREND FROM THE PAST WOULD YOU LIKE TO BRING BACK

I feel like all the fashion trends I loved as a kid have recently resurfaced.  The return of leg warmers has been extremely exciting & fun.  I love the feeling of youth & gracefulness I gain from slipping on a pair of leg warmers.  I have also embraced the return of jumpers. Summer BBQ's & pool parties are the perfect venue to bring out these one piece wonders.  The jumpers with fun color blocks & bright designs catch my eye.

10. HOW HAS BECOMING A MOM CHANGED YOUR STYLE?

WOW, it has almost destroyed my fashion sense. The lack of time to style watch , go shopping, & get ready has really put a damper on my love for fashion.  Luckily I have amazing friends who are major players in the fashion arena that keep me on top of the trends. When it comes to fashion, I have become a weekend warrior, always making a point to get dressed up for weekend dates with my husband, who, by the way is total fashion freak.  He shops more than I do & has great style!

The Skinny on Maternity Jeans

I have been on the eternal search for the perfect skinny maternity jeans. I had 2 great boot-cut styles from AG and Citizens, but I wanted something cute to wear with my tall boots and flats. I blogged all about it on Project Nursery last week; to see my reviews and pick for my favorite skinny jean, you can visit the Project Nursery Blog HERE.

Dressing The Bump: Week 26

I was so honored to be asked to speak to a class at the Art Institute International K.C. this week. The class is about trends and concepts in Apparel and each student is required to start their own blog. I had a great time talking to the students and sharing my blogging experiences thus far. It is definitely a far cry from what I was learning about as an apparel student 13 years ago!

I love having a reason to get dressed up in something other than my leggings and cardigan uniform that I have been sporting these days.

Blazers are a great prego item. I happened to buy this one a size larger and it has worked great during my pregnancy.

Striped Knit Dress: H&M (spring 2011)

Ponte Knit Blazer: Forever 21 (fall 2011)

Booties: Forever 21 (fall 2011)

Leggings: Hue Wide Waistband

Nails: OPI You Don't Know Jacques

I think the whole outfit was under $100...including the shoes!

Spring Essentials

I am in desperate need of a new eye color palette that I can wear everyday. My NARS set I have from 2 years ago is just about toast. I tend to purchase seasonal sets because I think they are a better value. I just came across Laura Mercier's new spring palette and I am thinking this is going to be the one for 2012...

It comes with 6 eye colors: Buff Pearl and African Violet, Sateen Eye Colour in Tawny Apricot, Matte Eye Colour in Rich Cocoa, Pale Pink and Black Plum. As well as 2 cheek colors, which are Rose Desire and Fresh peach. All of this for $60 is an amazing deal!

I have never tried their lip shine pots, but this color would be perfect for everday. It is the prettiest, shimmery peach aptly named, Naked Apricot, $22

What beauty products do you have your eye on this spring?

And the Shopbop gift card goes to...

Congrats to Blogger "Life As A California Wife"! She won the $100 Gift Card to Shopbop. Lucky Girl! Hopefully she will share with us what she decides to get. Thanks to everyone for playing!

Monday Musings...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Ours was pretty low-key. My husband (bless his heart), painted the baby's nursery. It has taken 2 coats so far and we still need a third. We are going from bright blue and white stripes to a very soft pink. And note to self, don't listen to the paint store lady who tells you to get the paint with primer already in it...I don't think it works at all.

Just a few of my current obsessions...small they may be, but they are getting me through this drab winter!

These might just be the most delectable things I have ever tasted. I used to be an M&M girl, but I am converting. Not to mention, I feel like I am at least being "somewhat" good by having dark chocolate and almonds. If you are a salty/sweet person, you will go gaga over these!

 

Please tell me there is someone else out there watching Scouted on E!? This show is my new obsession. The transformations these girls make are quite amazing. One day they may be working at Sonic and before you know it they are whisked off to NYC for a chance to get signed by a top modeling agency. My husband even likes the show...that's saying a lot when it comes to reality t.v.

Growing pregnant body + pasty white skin = Not pretty! Thankfully these little gems called Tan Towels have given me a slight boost of confidence this winter. I love that I can quickly apply them, they don't smell too funky and they don't streak. I get the super plus in the small package ($2.95) which is enough for my face and body. My only complaint is that the color fades pretty quickly. But, if you want a quick "glow", they are perfect.

I have pretty much hijacked my husbands pajamas. I love the over sized "men's shirt" look of classic pajamas and for this prego, there has been nothing more comfortable. I am starting to think I need a set of my own. Aren't these from J.Crew cute? $59.50 and definitely more attractive then the men's version I have been sporting.

Nesting...

What did we do without Pinterest? Honestly, for me it is the best invention ever. I think especially if you are decorating, it's a genius way to organize all of your ideas...or even get inspiration!

I have really loved being able to see all my ideas for her room all in one spot. I have pinned a lot of items on my wish list and it has helped me narrow down my decisions. Who knew that doing one tiny room could be so much work? I give all of you decorators out there a lot of credit!

Here is a collage I made with color inspiration as well as some of the items we have already purchased for the room. I can't wait to see it all come together! I am hoping to have it all done by the first week of March....with pics to come, obviously :)

Cheap and Chic: Early Spring finds...

Has anyone else been to Old Navy lately? They are really stepping up their game this season. I would even go as far as to say that some of their pieces looked a bit like J.Crew. If I weren't prego, I would have snagged up a bunch of items. So far, I have only purchased this...which happens to be long enough to cover my belly...

Stripe Henley Tank $14.94

You could get a great jump start on your Spring wardrobe and not have to spend a fortune. You know I love a bargain! Here are some of my other early-Spring faves...

Striped Fedora $12.94

Medallion Print Scarf $14.94

Charmeuse Dress $34.94 (with some great accessories, this dress would be fantastic!)

Chambray Shirt $26.94

Mini Messenger Bag $19.94

Bird Print Charmeuse Blouse $36.94

Cap Toe Canvas Ballet Flat $22.94

Do you want to Tango?

I am absolutely loving this season's hottest color, Tangerine Tango!  Pantone describes it as a vibrant reddish orange, reminiscent of the shade of a setting sun.

Source: chroniclebooks.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Whether it's in home decor, beauty or of course fashion you will have your pick this season of plenty of Tangerine Tango to choose from!

Source: celebinspire.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: rattytime.files.wordpress.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: blog.hgtv.com via Melanie on Pinterest

I just did a news segment this week featuring some early spring items in this gorgeous Hue. All of the items are from The Legends Outlets Kansas City. Thanks to The Gap Outlet, Old Navy Outlet, Books-A-Million, Brooks Brothers Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth for letting us use items for the segment...

Dressing The Bump: Week 25

Well folks, I have definitely popped. No more non-pregnancy pants for me! I feel like I have been living in my leggings and the pants that I am wearing in this picture. They are a skinny cargo from Motherhood. I got a pair of grey and olive green for $40. It was buy one get one free!

 I couldn't find them online, but I believe they are still available in stores. For all you pregos out there, they are SUPER comfortable and they have a full panel. Which truthfully, there is nothing more comfortable.

necklace-J.Crew

Top-Old Navy (on sale now for $10!!!!)

Pants-Motherhood

Shoes-Vivienne Westwood

Necklace-J.Crew (Fall 2010)

Watch-Cartier Men's Tank

Bracelets-J.Crew, David Yurman, H&M

Wanting some Frye Boots? Maybe a $100 credit to Shopbop would help!

What a way to start off the weekend! I get to give away a $100 credit to Shopbop.com! I actually won one one of these off a blog last year and it was so much fun to have my pick of items and to be able to use the credit towards it.

What would you pick if you won the $100 Gift Card????

If it were me, I would probably go for a new pair of boots.  I have been eyeing Frye Boots for years...$100 would be a nice chunk off the price, don't you think?

Or how about a pair of Minnetonka boots? There is seriously nothing more comfortable...I own the moc's and I could live in them...

Or what about a pair of booties? These Sam Edelmans would be so comfy and cute with a great pair of boyfriend jeans!

Or a great Heeled Boot that isn't too dressy would be great. Loving these suede by Tory Burch...

OK- so the details are, just leave a comment below with your name and email. You will have until the 23rd to enter. GOOD LUCK!

Before & After..Thank you Bar Method!

I am now in my 24th week of pregnancy. Hard to believe we only have 16 weeks left! Ahhhhhhh...this pregnancy is just flying by!

So, for the past 9 weeks I have been doing the Bar Method. I participated in their 3/60 program which documented 3 individuals on their journey through the method over the course of 60 days. The program required that we attend class 3-5 days a week and then share our weekly experience. I have to say, it has been the best thing I have done through this entire pregnancy. Although my stomach isn't shrinking (obviously), I feel like I have really toned up my arms and have kept everything else "in check" over the past few months.

Taken at 15 weeks prego

Taken at 23 weeks prego

If you aren't familiar with the Bar Method, it is a revolutionary new workout that combines fat burning interval training,the elongating principals of dance conditioning as well as the science of physical therapy. If you can commit to 3-5 days a week, you will notice a much tighter, leaner body that is strong and toned. The butt and thigh work is killer, but after each intense interval we do a good amount of stretching which feels amazing. I can't believe how quick an hour long workout goes by...it's definitely something I look forward to each week.

For more information on the Bar Method and some of my favorite workout wear (for prego's and non prego's!) you can view my post on the Project Nursery Blog HERE

I'm Blushing...

You know how I am a total sucker for cosmetics...especially when it comes to Chanel products. Because of the price, I don't always splurge. But, when I do come across something as fantastic as their new  Blush Horizen De Chanel., I will definitely pull the trigger.

I tried this on last week at Hall's while I was shopping with a friend. She also tried it on and we were both immediately obsessed. I have medium toned skin with pink undertones and my friend has olive skin and dark hair. Surprisingly it looked fantastic on both of us!

The "glowing blush harmony" as they call it has a subtle gradation of rose, peach and coral that gives you just the right amount of warmth and radiance. I felt like it really gave a nice sun-kissed look that was fresh and just perfect for spring. I would have purchased this on the spot, but they were already sold out! Good thing I am on the waiting list :)

image via the beautylookbook.com

I also fell in love with the new Rouge Coco Shine in Flirt. This hydrating lip shine is in the prettiest shade of coral that will be great with all the bright pinks and shades of tangerine we are seeing for Spring.

Overall their entire Spring 2012 collection is beautiful. If you are looking for a beauty update for Spring, it's definitely worth checking out.

Meeeow.

You may remember me mentioning the Tory Burch sunglasses my husband got me for Christmas. I loved them, but unfortunately they were extremely uncomfortable. So, I took them back on Friday to see if I could exchange them for something that wouldn't dig into my head and give me a pounding headache.

Thankfully I met adorable Mackenzie in the women's accessory department at Hall's. As I perused the sunglasses, I really wasn't seeing much that I didn't already have. That was until Mackenzie suggested a pair of Cateye's by Ray-Ban with a gradient lense. I never in a million years would have thought that I could pull them off...but lo and behold they were perfect. So adorable and so completely different from what I already have. And...they were only $129!

I have always admired them on some of my favorite celebs. I am so excited to have finally found my perfect cateyes...just in time for spring!

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Thinking ahead...

While it's only January, I can't help but think about Spring clothing. Slowly but surely we are starting to see all the bold colors, fresh prints and modern silhouettes for Spring. There is nothing like a great bikini or some adorable sandals to get you in the mood, right?

Source: shopbop.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Melanie on Pinterest

 

Source: shopbop.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Melanie on Pinterest

What Spring trend are you most looking forward to?