Barefoot and Pregnant

This baby is coming any day now! I am almost at my 38th week and the days are flying by. Surprisingly, I am still feeling pretty comfortable. Outside of the expected tiredness in the evenings and occasional back pain...

 I am just so over my clothes right now. I am pretty much living in leggings and long tops which seem to be the most comfortable option!

Top: Isabella Oliver

Leggings: Hue Wide Waistband (still wearing these...after 8 months!)

Scarf: My new favorite pom trim scarf from Old Navy (on sale for $9)

barefoot...because my shoes feel terrible right now!! ugh! 

Things to look forward to...

4 weeks people...the countdown has begun! We have only one month until we will meet our baby girl. It's hard to believe that this bump will be gone and we can meet the sweetpea who has been giving the kicks and crazy somersaults over the past 9 months.

Besides the obvious excitement of meeting our little lady, there are some other things to look forward to, like a cocktail of course! Since the weather has warmed up, I have been craving Margaritas. This picture has my mouth watering...

And there are no guarantees, but I am hoping my dedication to the Bar Method will help me get my body back in a rather timely fashion. Last time I was pregnant it took forever (having a fall baby and holidays didn't help too much...) I definitely think being post-prego in the summer will give me motivation! I am hoping to fit into a cute pair of colored denim...

Love this shade of Green from Joe's

And something lacy and feminine is high on my list. This Joie top looks amazing with white jean shorts, But I can pretty much guarantee I will not be sporting these this Summer. White Jeans will have to do :)

and dare I dream...but is a bikini in my future? I have never worn a one piece! I know there are so many cute styles, but I am so used to my 2 pieces...

This one from Antrhopologie is kind of adorable...

Here's to one last month of leggings, and full panel maternity pants!

Bump Style: More of Me Maternity

It's always hard to find stylish maternity wear that will stand the test of time. More of Me Maternity is fairly new on the scene and it's adorable!

To see the full review of the line, see my post on Project Nursery HERE.

Dressing The Bump: Week 31

I am a little behind on the bump shots! I am now almost 33 weeks, so this was taken a few weeks ago. My lovely friend Rachel loaned me this adorable Ali Ro dress from A Pea In The Pod (similar style HERE). I love all the pattern and colors and it was so comfortable too! I wore this to my fantastic friend Susan's 40th birthday party. Love you Susan!

Dressing the bump: Week 28

I can hardly believe I am heading into my last trimester. Where has the time gone? I am definitely feeling very pregnant...the bump is now more like a bowling ball. Which my husband affectionately calls the "Buddha belly" :)

I felt a little bit like Tori Spelling in this top. It's definitely more Bohemian than I typically dress. But, it's super comfy and perfect for this growing belly. It's OOOOOLD H&M that I have not been able to part with after all these years!



Top: H&M

Leggings: Hue Wide Waistband

Boots: Brown Suede, purchased years ago in NYC

Handbag: Club Monaco

Necklace: Alexis Bittar

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

Closet Confession

Some secrets are REALLY hard to keep. Especially one that I have been keeping under wraps for over 4 months!

No, I haven't been slacking at the gym, that is a 17 week old baby bump we have going on here. We are expecting baby #2 at the end of April! We could not be more excited about the next addition to our family.

Dressing the bump has been more challenging this time around, because my first pregnancy was mainly during the summer. Thank goodness for some generous friends who have loaned me some fantastic items. Like these J.Brand skinny maternity jeans (with elastic on the sides of the waistband). They are probably the cutest maternity jeans I have tried on so far...

paired with H&M sweater, J.Crew sequin tank, thrifted gold necklace, Rachel Zoe for Neiman Marcus clutch and Forever 21 booties (sinilar here)

Boden for your Bump

My friend Annie just informed me that Boden now has Maternity! Hurray for all of you pregos out there, finally another option to choose from! And it is really quite cute. What do you think?

Who knew?

Did you know there was Nordstrom Rack online? I didn't! Until my friend Jen sent me an email telling me what great stuff that was available, especially their maternity! I looked into it and they do have fabulous maternity at unbelievable prices, but sizes are limited. I am guessing this is the type of site you have to check back often to see what they have. PS-I am not prego, but I do know of a lot of girls having babies in 2011!

Maternity Envy

Have you seen Christina Applegate lately? She is absolutely ADORBS pregnant. Just glowing! And her style could not be any cuter (loving the boyfriend blazer look). She  makes wearing maternity look effortlessly chic!

image via

image via

Belly Love...

Oh girls, I am SO EXCITED to see that Forever 21's contemporary line, Love 21 now has MATERNITY! Finally, another option for all my pregos out there. Now, it's pretty basic at this point, but I would bookmark this page. You never know what they might be adding to the line in the next few months!!!!

Chiffon Flower Tunic $19.80

super cute Jersey tee $15.80

A pregnant woman's best friend...the maternity legging! 12.80

Striped Jersey tee in 2 colors, $10.80 each

I lived in cardigan's like this my first pregnancy...Long slub cardigan $19.80

What do you all think? Will you be shopping Forever 21 for maternity?

Easy Access...

I am laughing to myself as I write this title. It looks so bad, but really, that's kind of what this post is about! A friend of mine wanted yours truly to find some cute clothes that would be good for nursing. She's a working mom, and she sometimes brings her baby to work. She desperately wants cute, casual but appropriate clothing that has "easy access" to nurse her baby!

She really put me to the test, this was not an easy job. It seems as though a few brands have sort of monopolized the Nursing Wear market. But, I did come across some cute things, as well as some options that aren't "nursing" per say but would work in that situation. So, if you currently are a  "Mom's Diner", open 24 hours and need some clothes to go along with that job, here are some of my picks...

First off, can I just say that I hate when they use prego models for nursing wear? For real, when you are nursing, you aren't pregnant anymore! It's so bizarre...anyways...

1 in the oven was a FABULOUS site with so many cute things Maternity, Nursing, you have it. I found all of these items on this site and their prices were great too!

Cowl Neck Dress $92

Butterfly Dress $92

Short Sleeve Henley $66

Puff Sleeve top $44.99

Kate Top $102

I really liked this nursing dress because it was casual, but had a bit of detail to make it interesting

on Tummy Style by D&A $92

Not sure if you knew it, but Michael Stars makes Maternity. It runs slim and could be a great top right after the baby and for nursing.

Surplice necklines (like the ones below) allow you to nurse without removing your top...

on Michael Stars $66

If you are over maternity and just want normal clothes in a surplice neckline, this one by Velvet is great...

on Piperlime $75

or this gorgeous Vince sweater would work too!

on Piperlime $295