{ 9 maternity must - have's }

|| bella band ||

 

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This will save your life. Whether you wear it over a full panel [you'll quickly learn this lingo when you're pregnant] to help keep your pants up, or wear it over your unzipped non-maternity jeans, this is a must.

|| long cardigan ||

 

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Unless you're Adriana Lima or one of these VS models who are popping out kids then appearing in the Fashion Show a week later there's a good chance your hips, butt and chest will grow in addition to your baby bump. A staple cardigan is a great go-to for all 9 months, especially on days you feel "large."

|| UNDERWEAR! ||

 

I got mine here!

I thought, "oh brother, who needs MATERNITY underwear - that seems like a ploy to trick me into spending money on something I really don't need."  Boy was I wrong.  I have never felt anything so comfortable. Believe me, you'll want maternity undies & they even make cute ones!

|| yoga pants ||

I found mine here

 and here!

Yoga pants are great.  Pregnant or not. I've worn mine that are non-maternity and they've worked great. I'd live in them 24/7 if I could.  I purchased a pair of maternity ones too & I love 'em!

|| your husband's t-shirts ||

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I strongly suggest you raid your husband's closets for t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. He will understand when you tell him that it's easier & CHEAPER to just wear his clothes rather than BUY new stuff! ;]

|| wife-beaters ||

 

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I loved these pre-pregnancy but I really love them now that I'm pregnant.  These are perfect under things and they're nice and extra long since they're men's.  I wear one almost everyday.

|| maxi dress ||

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 My mom got me a cute Maxi like the top one while she was in FL and it's SO comfortable & flattering.  You can't go wrong with a cute maxi to compliment your baby bump.

|| rubber band ||

 

This will be necessary in your first few months of brewin' your baby.  I read about this trick and thought it was crazy.  Until I tried it.  It really works, and turns your non-maternity jeans into a comfy alternative until you fit into maternity pants.  Wear a wife beater or bella band over & nobody will ever know.  Except your husband.

|| jeggings ||

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I was thrilled to get these gems from Old Navy Maternity.  Turns out there are a few stylish maternity pieces out there!  Don't sacrifice your style for a bunch of drab pieces, get a couple [comfy] trendy things to help the 9 months pass quickly!

 

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I LOVE these maternity ones too, but they're pretty pricey.

Most importantly, enjoy your new "body by baby!"

{ valentine's outfits }

Valentine's is just around the corner.  This raises a great question, "what the heck should I wear?"  Here are a few of my AFFORDABLE favorites + where to find them . . . 

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{ 3 trends to try }

We cashed in some of our airline miles that were expiring for magazines and I'm in heaven!  I have more than I can keep up with.  But here are the top 3 latest trends I keep seeing...

1.  White blazer
      Where to buy: The Loft or Nordstrom

2.  Tribal Wear
     Where to buy: lulu's, Target, Piperlime, or Forever 21

3.  Printed tights
     Where to buy: Forever 21, I especially love these ones for only $5.80!

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what are your favorite trends right now?

i n f i n i t y

i n f i n i t y by lsuereed featuring leopard scarves

{ layering }

I love to layer in the fall (including jewlery).  And I love the idea of finding a bright coat, layering with neutral colors, and completing the look with hot red lips.  Some of these items are ridiculously expensive, but sometimes it's helpful to print out a look you like and take it with you shopping to find similar (less expensive) items.  For example, Old Navy always has cute coats, I'm pretty sure I've seen a very similar scarf at wal-mart and black skinny jeans are just about everywhere.  happy layering & happy fall!

layering by lsuereed featuring t shirts

{ fall neutrals }

Fall is almost here.  I can smell it in the morning air, and see it in the early darkness each evening!  I can't wait for the cozy weather.  Similar to spring though, it's sort of a weird time to transition from summer to fall.  Do you wear short sleeves and freeze, or long sleeves and die of heat?  I don't have the answer (other than to "layer" and shed if need be - my mom's famous words) but I did find a few of my favorite "fummer" neutrals.  I made that word up.  It's not yet fall + still kind of summer = "fummer".  I'm tired and rambling, but I found these shoes, scarf and belt at Old Navy & I'm excited to wear during fummer.  And winter. And Sprinter (spring & winter).  Promise I'm done! 

What are your signature items for those weird in-between seasons?

{ a pocketful }

a POCKETFUL of sunshine
 I love skirts & dresses [ and anything ] with pockets !

 

{ vegas vacation in pics }

Here's our recent trip to Las Vegas in pics. 

We had a fabulous time, starting out with just a girls' trip with my friend below, we stayed at a separate hotel than the guys then met up with them for the second half of the trip to celebrate my little bro-in-law's 21st bday & my husband and his friend Nate's 30th bdays.

I have a new way of packing for trips like this.  I try on outfits & take pics with my phone to see what I really want to pack & what outfits don't work well with my body type [& should be left behind.]. 

I highly recommend doing this to anyone going on a trip.  It helps pick out your outfits ahead of time {especially helpful if you're indecisive like me}, all the way down to what jewelry & shoes to wear.  This way you spend your valuable vacation time doing fun stuff & not worrying about what you're going to wear. 

I will admit, it didn't help me narrow down HOW MUCH to take, but I was lucky enough to be on a flight [southwest] that allowed two 50 lb suitcases ;) 

{I have to work on my over-packing habit}

Here are some of my outfit options I put together before our trip & referenced [just look at your phone pics] during the trip to reduce my "getting ready" time.

|| please excuse my messy room ||

[Set 1:]

[Set 2:]

[Set 3:]

do you have any fun summer trips planned???

try planning out your outfits ahead of time!