My SheInside Wishlist...

My SheInside Wishlist... by hchdesigns featuring leather coats

So... you probably noticed my tiny little posting hiccup... of posting a dress without saying anything? Yeah... apparently I wasn't paying attention when I was saving it to my Polyvore profile and posted a dress twice! Rolling my eyes at myself...

 A couple of weeks ago Becky over at Cella Jane (great fashion blog btw) did a SheInside wishlist/must haves and completely inspired me since I've been drooling at the website for like ages now....
 Well folks... here it is, my hopes and dreams of all things fashion and style... what I've been eyeing lately on Sheinside... if you aren't aware of this shopping site and their fabulous style then boy are you in for a treat! And... I'm sorry because once you've seen it you cant go back. it's another fabulous online shopping experience that sucks you in and you are mesmerized by all the yummy finds... kinda like Target in that regard...

Lately for summer, I'm loving all sorts of tribal prints and slightly Boho looks without going completely bohemian... That dress is one of my favorites and honestly I'm thinking it might need to find it's home in my closet...  Also, isn't that yellow blazer amazing? Like hello, "I need you in my life" amazing... gosh, the July fashion budget doesn't have a chance thank God for their free worldwide shipping and fabulous prices... Wowza... this is going to be trouble I can feel it..

What a Girl Will Do For Coat...

Coat- Forever 21 (old) similar

T Shirt- Old Navy

Jeans- American Eagle

Shoes- HM

Earrings- Aldo (sold out) similar

Aviators- HM

Took a  drive to the coast yesterday after work...  The fog was rolling in and it just creates a magical feeling... I fell in love with the Northern California coastline years ago and yet every time I'm out there I'm stopped by the beauty... not to mention fighting the urge to wave to China.. Only I would wear 4 inch heels on the edge of a cliff...

I'm wearing a coat that I scored from F21 while awkwardly stalking the clearance rack waiting for someone else to put the coat back on the rack...  I mean, what was I going to do... walk up to the girl and be like "uh, looks like you're undecided about this coat... so if your not going to buy it, can I ?" ... super awkward...what a girl will do for a coat... so I made it look like I was looking at something else one the rack but really I was waiting for her to make up her mind... and after a bit I realized that this is a little bit weird, so I moved on and hoped that if it was supposed to be mine it would still be there... no joke I came back and it was there! There is no messing around when you find something this awesome.. Especially at Forever 21... it's like a mad house in there or it looks my bed when I can't decide on what I am wearing... clothes everywhere...

When pairing something with a full skirt or a print.. it's best to keep everything else simple..  and with something slimming like skinny jeans to create balance...

 Full disclosure  I had on a fully styled outfit under this coat with the full intention of not including my coat in the outfit post... but.. it was cold.

Sometimes I find that an outfit can just a little blah or like something is missing... and then put on a jean jacked or Aztec print coat and Pow! sounding like a cartoon again.. It's complete! Outerwear to me is like the fairy dust to an ensemble... Some awesome outwear I feel should be treated as a classic staples and therefore must get in your closet pronto!

Here's a list of my favorites-

Black or Khaki Trench
Black or Brown leather jacket
Jean Jacket
Pea Coat
Puffer Vest or Coat

Parka (perfect for spring!)

These are in my opinion some absolute classics and can be a life saver!

What are some classics that you cannot do with out? I'd love to know!

Photo credit- Seth

For the mama to be..

For the mama to be.. by hchdesigns featuring michael kors watches

(don't freak out, I'm not pregnant)

So I was thinking a few days ago... I've got a lot of friends who are pregnant... I think I counted at least 5 on Facebook... wow...  One being my amazing sister in-law Leah... she asked me a little while ago to do a blog post on Maternity Clothes... I of course said yes! And since I don't have any experience in this department ... I asked a few of my friends... This is what some of  them said...

Erin -"it needs to be cheaper!!"

Kirsti - "It soooo needs to be cheaper! And cuter! And they need to have more flattering options for those of us (like me) that get pregnant "all over"..."

Sarah - "Urban outfitters maternity"  She wishes...

Tara  -"Something I wish I had more of are maternity clothes that don't look so maternity! (If that makes sense) I love when I can wear something while pregnant and after I've had the baby!"

In hearing all this... I had to do a little research... and here are some awesome links that I found along with a few tips!

Inexpensive Maternity Clothing sites or stores-

1. Old Navy... Did you know that you can order things online and return to your closest Old Navy store?
2. Target... Same story, you can find more selection online and return it to the local Target store...
3. Pink Blush Maternity.. typical 30 day return policy, responsible for shipping charges..etc.
4. H&M.. so if your lucky to live close to these stores then score! Otherwise, I would search Ebay for this brand of Maternity..
5. Ebay... check for used/gently worn Maternity or brands that you love... some great deals on there!

Tips-

•  Spend money on items that are versatile... and will (hopefully) last a while...
• Accessories are your best friend! A scarf is a great way to add pop to your outfit without spending an arm and a leg...
• Dress to flatter your shape, not cover it up... repeat after me... moo moos are not for me..

OK, so full admitting here that what these tips are just basic fashion rules.. but I feel the same thing applies...  Spend the money on your basics like jeans, T-shirts etc... (depending on the season) they will get a lot of use... and these are things that you will always reach for in your dresser.Then pull from your closet, anything that has an open front like a cardigan,wrap sweater or blazer... Add in a few awesome accessories and cute comfortable shoes..

Then lastly...

Hair, Nails & Makeup! I know this doesn't really count for the Maternity category.. but honestly I feel like its extremely important to pay attention these area's especially if the rest of your outfit is a little on the casual side. Tease the hair, play with some new eye shadow and get a pedicure... Because hey, you're making a person and that's more than the rest of us can say we did with our day!

Release Your Inner Audrey...

Release Your Inner Audrey... by hchdesigns featuring a turtle neck sweater

Sometimes a little black ensemble is the best thing for those, ahem... blah bloat days...  You know what I'm saying... All black creates a slimming affect to where... we need it most.. Glory! I have to be honest doing this trick saves my bacon on a regular occasion.
Coming off the holidays everywhere you look there is new motivation for creating a new healthy lifestyle.. which I am in full support. However, what do you do when you efforts haven't taken full affect? Release your inner Audrey... my favorite item to help with this, is the leopard print flats.. Can you say awesome? With the monochromatic color, slimming and all that goodness... an interesting print it draws attention to all the places you do want to show off! Don't feel you can "pull off" an animal print? That's ok,  you can... just like here, do it in small amounts .. see there is no other print in the entire outfit...
Besides, it's a New Year and a new you! Go for it... I am sure Audrey would... and that is enough for me!