Like a cloud

On Saturday night, I got to attend Austin Fashion Week as an award nominee for the first time. It was an honor to be up for the 2014 Trailblazer Award, and I was almost as excited to just have the excuse and opportunity to get dolled up. The occasion called for over the top fake lashes and bold coral-red lips:
The occasion also called for the dreamiest skirt in the world. When I came downstairs Jude asked me if I was dressed like a cloud. The only answer to that was "Yes! Yes, I am!":    date: 3 May 2014 // occasion: Austin Fashion Week Awards
skirt: Emily Hallman (USA, local Austin designer) // crop top: American Apparel (USA) // necklace: Noonday Collection- sold out (fair trade- found here) // bracelets: Jook + Nona via Zulily (USA) // clutch: c/o My Biotiful Bag // headband: Target
It was really important to me that I wore something that showcased a local designer, because at no other time do people inquire "who I'm wearing" over and over again. But three days before the event, I still hadn't found anything to wear. Thankfully, I was extremely fortunate to find this killer skirt in Emily Hallman's sample sale section on her website, and she graciously let me come to her studio on Thursday to try it on to see if it needed any adjustments. And wouldn't you know it, but it was a perfect fit!

I knew I wanted to ground the poshness of the skirt with a more casual top, and I remembered seeing (my favorite eco-stylist) Merl Kenzie Instagramming this shirt, touting it as "extremely flattering", so as soon as I knew the skirt would work, I immediately jaunted over to the American Apparel outlet to snag the top. Merl was right! Even at a solid size 12, I felt confident enough to rock the crop. I completed my outfit with thoughtfully chosen accessories (a fair trade necklace and a purse made of recycled plastic) and a gold headband I picked up last minute at Target.

I have a couple more photos of the outfit on Instagram, and all in all, my aunt and I had a great night. It was such an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award, and I was as pleased as punch to be out without a burp rag and a baby slung over my shoulder!

Jude liked my cloud outfit so much that he asked if I could wear it to church the next morning. I declined, but I'm thinking of having Emily hem the skirt to just below the knee so I can wear it more often (inspiration). I may even be able to wear it for my ten year anniversary party next month.

What do you think? Should I have the skirt hemmed so I can wear it more often? Or should I save it as is to wear again for another special, formal occasion? 

Chambray Champion

At what point should I be ashamed that I'm still sporting my maternity jeans? Because at one month postpartum, I'm still doing that. I can feel myself standing at the precipice of a shame spiral, but in the illustrious words of Regina George, "Sweat Maternity pants are all that fit me right now." You can bet that if I actually owned flattering yoga pants, that I'd be one of those moms that wears them non-stop. Since I don't own those coveted athletic pants, I'm going to wear my maternity jeans until one of the following happens: A- I can fit back into my regular pants, B- My maternity pants fall apart from overuse, and / or C- I actually do fall into the aforementioned shame spiral. In the meantime, here's this:

date: 30 April 2014 // occasion: hanging at home
chambray shirt: c/o United By Blue (USA made) // jeans: Paige (maternity) // tank: Old Navy (maternity) // sandals: TOMS // bag: Purse and Clutch (sold out) // necklace: c/o Moorea Seal (white version) // sunglasses: Bonlook
If we're connected on Pinterest, you may have noticed that I've been pinning a lot of clothing and jewelry from companies that have a "give back" model built into their business. In early 2011, when I first started crushing on these kind of companies, truthfully, there weren't a lot of cute, affordable options. I'm happy to report that that is no longer the case. What I wore today features conscious consumer brands TOMS, Moorea Seal (whose brick and mortar opened today- congrats!), Purse and Clutch, and United by Blue.

United By Blue is a company that I only recently learned about. They're an outdoor apparel brand that loves the world's oceans:

United By Blue was founded in 2010, driven by the idea of associating the sale of each product with a concrete environmental action. For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through company organized and hosted cleanups. -via UBB's about page

The west coast holds a special place in my heart as my mom and stepdad live in Monterey, California, and I attended California State University Monterey Bay. On a warm night with the windows open, when the wind was just right, I could hear the ocean waves lapping against the shore a mere half mile away. I spent a lot of time enjoying the bay, so I appreciate the efforts individuals and companies take to keep the oceans clean.

When you get the chance, check out United By Blue's bags and apparel. If your momma is an ocean lover, consider buying her something special from United by Blue for Mother's Day.

Eye have a weird pregnancy fact for you

I mentioned in my previous post how my shoes (and rings) no longer fit since having Lil'Lu. Do you know what else doesn't fit? (Well... aside from my pants, which is obvious, thankyouverymuch). My contact lenses! That's crazy, isn't it? Who knew that that could be a thing in pregnancy, too? I just ordered some prescription sunglasses from Bonlook since I'm not sure how long my eyeballs are going to be jacked. It could be until I'm done nursing (a year?) which just seems nuts to me! In the meantime, I'm sporting some new fashionable frames. 

date: 18 April 2014 // occasion: Easter egg hunt with kids blouse: ThreadSence (USA) // jeans: GAP (maternity) // bag: c/o My Biotiful Bag // necklace: Noonday Collection- sold out (found here) // bracelets: Jook & Nona via Zulily, Alexis Bitar // frames: c/o Bonlook // boots (in background): Dr. Martens c/o PlanetShoes.com
Golly. Feet and hands swelling, babies born into / on toilets, eyeballs changing shape... if Adored Austin hasn't made pregnancy sound frightening to you, I don't know what will. It's really not that bad, I swear!

To remedy any ill ease I may have caused, here's this:
So cute, right? I promise that munchkins like this are worth the weird eyeballs and all!

22 weeks // winterizing... almost!

Curse this Austin weather! One week ago there was a freeze advisory, so I thought for sure I would need a winter coat ASAP. I haven't bought a new winter coat in over seven years, believe it or not (since moving to Texas, actually). One of the women in my city group recommended that in addition to good maternity jeans that I get a coat that is specifically for a pregnant belly. Assuming I would have a string of 30º- 40º nights, I saw this maternity parka on sale at ASOS, used a promo code for free two day shipping, and BAM! -- My new fur lined coat arrived... on an 80º day.

 

date: 21 Nov 2013 // occasion: Ikea run

dress: GAP (maternity) // coat: ASOS (maternity) // necklace: Ragalicious c/o Paypal Cash for Registers // socks: American Apparel // boots: Sorel c/o Planet Shoes 

That's okay. I imagine that I'll get good use out of it in Atlanta over the holidays and in the midwest if we decide to make another trip to see my (ailing) grandmother. There's a drawstring on the inside at the waist, so perhaps that's what makes it "maternity". Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing this for the for next 7+ years regardless if my womb is occupied again or not (but let's face it, at this rate, it probably will be... right, Chris?!)


It's starting to get cooler again, but alas, I'm a summer lover, not a fan of fall and winter. I hate pumpkin spice, and I'd rather go to a swimming pool than a ski resort. I'm going to do bare legs for as long as possible!

 
Can we talk about these boots for a sec? I had been eying the Sorel Joan of Arctic boots forever after seeing them in a million street style photographs from Sundance a few years back. However, I just couldn't justify getting them since they'd only see the light of day (and snow?) maybe once per year. Planet Shoes (one of my favorite online shoe retailers due to their selection and corporate philosophy of green living) has an unreal stock of Sorel boots. I spied this amped up alternative cousin of the duck boot I originally wanted: hidden wedge, no fur, and I thought those would get more wear here in Austin than the traditional fur lined boots. I love these. I haven't seen anything else like them out there, and I can't wait to try these with a my new leggings and a chunky oversized sweater. Maybe next week?

And this necklace! It's the size of a gong, right? For as long as I can remember, one of my goals in getting dressed every day is to wear something that would cause a stranger to strike up a conversation with me. A social icebreaker, if you will. Yesterday was the hat, for example. Today is the necklace. This necklace is huge (I know!), but it is the number one thing in my wardrobe that will cause people to stop and talk to me. Men, women, young people, old people: it is the instant conversation starter. I can't imagine who gave this up to a thrift store, but I'm happy it's in my life.
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Update: Check out Planet Shoes' Sorel giveaway here!

22 weeks // leggings + tall boots

Can you believe that this pregnancy is already more than half over? I suppose that's what happens when you don't find out you're pregnant until you're seventeen weeks along!

I have endeavored to get off my bum and document what I've been wearing this time around. I have never been pregnant in the fall and winter, so when I began thinking about how I was going to dress the bump, at the tip top of my wants list was a pair of really great, basic black maternity leggings and a pair of brown, flat over the knee boots. I imagine that these two items will become my go-to's when it starts getting colder.
  date: 20 Nov 2013 // occasion: city seminary for women  shirt: Gap (maternity) // leggings: c/o Boden (maternity) // vest / jacket: PJK x Man Repeller // boots: c/o Duo // necklace: Jen Loves Kev (handmade) // hat: c/o America Apparel // wallet: Kate Spade // wire bag: some online craft store... can't remember! // lip color: Quince by Bite
If my mom were here, I'm sure she'd tell me I look like I'm going fishing. Am I right or am I right?   The bump finally appeared a couple weeks ago. I think every pregnant woman can agree that it's nice going to the "clearly I'm pregnant" stage versus the "is this thing from a large lunch or from gestating?" phase.   Duo Boots are the bomb dot com. Why? Because each boot is made to fit your own foot and calf. When I placed my order, I had to give them my calf measurements, ensuring a perfect fit!   I love Jen Loves Kev. When I first started reading her blog, I bought a brooch she made and sold via her Etsy shop. I love that four years later, we've become friends and I'm still snatching up her handicrafts. I love this hand painted necklace of hers. It goes with everything!
My friend Joanie and I have three giant bins of maternity clothes that we pass back and forth to each other, because between the two of us (or four of us if you count our husbands) we've managed to make six kids in under six years (!!!). Because all of our kids have been born in October, the giant maternity boxes contain mainly sundresses, shorts, and t-shirts -- no leggings or boots or coats or anything cool weather appropriate. Needless to say, this mama has been burning the midnight oil scoping out the online maternity clothing sales.

I've decided to think outside the box (both literally and figuratively) in the next few months. Watch for some not so basic maternity outfits coming up here in the next few months... including things from my what- not- to wear list! You ready? I am!

I forgot how to dress

You  may have noticed that I've been having trouble taking outfit photos. Confession: I've been having trouble getting dressed. As I mentioned last month, I gained SEVENTY pounds while pregnant with Caroline, so most of my clothes have been fitting wonky. Honestly, I've been wearing the same pair of jeans and switching out basic t-shirts for the past few months. Finally two weeks ago, as I was getting ready to go out for sushi with some friends, trying to decide between my white t-shirt or my striped one, I was like, "What the heck?! I've got to get out of this rut!"

You'd think that getting dressed would be like riding a bike-- that one wouldn't forget how to do it. Friends, I am here to tell you that this is not true. Yesterday I stood in my closet for a solid five minutes, bewildered as to what I should pair with my white maxi skirt (don't ask me why, but I was determined to wear this skirt... but what to put on top?). Slouchy tee? Blazer? Sweater? Finally, I did what any rational, American, technology loving female would do-- I took it to Pinterest. Typing "white maxi skirt" into the search bar yeilded a ton of results, but I was most pleased with this picture of Drew Barrymore rocking her white maxi skirt with a denim shirt, so I copied it verbatim, er, whatever the word is for "verbatim for clothing":

date: 24 March 2013 // occasion: City Life Church gathering 1. necklace: c/o Panthia, ethically handmade // 2. sunglasses: c/o Converse, imported // 3. top: Trouvé (Target- similar) // 4. earrings: Target (similar) // 5. skirt: Peacock Plume, USA made (similar) // 6. belt: borrowed from Meg in 2006 and never returned (Fossil- similar)  // 7. bag: c/o Olivia + Joy, imported //  8. sandals: Shoemint (Steve Madden- similar)
I don't know for sure, but I'd like to think that Drew Barrymore would approve of this outfit. Or she'd give me the side eye for jacking her style. If that's the case, though, I could always blame it on Pinterest... 

Take a look: Langford Market

Langford Market, one of my favorite stores, recently launched online shopping! Some of my favorites from their current online selection include these:

1. braided belt shirt dress ($49) // 2. finer things vest ($69.90) // 3. gold matrix necklace ($22.90) // 4. lace peplum dress ($49.90)
Right now through Sunday Langford Market is doing 50% off their entire online inventory and free shipping with an order of $50 or more. Say what? Use promo code "fifty" to take advantage of that.

I have been a huge fan of Langford Market for years, and even made buddies with the Austin store manager (who has since moved on to corporate in Houston. Hi, Davina!). I love the store because the inventory is always changing, they also carry vintage home furnishings, and there is always some sort of amazing promo going on (like buy a dress get a any cardigan for free). Each month the stores do a cool event, too. I've attended a few sip and shops and craft nights at the Austin location.

Here's a sampling of some of my favorite Langford Market pieces I've worn:
Fun fact: each of these pieces of clothing were picked out for me by the helpful staff (they love pulling clothes for customers) and coincidentally  all of the clothing pieces that I've bought from Langford Market were made domestically. See why it's one of my favorite Austin haunts? Now that I'm not longer sporting a giant baby bump, I need to hop in there again.

Langford Market has locations in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, and Chicago. Check them out online if you're located elsewhere.

Giveaway [closed]: Win $50 to VINCA

I first saw VINCA at StyleX this year. I was like, "Whaaaat? Reasonably priced animal jewelry designed and manufactured here in Austin? That's my jam!" Okay. Maybe I didn't actually utter "that's my jam" but I sure thought it. Since then I've seen VINCA on Fab.com and on the fingers and lobes of some of my favorite local bloggers (Hipstercrite, Austin Eavesdropper, Austin Slave to Fashion, Keep Austin Stylish).

I myself have been rotating through my three pairs of VINCA earrings pretty much non-stop. I have the gold mirrored deer (last seen here), the silver mirrored bunnies, and the white seahorses, and I love them so much! In addition to their signature laser cut jewelry, VINCA offers hair clips and wall art and takes custom requests. Pretty awesome, huh?

I'm really excited to be able to offer one lucky Adored Austin reader a $50 voucher to spend at VINCA and two other people their choice of any animal earrings. That's three winners!
If you want this to be your jam, too, all you have to do to enter is surf on over to VINCAusa.com, pick out your favorite items and fill out the form below by this Sunday:

[entry period over- form removed]

Be sure to follow VINCA on Twitter because one of my all time favorite bloggers and social media socialites runs the VINCA feeds (ahem!). For serious. Go go go!

[official rules]

Little Black Dress / Big, Big Belly

Do you have a piece of clothing that is a food magnet? My best friend Bee always spills stuff on her chest when she's sporting a white top. As for me, it seems like I always spill salsa or spaghetti sauce on my protruding midsection while wearing this dress. This is a problem because I wear this dress (and eat!) all. the. time.

I had this dress for about one hour when I decided to put it on and have some lunch. That's when the first salsa spill occurred. Please know that these are not minor spills, mind you, These are the "oh, crud, I better go throw this in the wash immediately" type of disasters. The next day it happened again but with a heaping forkful of pasta. Suffice to say, I've had this dress for one month and have worn it at least twice a week with every intention of taking an outfit photo, however, nearly every time I get near food, -SPLAT!- onto the stomach I drop it.
date: 3 July 2012 (and many, many more!) | occasion: Macaroni Grill to satisfy a pasta craving

dress: c/o Go Fish (handmade, fair trade) | hat: c/o Pac Sun (similar- last seen here) | necklace: c/o Moorea Seal (handmade- last seen here) | shoes: Shoemint (similar 1, 2- last seen here) | earrings: c/o VINCA (USA made, ATX designed)

I can now tell you with complete certainty that this dress washes beautifully and easily. I really love this dress. It's not a "maternity dress" but the shirred top assures that it will be flattering up through those final pregnancy months when nothing else seems to fit well.
I am 29.5 weeks along in this pregnancy today and up an astounding 44 pounds! I'd love to tell you that I'm feeling awesome, but alas, my SPD is getting worse (now my hip keeps popping out of place) and although I did total bedrest on Sunday, yesterday my left knee decided to not work without yelp inducing pain. I want Birdie to stay in until her due date, but truth be told, I am so over being pregnant. But let's not blame the leopard print booties for any of my hip and knee pain, okay? I know they don't seem very practical, but I'm still relishing the fact that so far I have not had to endure the same type of feet swelling as I did while pregnant with Jude. I think Jude disagrees about the practicality of these shoes, though. When I was getting ready to go out to dinner with Chris and lacing up my boots, Jude brought me over the above (flat) sandals to wear instead. Hilarious! I am still very thankful that no matter how much weight I gain, statement making necklaces will still fit. And of course animal jewelry.

And I got dressed, finally.

Yesterday the horror film I shot two years ago screened at the Alamo Drafthouse. Since I was in labor with Jude during its Austin Film Festival premiere in 2010, I just had to get down there to see the final edit. That meant that I got dressed for the first time since January 24th. You know, since I always take pictures of what I wear every day and never, ever skip days, you can surmise that for well over a month, I've been completely nude.*



date: 29 Feb 2012 | occasion: I Didn't Come Here to Die screening at The Alamo Drafthouse
blazer: Here J | necklace: Here J (both scored via Refinery29 Reserve, which is still live until March 6) | tank: Old Navy | jeans: AG (via a Hem Jeans Groupon) | bangles: c/o InPink | bag: Missibaba (gift bought at Ecetera Etc by my friends at Poshmark) | wedges: Shoemint

*When I say I've been nude, that really just means I've been nude underneath my flannel pj's and Slanket. Chris informed me that Slankets are not approved for public wearing, so in case that's true, I've ordered this bad boy from Urban Outfitters. 1- it's on sale, 2- hello, it's an ANIMAL, and 3- did you read the description? "It's a blanket AND an oversized poncho". I cannot go wrong here, can I?

Giveaway [closed]: Purse & Clutch

You guys! My new dress and my new lens are here! I am so excited!I was so excited that I fell into my closet and randomly grabbed whatever to wear...Either that or I'm trying my hand at pattern mixing. I used to think stripes and florals were a bit of a stretch for me, but whoa! Today I'm sporting two types of chevron, floral, and leopard. You might be a style blogger if...date: 29 Nov 2011 | occasion: errandsdress: Edge of Urge (USA made) | jacket: c/o Francesca's Collection (USA made) | vintage belt: Thrift Town | clutch: c/o Purse & Clutch (fair trade, handmade) | shoes: c/o Lulu*s
I love this little clutch so much. It's the perfect size to throw in my diaper bag and pull out to take along when I don't feel like lugging the entire diaper bag inside.
Better than that, it's a bag with a whole lot of heart behind it. Purse and Clutch is owned by my new friend Jen, and I'm so pleased to introduce this little company to you. From their company profile:

"The mission of Purse & Clutch is to partner with local economies to create dignified, living wage jobs for those in need. We place a high value on relationships, generosity, beauty, and intentionality, and use these values as decisions filters.

We purchase our products from JOYN, a fair trade, wholesale company with a vision to connect the poor with Western markets.

They provide the people of Dehradun, India, the opportunity to work in a great environment and provide for their families. The employees of JOYN take the time to know, understand, and love those with whom they work.

They work with the local economy, instead of against it, which discourages dependence on outside aid that can only be a temporary source of help. JOYN chooses to employ many who would otherwise be unable to find work: men and women with severe health issues, women who have been domestically abused, and youth who are breaking family cycles and choosing employment over begging.

JOYN employees card and spin fabric from 100% organic cotton and then weave it together by hand. Designs are then added through the ancient Indian art of hand-carved wooden block printing."

I'm especially pleased to offer one lucky Adored Austin reader her choice of bag from Purse and Clutch.

styles pictured: virtuous v handle purse | lovely leaf clutch | lovely leaf purse | classy circle handle purse
edit: form removed. contest period over.

When you get a chance please check out this wonderful new company: Purse & Clutch's shop | Facebook | Twitter

We're five days into seven days of giveaways on Adored Austin. I'm having a really good time doing this! I hope you're having a good time, too. If you'd like, feel free to follow Adored Austin on Google, Bloglovin', Twitter, or Facebook so that you can get advanced notification of my final two giveaways and so we can be best friends forever on the entire internet.

P.S. #1
Today is the last day to enter to win Hem Gems.

P.S.#2

The giveaway winner of the best cardigan in the world from Francesca's is Aubrey! Congrats!