Babe/Bump: Kerry Washington Screen Shot Style Steal

For anyone who has been pregnant or are close friends with someone who is pregnant, you know that getting dressed for a big fancy event is a dreaded task. Of course you want to look beautiful and sexy, but even more so when you've got a big bump! We recently attended the wedding of the year (no really check it out here it was insane) for our friends Noah & Melissa. It was the epitome of New York City chic and I knew I wanted to feel great in whatever I wore. The moment Kerry Washington stepped onto the red carpet at the Emmy's in that sleek cutout black number, I immediately knew she would be my inspiration for my look. Play up the bump and boobs (my best assets right now) and still being comfortable were my top priorities.

After lots of dresses and bad "fitting room lighting" meltdowns later, I finally resorted to my stand by.... ShopBop. I shot this dress in white a few months back and thought I may be able to find it in other colors and sure enough my favorite go to site had it! A quick hem, some hair and make up and a nice pampering staycation day at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and I was feeling like a hot mama!

Dress: Solace London

Shoes: Gucci

Bag: Vintage CHANEL

Hair: Glamsquad

Make up: Anna Webber

Babe/Bump: OOTD Work Meetings Bump

For a day of work meetings this look was perfect to style around the bump. A cotton mini wrap skirt leaves lots of room for adjusting as you grow, and the silk cami is loose and flowy to skim over anything you want to hide! I love bright heels to elevate any kind of look and because of the chunky heel it's easier to walk around the city. Check out my work bump OOTD and shop the look below!

xx

Photography by Alexandra Bear

Shop The Look

Accessories Edit: The Choker Club

I love clubs. Book Clubs, social clubs, cooking clubs, secret-password-only-bar clubs, night clubs, Sam's Club... all of em. Whether I can get into the club or not, I always want in. These days in fashion the choker club is a real thing. Ok well not like a real real thing, but more of a thing than me just making it up to clever. Fenton/Fallon has officially dubbed their's the "Fallon Choker Club" and North West is a member so.... there's that.

I've been gravitating more toward the glam chokers than the solid fabric ones. The 90's trend quite literally brings me back to middle school and I'm not totally into it. Instead, I love the sparkly take that makes it modern, fresh, and a little more elevated now that I'm no longer 14. Only problem is... $$$. Yes, buying up diamond chokers gets a pricey and unless you have a money tree growing out on your balcony (which I don't) buying something so expensive that's "trendy" is a big waste. Thankfully, I'm a member of the Under $100 Club too and found some amazing ones for prices just as chic as the chokers themselves! (I've already ordered 3 of these!)

xx

Image via Pinterest: Gigi Hadid by Carin Backoff for Love Magazine

NastyGal, Drop The Game Choker

Fallon, Amure Hammered Stud Choker

Missguided, Metallic Double Layered Choker

TopShop, Double Bar Choker

Lulu's, Foothill Trail Turquoise & Silver Choker

Nordstrom, Florence Lace Choker

Zara

Charming Charlie

Bauble Bar x Shay Mitchell, Catena Choker

Bauble Bar x Shay Mitchel Vortex Crystal Choker

Lacey Ryan, Box Choker

Vanessa Mooney, Tiny Dancer Choker

Thursday/Friday/Saturday: Adele Concert

This past weekend all of my singing into a brush dreams came true and I got to belt out every song at the Adele concert. As you can imagine it was nothing short of of amazing. Maybe it was the sheer thought of being called on stage to get a selfie ( like she had done in previous shows) and becoming best friends with Adele, or the fact that I don't take this baby bump out much these days... but either way, I wanted to step up my look. My go-to lately has been my favorite new maternity denim, a classic fitted tee, and good hair/make up to distract from anything else! This night was no different.

The Look: Black Paige (maternity) skinnies, Maje chain detail white tee, Vanessa Mooney Choker, and my dewey look beauty products!

xx

Isabel Marant Dicker Booties

Nars Gloss, Tasmania

Majé tee

Paige Transcend Verdugo Ultra SkinnyJeans

RMS beauty Living Luminizer

Clinique Mascara

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

Vanessa Mooney

Dior Tinted Moisturizer

Social Style: REALway 90's layering

On the runway layering seems so effortless and it doesn't matter if something is falling off your shoulder, or you're in a complete sweat. In REAL life layering is a lot more difficult than a 1 minute walk down the runway. The easiest layering trend right now is slip dressing. After seeing the look on almost every celeb, style star and editor I have been dying to just put a look together that would work with my growing bump. So ladies.... if you have a bump this look is all about comfort so therefore it's all you! And if you don't.... well, the options are really endless!

xx

A silk cami was more comfortable for me with this cotton skirt so I chose this version of the look.Top: AYRTee: VinceSkirt: Enza Costa — A silk cami was more comfortable for me with this cotton skirt so I chose this version of the look.
Top: AYR
Tee: Vince
Skirt: Enza Costa

Comfortable Sneakers finished off the look with a CHANEL chain strap bag.Sneakers: Adidas OriginalsBag: CHANEL Vintage — Comfortable Sneakers finished off the look with a CHANEL chain strap bag.
Sneakers: Adidas Originals
Bag: CHANEL Vintage

Social Style: Crushing on Lingua Franca NYC

I don't know about you but I do most of my shopping and discovering on instagram these days. My new discovery has quickly become my new style crush and it's a brand new up and coming line called Lingua Franca. If you love hip hop, and you love soft cashmere on your skin you're going to love these sweaters too. The designer hand stitches rap lyrics in feminine script onto sweaters in bold pop-y colors. As of now I only know all info from their Instagram account @linguafrancanyc and that sweaters were being sold at the new Saks Fifth Avenue Downtown and Five Story. Sadly, that's all the info I have on this new up and comer... so for now enjoy their instagram account, and these screen shots below of some of my favorite one of a kind pieces!

xx

All Photos courtesy of Lingua Franca Instagram @linguafrancanyc

Social Style: Screen Shot Steal x Sincerely Jules

This screen shot was taking a while ago when I knew fall weather was ahead and I'd need some outfit ideas. As New Yorkers, there are very few opportunities to truly dress in a seasonally transitional look. We go straight to cold from hot and then back again... there's not much in between. But sometimes there are a few great Fall days, like recently, when you can dress like a Californian and mix your warm clothing with your cool. My absolute favorite California cool blogger and style inspiration is Sincerely Jules. She can pull off cashmere and cutoffs like no one other, and never misses when it comes to finishing with a great bag and the perfect 1/2 tuck. Clearly, she's the perfect Screen Shot Steal for something like this!

My version here is a maternity/pregnant version but the look can work on anyone and can easily be found in your closet!

Photo: Courtesy of Sincerely Jules Instagram, @sincerelyjules

Babe/Bump Uniform: Denim

The in between bump stage was pretty annoying when it came to pants. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a tee and skinny jeans girl with piled on accessories. So the fact that I was too big for my jeans, but still not big enough for maternity denim was really annoying. After doing some maternity denim research and feeling like I wanted to burn every summer dress I owned I jumped in head first and got my new maternity jeans! I'm obsessed with them and have found so far that these are my favorite. I'm still on the hunt for an amazing flare pair but for now these are making me feel like a normal person again!

Paige Denim

Verdugo Maternity in Black Shadow

Paige Denim

Verdugo Maternity in Armstrong

MOTHER

A Pea in The Pod

Citizens of Humanity

Racer Ultra Maternity Skinny Jeans, Shopbop

Babe/Bump: Chic Diaper Bags DO exist!

While trying to build the perfect registry I can't help being a little bit vein when it comes to a few items. Yes there is always the pressure of NYC moms, but that's not really what I care about. I care that the pieces I'm choosing are not only great for my baby, but also fit my style. If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty particular when it comes to what I wear and carry every day. The number one item I've been thinking about is what Diaper bag I'd like to carry. To me it seems like a pretty important bag. It holds all of your necessities, you'll be carrying it every day, and it is basically replacing whatever handbag you usually carry every day... because who is carrying 2 bags!? After sifting through some pretty ugly bags these are the ones I came up with that fit all of my requirements: Classic and Sleek, Check. Large enough to hold a lot, Check. Neutral enough without being too boring, Check. Take a look and let me know what you're thinking for your diaper bag.

xx

Prada

Saks.com

Zara

Marc Jacobs

Shopbop

Jujube

BFF Diaper Bag

Danzo Baby

Retro Bag

Rebecca Minkoff

Emily & Meritt for Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

Honest Company

Nordstrom

Rachel Zoe Quinny

Nordstrom

Monique Lhuillier for Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

Thursday/Friday/Saturday

I live for weekends, and usually mine start on Thursday night. Whether watching Scandal or a night out it's my official kick off to the weekend. This past Thursday was the Grand opening of my husband's new restaurant Avra Madison. It is absolutely gorgeous and we had the best time! After a little trouble figuring how to dress the bump for this night, I landed on a simple slip dress I found at Zara earlier in the week! With the right heels, and some good glam the whole thing came together perfect and I was really happy with my look.

xx

Dress, ZARAChoker, Ben Amun (similar here) Shoes, Schutz (similar here)Bag, CHANEL (vintage)Glam, Drybar & Blushington — Dress, ZARA
Choker, Ben Amun (similar here)
Shoes, Schutz (similar here)
Bag, CHANEL (vintage)
Glam, Drybar & Blushington

Social Style: Screen Shot Steal, Chrissy Teigen

I keep tons of screen shots on my phone for style inspiration, outfit ideas, and even shopping lists. When I got pregnant I started grabbing images like crazy looking for outfit ideas that would still help me feel sexy and cool. Chrissy is one of my favorites but while pregnant, she took her looks to the next level and I knew I wanted to try this one! It's easy to find all of these pieces in your closet and put together the same type of look, pregnant or not! Check out my version below!

xx

Into It: Off the Shoulder

Currently I'm crazing over the off the shoulder trend. Showing skin in an unexpected way is one of my favorite ways to be a little bit sexy. My show off go to's are usually legs, back and shoulders. So needless to say, I'm really into this off the shoulder fashion comeback. Shirting is huge for Spring, meaning lots of stripes and stiff fabrics.... basically anything that looks or feels like your boyfriend's work shirt. And while a lot of these off the shoulder styles follow suit with those vibes, the majority of them have some sort of billowing or ruffle that gives it the femininity that I definitely need in my closet. You're about to see this look almost everywhere you turn but for now, until we all get sick of it here are a few of my personal favorites I'm in love with for you to check out!

Zara

Topshop

ASOS

Caroline Constas

TIBI

Club Monaco

Shakuhachi

O'neill

Chic Chef: The Best Chicken Burgers Ever!

OK here it is! My favorite chicken burgers! My mom made up the recipe I think, and then passed it on to me a few months ago. My husband is addicted and I've been making them almost weekly every since. Here is the sort of recipe below but it's best when you put your own twist on it. Check it out!

1 Package of ground chicken

1 chopped yellow onion, or container of pre-chopped yellow onion

3-4 chopped stalks of celery

1 Box of Free Range low sodium chicken broth

1 Package of your favorite stuffing

fresh thyme, sage & rosemary

Olive Oil

salt & pepper

A toasted bun of your choice (I like whole wheat or Quinoa flour english muffins... those nooks and cranny's doh.)

Fashion Funk

I usually get into a funk around this time of year. I'm over my clothes and ready for a fresh update. I found THE cutest sweater to do just that and have been wearing it on repeat!

xx

A few more fresh updates below that will get you through the next few months! You're welcome :)

Banana Republic

& Other Stories

Zara

Phillip Lim

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Intermix Exclusive

Club Monaco

J.Crew

Photos Courtesy of: Banana Republic, & Other Stories, Zara, Net-a-Porter, Intermix, Club Monaco & J.Crew

Freaking Out. Half Priced Valentino!!!

I have no business buying as many shoes that I do. But when I find a pair I've been searching for forever, I have to jump on it. These babies will be living on my feet from here until summer. Whoop!

Bags in a Bag

Changing bags for day to day is fun and of course makes your look chic as hell. But what's not that cute... a bunch of crap thrown into a bag. My bags are full of little bags to keep me organized and to make the transfer from one look to the next painless.

Vintage: Chic... but Kinda Gross

For those of you just getting to know me, I am all about amazing vintage pieces that make a statement... for other people that is. Not me. I love the look, the history, and mostly the whole ideeeaa of vintage. But when it comes to actually shopping for vintage or styling into my own wardrobe I just can't do it. To be honest shopping at a thrift store or digging through consignment and flea markets is not my jam. One of my best friends is a little vintage genius, and the way she rocks an 80's fur, or a western cowboy hat is something to be admired. I on the other hand, just cannot. So you can imagine my surprise and small amount of fear, when I recently I acquired a pretty large amount of vintage pieces.

Through family friends, and their beautiful NYC estate, I was gifted quite a few pieces of designer goods. Chanel, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Dior, yup.... gang's all here. In my closet. And while the pieces are CHIC-AS-HELL(!!).... honestly,they were kinda grossing me out. I mean think about it, another person has worn these clothes, sweat in these clothes, had a winter cold in these clothes (I found an old tissue in one pocket. I swear.), and then put these clothes in a dusty storage unit awaiting new life from a Vintage Virgin like me to pull them out. Needless to say, dry cleaned and all, they still had that old vintage clothing smell.

Soooo, long story medium, I did some research and found out the best way to get out the "old" smell. Since this is info that I think a lot of people could use, AND since I am a vintage wardrobe newbie I documented the whole process.

Step 1. Clean.

I was told by my vintage genius bestie that you should always stick your stuff in the freezer to kill any leftover germs. I have no freaking clue if this works, but it was kind of funny and I figured what the hell. So I did it.

Then after I was done freezing my new Chanel tweeds, I took them to my dry cleaner. Classic dry cleaning. Nothing special.

Step 2. Erase the Smell

After researching I found that naturally activated charcoal such as "Fridge It" odor removers are great for absorbing smells. I bought 3 packs of 2 and a box of giant plastic zip lock bags. I loaded 2 bags with dry-cleaned, vintage clothing (that still smelled), and 2 odor absorbers in each bag. I sealed the bag tight and put away in my closet for 48 hours.

Step 3. Wear

Finally, with very very verrrrry little scent left in the clothing these pieces are pretty much like new. I wore my first piece out the other day and I am feeling pretty damn cool that I have some vintage (other than old boyfriend jeans from high school) mixed into my wardrobe. I feel so grateful that I get to keep loving these pieces just as much as I image this fabulous woman did while she was wearing them. I can only hope that I too someday can pass down some gorgeous, (and yes maybe a little smelly from my perfume) vintage pieces to someone new to love. But for now, I'm going to live as big and have as much fun in them as I like to think she did.

xx

Tweed Jacket, CHANEL; Wrap Sweater, Aritzia; Striped Tee, J.Crew; Denim, Armani Exchange; Booties, Isabel Marant

Bra Top... Can I Do This?

Today Dries Van Noten showed Spring 2016 and now I'm kind of obsessed with wearing a bra over my clothes. Of course my first thought was....Can I do this? Like really. Can I actually wear this out in public without feeling like a total weirdo. Will I look like I'm trying to be 18 again? I know my husband will probably not be thrilled, (he calls me lady gaga in basically anything that is not a tee and jeans) but I'm trying it. Stay tuned ;)

xx

Source: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-...