Monochromatic

dress: Talbots (similar) also love  this one
booties: Liz Clairborne (similar)
belt: Gap
clutch: DIY (similar)
watch: Fossil

I love simple black dresses because a) they are easy to style b) they go with everything. I love this wool stretchy version because after five years in  my closet I still wear it multiple times every winter. It's soft, warm and feels like you are wearing a cozy blanket while looking polished. I wore this outfit to church and decided to play around with my hair. This new rope braid seems easy at first but the secret is to keep all the hair super tight while braiding.  I loved this video tutorial but probably need to practice a bit more to make it look more polished and less messy. Today I love the messy braid look and hope you do too.

xo, Anna

My Pregnancy Essentials

For comfort: I loved sleeping on my body nest pillow the last trimester. It's a MUST for all expecting mothers but there is no room for cuddling with hubs. It allowed me to get some sleep (between going to tinkle and trying to get comfortable there goes the night)

For skin care: I cannot live without this oil. I slather it on after every shower and even during the day when my hand feel dry. It goes on smoothly, doesn't have any smell that would get annoying after a while and is very thin in consistency. I also bought coconut oil but didn't use it as much as this. I go through 3 bottles during my pregnancy and swear it helps with getting rid of stretchmarks afterwards.

For health: it's so important to keep up on vitamins to have a healthy pregnancy. These vitamins are natural, food-based with no additives or colors. My husband did quite a bit of research before buying them for me. They are gentle on stomach and awesome for the baby.

For clothes: I bought myself maternity jeans/ that fit me like a glove. I love the new J.Crew line and bought myself a pair of shorts on sale for summer. We shall see how they work out but the Pea In The Pod maternity jeans worked great for me.  I know they might seem expensive at first but if it's your only pair you will wear them all the time. 

For shape: Whenever I start feeling like everything is just out of proportion and too big, SPANX are there to save my butt. Honestly, they support the belly, shape your body and allow you wear those pretty dresses and such. It's the dirty little secret no one talks about. 

For snack: When craving chocolate or something sweet, I eat a handful of these snacks. They are delicious, nutty and healthy, plus not too sweet. I love them and could eat the whole bag in one sitting but carry in  my purse for desperate times. 

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Casual Done Right

tee: Corilynn
jeans: Target (similar)
jacket: Target
bag: Ralph Lauren
booties: Old Navy (similar)
scarf: similar
watch: Fossil

When it comes to outfit pictures, I started this blog very self consciousness. I didn't feel very confident and still didn't know who I am in many different ways. I wanted to be like this or that blogger, simply because I liked their style. Over the years, I have discovered more of myself and became confident in my own skin. It's really fun to do photo shoots now-a-days and although people  are still gawking, I really don't care anymore. They usually don't ask, but even if, I just tell the truth. Most of my family still doesn't understand why and what exactly I do but it's fun. And I like it. I'm also so very grateful for my faithful photographers who constantly oblige with my demands. This blog would not exist without the people behind the lens. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Pretty In White

coat: LOFT (sold out) similar
dress: Target (option1, option2)
crossbody: TJMaxx (similar)
boots: Ann Taylor (similar)
necklace: J.Crew

We are experiencing frigid temperatures. It's -7F outside my window and the 32F that we had yesterday seems like summer. We had the most beautiful snow day and I loved taking advantage of the scenery for this shoot. It's was gorgeous outside. Now it's just freezing because really no one cares for pretty white blanket of snow when the moment you stick your nose outside you turn into icicle. Hope you are staying warm and having a great week!

xo, Anna

Pinspiration: Maternity Style

pink peonies

along abbey road

the daybook

ivory lane

cara loren

one little momma

hello fashion

barefoot blonde

Maternity style is a tricky thing. You want to look stylish but effortless, while accentuating your bump. When everything hurts and it's hot outside, or you're stuck inside during winter months, heels and pretty dresses are not an option. But dressing pretty and maintaining your sexy during pregnancy is so important to your self esteem. Here's some preggo inspiration for the upcoming months. I'm looking forward to the easy breezy dressing during summer but I'm not looking forward to the heat. Jeans and shorts with a tee along with dresses is going to be my go-to. Although I like to dress up, being comfortable is my priority especially since I will be toting a toddler around. 

What's your favorite pregnancy style? 

Thank you for stopping by.

xo, Anna