8 Affordable Infant Girl Rompers

you'll have to excuse the baby fever this week. i'm just still so tickled by the lovely response to ava's room! when i'm not busy decorating nurseries, i'm surprised to find that i actually love to shop for bebe attire. it's so much more fun to dress a tot than myself. since we tend to skip the dresses around here, i'm a big fan of rompers this season. there are just so many darn great options...and affordable ones at that! here are a few of my faves:

okay okay so that last one isn't exactly a steal, but it was too cute to leave out.

confetti // stripes // peaches // mint // stars // denim // gingham // floral

-  o x o x  -

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've rounded up a few items from companies that are dutifully donating a percentage of their proceeds to breast cancer research or Komen Race for the Cure.

Shop Design Spark (all pink items) // Silvano Sunnies // Sheer Addiction Lacey Bracelet

ban.do Pink Mini Heart // RabLabs Obra Frame (fuchsia)

gold and gray Tassel Bracelet //  Alexis Russell Gold Cuff Bracelet // Areaware Alarm Dock (pink)

Do you know of others donating to the cause?

I think I speak for all of us when I ask that you let us know in the comments, pretty please!

On My Bookshelf // Beyond Chic

Whaaaaa? I'm posting two days in a row?? Look out!

Sooo...babies don't give you a lot of time to do much of anything. Besides, you know, stare at them...feed them...change them...and try to get them to stop crying, which often requires holding them. Fortunately, you can also read books while doing some of those tasks which almost saves your sanity. This is why I jumped at the opportunity when the fine folks at The Vendome Press contacted me about reviewing several of their upcoming publications. Enter Beyond Chic, Great Fashion Designers at Home.

I'm always into seeing how people live. A lot of times, I don't really feel like I know a person until I've seen their home. It's been that way since I was pretty young. You learn so much about people through their spaces! I love getting a peek inside the homes of fashion's greats...and Beyond Chic covers so many.

Giorgio Armani

Franca Sozanni

Manolo Blahnik

Reed Krakoff

...and more than a dozen others.

A few of my other favorites included
Loulou de la Falaise

Vanessa Seward

and Nicole Farhi.

This one's definitely coffee table worthy, my friends. And if you're going to be bed- or sofa-bound anytime soon, might as well just go ahead and pre-order now.

I've had lots of couch time, so more delicious book reviews coming up!

Fine Print: The Vendome Press provided a copy of this book for my review. All opinions are my own.

Fashionista // Fall Looks and Getting My Body Back

I really don't have it in me to do a post for today, but I didn't want to leave you guys hanging. Don't want anyone thinking I'd actually gone into labor or anything... (Pipe dream.) So even though we haven't quite made it into fall just yet, I'm seeing some lovely looks on Pinterest and can't help but get excited. Since, you know, I'll have my body back to myself by then.

Surely by then?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

*Really, I'm not due until next Wednesday the 14th. But, darn it, they tell you to be ready at 37 weeks so I'm ready! Where is this kid?!

Want in Every Color // 07

Hello hello! Sorry to miss you guys yesterday. We had family in, which meant play time last night and lots of cleaning the night before. (Don't you love that having people over is the number one only reason to deep clean?)

I had something else planned for today's post but then I came across the adorable Candy Kirby Designs and couldn't help but post these presh tot leggings. This is a very literal want them in every color post, friends. So. Cute.

 Candy Kirby Designs

She also sells really bad ass crib sheets. Umm...daaaayum.

Wish I knew I was having a girl. I'd be all over that!

Wear/Where // A Sunny Afternoon Co. Inspired

Have you guys caught Sarah Sherman Samuel's new shop, A Sunny Afternoon Co.? Chock full of straight adorableness made right here in the U.S. I highly recommend a peep. I mean, the Green Cross Tea Towel was cute enough to inspire today's Wear/Where...which is saying something, right?

From Gaby // What I love about maxi skirts is that they have this incredible versatility to dress you up while keeping your look relaxed, and the colour of this pleated maxi skirt really caught my eye, isn't it stunning?! So, to dress it down for a relaxed Saturday morning, I paired it with some of my summer staples: a laid-back white tee and low wedge black espadrilles. The floral clutch adds the perfect punch of summer fun (that kind of rhymes huh?!), and to complete the look, classic aviators and a boho chic wood and tassel necklace do the trick ;)

tea towel // napkin // mercury tealight holders (one, two) // glassware // plate // chairs // saarinen table

As for the where, I'm imagining a casual Saturday morning with veggie omelets and one too many extra spicy bloody marys. A marble top Saarinen table paired with these beautiful classic chairs starts us off with a delightfully modern look. I recommend softening things up with a set of Anthro's insanely gorgeous Sissinghurst Castle plates. Napkins and glasses in playful colors are obviously a must. Add some greenery and a bit of sparkle to round things out. True romance at the breakfast table, no?

House Guest // My Favorite and My Best

Today's House Guest needs no introduction. I've bragged on her plenty here and here, and you can verify her awesomeness over at My Favorite and My Best.

Quite frankly, when Jenny said she wanted to try her hand at our Where/Wear column, I was tempted to turn her down. I'm no fool. I know what she's capable of. After taming the ego a bit and agreeing, she came back with this:

rug (similar) // tealight holders // brass peace sign // lamp // lacquer box // pouf // leather console

Jenny original (similar here)

hat // suede & stone cuff // caftan (similar) // sandals // earrings // friendship bracelet cuff

Stupid good.

I want all of that, don't you?

Where/Wear // Society Social Inspired

With the launch of Society Social's latest Manifesto Magalog (have you seen it yet??), I am all about bar carts. Well, okay, when am I not about bar carts? Roxy always inspires my girly side, so when Gaby and I decided to style up the Draper Accent Table for this installment of Where/Wear and she suggested a floral top and tulle skirt, I went super fem all the way. For starters, every bar needs a proper tray. I am completely smitten with this floral beauty from Biscuit Home! Just. Too. Pretty. How gorgeous would it be with a set of those lilac glasses lined up on top? Add a little bit of lighting (SUCH a great shape to that base!), gold striped napkins (great complement to the floral tray -- because two patterns are always better than one) and a beautiful vintage decanter, and you have yourself a perfectly pretty little bar situation, amiright?

From Gaby // With the bar cart angle in mind, I created an outfit around the idea of entertaining at home. This whole outfit came to life thanks to that tulle skirt, isn't it absolutely gorgeous? It's called the Spring Romance tulle skirt and I think the name couldn't be more appropriate! Oh, and let me tell you that you'll love the price too, just saying! Well, I couldn't resist to pair it with this linen floral tee that I love, and to dress it up a little bit and add a pop of color, I chose these red/coral sandals that in my opinion go beautifully with blush, don't you agree? To complete the look I added this gorgeous pendant necklace and a denim clutch to tie it all together! What do you think? 

Loving Lately // The Colors of Summer

 Man, you guys, what a week. I feel like they're just flying by lately! We have waaaay too much to do around here for that to continue! This was a good one, though. I've gotten to catch up with several friends in the past couple of weeks (after virtual hermit behavior for months). It's amazing what that does for a person. If there's someone you haven't seen in awhile, call them! It's good for the heart.

In the spirit of fun with friends, just a few items I'm loving lately:

 gold bamboo flatware // pendant // earrings // confetti glasses // bar cart // wedges

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend in store! ox

Gift Ideas....that you can get me // Mother's Day

It's been long debated whether I technically count as a mom. (Dude. Stepmoms totally count.) Even this year, I got the sympathetic head tilt when I suggested that I finally officially qualify.

Whatever. If you ask me, even fur baby parents count. Caring for another being is motherhood, dammit!

And so I'm making it easy for a certain someone to get me something perfectly acceptable. I mean, only one of these items really breaks the bank. The rest are beyond affordable at $95 or less!

1 heels // 2 gazelle horns // 3 tote // 4 euro sham // 5 bangle // 6 studs // 7 sectional

I know. I've got a really good chance on that sectional, don't I? A girl can dream.

If you want actual gift ideas, I would definitely check out To and From. Gifts galore!

Fashionista // Dressing up that LBD

Being the frugal woman that I am when it comes to my closet, I'm really trying to make my wardrobe go as far as possible during this pregnancy. I have a couple of pre-pregs pants that I can still swing the rubber band trick on (not sure why I resisted that for so long), and I've had to invest in a few additional pairs. But I'm otherwise still wearing quite a few of my existing tops and dresses. (At 25 weeks/6 months, it looks like that will be coming to an end soon.) I've been lucky enough to have a few very generous friends donate their pregnancy clothes, which is going to go a looooong way.

One thing that has posed somewhat of a challenge is dressing up. With two weddings under our belt this year, we still have a couple of summer weddings approaching. Like I said, I've gotten away with my existing wardrobe so far. I'm hoping to get into one of my favorite LBDs for this next wedding, but that means giving it some kind of summer flair. Lucky for moi, that's easily done with shoes or jewels! I'm looking to a few of the options below if going the jewel route.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15

Of course, a new pair of shoes or a statement necklace never hurt anyone either....

Wear/Where // Elva Fields

Have I mentioned that I'm craving spring once or twice in the last few weeks? Oh, I have? Still going strong. At least Gaby's in the mood for it too, as evidenced by our latest installment of Wear/Where. We're feeling inspired by Elva Fields big time.

Come spring, I intend to be going in and out of the front door very regularly. Talk about cabin fever with this late winter weather we're having in the midwest! Naturally, I'll want a beautiful vignette to greet me each time. This little situation should do just fine. Plus, it has practical qualities! Like a baller capiz pendant to add a bit of fancy for starters. Add a couple of gorgeous asian-inspired table lamps on either end of a modern console for mood or function. We have a playful tray to catch your keys (and reinforce positive mantra), a votive for that welcoming scent, and a stool for removing shoes upon entry (also conveniently mobile if you need extra seating in another part of the house). Can't leave out the bit of flare, yo. I'm loving these elegant faux horns for the finish.

from Gaby // Isn't everything Elva Fields creates beautiful? This necklace has all the good stuff going on: white, gold and a hint of emerald, what else could you ask for? I think it would perfectly dress up this soft chambray shirt that I've paired with this sexy gold foil skirt, don't you think? I love how these feminine bow pumps bring some femininity to this look, which I've finished with classic accessories like this pouchette bag, these cat-eye sunglasses (which are sold out, but here's a similar pair), and of course, some gold details with this cuff and these studs. What do you think? Are you into pairing high and low pieces together? I personally love the contrast ;)

Wear/Where // Valentine's Day Edition

Thought this series was dust, didn't you? Nope, we're bringing it back in full force . . . and with lots of love this week!

from Gaby // Whether your plan is having a romantic dinner with your guy or a fun evening with your besties, Valentine's day is a special occasion, and as such, you got to dress for it! Naturally, this day calls for the obvious red, so why don't you make a statement with these radiant trousers, and this creamy red lipstick that promises to stay on for hours? I like how these graceful bow sandals (aren't they stunning?!) soften up this geometric sequin-embellished tank, don't you? And of course, we can't leave some jewelry behind, and what better occasion to wear those gold stacked love rings and this golden bouquet ring? (you got the love, you got the flowers kind of thing?) And because to me, nothing speaks more sexy than the one and only Tom Ford, you really can't go wrong with his sensuous black orchid fragrance ;) To finish the look, this Glitter clutch is the perfect show stopper! 

  placemat // stemware // flatware // plate // candleholder // sequined heart // gold rimmed glasses

 

Okay, so you've got the card, you're wearing your finest, lipstick's on. Now let's get that table set! Start with a graphic punch (these placemats will definitely get the job done) and layer and bold hit of black and white. To keep things monochrome but still dramatic, serve your champers or vino in gorgeous black opaque stemware (holla!) and get that special occasion gold flatware out. Classic water glasses with gold rims round out the look without scrimping on style. Every romantic meal (heck, every meal) is best with candlelight, so plan to have a few of these on the table for a hit of color. Dress up that card delivery with a heart clip that truly sparkles (and, bonus, you can repurpose that bad boy later).

What do you think? Do you guys usually make plans for Valentine's Day? Do tell!

Fashionista // Enchanted Spring

As if I wasn't already craving spring something fierce . . .

Bambi Northwood-Blyth in Stonefox Magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue

Want in Every Color // 03

My spring wardrobe (yes, I know we're not there yet) is going to need some serious updates, and I'm all over button down blouses that you can dress up or down with almost zero effort. Casual day? Wear it with statement stud earrings, boyfriend jeans and flats. Need a look that can go from day to night? Pair it with a chic skirt or white flares (love these!) and simple heels. Going out? Get it with some bangin earrings (technical term) or a statement necklace, leather pants (affordable version, dah), clutch and heels that bring the hotness. I mean, a classic top that comes in this many colors should be a staple in any girl's closet, no?

Signature Equipment Blouse

House Guest // (BAD) Blog About Design

Today's house guest is a man after my own heart. He has a great eye for art (umm...holy gorgeous), loves vintage furniture and, as evidenced below, needs to be dressing me. With the cool weather we've been experiencing lately, I'm all over this spring inspiration!

http://www.elledecor.com

Hello Because It's Awesome readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design. I want to thank Tobe for having me on today's house guest series. Living in NYC, I'm feeling the cold temperatures. So I wanted to take my mind to spring and out of the winter. The space above was featured in Elle Decor, I love all the pastel colors and bright pinks, oranges, and graphic art in the space. It's an inviting Living Room, that makes you want to kick your feet up and relax. My favorite pieces in the space are the two bright orange armchairs. I'm huge fan of anything vintage. I love the 1960s-80s and often find myself buying pieces from this period. The chairs have a strong form and really ground the seating area. If you want to give your Living Room some updating for the spring, stick to bright solid colors. Lamps, flowers, pillows, are a great way of giving your space a new look with minimal work. I'm kind of curious as to what the view is looking out those floor to ceiling windows? What do you think of the space? Below are a few fashion picks that have a similar look and feel to the space. They're all great pieces for the spring. 

(1) Moschino Cheap and Chic Floral Print Dress, (2) Ben-Amun Round Crystal Drop Earrings, (3) Iris & Ink Brushed Silk Shirt, (4) Jean-Michel Cazabat Ella Suede d'Orsay Pumps, (5) Christopher Kane Princess A-line Skirt, (6) Some White Sunnies (7) Michael Kors Gia Ostrich Embossed Clutch, (8) Erdem Floral Scarf, (9) K Jacques St Tropez Delta Suede Sandals, (10) Paris

Thanks for the warm up, Brendan! ox

So Trendy // Navajo

Either southwest inspired looks are popping up everywhere, or I'm just drawn to them all of a sudden.

pillow // earrings // cuff // sweater // tote (WANT!!!!) // salad servers // boots

Work + Fashion // Tote-ally

Yo yo yo, it's Friday, people! Aren't those the best? So full of possibility with the weekend ahead . . . during which we'll be celebrating my little brother's big 3-0. THIRTY! This makes me officially old. Plus, you know, there's Fancy Coffee Friday. Haven't heard of it? Well, this is the one day each week that I give in to the Latte Factor. (I have a mini coffee maker at my desk for fiscal responsibility Monday through Thursday.) And our cafe just got their holiday allotment of peppermint, so look out half caf soy peppermint mocha goodness. Look. Out.

While we're talking work, I made a big transition into a new role this week and I'm loving every minute of it. It has me preeetty excited about the months ahead. And thinking that it might be time to upgrade the old work tote. One of these beauts from Anthro might just fit the bill.

 Gypset Chevron // Lingon Leather // Spello // Sweaterknit // Colorblock Sweater // Newbury

Your suggestions are welcome.
Also, are we interested in some gift guide roundups 'round here?

Enjoy the weekend! ox

Fashionista // Picked Up Recently

It's Friday!!! Are you guys as excited about that as I am? Big plans for the weekend? Me neither. Actually, we'll be painting the dining room which will be quite rewarding when we see the end results, so I'm feeling positive.

I can tell you what is exciting though. As someone that really doesn't love to shop (for clothes), I have had a little closet transformation going on lately. I'm fiiiinally giving in to the notion that sometimes it's appropriate to spend a little more to get more. Which is very hard for someone traditionally extremely frugal, I tell ya. It HURTS to hit that purchase button! However, since eliminating over half of my closet this summer, I'm intent on acquiring some well-made pieces that will last. (Yes, including those Kate Spade and J.Crew numbers I mentioned in the new Want in Every Color column. I don't lie, people.)

Kate Spade Karolina Pumps // Club Monaco Hunter Tee // J.Crew Tippi Sweater //

Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran // Hive&Honey Animal Crew Sweater (RAWR!) // Kate Spade Lacey Wallet

Not all of my recent purchases are "high end," but some do feel pretty extravagant since I don't normally invest much in clothes. I prefer those dollas go to the house! (Like on the second Persian I'll be picking up this weekend . . .)

Want In Every Color // 02

I've been rocking the same Orla Kiely wallet for several years, but wear is starting to show in a big way. It's time for a younger, shinier version and I'm thinking these Kate Spade numbers will fit the bill just fine. Especially loving this sugared grape beauty on sale. How cute are those dots inside??!

I mean, how's a girl to choose?

p.s. KS is actually running their Friends & Family sale starting today. Now they're all 30% off with code F12FFUS (through Sunday).

Score.