Unpredictability, my new Best Friend

Our re-enactment of the original bunny photo below

The one thing I had to learn to accept rather quickly with Motherhood is that unpredictability is your new best friend.  For a perfectionist like myself, you can imagine how big of a nightmare this was to digest.  Throw planning, scheduling and organizing out the window because at any given time anything and everything can happen to ruin all of your hard work and efforts.  You eventually learn that this is the new norm and that certain things are just out of your control. 

Case in point - family/maternity photo session.  Sounds pretty simple right  Book a photographer, plan a few outfits, choose a location, show up and smile! You would think...

The first challenge was not being able to secure a photographer.  After a few attempts, I thought hmm...who needs a Photographer?  We can just capture these moments by ourselves (I blame this decision and cloudy judgment on baby brain).  The second challenge came in the form of a missed nap.  Little Ally Rose, who had been putting down 3 hour naps for the past month decides to forego sleep on the day of the shoot.  The third challenge was a complete outfit malfunction...because everything stretches and becomes way too thin when your pregnant.  All challenges aside, we made it happen.

The funny thing about unpredictability is that it makes for the best memories.  Somehow we managed to get a few decent shots despite all the chaos and challenges.  Now, every time I look back at any of these photos, I can't help but smile because of Ally's grumpy expressions or the fact that we asked random strangers for help.  What made it even more special are the tender moments that daddy was able to capture of his girls.  So, I guess sometimes unpredictability isn't so bad. 

Don't be fooled by social media because it makes everything look so perfect.  We got so many compliments on the photos I posted, I'm sure people assumed we had them professionally done.  In reality, we were a hairline away from one of the most disastrous days.  Motherhood realness - nothing is perfect and you learn to roll with the punches.  Live in the moments and enjoy the memories because in the end, that's all you have. 

Pregnancy 2.0

Where did the time go?  In the blink of an eye, I am in my third trimester with my second pregnancy.  This pregnancy has definitely not been easy to say the least.  I guess you can't expect anything to be easy when you have to chase after a toddler. 

These days it seems like function and comfort are the two most important things to me when it comes to dressing.  The first time around I didn't wear any maternity clothes, but as of late I've been living in these amazing maternity leggings from Preggo Leggings.  Not only are they super comfortable, they go with everything!  The material is thick enough so that you can't see through them (a problem you will find with almost 90% of other leggings while pregnant), and the belly band somehow miraculously adjusts with your growing bump!  So glad to have these as a staple in my pregnancy wardrobe, I have a feeling they will be in heavy rotation for the homestretch!

Preggo Leggings - Mom's Night Out

Champion Shirt, Zara Jacket, LAMB Heels and Balenciaga Bag

Backpackin'

Backpacks have been making a steady comeback and I couldn't be more ecstatic!  Being a mom, I need to be hands free because 100% of the time I am balancing holding my baby, her bottle, her toys, her diaper bag and my keys. 

The convenience of throwing on a backpack as you're heading out the door and still looking stylish is a huge win-win in my book.  Here are some of the ways I've style one of my favorite pieces, the Chanel Chevron Backpack from the Spring 2016 Collection!

 

Some of my current faves that have a classic cut and color, but include some amazing, fun details! 

Gucci Marmont $2,250, SAINT LAURENT FESTIVAL $1,550, Moschino Moto $2,295, Fendi Karlito $3,550, Elizabeth & James Langley $595, Prada Tessuto $1,720, Gucci Soho $1,690, Chanel Quilted $3,400

Some Bunny is One!

DIY bunny floral crown, Old Navy dress, Freshly Picked Moccasins, DIY Pallet Sign

I can't believe it's been a year since my baby girl has been born.  Life changed drastically, but in the most indescribable, amazing way.  Motherhood has been the most rewarding yet challenging experience, something I wouldn't trade in for the world. 

To celebrate surviving our first year, I started planning Ally's birthday months in advance.  I knew I wanted to do something simple and rustic, but not over the top.  There were a LOT of late night crafting sessions, Pinterest stalking, and empty bottles of wine. 

After settling on the theme, Some Bunny is One, I started making props that would work for both her 1st photoshoot and birthday party.  We were able to tie everything together so perfectly for a cohesive look.  From bunny crowns to floral signs and funfetti cakes, all the hard work paid off!  Thank you to everyone that shared in this special celebration with us!  We are so thankful to have you be a part of this special time in our lives. 

Here's a sneak peek from our photoshoot that was shot by my amazing photographer Jane and a closer look inside our party for the bunny that rules our world!

Lucy Paris dress from Revolve Clothing

DIY bunny floral crown, Old Navy denim dress, Lover + Friends maxi dress

DIY funfetti cake smash made with 5" molds, Cake Topper from CutsofConfetti

Naked cake by Final Touch Bakery, Sugar Cookies by Sweets by Gigi, DIY panna cotta, Cream Pan and Portos  

Pregnancy Symptoms I Wish I knew About

So much has changed since the last time I posted.  For starters, I am expecting a baby girl and am currently in my 3rd trimester!  I will be discussing all things pregnancy related and sharing my journey with you all soon in a separate post. 

In the meantime, I wanted to touch on a subject that I believe a lot of women may be in the dark about, strange Pregnancy Symptoms.  I know we all hear about the morning sickness and the weird late night cravings, but how come nobody ever told me about Pregnancy Nose?  Yes, that's actually a thing where your nose gets bigger, wider and swells up until you look like Shrek's sister. 

So here I am, keeping it real and sharing some of the strangest Pregnancy Symptoms that I wish somebody had taken the time to warn me about.  By no means am I an expert in any capacity, just trying to share some truth with my fellow preggors. 

Warning: what you are about to read is NOT pretty.

• Skin Discoloration - That's actually my polite way of describing black nipples.  Well, not completely black, but pretty close to it.  So in addition to your areolas growing the size of teacups, you should also expect a dark discoloration to occur. 

• Excruciating Leg Cramps - These leg cramps are unlike anything that you've ever felt before.  They are absolutely unbearable and only strike in the middle of the night, when you are least expecting it.  Most times, in both calves...simultaneously!  Yes, you will try to drink more water and increase your potassium intake, but will it help? NO!  These damn leg cramps are inevitable.

• Baby Brain and Utter Indecisiveness - For someone like me who usually remembers every little thing and knows exactly what I want, when I want it; baby brain is sheer torture.  Not only are you absentmindedly forgetful, you also tend to lose your train of thought mid sentence.  You begin to second guess every single decision, whether big or small, and change your mind like it nobody's business.   

• Leakage - Yes, you read it correctly.  Probably the most MORTIFYING symptom and one I had no idea existed.  Sometime during the 2nd Trimester, when your belly is rapidly growing and you're drinking tons of water per instructed - you are going to have to sneeze and when you do...you are going to get a little surprise.  As much as it makes me cringe to even discuss this...just trust me ladies, panty liners are your best friend. 

• Dislocated Spinal Discs - Or at least that's what it feels like.  Some days it's hard for me to even walk (don't let my prancy IG photos fool you).  My Doctor explains that some women feel all of their uterus nerve pain through their lower back.  Take my advice and get yourself a birthing/yoga ball. Rotate your hips a few minutes a night on the ball to alleviate a significant amount of pressure from your back.  Stretching and heat packs also help tremendously. 

• Growing Pains - Basically, if you were a Skinny Bitch prior to conceiving, you are going to have to pay.  How will you pay you ask?  Well very simply, you will pay by feeling every inch of skin and muscle stretch and tug as your ever growing belly is expanding.  This pain is in addition to ligament pain and uterus pressure that's already a given with pregnancy. 

• Pregnancy Insomnia, Excessive Drooling and Wild Dreams - I seriously thought that pregnant women slept all day long.  On the contrary, I am only getting about 5 hours of shut eye every night.  It appears as though it's a lot harder to doze off when you have an Olympian Gymnast doing flips inside your stomach.  In addition, you are probably trying to get comfortable with your fortress of body pillows while battling frequent hot sweats.  When you finally find your sweet spot and doze off, don't be alarmed if you are awaken by a pool of sopping saliva.  If the drooling doesn't wake you, one of your wild dreams may.  One minute you're in a naughty scene from Fifty Shades, and the next, you're running away from Michael Myers.  I thought the lack of sleep thing was supposed to kick in after baby arrives....

There you have it, some of the "never talked about pregnancy symptoms" that I wish I knew about early on in my pregnancy.  I hope you found this post insightful and entertaining.  If you have any other strange pregnancy symptoms that you have experienced, please feel free to share. 

Pregnancy is an absolutely beautiful journey and I wouldn't change a single thing about mine.  Until next time loves, xoxo!

Transition into Fall

 

My favorite season is almost upon us and I'm starting to transition my wardrobe.  Being from Vancouver, Canada, I definitely favor the cooler climate.  This season I'll definately bring back my favorite staples, but I am also excited to share some of the newer items that I've added to my collection.  One thing I am certain of, this amazing wide brim hat from Lack of Color is going to be in contant rotation.  Leather, plaid, boots and knits, oh my! What are a few of your fave fall trends?

Shorts: Foxsie

Knit: local boutique

Shoes: BCBG

Hat: Lack of Color

Clutch: Saint Laurent

For a dose of daily fashion, follow style_enthusiast on IG!

 



Distressed Dream

My love for denim grows with these super comfortable distressed boyfriends.  They have the perfect amount of edge and slouch.  I paired it with my crochet crop top and red Chanel statement flapbag.  Subconsciously trying to get as much wear out of my crop tops before summer ends.  A general rule of thumb when putting an outfit together is playing with proportions.  If you're wearing something loose or has volume on the bottom, then make sure you are pairing it with a tight or structured top.  Same rule applies vice versa :)

Jeans: Luna B Boutique

Shoes: Zara

Handbag: Chanel



Prim & Proper

Every so often I'll opt for ladylike attire and this outfit is just that. Nothing screams proper like a perfectly structured midi skirt. I found this gem of a skirt at a local boutique for a steal. It has all the makings of a classic statement piece. I wanted to stay true to my personal style and added a leather crop top, before beweling myself with a statement necklace. 

 Top: REHAB Clothing Crop Top

Skirt: Boutique

Hangbag: Chanel

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Pigalles