modcloth uniquely you

I was recently contacted by ModCloth to style a dress for the Uniquely You Campaign.  And I was delighted when I received the first piece to style this past week, the Heart and Solar System dress.  When I saw this dress I instantly thought of Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.  Maybe it's the teacher in me, or my sheer delight of watching the show as a child.  So let's give Miss Frizzle a bit of a makeover, shall we?

This pattern is gorgeous, and something I usually don't gravitate towards, so I wanted to add my style to it.  I'd sum up my style in two words: classy and simple.  So I sought out to make this look classy and simple by adding some gorgeous red tights to pull the amber color in the print.  The blue shoes are a pair I wish I had in my closet!  I think the color of the shoes brings the look back to the dress and makes the tights more "subtle".  A classy white coat is a must to make this the perfect look for a party.  Add some simple sparkles with the accessories, and ta-da, the look is complete!

The color palette is one that I'm just swooning over.  The deep blues and warm gold tones…it is just so rich and luscious.  This look would be perfect for a dinner party or a cocktail party while paying homage to our gorgeous earth!

ModCloth Heart and Solar System by lafuze-jamie featuring short party dresses

Be sure to check out ModCloth for the cutest dresses right now for Holiday parties as well as New Years Eve parties. I swoon over so many of them, and can't wait until next year when I won't need a maternity dress :) 

black friday deals & squeals

Black Friday.  These words alone make me think of women huddled up in huge jackets with canisters of coffee, waiting in line outside of a store, coming up with their game plan for grabbing those items they just have to have.  Chaos.  Ruthlessness.  Clutter.  And I wish I could say I've never done this before.  But that'd be a lie.  We did the whole "Black Friday" experience a few years ago as newlyweds, wanting to get some good deals for Christmas shopping.

But this year something has changed.  I'd much rather sleep in, sit in my PJ's, and soak up the savings.  And there's a few reasons for this.  I'm not a huge fan of some stores that opened last night, on Thanksgiving.  People-enjoy time with your family!!  There's also this heart of mine that has been opened up to small businesses, whether they're local or far away, that I'd much rather support and love on.  Blogging has opened up my eyes to all of these beautiful women with beautiful families with even more beautiful stories.  We would love to help these businesses rather than wait in line for hours at big corporations.

So today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite online shops that are having some great deals today that you should check out!!

For Two Fitness
This online maternity workout clothing shop is just fabulous, and I'm happy to be an ambassador for them.  Staying fit, active, and healthy has been a top priority for me during this pregnancy and  I love that this company helps me do that!  Today you can save 35% using the code friday.  Right now I'm craving this new hoodie they just launched and a pair of capris, but I only have one month left to go so I'm not sure if I'm going to make that purchase or not.

Lisa Leonard

This woman is a complete gem.  Fun fact: I went to college in San Luis Obispo, and my roommate at the time babysat for her.  I've met her in person, and she is the nicest woman ever whose family continually encourages me through their huge hearts.  She is my go-to place for jewelry!  You can find something for everyone, and so many things can be personalized which is a perfect touch for a gift.  I've already purchased a few gifts this year to give to people from her shop and today's deal is almost too good to be true-so it might be time to get a little something for me! 

Naptime Diaries

Jessi is a blogger, a pastor's wife, a church-planter, an authentic, real woman of God, a "let it all out there" gal, and someone I LOVE purchasing from!  Her and her husband have a graphic design shop and our home is filled with beautiful versus that she has created.  We've already bought a few for the nursery, and she is just about to launch canvases this week!  Gifting one of her beautiful prints, or getting one for yourself, is a decision you can't pass up! 

Raven + Lily

My mom began learning more and more about human trafficking and before I knew it, I started to learn about this huge injustice that is happening in our world.  There are so many amazing companies out there that help this cause, and one of them is Raven + Lily.  They're jewelry is eco-friendly and fair trade.  They educate woman in poverish countries while providing them with the skill or making jewelry, journals, and hand bags.  They're jewelry is just stunning, and today they are having a huge sale! 

So, go ahead and sip your coffee, and do some good from the comfort of your home in front of your computer screen and support great causes! 

paint the night pink

I have the privilege of being close friends with a pretty fantastic lady who knows a thing or two about style.  The dashing Conni blogs over at Art in the Find, and she is one talented lady.  I've seen her passion for fashion and design first hand, and it has led her to change her career path to pursue her passion.  She's talented, driven, and most of all, a sweetheart!  

Conni's style is always one I'm fascinated with.  She has an amazing eye for classic pieces that you can add to in order to create new looks.  Check out her latest post on styling one gorgeous dress from Anthro three different ways. Conni is also a fan of color, and I just love seeing how she will take a simple outfit and create it into a masterpiece with the help of beautiful accessories.  

This Saturday she is partnering with Westfield Shopping Center at the Paint the Night Pink event.  This event benefits Breast Cancer awareness month, and provides you with oodles of fashion and style finds!  I for one will be attending, and can't wait to see the looks that she has pulled that will be included in the event.  And more importantly, I would love to see you there!  

Here's some fun questions Conni answered for me to get a glimpse at the beauty behind this creative soul:

1. When did your passion for fashion begin?

 My passion for fashion began when I was a "big sister" and started to dress up my little sister in my mom's clothes and set up mock photo shoots when I was babysitting her.  My nana always used to give me her once read through Harper's Bazaar when I was younger, but she never did for my mom or sister...now I know why. (I didn't put it together at the time)  I used to go through her closet too.  So I'd have to say it's always been there but I didn't start to see it as a real opportunity until a few years' back when people started telling me I should be a stylist. 

2. What brings you the greatest joy as a style blogger?  

I am a very visual person and when I see a style or look that I just can't get enough of, I want to share that on my blog with everyone.  As a blogger, I get to do just that!  Style is a form of art to me and I love art.  I love art because each person sees it just a bit differently from next, which is why we have such diverse styles around the world.  I gain a lot of appreciation from being able to research and blog about what my favorites are. 

3. If I hired you as my stylist, what would that include and look like?

As a stylist, I want to make someone feel like the best version of themselves. Whether it's a closet edit (going through and taking out what you need, looking at what you have and building a great wardrobe) or personal shopping (going shopping with you or for you) or giving you ideas and inspiration, my job is very diverse and clients need different things.  I would show you how you can incorporate certain styles for your body type, not just because they're in "style" but because they accentuate the best parts of your body.  It's about reading where you are right now in your life and dressing you for right now so you feel amazing.  That's what I do and I love it!

4. What is your current favorite fashion trend? 

I might be slightly obsessed with very feminine pieces right now paired with very "rocker" pieces.  What that means is I love pairing leather with statement necklaces or shiny beautiful tulle skirts with studded boots.  But, really? I'd say I am still loving layering.  That's my favorite fall thing.  You can layer a great button down top with a fun patterned sweater or a fabulous trimmed blouse with any kind of vest.  And I still love skinnies and boots, just not every day, people!! (-:

Make sure to check out Conni's blog and enter her contest for a free ticket to the event this Saturday night!   

maternity wear basics

I remember the days when I longed to be pregnant, gleaming at every pregnant woman I saw and imagining myself in cute, stylish maternity clothes.  And then I became pregnant, and was stuck in this in-between stage for quite a while.  You look like you just ate a big burrito, your pants are starting to feel snug but they still zip, but wearing a fitted top didn't feel quite right.  Fortunately for me, this in-between stage was during the summer time where I lived in dresses, maxi skirts, and workout clothes.  I knew that I would have to break down and buy maternity clothes, especially with the beginning of the school year right around the corner.  

So, at 23 weeks I embarked on the maternity clothes journey....

We had a budget, and I had to plan on buying clothes within that budget that would carry me through fall and the beginning of winter when it was still 100 degrees out.  I was pretty saddened at everything I saw.  Lots of items seemed either over priced or not my style.  Then I walked into H&M and just started grabbing everything I liked and waltzed into the dressing room.  About half of the items I found worked, and I was very pleased with all of the prices.  

H&M Finds:  

sweater// jeans// leggings// top

Motherhood Maternity was the next stop and I was definitely pretty stingy.  This lace top is one of my favorites!  It has been perfect for this time of year when it is boiling hot outside still.  Paired with a pair of slacks and heels and I'm done!  Layer with cardigans and blazers when it starts cooling off!  And these henley tops are ridiculously comfortable!  

Motherhood Finds: 

solids// stripes// lace top// tunic

With the beginning of the school year I'm definitely tried to stretch many of my pre-pregnancy dresses.  Let me just say that empire waists are my saving grace!  I spotted this adorable blazer at Target for on sale for $30 and knew I had to get it!  It is definitely my go-to piece in my closet.  Layered with the Liz Lange tanks from Target (most amazing things ever) and I'm done!  

dress// maxi skirt// tank// blazer 

Now I know that you're seeing a pattern with all of these clothes...there's lots of gray and there's lots of black.  I didn't want to buy anything patterned so that I could mix and match more often, and my plan is to use pops of color in the form of scarves, shoes, and necklaces.  

Currently I'm on the lookout for a pair of red skinny jeans without breaking to bank, so any suggestions would be great!  

And just for fun here are some outfits as of late...

ode to the maxi

Dress: Target, Shirt: Target, Belt: Nordstrom's Rack, Necklace: World Market

I've caught the itch..

the LOVE for the maxi.  

Right now I have two maxi dresses, but one of them fits me pretty funky in the top.  I was experimenting with it last weekend, threw a top over it, completed the look with a belt, and ta-da! the look was complete!  (see above)  A dress became a shirt, and I felt uber comfy.  I'm dying to finally have a maxi skirt and have loved pinning ones I'm dreaming of, as well as some to add to my summer bucket list.  If you know of anywhere that has some great maxi skirts, just send them my way!

Dress: Nordstrom's Rack, Necklace and sunnies: Banana Republic 

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: dyanna85.polyvore.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: washingtonian.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: u-createcrafts.com via Jamie on Pinterest

what i wore wednesday

It happened again.  The Target clearance rack caught my eye.  I just HAD to take a look.  And, I'm pretty sure it was meant to be.  Because as I was perusing through tops that did not catch my fancy I stumbled upon a dress. The dress.  The dress I had bought in November in yellow, went home and tried it on, and took it off as soon as possible because the sheer horror of me in a yellow dress was too much to bear.  I loved the style, but the shade did not love me.

But this dress and I knew it was meant to be, as long as it was in black.  And it was, and in my size, the only one sitting on the rack.  

It's tag was reassurance that our happily ever after would truly come true.  

$7!!!  I proudly wore it to work paired with some tights, cowboy boots, and my handmade scarf.  

It was a good day.

Dress: Target

Tights: Target

Boots: I bought them so long ago (for $10) that I don't remember where!!!

Fossil Watch: gift from mom

Earrings: World Market

Source: tumblr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I wanted to let you know how the "me in 2012" is coming along.  We're 11 days into the new year and by God has strengthen me and challenged me.  I feel more confidant in myself than I have in years.  Things have happened lately that could have easily made me doubt myself and feel like a lesser person.  Instead of beating myself up over things I cannot control, I have chosen to pray.  Prayer changes things!  

God has reminded me so much these past 11 days that HE made me uniquely, that HE loves me, and that is enough.  This has helped me when it comes to being hard on myself and easily comparing myself to others.  Every teacher has the day.  They come home thinking to themselves that they are a horrible teacher, and ask "what am I doing wrong???". Yesterday was one of those days.  I felt inadequate as a teacher, I compared myself to others and felt lost...I felt as though all of my joy had been sucked out of me and it was my own doing.  I had to make a choice, and wallowing in self-pity was not an option.  

These past 11 days my motto has been to "Choose Joy".  There are always going to be those days, things spin out of control, things don't go quite right, someone says something that just makes you want to cry, and we must CHOOSE JOY.  When I choose joy I am making a conscious decision to find the blessings in life, acknowledge that not everyday is going to be just peachy, and know that my attitude makes the difference.  When I choose joy things roll off of my back, words don't sting, and my heart is full in tough times.  

I have to admit that it is so much easier to say "choose joy" than actually do it, but I have HOPE in times of worry, HOPE that my joy will overcome my negativity, and HOPE that God will change me.

I encourage you to Choose Joy!