Maternity Style

Maybe you are shopping for maternity clothes for yourself or maybe you are shopping for a friend who is pregnant. Whatever the case may be, there are a lot of cute, stylish and comfortable options for a preggers these days. The days of frumpy maternity clothing are over.

Walking through Old Navy yesterday, to get some Easter basket shirts and goodies for the kids, I noticed these beauties below:

What I love about these pieces is that you are literally sacrificing nothing because you happen to be growing a baby in your belly. On trend? Check! Comfortable? Check!

You may be saying: "ERMAHGERD STERPS" translation: OMG Stripes!  Let's take a step back. You have a beautiful baby bump - no matter what size your bump may be. If there's ever a time to wear stripes, it's NOW ladies. Stripes on pregnant women could not be more beautiful or appropriate or just all around perfect.

Money spent on maternity clothes may or may not be an issue for you, personally. However, it's important to remember that maternity clothes will not be worn forever, unlike our non pregnant clothing items. Some women like to have a budget friendly pregnancy wardrobe, and for others it's not an issue. Regardless, I think it's comforting to know that when you're pregnant, and you want to watch your budget, you can still be one stlyin' Momma! 

Disclaimer: 
This post simply highlights the maternity options at Old Navy exclusively. However, there are many, many other affordable options at other retailers.

If you are pregnant and want help picking out some stylish maternity clothes, or don't have the time to shop for them because you're a working mom-to-be, please reach out to me angela.duni@gmail.com 
XOXO

Everything's coming up roses

When it comes to jewelry people usually categorize themselves into one of two categories:

Silver People - love all things silver: platinum, white gold, sterling silver
Gold People - love all things gold

Unless we're talking about your engagement/wedding ring ladies, when it comes to fine jewelry let's just call it a win that someone may be purchasing it for us. I personally am a silver person but when my husband gets me gold jewelry I love it. It's jewelry. 

Lately, there's a new kid in town - rose gold. Where does it fit? I don't think there's an answer for that. It doesn't really fit anywhere; and you don't have to be silver or gold to appreciate the beauty of rose gold. Rose gold originated in Russia in the early 19th century and over the years it's increased in popularity and is now getting long overdue front and center attention. 

I personally adore rose gold. I think with rose gold costume jewelry it'll be a typical trend - in the spotlight now but perhaps not long term. However, for fine jewelry, I think it's an elegant and unique addition to any collection. 

Here are a few great ways to incorporate this beautiful jewelry into your world for both men and women:

Nice cuff links in rose gold is a subtle way for men to  wear rose gold

With hints of rose gold in this Tiffany Men's Atlas Dome watch it becomes a whole new level of sophisticated 

I featured this ring a few days ago on PS I got it coverd's Facebook page - from Whitehouse Brother's - how could you not wear this ring for years and years to come?!? 

This bracelet from the Tiffany Paloma  Picasso collection  is heaven on earth 

I would never turn down this Michael Kor's tri color watch  the rose accents make it unique and special

**Note: the items featured are fairly pricey. These are fine jewelry pieces which are meant to be on the higher end of the price range. Costume jewelry (or less expensive jewelry) in rose gold can be found at any major retailer**

2013 Color of the Year

Personally, this makes me so happy. I love all things emerald - from the color and cut to what it says about someone wearing this bold, sassy color.

Whether you accessorize with emerald or wear it - it's so hot. Sometimes, when you see bold colors they can come across as trendy (i.e. neon that's hot right now). Not emerald. This color is classy and timeless and I predict we'll be seeing emerald sticking around for years to come. Take a look at some of the various shades of emerald below - and I think you'll fall in love too.

Dressy emerald

Funny emerald

OMG emerald

Enjoy!!

Inconvenient Truth

Not all skinny jeans are created equal. They just aren't. Likewise, not all people are meant to wear skinny jeans. Trust me, you'll get over this so fast when they aren't EVERYwhere next season. 

Mostly, they propelled into popularity recently due to teenage girls wanting to give their Dad's heart attack's the tunic/flowy shirt trend - which goes with the theory that if you wear baggy up top you need to be slim on the bottom and vice versa. 

Skinny jeans are not the best choice for a majority of the population. It's extremely hard to wear the extreme taper that comes with the skinny jean. They are not universally flattering  and typically only look how they should on the skinny, long legged variety hence the name.

A more well suited style jean - that tends to be more universally attractive and flattering - is the straight leg. It has the same concept as the skinny jean but just not with the extreme slim cut from the hip to ankle - and unlike the skinny jean, the straight leg jean looks GREAT on curvy and petite/curvy frames alike. 

Where skinny jeans can make short and pear shaped gals appear hippy-er and shorter than they are ... the straight leg can give the illusion of longer legs and a slimmer bottom half - especially when paired with a blazer. Where skinny jeans can be an agonizing experience for a curvy gal - straight leg jeans can make you appear slimmer and taller. Another BEAUTIFUL and attractive option is the bootcut jean. It really provides a nice balance to any figure short/tall, curvy/skinny and is more forgiving through the hip/thigh.

There are many other fits that work well with all figures, the purpose of this post was mostly to convey that contrary to what various mediums will have you believe the skinny jean is not the universal truth. However, no matter what style/size/cut jean you're shopping for, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dark wash prevails. It's universally attractive, slimming and stylish - always. Lighter wash jeans will never be acceptable in the work place - for good reason.
• Tailor, tailor, tailor. Tailoring is key. If your jeans are too long and you morally object to wearing a heel that makes them the appropriate length get them tailored. If your jeans are too long and you want the option of wearing them with heels or flats - get them tailored. Otherwise you will look sloppy and can make you appear heavier than you are. No matter how skinny/curvy you are. 
• Fit. We all need to be honest with ourselves and what size we are. An ill fitting pair of jeans can take a stylish outfit to tramp town very quickly. When trying on jeans look at yourself from all angles in the horrible lit rooms with the three sided mirrors. If the jeans look good in there they'll look AMAZING in reality. Be honest with yourself. Don't make a pair of jeans work because a magazine/friend/TV show says so. Find what looks great on YOU!

Life is too short to not have a good pair of jeans!!

Accessorize ... Your Name!

Lately, wearing your name is so chic ... it's yours, might as well embrace it and here are some gorgeous ways to wear it:

Moon & Lola

Soul Jewelry

Stella & Dot

Sarah Chloe

Carol & Company - John Wind

Tall Gals

*LOVE* moment: When a tall girl, wears a super tall heel. 

Men. Eat your heart out.

Work. It. 

The Perfect Gift

What I thought would be a nice to have part of my business, has actually become the most popular service that I offer; that of finding the perfect gift. It's ellusive and there isn't one set gift that works for someone every time. Everyone is so, so different.

Here are a few suggestions to help you find a truly stand out gift for anyone on your list or call me and I'll do it for you!

The gift is not for you. Period. End of discussion. To find, and give, a truly special, unique or memorable gift,  for any occasion, you have to remove yourself from the equation and really think about the person who s receiving your gift. What do they like to do in their spare time? Do they have a specific hobby? What's their favorite color or food? Are they a pet enthusiast? Do they consider themselves an environmentalist? Many times we let our own hobbies or interests determine someone else's gift. Or we see something that we love so much that we assume they will too. They very well might - but only if they have similar likes to yours. Nine times out of ten they do not.

A nice, thoughtful gift doesn't have to be spendy. Homemade gifts are just as thoughtful as store bought ones.  The summertime is full of cookouts, family traveling through town, and visits with friends. Common courtesy says to bring something with you when you are faced with one of these scenarios. I love a good mason jar filled with cookie mix wrapped in a nice colorful or seasonal dish towel. I'm going to be honest, alcohol is always a nice touch if your host/hostess drinks alcohol. However, I would shy away from this unless you are certain that they drink alcohol and you know whether they are a beer or wine person.

Then there's the thank you gift. My solution for the perfect thank you gift is two fold. First, write a note. The art of writing a thank you note has all but died and it's one of the cheapest and most thoughtful, kind things you can do to show appreciation for someone. Second, send a gift basket. They are such a nice touch and there are so many options to choose from. Plus, it's a great way for the recipient's family to know they are appreciated for the effort they all put forward.

But remember when in doubt, or if you need a little guidance - I'm here to help you!