decisions

so here are the new shirts coming to me in a few days:

like i said, i'm going to have to focus on

being cute and super pregnancy

instead of creative.

here's my question, do you think i should put them all in

for my 30/30?

i'm leaning towards yes

because:

a. i don't have a lot of bottoms

and

b. i don't have a lot of shoes

 to put into the remix.

so if i do these 7 shirts

i have 4 bottoms

3 pairs of shoes (sad, i know)

that gives me 16 more pieces to work with.

i think i could make that work with

undershirts, more t-shirts and cardigans.

i probably could have thought this out without

typing up an actual post...but i was really excited for

you to see what i got online!

d-day

last chance to enter the csn giveaway here.

i don't think i mentioned that i will be doing

kendi's 30 for 30 again.

it starts tomorrow and i'm still not sure what

i'm putting in the mix.

as much as i'd like to be creative with my

choices and have ton's of fun layering pieces.

it's just not in the cards for someone

who's in her last trimester.

buuuuut, i think it's a good opportunity

to look cute whilst becoming a giant person.

point:

i'm probably going to look like i'm 

wearing the same 30 pieces for 30 days.

not a lot of options for a wardrobe that's only supposed to

last me for the next few months.

of course that never stopped me from a small shopping spree.

part of the reason i haven't decided what to put in the remix

is because i have online shopped and not all my pieces

are in my possession.

but since i have a limited amount of bottoms to begin with

i'll go ahead and reveal those now:

l to r: old navy denim pencil skirt, gap skinny maternity jeans, liz lange boot cut jeans and old navy leggings.

buy: skirt, skinny, bootcut, leggings

but when it comes to tops it's still up in the air.

i'll come up with the final cut tonight and post pics 

tonight or tomorrow morning along with 

my first outfit.

i also only have 3 pairs of shoes for the remix too.

i wish i had some cute flats 

but when i invited myself, my youngest and the girl

i babysit to be dropped off at the mall while my husband

goes to a meeting...i got denied.

shocking, i know.

phew.

in the mean time here's a top that didn't make the cut:

mostly because it's such a bold shirt

i don't think there's anyway i could really mix it in.

if i wasn't wearing paneled pants i could

probably tuck it in somehow,

or if i had a sweater vest to wear over it

that could be cute too,

but i don't have those things.

and of course, the side shot.

yowza.

this is 30 weeks people.

top: h&m maternity, leggings: target, boots: target.

shop: maternity tunics

so there you have it.

let me know if you're remixing this winter for the 30/30.

i'd love to see you in action!

fantasy friday- enter the $25 giveaway

you can fantasize about what you'd

spend your $25 on if you win.

you have until monday night

to enter.

click here to enter the csn giveaway.

adding the interest

enter the csn giveaway here

i've been thinking about breaking outfits

down for you and showing

the components that can make your clothes

(that you already own)

go from plain to interesting.
one reader suggested showing how to put together a look.

so let's start with the basics

t-shirt and jeans.

i'm taking a plain white t-shirt and some straight leg jeans

to make this outfit.

buy: similar top, ae jeans

look 1 (on the left) involves about 5 more seconds of effort
after putting on the t-shirt and jeans in the first place.
scarf, statement ring, ballet flats
easy breezy.
the two accessories
(that's right there's only two)
add texture and interest.
look 2 adding a layer like a cozy vest can help hide some fluffy
love handles and create a slim line,
boots and fun earrings top it off.

look 3 (on the left) any cardigan, long necklace and simple hoops.
this is a classic with a great twist 
with the short little boots.
this look can be down about a thousand different ways
with different styles and colors of cardigans.
look 4 try a jacket instead of a sweatshirt
or if a cardigan isn't your thing.
there are SO many cute jackets that can give you structure
and do wonders for your body shape.
(this jacket is from onestopplus.com)
i kept the color palette pretty neutral with little pop of color 
in the earrings, but i think any color 
in a flower clip or headband could be cute.

the key to all these looks is being aware of pieces 

that elevate an outfit to the next level.

those things are called accessories,

don't be afraid, accessories are our friends.

necklaces,

belts,

headbands

clips,

rings, 

earrings,

bracelets,

watches,

hats,

tights,

gloves,

scarves.

these are the pieces that make your style 
these pieces make you look put together,
that you've tried and that you care.
everyone wants to look good. 

creating choices for
yourself and buying the things that you like,
that look good on you
and make you feel good is what 
gives you the confidence to make anything you wear look good.

shop: t-shirts, jeans, accessories

csn stores giveaway!!

another giveaway from csn stores.

you remember that csn has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from a stylish swing set

 (spring will be here before we know it)

 luxe items like these statement booties

and luggage by dvf!

there are everyday items too

like a super chic diaper bag:

and fun cookware sets to make

cooking in the kitchen

even more enjoyable!

here's your chance to experience the 200+ online stores

at csn...with a $25 gift certificate!

this is open to us and canada residents only

each entry is good for one comment from you 

on this post

letting me know which entry you did.

mandatory entry:

be a follower of enstylepedia

(found at the sidebar)

extra entries:

like enstylepedia on fb

go to any of the csn stores online and tell me your fav product

fb this giveaway with a link

tweet this giveaway with a link

blog about this giveaway with a link

comment with what you'd like to see more of on enstylepedia

what are you most looking forward to this spring?

what's the best book you've read lately?

remember you have to comment for each extra entry

that you want to be counted for.

good luck!

this giveaway will be open till monday january 31st, midnight pst.

winner will be announced tuesday morning.

star style- emma stone

i heart emma stone.

her voice is unique.

her comedic timing is spot on.

and i loved what she was wearing at the golden globes:

via

so chic.

of course you can only be a waif to wear a dress like this

but i loved that she was doing the minimalist look.

simple hair, make-up and accessories.

gorgeous.

i recently saw this pic of her at the airport

on her way to the gg's:

via

i thought this was a great everyday look

that you could pull of some

variation of it, no prob.

buy:

jeans, boots, jacket, scarf, bag, ring

star fact:
did you know emma is a natural blond?
she dyed her hair that great reddish color for a role
and just recently decided to go
back to her natural roots.

so is this a look you'd wear?
to me this outfit showcases
that to have a great look it's important to buy
items that are staples for any
look you're trying to achieve.
the jacket is cool and fitted to
make your middle and sides look slimmer.

any star style you've been eye-ing to achieve?
(see what i did there...instead of dying i said eyeing...i know, super clever)

a casserole of a post

ahh, it's that time of week again.

friday.

so i have several things this friday.

i did a little q & a for kelly of dressing mommy for her

my gal friday post.

q's about body image and loving yourself!

check it out.

next on the agenda

overstock.com discount.

that's right, discount.

overstock.com  is a mecca of shopping choices all in one place

and the products are already discounted.

girls, there are some great deals to be had.

fashion jewelry

$7.49! yes please...mama always likes a pop of pink!

shoes

$37.49 love these wedge-a-licious sandals by fergie

(i reccomend not buying the camo, unless you're in your teens)

sunglasses

dreams on getting your hands on gucci suns this spring?

you can have these for $112...not bad for gucci, right?

and you can not another 10% off with

this discount code:

?121745?

(excludes movies, books and electronics)

this code can only be used once per email address

and it never expires.

prefer free shipping  on electronics:

202234

happy shopping...good luck narrowing it down!

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

and what's friday without a fanasty?

i've been craving a mustard bag

for a few weeks now

i haven't found "the" bag yet

but i wouldn't mind

having this beauty on my shoulder

it wouldn't be a fantasy without a ridic price tag, right?

$1,640

happy friday friends,

i hope you have a great weekend!

just keep swimming

i got my hair cut today.

i feel like i have a bounce back in my step.

mostly because my hair now has bounce back.

nothing like shedding a few inches at the salon.

tomorrow i'll be 29 weeks.

almost at the big 3-0!

people have said i've really "popped" lately.

that's a nice way of saying you're huge...and you still have 11 weeks.

can you imagine what my 38 week picture

is going to look like?

it's going to be crazy.

seriously.

here's my paint brush skillz in real time.

i thought this tank was grey and red

...i guess it's white and red.

i like that this red is kind of

orangey and faded.

if i don't stretch it out too much

it could be a great spring piece too.

tank: target, cardi: old navy, belt: target ($4.98!)

jeans: gap always skinny maternity, boots: target

 get ready for a freaky picture

 freaky, right?

i really wanted to take pictures outside

but it was so cold today.

also i'm blessing you

with a picture of my maternity glow:

it's actually the florescent's.

are you in or out?

yikes.

kendi is doing another 30 for 30.

i feel like i barely survived the last one.

buuuuut

i really wanted to showcase being 

"cute" while pregnant instead of 

wearing yoga pants and your husbands shirt

(you know who you are).

and did you know that  i just entered my 

3rd trimester?

yeah, me either...an email told me.

so, am i in or out?

are you going to do it?

i like to do things my friends are doing...

i'm not much of a leader.

it starts feb 1st.

which gives me a payday to buy some more accessories.

i've padded my wardrobe 

with some more color recently too.

plus now i know what i don't need

and what i do need.

~

on a totally different note,

did anyone shop this weekend?

i went to old navy to check out the clearance

(thanks to madeline at uber chic for cheap)

they had an extra 40% off,

i got a cute long sleeve $5...not maternity but it was 

for "tall" people and it had plenty of room.

i also headed over to target

this belt i've been wanting was on clearance for $5!

(score)

and i got this cute tank in the junior section on sale for $6

yeah, i'm totally in my 3rd trimester and i can wear

junior clothes...jealous? 

(don't mention it was an xxl)

can you tell these aren't photographs?

hmm, note to self, work on paintbrush skillz.

well those are my new items more or less.

i'm "ice skating" tonight with the youth at my church

so i'll have to get dressed at some point today.

i'll take pics...pinkie swear.

spring drool- make it modest

i'm totally drooling over spring dresses.

i was fantasizing at delias yesterday.

aren't these so fun?

$45 is a lot of money in my opinion buuut

delias has sales like every 10 minutes so

that's always a plus.

of course all of these dresses i can't wear as is

so i thought i'd give you some ideas

on how to make them modest.

in a little series i'd like to call:

make it modest.

i know, i'm uber-creative with naming things. 

after i put this look together

i though just wearing a cropped jacket

or cute blazer on top would be cute too.

i love orange an blue together.

click here for brands

i know there's a few funky sisters in the house.

it could be fun to layer a classic oxford

with this tie-dye dress, right?

adding a little belt to define the waist.

i like the idea of putting a button up

over the top and manipulating the

bottom of the shirt to define your waist as well.

click here for brands 

feeling free and one with the earth?

i'm all about hippy appeal.
this feather weight sweater worn loosely over
this great free flowing dress is the perfect
"throw on" outfit to go the library, park, grocery shopping,
everything.
easy, cute and you can make it your
own by adding your style shoes and accessories.
click here for brands

sometimes it just feels good to wear
flowing clothes, right?
this dress is flowing and sweet.
adding great sandals and some spring polish.
i can smell the green grass
reading a book on a blanket at the park.
ahhh, spring...how i long for thee.
click here for brands.

i must be in a hippy mood...actually
a majority of the dresses i liked at delias were
hippy-esque, so that must be it.
anyway, this dress is so feminine and sweet
wearing it with some amazing 
shoes could be all the styling that it needs.
click here for brands.


obviously there are many ways
to style each of these dresses
but these are just some ideas to make them modest.
honestly the length of some of these
is pretty questionable...
the tie-dye one and this last one i think
would be too short on me and i'd have to wear
leggings or something underneath.


i hope this helps you see 
that even though these spring dresses
we all love and can't wait to wear
can still be made into wearable dresses.


when making things modest it's 
important to be creative and play with your options.


and on a totally different note.
i love this song
i have to admit i usually only listen
to "soft rock" on the radio
and this came
on the other day
and 
i 
fell
in
love.
her voice is so mesmerizing.
then i saw this video and it's
really kind of beautiful, i love the
ballet and modern dance.
so i may be totally late in discovering this song
but i still wanted to share it.

a tissue for your issue

that's from austin powers.

i know, you're totally shocked by my movie knowledge.

i'm a movie connoisseur, what can i say?

so here we are...

ready for underwear under there?

part 1: bra problems...bra solutions

i'm pretty sure i've whined before about how important

it is to have a bra that fits.

the right bra can widdle 10lbs off your frame.

the right bra can make you feel good.

the right bra can make your clothes look effortless.

the right bra will have people dropping
money and gifts at your feet.
that might be too far, but you get the point.

problem 1: bra cup is puckering

solution: your bra is too big, try going down a size or

tightening the bra straps.

problem 2: your breasts are bulging out over the top

solution: your bra is either too small so you need

to go up a size or you need to go with a 

full cup rather than a demi cup style.
problem 3: right size bra but you have extra boobage
popping out by your arm
solution: try a different style of bra. triangle and other
skimpy bras aren't for everyone.
be aware if you need more support
than what your current bra is offering.
problem 4: under wire issues
solution 1: if your wire is popping out- your band size
is probably too big, try a smaller band size
and a bigger cup size. example: going from a 40D to a 38DD
also washing bras in hot water can shrink them
which can cause a wire to pop out
from shrinkage...easily sewn to fix.
solution 2: if your under wire is poking you and uncomfortable
then the cup size is too small in some places.
the style of bra is not providing enough width
for your cup size or the design of the
bra is placing the cups too close together.
try going up a size ie: 36C to a 36D
and/or try a different design that has more cup
coverage and/or a larger center panel in front.
there are also bras that have side panel support
that can help.
solution 3: under wire is poking through the sides, usually means
you are petite with a shorter torso. consider
a demi cup, the wires are shorter and
there are also bras for petite women.
problem 5: sagging breasts
solution: never have kids.  HA!
just kidding...gravity hits us all at some point.
your bra may not have enough support due to fabric,
your band size could be too large and/or your breasts
could be heavy and need more support.
when looking for a bra you could try going down
a band size and up a cup size ie: 36C to 34D
and the apex of your bra should fall
halfway between your elbow and shoulder:

a visual always helps me.

wow. that was a lot of bra talk.
i got all this info from here
and there are also points in the article that
i didn't go into.
like bra straps that dig in/fall off
bra strap rides up in back etc.
check it out if you want more solutions.

i hope this was helpful in your bra search.
trust me, it's worth the time and money
as is anything that you want real
quality from.

happy shopping!

underwear under there...

first things first

here's my other new top

(these are from friday...i think..yikes, pregnancy brain is really setting in)

i've had a few questions about how my brazilian blowout is holding up.

i got it done back in october. i honestly hardly ever straighten my hair anymore so it's kind

of hard to give an accurate assessment.

but, yesterday i straightened my hair, it took me about 10-15 minutes

and i was straightening it from natural dry from the day before.

so it pretty much looked like it does in these pictures.

i can still notice that my hair is not very frizzy when i do

let it dry naturally 

(which is every time i wash it)

i have yet to blow dry it and see what it does now.

and i probably wont...it's just too much work.

yes, i am that lazy.

below: attempting to make my legs resemble their

former glory....sad face.

top: old navy maternity (it's only $6.97 right now!)

undershirt: shade

jeans: gap maternity

boots: target

necklace: ae clearance

i was trying to do a belly shot in this one below...but mostly

it looks like i'm holding my pee...which is also possible.

don't my jeans look super dark?

like almost black?

weird. 

it must be the lighting because they aren't black.

~~~

so i just got some new maternity underwear 

and they are amazing.

i can pull them up to right under my boobs

and i love it.

does that make me a weird old granny?

possibly.

but it makes my jeans so much more comfortable.

so my skinny jeans may be sticking around longer than

i previously thought.

oh happy day.

then i started thinking about how important underwear is.

i mean there are many levels...obviously.

but i'm thinking about how

your under garments can make your clothes look.

tomorrow or the next day

(we'll see how much i get done)

i'm going to have a post on common 

bra problems and fixes

and some other underwear under there ideas.

until then, i hope your 

monday is going swimmingly

and comment or email if you have

specific undie q's.

fantasy friday

ahhh, blessed friday.

who's ready for the weekend?

this was the longest first week of the new year.

ever.

since i haven't blessed you all with a picture for a while

(i know, you've been on the edge of your seat)

here's what i wore yesterday.

my day consisted of dropping 

my youngest off at preschool 

(for a measly hour and a half, lame.)

and getting a pleasant surprise call

from my husband to meet him for lunch!

(ruby tuesday's salad bar...i know some of you were wondering)

and if you're just realizing it, 

yes, those were the only two things that 

i did yesterday to get out of the house.

i guess i did go to bk at 8:30 for a #1

but that's besides the point.

this is what i look like:

juuuust kidding.

i'm less severe in real life.

i'm a huge ponderer..i should have been

a philosopher...

did you enjoy that?

i thought so.

 

shirt: my new one from gap maternity and i LOVE it

vest: shade

necklace: maurices (i always get a ton of compliments on it when i wear it)

jeans: liz lange, target

boots: payless.

my goals for being "cute" and pregnant is 

that when i do venture out into the world

that i have put some effort into my look.

i do wear yoga pants and

comfy shirts at home

but i try and look like i got dressed

when i have to go out.

does that make sense?

since it is fantasy friday

i though i would give you my fantasy of 

what i wish i was wearing...if i wasn't pregnant that is...

 

isn't it divine?

a comfy sparkly sweater that grabs you 

at all the right places.

amazing jeans, with casual boots

and a beautiful suede yellow bag.

and of course the perfectly coiffed messy hair

and an adorable statement necklace to 

balance out the low v of the sweater.

lust.

what's your friday fantasy?

oh happy day

my shirts came today!

have you seen these shoes?

they are all over the fashion blogs...

i'm pretty much in love with the yellow ones.

use code CHEERUP to get the extra 15% at uo.

i don't know how long the code lasts...so better use it asap.

since i was already at uo i decided to look around and look what i found

i love those top ones.

the trouble is the price...all though the are significantly cheaper

than the madden pair...i don't see myself convincing my

husband any time soon.

hence the sad face :(

plus when i showed them to hime

he gasped like maybe i was trying to wear

hooker platforms and start a new career path.

i was like, "are you joking me? they're only 4 inches!"

i like all my heeled/wedgie shoes to be around 4 inches.

but let's be honest...fashion wise

my husband and i don't see eye to eye.

he'd be happy if i wore tight yoga pants, 

a fitted t-shirt and rocket dog trainers all day.

at least that's what i think he likes.

he always asks me why i don't wear my rocket dogs anymore.

 

anyway.

yesterday was my oldest daughters 7th birthday.

we partied at the bowling alley.

and i'm really sorry to say 

i once again forgot to take a picture.

sorry folks.

i don't plan on really leaving the house today

if i can get away with it.

bowling took it out of me.

 

i'll get into the groove this week...promise.

 

i got summoned for jury duty...it's my first time 

and i'm really excited.

should i go with an accent?

i'm thinking i should go in either

full hair and make-up, heels, the whole thing

or

old sweats, stained shirt, crappy hair

and no make-up.

both are equally entertaining...

and a british accent...ooooh, or irish.

totally irish.

how have your fashion ventures of 2011 been?

better than mine hopefully.

first shopping trip of the year...

i think i already complained about buying 

maternity clothes feels like such a waste...

i have around 3 months left.

but as you noticed in the 30 for 30

all of my clothes are SO dark

and that's not my personality at all.

i've been totally channeling angelina lately

via

all black...blah.

i actually got ready for the past three days

i know, you're totally in shock.

my camera battery was dead and i kept forgetting

to recharge it...we'll blame that on pregnancy brain.

anyway, back to shopping, riiiiiight?

here are my two new tops 

coming soon:

i couldn't not have it.

after i read all the reviews about how soft

and comfy it was i knew it had to be mine.

plus i have lots of layering ideas for it.

it's a little casual but, let's face it

it's not like i'm going to a corporate office everyday.

i think this could be super comfy with yoga pants

around the house 

and look so great with my skinny jeans

and boots, riiiiiight?

oh, and a fashion bun.

i'm also on a look out for something like this:

mmm, mommy likey.

have you done any good shopping lately?