Let’s talk maternity style.
I am pregnant for the third time, and this is the first pregnancy I have actually purchased maternity clothing. (I think I purchased a pair of jeans with my last two pregnancies but never wore them because they didn’t fit right.) For the most part I just go up a few sizes in the women’s section, instead of purchasing pregnancy items.
I love to shop, but I’m pretty cheap when it comes to buying clothes for myself. I stick to places like Forever 21, H&M, and BooHoo. I rarely spend more than $30 on an item.
When it comes to shopping for clothes while pregnant I TRY to buy things that aren’t too “pregnant lady-ish”. I like to get things that will last me through nursing also. (All you Breastfeeding mama’s know that certain clothing items just don’t work with Breastfeeding.)
I did a BooHoo haul recently and posted my unboxing video. They have some really cute & affordable pieces that will still look cute even after pregnancy. You can watch it HERE
There are a few clothing items that are my go-to this pregnancy. You definitely want items that fit comfortably, but also compliment your growing body!
Maternity wardrobe must have pieces:
Cozy Jeans & Graphic Tees!
My absolute favorite pair of jeans this pregnancy are from H&M. They are so soft, stretchy and comfortable. And they actually fit! I wear these at least a couple times a week. CLICK HERE to check them out.
I could also wear comfy graphic tees all day, every day. I get a lot of my graphic tees from small shops. The one in the photo above is actually from Target though.
A few shops I’ve worn a lot recently are: Sweetees, The Bee & The Fox, Savage Seeds, and Fine & Dandy Pins.
Maxi dresses and maxi skirts are definitely go-to pregnancy pieces.This dress is from Forever 21 and it has pockets! The skirt is from my Boohoo haul, and I believe it has pockets as well. POCKETS, GUYS! Neither of these items are maternity items, but they fit perfectly and can be worn after pregnancy.
Get the dress HERE
Stripes are definitely one of my favorite patterns, ha! These looks are both cozy and cute. The top is from my Boohoo haul, and the dress is actually from Forever 21. While I do like loose and oversized graphic tees, sometimes it’s nice to show off that bump with clothes that are more fitted. Bodycon dresses can be a great pregnancy piece if you get one that is long enough and not too tight. Get the dress HERE
Tank tops are always a must for me. I have so many black tanks like this it’s not even funny. I almost always one of these on underneath whatever I’m wearing. These particular ones are actually for nursing as well! Get them HERE
When you’re pregnant AND chasing around two little people all day, comfort is KEY! But, for me, part of being comfortable is liking my outfit. So I have really tried to not “let myself go” and JUST wear leggings & t-shirts every day. It’s fun to dress up the bump a little when possible.
I’d love to know your favorite places to shop while pregnant!
Pink Blush Maternity Clothing Review
So, I was just introduced to an amazing trendy online clothing boutique called Pink Blush! I am pretty bummed that I never knew about Pink Blush when I was pregnant, because they carry a large variety of adorable and affordable maternity items. I always had a difficult time finding maternity clothes that didn’t look like typical pregnancy pieces. I often settled for sizing up in non-maternity items for that reason.
While Pink Blush seems to focus on pregnancy clothing, they do offer a non-maternity women’s line as well. However, a lot of their maternity line is so transitional that anyone could wear it, pregnant or not! In fact, the item I chose from their website was in their maternity section.
You can find this top here. (Although, it says it’s almost gone…so hurry!)
I am in love with this shirt for multiple reasons, such as the length, the fit, and the quality! Like I had mentioned, this shirt is actually in their maternity section, but it still fits me perfectly! And if I ever happen to get pregnant again… 😉
Pink Blush also offers accessories, swimwear, and baby items.
Had to include this photo of Sawyer trying to escape, because, well…#momlife.
I am very happy with my item from Pink Blush, and will definitely be back for more.
I hope you guys go check out ShopPinkBlush.com and find some trendy items to add to your closet!
xx
Britt
This post was sponsored by shoppinkblush.com
A Simple & Sophisticated Watch
I haven’t owned a watch in years, mostly because I haven’t found one that fits my style. I am not into anything flashy, and I feel like when it comes to watches you don’t want to skimp out and settle with something cheap.
I was recently introduced to Daniel Wellington watches. I immediately fell in love with their simplicity and sophistication.
I like to read up on how companies were started, and I thought the story behind the brand was pretty cool. The owner, Filip Tysander, essentially thought that there was room in the market for preppy affordable watches. He ran into a sophisticated & well dressed Englishman named Daniel Wellington, who happen to be wearing a Rolex. This inspired him to start up his own watch company with $24,000 of his own money.
The brand has been a great success, to say the least!
I recently received the classic black with rose gold Cornwall watch, and it is my new favorite accessory. It pairs perfectly with this DW rose gold band.
The black + rose gold match my wardrobe perfectly.
I also really love the size of the face, it’s perfect even on my tiny wrist!
Check out more DW watches here.
And if you decide to order, use code BRITTKAV15 for 15% off. Hurry though, this discount expires soon!
This post was sponsored by Daniel Wellington.
Jane Review : Daily Deal Site
Shopping online has become one of my favorite things to do since having kids. It’s so hard to round up the troops and head to the mall, and even when I have attempted to shop with the kids it’s not like I’m ever able to focus on shopping.
I love that I’m able to find some of the best deals online, as opposed to in stores.
Daily deal sites are popping up like crazy, which is great for my wallet. (And my sanity!) One that has been around for a while, and has held up a good reputation is Jane.com
I recently did some shopping there and I was amazed at how much stuff they offer! The best part is that it’s all super affordable.
I ordered a pair of boots for $25.99 BUY BOOTS HERE
There were so many style and color options, which made it hard to choose. I seriously wanted all of them!!
The boots are great quality, look just like the photo, and they shipped out quickly.
I also ordered this striped dress. IT HAS POCKETS! Dresses with pockets are my favorite.
This dress was only $19.99. It’s boutique quality and would easily be sold for $35+ at other stores. This item also arrived looking just like the photo and it shipped out quickly. There are other color and style options as well. BUY DRESSES HERE
It’s so soft and cozy.
So, my last order was only for these two items…I used extreme self-control and didn’t go crazy buying all the cute things available on jane.com. It was a difficult task. Ha!
If you’re looking for home-decor, accessories, clothing, baby stuff, or just about anything, then I definitely recommend browsing Jane before heading out to the store.
My Jane Review:
A+
Pros: Fast shipping, wide variety of products, good quality items, and an easy-to-navigate website.
Follow Jane on Instagram: instagram.com/veryjane
This post was sponsored by jane.com
The Terrible Thing That Keeps Happening To Small Businesses
Something really bad is happening to small businesses, primarily children’s clothing brands that have gained popularity through Instagram.
As most of you know, for the last two years I have owned a small business called Root Avenue. Root Avenue’s main product is children’s graphic t-shirts. When I first opened shop I started off with 5 designs, that I created myself in photoshop. Root’s first big ‘hit’ was our Pretty Fly For A Small Fry raglan. Before I released this design I searched all over the internet to see if anyone else had an item with this phrase. I searched hashtags, Pinterest, Etsy, Google, etc, and it was nowhere to be found. Within weeks of releasing this shirt I started to see copies being made. They started to pop up in the hashtag on Instagram, and in Etsy shops. I was furious that people were ripping me off, and I eventually had to invest in trademarking this phrase so that I had legal grounds for reporting knock-offs.
As a small business every single sale is a huge deal for me and my income. Every time a copy is made, it takes away from my business. Yes, even if it’s made for personal use. Copying a small business is the exact opposite of being supportive.
Taking the time to report every single replica became part of my daily schedule. It took away from time that I could have been doing productive things for myself and my company.
Then came the knock-offs from *China. (*I do not want to write the name of the website, so I will be referencing “China” instead. I do not want to help promote this wholesale website in any way.) The first time someone notified me that my design was being sold on this popular Chinese wholesale website, my heart dropped and it felt like someone punched me in the gut.
Reporting “copy cats” was one thing. China is a whole other level. Once an item has been copied by China, you not only have to worry about the Chinese wholesaler, but you have to worry about THEIR supplier, as well as boutiques that buy in bulk from them.
There are also “Buy-In” groups on Facebook, where women go in on buying in bulk from this website. I understand that some women don’t even know that they are buying knock-offs. HOWEVER, I believe that a majority know exactly what they are buying. Some even have the nerve to go to these groups and post photos from small businesses pages and ask if it can be found on the Chinese wholesale website.
All of this is a HUGE problem. Copying is directly effecting small businesses, and it is stealing! Stealing from business owners who have worked their butt off creating, designing, promoting, and running their business. All to be ripped away from them because of GREED.
I have seen people say things such as, “Well, you should be flattered that they like your product enough to copy it!”
To me, this is the same thing as someone getting robbed, and then be told, “Well, you should be flattered that they liked your stuff enough to steal it!”
Because that is exactly what copying is. It’s STEALING.
Being copied is one of the most discouraging thing for business owners to deal with. Even with trademarks and copyrights, it is extremely difficult to track down and remove all of the replicas. Not to mention the amount of frustration it causes and time it consumes.
Wondering how to be able to tell the original from the replica?? Here are few helpful tips.
How to find out where the original came from:
HASHTAGS
If the item is something that is easily searched, such as a phrase on t-shirt, I recommend browsing Instagram hashtags. This allows you to go back and see when it was used first and which company started it. There are some generic phrases that are hard to claim, but you can at least see if a design was replicated. (Font/placement/garment/etc.)
PHOTO
The photos on the Chinese wholesale website all look very similar. Here’s some examples. Now, it can be very hard to tell sometimes. The Chinese wholesale website will often steal the small business’s photos. This screen shot is straight from the Chinese wholesale website. The three photos that have a picture of a child were all stolen from the original makers. So, just because you see a picture of a child wearing the item does not mean that is the actual item you are buying. Photos of my children are being used by the Chinese wholesale website, as well as by boutiques who have purchased from them.
PRICE
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Many “crafters” will charge very low prices just to make the sale, and because they will purchase a very cheap blank. A “custom” t-shirt, for example, might be sold for $10 because they purchased a blank shirt from somewhere like Walmart, & used their vinyl cutter to make the design. Ripping off designs means they don’t have to work hard on being creative or promoting a business, they can just copy someone else and make a quick buck.
Boutiques selling children’s sets (example: shirt, bloomers, bow ) for $13-$20 were most likely bought from China. Many sets on the Chinese wholesale website are being sold at prices as low as $4. (If that doesn’t scream sweatshop, I don’t know what does!) Now, figuring out if the item is a knock off is another thing, but a little research can usually help you determine it’s authenticity.
The photo above is a great example of what you get when you buy a knock-off from China. Check out the spelling errors on the shirt.
The originals can be found here:
Headband | Shirt | Leg Warmers | Adorable Baby Model
END THE DEMAND
Whether it be a friend making a copy, or contributing to a bulk buy-in, THIS is the type of thing that needs to STOP NOW. If we can work together to end the DEMAND, then we can hopefully eventually end the SUPPLY.
I know this might seem like a lot of information, and I understand that this might not resinate with a lot of people that it doesn’t directly effect. I just want to get this information out there, and if this stops even one person from buying or making a knock-off, then I would be happy.
When you buy from the original maker, you are helping support a family and a dream.
SUPPORT CREATIVITY AND THE ORIGNAL!
#supportlocal #buyhandmade #shopsmall #makesmallbig
Side note, yes, I do buy things made in China. I have even purchased things (such as tape, and paper clips) from the Chinese wholesale website. I want to be clear that I am not saying that all things made in China are bad, I am simply stating that there is a huge problem with creators being ripped off by them.
Staying Stylish & Comfortable
Okay, so I am all about comfort when it comes to fashion. I also don’t spend a lot on myself. I usually shop at Forever 21 & Target…I am also a drug store make-up buyer. (*gasp!*)
I’ll spend $50 on a pair of kid’s shoes that they’ll wear for a month, yet I cringe at a $30 price tag on a women’s tank top.
So I would say that my style is best described as: cheap chic. Omg…I think I just made that up. Going to trademark that.
Anyways, here are a few of my favorite pieces/tips for staying comfortable, while looking [somewhat] put together.
BLACK PANTS!
I almost always wear black pants. They can be dressed up, they can be dressed down, and they don’t show stains very easily. (Bonus points for moms!) The ones I am wearing in the photo above are actually jeggings, AKA leggings with pockets and stitching…so basically the best things ever invented.
HATS!
Despite the fact that my husband always makes fun of me when I wear hats like the one in the picture, they are one of my favorite things to finish off an outfit. Sometimes I will seriously be so unhappy with an outfit I have on, then I’ll put a hat on and *poof* just like that, I look trendy, as if I am some sort of fashionista or something. And the best part is, you’ll be able to get away with going on day 3 of no shampoo. (Ew, what, who even does that………) *guilty*
RIPPED JEANS!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “jeans are NOT comfortable!” and I totally agree. I hate wearing jeans. I have to mentally prepare myself before putting them on for the day. BUT ripped jeans are just too cute to pass up, and if you get those knee holes big enough your legs can actually breath a little, and bending is super easy. (Can you tell that I’m really trying argue that ripped jeans can be comfortable?)
COZY DRESSES
I rarely wear dresses. This photo was taken on Thanksgiving. I will avoid dresses at all costs, mostly because I am nursing Sawyer still…and there’s really no way to publicly nurse in a dress unless it’s low cut. Another reason I will avoid them is because my legs are super pale. However, for fall/winter I can get away with wearing leggings with the dress, which allows me to nurse still…AND they’re super comfortable, opposed to tights. So, if you want to wear a dress but don’t feel totally comfortable bearing those legs, just wear some leggings and boots and you’re set!
There you have it! My simple, not-so-helpful, (but maybe a little helpful?) tips for staying stylish and comfortable!
xx
Britt
Holiday Product Spotlight with JORD Wood Watches
Giveaway info at the bottom the post!
When it comes to accessories, I have a really hard time finding unique and high quality pieces that fit my style. Logan is probably pickier than I am when it comes to clothing and accessories. Neither of us have owned a watch in years, mostly because we hadn’t found something that we absolutely loved. When I discovered Jord Wood Watches I was so excited. Finally, a modern and sophisticated look, that will never go out of style. The fact that they are made from wood gives them a vintage vibe, which I consider timeless.
When I showed Logan Jord Wood Watches he had the same excitement as me. He had a hard time deciding which one he wanted, because he really liked everything they carried.
Logan ended up choosing the Walnut & Jet Black watch from the Conway series.
Logan has found his new favorite accessory, that pairs perfectly with his entire wardrobe.
Any piece from Jord Wood Watch’s would make a great gift. There are a ton of great options for men & for women. You can even personalize the watch or box with an engraved message! This is definitely a gift that anyone would love.
Click here to browse men’s watches.
Click here to browse women’s watches.
**JORD GIVEAWAY**
Click HERE to enter the Jord Wood Watch Giveaway. All you have to do to enter is submit your name & email address. So simple! PLUS, you will receive a $25 gift card just for entering. It’s a win win!
You will have until 12/18/2016 to redeem your code.
The code will expire 2/28/2017.
Sponsored by Jord Wood Watches.
10 Children’s Brands To Follow On Instagram
If you have kids and haven’t found the children’s clothing/accessory world that exists on Instagram, then you are definitely missing out! I absolutely love discovering new clothing brands online, especially one’s for my little humans.
From shoes, to rompers, to headwear, there is no shortage of amazing and unique brands on Instagram.
I’m going to share a handful of my favorites. If I shared ALL of my favorites, we would be here all day.
Let’s start with the little feet!
SHOE SHOPS:
Potato Feet carries the cutest moccasins & booties, in a wide variety of colors and patterns. I absolutely love these shoes because they slide on so easily, and they STAY on. Their quality is amazing, and will last for as long as long as they fit your your kiddo’s feet!
Piper Finn Footwear has the most adorable leather oxfords for children. I want one in every pattern for my kids! Sawyer has the polkadot ones, and they are one of my favorites on her.
Urbemm carries leather goods, including the most amazing leather boots for kids. Why do kids get to hog all the good stuff??
CLOTHING SHOPS:
Rad Revolution is another one of my all time favorite shops. Everything is designed by the owner, Mallory, and she is constantly coming out with new [and adorable] items. Rad Revolution carries pants, hoodies, bonnets, swimmers, and, my personal favorite, ROMPERS!
Little Urban Apparel has unique and quality pieces that are just darling! (I don’t usually talk like that…but, ‘darling’ is seriously the best way to describe this brand!!!)
Vivie & Ash makes the cutest peplum tops, bloomers, and dresses for little ladies. I seriously think Sawyer needs one of everything from this shop!
TOYS:
Cuddle and Kind has the most adorable hand knit dolls. Dolls come in two different sizes, and they have a variety of different characters to choose from. One of the things that I love about this company is that for every dolls sold, they provide 10 meals to a child in need.
Little Sapling Toys makes wooden toys for babies and toddlers. They sell everything from blocks & teethers, to furniture. I ran into the owners at Disneyland last year, and they are very sweet!
ACCESSORIES:
Noxx is known for their wide variety of handmade beanies. They also carrie headbands, scarves, blankets, and burp clothes.
George Hats has the cutest selection of trucker hats & sun hats for little dudes! (Girls could totally rock these also.) I love the patterns they offer!
Let me know what some of your favorite small shops to follow are!
Like I said, I love to discover new shops!