Fade to Grey: {Outfit Pics}

I had the chance over the weekend to get out and snap a few pics of outfits that are in my current rotation - and it was glooooooorious (!!) Three cheers for non-maternity clothing!

Granted, I'm spending the majority of my days in yoga pants and long sleeved tees lately, but a few days a week, I love to get a little more dressed up. Just makes a girl feel good, ya know?

Casual Class Braided Sweater in beige c/o Riffraff // the BEST Faux Leather Leggings (ON SALE NOW!) // earrings c/o Rocksbox (use code LESLIEBFF11 to get a one month subscription free!) (similar here for purchase) // bracelet is old (nearly identical style here) // Seychelles Wedge Bootie c/o Maude Boutique (now on sale!)

This super cozy sweater/legging combo is the perfect marriage of polish and comfort. It's fun dressed up with some glam earrings and a big 'ol chunky bracelet, or just as stylish paired with a plush, warm infinity scarf.

Classic Crochet Knit Infinity Scarf in black c/o Riffraff

Also, I think Starbucks cups have taken the place of cute purses in outfit pics for me lately. Caffeine is my very favorite accessory nowadays ; )

Cheers to a quiet return to outfit blogging-- xoxo

Dressing a Maternity Body (feat. Riffraff)

Remember years ago when pregnant women were forced to spend the duration of their pregnancies wearing glorified potato sack dresses and horrendous maternity stirrup pants?

I was only nine when I remember my mom having to sport those oh-so-flattering clothes when she was pregnant with my brother. And even then, despite it being the early 90s, I remember thinking, "There has GOT to be someone out there who can make better clothes for pregnant ladies."

Thankfully, designers finally got their heads on straight and heard the cries of mamas everywhere. And do you know what? They found it to be an incredibly lucrative market (!!) (Well, gee golly! Who would've thought that women wanted to wear attractive clothing while they were pregnant?)

Vest c/o Riffraff (mine is out of stock, but similar here) // Charleston Glitz necklace c/o Riffraff // top is old from Loft (non-maternity), very similar here and here //  Fade to Blue Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jean in dark wash (only $39.99!) // Toms Desert Wedge Bootie in Cheetah

Today, it's easier than ever...EVER...to look chic, put together and on-trend during those precious months of carrying a bambina. You just have to know what to wear, what to avoid and which brands/boutiques to shop.

You'll be delighted to know that you won't have to wear even one mumu.

Tips for dressing a maternity body:

1. You don't have to go up five sizes just because you're sporting a bump. I got a question from a darling pregnant girl on instagram the other night asking if she had to go up a size, just because she was pregnant. My personal philosophy? Nope. Here's the deal: most styles of tops today are very accomodating to a baby bump, (i.e. oversize sweaters, tunics, peplum tops, etc.)

I don't know if the fashion world is designing clothing like this on purpose, but it works. I honestly probably bought two or three maternity tops total that I've worn with both my babies.

Instead, look for styles like longer tunics and bottom-covering sweaters (you'll need the extra length) in your usual size or one size up (if your, um, assets have grown.) DO NOT run out and buy a bunch of clothing that's five sizes bigger than your usual; in ten months, you'll have that baby and be left with a bunch of clothes that don't fit and don't look good.

2. Invest in GOOD maternity pants/jeans. Cheap maternity pants are just...bad. They don't hold up and trust me, when that third trimester rolls around, you're going to want good britches. I'm not saying you have to invest oodles of money into pregnancy pants, but this is the area where you'll definitely WANT to buy maternity. Tops and dresses? Meh. Maternity pants= very necessary.

Also, here's a bit of friendly advice from a gal who has done it before: you'll be wearing those maternity pants home from the hospital and probably for a few weeks after the birth of your babe. Things don't just snap back immediately the day you check out of Labor & Delivery, especially if you've had a C-section and are retaining 20 extra pounds of fluid, (but they do snap back - promise!) You'll appreciate the extra fabric and tummy panel while things heal and return to their somewhat previous shape.

I really like these brands of maternity jeans:

All-time favorite: Fade to Blue Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jean in dark wash (only $39.99!)
7 for All Mankind Secret Fit Belly Straight Leg Maternity Jean
Mavi Secret Fit Belly 5 Pocket Maternity Jean


3. Buy a BeBand. These have been my best friend during both pregnancies, especially during the second trimester. Essentially, it's a piece of tube top-looking, elasticized fabric that pulls up over your (unbuttoned) pants to allow you to still wear your favorite bottoms while you're pregnant. The Target brand BeBand is great for that transition time between non-maternity pants and the full blown "I'm about to pop" mama pants. It will also help save you money if you're on a limited budget or just don't want to invest in pricier maternity clothes.

I also really like Target's maternity tanks. Buy one in every color!

4. Do not throw in the towel. Trust me, at one million weeks pregnant myself right now, I-FRIGGIN-GET-IT. And yes, there are many days where I don't leave these maternity leggings and sweatshirts, which I may be wearing right at this very moment. But please don't give up for the next ten months. It's so easy, especially at the end, to just say "screw it" and throw on your fiftieth pair of jogging pants, but you'll feel soooooo much better about yourself if you get dressed. Even if it's just jeans and a cute top, I implore you to dress for yourself. It'll make those days when you feel like a manatee a whole lot more bearable. You are worth it. You are worth it.

You are worth it.

THE Most Perfect Fall Boot

Sweater via SheInside // Sunnies here // Scarf via Heart & Home Collection // Jeans via Destination Maternity // Socks via Target (in leopard) // Try to Explain Boots in whiskey c/o Riffraff // purse (Prada Saffiano Tote in caramel), similar here and here

I'm sure you've heard all you care to hear about boots thus far this fall. (Or, maybe you're like me and can't get enough. Either way.) But girls, these are just too darn good not to share.

My hand to the heavens, these are my most favorite boots I've ever, ever owned, (and I've owned eleventy million.)

33 week bump problems: when your necklace won't hang straight down because your baby belly is in the way. 

I also find it coincidental that these are called the Try to Explain boot because it's hard to put into words what makes them so great, only that the subtle heel, rich color and soft leather check off every one of my qualifications when it comes to boot-buying.

Oh, and at the price point they're listed, you can still afford to buy groceries this week. Holla.

Take a gander at the Try to Explain boots and all the other cute shoe offerings available at Riffraff. Oh, and if you do decide to make a purchase, use the code BLONDE to get yourself a nifty 10% off.

Plaid Clad: {Outfit Pics}

So many possible dorky titles for this post...Clad in Plaid, Glad for Plaid, Plaid is Rad...really, I could go on all day. But, I won't. (Your welcome.)

From top to bottom, the outfit details:
By the Books Jacket (c/o Riffraff)

Ingrid & Isabel Scoop Neck Maternity Tank in white

Tassel necklace from Evereve last year, similar here

Fade to Blue Secret Fit Belly 5 Pocket Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans from Destination Maternity (Tip: they're having a Buy One Get One 50% Off Sale right now!)

Shoes from H&M last fall, very similar here and here

I will, however, go on about this jacket. And my general addiction to plaid this fall.

Plaid in itself is a cinch to style, but here are a couple things to remember:

• Keep it girly. For example, if you're wearing a voluminous jacket, keep the pants or skirt on the fitted side. (I freaking adore a tight pencil skirt with blousy plaid button down.) Love an oversize plaid shirt? Me, too. Just remember that there IS a difference in the way manufacturers construct men's and women's shirts. A chick's shirt, even if it is considered "oversize", will always, always have a more contoured seam than a guy's. So please buy from the women's section. 

• Lumberjacks are awesome. You just don't want to be mistaken for one. Ballet flats, stiletto heels, riding boots and wedge booties are the perfect footwear choices for a plaid ensemble. Avoid clunky shoes though, unless you're cool with being the Brawny paper towel guy. 

Oh, and before I leave you, I wanted to let all you ladies that live in the Dallas area know about Friday's grand opening of Riffraff Dallas! Join my friends in the Big D for some major fashionable fun from 2 p.m.-9 p.m. at their new second home, located at 4009 NW Parkway. 

Follow them on Instagram (username @riffraffdallas) and don't forget to tag your pics with #riffrafftakesdallas if you do attend! (I know the Riffraff team would love to see them!)

Oh, and my friend and fellow blogger Ashley (of Fancy Ashley) will be at the event from 5-6 p.m. to offering her personal styling advice! She's such sweet person and really does have amazing style, so go see her and get'cha shop on. 

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Alrighty, I'll see you in the a.m. for a riveting 28-week bumpdate, in all its third trimester glory. So pop a Zofran, grab your sexiest maternity jeans and meet me back here tomorrow.  

Gameday Part II: {Ready with Riffraff}

The pre-gameday celebrations continue around here tonight with one of my very favorite new tops, perfect for tailgating this fall. 

My friends at Riffraff pretty much outdid themselves on this year's fall gameday collection. Just like football itself, their collection kicks a whole 'lotta tail. 

{And guess what? There's something there for girls from just about every conference and school; colors and patterns to represent nearly every alma mater.}

Seen here: the Samantha Tunic 

 

I was immediately drawn straight to the pattern and loose tunic style of this top, which I must say, accommodates a growing baby bump quite nicely. The pattern would also be perfect for all my 'Bama girls, (wink, wink!)

Seen here: Stone Dangle earrings // Black and Gold Fringe bracelet (sold out)

Seen here: Black and Gold Fringe Bracelet (sold out) // Shining Stones Bracelet in Clear

And, can we talk accessories for a sec? Yeah, love these. 

Go see my friends at Riffraff if you live in NWA, down on the Fayetteville square! And keep an eye out this summer for their new location opening in Dallas, TX! You can follow them for exclusive details on the new store on Instagram at riffraffdallas

Of course, you can always shop the gazillion looks on their website, too. Fast shipping and the best customer service this side of the Mississippi. 

Alright, ladies. I'm off to catch up on some True Blood with the husband. See you bright and early right back here!

My Answer to the Birkenstock Trend

My answer to the Birkenstock trend is a hard and fast NO.

Forget it.

Happened in the nineties.

Not gonna happen again.

Ever.

My philosophy toward trends that resurge from my pre-teen years is that they should never, not ever be repeated. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

-Rope sandals
-Tie dye anything
-Butterfly clips
-Schoolgirl skirts (see collage for reference below)
-Utilization of feather pens (a 'la Cher Horowitz...youknowwhichmovie)
-Anklets

But not all of the nineties were bad...oh no, they had their good parts, too...

However, I know some of you are all, "But they're so comfy, Leslie! Give a girl a break!"

I understand and, as a mom who's on her feet 90 hours a day, even sympathize. But y'all, for the love...just don't with the Birks. Yuck. And yes, I'm aware that they come in metallics (!!) and, at least to me, that doesn't boost their appeal enough for me to schlep around in those boats.

For what it's worth, I do understand that doctors and nurses may wear them for comfort. They're saving lives. They get a pass.

If you're in the market for a comfy, easy-on/easy-off sandal with oodles more appeal AND for less moo-lah, check these out.

Bodhi sandals in Honey Leather from Riffraff

Neary Sandal by Dolce Vita from Riffraff

Seychelles 'So Far Away' Calf Hair Sandals in Leopard

Sam Edelman 'Carnie' in Natural

Splendid Congo Sandal in Midnight

Splendid Congo Sandal in Light Tan

You Need These Wedges. And This Maxi.

I haven’t worn a pair of heels (other than to work twice a week), in a sweet forever. Why? Because, BABY. Ever chased a crawling baby around a house in a pair of stilettos? It’s not for the faint of heart.

But, I’m short. Like, 5’4”. And momma needs some height. So, I turned to my good friend wedges and just like that, they’ve all but replaced my heels.

I actually do own the below, (see how cute they are!) If you’re in the market for comfy summer shoes that will look dressy and give you the height you want, give these puppies a shot.

Sam Edelman Romy Leopard-Print Wedge Sandals 

 

I also wore this dress yesterday all darn day. Throughout a errand running, lifting a 17 pounder in and out of her car seat, vacuuming our carpet and cooking dinner, the thing was so comfy. And Stephen even complimented the color ; ) (And we know that when men notice clothing, it must be cute!)

I’d highly recommend.

And it’s on sale, so BUY THIS NOW. $44 and it could even be dressed up for an outdoor wedding this summer.

RD Style Solid Knit Maxi Dress in Clear

This has been a PSA. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

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P.S. Riffraff just launched Good HYOUman brand tees on their website and I'm in love. If you've never tried them, they're super soft and last for-freaking-ever.

Love Yourself 3/4 Sleeve Tee - here 

Crazy Tank - here

Love this World Boat Neck Tee - here

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

It's that time again, ladies! Let's confess!

1) I confess that I've watched this video by OK Go "The Writing's On the Wall" approximately 57 times. It's a visual trip and probably one of the coolest music videos to-date. You have to view it a few times before you realize the amount of detail and work that they poured into it.



2) I confess that (I hope) we have found our house! We are submitting the offer this morning on a brand spankin' new house, so hopefully I'll have more news later today! I'll post on Instagram with a pic if I'm able later today. This home is a dream come true and I'm really grateful that it will (hopefully) be ours. Wish us luck that they'll accept the offer and we can start packing!

3) I confess that I got a look at my roots yesterday and WOAH MOMMA. My hair grows SO stinkin' fast during the summer, so July 9th (hair appointment day) can't come soon enough!

4) I confess that I'm obsessed with the Lauren James dress line. Have y'all seen it? You can buy several styles from Riffraff, which are so cute and perfect for summer events. I snatched the Hampton Dress for myself (and plan to show off some of those pics on Monday), but I'm about to add the Livingston to my life, too. Seriously, check out the line. You'll LUST over it like me.

Back of the Livingston Dress

Livingston Dress by Lauren James via Riffraff

Hampton Dress in Spring Green via Riffraff

Okay, we've got a crazy morning with the house stuff, so I'm going to let y'all get to it. Confess away!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Summer Frocks: {Outfit Pics}

Finding the perfect summer dress is sort of like finding a $10 bill when you're cleaning out your purse: the best kind of surprise.

Frill of the Chase dress c/o Riffraff (here) // Garden Party necklace c/o Riffraff (here) // Brown bracelet via Riffraff (purchased in store) // Rhinestone link bracelet via Groopdealz (purchased last year, but similar here) // shoes via Target (found here)

I was pleased as pink punch to discover the perfect little frock at Riffraff a couple weeks ago. It was an ideal color for the warmer months, a gorgeous shape and the best length - short, but not obscene for a momma ; )

If you're like me and currently trying to overhaul your summer wardrobe, I'd start with dresses. They're much more likely to fit (if you aren't able to try on in store), plus, you'll get a lot of mileage out of them because, in my opinion, they're way more comfy than shorts!

Here are a few of my current favorites I've found lately from Riffraff.

Gaze n A-maze Dress {in hot pink}

Neon Flirt It Out Dress {in blue}

Bella Dress {Flamingo Deck}

Trapeze Dress {Be Mine}

A few tips to remember when you're looking for a universally flattering dress:

-Look for a portrait collar, a deep V-cut with straps or a one shoulder (Grecian) style neckline

-Find frocks with fun detailing, like a flutter sleeve or intricate designs around the shoulders (like the Gaze n A-maze dress) to draw the eye upward

-The perfect length for most women? 1-3 inches above the knee. Not much more and not much less.


Stay tuned Wednesday for another outfit post (I know, crazy right?), featuring the cutest darn top from one of my other favorite boutiques!


*The dress and necklace in this post were generously gifted by Riffraff. Style photos are property of A Blonde Ambition and Leslie Sisti (in partnership with Riffraff) and may not be re-published on any blog, website or social media channel without express written consent from this blog administrator or Riffraff store.