February 21, 2016

How to Begin to Dress a Little Baby Bump

So...I have some big news to share!! I am pregnant!! Due July 27th! My husband and I couldn't be more excited. :) God is so good. It has always been a desire of my heart to be a mom and this has been such an answer to prayer. We are just really grateful and can't wait to meet Baby Perkins this summer! I'm sorry that I haven't been blogging in a while; I had terrible morning (noon and night) sickness during my first trimester. But I'm back and feeling so much better! Currently at 17.5 weeks. Here's my latest ultrasound picture from 12 weeks.

People have been asking me for pregnancy styling tips...so here we go! Of course, I hope that my outfits can still bring inspiration to those who are without a bump. :) I have to admit that I did not know the first thing about maternity style and had no idea how to dress my newly changing body. It was easy to think about fitted maxi dresses for the third trimester but what about all those months in between? I learned very quickly that my clothes were getting too tight. How was it possible that almost everything I owned was form fitting or showed off a waist?! Not what I was wanting to wear - I just didn't feel cute. And anything that pushed on my stomach made me sick. So I immediately began a search for all things loose and baggy, opting for chunky sweaters and blousy tops. One tip I'm so glad someone told me about was the rubber band trick. You can get away with wearing your current jeans so much longer by looping a rubber band through your top button, giving you an extra inch or two (trust me, I needed it!). I also used this belly band from Target that works wonders.

Dressing up for work quickly became a challenge for me. A lot of my old clothes just weren't fitting or just weren't flattering anymore. Either that or I had one too many bagels (you know it's bad when your intern tells you that you eat a lot of bagels! Or a co-worker says, I think you're having a footwear player!" - Note to self - things not to say to a pregnant woman). During my first trimester and into my second, all I wanted was to carbo-load. And lately, I've felt like this, "Lay off me man, I'm starving!" (Haha, I love that skit!) So I have been on the hunt for shift dresses - my new best friend. It was more difficult than I thought. But when I found this gem (on crazy, "you're practically losing money by not getting it" sale at Banana Republic - read $38!) I just had to get it. I honestly wish it was about 2-3 inches longer (oh the struggles of being tall) but the bell shape (and thicker material) made this a really flattering look. I wish I could have bought one in every color if it existed! Although I have a feeling this is soon going to become a shirt on me with my expanding belly! Hah, until then it's getting me through this awkward body stage of not quite "looking pregnant" and I can wear it with black tights on cold days.

Dress: Banana Republic  || Shoes: Marion Parke  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels — Dress: Banana Republic || Shoes: Marion Parke || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Oh and these shoes!! They are designed by podiatrist Marion Parke, using her medical knowledge to create the most comfortable luxury fashion shoe on the planet! I don't want to take them off. The arch support (and the rest of the 4 part patent-pending insole) is incredible. I could wear these all day long and my feet feel amazing. Plus they are gorgeous! I'm obsessed with her entire collection and want every pair. Hey, a girl can dream! :) So yes, you better believe that I will be wearing heels all throughout my pregnancy - Marion Parke's!

December 6, 2015

How to Wear OTK Boots And Not Look Like Pretty Woman

by Laura Perkins

Turtleneck: Express (old, similar)  ||  Skirt: Urban Outfitters ||  OTK boots: Nina (old, similar) — Turtleneck: Express (old, similar) || Skirt: Urban Outfitters || OTK boots: Nina (old, similar)

For the longest time I've struggled with how to wear over the knee boots and not look like Pretty Woman. I've always thought they were so chic but couldn't get past the overly sexy stigma that comes with them. And to be completely honest, I'm not the biggest fan of OTK's with jeans. You can definitely do it well but I guess I just don't think it's my style. Who knows....maybe I'll change my mind. But I think the key to wearing these statement boots is to make sure the rest of your outfit is more modest. Try pairing your OTK's with a skirt or dress that is loose or bell shaped (read - not form fitting) and make sure it's not too short so there's only a little bit of room between the top of the boot and your hemline. I like this button-front denim skirt for a fun 70's vibe. Complete the look with a conservative top like a retro turtleneck. Or if you're wearing a dress, try a long sleeve high neck A-line frock to keep with the 70's style or layer an over-sized chunky cardigan or coat to add more length and down play the bold OTKs. This way you're more covered up and still rocking one of fall's biggest trends. Here are a few outfit inspirations to pair with your fav thigh highs. For more do's and don'ts of how to wear over the knee boots, check out this Who What Wear article.

November 29, 2015

Long Overalls: Wardrobe Staple

by Laura Perkins

Overalls: Madewell ||  Shoes: Pikolinos (old, similar amazing styles online)  || Tee: Madewell (old, similar styles) — Overalls: Madewell || Shoes: Pikolinos (old, similar amazing styles online) || Tee: Madewell (old, similar styles)

I have been a fan of overalls since I was a kid, and then again when I was in high school (when the style was to wear them very baggy) and now - there's finally a pair that my mom would approve of (read: they are actually flattering!). Long skinny overalls. And this pair from Madewell is by far the best ones on the market. Even PopSugar agrees with me. They are skinny enough to show off your figure (who knew overalls could be sexy?) while stretchy enough to be lounge-worthy. These will easily become one of your favorite items in your closet. And you can wear them all year long whether you're pairing them with a tank top and sandals or a sweater and ankle boots and all the layers in between. You can dress them up with a feminine lace top and heels or go for a casual weekend look with a comfy tee underneath. Definitely effortless chic or as I like to say: cool girl style. I also like the ripped denim details for an updated look. Oh, these black skinnies are pretty adorable too. The cost per wear on these overalls is amazing and absolutely worth the investment. I'm jealous because now you all can get them (and everything else at Madewell) for 25% off with the after Thanksgiving Day sales. I love that the code is CALMDOWN. Haha! :) Happy Shopping everyone! xx

November 25, 2015

Friendsgiving Style: 70's Chic

by Laura Perkins

Printed Dress: Zara ||  Heels: Nina Originals — Printed Dress: Zara || Heels: Nina Originals

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year! So much yummy food and a time to gather with your closest friends and family. For the past 6 years, we've done a Friendsgiving in the city (and I always make my oh-so-delicious family recipe - Jack Daniels Sweet Potato Souffle!). One of our New York Friendsgiving traditions has been to wear "Your Sunday Best." Because...well, that's what Sunday would have done. The key, however, is to find something comfy and chic so you can eat all the seconds you want. This year, I'm choosing this A-line long sleeve midi dress that is loose in the waist (read extra room for more pumpkin pie!). I love the high necklace and fall floral pattern, giving this a very 70's boho chic vibe. It's a very modest silhouette but still has a flattering shape. The colorful print is also a helpful disguise in case there are any party spills (which is totally something that would happen to me!). Zara has a lot of great 70's style dresses right now (including this one) if you're in the market! But no matter what you wear for Thanksgiving, the most important thing is to remember all that we have to be thankful for. And don't forget to help the host with clean-up; that is a must! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! xx