pics of the belly //

i am so grateful to my incredibly talented friend, Chloe, for taking our maternity pictures. i love her suggestion to shoot in our own backyard - she has the best eye for both composition and detail. 

for the most part i wanted to keep the images as natural as possible because that's who we are... and if you know Albert you can be sure he wasn't about to get all dolled up for a couple of pictures.

:: insert chuckle here ::

the most sentimental part of the shoot was being able to wear a vintage kimono that belonged to my grandmother (my mom's mom) - my daughter will be the 4th generation to wear it one day. 

overall, this was a very special day and i'm blessed to have my friend of  14 plus years capture these images. thank you, Chloe.

find more of Chloe's work here: CHLO + CO PHOTOGRAPHY

a SHOE thing.

who doesn't love a good shoe? even if you're more of a purse person, or an accessories connoisseur, you still appreciate the value of a great fitting (& feeling) shoe.

personally, i'll spend my money on clothes and purses much quicker than shoes, but that doesn't mean i don't love me some fancy footwear.

i admire my friends - namely Baggy - who pick-out and promptly put on the most amazing wedges, platforms, stilettos and/or pumps. they have vision for how their foot and new shoe will harmoniously work together. i, on the other hand, know exactly what i'd snatch up in a perfect shoe world, but inevitably purchase the shoe that will "go with more in my closet" or "feels most comfy."

regardless of taste or preference - shoes are wonderful allies to any girl in any stylish situation. the shoe can single handedly take an outfit from good to GREAT!

here's some of my SHOEspiration //  

epitome of the power of the shoe. 

NYFW SS15 shoe game - every girl should own a pair of converse and a pair of mules.

the ultimate mule: Alexander Wang {Britt Embossed Leather Cutout Mule}

shoe of the moment: New Balance 620 {similar here}

boho chic: Elyse Walker {Fringe Suede Bootie} 

any form of the strappy heel: Aquazzura {Amazon Lace-Up Snakeskin}

red hott - tried these and they are the most comfortable leather ever: Schutz {Onorina StrappySandel}

old faithful in the color of your choice: Birkinstocks {Arizona Suede}

glamazon worthy - another spotting at NYFW SS15: Daniele Michetti {Nina Laser Cut Bootie}

give me some tread! want these: ZARA {Leather Track Heel}

the new classic pump: Stuart Wietzman {Privacy Pump}

{sources: nyfw/collagevintage/pinterest/catalinasu/songofstyle/sincerelyjules/damselindior}

   

the hippy hippy shakes!

i have and always will be so drawn to the shaggy, just rolled out of bed, really didn't try at all, no mess no fuss, BUT still look so shamelessly chic outfit.

the outfit and the girl come with a specific attitude - one of great confidence, some ease, comfort in her own skin, and overall knowledge that this cluster of clothing looks so darn good!

what others think has little to no relevance. she dressed for her own self-expression depending on the mood, mindset, or location she found herself in.

to call her a mess, a little lost-looking, artsy-fartsy, or just mixed media would mean the exterior has deceived you. you'd be well off to know this girl is pulled together, thought through, and knows exactly what she wants and where she's going - but she won't conform to the norm while doing it.

//now breathe it all in and SHAKE it all out.

{sources: ascotfriday/stylesnooperdan/theyallhateus/ivanarevic/pinterest}

   

post baby body attire ...

oh how i miss my clothes! think what you will and classify me as you may, but man do i love a really, really great looking outfit.

i love the whole experience of putting "a look" together. i long to walk into my closet and start the creative process of putting together a daytime, night-time, beach-time, play-time or even gym-time outfit. i love the way my mood on any particular day can summon up a new and exciting combination of pieces sitting in anticipation to be worn. 

the top, the bottom, the shoes, the accessories, the jewelry - OR the lack thereof. #YUMMY

at the moment my attire is 100% dictated by my belly. it was fun to dress for all of 5 minutes. then i realized it wasn't just my belly that changed, but my whole body - including my boobs and bum. now i reach for the most comfortable: the jeans that fit, the shirt that stretches over the entire belly, the bra that doesn't enhance but covers, or a flattering dress that doesn't make me look like a tent. 

yes, i realize the gift on it's way is far greater than any outfit i'll ever create. however, i will continue to salivate after high waisted pants, tucked in tops, low cut v-necks, my favorite ripped denims and a great looking pencil skirt!

heres a few looks to aspire to in the not too distant future.

::insert gleeful clap here::

{sources: pinterest/tumblr/theyallhateus/manrepeller/lizzyvanderligt}

   

but there's a silver lining //

hello, 22 weeks!

like i mentioned in my previous pregnancy proclamation, this time has been anything but easy for me. now halfway through i've definitely turned a corner for the better, but i am far from "normal" feeling.

take today for example - i just couldn't get on top of it. i realize how crazy this sounds, but if i don't eat exactly as hunger rears it's ugly head i inevitably throw-up... today was one of those days.

most days consist of continued nausea (now in waves and not all the time - PTL!), my nose is still on high alert and any scent can set me off (i'm like a wolf), laying down and getting sleep is becoming more and more difficult, to top it all off i have a new level of respect for people who suffer from constant heartburn - it's torture.

BUT there is a silver lining - duh! during these last 5 months and 2 weeks i've had some amazing experiences with different friends and family members in my life. so many awesome acts of kindness, warm gestures and words of incredible wisdom. really temped to name some of you, but i'll just whole heartedly say THANK YOU - you have taught me some great lessons.

on another note, i continue to grow less in love with my rounding belly, but much more in love with my little baby girl. it's unexplainable how you feel such a great attachment to someone you've never met, but nurture everyday.

in light of this great love and to focus on the positive rather than the "yucky" - here are some happy mommy moments //

{source: pintrest/lovetaza/romyandthebunnies/100layercake}