maternity style 17

So it probably goes without saying after seeing these photos, that my mother's friends are some experienced and talented party throwers!  I was overwhelmed with how gorgeous they made the party, with lots of paper poms and pink.  Everything was really just too cute for words (that tutu?! I died.)  Baby girl may never repeat an outfit - seriously!  It was the kind of shower you actually want to attend - no silly games, just lots of drinks, girl talk (and the BEST cake).  Thank you again to all the hostesses, and to everyone who came.  It is definitely a lovely thing to know that so many people are excited for baby girl's arrival.  

*my dress is from pink blush maternity, and the shoes & necklace are from j crew

i just had to share...

Every once in a while you find something that is just so great, you really want to share it.  The monogram necklace above is definitely that find for me this month!  I ordered it (with serious skepticism) from an Etsy seller that was obviously based in China.  I wanted a larger statement monogram, and with most of the options I found starting from $100, I figured it might be worth trying this one for $15.  I was so SO pleasantly surprised when it arrived.  It shipped out the next day, and I had it within two weeks.  That might sound like a long time, but take into consideration the fact that even big US sites like Marley Lilly have week long production times for many of their jewelry pieces, and their shipping costs more.  Anyways, if you've had a monogram necklace on your wish list for a while like I did, I'd definitely suggest trying them out.  They have pretty much every common monogram style and every type of jewelry (a bracelet is next on my list, maybe with baby girl's initials!)  

*This post wasn't sponsored by the shop, I just really liked my necklace and thought it was an insane value.  

a little ebay update

Sorry to use this blog for promoting my eBay store, but I know some of you will be interested in these listings!  I'm selling a pair of worn once Steven Steve Madden Blush Nude Bow Pumps in a 9.5 (but they run small, would better fit a size 9!)  Also up for grabs is a pair of brand new (without the box) but never worn coral espadrilles from J.Crew.  These are super pretty, but they've always been a tad too big for me.  I think I just held onto them for so long because I love them!  You can look at the nude pumps here and the coral espadrilles here.  

friday link love

This weekend we're headed to our hometown to spend some time with our nearest and dearest.  My second baby shower is on Saturday (my first one was a surprise!) and other than that we're just going to do family dinners, family lunches, family breakfasts....you get the idea.  Oh, and sleep.  There will hopefully be LOTS of sleep, because I have been lacking in that department lately.  I hope you all have wonderful weekend plans!  Now, this week's favorite links.  

This article about crazy things Americans do made me laugh out loud.

LOVE this Huffington Post article about why St. Louis is so awesome.  I completely agree.

Special effects really are just amazing.  I loved this commercial "featuring" Audrey Hepburn.  Honestly though, I'd watch whole movies with CGI Audrey if they made them.

My hairstylist used this treatment and this serum on my hair at my appointment Thursday, and my hair has never looked better.  She also inspired me to give this styling tutorial a shot.

Apparently the FDA has approved the "EPI pen" of drug overdoses for over the counter sale.  Some say this will encourage drug abusers to keep using....but I'm inclined to say that it could be an amazing thing for the family members of addicts to have available to them.

I have no reason to make these salted caramel bars, other than they just look insanely delicious.  My sweet tooth during this pregnancy has been slightly out of control!

I've definitely been thinking more practically about clothes with this baby coming, and I think these sandals will be the perfect way to elevate a simple jeans & tee ensemble.

maternity style 16

wearing: shift dress - tommy hilfiger, not maternity (LOVE this)

wedges - michael kors

sunglasses - ray-ban, sunglass monogram decal, bow earrings - kate spade, chain link pave bracelet - jcrew (on sale for $15!), bow bracelet: groopdealz

It finally felt like spring the day these photos were taken, with a high of 70 and "abundant sunshine."   Okay, I keep promising I'll stop talking about the weather but......maybe not.  

Anyways, we took full advantage of the weather and swung our french doors open wide, went for a long walk to stare at pretty houses we'll never buy, and tried to train Fitz to heel - which is not going all that well.  The goal is that eventually we'll be able to hook his leash to the stroller and not worry about him pulling it straight over, but I have my doubts about that ever happening, he's fairly stubborn!  

Either way, I am hoping this weather never leaves, because shift dresses & wedges are my jam right now.  And yes, I know I should be wearing flats this far along, but sometimes nothing makes you feel less frumpy than being 7.5 months pregnant and a nice high wedge is a good compromise between making you feel better and keeping you comfortable.