There's a Bun in the Oven

A deliciously fluffy buttery bun does sound damn good right now, but there is actually a numero tres in my big ole' belly.

So I'm at that stage where I'm not really showing, but if I wear something fitting it looks like I'm just fat and frankly finding something flattering to wear in my first trimester is pretty freakin' difficult.

My good friend introduced me to Tobi.com and well it's 50% off sitewide baby and how can I pass a deal up?!
Use code: FOREVERMORE, ends tomorrow Sept. 24 at 11:59 p.m. so HURRY!

Just a note, I strictly usually only shop sites with free shipping, free returns, and duh promo codes!

I'm eyeing shift dresses for dinner and non-alcoholic beverages with some tights and booties or a special occasion where I can fancy up with some statement necklaces.

Yes I'm hiding that little bump til I actually look like I'm pregnant.

        

I also love Asos.com which carries trendy maternity clothing when I'm bigger, yay! 

For 25% off use code: FW14AWESOMENESS.

   

Happy Shopping!

Wedding Guest Fashion Sense

I love weddings. I love the flowers, the decor, the bride's wedding dress, the bridesmaids' dresses, the tuxedos...it's all beautifully thought out and perfected together just like the couple confessing their love to one another. When you are a guest to a wedding, sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to wear.

My Don'ts and Uh...can you say inappropriate? 
Hoochie Wear - a dress two sizes too small, cleavage in your face, and too short - higher than mid thigh and if you bend over I can see your a$$. Sorry ladies, leave this dress for the club. It's probably better if you wear some black slacks and a really nice blouse.

Jeans - why on earth do people think it's okay to wear jeans? You wear jeans everyday as your casual attire, so HELLO isn't a wedding considered super formal? I had a couple of people wear jeans to my wedding including a cousin. If only you could see the look on my face.

White/Ivory - do I even need to explain why? The bride wears white/ivory and she should be the ONLY person because it's HER wedding not yours.


Day and Evening Weddings
This past weekend I had the lovely honor to attend two weddings. One was a brunch wedding and another was in the evening.

Day ~ Classy Coral 

Coral A-line Cutout Dress, Blazer, and Necklace, Forever21  |  Olsenboye Heels (old), JCPenney

 Lace Clutch (old), Marshalls  |  Double Link Chain Stretch Belt, Agaci

My heels are adorably cute, surprisingly comfortable and my fav of all affordable!Not sure if you noticed, but I'm wearing panty hose. Yea who wears panty hose nowadays, well I had an allergic reaction to penicillin and these red itchy spots were all over my legs. Horrible timing.

You can't see my belt on my dress, but it gave the dress some personality.

I have to admit my dress was RIDICULOUSLY inexpensive (frugal fashionista), but you wouldn't know because I accessorized it up. I love love the coral pink. I HEART Forever21. You can get so much for so little. Yea, the quality might not be as great as a $100 dress but how many times will you be wearing that $100 dress?

With a solid colored dress I can have fun with accessories and layering pieces for different looks.

 

Husband ~ Striking Suit

Unfortunately, menswear isn't as inexpensive as us ladies. 

Loving the tailored grey suit and the patterned socks are sexy.

Suit, Light Blue Dress Shirt, Tie, Socks, Express  |   Hugo Boss Lace-Up Dress Shoes, Macys

Evening ~ Wanderlust Watercolor 

Dress, Necklace, Heels, Forever 21 

I didn't have a great picture of myself and the model did the dress better justice. Now the slight negative thing about Forever 21 dresses is everyone shops there. The worst thing that can happen at a wedding is you might see someone wearing the same dress as you AND damn it happened to me! 

My girls were with me so I was running after them constantly and I had to walk by this girl all night! Thank goodness for my oh so comfortable heels. AND to make matters worse, she was in the ladies room when I walked in. I HAD to say something to make it less awkward so I went with, "I like your dress." Still AWKWARDDD!

The Girls - Blushes and Blue

Dresses, Macys and Palais Royal  |  Ivory Rose Headbands, Old Navy

Twas a beautiful day and night of weddings and it's always fun dressing up!

Glam Up Fall with Beautiful Booties

I have yet to own a pair of booties, but I do have a pair coming in the mail! Can't wait to rock these bad girls. I must admit I wasn't a big fan, but my style and love for fashion have changed over the years. In the midst of soul searching, adjusting to marriage life, being pregnant and being a mom, it took me awhile to discover my style  + what looks fab on me.  

These are just some of my favs. Wish I could own them all, a girl can dream.

 I'm all about glamming up and not having to spend a fortune. These gorgeous booties are $80 and under.

1. Forever 21, $36.80  (available in black & brown)  |   2. Forever 21, $39.80  
 3. Call It Spring, $80 (available in black)   |  4. Go Jane, $36.40 (available in black & nude)
5. Forever 21, $36.80   |   6. Tobi, $60  |  7. Agaci, $32.50 (available in black & tan)  |  8. Zara, $69.90

Houston Tidbits 6th Bday Bash!

Excited to attend my very first Houston Tidbits event. My schedule with the kiddos and a sitter was always an issue, but yes finally tonight I'll be attending their 6th Bday Bash at Gigi's Asian Bistro and Dumpling Bar in the Galleria! Looking forward to some dumplings, lychee martinis, and fab goodies!

Hoping to get there a little early for some retail therapy too!

Click here for more info!


Event Recap ~
Thinking I was arriving early and didn't even think twice about a long line, my gals and I ended up waaay in the back of that line. I didn't expect so many people and surprised to see some guys there too. Fortunately, there were still swag bags left for us.

My fav swag bag goodie

Decided to check out Lily Rain, I mean I do have a 20% off promo. You know how a girl loves a discount. I think I might just get this gorgeous statement necklace. Loving the dark grey and emerald green combo.

Had a great time mingling with my ladies.

The Tribal Trend

It's been a long week and a really tough day. Kylie is still struggling with communicating to me when she needs to go use the potty. This girl did #2 in her undies twice! I hope this phase is over ASAP like tomorrow.

Tonight it's date night with the hubby and it's a relief! Not only from staying at home with the kiddos with no social adult interaction, but since my husband has arrived home from Colombia, we hardly ever see him because he is always working. 

Tonight, I decided to go casual with my tribal top. It's loose fitting, comfortable and covers my post pregnancy belly pudge. I've actually gained weight, but we'll save that for another post. 

Top, Forever 21 | Skinny Jeans, Old Navy | Pink Skinny Belt, Old Navy | Necklace, Macy's

Earrings, Papaya | Flats, Agaci | Purse, Wetseal

I am absolutely in love with the tribal pattern. It reminds me of Cambodia, where my family was born. The tribal pattern is similar to the Cambodian Ikat pattern.

Did you know?

By the 19th century, Cambodian ikat was considered among the finest textiles of the world.
Unfortunately, Cambodian culture suffered massive disruption and destruction during the mid-20th century Indochina wars but most especially during the Khmer Rouge regime. Most weavers were killed and the whole art of Cambodian ikat was in danger of disappearing. Kikuo Morimoto is a prominent pioneer in re-introducing ikat to Cambodia. In 1995, he moved from Japan and located one or two old lady weavers and Khmer Rouge survivors who knew the art and have taught it to a new generation.

This piece reminds me of Ankor Wat, which I have yet to visit. Ankor Wat is a Hindu, then subsequently Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. It has a lot of history going back to the 12th century. Ankor Wat is a famous tourist attraction which is fortunately bringing revenue into Cambodia. 

This is me and my two girls back in November for my sister's wedding wearing a traditional silk Cambodian sarong. There are also sarongs made out of cotton that the elders including the men wear casually around the house.

Here are my favorite pieces I found digging in my closet, including the one I'm wearing. Aren't they beautiful?

Dance Through Life

Recital = Excited + Nervous

Earlier today my girls had dance class (ballet & tap). We recently signed up with the YMCA. I'm excited the girls will be performing in a Christmas Recital, however I'm a little nervous.

What if my girls are the only dancers who stumble on their dance steps? 

Moms, do you have these feelings too?

We always want our children to shine and we aren't suppose to compare, but sometimes you can't help it.

Their instructor is awesome and the girls have so much fun, at the end of the day that's really all that matters!
I definitely do not want to be one of those moms on the reality shows like Toddlers and Tiaras or Cheer Perfection.

I regret not being involved in any extracurricular activities when I was a child so I want my children to have that opportunity and that consistency where they can excel with motivation especially in something they enjoy doing and may grow to love.

The National Dance Educational Organization says dance is a powerful ally for developing many of the attributes of a growing child. Dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. The physical benefits of dance are widely accepted, but the emotional, social and cognitive attributes have only recently begun to be appreciated. 

Lianna + Kylie

Oh So Cute & Affordable Leotards + Tutus
You know those irresistible local dance stores with those fancy ballet dresses? They can be expensive and you can't just purchase one dress, right? You want your little one to look fabulous so why spend a fortune when they will outgrow them anyways.

Take a look at my favs ~

Discount Dance Supply has a $2.95 flat rate shipping. Dancewear Solutions' shipping varies by item and zip code. I'm all about free shipping and free returns and unfortunately these sites do not offer them :( 

  

Currently Target is offering  buy 4, get the next one FREE and if you spend $50, you get free shipping. Free returns online and you can return your online purchases to your local store.

 Walmart is by far the best priced. Free shipping on eligible $45 orders with home free. Walmart also offers free returns online and you can return your online purchases to your local store.

Fall Fashion for My Little Fashionista

My first post. Nervous. Excited. Anxious.

Yes, I'm a newbie. Yes, I'm still learning. Yes, it's late at night. Yes, the kids are soundly asleep.

Yay! ME time. 

I Heart Online Shopping

Lianna, my oldest daughter whom is 4 years is constantly growing out of her clothes and I don't realize it until I'm putting on a shirt that's a bit too small for her. I absolutely LOVE online shopping, but my husband isn't too happy about it. 

It's so convenient and you can take your time browsing because going out shopping with a 4 and 3 year old can be a challenge.

Key Factors I Look For When Shopping Online

• Free returns or exchanges whether it be online or to a local store
• Free shipping
• Promo codes
• Reviews

One of my fav places to shop for the girls is Old Navy. When I shop, I have a habit of instantly clicking on the SALES and CLEARANCE links, I'm a sucker for discounts. 

20% promo code ONTREAT (excludes Everyday Steals), expires 9/18. Free shipping with a purchase of $50. 

Happy Shopping!