fashion

The Perfect Spring & Summer Accessory

With spring finally here (I mean, we’ll still probably get rain, but oh well…) I’m excited to start dressing Jadyn in more outfits that are bright and colorful. She has so many outfits that I’m eager to put her in, accessorize and–of course–snap a photo.

One of my favorite Etsy shops to purchase hair accessories for my daughter is Lucy Belly Designs. Owned by my friend Nina, her shop features the most luxurious leather bows, clips and hair ties for little ladies, cuffs for tweens and moms and since she opened shop last year, Nina now offers bow ties for little (and grown!) gentlemen. Nina’s shop is truly amazing.

My latest purchase just arrived yesterday! One of my favorite pieces is the Oversized Jade Bow Mommy + Me set I bought a couple months ago. I purchased it in the color Sky and I can’t wait to match with my little nugget. I also had a custom order made featuring what I like to call a “lady bug” bow. She can make anything custom–all you have to do is message her on Etsy and she’ll work with you to make a one of a kind item.

Here’s my latest trio of Lucy Belly Designs bows:

This is the Jade bow (named after my daughter Jadyn!) in orchid, the Aurora bow in quartz and the Sienna bow in tangerine. All classic sizes and I’m obsessed with these colors!

Listen, I’m not getting free bows for writing this review for Lucy Belly Designs. I have purchased almost every single one of Jadyn’s LBD bows (except for my baby shower gift set) and Nina’s bows are worth my money. I mean, can you see that I’m obsessed with these?

She has a special offer going on right now, just in time for Mother’s Day. Use code LBDMOM15 now through May 5th and receive 15% off and ensure on-time delivery for Mother’s Day!

Have you purchased any Lucy Belly Designs bows? Snap a photo and share in the comments!

Lucy Belly Designs Etsy Store Launch!

I am so excited to share the fantastic news that one of my closest friends, Nina, has launched her Etsy store Lucy Belly Designs!!

Nina designs luxury leather bows for all ages and those who just want to rock a bow or bowtie! A little background about Nina straight from her Etsy page:

I started this shop to give me the creative outlet I crave while still having the flexibility needed to be a full time mom to my baby girl Lucy.

My background is in corporate retail, specifically home decor buying and product development. I started working with leather in 2013, and trained under Beatrice Amblard, who hails from The house of Hermès, for two years. At Amblard Leather Atelier I learned all of the skills needed to create works of art with leather. While I may not be creating handbags (as originally planned), I still utilize these skills when creating my bows. From pattern making to, cutting, gluing, sewing, and finishing; everything is done by hand and with the techniques I learned at Amblard. I use a variety of tools from both the U.S. and France. The luxury leathers I use are also sourced from the U.S., France, and Italy.

Now that you all know we’re having a baby girl, I cannot wait to get my hands on these bows! My little princess will definitely have a better hair accessories collection than I do.

What I like about Lucy Belly Designs is that Nina will craft bows for any age, so you’re not just limited to babies and toddlers. Her designs are reasonably priced, amazing quality and are great gifts!

Bow ties for the little man in your life will be launching in the store soon!

Check out the photos below to see some of the designs and her adorable daughter Lucy modeling the bows!

I hope that you check out Lucy Belly Designs and get your hands on some of these bows!

– all photos courtesy of Nina

When is the Perfect Time to Buy Maternity Jeans?

When is the right time to buy the first pair of maternity pants or jeans? That’s a question I’ve struggled with since about week 8. At week 8 you’re not quite showing yet, but regular jeans or pants start to get uncomfortable. That being said, I stuck it out like a trooper till about week 10 when I officially switched to legging central. Luckily, it’s summertime so capri leggings are super lightweight and comfortable. But I am now at the point where I’d like to start wearing jeans again. Enter maternity jeggings.

I haven’t “popped” quite yet, but needed to buy a pair since pants are just too uncomfortable. Here’s where Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel come in. Recently launched – and exclusive to Target – Isabel Maternity is a fantastic line. My local Target hadn’t put out the full line when I went over the weekend, but I was able to find a pair of dark wash jeggings that are so cute! I purchased the Maternity Crossover Panel Skinny Jeans in Dark Wash and absolutely love them. For a curvy and short gal, these are the perfect length and very flattering. My tush still looks good.

Photo courtesy of Target.com

These dark wash jeggings are still a little too big for me as I haven’t quite expanded enough to really make them fit well, but as an easy an inexpensive alternative to high-end maternity jeans, these are great. They only run $34.99!

The entire Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel line is trendy and affordable. It features a vast array of styles including dresses, tops, post-partum belly bands and comfortwear, leggings, jeans, activewear, nursing and intimates and more. Once the collection has been out for a little longer – and I’m showing more – I’ll definitely be going back to pick up another pair and a few dresses for wedding season coming up!

What’s your go-to maternity line? I’d love to know! Leave a comment.