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The other day I decided that we needed to get out more on the weekends, rather than try to cram as much housework as we can, along with blog work, along with family time. I said “Pfftt! Housework! Who needs a clean and organized house anyways!?” (that’s my philosophy lol) “Let’s go to the lamest freaking bbq show in the worst part of town!”

Ok, I didn’t know it was going to be lame! Or that it’s in THAT part of town. Or that the “petting zoo for kids” meant a lizard and a tired panther in a cage.

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Ok, to be fair, I “stepped” out during some random weekday, but who’s watching? The point is “I STEPPED OUT”.

These days just the act is worth a picture. Hopefully some day I’ll actually blowdry/straighten/curl my hair (whoa! Mind explosion!) and/or wear something more presentable than a church lady outfit. But I still don’t fit into most of my bottoms ( damn you, Elena, for liking your jeans and shorts too tight), so I resort to dresses and skirts, and I don’t own too many skirts, so yeah…. let’s just say I need to improve in that department and it started last night with a big order from Victoria’s Secret consisting mostly of …? You guessed right! SKIRTS!

Taking a simple picture of an outfit proved to be more challenging that I thought. My little girl is the complete opposite of a model sometimes. You’re either lucky – you point the camera at her and she STARES RIGHT at it, oooorrrrrr…. (which happens more often) stares right at it and makes a face/starts fussing right as you hit the shutter button (especially if I am holding her and REALLY REALLY REALLY want a good mommy/daughter picture).

When I get a chance, I’ll do a post of her Robin Scherbatsky faces ( you know what I mean if you’re a HIMYM fan)

{ Alexis: Banana onesie by Spunky Stork, Diaper by Apple Cheeks
Elena: grey ruffle top by Express, skirt from God knows where, diaper bag by Baby Kaed,
golden ballet flats from MyHabit by Yosi Samra, Tree of Life bracelet from Gilt by Tai Jewelry }

In other news, there are a ton of posts I am trying to write (pictures, experiences, giveaways, reviews, my favorite baby items, month #2 post) but OH MY GOD, Alexis won’t nap for longer than 10 minutes anywhere other than my arms for the past week. She’s definitely a handful, my little girl.

{ Right now as I type this, my husband is frantically trying to shush and rock her to sleep, because she’s overtired but she won’t sleep for longer than a few minutes, poor girl. Thank you husband for giving me these 20 minutes to write a quick post. }

My hopes are: this weekend I can get enough me time to edit some photos and write some things, but that might be wishful thinking…

{oh and just now she stopped crying and zonked out thanks to our white noise generator app, so as long as Andrew is holding her I can continue typing}

Also, we’ll attempt to go to a Butterfly releasing ceremony on Sunday (1000 butterflies) with Alexis. Cross your fingers that we survive the outting with the heat and her not being able to take more than 15-20 minutes in one place, be it stroller, carrier, wrap or sling, except for our arms ( hey, at least we’ve got that)

{and now she’s lying next to me in her swaddle and tossing and turning. Sleep, baby girl, sleep! How do you like my play-by-play? lol}

More {BETTER} outfit posts to come. I’ll definitely “model” some of the new purchases, since one of the posts I am writing is about how I am absolutely OBSESSED with buying clothes nowadays {it really is a problem and has to stop}

See you again soon!

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Welcome to Week 8 of Pregnant with Style feature, a weekly low down on the cutest and little known maternity brands.

{Discover other weeks and maternity brands here}

ISABELLA OLIVER MATERNITY

is today’s brand.

Some of you might have heard of Isabella Oliver or seen ads on the Internet. It is a British company started in 2003 when the creators saw the need for beautiful stylish and comfortable maternity wear. They’ve even been awarded the Queen’s Award (How cool is that?)

I can’t think of another company that makes such elegant feminine maternity clothes. Most of their styles are form fitting which is perfect during pregnancy when you want to show off your bump ( because let’s admit it- that’s the only way to look pregnant and not fat).

Here’s some of my favorite items from Isabella Oliver:

1. Ruched Breton Button Top  2. Midi Ruched Skirt  3. The Everyday Blazer  4. Tuck Detail Tunic  5. Ruched T Shirt Dress 

It was very hard for me to pick 1 item to go with, and after a lot of deliberation I choose the Ruched Tank Dress in red.

Remember my obsession with red dresses? Well, it’s alive and kicking.  To date, this is my favorite dress to wear out. I feel like the red color dresses it up a lot, so if that’s not for you, this dress comes in a shade of black that is perfect for everyday wear.

What I love about this particular dress:

• I love what it  does to my bump – in this dress I don’t feel thick or wide or big- it accentuates the bump in a way that makes the rest of me look thin (-ner).
• Because of the stretchy material and the ruched style you can wear it any time during your life, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum or just like to look amazing.
• The simple neckline that goes low enough to show off my cleavage {the only time in my life that I get to have one}, but not too low to feel overly exposed.

I just can imagine myself wearing this dress going on stroller walks with Alexis and  hubby around town and looking fabulous. Oh and did I forget to mention that Angelina Jolie wore the same dress in black when she was pregnant?

Right now Isabella Oliver is running a 25% off maternity dresses promotion with a code THANKS. Also they carry a non-maternity line that is equally amazing! And you can win this dress by entering below {you don’t have to be pregnant to wear it, btw}

And it just so happens that Isabella Oliver is on Zulily right now at 70% off. FUN!

Oh and can we please give a round of applause to my friend’s adorable baby who is the best model ever!?

Here’s how to win this dress in a color of your choice: