I'm extremely excited to share about this wonderful dress today, by MammaBelle Maternity. The owner Alex, contacted me a while back and asked if I would be interested in doing a retro styled shoot of her maternity/nursing dress. It came as a wonderful surprise to get an email from a company I just recently discovered and admired. Her dresses looked so flattering on the countless women I saw model and share on Instagram. I immediately said yes, loving the idea of styling this dress with a retro flair. Most of the ladies who shared this dress wore it in a bohemian style, so the excitement to share this in an entirely different way was a challenge I looked forward to trying.



I would like to mention that despite this dress being a courtesy of MammaBelle Maternity, my thoughts and opinion are strictly my own and I will always give an honest and fair review to my readers. With that said upon arrival I was thrilled to open my package of dresses to discover she had given me each of the ones I had favored most. I was also given a scrap of extra fabric to make Isla some matching accessories (which I totally went to town on). Isla now has an adorable turban like headband, bow head band, and a mini bow to attach to her dresses. There is something so fun and special about matching with your mini.

My first thoughts about the dress out of the package was how comfortable this would be to wear all day long. It has a lot of stretch and a lot of ruching from just below the bust. This is a fairly basic dress that you could easily dress up or down adding your own personal style to.


I'm going to be honest ladies, when I was first asked to model these beautiful dresses a part of me was apprehensive about how I'd look in them. Like I mentioned, I've seen some lovely mamas wearing them, all rocking their gorgeous looks but for me, I don't usually wear fitted clothing. Having had three children hasn't made me the most confident showing off my midsection & thighs. To give this a retro flair I did opt to wear this with a corset however even without the corset I did find the ruching hid a lot of those areas I get insecure about.

Well I've gone on and on about how wonderfully stylish and flattering this dress is but did I mention it's also a maternity and nursing dress?! I can honestly say I greatly wish I had owned this dress with my other girls.


The functionality of this dress for breastfeeding is perhaps the easiest I've yet to use. Some of my other nursing dresses and tops require me to pull back a piece of fabric, stuff it behind my boob, and pray my daughter's messy nursing doesn't cause a wet spot on the folded back piece of fabric. With this dress it has convenient button snaps on each of the shoulders, making it a quick and easy grab. Once the strap has been removed there is still a cover of fabric that you just lift up, even without a nursing cover I can nurse with this dress in public, without feeling really exposed.


I think this is a fantastic dress that would wear beautifully on any woman of any size or style. Aside from the shoulder snaps it's almost impossible to tell that this was for maternity or nursing, making it an option for ladies who just love a cute wiggle dress. It would be pretty neat to see this dress made without the snaps for non nursing ladies. I honestly can't say anything negative about this dress except maybe if you are smaller chested (like me) you might have a bit of extra room just below the bust which could be easily remedied by sizing down.



This was supposed to be posted yesterday (so sorry Alex!) but I had a last minute opportunity to get out for a mom's night out. I truly couldn't pass up the chance to visit with the ladies for some much needed adult conservation... FYI it was such a blast!

Outfit Details:
Cardigan: ModCloth (this or this)
Dress: c/o MammaBelle Maternity
Shoes: ModCloth (similar, or this)
Isla's Dress: Carters
Isla's Headband: Handmade

Take Care & Enjoy!
♥ Heather

Ahhh there is nothing more exciting than the first snow of a new year! I love snow! Everything is like a new canvas, perfectly blanked in white. I also argue if it's going to be cold, it might as well snow. If you follow me on Instagram you probably know this shoot is a couple weeks old. I feel like I've been in a constant state of catching up. As soon as I finish one project I have at least a dozen more waiting in line to be completed.


With a new year in front of me, I find myself thinking on what I want to accomplish, what goals I want to set. I tend to be overly ambitious, setting goals I know I won't complete but I also love being challenged!
So this year, I'm challenging myself to the following:
1. Get up earlier, seize the day!
2. I want to eat healthier and lose this baby weight
3. I want to be more active on my blog and Instagram as well as rekindle my friendships I've created online. (This will be the most challenging)
4. Keep my house more tidy. I'm actually a total neat freak but since Isla, I've delegated way too many chores and now it's not as perfect as it once was.
5. Do more crafts & activities with my girls
6. Finish more home projects, like finish painting my kitchen cabinets!
7. Get out of the house more, be more independent, and social. I always make excuses as to why I can't but this year I need to work on breaking that!
8. Continue to expand my photography skills and knowledge.
9.  Lastly strengthen my relationship with God

It's a big list but I think they are things that I can accomplish. I hope you will keep me accountable and I'll check in with how I'm progressing.


Have you set any goals for this year? I'd love to hear them! I'm excited to start tackling mine. I'm already working on my weight and eating healthier. And here I am two blog posts within a week. Woohoo!

Anyhoo, I'm pretty tickled about this outfit! ModCloth has had some pretty fabulous sales this past month and this skirt was one I snatched up. It's elasticized back makes me happy! I love a skirt that breathes and moves with my waist.


This top is from Le Bomb Shop and a must staple for any modern vintage lovers wardrobe. They are so flattering and hold their shape incredibly well.


I apologize about how bright these photos are. I loooove bright photos but these seem brighter than usual. I've upgraded my lightroom & photoshop, I'm still getting used to their new settings. I'm also wonder if my blog layout is to blame, a setting making everything brighter? I'll look into it.



Outfit Details:
Skirt: ModCloth
Cardigan: ModCloth
Top: Le Bomb Shop
Tights: Forever 21
Shoes: ModCloth (Similar)
Pin: Vintage
Coat: Amazon


That's all for now! I'm excited for the photos I'll be sharing soon. Till then,

Take Care & Enjoy,
♥ Heather

Have you ever tried to get something done but no matter how many times you tried to work on it, something, everything got in your way? I feel like that has been the theme to my life lately. A series of unfinished projects & chores, unwashed hair, errands (so many errands) and all the commitments that come with the holiday rush.


Since having Isla, I'm still trying to balance 3 kids, a child I watch daily, and still have a life for myself. Isla is actually an easy baby for the most part but often wants to be held standing up. Yep we are in that stage. It's actually quite comical despite the frustration. I sit down she starts to cry so I stand up and she is calm. This pattern will repeat over and over if I fight it. We are confident she is in the early stages of teething and needs extra comfort. I'm actually holding her right now, thankfully she is asleep or I wouldn't be able to type. I will point out that typing with one hand is no fun.


Not long ago, eShakti contacted me to do a review on their clothing. I own a couple of their dresses and am excited to finally collaborate with them. If you haven't heard of their company, they are a unique online store that specializes in custom fit clothing. It's actually quite genius! Most dresses can be altered to your personal taste, adjusting their length, sleeve and bust style. They also will sew their dresses to fit your body perfectly. Although I did alter the length on this dress (I prefer my dresses just above my knees) I regret that I didn't get a custom fit to my body this time. After having a baby I don't exactly know what my new measurements are and for the life of me I couldn't find my measuring tape... You can see this dress was a bit large on me in the waist but I can alter that later. I love how comfortable this dress is. It's a mid weight cotton stretch fabric that is fantastic for winter.


 I chose this particular dress because it has a button up bust, perfect for breastfeeding. There is also a banded backing making it adjust so nicely after eating a full meal. I'm all about wearing clothing that is both stylish and practical. What I find most impressive about their site, is how quickly their turn around is for custom items.


 You might have noticed that my backgrounds changed. I wasn't quite sure I liked the first location and decided to change to another. I ultimately liked the first. Haha Thank goodness my husband (for the most part) is a patient man.

Oh and can we take a minute to appreciate these pincurls (sponge curls that is)?! I have naturally curly/frizzy hair which makes brushing pincurls difficult. It is such a struggle to tame this hair into a reasonable acceptable style but I'll consider this day a win. In person and online everyone asked if I had cut it. The answer is no, my hair just holds pincurls very tight despite these being quite a large roller.

Because I am so behind, I have a ton of photos to go through. I know, I know,  I sound like a very broken record but eventually I will move past this loop I'm stuck in.

Outfit Details:
Dress: eShakti
Brooch: SheIn (Old)
Shoes: Chelsea Crew (ModCloth, similar)

Take Care & Enjoy,
♥ Heather

I've had some crazy unreal expectations as to what I should look like after having a baby. I was so positive I'd be skipping around in my before clothes that after a few weeks post baby I got kind of depressed. I wish I could say that I've grown into my new motherly body (again). That I have embraced my loose skin and thicker thighs but I'm just not quite there. And likely never will be. I'm extremely hard on myself most days, determined to look my very best. It's a flaw that's been drilled into me since I was a young kid. With that in mind, it's something I've worked leaps and bounds for my daughters NOT to be like. To love their bodies and themselves just as they are and yet here I am, not listening to what I preach. I know I can't be just as I was before. It's only been 3 months and I rarely have time to exercise. I'm sure by now you're rolling your eyes (like most people do), thinking I'm crazy. That I don't look like I've had a baby but it's not how I feel in person. Plus the constant reminder that nothing in my closet fits me weighs me down.


Whew! I'm a fairly open book except for this, I don't usually share my character flaws with others online but here is one of mine and it's a big one. It's often said that we are our own worse enemy or critic and for me that couldn't be more true. I don't usually get really serious about topics on here. I like to keep it light, no drama, and fun. However I was inspired to touch on a subject that hits close to home for me. Have you ever wanted to discuss a topic online only to shy away from it? I'll admit I've started writing this many times only to change it and talk about something else.


Perhaps this topic isn't such a big deal to some but with so many aggressive people online expressing how important positive body image is, it can be intimidating to be anything but. How does this tie into this outfit post? Well despite my struggle to find my confidence again, Pink Blush Maternity clothing truly makes me feel beautiful getting out in public. Their clothing is wonderfully comfortable and flattering. Whether you're pregnant, nursing, or just an everyday woman, their clothing works. Like I've mentioned online, no their clothing isn't quite my style. I prefer a more vintage look but when you're a nursing mama in need of functionality and style, Pink Blush Maternity has you covered!


A while back I was contacted by Pink Blush Maternity to do a review/collaboration them. I will stress that my opinions are my own and I will NOT be swayed one way or another by free merchandise. With that in mind I actually really love their clothing. Before contacting me, I had already purchased from them a couple times while pregnant. Now nursing I appreciate their clothing even more.

The dress I'm styling is currently not available on their site. It seems shortly after I received it it became unavailable. However this style is in MANY different prints as well as shorter lengths. I love how stretchy this dress is. It makes getting it on easy with no worrying about that dreaded pop sound so many of my other dresses presently make. It's slinky and I often find myself swishing this dress from side to side like a little kids because who doesn't love doing that?! It is very long and at my 5'6.6" height it just barely floats above the ground in flats. Honestly I kind of like it that way.


Even with my postpartum tummy and fuller thighs, this style and pattern seems to hide the flaws that bother me perfectly. I do find that this particular dress does run a bit big compared to their other styles that seem a bit smaller. I had to pin the side to keep my bra from showing because I'm not a busty woman. In the future I plan to size down.


Thanks for listen to my craziness today! I have many posts to share in the future! I'm also looking for a few guest speakers. It's been something I've wanted to do for a while but never got around to. If you're interested in writing a post on my blog, please message me! It would be wonderful, while I go through the motions of being a new mom all over again, to keep my blog more active. I'm open to a variety of topics and I'd be thrilled to swap, doing a guest post for you too or just advertise for your guest post.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Pink Blush Maternity c/o (similar here, here, and here)
Cardigan: Modcloth
Shoes: Chelsea Crew (ModCloth) old pair, similar here and here

Anyhoo till next time xoxo!

Take Care & Enjoy,
♥ Heather

It's taken me a long time to start doing fashion posts again. Styling a postpartum body has been nothing short of a challenge for me, especially when nursing is a factor to consider. Isla is a cluster feeder and often wants to eat about every hour or sooner. As such from the moment I walk outside, my outfit is a huge consideration. It's funny because in today's modern view of pregnant women, we are supported, proud, and empowered. Almost every store sells stylish maternity clothing. Have you seen maternity Pinup Girl Clothing or Pink Blush Maternity? It's amazing! I've never felt so lovely pregnant like I did with Isla.


But now, with nursing, I get frustrated a lot. Not many clothes are made for nursing. Sure I could pull up my shirt and nurse but it exposes a lot of me and in the winter, burrrr! So you can imagine when I find a dress that is nurse friendly I tend to pounce on it. Because seriously I live in dresses! This dress isn't quite my style but it's a jersey stretch material with a wrap style bust that makes nursing practical. It's also wonderfully comfortable.


What I love about this dress, is how easy it is to dress up for a date night or for a casual stroll with my family. It's a bit short for my height (in my opinion; 5'6) but with stockings it's perfectly fine. I've worn this dress several times now and I'm excited it comes in other colors. While it's not quite my usual style it is easy to accessorize, making it more "me". It's also more than a nursing dress it works for those who aren't nursing too. It does show it can be worn by a pregnant woman but honestly I don't think it would work for those further along. 


I decided to make this into a family photo shoot. The weather lately has been too nice to stay inside. I love the photo captured of Chloie and I. I've raised two very wacky girls. I have no doubt Isla will be any different.


If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen me mention my excitement for tights & socks season. I love wearing wearing them! They make the perfect accessory, a pop of color or pattern to a basic outfit. These are actually above the knee socks but on me they are nearly thigh highs.


I hope everyone is enjoying this strange fall weather! It's nearly Halloween and I'm optimistic it will be warm enough to enjoy being out. Nothing is worse than having to wear heavy coats over your costume.


Well that is all this gal has to say. Sorry I jumped around a bit. It's hard to collect your thoughts when you have a baby that constantly needs your full attention LOL! I'll try to work on that though. Adorable picts coming soon!

Outfit:
Dress: Pink Blush Maternity
Cardigan: ModCloth (discontinued color)
Socks: TabbiSocks c/o
Shoes: Restricted (Old pair) similar
Brooch: Femme De Bloom

Take Care & Enjoy,
♥ Heather