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10 Ideas When “Nesting” Mode Strikes – Maternity Fashion

Ideas for nesting and summer maternity fashion…

maternity outfit ideas

maternity outfit ideas

maternity fashion

pregnancy nesting ideas

| Dress | Shoulder Bag | Platform Sandals

Being in the third trimester in the heat of summer is NOT an easy task. I’m not usually a huge dress girl for everyday style, but it really has been the easiest way to style the bump. You can stay cool, and most of them work post-pregnancy as well. This dress can be easily dressed up or down, and is so cool. I’m wearing the small for reference, so it’s an oversized fit. It also comes in a top version.

With Georgie I went full out with the “nesting.” I made stuff up to organize and do, because it calmed my anxiety. (This is normally far from my personality.) I haven’t gotten that full blown nesting itch as much this go around. Mainly because I’m so busy attempting to keep up with G! However, sometimes it will still hit and when it hits it does hard!

I wanted to sharea list of some “nesting” tasks you can do when you find that urge! If you aren’t pregnant, a lot of these are great to periodically do when you get some down time.

10 Ideas When “Nesting” Mode Strikes

1. Organize a “diapering” station. In those first few weeks there seems to be a lot of diaper changes. It’s easiest if you can set up one downstairs, and one upstairs if you live in a two-story home to minimize the stair climbing. We used a dresser drawer upstairs with his changing table, and a basket downstairs. Don’t forget vaseline/gauze pads for boy’s, diaper rash cream, wipes and diapers. I also organized the closet with extra diapers by size in little tubs.

2. Put the most used clothes (current size) in the dresser drawers so they are easiest to access. I also rolled up all the swaddle blankets and put them in a drawer. Then, you can organize the other clothes by size in the closet. Once they have outgrown something I also have a tub on top of the closet to throw that into.

3. Pack that hospital bag! (Don’t forget essentials for you, your partner, the baby and if you have any other siblings.)

4. Donate unused clothing and household items. Babies require a lot of “Stuff”. Before you bring a ton of new items in the house, move some out. It is tough for me to get rid of clothes, but I had bags of items I hadn’t worn in months/years. It felt good to see them go. Now I’m trying to get my husband to follow suit…

5. Deep clean the kitchen. (Still working on this one..) I wiped down the cabinets and we will really disinfect the countertops and sink well. This is important if you are going to be doing any bottle feeding.

6. Clean out drawers. I did a MAJOR bathroom drawer clean out. Makeup and hair products I hadn’t been using were given to friends or donated. Then I was able to make sure anything that wasn’t baby friendly, had the proper safety gear on it.

7. Speaking of safety, go ahead and put baby safety items up. (I waited last time, but it’s better to have this done before it’s a problem.) Here is a really great CHECKLIST of all things baby proofing.

8. Prep your guest room for visitors. If you plan on having anyone come to stay to help or meet baby, make sure they have everything they need now. Wash the sheets, stock the guest bathroom with shampoo/conditioner/soap, etc. You can also set up/leave out coffee items or waters in the kitchen, so they have easy access to essentials. This way you won’t have as much anxiety about entertaining, and can put that attention on the new babe.

9. Stock up on ALL home essentials. Toilet paper, paper towels, salt, pepper, hand sanitzer, etc.

10. Save some time for yourself. Having a newborn is a pretty selfless time in life. Go take a nap, get a pedicure/manicure, get a massage, etc. Thanks to G for sleeping 15 hours so I could stock up on some zzz’s!

P.S. My favorite sale of the year is just days away. Tomorrow is the last day to get $20 to shop it. Check out everything you need to know about all that goodness, HERE.

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Tips, Tricks, Hacks of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

maternity outfit

If you aren’t familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…. you are missing out!!

maternity fashion

Nordstrom Sale

maternity outfit

nordstrom anniversary sale

nordstrom sale

nordstrom anniversary sale

Oversized Tee | White Booties | Guitar Strap Handbag | Straw Hat

If you aren’t familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…. you are missing out!! Take it from a level 4 Nordstrom shopper (I know, I know, it’s a problem…) this is the best way to shop the upcoming seasons fashions. I’ve got tips and tricks to help you navigate the sale and get the most bang for your buck.

But first, I’ve been getting tons of questions about this oversized tee via an Instagram post. I’ve found it on sale for $33!!! It’s an absolute must buy. I wear it knotted on the side, tucked in on one side or even all the way down as a tunic. It’s lightweight for summer, and pretty much perfect. I also am loving this under $100 straw hat. The feather band is still neutral, but really gives it that something special. Let’s just take a minute to admire this white handbag. The embroidery is so pretty, and that guitar strap is amazing. It also comes with a plain white/chain strap you can replace it with if you choose. So so good.

Why this Sale is Different

Ok, now on to the sale. This sale is not like a typical sale where at the end of the season items that haven’t been purchased/overstock are put up at discounted prices until they sell. These are the upcoming fall season’s hottest pieces put up at majorly discounted prices. Once the sale is over, whatever is left is then marked back up to MSRP. Amazing, right?!

Important Dates/Cardholders

From July 13-20th Nordstrom cardholders can shop the sale before it opens to the public. This is important because tons of the items will sell out before the public gets access to them. I’m not a big fan of store credit cards, personally, because it makes self control a little hard. However, they have an option where you can get all the rewards and it connects directly to your debit card! I love this option. If you have better self discipline with your spending, they have credit card options too! You can sign up HERE. If you are approved for the card by JULY 9th, you receive a $20 Nordstrom note to use during the sale.

The sale will open to the public from July 21st-August 6th.

Items Sell Out….

Hot items sell out extremely quickly. A couple things you can do to make sure you secure the best deals:

  1. Apply for the card so you can shop the early access.
  2. Shop online first, and then in store. There is always a better chance of the item being available online.
  3. Buy first, return later. Ok, so I’m not a huge fan of having to return items. I’ve worked in retail and know the hassle. However, this is an exception. Nordstrom has one of the easiest and best return policies in all of retail. Go ahead and purchase the item and if you decide it wasn’t a great fit, or was an impulse decision, it is extremely easy to return. If you wait to think on it (which in most normal situations I would suggest) there is a great chance it will sell out.
  4. Restocks happen frequently. They do restock items throughout the sale, so continue to go back to Nordstrom.com if you happened to miss out on something that you really would love.

How I can Help You

I’m pretty much a complete crazy A$$ when it comes to this sale. Early Access starts during my birthday week. I take that as a sign that I’m supposed to use that opportunity to the fullest. Year after year, I do. When the sale first goes live, I spend hours and hours browsing nearly every page for the best finds. (The sale spreads from women, baby, men, home, etc.) I typically look for classics that you can get tons of use out of in each category. They always have a killer leather jacket, great designer denim deals, designer handbags at majorly discounted prices, a beauty kit, booties/boots for fall, great staple coat, etc.

I’ll also go to the store the first day and check out everything in person. Be sure to watch my Instastories to view the items. This way if you have questions about quality or something similar, I can do my best to help you out. I so look forward to this as I don’t take nearly as many styling jobs as I did before Georgie was born. It’s truly so fun for me!

Triple Point Day/Card benefits

If you decide you do not want to become a cardholder, you can still join Nordstrom Rewards. With the rewards program you will get 1 point for every $1 spent.

Cardholders rack up points quicker gaining 2 points for every $1 spent. (This applies to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club.) You get reimbursed in notes for alterations as well. Throughout the year, there are double points, and triple points days. These are great times to make larger purchases as the notes can really add up quickly!

You also get to choose a triple point day! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is absolutely the day to do that. Not only are you saving money from the discounted prices, but you also are making money from the notes to spend later. (They last a year. I typically majorly stock up during the sale, and get a ton of $20 notes. It’s hard to do, but I try to save those notes for Christmas time, and use them for gifts. Around that time, it’s always great to have that option!)

Hope this helps! If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact me HERE. Happy shopping. 🙂

P.S. Be sure to follow my Instagram for a chance to win a $100 gift card to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

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36 Week Pregnancy Fashion – Pregnancy Update

third trimester maternity outfits

36 week pregnancy fashion options have gotten a little more limited, but I’ve got a couple tried and true pieces that are easy to style and can be worn post pregnancy as well!

maternity outfit ideas

36 weeks pregnancy

third trimester maternity outfits

36 weeks pregnancy fashion

White Handbag | White Booties | Exact Dress Sold Out..but is Spell & Gypsy Collection (Click to check out their other similar and amazing pieces) | Chambray Shirt (tied around waist in pics) | Same Fit Tank Dress | Graphic Shirt Dress

36 week pregnancy fashion options have gotten a little more limited, but I’ve got a couple tried and true pieces that are easy to style and can be worn post pregnancy as well!

When it is this hot, it’s easiest to just wear a dress in my opinion! I loved this graphic tank dress that I can wear post pregnancy as well. This exact dress is Spell & The Gypsy Collective and has sold out. Check out their site for some other amazing pieces! (Including some super cute graphic tees!) This tank dress has the exact same fit, and is under $100. (I have this dress as well, and wear it often these days!) One of my style tricks in the third trimester is to wear a button up around the waist with loose fitting items. It helps to define the bump, and still give a little shape instead of just getting that “tent affect” as I lovingly call it.

P.S. I’m obsessed with white accessories for summer! (They will still carry over into the fall/winter trends as well.) This white leather bag is one of my favorite finds lately. The grommet detailing gives it just a little bit of edge, but the shape keeps it classic. It can be worn on the shoulder or be handheld.

I wore this to eat tacos with a friend the other day, trying to soak in these last couple weeks being able to get out and about at times. Once baby 2 arrives I know I will be house locked for a bit.

So on to the not so glamorous part. The final weeks of pregnancy. It’s hard, ya’ll. There is just no way around it. I went for my (now weekly) visit yesterday and found out the culprit of my constant pain… separated (and possibly broken) ribs. Baby #2 is sitting high and he’s been putting so much pressure on my ribcage. If he doesn’t come before, I will be induced at 39 weeks. On a good note, they thought he might have IUGR like Georgie did, and has been measuring extremely small this entire pregnancy. He’s kicked his weight gain into gear and is up to the 15th percentile! They no longer think that is the case, instead thinking he is just naturally a little on the smaller side. With G I was induced at 37 weeks for this, and they will not need to do that with baby #2.

I had planned to write a 36 week update for awhile now as a follow up to the 32 week one. Sharing the real struggles (past the perfectly posed smiling pictures). However, right as I was sitting down to write this, I ran across a caption that said to embrace where you are in life, because you won’t be in that same position again. It took me a minute to really soak that in. As I did I realized this will most likely be my last pregnancy. (2 in 2 years has done me in..) Adjusting my mindset to cherish these moments instead of dread them is pretty powerful. Instead of focusing on the pain, I’m determined to focus on the last kicks I will feel from him that no one else can experience. I’m determined to focus on the amazing miracle creating a human life really is. I’m determined to remember that the longer he is in there, the healthier he will be.

Yesterday, I was in “nesting mode” and organizing a couple things in our bedroom. I stumbled upon a devotional that I (not proudly) haven’t picked up in a very long time. When I went to open it, the bookmark was on the date it was. It stopped me in my tracks. It was God’s way of letting me know I was right where I was supposed to be. The message was about how faith is about persistence and not perfection. It was exactly what I needed to read in that moment.

Stumbling across these two things have really shifted my mindset and reminded me to embrace the exact moment you are in and stay positive!

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Graphic Tees with Overalls (Bump Style)

graphic tees and overalls

With less than 6 weeks to go in this pregnancy, outfits are getting a little harder. BUT I’m loving graphic tees with overalls!

Graphic tee and overalls

graphic tees and overalls

graphic tees and overalls

graphic tees and overalls

Black Overalls | Exact Tom Petty Shirt | Aviators | Similar Tom Petty Tank | Similar Tom Petty Tank | Booties

With less than 6 weeks to go in this pregnancy, outfits are getting a little harder. BUT I’m loving graphic tees with overalls! Yes, you can totally rock overalls pregnant! These are not “maternity” so I had to leave the one strap down to be able to fit in them right. Ha! They do make maternity overalls that have extra space in the bump area, if you are more comfortable with that.

I loved that these overalls were black denim, distressed and under $60. Win-win-win! I paired them with a graphic tee, because let’s be real, when don’t I pair things with graphic tees? I also love these boots for summer. The cut outs make them more breathable for the hotter temperatures and they are flat. Flat and 8 months pregnant go together much better than heels these days.

We just got back from Santa Barbara for Trey’s brother’s wedding. It was such an amazing weekend celebrating! I will be sure to share lots of pictures from our trip. (Georgie was in the wedding, and his little outfit is just too cute!)

This pregnancy is nearing a close and I am feeling alllll the feels. I’m anxious to meet him, and see if he looks like Georgie, or favors Trey this time. I’m nervous to have two babies under a year and a half. We truly just aren’t as prepared as we were with G, but I’m really working on fixing that. The nesting has started to really take place here lately, and I’m hoping it will get my booty in gear. I’m also excited to share the name! It has been a secret thus far, and I’m ready to let everyone in on that secret!

How do ya’ll feel about keeping the name a secret? Curious to how other people have handled that!

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32 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Nashville Fashion Blogger

This pregnancy has truly flown by, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect and give a little 32 weeks pregnancy update!

Band Tee | Necklace Layer Set | Snakeskin Booties | Hat | Sunglasses

This pregnancy has truly flown by, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect and give a little 32 weeks pregnancy update!

With Georgie, I had some complications along the way so I was always thinking about being pregnant and I really noticed all of the little aches and pains along the way. This time around I’ve been so busy chasing G around, trying to keep up with the house, blog, travel, and everything else that happens on any given day, that I haven’t tuned in to my body. I wanted to take a minute and reflect.

At the beginning of this pregnancy I truly felt great! Other than the first trimester tiredness, I was feeling really “normal.” I felt like I could accomplish so much in a day during the second trimester. My energy levels were up, my aches and pains were minimal and that chronic sleepiness had worn off. BUT THEN….. the third trimester hit. Day after day I feel like I push myself to the complete limit, and then when my head hits the pillow at night all of the pregnancy pains hit like a ton of bricks. Sleeping is next to impossible, which is all I want to do!

So 32 weeks seems like an accomplishment! From here on out I’m pledging to be a little easier on my body and on myself in general. Some things will just have to wait. I’ve been getting asked a lot how I do it all, and I don’t want to fool anyone. I don’t! At the end of every day there are still things that haven’t been done on the to do list. I do believe that keeping active as long as you can really will help you feel your best during pregnancy!

When people ask me how I’m doing, I always respond “great!” One because I don’t think anyone truly wants to hear about how bad my back hurts, that I can’t sleep or that I’m constantly tired and two because I truly believe keeping a positive attitude is key! If I keep telling myself I’m doing just fine, maybe just maybe I’ll trick my body into believing it. Worth a shot!

I want to really embrace these last couple weeks, and prep for the arrival of baby #2! I’m so excited to meet him. We had an ultrasound done the other day and he was looking a lot like G. I’m curious to see if they will look alike, or if this one will favor Trey more.

As the timer till his arrival ticks away my main goal is to soak up my time with just G too!!

Anyone out there with babies very close in age? I need all the advice I can get!

Also, I’m really not into buying many maternity clothes. I look for things that will accommodate the bump and also work after. The lowest rise jeans are key for this! I live in graphic tees, as you have probably noticed. Starstruck vintage in Nashville is a gold mine!!! She hand distressed them and I’m completely obsessed! It’s a vintage shop and there are always amazing finds in there. If you aren’t local to Nashville you can find her HERE. You can thank me later… 😉

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Blanqi Maternity Wear and Mom Guilt

If you happen to have followed me during my first pregnancy, you know that I didn’t invest in many “maternity” clothes, this go around Blanqi maternity leggings and the tank top have been the exception!

Support Leggings | Support Tank | Leather Diaper Bag | Mama & Mini Bandana Set

If you happen to have followed me during my first pregnancy, you know that I didn’t invest in many “maternity” clothes, this go around Blanqi maternity leggings and the tank top have been the exception!

At 30 weeks pregnant today these are still the only maternity type item I’ve worn. This go around my back has really been bothering me. I’m not sure if it’s pregnancy related or Georgie related. (He weighs 23 pounds, and wants held A LOT..) Either way, the support from these leggings and tank have helped. The other reason that I can validate purchasing something “maternity” is that these are great for after.

I was not prepared for anything after birthing Georgie. I had no clue what to expect. Any mamas out there know you feel just a little strange, and having support over the belly is needed!

Blanqi maternity leggings/tanks are completely seamless. They can be worn on their own (this is how I have them pictured), but you can also treat them as a “base”. Meaning, you can put a t-shirt over the tank, or a kimono on over the set. (Ya’ll know I’m kimono obsessed, so I wear them like that a lot.)

Since, I have been loving them so much I’ve partnered with the brand to do a giveaway. Head over to my Instagram for all of the details. (@beauandarrownashville)

Side note, the mom guilt has been real lately. With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve really been doing a lot of reflecting. I’m so excited for G to have a built in best friend in just a few short weeks, but I’m so worried he will feel left out or like he’s not getting enough attention. He’s still so young, and he’s used to having my full attention all day every day. (Well besides the once a week we have a nanny come, and he still gets all of her attention…)

Mom guilt is just one of the things that you never think about before you have a baby. I need time away to have a few moments to myself, but then feel guilty being away. I have mom guilt over staying home with him. Am I doing him a dis service not having him in a program with other kids?! Then I have mom guilt over thinking about sending him to a mom’s day out program, when I could have one on one time with him those two days.

I know we are all out there doing are best, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters! One thing is for sure, and that’s G will always know he is loved by me!!! (Maybe, too much. Mom guilt.. am I smothering him?!) HA! Hope everyone has a great Mother’s Day week!

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20 Week Pregnancy Update- Halfway There!

I can’t believe we are halfway to meeting our new little boy! I’ve been so busy chasing after Georgie and keeping up with everyday life that time flew by this go around!

With G I had several issues, and generally didn’t feel well the entire time. This pregnancy has gone much smoother, and besides the normal first trimester sickness it’s been easy sailing.

Last pregnancy I bought very few maternity items. I typically try to pick clothes that I can wear again post pregnancy. So far I am still in my regular jeans, but I am loving being comfortable!

Anyone that knows me well knows how much I love my robe. I wear it so much my nephew came to the door one time and I was in street clothes. He instantly looked at me confused and asked, “Where’s your robe?” Well, this duster feels just like a robe!! It’s one of those pieces that every time you wear it people ask where you got it. It’s so comfy and will be so cute with denim cut offs and a blouse or t-shirt this summer. I paired it with some heels to take the look up a notch, but it would be just as cute with some comfy sneakers.

This vintage distressed shirt is from Starstruck Vintage in Nashville. They have the best vintage graphic band shirts! If you aren’t in Nashville, you can shop it here.

I hope everyone has a great rest of your week!

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Cold- Shoulder

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cold shoulder sweater | denim shorts | Chunky heel sandal | bandana necklace | Handbag: www.violetrayny.com

Alright ya’ll, only four days until this little babe is here! It feels so surreal. I picked up this cold shoulder sweater for 25% off and have worn it everyday since I got it. (Eeek, I know.) It’s lightweight and so comfy. P.S. This BCBG  trend event sale is great! All their new merchandise is 25% off. I stocked up on 3 different dresses, this sweater, and the cutest summer top. (All coming your way soon!) It’s been so nice here in Nashville, I’ve been able to rock my go to denim shorts (don’t be fooled, the top button is not buttoned.) These chunky heel sandals are so comfortable, I can wear them 9 months pregnant and running errands all day. I consider that a win! This little bandana necklace is under $40, and  the perfect update to the neck bandana for this summer. I have been picking up little odd and end things to pack in the hospital bags, stocking the house up on essentials and pantry basics, and reading everything there is to read about caring for a newborn. If anyone has any suggestions for things that helped in their last few days, I’d love to hear any advice! I’m soaking up everything I can get my hands on.

XO,

ASH

 

 

 

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ACM Awards-Vegas Trip

 

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I had to wait till the last minute to book my flight out to Vegas since I wanted to make sure and get the doctors approval before I went. However, all the quick direct flights were snatched up! I knew I was going to have a long day ahead and went for comfort in my favorite travel sweatshirt. (I sized up for the bump….) The necklace is by a designer I have become obsessed with, Sarah Briggs. You can shop her handmade jewelry here.

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The ACM dress inspiration came from Chrissy Teigen’s baby shower dress. She wore a white Kym Ellery dress with huge bell sleeves….and a $1,650 price tag. I found a similiar look with a Black Halo dress. It has sold out, but I’ve found some great alternatives. This lace up version is a stunner, and this one has some great detailing! I paired the dress with my classic Christian Louboutin nude pumps.

Xo,

Ash

 

 

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Everyday Go To’s (Bump Version)

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The ACM awards are this weekend, so I have been running around getting last minute things for  clients (and attempting to find a dress for myself that can fit this bump!). On these long days, comfort is key! I switch it up slightly from day to day, but there are a few basic pieces I rely on. (Psst, none of them are maternity!) I start pretty much every outfit with one of these camis. I have the nude and the black. I bought these pre-pregnancy, but they are nylon and spandex and have plenty of extra stretch.  I’m still rockin’ my same size. Bump or no bump, these are  the best basic pieces I own! I then layer that with a loose sweater or a button down worn open. (Again, these are the same size I wore pre-pregnancy.) You can wear them buttoned up when non pregnant, and I wear them open, or tied around my waist, currently. The one I have on you can find here, but I also found one by the same designer, with a similar print, that’s on sale here. Throw on some tinted moisturizer and my go to lip pencil and I’m out the door. I’ve found when life is hectic, simple fashion is best! I leave for Vegas in just a few short days and can’t wait to share all the fun stuff I have up my sleeve. 😉

Xo,

Ash