How to wear Non-Maternity clothes when pregnant

As my previous posts suggest, I am quite the bargain shopper and hate spending money on clothing without versatility or multiple uses. Therefore, I remember cringingly buying maternity clothes when I was pregnant with my son seven years ago. Knowing that my investment will be short lived before I stash the outfits far, far away, I didn’t see the use in purchasing many maternity clothes.

Not much has changed the second time around. Except a couple of maternity jeans and TWO maternity tops, I managed to utilize my existing wardrobe for pregnancy outfits. I also purchased new items, but instead of shopping for maternity clothes, I stuck to items that I can wear throughout my pregnancy and afterwards, as well.

Partnering up with Seattle Goodwill, I want to show how you can avoid buying a whole new maternity wardrobe by staying in your regular clothing much longer than you would expect. If you ask me, it makes perfect sense to shop at a thrift/consignment shop, or even better at Goodwill, for maternity clothing. Since the items are almost brand new because they were worn for only a few months, expecting moms can take advantage of the low prices and save their money for the many baby expenses.

Here are some tips on how to turn your wardrobe into pregnancy-friendly outfits by stretching it through nine pregnancy months:

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guides

Think it is too late to do your Holiday shopping online and you will have to face the crowded malls to avoid being empty-handed on Christmas? Think again!

If you are a procrastinator like me, I have great news! I have compiled two gift guides with items that are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.

A little trick to save you even more time is to enter the shipping address of the lucky ones who will receive your gift. A lot of items already come beautifully packaged, such as Stella & Dot, or companies offer wrapping as an add-on to your order.

Wishing you Happy Holidays and successful last-minute shopping!

1.  Brisk Velvet Ankle Boots by Steve Madden in Burgundy; $99 with free second-day shipping through December 20th
2. Waverly Petite Black perforated Crossbody bag by Stella¨ $98 with standard shipping through December 20th
3. Susan Grace Skincare from $10 to $94 with free shipping through December 23rd with coupon code FREE
4. Shopping Buddy Session with a Styled Seattle stylist; $75/hour gift certificate with free shipping through December 24th
5. Silver Chain Engravable Bar Necklace by Stella¨ $59 with standard shipping through December 20th
6. Kathmandu Snow Boots by Northside; $62.61 with free one-day shipping with Amazon Prime through December 23rd

 

1. Leather Cuff Addison by Stella¨ $34 with standard shipping through December 20th
2. Lace Bomber Jacket by Chloe&Katie; $29.40 (was $49) at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
3. Sway by Silver Linings Games; $30 with standard shipping
4. Basic Black Choker by Kitsch Jewelry; $8 at Something Silver with free 2-day shipping for orders over $99 placed before 2 pm on December 21st; also 20% OFF EVERYTHING with code HOLIDAY20
5. Fair Isle Poncho by Modena; $29.98 (was $50) at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
6. Cover Your Assets by Grandpa Beck’s Games; $12.99  with free one-day shipping with Amazon Prime through December 23rd
7. “The Expert” Lip color in Marzie by Kevyn Aucoin; $35 at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
8. Gold Geometric Stud Earrings 3-Pack Aurora by Stella&Dot (also available in silver); $29 with standard shipping through December 20th

 

 

 

Holiday Pop-Up Shop

‘Tis the season to start your Holiday shopping!  With Black Friday and crowded malls in our near future, what better way to escape all the hustle and bustle than by shopping locally in a relaxed and stylish space? Sounds perfect!

Join me for the Holiday Pop-Up Shop featuring JJ Caprices Jewelry and Susan Grace Skincare on Saturday, November 26 from 11 am to 5 pm, which also happens to be Small Business Saturday.

Here is why you can’t miss this Pop-Up event:

• 20% off discount on all purchases of Susan Grace Skincare and JJ Caprices Jewelry
• complimentary 3-minute GLOW & GO facials by Susan Grace
• early-access to holiday gift sets
• Special guests include jet-setter Amanda Zurita and yours truly to tell you my first-hand experience with the amazing all-natural Susan Grace Skincare line and facials
• a gorgeous social media lounge to recharge in the heart of downtown Seattle
• product giveaways, and so much more ( I hear that Santa Claus might get comfy right next to the Pop-Up Shop 🙂

RSVP here for a chance to win fabulous raffle prizes and beauty swag!

I am looking forward to celebrating this Holiday season with so many of you and can’t wait for next Saturday’s Pop-Up to start our shopping in style!

 

xoxo,

 

Olga

Delicate Statement Necklaces

One question that I always hear as a Stella & Dot stylist is about my own favorite jewelry pieces. So today I want to show you some of my all time favorite accessories that I can’t live without.

I love big statement necklaces and the way they can transform even the most bland outfits. However, as they can be cumbersome to wear all day, I usually prefer delicate jewelry on the daily. Cue, my favorite delicate statement necklaces!
Just as big statement necklaces, their smaller cousins pack a big punch, but are much smaller and easier to wear. Another advantage of delicate necklaces is that they don’t overpower petite ladies, and still have a great impact on the outfit.

Here I am sharing my two favorite delicate necklaces that I simply don’t want to take off:

The gold plated Stone Tile Necklace with hand-set lapis stones is a stunner dressed up or down. Wear it with a neutral colored shirt for a casual look, or pair it with a royal blue lace top as I did for the biggest impact.

The Goodwill Design Challenge and Giveaway

I have to confess I love designer clothes and accessories and there are very few things more fun than browsing through Vogue imagining owning the newest pair of Louboutins. However, for most of us shopping at luxury boutiques is far out of reach. And honestly, the frugal side in me cringes thinking about spending a small fortune on a single item. After all, it is too easy finding amazing and trendy pieces without sacrificing your mortgage payment. That is why I love thrift shopping at Goodwill! I can always score exceptional deals on items that would be too pricey for me in regular stores.

If you are a fellow thrift shopper as me, I have great news! This fabulous event is for you: The Design Challenge at the Goodwill outlet in Seattle on September 23rd, 2016!

What it is all about: The Design Challenge highlights the exceptional work of local design students from colleges, such as The Art Institute of Seattle, and Cornish college of the Arts. The students were given 20 minutes to shop the Seattle Outlet for materials, and then got to work designing their garments using only what they found. At the event on September 23, the most talented designers will display their final pieces on the runway in front of a panel of judges evaluating creativity, quality of construction, and relevance to the Glitter Gala theme, which is also coming up soon. Here is some more information on it and the No Sew Challenge as well.

Tickets for this event start at $25, but I have a giveaway for a pair of tickets for one of my readers right here!!!

All you have to do is click this link and follow the instructions! Easy peasy!

Laura Britt Shoes

Every once in a while you find a clothing item that is flawless. I am talking about the perfect combination of looks and comfort that you will be wearing until it is old and torn. You know instantaneously that it will be your favorite item in your closet and your ride or die through the season.

Of course, such an anomaly doesn’t come along very often, but I found it in a pair of Laura Britt shoes. Not only are these lace-ups – the Midcentury Atomic, to be exact – super cute, but I can also wear them with a variety of outfits. From a casual t-shirt and jeans look to a girly sundress (as in this video here), the possibilities are endless.  And let’s not forget the affordable price of $39.99!

Now, let me tell you a bit about the comfort: Before I tried this pair of Laura Britt shoes, I was convinced that every par of lace-up sneakers feels about the same on your feet. I was so wrong! As soon as you slide your foot into the shoe, you notice the padded foot liner, and even tongue and collar. Comfort was so integral in the making of this shoe that elastic side bands were added for more slip-on ease, so you don’t have to untie the shoes every time.

Every pair of Laura Britt shoes was carefully crafted with the wearer’s comfort and style in mind.  This is not where my love for this local Seattle company stops, however, as there is even more goodness! By buying a pair of Laura Britt shoes the net profits are donated to Young Life Ministry, as well as to Cleveland Clinic for vascular research.

The owner, Helen Little, went through a life-changing battle with a rare disease that inspired her to create Laura Britt and give back to the community that means so much to her. I have had the opportunity of meeting this amazing woman behind the shoe brand and hear her motivation and joy for what she does. Please read Helen’s inspiring story here to find out for yourself!

Take a look at the fabulous collection below, which has something for every taste. And with the football season around the corner, why not snag a pair of the Seahawks – blue and green colored espadrilles? I know I will.

Make sure to also check out the fun commercial I collaborated with your favorite Seattle fashion bloggers 🙂  Watch the commercials here and here!

It is time to invest in lives … step by step!

xoxo,

 

Olga

 

Midcentury – Atomic

Midcentury – Geometric

Vintage Susan

How to Look Fab in 15 minutes

At the Style Suite in the Westfield Southcenter mall

The WhoWhatWear Style Boss event at Westfield Southcenter mall

 

As I mentioned a little while back, I had the privilege of being a panelist at the latest Style Boss event held at the Style Suite in the Westfield Southcenter mall.  After showcasing boss style and street wear during the first two events, the last installment of the series was all about how to get stylish in 15 minutes or less.

Being busy working moms ourselves, Brenda of From Me, With Love Designs , Sasha of MintedMethod and I are used to having only little time to get ourselves ready to head out the door.  Thankfully, even short on time everybody can be pulled together, while looking and feeling their best with some easy tips and tricks.  My co-panelists and I had some great style secrets to spill on how to look fabulous fast, and I will share them with you, of course.

Putting the finishing touches on my gorgeous model’s outfit

How to look fab in 15:

1. Stick to versatile, staple items – This striped blouse is a versatility genius! Wear it with jeans and flats to drop off your kids at school, throw a blazer over for a business meeting, and wear it to dinner with a pencil skirt and high heels – a definite must piece. By the way, this Portofino blouse comes in so many patterns and colors, you are sure to find one you love. Also, top off the blouse with this sleeveless blazer, while taking it to the next fashion level.
2. Mix and match neutrals – Nobody has time for perfect color matching in the morning! Bypass the dilemma by sticking to a neutral wardrobe palette. And yes, jeans, navy, beige, and nudes are considered neutrals as well. You are going to love wearing this perfect pair of girlfriend jeans with anything and everything!
3. Layer a great jacket on top – I picked this black vegan leather jacket for my model’s outfit because everyone needs one in their closet. It goes with everything and never goes out of style. I love this Express one particularly because it can be worn zipped up for a sporty look, or open for a more feminine feel. Thankfully, there are so many outerwear options right now, .. short or long vest, kimono, jean jacket, military jacket/vest, bomber jacket…find a jacket that perfectly suits your style!
4. Accessorize! This is the fun part where we can get creative and truly show off our personality. May it be a breathtaking pair of heels, or a showstopping statement necklace, don’t be afraid to play with textures and colors. I consider accessories the cherry on top and the difference between a good and a fabulous  outfit! Extra tip: Keep a favorite statement necklace in the car that you can throw on in a hurry!

   

   A chic quilted chain strap shoulder bag is the perfect companion

   

   Your legs will look a mile long in a pair of high heeled sandals

   

   The gold statement necklace pulls this outfit perfectly together

5. Plan your outfit the evening before and try everything on, including accessories. What might seem like a great combination in theory, might not look as good in real life. Better to figure it out the night before, instead of scrambling for an alternative in the morning!
6. And most importantly: Wear what you love, and confidence will show through and make you look fabulous!

   

   A pretty kimono is a great versatile item to add to your wardrobe

   

Vintage silk dress from ThredUp

Having the Gracious’ Spring Fling Soiree (find all the details about the Spring Fling here) coming up, I needed a classy, but fun dress to wear. I have heard so many good things about ThredUp, so this was the perfect opportunity to shop the online consignment shop.

After browsing on the website, I decided on this gorgeous Betsey Johnson silk dress that was 80% off retail, bringing the price to under $35! Besides scoring an amazing deal, I also carried the vintage theme on by wearing a thrifted dress to a vintage furnishings store event. Perfect!

I love the classic A-line silhouette of this dress and its sweetheart neckline.  The cute pink and green floral pattern truly pops on the black silk, as it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and daring.  I wore this dress with a black faux leather jacket (not pictured) and pink suede lace-up sandals, which picked up the pink from the dress pattern.

A soiree is not the only event I can see myself wearing this Betsey Johnson dress to, as I would wear this dress to a summer wedding with some sparkly jewelry, or a jeans jacket for a casual dinner date. In the cooler months, I would pair the silk  dress with black tights and a wool cardigan to transition it into my fall and winter wardrobe. The possibilities seem endless and I am excited to incorporate this gem of a dress into my outfit rotation.

The Style Boss Series at Westfield Southcenter

I am excited to tell you about this fun event that is celebrating women and showcasing personal style – a collaboration of Westfield Southcenter, My Style Suite and Gossip & Glamour ! A series of three events will take place between April 26th and May 24th featuring a panel discussion with local style bloggers and curated fashion advice – and the first event is tonight!

Every event will have its own focus with fashion presentations and style bloggers sharing their tips with you. And I am very honored that I was chosen to be a panelist for the Fab in 15 Style Boss Series!!! To make things even better, I have a promo code for you that takes $5 off your ticket price: VIP

Get your tickets here

I can’t wait to share my tips with you on how to look and feel great when you are short on time! We will learn how to make the most of our time when getting ready and will explore must-haves for our closets and bathroom vanities.

Also, a portion of each event’s proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success Seattle to help women reach economic empowerment through a working wardrobe. All events will take place at My Style Suite at Westfield Southcenter located on level one in between Nordstrom and Macys. (Please note: All events are 21+)

And it would not be a fashion event without LIGHT BITES, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS, SWAG BAGS & MORE!!!

Can’t wait to see you there!

xoxo,

Olga

 

Style Boss – April 26th from 6-8pm

Learn insider beauty and fashion secrets to help you get ahead in the workplace. Featured influencers will participate in a fashion presentation and share their best tips for creating a stylish, yet work-appropriate wardrobe. Stylist Darcy Camden of My Style Suite will moderate the panel discussion and explore must-have pieces every Style Boss should own. This is a benefit event for Dress for Success Seattle. Get Tickets here

 Street Style – May 10th from 6-8pm

Explore street style through the eyes of our featured influencers and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes the capture the perfect shot. Guests will enjoy a street style runway show and panel discussion with featured bloggers moderated by stylist Darcy Camden. Get Tickets here

 

 

Fab in 15 – May 24th from 6-8pm

Are you short on time? Do you need to get out the door in 15-minutes or less? Join Darcy Camden of My Style Suite along with featured style bloggers from around the city for a fashion presentation showcasing style secrets on how to look fabulous fast including hair, make-up, beauty and fashion. We’ll show you easy ways to instantly pull together a perfectly polished look.

Get Tickets here

 

Gracious Spring Fling Soiree

Last month a group of Seattle fashion and lifestyle bloggers gathered at Gracious Vintage Furnishings to ring in spring in style. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Spring Fling Soiree and could not have wished for a more fabulous location.

Gracious House to Home is a fabulous store with unique vintage furnishings and home decorations that the owner, Tracy Reimers, hand-selects to offer to her customers. I am hopelessly in love with the gorgeous chandeliers and mirrors that I admired in the shop. Tracy creates elegant tablescapes that invite you to take a seat and dine, and effortless seating nooks that are begging to be snuggled in. But the best part about Gracious is the personal shopping experience customers receive and the fun stories many of the unique items have behind them.

Photographers Shaun Turley and Victoria Westrick were also present to capture the fun afternoon and who are to thank for the wonderful pictures in this blog post.

I am not surprised that my fellow bloggers became just as smitten with Gracious as I am, thanks to the beautifully styled shop and the warm hospitality we received. As we were sipping on champagne and tea and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches, Tracy taught us how to style a bar cart to Pinterest perfection.

Many laughs and stories were shared that afternoon, and I had a truly wonderful time that even a major storm could not dampen.  During the party the high winds caused a power outage in the shop, but the professional staff did not miss a beat and quickly lit candles that added even more to the cozy atmosphere.

I want to thank Gracious for hosting such an amazing event and opening its doors to the Seattle fashion and style blogger community.  I also want to thank all the blogger ladies that braved the weather and spent hours in traffic to attend this event.  I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing group of women who support each other’s aspirations and are there for each other through wind storms and road closures.

Just as a house needs unique items to become a home, we need each other’s support to grow into a community. And I believe the Seattle fashion blogging community is doing that graciously 🙂

 

If you would like to take a look around this beautiful store for yourself, here is the perfect opportunity. Gracious is hosting its annual Garden Party and you are invited! Below are the details:

With the sun shining, it’s time to think about the outside of your Gracious home! Come browse through our outdoor furniture, pots, and garden art and get ideas for your summer entertaining. The Gracious Garden Party will take place on Fri., April 22nd AND Sat., April 23rd from 10 am – 6 pm.

Facebook event to Gracious Garden Party

 

Pinterest worthy bar carts styled by Gracious’ own Tracy