TSO Loves: DockATot Daydreams

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As I was preparing for my baby girl’s arrival, my hubby and I were always on the lookout for quality, must-have items. As I’ve said in previous posts, the items we chose were ones that we knew would be long-lasting. Throughout my pregnancy, I had seen and heard about the DockATot and it definitely piqued my interest. So many of friends that had the DockATot absolutely loved it and told me I had to have it. In fact, I believe the word “lifesaver” was used on several different occasions. Needless to say, this item went to the top of my list of things to check out!

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Just before baby girl was born, the amazing team at DockATot sent me their gorgeous, multi-functional lounger. I was blown away by the quality of the fabric and the beautiful print. It came in the most beautiful packaging and was definitely a special piece. As soon as I opened it and saw the vibrant rose pattern and attention to details, it’s safe to say I was obsessed!

Psst… my friends at DockATot are giving you 10% off when you use the code “stylish10” at checkout!

Now that our baby girl is here, we love her DockATot even more. It is the perfect place for her to take a nap and lounge while we do laundry and tidy up. It makes her feel snuggled and secure while providing the flexibility she needs to move and stretch those strong little legs — we keep ours unclipped so she has space to flex those muscles.

The DockATot comes in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 months and Grand for 9-36 months) and is handmade of all natural 100% cotton. We love the fact that it is adjustable and will be something we can use for a significant amount of time — although baby girl is growing like crazy so we may be in need of the Grand before we realize it! The lounger also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It is so beautiful and there truly is one for every style and design aesthetic. The covers are removable so you can swap them out depending on your mood. They’re always coming out with new designs so it’s definitely tempting.

If you’re looking for a special gift to give a mom-to-be or want to purchase something helpful for your little one, this is a great piece. We can’t wait to take it with us on vacation this summer and love that it’s something that will last into the future.

PS. Don’t forget to use the code “stylish10” at checkout to get 10% off your order!

TSO Loves: Baby Must-Haves

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From technology and toys to fashion and accessories it can be overwhelming when it comes time to shop for your new little one! Whether you are are mama-to-be in search of some great baby products or you are looking to buy for the holidays or an upcoming baby shower, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite items!

I personally have every one of these items and cannot wait to try them with baby girl. Many of these were either recommended by friends and family who love them already or through hours and hours of online research.

The first on the list (featured in the image above) was gifted to me by my friends at Dock-A-Tot, and let me just say, it’s gorgeous. The Dock-A-Tot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper, and playtime lounger that comes in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 months and Grand for 9-36). This blogger favorite is a favorite for a reason — they are all natural and 100% cotton! PLUS Dock-A-Tot has been generous enough to offer my followers 10% off their order with the code STYLISH10! The quality of their products and the numerous designs they offer is incredible. Check out their site and use the code for your first purchase.

It’s so hard to decide which items I want to chat about so be sure to click through the gallery below for direct links to all of my favorite finds — but, I’m super excited about the wipeable changing pad from Skip Hop (super easy to clean and it’s cute) and the cute/easy-to-use reverse zip footies from Old Navy!

I also read a great tip from several moms out there regarding burp cloths — try Gerber’s 10 pack of cloth diapers. I know myself and I won’t be using the cloth diapers (props to the mamas out there who do) but I do think they’re going to make for some affordable yet quality burp cloths so that’s a plus! I’ve also fallen in love with the Ciala Co. bows for baby girl. They come in a ton of colors and a variety of styles and sizes, too.

I could go on and on about each of these items (the Artifact Uprising baby book, the adorable unicorn donut teether from Loulou Lollipop, the Ergo Baby 360 carrier, and the Pure Aqua diapers and wipes from Pampers) but I’ll let you take a scroll through and see for yourself!

PS. To all of my baby boy mamas out there, sorry for all of the pink but know that 99% of the pink items below do come in other colors. Happy browsing!

Our Maternity Shoot

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For months I’ve debated whether or not I wanted to do a maternity shoot. I always felt like they were a little weird and felt silly. But after all we’ve been through to get to this point, my hubby and I decided we’d probably regret not capturing this time in our lives so, we decided to go for it.

After a few weeks of searching, I came across the incredibly talented, and incredibly kind, Mercedes Baker of Mercedes Baker Photography. Mercedes has the coolest style and aesthetic. She is super creative, collaborative, and makes you feel so comfortable. After just 5 minutes, it felt like we had known her for years. If you’re looking for a wedding, engagement, couples, or family photographer, Mercedes is incredible.

Mercedes, I will never be able to thank you enough for your beautiful work and for coming all the way out here to take these special photos. I can’t wait for baby girl to get here so we can work together again!

Our journey to this point has not been easy but it has been such an incredible gift. We are so lucky and I’m so excited to meet our baby girl! Thank you to our family and friends for all of their love and support, we can’t wait for her to meet you. To my husband, words can’t express how much I love you, how grateful I am to have you by my side, and how excited I am for our daughter to have you as her daddy.

Xo
Julie





Maternity Style Tips and Tricks

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Let me start with the fact that wearing anything but sweats in your third trimester is not ideal but you do have to wear grown up clothes from time to time. So, I have a few tips to share for the occasions when your “quick trip to Target” attire just won’t do.

Stay True To Your Style

While finding stylish, affordable maternity clothes is no easy task, there are options available to you that don’t need to make you feel like a toddler, a frilly Peter Pan, or a walking version of your grandmother’s floral drapes. Most are only available online so check their return policies and get familiar with your local USPS, FedEx, and UPS locations!

I’ve found, with a few exceptions, that sticking with solid colors and simple patterns can help keep your maternity outfits chic. I usually avoid ornate details like big ruffles, bows, or too much texture up top which helps maintain clean lines and a modern feel. Brands like PinkBlush offer a variety of styles in a range of sizes. I’ve fallen in love with their dresses and sweaters. I actually wore one of their dresses for my baby shower and one for my cousin’s wedding (pictured here). I chose them because their dresses are stylish, flattering, and super comfortable. Remember, you don’t want to wear something that is bothersome just because it looks good at this point... but more on that later.

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Flatter Your New Figure​

Styles that used to be your go-to just may not cut it anymore so it’s helpful to try new things in order to figure out what works for you. I was never one for super fitted pieces before but I learned that if you go too baggy when it comes to maternity styles, they can actually make you look bigger. Wrap tops, v-necks, belly-skimming tunics, and midi length dresses have been must-haves for me. 

​Things to avoid? Oversized tent-like outfits (unless you’re hanging in and just want to be comfortable), thin fabrics that don’t support your new curves, and anything that is too short... unless you’re Carrie Underwood or Kendall Jenner. I find short pieces to be awkward and uncomfortable the farther along you are but you do you, girlfriend!

Opt for Staples

I can’t tell you how much a quality tee or a great pair of maternity jeans can truly be. It’s tempting to splurge on super trendy pieces but stocking up on basics that will also come in handy post-baby is the key to having multiple new outfits to wear without breaking the bank. 

In the warmer months I purchased a few solid midi tank dresses that I could wear at work and out on the weekends. Now that the weather is a bit chillier, I’m opting for tunic sweaters and some solid long sleeves that are loose enough for the months just after bubby girl arrives. I won’t get into nursing here but if you’re going that route, I suggest you grab a few tops and some stylish loungewear that you can rock pre- and post-pregnancy.

PS. If you have a stylish friend, who is a similar size, offering you maternity clothes you should check them out. Why spend money if you can share pieces you love?

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Comfort is Key

Let’s be real, pregnancy can already make you feel pretty uncomfortable so opting for outfits that are made from fabrics you like that fit you right can make a huge difference. Whether you’re at the office or a special event, you want to choose styles that you can feel relaxed and confident in. The better you feel, the better you’ll look.

I always try to find pieces that are soft, have a bit of stretch, and help downplay the things that I’m not the biggest fan of (cough... upper arms). And when it comes to athleisure ensembles (AKA the inevitable third trimester uniform), keep it cool with a stylish zip up and maybe treat yourself to a pair of sleek black kicks. 

Never Underestimate a Good LBD

When you do have a special occasion like a wedding or holiday party there is nothing better than a great black dress. The one featured in this post (from PinkBlush) looks formal but feels like I’m wearing pajamas... it’s amazing. If you can find a flattering dress you like, don’t be afraid to wear it on multiple occasions! Reinvent the dress with different jewelry, shoes, hairstyles, and more. After all, if Kate Middleton does it, so can we!

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Give Yourself a Break

If I start getting down about my additional curves, or I start mourning the shoes I know may never fit again, I have to remind myself that I’m growing a human! I’m going to get to be someone’s mom and there’s nothing more exciting or special than that to me. Yes, my body is going to be changed by this experience (not that it was anything near perfect before) but she will be so worth it.

I also realize that we are so much more than our appearances. Being a good mom, wife, friend, family member, and working hard to support my family and accomplish my professional goals is more important than what I wear. And I want my daughter to know that the inside matters so much more than the outside. But I’m not going to lie, feeling confident in what you’re wearing can help motivate you and make you feel good, too.

So, just because your body is changing, or it might take a while to bounce back post-bub, taking time to find clothes that make you feel good, and to take care of you when you can, will help you be the best version of yourself.

Happy shopping, mamas! Leave any questions below or over on Instagram.

 

 

This post is sponsored by PinkBlush. All opinions are my own.