Old Loves, New Beginnings

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It has been a long time since I have written a blog, and that has honestly been a constant source of sadness for me. After I had Stella, I vowed I would blog more, because I would have so much more free time to stay up after she went to sleep and blog my heart out, uninhibited by the demands of a full time job outside the home. Anyone who has children is now rolling their eyes and laughing a little. I admit, I had no idea what I was getting into. Everyone’s journey into motherhood is different, but they are all radical, overwhelming, and at times, painful. I also learned that being a SAHM is WAY more time consuming than I imagined! I often think about how much untapped free time I had when I did not have Stella. I thought I was super busy, but I had no idea just how much busier I would be, you know, supporting a tiny human life. I have learned just how hard it is to keep up ANY kind of writing while mothering a demanding baby. Especially one who just started sleeping somewhat through the night at over a year old! I did not sleep for a year, basically. So I would like to give a HUGE hats off to all of the amazing mom bloggers I follow, most of w who have multiple children, for still managing to do your thang and pursue your dreams. You are what I aspire to be someday.

I am hopeful that things are calming down enough that I can actually make more a commitment to blogging, and this is me promising to try. Of course the blog is going to look different, as I alluded to after I had my daughter. It’s going to include tips and tricks I use to keep up my style while mothering a 14 month old, mom-and-budget-friendly fashion, cooking tips, and more. But it will definitely be geared towards surviving motherhood in style! One thing I told myself when I was pregnant is that I would not lose that part of myself. So far I have stayed true to my word. I always tell people, I don’t follow fashion and dress myself well for other people, I do it for me. As a mom, it’s all about my daughter all the time. My sense of style is my one thing that I do for me. I want her to grow up learning that fashion is a way to express yourself, and that you should wear what makes you comfortable and happy. I don’t want her to think it’s normal or okay to sacrifice everything about yourself just because you became a mom. Of course being a mom is all about sacrifice, but I truly believe we are better mothers when we practice self-care. What does that look like? It’s different for all of us. For me, it’s getting dressed every day. I don’t like to spend the day in pj’s or yoga pants. I like to at least put on jeans and a t-shirt I feel happy wearing. I also put on my “5-minute face” every morning while Stella plays with her toys beside me. Do I have the luxury of spending an hour choosing outfits and getting ready? No, but let’s be honest, I was never that girl anyways. My style has evolved a lot since becoming a mother, and of course I am still figuring it all out. But I know my passion for fashion, and more importantly, for styling other people, has only gotten stronger. Only now it's a LOT harder to get pictures of my outfits during the week. :) 

If you have any questions about style in general, how to dress as a new mom, creating a go-to “momiform”, or anything else, I would love to hear from you! Hopefully I can offer some tips and insights to help my fellow moms to find or enhance their style, without sacrificing comfort or the budget! Thank you for following me as my journey evolves. Please find me on Instagram if you’d like to see my weekly outfit posts and get a peek into my life!

Here’s to doing MOM LIFE in style!

-       Lana @iGamine

Photography by Galizes Photos; 

On me: Kimono (Francesca's), Hat (JC Penney), Dress (Ross). 

On Stella: Tutu (Cherokee/Target), Moccasins (Baby Gap)

Pregnancy Fashion Essentials: What You Need to Know

When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter Stella, I was immediately overtaken by the urge to buy some real maternity clothes. Ok…let me be honest. I had actually been overtaken by that urge before I had even conceived. I had been looking at blogs and online stores just to get a glimpse of what awaited me when I joined the pregnancy club. When you live and breathe all things fashion, style, and shopping, it just happens. But throughout the course of my pregnancy, I learned some valuable lessons about what you really need to purchase when you are expecting. There are a lot of things marketed to pregnant women that you simply don’t need, or at very least, can find a suitable non-“maternity” replacement at a fraction of the price. So I thought I would compile a list of tips and tricks from what I have learned on this long and sometimes less-than-glamorous journey.

First thing you must know: if something has maternity anywhere in its name, you will be paying much more for it. This includes special maternity boutiques, maternity clothing, accessories, and bras. Some of these items you really have no choice but to purchase; but for others there are workarounds. I will clue you in on what worked for me. But just prepare yourself in advance for some serious sticker shock the first time you enter the maternity zone.

Here is my list of true must-have essentials that you should consider using your maternity style budget to procure. Follow the links to shop:

Black Maternity Leggings:

Buy them. Buy 2 pairs. I only had 1 and by the time I realized I was wearing them to death, I was already 8 months pregnant and it was too late to invest in another pair (it didn’t start getting cold until I was around 7 months pregnant and just starting to get big). A Pea in the Pod makes a very comfy pair, which I own. More budget-friendly options can b located at H&M, Old Navy, and Target. Trust me, it’s a great investment! You will eventually dread putting on even maternity jeans. I would also advise to buy ones with a full belly panel – they are the comfiest and even felt like they offered me more support!

A Pea in the Pod Luxe Essentials Leggings, $38

Long Tank Tops:

Life. Saver. I purchased a few (read: not enough) long tanks from H&M and they rocked. At $6 apiece, they are the cheapest maternity-friendly tops I could find. Buying a “maternity” top immediately ups the price (like $40 for a basic shirt), so your best bet is to buy as much non-maternity as you can. Just size up! I was a small pre-preggo, and was able to wear my Medium long tanks all the way up to delivery with no problem.

H&M Long Tank, $5.95

Maxi Dresses:

Especially if you are pregnant in the summer! I became pregnant in mid-June, so I wore my maxi dresses a lot, though I was barely showing during the summer and didn’t really need maternity clothes yet. The great thing about maxis is you don’t have to buy maternity sizes – just buy a dress you love with an empire waist and you’re good! You may not even need to size up (just watch the boobs!) This is a big budget saver, and they’re super comfy for summer pregnancies. If any portion of your pregnancy falls in the summer, buy them (if you don’t already own them!). Bonus: if you’re having pregnancy hot flashes they work great in the fall and winter too with a nice wrap or cardigan.

Scarves:

They’re cheap and easy outfit upgrades. Plus, investing in a lot of necklaces right before you have a baby seems counter-intuitive…after all, you have to be very careful wearing jewelry a baby could grab, chew, or choke on! But scarves are soft and light, or can be warm and snuggly. Wrap-style and blanket scarves also serve as pretty nursing covers. If you need an instant outfit upgrade, buy some pretty scarves and throw them on with anything from a maxi dress to leggings and a tank, and voila! Immediately more put together.

Shoes you can slip into:

This became important to me around 8 months…because I could no longer bend over without running into my growing daughter! Make sure you have at least a few pairs you can get in and out of easily near the end of your pregnancy (whatever season that may be). Summer is easy because, sandals. For winter, try lined loafers or ankle boots with a wider/slouchy opening.

Maternity/Nursing Bras:

The latter of course depends on if you plan to breastfeed or not. But regardless, you will reach a point during pregnancy where you brand size has increased due to your fast-encroaching uterus, and that underwire is digging into it painfully. For me, this didn’t happen until closer to 6 months, but I will admit things felt a bit squeezed before that. It’s not always the increase in cup size that’s most uncomfortable, it’s the belly rubbing against your underwire every time you move. A supportive, soft, and stretchy maternity bra (sans underwire) will make you feel much more comfortable. A word of advice: wait as long as you can to purchase since you want to get a size you can try to wear to the end of pregnancy if possible. My favorite is by Bravado. It is convertible so you can use the non-nursing straps while pregnant or if you do not plan to breastfeed! Great money saver!

Bravado! Designs Seamless Silk Nursing Bra, $44

Maternity Jeans:

If you are a person who wears pants at all, I am telling you right now you will eventually have to buy at least 1 pair of maternity jeans. I gained minimal weight and carried “small”, but by 5 months pregnant even I had figured out the BellaBand had reached its limit…and my growing uterus met even the unzipped fly of my jeans with painful resistance. I could no longer bend over without pain. So I bought a few pairs of maternity jeans,

Here is what I learned:

-       If you are trying to buy the minimal amount of pants (which I recommend), buy full panel. I thought the designer side panel jeans were so cute. I got 2 pairs, one designer and 1 from Target. But they really only worked until I was about 6 months pregnant. I carried low the entire pregnancy, and by that point the front part not having elastic was a big issue when I tried to sit down. It just wasn’t comfy. If you can afford to splurge, though, side panel is great for early pregnancy because they look more like “regular” jeans and you don’t need a big bump to hold them in place.

-       If the top of the belly panel seems a little snug, or itchy, then pass. If you are jeans shopping at 6 months pregnant and you’re on the fence, I can tell you that you wont be able to stomach (no pun intended) the thought of putting on those jeans by month 8. Your skin gets stretched to its absolutely limit, making it incredibly sensitive. ANY type of itchy fabric or seams will send you running to your jar of coconut oil and some leggings. Any sort of tightness in the band will only get worse with time (I know, it sucks) so if it barely feels comfortable now, expect it to be pure hell by the end. The idea with jeans is to get the most of them – so try to buy what you can wear to the end of pregnancy.

-       For those of us who do not gain pregnancy weight in our butt/hips, maternity jeans are a real pain. They will constantly bag out or slide down. The best remedy for this is just to buy a pair that fits you as well as possible and hope for the best. For me, the most flattering pair was by An Taylor LOFT, in petite sizing. They were still baggy in the butt/legs after a few wears, but WAY better than the majority of maternity jeans, which seem to be designed assuming every women will gain weight in her thighs/hips/calves. Many women do of course, but some others tend to gain in the belly/boobs only so I do want to warn you if you fall into that category like I did. NOT all maternity jeans are created equal. 

 LOFT full panel maternity jeans, similar for $79.50

 James Jeans under-belly maternity jeans, similar $142 (clearance)

I hope this post may prove helpful for some Mamas-to-be! Of course every woman and every pregnancy is different, so you will have your own unique perspective on essentials. What items could you not live without during your pregnancies? Comment below to share!

Getting back in the game

Well hello there! It certainly has been a while since I posted, and I regret it. But I promise I have a good reason for my hiatus: I got pregnant and gave birth to the most amazing little girl in February! She is 5 weeks old now, and I am constantly amazed by her. My little fashionista's name is Stella - and here she is modeling for you:

Ok, now that I have finished bragging, I wanted to say that updates are coming to the blog! As you may have guessed, motherhood has caused me to view fashion differently. It's still my passion, but I have learned (in just a few short weeks!) that being a mom means creating an easy, polished, personal style that can be curated carefully to fit your needs. Let's face it, running around in heels and designer dresses is not always possible when you have a little one in tow. BUT I am a firm believe that motherhood does not mean death to your personal style, and indeed, it has not caused me to lose mine! I had a wonderful pregnancy, and maintained my fashion sense throughout, and so far it has been a fun adventure doing the same post-partum. I want to use this blog as an opportunity to discuss simple, affordable, and mom-friendly fashion. Of course this doesn't mean the blog is for moms only - I think that my pre-motherhood self could have benefited greatly from having a more purposeful and practical approach to my style. I hope you like the coming updates! Please feel free to comment with suggestions as well!

Oh - and here is one of my maternity photos when I was about halfway along with Miss Stella :) 

Dress: Asos maternity; Hat: vintage

Review: James Jeans High Class Skinny in Swat Dye

Happy Spring! 

I had actually planned to post this review before the weather warmed up and I was obsessing over new spring items to add to my wardrobe, but sometimes timing is what it is. Ironically, it has been freezing cold in NC lately, much more so than normal for this time of year. The warm days we've had have been sprinkled in amongst 30-degree highs, and wintry mixes. Thus, I have been living in these jeans I'm about to show you...

As you know, I am a total convert to James Jeans. One of the many pairs I have collected in the last months is James Jeans High Class Skinny in Swat Dye. What is "Swat Dye" you ask? Well I wasn't sure either. But essentially it is a super-cool wash that makes for an eye-catching pair of printed skinny jeans. Add in the high waist and it is not only chic and comfortable, but also very figure flattering! Read on below for the details:

 

 Jeans: James Jeans; Boots: Nine West Vintage America; Tank: H&M

 Jeans: James Jeans; Wedge Sneakers: Xhilaration; Faux-leather jacket: H&M Men's; Hoodie: My own (Go Hurricanes!)

 

Jeans: James Jeans; Heels: Bandolino; Button-Down: H&M; Military Jacket: JCP

As you can see, these are definitely not your run-of-the-mill skinny jeans. The wash is similar to a tie-dye effect, but actually comes out closer to smoke swirls. The base color is a dark mocha bordering on black (I think it can be worn as either, it's completely neutral). The "Swat" part is the name for the color of the "swirls". It's kind of a toffee/burnt bronze color, which is hard to describe. Here is a pair of James in Swat for reference. At first, I wasn't sure how I planned on styling this wash, but after seeing the jeans in person, I was able to pull a surprising number of looks together. If you view the pants as simply a neutral print, like you would with stripes, plaid, etc, it opens up a world of possiblity. 

The fit on these is some of the best I have seen. These are high-waisted jeans, with a rise of approximately 9.75". The inseam is about 30", varying slightly by size of course. These fit a little on the smaller side as compared to my other James, but I believe that is by design - they hold you in completely! As I have mentioned before, I am often in between sizes. I went with the larger size since the waist is so high. The fabric is Cotton/Lycra (97/3) so it is super stretchy - but that said, they feel almost like Spanx. While I might have gotten away with one size down, they would not have been comfortable, at least at first. These pants move with you, but they do not lose their shape or stretch out very much with wear. I wore mine for several hours, and when I took them off, they looked exactly as they did when I first put them on. This is a good thing, to me, as the butt never sags during the day! They really hold everything into place, slim the legs and waist, but still allow plenty of movement. The high rise is very on-trend right now, but is also great to keep from worrying about your "crack" with shorter tops. I don't usually like to post "selfie mirror shots" on my blog if I can help it, but I wanted to show the first photo to give an idea of how the rise actually hits on the jeans. It's definitely the highest rise I own - but they still don't look like "Mom jeans".

I am such a fan of these jeans - and to be honest, I like them more every time I wear them! I have worn them everywhere from a Canes game to my office. I really appreciate how unique the wash and dye is on this pair, and the quality of the fabric is so luxe and substantial, they really are a statement piece you'll have for a long time.

These jeans are selling out fast pretty much everywhere! If you are interested in a pair for yourself, try James Jeans or Shop Tank Top.

 

February 8, 2014

Good afternoon all!

Today we finally have some much-needed sunshine. It has been so cold, rainy, and snowy lately...I can hardly wait for spring! This OOTD was centered around one of my new favorite pairs of jeans, James Jeans Neo Beau in Wimbledon. I purchased these jeans right after Christmas, and they are honestly one of the most comfortable pairs I have ever owned (probably THE most comfortable). The reason I love the Neo Beau style is because it takes all the best elements of the boyfriend jean - the relaxed fit in the leg, slightly distressed details, and comfortable fabric - and makes it into something that is still stylish and flattering on  woman's body. James Jeans, as a brand, does this better than any other denim brand I have worn. Trust me, I used to have over 50 pairs of jeans at any given time, I have worn a lot of denim! Take a look below at how I styled my jeans today, and read my detailed review about the fit! Enjoy!

Sweater, H&M; Jeans, James Jeans; Shoes, Jessica Simpson; Scarf, JCPenney; Lipstick, MAC in Ravishing

As you can see, these jeans are a slouchy, comfortable fit! They are roomy in the waist and hip area, but still drape the curves nicely and taper in the leg. I am petite - just under 5'3"- but these do not swallow me or make me look short! The inseam is 30" uncuffed, so for shorter ladies, these definitely look better with cuffs rolled twice to hit above the ankle bone. On taller ladies, these would be a little shorter, as they are modeled on the James site. The rise is 8", typical of most pairs of James Jeans. The brand is famous for rises that flatter and cover your backside while never looking drab or frumpy.

The wash (Wimbledon) is what I would describe as an iconic blue wash with distressed details. The nice thing about this pair is that since the rips and holes are very tasteful, they can be dressed up or down, and don't look sloppy.

The fabric content of this wash is 98% cotton, 2% Spandex. While these certainly have the sturdy feel of denim, they are lightweight enough for summer, and will stretch out a bit with multiple wears (in a good way, in my opinion). I would advise to buy your true size in James Jeans, or maybe 1 size up if you teeter in between sizes like myself. I bought the larger of the 2 sizes to ensure an oversized fit, but I am sure I would have been quite comfortable in 1 size down as well. 

Since it is a little warmer today, I chose to style my jeans with a plain black sweater (my go-to in the winter!) and some heels with a pop of color. I love this deep, berry-colored pair by Jessica Simpson. It is hard to tell from the photos, but they are actually suede! The leopard scarf is  fun pop of pattern for an otherwise basic outfit. As for accessories, I am a minimalist - just the scarf and my ever day jewelry and I am good to go! 

If you would like to purchase James Jeans Neo Beau, please visit the James Jeans site. This style is available in a variety of washes - I plan to purchase another wash soon! 

Happy Weekend! :) 

-Lana 

The Best Thing That Happened to My Denim Collection

Hello All!

 It has been too long since I have written! A lot of things have changed, and without boring everyone with the details, let's just say I started working in a more corporate environment a little over a year ago,  and I have not made time to post on here as I should. To my pull myself out of this blogging slump, it wold take something extraordinary, something I had to share with my fellow fashion lovers, if any of you are reading. But mostly, I want to share it for me, because I love to talk about clothes...more specifically, denim. So please read on to find out more about my latest and greatest denim discovery!

                         

The James Jeans Moto Combo Legging in Baroque & Ponte

The Back Story:

One day, I was casually surfing my favorite fashion sites, when I spotted a shot from the James Jeans blog. I saw a photo of this incredible pair of jeans, and I knew I had to have them! I had never seen moto jeans done to perfection like this before! I recently became a fan (make that whole-hearted convert) of James Jeans when I tried on my fist pair at a local boutique, Uniquities . I tried on the Randi Pencil Leg jeans in Baroque (yep, same wash as these Moto jeans). The fabric, fit, and craftsmanship were amazing, and you could tell they were worth the price. I liked them even better than J Brand! So this led me to start looking at James Jeans' other styles. Hence the blog trolling. Seriously, check out their blog here.

I have become a huge fan of online shopping in the last year, and since I knew these jeans were not in any stores near me, I took to the internet to search for reviews of these amazing Motos. What I discovered is that not only are they difficult to find for purchase, there were only a few reviews published on this exact pair. I also discovered that James makes other moto styles, and they have a HUGE devoted following, for the Moto trend alone! They really are perfect. And to be honest, I had to have them. So after waiting for an aptly-timed Black Friday sale and some Christmas money, I purchased a pair of my very own. I wanted to make sure that I posted a review so others can learn about this brand, and score a pair of these jeans for yourself! Stay tuned for many more posts about James Jeans. I have started a collection in just 3 short months, and I'm in love with every pair!

The REVIEW: 

The Moto Legging in Barque/Ponte is made of a cotton/tencel/elastin blend that is both incredibly soft and incredibly stretchy. The wash is so dark it is nearly black, but has plenty of carefully crafted abrasions to give them a worn-in, vintage feel. The black ponte panels are soft and stretchy, making this style extremely comfortable despite the amount of detail work on the legs. After my experience with the various James I now own, I would say these fit true to size. I actually purchased 1 size up from my standard James size, thinking that maybe the legging fit would be tighter. When I got them out of the bag, they looked so small I was afraid they wouldn't fit me! But boy was I wrong! They are actually loose on me, after just a few wears. So if you are looking to purchase a pair of your own, I would buy your true size. If you are *technically* in between sizes, like myself, I would go with the smaller size. I do not own the other Moto styles, but for this particular fabric blend, they do stretch out and conform to your body with each wear. As others have mentioned, these jeans truly are the most comfortable pair I own. I would wear them every single day if I could. I am so scared I am going to wear them out I want to buy a back-up pair, though at the moment, I can't shell out that much! But I stalk every fashion website known to man to see if I catch these or another pair at a discount :)

My new favorite jeans on a rainy day.

If you are interested in picking up a pair for yourself, please click the link above the first photo to go to the James Jeans website. Or click the links below:

James Jeans 

Couture Candy

Happy Shopping! 

Review: The Rachel Zoe Collection

Yes, I know I am late to the game on this one. Rachel Zoe's new collection launched weeks ago, and I've perused it many times since then. Honestly, I love Rachel Zoe. I think her style is iconic and she isn't afraid to buck trends. She makes trends. She wears wide leg jeans and she's as short as I am. So here's my 2 cents on her new collection. Not that Rachel Zoe would care at all what I think, but...Rachel, if you ever see this, I love your work. :)

All images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue website. Check them out to view The Rachel Zoe Collection and purchase online!

Favorite Shoe: Audrey Stretch Suede Platform Ankle Boots

$395, Saks Fifth Avenue

These shoes are edgy and simple at the same time. There's actually a picture of them paired with the Julie Skinny Jean if you scroll down. The suede material is so fall-appropriate and versatile. The platform is a heck-of-a-lot better than a stiletto and works with both skinny and flare jeans, which is important for this year. Flares and skinnies are competing for the spotlight this season for the first time in what seems like forever. They would look amazing with literally all of the pieces in Rachel's Collection, and make the invisible foot look possible (I'll explain...).

Favorite Look #1: The Charlie Houndstooth Jacket and Pants

Jacket, $375; Pants, $275; Natalie Blouse, $295 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots) Saks Fifth Avenue

Menswear. Flared silhouette. Sex Appeal. This look is great to me because it captures so much of Zoe's style and yet lends itself to pretty much any occasion. This would be so chic for work or a night out. The houndstooth patten is an echo of British and equestrian, but it gets a modern facelift with the added height of the platforms and the tie-neck blouse. I especially like the way they chose to style this model with minimal accessories and very clean hair and makeup. The suit speaks for itself, and although it is borrowed from the boys it is still very feminine and sexy to me. This is why I love Rachel Zoe.

Favorite Look #2: Marie One-Sleeve Caftan Top with Julie Skinny Jeans

Marie Top, $250; Julie Skinny Jeans, $175 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots)

I think that one of the great things about Zoe is her ability to mix proportions in such a flattering way. The rule is always "skinny on top, loose on bottom" or vice versa. I don't think I've ever seen Rachel Zoe wear anything skin-tight or overly clingy, and this shows up in her collection, of course. She knows how to drape and flatter a woman's body without letting her appear big. Some say wearing loose clothing adds pounds, but when Zoe styles it, the looks are slimming. This Caftan top is a perfect example. Paired with sleek, dark skinny jeans it doesn't swallow the model or hide her form. It drapes so nicely and the one-shoulder cut is sexy without being too revealing. I love this look for going to a nice dinner, a party, or even shopping. I think it embodies one of the mot classic and flattering looks that you can make with a flattering skinny jean.

Favorite Look #3: Frankie Peasant Blouse and Anjelica Wool Crepe Pants

Frankie Blouse, $295; Anjelica Pants, $375 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots)

I have always wanted a pair of camel colored, high-waisted trousers like these. I have somehow never felt that they'd be flattering on someone like myself, but after seeing this look, I have hope. Zoe has styled a more casual, peasant-style blouse with some Hepburn-esque wool trousers and it looks stunning. It also showcases her traditional "invisible foot" look, which I find to be incredibly flattering. Zoe is often seen wearing long-line flares and wide-leg pants that skim the ground while she wears high, platform shoes. This gives the illusion of long, thin legs and it works on everyone! I've recently purchased a few pairs of pants like this and let me tell you, it will do wonders for your shape. Zoe has clearly found a silhouette that works and I highly recommend it. I am also loving the peasant style. That was popular a few years ago and I'm glad it's back :) It's flattering, comfortable, and very chic.

These are just a few of the looks available in the Rachel Zoe Collection. I'm really excited that she finally released her own stuff! I hope you check out the rest of the collection and find inspiration there.