Shoe of the Day - Fall Wedge

I'm adding these to my Back to School list for the Fall (coming soon).

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Gumsole Wedge in Red, $59

I'm reinventing my back to school list.  It's not fair that just because I'm not in school anymore that I don't get to get new duds for the new Fall season.  

My favorite season is Fall.  Not that here in the Midwest we really get one.  Those 2 weeks are the best 2 weeks of my year.  I love Fall clothes and accessories!

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Dear J.Crew Fall 2011...

You're killing me!  You are full of cropped pants, beautiful jackets, rich layers, knee length dresses & skirts and amazing color combos.  But see, it's still only July and where I live, it's 100+ degrees out with no end in sight!  But I'm dying to recreate some of your looks (let alone get a few pieces) and just can't wait.

So I summerized this yellow mellow outfit and now all I need are a few good men in top hats.

I also tamed my hair with some braids and pinned them in the back.  Had to keep the frizz under control somehow, but feel I got the same messy - didn't try to hard look as Miss. J.Crew Fall model.  Anyways, J.Crew, I hope I did you proud.

Love Always,

Meggy

{My outfit - Top: Loft, Skirt: Gap, Flats: Asos, Black Cuff: Gift, Sunglasses: Forever 21}

What are you loving MOST about Fall?  I'm clearly most looking forward to the J.Crew looks - but mostly layers and jackets (and not sweating ridiculously every time I move outside).

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Blue is for...

If you "like" me on Facebook, you got a sneak peek of today's outfit that I actually wore yesterday.  My ultrasound was at the end of the day on Monday, so Tuesday I told my co-workers I'd wear pink for girl or blue for boy the next day to work to announce the what the gender is for baby.  Well....

{Tank - Old Navy, Skirt - Anthro, Heels - Franco via Piperlime, Bag - Theit}

I wore blue for baby boy.  We saw our little boy so clearly on Monday.  He was moving all over the place (thanks to the 1/2 can of soda and some candy I had), doing the funniest things... so that's what I've been feeling!  My favorite picture is this one of little boy's profile, tush in the air and feet over his head.

I can just stare at this for hours.  After he got all his parts measured and identified, we made our way to the crotch region.  First his legs were closed, but with a little jiggle of my belly he spread 'em wide to show us his stuff. Hubs and I saw it right away and knew we had ourselves a boy.  We just giggled and laughed (poor baby, we're analyzing his stuff), but mainly just glowed in the happiness that so far all is healthy and he's developing normal.

We continue to be so thankful for coming this far and I pray for continued health for this little fellow.  He's already stolen my heart.

Have you entered my Giveaway yet??  You must, because it's really great.

Bracelet Giveaway!

Today is a fun day, because I have a great giveaway for you all.  With all the Friendship Bracelet talk going around and my first blogger swap event - I've partnered up with Amy from Junghwa Etsy Shop to give away the Be a Square Knot Bracelet to one lucky reader.

But wait, there's more!  (I sound like an info commercial, no?)  If you can't wait, or eyeing something else...20% off any jewelry item from her shop now until 8/14 by mentioning Chasing Davies in the note section at check out.


Be sure to check out Amy's blog too for further shop updates and inspiration.


Now, how to win?


Mandatory for 1 entry   

(All components in ONE comment)

1. You must be a public follower of Chasing Davies.  If you aren't already?  Look to the left hand side of my blog and click on the the "Join this site" button that is located near the top.

2. Leave your email address if it's not connected to your profile.

3. Head to Amy's shop and tell me one thing you are loving!

Optional - for Extra Entries 
(You can complete 1 or all of these for an extra entry each, but enter a separate comment for each entry)

1. Follow me on twitter and Tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post and include @ChasingDavies so that I can give you credit. Only one tweet counts.  Come back here and provide the tweet link for an entry.

Sample Tweet that you can copy & paste to use: 
Enter @ChasingDavies #Giveaway for a chance to win a beautiful bracelet! http://chasingdavies.blogspot.com

2. Like Chasing Davies on Facebook.  Come back here, and tell me what name you "like" the page under if it differs.

3. Add Chasing Davies to your Blog Roll (http://chasingdavies.blogspot.com), come back here and link to your blog.

4. If you are participating in my Friendship Bracelet Swap - you get an extra entry!  Let me know (and be sure to tell me the name you signed up under if it's different) in a separate comment below.

That is a total of 5 entries you can receive if you do all the above!

Disclaimer: Any comments that are incomplete, do no meet all the requirements or are inappropriate will not be eligible. This Giveaway is only available to Domestic residents.

You will have now through Friday, August 5th at 11:59pm CST to enter. I will announce the winner on, Monday, August 8th  here at this blog - so check back!

Is it a Boy or a Girl?

Today could quite possibly be the day.  I'm 18 weeks, 4 days along and have my monthly doctor's appointment with sonogram today.  They are going to try to determine the gender of the little being growing inside me if it is in a good position.

What will it be?

{Photos via here and here}

A girl or a boy?

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, all I wished for was a healthy baby.  See, I've had my ups (being 18 wks is a pretty great one), but I've also had my downs (and I'll get there someday soon, I promise).  I never realized what a miracle getting pregnant, hitting pregnancy milestones and then bringing a healthy baby into the world actually was.

So from the moment I got that positive pregnancy test, my heart jumped for joy, but my brain told me to not get my hopes up.  With every milestone, like my 14 week doctor's appointment to clear me from the 1st trimester, my guard has lifted bit by bit.

I wish I could get a sonogram once a week!  I want to know so badly how everything is going in there.  I look forward to every doctor's appointment, but also get nervous...what if they find something wrong?  Today...today, I hope they find a healthy developing baby.

And if they can determine the gender, that will be icing on the cake!  I totally want to know (vs. being surprised at birth).  I'm a planner, I have to know so I can plan things... you know, like girl outfits or boy outfits. So if we don't get a view full of little baby butt, and all is going well, I will share the gender news soon.

In the meantime - what do YOU think it will be??

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I've Gone & Done It

Joined Facebook that is... Chasing Davies is now on Facebook!  Ok, stop jumping up and down with joy and like us already! ;)

Why?  Well, it's just another way to get your daily dose of Chasing Davies style - in clothes or in home decor, watch the baby bump, find random links and things that I'm currently loving (and might not blog about), amongst other things that make you go 'hmmm....'!

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Shoe of the Day: My New Pet

A couple weeks ago I welcomed my second pair of leopard shoes into my life.  And I couldn't be happier.  Meet my new platform sandals.

I paired my leopard with a maxi skirt turned into more of a midi.  Since the waist band hits right across my growing baby bump, I pulled it up - like all the way up to sit right under my boobs. Thus showing off more of my new shoes anyways!

I love Franco Sarto heels.  They never fail to be comfortable from morning to night.  I found the best price for these Franco Sarto heels from Piperlime for $40.

The stripe maxi skirt (see worn at a normal length here or as a dress here) is from Macy's, worn with a hot pink J.Crew blouse and belted by Target.


Remember, today is the last day to email me to get involved in my First Ever Blogger Swap Event!  Please oh please join me and all the other fun bloggers that have signed up!  Read all the details of the event here.  And hint - if you are signed up/involved, you'll get an extra entry into Tuesday's very relevant and fun GIVEAWAY.

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Small Changes, Big Impact?

Hubs and I have gone back and forth on the location of our couch in our living room.  And we've moved it back and forth, back and forth.  Now it's just high-time I need your all's advice and thoughts!

Couch Position: Away from the Wall

Pros & Cons: An easy walk way behind the couch to the dining room (you don't have to cross the living room/walk in front of the TV).  Furniture and style is more center of room, but a tighter space.  The room just feels more pulled together this way.

Couch Position: Against the Wall

Pros & Cons: Opens the room up, but no room for my beloved mirrored end table (currently pushed next to the fire place).  A lot of dead space in front of the fire place, but with the baby coming - this could be a good area for floor play. Furniture heavy off to the right side of the room.

So at first glance, what way do you like better?


My biggest thing about having the couch away from the wall (first photo) is that the room feels more put together. So I challenged myself to see how I could make the living room with the couch against the wall feel more together.

Three changes that could help:

1. Move striped bench to the other side of the fire place, under the 2nd window. In its place, add an accent chair to balance out this side of the room's lack of furniture.
       - For the accent chair, I'm thinking a dark brown, leather chair to tie in with the ottoman and ground the space (like this one).

2. Find a new home for my beloved side mirror table. Make room for striped bench.

3. Get a bigger area rug to fill the floor space and pull the room together.  This current 5'x8' black and white rug will be moving to the Green Room (aka, future baby room) once we get a new one for this space.
       - However, I'm at a road block on what color of area rug to get.
                        * Lime Green (like this one) - this color has been a subtle accent color to this room
                        * Aqua/Teal (like this one) - like the curtains, but will that be hard to match?
                        * Lighter Gray than the couch - but that would be a lot of Gray
                        * Ivory/Off-White would be nice, but not realistic in a heavy trafficked room

So can you see, I need your advice!  No matter who you are or what you think - let me know what position you like the room in, and if the more opened up space - can I make it better with my proposed changes?!

Apparently, I am a Home Design rookie!

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Polka Dots & Elastic

Two things I cannot get enough of right now.

This polka dot skirt is a way oldie (like maybe 6+ years?) from Target.  I'm so glad I've hung on to it all this time.  I'm loving polka dots almost more than I am loving stripes (I said almost...) right now.

And it has an elastic waist band.  Um.  This is key when my body is changing and my belly is sticking out more and more each day.  I hope the little one growing instead appreciates my looser clothing choices.

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Coral Reef Crush

I've always been fascinated with coral reef.  I think it's amazingly beautiful and such a great decor piece or outfit accessory.

Coral Jr. Cuff; Coral Embroidered Print Pillow; Coral Two-Toned Necklaces (Love the Neon); Vintage Coral Sketch; Room Inspiration: Coral as a Centerpiece

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Panama

I've been loving hats this season.  They're fun, can really add something to an outfit and protect my face from the sun. Since I've been pregnant, I feel like I've been burning easier.  So, I had been eyeing a Panama hat from J.Crew for awhile.  Then the other day, I was at Target and saw one almost identical.  So I got it instead, and saved $43!

This is dress also from Target, so is the khaki belt (scored for $2.99 on the clearance rack) and H&M sandals.  Talk about a cheap outfit.  Whole outfit under $65!

Have you signed up for my first blogger swap event yet?  Check out the deets here.

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Scarf Swap with Jessica

Last month I joined The Concrete Catwalk's Scarf Swap and was paired up Jessica from Splendiferous Inclinations.  We sent each other scarves and agreed to wear them in our outfit posts today!

Who doesn't love to pose by a giant dumpster?  Cheeeeese! 

I wore my new coral scarf with white diagonal stripes as a belt.  It was my pop of color in my otherwise neutral outfit.  I'm also in the mode of wearing belts as much as I can before my baby belly gets too big!  Even this early on, the silky scarf was riding up throughout the day.

Oh but this sweet baby is totally worth it. and more. Obviously.

There are LOTS of ways to wear scarves, and this one will come in hand to spice up an outfit once I'm stuck with a limited amount of clothes that fit.  I dabbled with a couple of hair ways on the fly...

 {Cardi - NY&Co, Dress - J.Crew, Necklace - Talbots, Shoes - ASOS, Scarf - Gift from Jessica}

Thank you Jessica for being my partner!  Do you all want to see what scarf I sent her and how she's wearing it??  Go check out Splendiferous Inclinations and say hi!

I had so much fun with this swap, and past ones - I know you all will have fun with my First Blogger Swap Event!  Please participate in the Friendship Bracelet Swap - find out more here. :)

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Knocked Up (Not Out)

This is an Awkward, but more Awesome announcement.

It's way past due  (the awkward part) for me to finally come clean to you all about something super awesome happening in my life.  I've been meaning to tell you, I just hadn't had the proper time to spend in formulating my thoughts properly.

I still don't think I have formulated the right words yet.

You may have already guessed by the title, or the very noticeable bump here the other day, but I am pregnant. Knocked up.  Bun in the Oven.  With Child.  And I'm SO excited.

I will defiantly be weaving in some pregnancy topics into my regular posts (as it's just unavoidable), and you'll be seeing me grow and my fashion choices having to alter with it.  But, I'm not leaving you, nor totally turning this thing into mommy central.  

Some basic stats you may be wondering... I'm 17 weeks along and due right around Christmas (December 23-24).  Which means, I've been pregnant since March 17th!  It's been an interesting journey. I'll have more stories for you later and bits and pieces here and there to catch you up.

For now, lets discuss this hair (awkward and awesome).  I haven't worn my hair like this since the 5th grade.  But the other night I was watching the current season of True Blood, and saw Sooki running around with this do.  While the show is sort of annoying so far this season, I liked the hair and decided to try it.

{Vest - on sale at J.Crew; Dress - ASOS; Belt - Marshal's; Necklace - way old from H&M, Heels - Target}

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Friendship Bracelet Swap

I've participated in several blogger swaps before and have met other great people and new blogs to read in doing so.  It's a great way to get a surprise gift in the mail and meet others.  So I hope you all will each join me in my first blogger swap event.

I personally have been LOVING the friendship bracelet trend.  It's such a fun thing to do with your hands (if you are up to making one) or great pop of color to layer on your wrist (while inexpensive to purchase).  I thought for my first blogger swap, it'd be perfect to do a.... Friendship Bracelet Swap.

I hope you'll each join me!  And it's easy to get on board.  Here are all the details:

1. Interested?  Email me at ChasingDavies(at)gmail(dot)com with the Subject Line: Friendship Bracelet Swap
       - Include your full name, mailing address and blog URL
       - Email me by Friday, 7/22
2. By Wednesday, 7/27 I will email you each your partner and mailing information
3. Get to know your partner via their blog or email and either make or purchase a friendship bracelet to send them
        - To keep it fair, lets try to each provide around a $10 valued bracelet (whether purchased or made)
4. Send out your friendship bracelet to your new friend by Monday 8/8 (or make other arrangements with them)
5. Once you receive your bracelet, you all are encouraged to do a post of your new bracelet, wearing your new accessory or about the the swap, while introducing/linking to your partner's blog.
        - We can all try to do it on or around Thursday, 8/11

I've been collecting Friendship bracelet inspiration, how-tos and well-priced ones for purchase on Pinterest.  Check out my Friendship Bracelet Board for ideas and help!

Now, if you could help spread the word... You can grab a button below or use the above photo or content.  Let me know if you have any questions!

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Obsessed

...with this new purse.

It's that perfect size - not too big and bulky, but big enough to hold all my crap.  It's a great nude color - I can wear it with anything...which is good, because I have been.

Like navy and turquoise.  I wore it with yellow and denim here.
H&M dress, Urban Outfitters Necklace, ASOS flats, Steve Madden Purse.

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Favorite Blogger Outfit: Veronika's Blushing Interview

Veronkia has instantly made me regret getting the orange version of this super Target dress.  She rocks the turquoise version with nude and brown accents. Check out her cute outfit and interview with Veronika of Veronika's Blushing.

Her Outfit Deets:

Dress- Target
Belt- J. Crew
Shoes- Max Studio @ Zappos.com
Cardigan- Zara
Bag- Tory Burch Reva Clutch 

Now take a second to read a bit more about Miss Veronika...


What made you start blogging?
Veronika: During and after planning our wedding, I was getting a lot of emails and messages asking me about hair, makeup and my favorite products, which inspired me to want to create a place where I could talk about those things and connect with other women who shared the same passion for all things girly.  I also love to write and blogging was a great outlet for me to write in a more casual, personal way.  

What is the best or your favorite thing that has come from blogging for you?

Veronika: It's the community!  I absolutely love that the fashion, beauty and wellness blogging community is such a positive place where women support and uplift each other.  I love that I can connect with other bloggers and my readers and feel like I have a massive circle of friends that I can always count on. I have even met some of my readers and other bloggers in real life and that has been a really positive experience for me.  Overall, the sense of community and support is what I love most, especially in a world where that kind of support can be hard to come by.

When you are not blogging, what are you doing?

Veronika: Working!  I work the typical 40 hour work week so Monday to Friday, that's my main focus.  My husband and I also work out 5 days a week taking bootcamp classes together, so we do that either before or after work which has been fun.  I also love to shop (obviously) and I oftentimes spend weekends browsing the stores or looking for great new home decor.  I also love spending time with family and friends and reading. I always say I wish I made more time to read because I love it. I have a stockpile of about 7 books from Amazon that I have yet to read. I also love going to see movies in the theater, even though theaters are kind of gross.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Veronika: Feminine.  I wear skirts and dresses 90% of the time and I love clothing with feminine touches---whether it's the fabric, a bow detail, lace or ruffles (though, I must say, ruffles have gotten a little too crazy in recent seasons).  Since I work full time, I have to be mindful of how I need to dress for my job, while still maintaining my own personal style.  Dresses are definitely my favorite go-to pieces and I don't mind investing in a beautiful dress---though I also love when I get a great deal on a dress at Target.  On weekends, I tend to be much more casual, especially when running errands. You'll find me wearing sundresses, shorts with off-the-shoulder tees and flip flops or skinny jeans with a loose, flowy top. 

If you could only shop at one place for clothing for the rest of your life, where would it be and why (I think mine would be J.Crew)?

Veronika: This is a tough one for me because I like to shop around and I'm not particularly loyal to any one store---I tend to simply buy what I like. If I had to choose, I'd have to say Nordstrom.  I chose a department store because although most of my current clothing isn't from [Nordstrom], I do think they have enough of a variety to satisfy my needs (plus, their dress section---need I say more!?).  A close second would probably have to be Zara---I think that store has clothes that are always evolving and in line with current trends---but they also have lovely classic pieces you can mix  in with trendier ones. 

*As a side note on this one---there is NO WAY I could give up my Lululemon!  I am obsessed with their workout gear and wear it everyday!  I even buy some of their tops to wear just casually, to run errands and around the house.

If you could only have one source for fashion/style inspiration, what would it be? 

Veronika: Blogs. I was thinking about it the other day---and I feel I get the most inspiration from other women in the blogosphere.  Sure, catalogs, brand websites and magazines are great---but I love seeing how real women style things from their own closets and how they build their wardrobes. I'll oftentimes see a blogger wearing something I own styled in a way I never would have thought to try and I love that it encourages me to be a little more creative with my pairings. I subscribe to about 7 magazines, and none give me as much pleasure as blogs do as far as being a source for style inspiration. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE magazines, but I appreciate bloggers because they are just putting themselves out there saying : "this is me and here's what I'm wearing and how I styled it."  There's power in connecting with and relating to that individual that can't quite happen with magazines---there's no two way interaction with magazines like you can have with bloggers.

If you could trade closets with anyone else, who would it be?

Veronika: Can I pick like seven people!? LOL! I really love Emily's style form Cupcakes and Cashmere. I also love Chloe's style from The Chloe Conspiracy. They both have a unique way of pairing things that I really admire and aren't afraid to make some bold choices.  As far as celebrities go---right now I am obsessed with Kate Middleton.  In fact, my prediction is that she will influence designers to finally start making dresses that are flattering AND long enough to wear to work.  Maybe that's just wishful thinking, but I think her elegant style will influence the fashion world and show designers that even non-princesses need pretty, classy dresses to wear that don't show their bums when they bend over. 

Thanks Veronika!

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Inspired Everyday

 

{Denim top - Target,  Yellow skirt - Old Navy, Leopard flats - Marshals (similar), Nude handbag - Steve Madden via TJ Maxx, Gold watch - Nine West/Gift, Earrings - Stella & Dot and Brown wrap bracelet - J.Crew}

Inspired daily in lots of different ways...but today, it was Pinterest.  And this outfit that I pretty much copied - except my skirt is shorter and I opted for flats.  When I wear shorter skirts to work, I try not to draw even more attention to that fact and keep the shoes low to the ground. 

I also swung around my new purse all day long.  I love it.  The shape and color reminds me of this adorable Coach purse (no longer available) that my friend, Lulu  has that I love.  But this one was way less, scored from TJ Maxx (Steve Madden).

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Happy weekend, loves. <3