breastfeeding in style

probably the number one question regarding fashion and my personal style has become "is that breastfeeding friendly?" or "do you have a favorite place to find stylish and breastfeeding friendly clothing?"

my initial answer to these questions has always been nope- I just wing it and make it work, ha! BUT as I've become more seasoned in my mamahood..and just keep popping them out, I've found it to be more important and easier to wear clothing that is breastfeeding friendly.  too many times I'm having to cut food at a restaurant, fix a ponytail, and even catch a flying hand to prevent one from hitting the other-  and too many times I've flashed whoever is within the vicinity- my apologies to all of those strangers that have witnessed my very own Janet + Justin moment. except WAY less sexy.

sunnies c/o (use code AMBER25 for 25% off!) // top c/o // white denim // booties (similar)

 clothing for women that are nursing has changed tremendously over the last several years. hidden zippers (I loooove these dresses!), secret slits in the side of a blouse, easy pull down necklines, and basically anything with buttons are your BFF. 

 I've also been known to wear a t-shirt with my postpartum leggings - pulling up my shirt and being able to hide my stomach is always a plus when nursing, ya know?  but the weather is heating up.. like miserable hot and I'm sweating like a teenage boy playing football just carrying groceries into the house, so shorts and breathable shirts or casual dresses and sneakers are what I'm living in right now! this shirt from Tart Collections is AMAZING.  its not chiffon, but very lightweight and super soft.

diaper bag c/o // aviators c/o (use code AMBER25 for 25% off!) // shorts

one of the items I mentioned in my mama summer essentials post (HERE) are easy breezy dresses- my go-to for breastfeeding in the summer.. because its omg-SOHOTT.  I was lucky to have a pretty mild summer after Baker was born, but its been sweltering since like February here in Texas, so we may be making up for it this year.

dress c/o // sneakers 

layered necklaces c/o

its taken me a couple years to figure out how to dress my postpartum body.  something that is nursing friendly and flatters my new figure can be discouraging and stressful!  but know that we have all been there in those moments.

I'm so excited to be able to offer my followers a discount code for each of these nursing friendly looks!

use code AMBER at allette boutique for 15% off your entire purchase.

use code AMBER15 at tart collections for 15% your entire purchase.

and finally, use code MASSEYA at milk made market for 20% off your entire purchase! 

thank you to tart collections, milk made market, and allette boutique for providing these outfits and allowing me to share your amazing brands and to Brittany for putting up with me and snapping these photos!

I've linked a few more fun and trendy nursing friendly options!

5 summer essentials | casual mama style

the weather is warming, the sun is hanging around a little longer in the evenings, and I can smell someone in my neighborhood grilling every night of the week.  its summer!! when it comes to my wardrobe these days I'm looking for easy care items that I can throw on and feel put together but also be super comfortable and able to move around when I'm out doing activities with my kids- from the grocery store to the aquarium to a (casual) date night these are my top five mama essentials for summer!  even better- the holiday weekend has left us with a bunch of sales, so nearly all my picks are discounted!  yas!

the easy tee

I've been living in boyfriend style pocket tees.  I love the casual nature of them and how lightweight and comfortable they are for summer!  I tuck the front for a little added shape and you can totally dress them up our down, just depending on the shoes and accessories.  I'm also loving the softened shirts that button down- my third summer in a row to be breastfeeding, so I'm all about the easy access with buttons down the front!

casual bottoms

two words: boyfriend denim. I LOVE distressed denim and the boyfriend style allows me to move and bend and be comfortable without feeling like I'm going to explode after eating Sonic cheesy tots (with jalapeños!).  don't get me wrong, there is a perfect time and place for an amazing pair of skinny jeans (I have THESE in every color because they are just perfect in every way!)

but the looser fit of the boyfriend jeans also offers the ability to wear them while its 100+ degrees in Texas.  I also invested in a cute pair of joggers to wear while running errands or grabbing coffee with a girlfriend (I did this yesterday!) pair with the boyfriend pocket tee and you are totally hitting all the high marks for that athleisure style thats so popular right now.

AND overalls. yes.  100% yes.  I prefer the fitted style over the baggy boyfriend fit- I own a great pair from Pinkblush that I'm loving and wearing about once a week (and they're on sale!). but I'm hard pressed to add a pair of short overalls to the mix.  do it.

breezy dresses

my favorite "look" while sporting the bump this time around was a t-shirt dress, sneakers, and a ball cap. talk about comfort and style all wrapped into one! as the heat is rising (its literally sweltering hot today..) I appreciate the t-shirt dress for several reason- keep me cool (number one!), the variety of style it offers (with sneakers + ball cap; sandals + side ponytail; wedges + chunky necklace..), and the fact that I can take the same dress and go from daytime to evening and not have to think about changing my clothes:). these are my favorite dresses for wearing casually with sandals or sneakers.

trendy sneaks

speaking of sneakers.. they are like my new favorite guilty pleasure.  no idea WHY,  but finding ways to be able to wear them with everything I currently own in my closet is my mission.  I think a lot of it has to do with how much I'm on me feet- I need something thats comfortable.  I am not a shoe person at all whatsoever.. which is probably a good thing.  I usually purchase one great neutral pair of sandals and wear the crap out of them all summer. same for heels and wedges.. now when it comes to boots and booties all bets are off because I just loveeee me some booties.  

every color, please! but this is summer.. in Texas.. and I'll literally be filling my suede booties up with sweat if I attempted to wear them right now.. so I'll stick to sneakers:)

blush lip
blush everything is the hottest color of the season and I've found a handful of glosses and mattes that I'm loving right now.  the tarte lip paint is phenom.. I got it as a sample last month and I'm loving it so much that I went and got a couple the other day to stock up for summer.  my luck, they always discontinue my favorite makeup and I can ever find it again- I hate that!  I've learned from these tribulations and always buy more than one when shopping!
my top three makeup must haves right now..
NUMBER ONE is definitely lip gloss. number two would have to be my bronzer/highlighter combo (I am loving the tarte combo palette !), and number three is my eye brow pencil + filler (benefit gimme brow is the bomb).

five on friday | nordstrom sale picks for mama

its down to the last weekend before my favorite sale of the year ends!  with the fall season on it's way I picked up some really cute stuff this year.  I LOVE leggings and wear them basically everyday throughout the fall and winter months.  layering them with dresses and tunics.. big bulky cardigans or  a vest and then finishing my outfit with a wedge bootie or riding boot.  I have like five different pairs of wedge booties, and I just cant stop.  I read somewhere last fall that the wedge heel was 'out' and I was in literal distress over it in fear I could never buy a wedge heel again.

slight overreaction. 

here are my mama favorites from this year's sale!  

1. pants

2. tops

3. dresses + tunics

4. shoes

5. accessories

happy Friday and cheers to hiding the shopping bags + receipts from the hubby:)

baby style + mini boden

earlier this week myself and a handful of other bloggers shared an amazing giveaway with mini boden.  I have always LOVED shopping mini boden, and can always find something absolutely adorable for the big girls.  when presented the opportunity to share mini boden's new line with wider  size ranging from baby to 16 I was p u m p e d!

...and we all know how much I love to coordinate (match!!) all three of the babes.

AND- you guys!  have you seen the new stuff?  two words

flare.jeans.

okay.

dressing my girls in these matching cardigans just really solidified the fact that I am ready to rush through the rest of July and August and welcome September and October with open arms.

my kids are string beans.. and need the larger size for length, but everywhere else they could actually go down a size!  we are in their weird in between stage of clothing where the 4T is way too big/long and the 3T is just too short.  I know before I know it they'll be growing out of these 4T pants.. but for now, thank goodness for the adjustable waist!  

I cant focus on anything else except Baker's thighs.

and her hair.

its been awhile since I hopped in with all three of my girls- an we were kinda coordinated. you'll see more of this tee and my outfit in tomorrow's post- so stay tuned!

in the mean time- head over to this post to enter in the $750 (!!!) giveaway that runs through Saturday.

good luck!

special thank you to mini boden for their sponsorship of this post and to Brittany, as always, for capturing my girls in their sweetest light! you are just the best!!

flare jeans c/o mini boden

striped tee c/o mini boden

yellow knit cardigan c/o mini boden

zoo animal romper // james vincent design co

moccasins c/o hello moccs

chambray sneakers c/o children's place

woolie ball necklaces c/o hooray everyday

yellow bow c/o jb handmade

b+w dot sailor bow c/o free babes handmade

gold dot wrap c/o shelby chic boutique 

mama favorites | spring uniform

Spring is here!  Texas has a track record for a random snow fall in March/April.. so I don't want to get too excited, but for real I'm ready for the warmer weather.   

if you know me, you know I'm a big fan of color.. lots of bright colors for spring and summer, but in this mama hood season of life, for whatever reason, I've been draw to the neutrals and greys and really focusing on comfort style.  what does that look like for me?

comfy denim, a loose fitting tee, + sandals

I got a pair of boyfriend denim shorts a couple years ago and have come to live in them during the summer months.  I was sad when I couldn't find the boyfriend shorts again this season.. but their girlfriend shorts are just as amazing.  and I also found this version of boyfriend shorts. I also love these summer shorts and these chinos (give me all the colors!)  

while a classic pair of designer sandals are most definitely a splurge, I found some less expensive options here + here!

I've never been a handbag gal but it seems like since I became a mom I am looking for more ways to make my life easier when on the go.  going from professional to mama all in a days work can be tough, but I think I've found a bag that transitions pretty well.  my Clara tote from better life bags has quickly become my favorite go-to work/home bag.  it holds my planner + work binder + laptop with room to spare for pacifiers + diapers/wipes.. and hand sanitizer (duh).

I also wanted to mention that these jeans are not only less that $100.. they are $66!

what.

you know what that means?  it means you need them. 

..and everyone needs a pair of $12 sunnies. especially when you have a toddler or two that insist on wearing them on their face with all their sticky hands all over them.  

I do really want to splurge on a pair of ray bans before the summer is over.

hiding them from the toddler monsters might be an issue..

bag / shorts / sweatshirt / tee / sunglasses / sandals / jeans

what are your summer go-to's??

My Bestie + Me | Lily Jade Giveaway

Happy Monday, ya'll!  My extra special chirpy excitement is for great reason.. I am SO excited about today's giveaway.  Mainly because I have the privilege to have worked and come to know and adore the momepreneur+hubby team behind Lily Jade.  With each and every handbag they pour their heart into it is definitely with you and me in mind. 

There is something to be said about that kind of small business.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

All of these bags come complete with a removable and washable "Baby Bag" as well as a washable changing pad.  The organizer has FOURTEEN usable pockets - perfect for both mama and baby essentials.  LOOOOOK at all that organization! Singing music to my OCD ears, you know!?  Oh- and can I also mention the convenience that is the easy conversion of these bags from handbag to backpack??!  I thought the baby wrap was the best thing ever invented.. until I used this handbag as a backpack.  

Holy free-hands.

photo by: b faith photography // bag c/o lily jade // riding boots

Lily Jade bags are not only for mama's themselves - but for the those of us that love a gorgeous handbag- Lily's got your back.  I often carry my 'diaper bag' without the insert as a handbag when I'm not with the babes.
Such a good investment.

I am so excited to be teaming up with Lily Jade to celebrate the upcoming holiday- not only is it about turkey+carbs+stretchy pants.. This week represents so much more and encourages us to reflect on what we are truly thankful for.  I absolutely love this time of year.  

All of us are thankful for our besties, now aren't we?  I am happy to share that Lily Jade is not only giving away a gorgeous handbag to one of my readers, but ALSO a second handbag to share with your bestie.  SO much fun, right?  The best(ie) way to kick off this week!!  

I also want to mention that LJ is running a big fat Thanksgiving SALE! This makes their bags a steal.. premium leather bags with this many features and "extras" would cost hundreds more in stores. All bags are currently discounted + get an all-new leather cosmetics case for 50% off with purchase of any bag over $200.  ALSO, anyone who purchases a bag between now and 12/30 will be automatically entered to WIN her pick from our Spring line before it’s even available to the general public!  GAH- that is so good, you guys!  

 Enter in the rafflecopter below for your chance to win TWO handbags!

Giveaway runs through midnight on Thanksgiving Day

Winner will be chosen by Friday, November, 27th.

G O O D L U C K !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BIG thank you to Lily Jade for their repeat generosity in sponsorship of this post.  

All opinions expressed are my own.

mama + mini style | chambray + buffalo

There is so much to look forward to this time of year and among the festive fall activities, Salted Caramel Mochas (my weakness!), and picking out the perfect pumpkins there are the outfits and wardrobe changes that take place, too!  I am a huge fan of comfy tunics and riding boots.. not to mention the blanket scarf.  I have a real problem with collecting every print + pattern, and theres always next year to get more.  While it is cool in the mornings here in Texas right now, by lunch time we are shedding the layers.  But a Southern Girl can hope and pray for the cooler weather to stick around here soon. 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

For the last several years Jordan and I have taken 'family pictures' when the cool weather months hit, and these pictures serve their purpose for documenting our lives every year, but also for our Christmas Card.  Now that we have babes to share the frame with, the pictures have become even more fun to plan.  

Baby clothes are freaking awesome.  

Who cares what I am wearing.. What are they going to wear.

We have never done a very Christmas-y theme for our photos and this year I wanted that to change.

black denim + soft chambray + buffalo plaid

..and these hats.  The fur pom hats for the three sister girls.   

Y E S.

Now if only it would be 50 degrees outside for the high that day + the bundling up wouldn't be such a hassle we could perfect this shot..

source via pinterest

Jordan.. he'll be in the pictures, too:)  What should he wear??

Dressing My Postpartum Self | Giveaway

How long can I use that term postpartum? Baker turned three months old yesterday (gasp!) and I'm still trying to figure out comfort in my skin. I know this comfort level looks different on everyone, but three kids later I have grown to appreciate my body for what it is.  My pregnancy with Baker was very similar to my pregnancy with the twins, but for whatever reason postpartum has been w i l d, foooor real.  I didn't have the stretch marks or loose skin after the twins like one would expect and I bypassed the stretch marks again even though my skin had been stretched to the max for the second time, but you guys.. I have just come to accept the fact that I’ll always be tucking my loose skin into my pants when I sit down.  

Real talk.

I knew my body wouldn't be the same after pregnancy, but it was a reality check after the twins, and once again after Baker was born.  It is funny how much we forget about pregnancy and postpartum.. 

Over the weekend I finally, finally, finally put away my maternity clothes into their proper bins and found their place in the attic (until next time!).  While I was at it, I purged just about everything I hadn't worn in 3 years since we moved into our home. I was hanging onto things that I wore in high school and college.  I needed fresh motivation to move completely out of my maternity clothes and into 'real' clothes again - and all those 'older clothes' were getting in my way.  
When I looked at those clothes, all I could think was.. 'I don't have anything to wear because nothing fits me!'
What I need are a few staple pieces in my wardrobe - not a ton of things that I only like a little and fit me 'just okay'. 
bag c/o lily jade // riding boots / carlos santana 

scarf (last season) / loft (similar) // tunic c/o white plum // high waisted leggings c/o white plum 

Since Baker was born, I have fallen in love with looser fitted tops, long tunics and leggings of every shape and form.  Gradually I pushed those tighter fitting clothes to the back of my closet.  I started seeking comfort not only in my reflection in the mirror, but also comfort in still being able to get on the floor with my babes and do a puzzle or pick up a sippy cup thats been flung from the heights of the high chair for the bazillionth time.  Its taken some getting used to but two pregnancies and two gigantic bellies later I've finally figured out how to dress myself and feel good about it.  I used to think leggings weren't for me, really because I didn't know how to wear them, but after getting a pair that fit me properly, I was sold!  There are still some that put on and quickly realize 'no.way.' just simply because the fit is off..  After reading White Plum's Leggings Guide it brought a whole new meaning to how to wear them for our body types.  'Are they pants?'  No.  So.. cover your bum, girls.. 'What shoes do I wear with them?', 'How do I manage a fun print?'
tunic (similar) + leggings c/o white plum  

The answers are all there!  I recently tried out their high-waisted fleece leggings and they are ugh-maaazing.  They come in just two sizes and stretch and hold their shape and do.not.sag.
Also. the whole high-waisted cover up my loose skin belly thing is pretty darn amazing.

Can we side track for juuuust a second to talk about Lily Jade and their newest addition(s) to their handbag family.  They Shaylee (above) and the Meggan are bigger and perfect for us mamas with multiple babies.  While I would love to be able to carry just the essentials for Baker, I am also responsible for extra panties (just in case), sippy cups, and eight different kinds of snacks because Lord knows the girls won't ever eat the same - so I am always prepared.  Not to mention the plethora of knick knack things that end up in there, too.  Because who knows when Parker decides she wants her tiny giraffe figurine and Jolie needs not only her white pair of sunnies, but her purpurrr (purple) pair, as well!
We just need (more) space.
The fantastic creators behind Lily Jade listened:)
top c/o white plum // jeans / loft // bag c/o lily jade // wedges (old) / nordstrom (similar)

 This top .. It just screams fall to me!  I ordered a size up from my normal for a more relaxed fit and a little longer in length and I'm glad I did!  I did want to mention that these jeans are technically leggings and I ordered my regular size.  I am always a little weary of pants that claim to be leggings but still have a button and zipper - are they true to size?  These are for sure.
Buttons and zippers in general make me wish for my buttonless maternity pants all over again.
Trendy Mom.  I feel like a trendy mom.
That can wipe a snotty nose and kiss a skinned up knee.
That definitely doesn't have it all together allllll the time and totally hides the extra baby weight around her midsection with long flowy tops and high waisted leggings.
No matter your size, shape, age, or gender, what you feel brings out the best YOU is what you should wear.
 
After sharing my love for leggings last month, I was equally impressed with your legging love, too! Everything I own from White Plum has become a go-to staple in my closet- mainly because they remain pretty classic and relativity affordable.  I continue to go back to styling them over and over again because its just easy and comfortable.  Theres that word again.. Comfortable. 
I especially love their random and amazing sales - like over the weekend I got an email that this sweater was on super sale from $40 to $15- serious perks of being on their mailing list! They don't always announce these discount codes. A girlfriend of mine and I were texting back and forth in contemplation of what colors to buy - because you know we could basically buy three for the price of one! 

I've teamed up with White Plum again to offer one lucky winner $100 to White Plum towards anything they wish!  I know you mamas out there could use some of these staple pieces I speak of, and $100 to kick off a fresh start to this season's fall wardrobe?  Yes, please!!    
Enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter giveaway below and in the meantime, you can do a little shopping of your own using code PBJ25OFF for 25% off entire purchase until 10/20! 
I already have some things in my cart waiting to be discounted.. like this tee and this plaid shirt (because who doesn't love plaid for this time of year??)

GOOD LUCK:)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

BIG thank you to b faith photography for snapping these photos and to White Plum + Lily Jade for their amazing sponsorship of this post.  
All opinions expressed are my own.

Friday Clicks

1 // Summer Suits

I have said if before, but really.  Baby bathing suits.  I just can't.  

suits // zara

this one, and this one, and this one have also struck my fancy at the moment.  Oh..and this one, too.  I feel like they could potentially have a suit for everyday of the week- and these stores keep coming out with the most precious options.

Perhaps its just because I don't have the energy to buy myself a new one this summer.

Not to forget about the poolside accessories..

Shelby Chic // Ruby Blue // Razzle Wraps -- just to name a few of my favorites. 

2 // All Things Teeny Baby

Our littlest sister will be here before we know it.. and in the heat of the summer.  While Parker and Jolie are easily able to wear tank tops, spaghetti strap dresses, and (my fav..) swim suits without issues - newborn babes don't have so much of that to offer.  I recently was introduced to a growing (and amazing) brand Golden Hill Designs.  It is much to my heart's desire to me the amount of sweetness that a onesie can entail.. a halter top (onesie)?!  Um yes.  It's almost as amazing as Sugarplum Lane and her slouchy sweaters and highwaisted ruffle bloomers.. size 0-3 months.

Really.  

I just cant help myself. 

3 // Bluetooth headphones

A Nemo free car ride for the first time since getting the new wheels.. and honestly, I think the girls loved them more than their parents appreciated them.  We don't always flip down the DVD player, but when the doctor is at least an hour away, and its 7:45am sitting in traffic- the 'fish mooobie' is a great solution.

4 // Just Like Mommy Cosmetics 

via instagram 

I know I am not alone when it comes to other mamas of little girls - they love the makeup.  Parker and Jolie understand and know and desire to 'do makeup' just like me.  Before stumbling upon this fun mess-free makeup kit, I was loading old makeup bags with empty makeup containers and cheap brushes so they have something to play with- that was technically free of mess and NOT my actual makeup:)  They always knew I was attempting to fool them with this 'makeup'.  Not anymore!  Just Like Mommy Cosmetics gives them the feel of 'real' makeup without the mess.  At least once a day, I'm in the 'makeover chair' while they work so hard to make me 'sowww pretty, mama'.

5 // White Plum Giveaway

Back in February, one of my favorites, White Plum hosted one of the most amazing giveaways - a FREE wardrobe!  When I saw what the winner chose, I was uber envious- that was A LOT of clothes!. Fast forward to now, and hello!  Another amazing giveaway!  I do love their clothing and wear it often (even with this 32 week belly).  Their clothing is very versatile, and I can make it work with the bump.  Summer is here and why not celebrate with a $1200 (!!) shopping spree?! 

So how do you enter?  That's even better.  No loops, no following, no long term commitment to anything.. just join their mailing list.  Giveaway started May 27th runs through next week!  You have until June 8th to enter.

What are you waiting for?  Go.  Now. Enter HERE. You're welcome:)

Happy clicking, loves!

Swim Favorites | Little Ladies

I have decided that toddler swimwear is at the top of my 'favorites' list since becoming a mom.  I mean- the sweetness that goes along with their cutie little booties in a bathing suit just kills it in overtime.  With the celebration of Memorial Day, you better believe we will be in the pool most of today.. that is if we don't get rained out for a bazillionth time this weekend alone.  

THIS rain.  

It is safe to say that us here in the South are searching the Memorial Day sale ads for anything remotely close to a great deal on an Ark.  

Let me know if you see anything.. 

poolside sparkle bows / shelby chic boutique // aviator sunglasses / target // tankini suit / gap (sold out online)

flip top sippy cups / Nuby // sparkle bow poolside bag / shelby chic boutique 

Most of my favorite retail shops for littles are having the best sales on this holiday weekend, which means all the more reason to stock up on toddler swimwear.  The suits Parker and Jolie have on in the poolside pictures are sold out online, and I actually haven't seen them in stores. I bought them 40% off a couple months ago in the excitement of summer's approach, and before the torrential rain began (we are literally going on 5 weeks straight..five.) 

BabyGap and Old Navy do it right in the suit department.  I have found that this year's selection isn't as robust as last summer, but there are still some cute options, and the suits seem to run true to size.

We cant forget Nordy's half yearly sale.. and another fav- ZARA, while they hardly have a sale, they always have decently priced, high quality clothing.  

Some of this year's swim favorites, and its no secret we love the pattern, and florals have been a hit this summer in more than just swim wear!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Parker's face says it all.  We took it upon ourselves to head to the pool the only day last week that it wasn't raining, pouring, tornado'ing, or wind shucking our patio furniture across the yards of the neighbors.  I have also decided that they forgot every single bit of fun we had in the pool last year because the whaling squeals coming from their little bodies were absolutely hilarious.

Sweet Jo Grace and her joy about EVERYthing is actually, well, everything.

 Oh, and.. lets do a little dance in the fact that there will be no diapers involved in this year's swim outings.  

 ..and we're dancing.

Happy Memorial Day holiday, friends!