Falling Into Autumn With prAna

I received this product for free from Moms Meet, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog.  The opinions posted are my own.

Somebody call up the press!  Fall weather has officially made it to the Carolinas!  This is huge because October 2016 had us still in shorts and t-shirts.  In case you're new around here, autumn is one of my two favorite seasons of the year because I get to pull out my favorite wardrobe pieces.  This past April, prAna and I showed you all how to mom in comfort and style, well today we're showing you how to keep your fall style cozy, simple but still stylish.

How To Mom In Comfort & Style

Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog.  The opinions posted are my own.

There was a time when I didn't mind sacrificing comfort for style.  These days not so much.  I'm a mom of two who works from home, volunteers in my community and more.  With so much on my plate and constantly being on the go, I'm dressing in clothing that is comfortable, but still stylish.  Over the years I've learned that beauty doesn't haven't to equal pain and looking great doesn't have to equal being uncomfortable.  This is why I was delighted to partner with Moms Meet and prAna to try out some of their clothing. 

PinkBasis: Floral Power

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by PinkBasis.com.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Being a lover of fashion, there are very few things that I enjoy more than shopping for clothing.  However, couple that with the fact that I'm a Frugal Fran and can be somewhat of an introvert and well, shopping can sometimes be a bit a difficult.  Thankfully, I was recently introduced to PinkBasis, a one-stop shop online clothing boutique that sells affordable and trendy fashions.  From shoes to purses to dresses, PinkBasis has a great selection of on trend pieces to choose from.

And one of my favorite trends from this season is the tropical/Hawaiian floral print.   Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, June Ambrose and more have all been rocking this trend.  There's just something about flowers that instantly brightens your mood.  I've been a fan of florals since I was in junior high school.

Seafoam Floral Print Sleeveless Casual Dress

So, when they ask me to send a list of items I was interested in reviewing, I couldn't resist adding this cute little number into the mix.  It was love at first sight when I saw this faux two-piece, seafoam colored dress.  The floral print is perfect without being too overwhelming.

Most of my height is in my legs and I'm always struggling to find dresses that show off my legs without being too short.  This was certainly not an issue with this dress.  Another thing I love about this dress is that it has an elastic empire waist.  So if you want to you could adjust the length of the skirt portion if you wanted my pulling the waist up or down.  The elastic waist increases the comfortability as well.

Mint Cross Strap Cork Trimmed Wedges Nubuck

There's a key hole back at the top with a gold button.  Overall, the loose fit of this dress is awesome.  You easily dress this outfit up with the right accessories, a clutch and some heels or you could dress it down by wearing flats or the cute wedges above and adding a belted cardi.  Likewise, you could add tights in the cooler months to make this dress appropriate for all seasons.  Power the floral print!

I would definitely recommend ironing this dress on low heat and drying on low to medium heat.  And if you haven't checked out PinkBasis, you should.  In fact, one lucky YUMMommy reader is going to win a $50 online gift card to PinkBasis.  All you have to do enter is use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good luck!  The contest is open to US residents 18 & older.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Shopping!

Watch Game Proper: Sully Series By JORD

Disclosure: I was provided the product below for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Happy Friday YUMMs!  I've said on here probably a million times that I used to work in retail.  Well, I worked a for a major department store chain in their fashion jewelry department.  The department was separated into four different bays (cash wrap counters).  There was the designer jewelry bay, sterling silver bay, costume jewelry bay and the watch bay.  Since, I was the youngest and had the best eyes, I was often put in the watch bay because you need a good set of eyes when you're removing and adding links to a customer's watch.  Long story short, I have a bit of a thing for watches.  

And for the past couple of weeks my wrist game has been on point thanks to the lovely folks of JORD Wood Watches.  They reached out to me a while back and asked if I'd be interested in trying out one of their watches.  After checking out their selection, I was like, "Umm...of course!!"  For starters, I've never owned a wooden watch before and secondly, I loved their designs.  So, let's jump right on in to this review.

For my JORD review, I decided to go with the Black & Maple Sully from their men's line.  There's just something about the look of big faced watches on a slender arm that I love.  Also, it's no secret that my vision is awful and I try to reduce the strain on my eyes as much as possible.  I think it goes without saying that since men's watches have bigger faces, they also have bigger face numbers and that makes it easier for me to tell the time.

The Sully also features a cut out bezel, deployment buckle with push button, scratch resistant minerals, Citizen Miyota Quartz Movement and is splash proof, but not made for "complete submergence in water."  Besides all of that, what I loved most about this watch is the overall look.  The contrast of the dark and light wood tones makes this watch an eyecatcher.   And the lines on this watch are just as clean as those of any metal watch.

While the Sully has a bit of a classic feel, there's a non-traditional edge to it as well.  It's a little bit flashy without being too overtop.  You don't need to pile on bracelets.  Nope, this watch commands attention all on its own.  Also, you can dress this watch up or down in terms of outfit choice.  I decided to style an outfit that was somewhere in between.  Southern Bell Casual Chic is what I'm calling my look that I put together.

Sweater-Gap, Faux Fur Vest-Blassport (thrifted), Maxi Skirt-Maurices, Boots-Merona, Head Scraf-Aldo, Watch-JORD

Even from far away, my Sully watch stands out.  You can easily see that it's two toned.  And I have to say that it looks amazing paired with my outfit!  

In the picture above, I shed my faux fur vest for a more toned down look and my Sully still looks awesome!  I'm completely in love this watch and have nothing but good things to say about it and JORD.  The Sully retails for $139, which in terms of the quality and craftsmanship of this watch is a reasonable price point in my personal and professional opinion.

The JORD logo charm is removeable, but I decided to leave mine on because I like it.

If you're in the market for a watch for yourself, a loved one or whomever, definitely check out JORD!  As they say, get your watch game proper! You can also see what other JORD Wood Watch owners have to say about the brand by checking out the hashtag #JORDWatch on Instagram and Twitter.  Stay updated on new designs, sales and more by following JORD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

How's your wrist game looking?

My Fab 10 Fashion Survey

On one of my previous fashion posts, I got a few questions like where I studied fashion at, etc. That got me to thinking that it would be a neat idea to do a fashion survey about myself and share it with you all.  So, enjoy My Fab 10 Fashion Survey.  Hopefully, you'll learn something new about me that you didn't already know.

3 Valentine's Day And Date Night Outfits That Wow

Disclosure: Please note this is not a sponsored post.  However, it does contain affiliate links.

Valentine's Day and the 9 anniversary of when the Mr and I started going steady are both right around the corner.  So, I decided to put together three inspiration boards for Valentine's Day and date night outfits that I'm sure will wow.  I'm definitely one of those women who likes to seize every special occasion as an opportunity to dress up or put on 'adult clothes' as Moo calls it. LOL.

Make Me Blush

Dress: EShakti Colorblock Bonded Lace Dress Lingerie: Cantina Push Up Bra, Thong & Hipster Panty Set

  Earrings:  Celestine Rose by House of KL  Shoes: Steve Madden Blush Leather Deeny Platform Pump

So, I titled this look Make Me Blush because the shoes, dress and earrings are all similar shades of the color blush.  The dress is made EShakti and you all know how much I love them.  I've reviewed three of their dresses here on the blog already and have nothing but great things to say about them.  With that said, I love the detailed lace overlay and the faux sweetheart bodice

When it comes to shoes, you can never go wrong with a pair of Steve Madden.  I got hooked on Maddens when I was in college and did an internship at a local mall.  And how cute are the earrings and lingerie?!

Lady In Red

Dress: J.TOMSON Short Sleeve Chiffon Long Pants Jumper With Matching Belt
 Lingerie: G2 Chic Bra & Panty Set  Earrings:  Elegant Black & Gold Set by House of KL  Shoes: Calvin Klein Vivian Platform Sandal

Red has always been a color that I've been fond of wearing.  I like to refer to it as my power color.  Also, as much as I've started to enjoy dresses and skirts, I'm still very much a pants kind of girl.  So, a jumper is the perfect choice for a night date or Valentine's day.  I love that this one comes with a matching belt.

I chose the G2 lingerie set because it's more grown up and mature.  And it's very affordable.  I like Victoria's Secret just as much as the next gal, but shopping Vicki S all the time can do a number on your wallet.  I like to explore and check out more affordable brands.  The jewelry adds a little more hint of chic and the shoes add a pop of animal print.  Plus, Calvin Klein makes great everything.

I've never regretted anything I've invested in from CK.  They have  really good quality and if you're like me and keep an eye out for sales are purchase CK from eBay or Amazon, you don't have to worry about breaking the bank on designer shoes.

Egyptian Orange

Dress: Miusol Egypt Gold Foil Print Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress

 Lingerie: Heidi Lace & Stretch Slip by Yummie Tummie  Earrings:  Bree Earrings by Emerge  Shoes: Ollio Fuax-Suede Platform Stilettos

I mentioned a while back that orange has been named the It color for this Spring.  And of course, there's no denying that this Egyptian inspired fitted dress is amazing.  It will fit your body like a glove.  Who says shapewear has to be boring and unattractive.  The lace detail on the cups of the Yummie Tummie slip makes feel a little less like shapewear   After all, feeling confident and sexy in what we have under our clothing is just as important as feeling sexy and confident the pieces people see from the outside.

What are your inspirations for date night and/or Valentine's Day outfits? Do you keep it simple or go all out?

Fashionable Friday

Yes, y'all, 5 On Friday is out and Fashionable Friday is in!  I just thought it was time to switch it up a little bit.  I've mentioned on here that I wanted to get back to talking more about fashion here on YUMMommy and that is just what I intend to do.  I don't claim to be THE expert, but I do hold a fashion degree, used to work in retail and did meet and interview a few famous designers as well as enjoyed tours of their New York showrooms.  Does the name Shelli Segal ring any bells?

Anyways, I thought I'd kick off this first Fashionable Friday with a little walk down memory lane of some of the fashions I've worn over the years.  I'm telling y'all some of looking at all these photos took me back.  Let's do this.

Caught off guard strolling the streets of New York.  I had just left my first H&M and I was hooked.  See those red shades hanging from my necklace?  Yep, I got the last pair and wore them the reminder of my trip.  We it came to accessories, I wasn't a fan of wearing chunky or statement jewelry.  For starters, my wrists are the size of an 8 year old's.

So, I stuck to tennis and chain link bracelets like the one you see on my arm in this picture.  I mean have you seen the chunky bracelets they make for kids?  My wardrobe did consist of a lot of black and lot of lace tops or tops with lace detailing.

My baby sister snapped this picture of me while I was home for a visit, enjoying a nice Spring afternoon at the park with my niece.  I've always been a fan of colored pants.  And yes, I usually layered my tops so that I could coordinate without it being too matchy.  Orange on orange just would have been too much without the black deep v-neck, sleeveless vest to break it up.  The large, thin, colored hoop earrings were really in and had a pair in just about every color in addition to the hot pink ones I'm wearing here.

When I wasn't on bedrest, I was determined to look my best during my pregnancy with Moo.  I didn't get out or to formal event often.  But when I did, I made sure the bump looked good.  It was the dead of Winter, but I was determined to wear something cheery and to put on some cute heels.  I found this formal number and Belk and had to have it.

 I can't remember if my throng heel sandals were Nine West or Aldo's.  Either way, after 6 hours in them and the weight from my belly weighing me down, I do remember my feet were killing me.  I had the Mr throw those shoes to back of the closet where they stayed until after I gave birth.

Can you guys believe this picture was taken just a few months before I got pregnant.  Oh to have that body back would be a dream come true.  This sassy little black dress was from Bebe.  It could be worn as halter with the detachable spaghetti strap like I'm wearing it in the picture or you could go strapless for nice clean look up top.  It fit like a glove and was one of the few dresses I owned that wasn't a mini.

Again, I kept the accessories to a minimum.  The necklace I'm wearing here an guardian angel that my Ma (aunt) gave me in junior high school.  I wore it religiously and only took it off to shower.  I still have it to this day.  Now that she's no longer with us, it's a nice reminder that she's always watching over me and the family.  When I need to feel close to her, I hold the little angel charm in the palm of my hand.

Loose tops and wide legged stretch pants were a stable for me when I was wearing dresses or pajamas during my pregnancy with Moo as well.  Can you guys believe that I was only 5 months in this picture?!  I think my belly was huge for 5 months compared to other pregnant women, but of course we found out that was due the fibroids.

Another thing I liked to do during my pregnancy was color blocking.  My top, bottom and shoes were always different colors but complimented each other.

There you have it folks.  When it comes to clothing I like to be comfortable, but put together.  I keep my accessories to minimum, I while do tend to gravitate toward neutrals, I'm not afraid to add pops of color.  Hopefully, this week I can snap a few pictures and show you guys what my wardrobe is like now that I'm a mom of two.  I think that you'd be surprised to some of the things in my closet.

So, what was your fashion sense like before you had kids and/or during pregnancy?

5 On Friday

Who's excited that the weekend is here?  I can't say that I'm too excited because the Mr has to work this weekend.  Not to mention, our warm days have passed and it's back to being chilly and ice cold. (Insert sad face).  Anyways, check out my five shares for this Friday.

Bree Earrings

Elle Magazine has named orange the new black for this upcoming Spring!  I like this because oranges and reds are what you'll catch me in during the warmer months.  But more importantly, I'm really feeling those cute Bree earrings above from LuCe & Elizabeth!  They're more of a reddish orange which is perfect because I could pair them with more things.

 

We got Moo's assignment for kindergarten this fall.  Thankfully, we'll have moved and rezoned by then.  Plus, we are looking into other schools.   It was suggested to us by a professional that we try to get her into one of the Alpha schools because she might be too bored in a traditional public or private school.  To say that I was not a fan of the school that was selected would be an understatement.  I hate that there is such a noticeable divide in the quality of education and resources offered at the different schools here.

And no the teachers aren't necessarily to blame.  They work with what they have.  At the end of the day, the blame of having a low rated school should be shared by the school district, school staff and parents (and depending on the age, students).  The Queen City is going places and I hate to see a lot our children getting left behind.

I'm pretty sure that JJ said Daddy the other day.  How did it happen?  Well, the kids have been sleeping in later instead of getting up at the crack of dawn.  I'm not complaining because I get have quality with the Mr when he gets home in the mornings.  Anyways, when Moo got up and saw the Mr, she started jumping up and down yelling "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, I'm so glad you're home."

Yes, she does this almost every morning if she wakes up late.  I think it's sweet.  But the JJ didn't to join in on the action and I'm 100%  sure he said Daddy at least twice.  Now, I've been trying to get him to say it on his own since then but he acts all bashful.  I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but if we can get him comfortable with repeating words, he could very well be talking up a storm by his third birthday!

via Pinterest

This is pretty much self explanatory. Dreaming of doing something is one thing, but in order to have success you have to put in the work.  Maybe even a little blood, definitely some sweat and there will be some tears.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who has been sharing and/or participated in one of the hops on the Facebook page!  I appreciate it.  And if you don't know what I'm talking about, then stop by and see the timeline for yourself.  

Happy Friday!

Disclaimer:  This post does contain affiliate links.