Spied: Stripe Cut Out Back Suit

Swim suits are my kryptonite. Even before I moved to a sub tropical climate with nearby beaches, I owned no less than 8 swim suits. It was one of my greatest pleasures to stop feeling guilty about my swim suit hoarding when I moved here.

If I weren't pregnant, I would snatch this suit up in a heart beat.

Stripe Cut Out Back Suit - ASOS - $36.58 (Orig. $53.20)

Here are a few other pretty one piece suits (all under $35)

Halter Swimsuit  (best deal)

One-Piece Polka Dot Swimsuit 

Braided-Butterfly Swimsuit (on sale)

Bow-Tie Halter Swimsuit 

Spot Frill Fuller Bust Halter Swimsuit (60% off!)

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Abbie Stratton! 

You are the winner of The Northern Sea gift card giveaway.

Mint Squared Necklace | Quote Earrings | Black Flapper Necklace

Silver Hello Necklace | White Stone Bib Necklace | Mint Beaded Earrings

Don't forget The Northern Sea offers free shipping on all purchases over $20.

This Week

Here are a few pictures from this last week:

{Steve's birthday cake | view from the aquarium | slumped over, sleeping Tate}

Here are a few links to take you into the weekend:

 Don't forget to enter The Northern Sea giveaway!

I'm loving this pretty maternity blouse (and the sale price).

I would love to try this sequin shoulder DIY.

How pretty is this floral pencil skirt?

I'm planning to try this pretty braided updo this week.

I love this outfit.

I am head over heels for this sweet playlist.

Looks like we'll be spending the weekend getting the house ready to sell this weekend.

What are your weekend plans?

Giveaway: The Northern Sea

I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. The Northern Sea is a new online shop featuring hand-selected jewelry and accessories. They add new items every day and plan expand into clothing this summer.

{mint collar necklace c/o of The Northern Sea | find it in purple here}

mint collar necklace c/o the northern sea

old navy tee - $6 | similar here | and here

forever 21 skirt - $7 | similar here | and here

thrifted gold peeptoes - $6 | similar here | here | and here

 {Mint Stone Bib Necklace | Black Scallop Necklace | Sea Green Stone Necklace}

Today I get to do one of my favorite things - offer all of you a giveaway! The Northern Sea is offering $25 gift card to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

How to win:

Visit The Northern Sea and leave a comment here telling me what you would buy if you won. 
(Include your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.)

For additional entries, follow The Northern Sea's Blog and like their Facebook Page.
(Each entry must be submitted in a separate comment in order to increase your chances of winning!)

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, May 5, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

It's A.....

I had my twenty week ultrasound yesterday and I am excited to announce that this thumb sucking baby is a girl.

Time to start hoarding newborn size cardis and dresses!

Request: Denim Jacket

My friend, Anna, is on the hunt for a denim jacket and asked if I could help her find a good one. Here are my best finds:

1 - Faded Denim Jacket - Forever 21 - $24.80
2 - Denim Jacket - Old Navy - $29.94
3 - Faded Denim Jacket - Forever 21 - $29.80
4 - Merona Denim Jacket - Medium Wash - Target - $29.99
5 - Celebrity Pink Denim Trucker Jacket - Dillards - $29.99 (Orig. $39.99)
6 - Mossimo Denim Jacket - Target - $29.99

Which is your favorite? Do you have a denim jacket?

This Week

We had cupcakes celebrating Steve's new job, and Tate thought they were the best thing ever. Of course, after a week of him constantly yelling "cuh-cake!" while pointing at the counter made it slightly less endearing.

Here are a few links to take you into the weekend:

 

I am head over heels for this maternity dress.

I am dying to try this braided headband hair tutorial. 

I wear these flats every day.

I adore this pretty gathered maxi how-to.

I want this pretty gold statement necklace.

We are celebrating Steve's birthday this weekend. What are your plans?

Look for Less: Neon Sandal

I spotted these neon strap sandals for less and wanted to share.

Maison Martin Margiela Mm6 Neon Strap Sandals - Matches - $310.00
Neon Strap Sandal - American Eagle - $29.95

I think the American Eagle sandals are pretty freaking rad. When I had a look around their sandal selection, I was pleasantly surprised that they are currently offering a buy one get one half off promotion on many of their sandals. Here are some of my other favorites:

AEO Woven Mini Wedge Sandals (so cute!) 
AEO Huarache T-Strap Sandal
AEO Criss-Cross Sandal

What do you think? Would you wear these sandals?

Inspired: Gap {Chambray + Geometric}

I saw this look in an email from Gap last week, and I have been dying to recreate it on a budget.

I found good enough deals on the other pieces, that I was able to use the original pants from Gap.

Printed Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis - Gap - $38.46 (Orig. $54.95)
Chambray Shirt - Forever 21 - $17.80
Neon Metal Keeper Super Skinny Belt - ASOS - $9.98
Mossimo Phyla Wedge  - Target - $14.98 (Orig. $29.99)
total: $81.22

Gap is offering 30% off all online purchases (ends tonight!) using code GAP30 at check out.

What do you think? Is this something you would wear?

There's No Place Like Home

I grew up in Eastern Washington, along the banks of the Columbia River. The summers were perfect, the seasons were beautiful, and it was all I knew. When I was in the 8th grade, my family moved to Utah. Utah was my parent's home. They had been away for almost 30 years and they wanted to go back. I didn't understand the long winters and I missed my home.

It wasn't until I started a summer internship after my sophomore year of college that I found my home in Utah. I worked in the city center and my aunt was kind enough to let me stay with her in the Avenues. Just like that I was home. After my husband and I married we lived in that neighborhood for five wonderful years.

After those five years, we got stuck. It seemed as though a path was created just for us to move to Coastal Texas. My husband has spent the last two years working harder than he ever has. He has been pursuing his Masters, teaching, and coaching. It's been insane. We have hoped that all this hard work would pay off, and guess what? It has.

Steve has accepted a job teaching AP History back on the Wasatch Front. We are so excited to go home. We can't wait to bundle up at winter time and for Tate to know his cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We are excited to be surrounded by the mountains and for our families to know our newest babe.

We can't wait to be home.

Spied: Floral Tailored Ankle Pant

I took a quick stroll through Target today (such a dangerous thing to do when on a budget) and I couldn't help but admire some of the pretty things I saw. I was especially drawn to the pretty prints. This floral is to die for:

Merona Tailored Ankle Pant w/ Belt - Prints - Target - $27.99

Here are a few other pretty things I spotted (all under $30)

Front Pocket Tie Waist Skirt

Black Dot Print Ankle Pant (half off!)

Polka Dot Peter Pan Collar Blouse

Navy/White Dot Tie Front Dress (on sale)  
Chambray Dobby Dot Shirt

What do you think? Would you wear this print?

Sale: 30% Off J.Crew Factory

Not only is J.Crew having a sale, but so is J.Crew Factory. All final sale items are an extra 30% off. Here are my favorite finds (there are some good ones).

1 - Clare Cardigan in Polka Dot - $27.99 (Orig. $74.50)
2 - Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton - $24.49 (Orig. $75.00)
3 - Charley Sweater in Candy Stripe - $24.49 (Orig. $59.50)
4 - Garment-Dyed Skinny Jean - $31.49 (Orig. $89.50)
5 - Draped Shirtdress - $27.99 (Orig. $89.50)
6 - 10" Bermuda Short - $20.99 (Orig. $46.50)
7 - Clare Cardigan in Watercolor Floral -- $27.99 (Orig. $74.50)
8 - Printed Pencil Skirt in Stretch Cotton - $34.99 (Orig. $85.00)
9 - Clare Cardigan in Hearts - $24.49 (Orig. $75.00)

Don't forget to enter GETMORE at check out for the discount.

I am loving all of the cardigans, especially 7 & 9. What about you?

Gap Maternity

Maybe it says something about me {or about my friendship with Madeline? or about our mutual obsession with clothes?} that the first thing I did after I knew she was pregnant was window shop for maternity clothes online. I found myself seriously impressed with Gap's maternity line this season. So bright and cheerful! So many adorable patterns!

I like the clothes even more than their non-maternity items, as a matter of fact. {Leaving me very jealous of Madeline and her baby bump; I've only ever bought maternity clothes in the fall and winter, and the only options available were very muted and drab.} Check out these outfits and let me know if you agree:


Outfit 1: sweater | dress | bag | shoes
Outfit 2: jacket | top | jeans | shoes
Outfit 3: sweater | shirt | pants | shoes
Outfit 4: scarf | tee | bag | jeans | shoes
P.S. You can get 25% off your Gap order {or 35% off your order of $100 or more} from now until Saturday with the coupon code GAPMORE.

P.P.S. I'd like to give Gap a virtual high five for using models that are actually pregnant on their site; it's much harder to tell how maternity clothes are going to fit when you can only see them on fake bumps before purchasing.

Mary blogs here, pins here, & tweets here.

Hello Mary!

I am really excited, you guys. I mean, really excited.  I want to introduce you all to Mary. She's the best - for a myriad of reasons. She's a wonderful friend, a loving mother of three, a very honest and beautiful writer, and, perhaps most importantly, she has impeccable taste and style.

The reason I am excited? Because Mary will be joining me here at über chic and posting her style finds. Get excited. 

Inspired: J.Crew Outfits {+ 30% Off}

So much warm weather dressing inspiration going on at J.Crew right now.

I am especially fond of the mirrored floral pencil skirt, that fabulous jacket, and those amazing seersucker trousers.

Speaking of J.Crew, they are currently offering an extra 30% off their sale section. 

Here are my favorite finds (all under $35):

Peony Tee

Braided Rope Belt 

Reverse-Jacquard Stripe Popover

Marrakech Paisley Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit 

Circle Lace Top

Make sure to enter SPRINGTHAW at check out to get the discount.

Spied: Maternity Top With Double Scallop

I keep getting asked to share a few of my favorite maternity finds. I have fallen in love with this top and just had to share.

Maternity Top With Double Scallop - Asos - $36.58

I love the finishing details & that it comes in five very pretty colors.

Here are a few other pretty maternity tops from ASOS (all under $30):

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Boatneck Top 

Maternity Exclusive T-Shirt in Rose Print 

Maternity Exclusive Boyfriend T-Shirt with Dogtooth Print 

Maternity Exclusive T-Shirt in Neppi 

Maternity T-Shirt With Slit Side And Stepped Hem 

Don't forget ASOS offers free shipping, both ways, on all purchases.

Request: Mint Cocktail Dress

I recently got an email from Kristen. She is on the hunt for a mint dress to wear to her sister's wedding this summer. She asked if I could find something under $75. I found 8 somethings under $60. Boom.

1 - Mint Asymmetric Pleated Dress - Dorothy Perkins - $55.00
2 - Empire State of Mint Dress - Modcloth - $47.99
3 - Mint Round Neck Flare Dress - Dorothy Perkins- $44.00
4 - Sage of Aquarius Dress - Modcloth - $52.99
5 - About the Artist Dress in Mint - Modcloth - $52.99
6 - Jersey Knit Tiered Dress - Target - $24.99
7 - Work with Me Dress in Mint - Modcloth - $49.99
8 - Mint Lace Dress - Dorothy Perkins - $59.00

I was pretty surprised at the great options that came from Dorothy Perkins (never heard of that brand). If I had to pick my favorites I would say 1,3,4 & 8, but I like them all! What's your favorite? 

Spied: Striped Peplum Tee

I have been really cautious about accepting the peplum trend. It can go wrong in so many ways - the top is too fitted, the bottom is too flared, it's too structured, it's too short, the waist is too high or too low. I admit that all those variables freak me out, but I have recently come around to peplum if used well (and Elaine has been doing it well.)

I spotted this striped peplum tee for a steal and just had to share.

So striped peplum top - $9.99 (Orig. $20.00)

The proportions are perfect & the curved effect of the striping is just so flattering, don't you think?

I also really like this similar peplum tee in floral.

Sale: Anthropologie

I have had some trouble connecting with Anthropologie lately. I was so pleasantly surprised to not only see some good deals this morning, but to see things I would happily have in my closet. Here are my favorites.

1 - Verdura Segment Necklace - $29.95 (Orig. $48.00)
2 - Ruched Basketry Dress - $49.95 (Orig. $148.00)
3 - Charleston Henley Peasant Blouse - $39.95 (Orig. $68.00)
4 - Painterly Pencil Skirt - $29.95 (Orig. $88.00)
5 - Evolution Ball Necklace - $9.95 (Orig. $38.00)
6 - Lula's Bowtied Tee - $29.95 (Orig. $88.00)
7 - Diadem Rose Posts - $9.95 (Orig. $28.00)
8 - Crosshatched Ruffle Skirt - $29.95 (Orig. $168.00)
9 - Rondure Necklace - $9.95 (Orig. $48.00)

Make sure to act fast, many of these deals won't last.

This Week

 

Last week was spring break, which is why I didn't blog. Steve had the week off of teaching & graduate school, so we had a chance to spend some time together. We took a short road trip. We drove to Goliad to fulfill our history related stop requirements. We went on to Brenham & the Blue Bell Creameries Factory Tour. If you follow me on twitter, you know how excited I was about that (& we loved it). Tate adored the vintage carousel we visited. We also hopped up to College Station to see Kyle Field & have the beloved Layne's Chicken Fingers. It's always nice to get out and about, & it's even better when it involves ice cream.  

Here are a few links to take you into the weekend:

I'm loving these J.Crew looks for less.

These heels would be the perfect shoe for spring. 

How cute is this floral midi dress?

I recently bought this discounted maternity dress & am loving it.

I think this Kate Spade necklace DIY is fabulous.

I am dying to try this simple hair tutorial.

Uber Chic Studio is now selling Kindle & Nook Folios. 

Our weekend will be very low key. What are your plans?

Hair Inspiration: Twists & Braids

It's getting to be that time of year again. The time where the weather goes from perfect to so swelteringly hot & sticky that I have to wear my hair up 97% (actual statistic)of the time.

I am on the hunt for a new batch of twisted and braided looks that get my hair off of my face while maintaining a polished look. 

{braids & brides | half-up braided crown tutorial | half up half down tutorial | perfect crown braid tutorial}

What do you think? Where are you looking for hair inspiration lately?

Follow my hair inspiration board on pinterest.

Inspired: J.Crew for Spring {Florals & Stripes}

Nothing gets me excited about dressing for spring like J.Crew outfits. I am loving the stripes & florals here.

I am especially smitten with the striped skirt, peony tee, and striped sweater. What's your favorite?

Spied: Chiffon A-Line Skirt

I spotted this sweet chiffon skirt at Forever 21 and wanted to share.

 

Chiffon A-Line Skirt - Forever 21 - $22.80

I think the color and weight are perfect for summer.

As I have mentioned F21 has done a surprisingly good job of keeping modest skirts in stock.

Here is the latest batch (all under $25):

Leopard Print Tulip Skirt 

Essential Eyelet Skirt 

Solid High-Low Skirt 

Neon Trimmed Pencil Skirt 

Striped Knee Length Skirt 

Sale: J.Crew Factory 30% Off

J.Crew Factory is offering 30% off everything until tomorrow. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

1 - Foly Dress - $34.99 (Orig. $128.00)
2 - Printed Washed Silk Tee - $31.15 (Orig. $69.50)
3 - Neon Stone Stud Earring - $11.50 (Orig. $18.50)
4 - Superskinny Belt - $13.65 (Orig. $28.50)
5 - Painted Bloom Graphic Tee - $13.65 (Orig. $32.50)
6 - Merino Classic Crewneck Pullover - $20.99 (Orig. $69.50)
7 - Always Cardigan in Stripe - $17.50 (Orig. $45.00)
8 - Back-zip Artist Scoopneck Tee - $9.09 (Orig. $39.50)
9 - Skimmer Pant in Herringbone - $27.99 (Orig. $89.50)

I am loving the striped silk tee and can't get over the price of the back zip tee. What's catching your eye?

Don't forget to enter STYLESCORE at checkout to receive the discount.