Look For Less: J.Crew {Stripes + Leopard}

I am such a sucker for a kelly green + navy pairing (especially when there are striped involved!) I saw this look on J.Crew's website and had to recreate it:

{$738.50}

The 7th Avenue Sateen Slim Crop - New York & Co. - $42.95
Essential Striped Sweater - Forever 21 - $12.80
Leopard Handbag - Tilly's - $17.95
Harris Leather & Canvas Wedge Sandals - Asos - $24.17 ($80.57)
    {I also like these shoes}
total: $97.87

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

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

2011 was a doozy for the Petersen crew. Read a short rundown of what changed.

After our family got a stomach bug on vacation, I learned the difference between spit-up and throw up.

The 10 Funniest Baby's First Year Posts of 2011.

I want this absolutely genius nursing tank.

I have written the Bible on Baby-Wearing Mom Style. Check it out.

Tate is on the cusp of mobility, and boy, is he frustrated.

Introducing J.Crew's newest addition. Their brand new baby line is here.

J.Crew: 30% Off Sale

J.Crew is offering 30% off of their sale section, and they have added a ton of new goodies to said sale section. Here are my favs:

1 - Daisylace Tee - $27.99 (Orig. $58.00)
2 - Greta Suede Wedges - $55.99 (Orig. $198.00)
3 - Pintuck V-neck Tee -$10.49 (Orig. $39.50)
4 - Smocked Box Tee - $17.49 (Orig. $48.00)
5 - Tippi Sweater - $27.99 (Orig. $72.50)
6 - Button Box Sweater - $27.99 (Orig. $128.00)

Also, J.Crew has launched a baby line, did you hear?
I have gone through my favorite picks over at Babble. Click here to read it.

Enter WINTER at checkout to receive the 30% off discount (good through midnight tonight). 

Also available on Factory Sale Items.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Spied: Forever 21 Denim

For Christmas, my mother gave me my favorite kind of gift: a chance to go shopping. A little cash and a lot of time later, I had brand new clothes to bring home to Texas. I was in desperate need of a new pair of jeans, and with deals like these I got two:

Fab Ankle Skinnies - $10.50
Dark Skinny Ankle Jean - $10.50

Due to my petite stature, these hit just at the top of my feet. They are both a light weight (which is ideal for the humidity I live in). I don't imagine they will hold up very well over time, but as I consistently wear out the knees of my skinny jeans within a year, I find that inconsequential. 

I give both pairs a solid thumbs up. 

Any deals or finds you want to share? Leave your thoughts below.

Sponsor

Would you like to sponsor my blog? I'm currently accepting new sponsors for January and onward.

My sponsorships are small-business friendly, with low monthly rates and opportunities to maximize your exposure.

Click the picture for details and email me at madelinepetersen@gmail.com for more info.

XOXO,

Madeline

16 Style Rules for Babywearing Mamas

Having a baby shook my fashion world to the core. It left me feeling like I didn't know how to get dressed. The hardest thing for me to figure out was how to dress around my baby carrier. I have spent the last 7 months figuring out what works and what doesn't.

Please take a minute and check out my

16 Style Rules for Baby Wearing Mamas

xoxo

New Layout

The blog has a fresh new layout, thanks to my very dear friend, Mary.

If you are reading this in a feed, please click over and have a look around.

What do you think?

Spied: Polka Dot Crew-Neck Pullover

Bold, fun, and graphic. I totally dig this sweater. I just can't decide which color I like better.

Printed Crew-Neck Pullovers - Old Navy - $24.94

What do you think? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below. 

Blogging Thoughts

{source}

To those of you still reading, bless your heart. Seriously. I probably don't deserve your attention with my general lack of posting. 

This blog has been the casualty of my entire world flipping upside down. 

In the last year I 

had a baby, 

quit working, 

moved to a tropical climate, 

and started living on a grad student budget. 

For months I have found myself standing in front of my closet (and computer) feeling completely unsure. 

How do I flatter my postpartum body? 

How do I dress so I can easily nurse the babe? 

How do I write about buying clothes all day long when our new budget leaves nothing for new purchases? 

How do I translate my layers only wardrobe to a hot and sticky climate?

And as I have mulled over these questions, I have come to a realization. This blog has to change because my life has changed. 

In the new year, I plan to post way more than I did in 2011. But I also plan to shake things up. 

In 2012 look for:

Style Posts

Tutorials + Refashions

Outfits of The Day

Thrifting Tips + Tales

Budget Home Decorating + Projects

Bits + Pieces About Our Life + Doings in South Texas

What would you like to see more or less of in the coming year?

xoxo

Madeline

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

After months of blaming every fitful mood and crying jag on teething, Tate finally cut his first tooth with very little to-do. Did your kids have changes in behavior when they were teething?

You won't believe what substance they found on most changing stations!

Tate would rather play with household items than toys sometimes.

We made our first trip on a plane with Tate. Read how it went.

eShakti Christmas Sale + $20 Off

eShakti is having a big Christmas sale:

They have discounted everything and they are offering free shipping on all orders until Christmas!

{Birds in the Air Dress - $32.95 $52.95 (Orig. $69.95)}

{Irradiance Blouse - $17.95 $37.95 (Orig. $49.95)}

{Chevron Pleat Silk Wool Skirt - $32.95 $52.95 (Orig. $69.95)}

Enter code UBERCHIC0811 to receive the extra $20 off!

(Expires December 31)

Happy Shopping!

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:


Having a baby at home is like being at a frat party! Read my funny post comparing the two. And let me know if you agree.

We are getting so excited for Tate's first Christmas! I am searching for the perfect festive pajamas for him. Here are 10 fabulous options.

Major mom fail: Tate fell off the bed

I start to wonder if this is what postpartum feels like?

+ one from the archives: 14 Adorable Babies in Christmas Stockings

PS - Don't you just love this picture? His legs and expression kill me!

Spied: Tangerine Tango

Did you hear that the Pantone color for next spring is Tangerine Tango? I am mildly obsessed with the bright red/orange hue. I was lucky to snag a few things in this color from Old Navy last summer, and they are the first pieces I reach for when getting dressed in the morning.

I spotted this sweater and thought I should share:

Merona® French Terry Zip Up Cardigan - Target - $22.49

What do you think of the color? Something you would wear?

Anthropologie: 30% Off Clearance

I got this email from Anthro this weekend. They rarely offer this kind of promotion, so make sure to check it out! Here are my picks:

{Ipomea Blouse}
{Divvied Colorblock Skirt}
{Screened Stripes Peasant}

Babble Posts

Hey y'all, please excuse my recent absence. I've been busy, um, not writing. hahaha. I plan to be writing more after the new year. But in the mean time, check out my most recent stuff at BFY.

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

Some moms get anxious about sharing too much about their kids on the web, I am obviously not that mom. Read why I write about my kid on the internet. And I would love to hear your take!

You will laugh at the photo comparisons of Tate and his parents. Check them out and tell me if you think my baby looks like me at all.

People everywhere are naming their babies after Twilight characters. And this is no new trend, click through to read about other supernatural hits that influenced baby naming trends.

I get a little controversial, and ask you to vaccinate your kids.

And for a bit of holiday fluff, check out these ridiculously cute pictures of babies in stockings.

+ one from the archives: 18 DIY Projects for your baby's nursery

35% Off All Gap Brands: Today Only!

Today only, get 35% off your entire purchase at Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap.

You can find a round up of my favorite baby gap picks at Babble.

Click here to see them.

And my favorites for you ladies:

At Old Navy: 

{one | two | three}

At Gap: 

{one | two | three}

At Banana Republic: 

{one | two | three}

and as a bonus this sweet little dress from the mad men collection at a steep discount.

Dont forget to enter MERRY at checkout, and remember, the deal is only good today!

Spied: Grey Skinny Jeans

I have a pair of grey skinnies that I reach for while getting dressed way more often than I would have guessed when I bought them. I spotted these and had to share.

Grey Signature Skinnies - Forever 21 - $9.00 (Orig. $10.50)


Make sure to check out all of the yellow tag denim at Forever 21. There are a ton of options all under $10!

Jewelry for Moms with Babies

As a new mom, I find myself avoiding wearing jewelry. I don't want Tate pulling or chewing on my favorite pieces. Imagine how excited I was to find a whole collection of jewelry specifically made for baby to chomp on. (I'll give you a hint: really excited.)

 

So, I did a round up of my favorite teething jewelry at Babble.

Click here to see them.

J.Crew: 30% Off Clearance

J.Crew is offering 30% off their clearance section (in store and online). Here are my favs:

1 - Captain Cardigan - $41.99 $59.99 (Orig. $98.00)
2 - Linen Stripe Popover - $27.99 $39.99 (Orig. $78.00)
3 - Tissue Pintuck Tee - $20.99 $29.99 (Orig. $39.50)
4 - Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in Twilight Wash* - $34.99 $49.99 (Orig. $125.00)
* these are the best jeans, like, ever.

Make sure to use coupon code | MUSTHAVE to get the online discount.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

I am getting really frustrated with all the strangers grabbing at my baby. So, I wrote an open letter to strangers who fondle my baby.

Did you hear about the ice cream truck driving around Pittsburgh with a boob on top? The Milk Truck Mobile Breastfeeding Unit Hits the Streets.

Do you feel like you got a masters in housework? Read how I am embracing domesticity.

Did you hear that the Duggars are having another baby?! Read my guesses for #20's name (starting with a J, of course).

Tate seems to be getting ready for solids! We are considering using the Baby-Led Weaning method. Do you have any experience with it?


Tate knows who I am, and is starting to be all, "Hey! You're not my mom," when other people hold him.

+ one from the archives: Coming Up Short

Weekend Watching

I spent the morning watching Bill Cunningham New York. I loved it.

It follows the 80+ year old, bike-riding photographer, who has been obsessively chronicling fashion trends and high-society charity soirees for the Times's Style section in his columns "On the Street" and "Evening Hours".

It's streaming on Netflix right now. If you have a chance, I highly recommend it.

Have a good weekend.

Reader Request: Pinterest {Floral + Pearls}

I got this request from Shannon yesterday,

Hi,
I'm going to a wedding in January in California. My problem is I'll be bringing my 6 month old, so I can't wear a dress. Can you help me find an affordable version of this outfit?

 Pretty right?

Here's my best budget option:

Knit Cardigan - Mango - $34.90
Tie Back Floral Tank - Old Navy - $12.99 (Orig. $26.94) | Another option
Halogen® Pleated Knit Skirt - Nordstrom - $38.90 (Orig. $78.00)
Silver Tone Simulated Pearl Swag Necklace - Kohls - $18.20 (Orig. $28.00) | Another option
Jet Simulated Pearl Bead Cluster Stretch Bracelet - Kohls - $13.00 (Orig. $20.00)
total: $117.99

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

Leave your thoughts below.

Look for Less: J.Crew Colorblock Minimalist Mockneck Sweater

The color combo of this J.Crew sweater is awesome. I spotted a similar look at Old Navy and wanted to share:

Colorblock Minimalist Mockneck Sweater - J.Crew - $95.00
Crew Neck Sweater - Old Navy - $18.86 $26.94

Remember that the Friends and Family deal is good only for the rest of today. So make sure to take advantage of it! Enter ONFRIENDS at checkout to get 30% off.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

I Could Do That: Holiday Sparkle Sweater

I posted on this sweater last week.

{Holiday Sparkle Sweater - American Eagle - $59.50}

As I mentioned, I think this is a pretty simple DIY project (granted you find the right applique). So I scoured the web and found a couple of pieces when put together will make a similar look for way less.

Basic Lslv Top - Forever 21 - $14.80
White + Silver Floral Motif Applique (x2) - Sequin Appliques - $5.98
total: $20.78

A few more shirt options:

{one | two | three}

What do you think? Anything you are craving to make this week?

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

When I think about Tate's first few weeks, I realized that there are 7 Things I Would Do Differently next time. Is there anything you would do differently?

Tate celebrated his first Halloween, and you'll never guess where we got his turtle costume (on a budget, of course)!

Tate's sleep schedule has gone crazy, and I worry whether co-sleeping is failing us.

And Tate clearly has a boob preference. Have you experienced that with your babies?

+ one from the archives: Postpartum Expectations
                                                                                           *one of my favorite posts, to date

Inspired: Pinterest {Camel + Red}

Red jeans have been everywhere for the last few months. I especially like this combo of red + camel (found on pinterest).

{image}

Here's my take:

Chiffon Dolman-Sleeve Shirt - Old Navy - $13.65 $19.50 (Orig. $29.94)
Two Tone Ring Necklace - Forever 21 - $8.80
Belted Color Skinnies - Forever 21 - $27.80
Zigi Patent Ballet Flat - Delias -$29.50 (I also like this deeply discounted option)
total:  $79.75

The pants in my look are more muted, but I really dig them. I would love a pair of rust colored pants to wear this fall.

Also, Old Navy is running their Friends + Family deal. Enter ONFRIENDS at checkout.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

Spied: Mustard Colorblock Knit Top

Colorblocking is hot. Mustard is hot. Slightly oversized knits are hot. I want this top in a major way.

Colorblock Knit Top - Forever 21 - $17.80


What do you think?