Sweet Pink Paisley Dress DIY - 3 ways

Another great fabric find at Joann's - this sheer pink paisley was literally calling my name so I bought all that was left (1.75 yards) and made this smocked top dress.  The smocking is so pregnancy friendly!  I wanted to be able to adjust the straps depending on how I felt so instead of 2 fixed straps, I added 4 open straps.

1.  Tied halter style with Flower Sash (tutorial for sash here)

Shoes:  Banana Republic Gladiator Wedges - BR shoes are crazy comfortable.  If you haven't already heard, there is 40% off your entire purchase tonight so make sure to check out the shoes!  

 

2.  Tied traditionally with bows at each shoulder

Shoes:  Frye Joy Vintage Slide

3.  Worn as skirt (shoulder straps tied as a bow at the waist)

Shoes:  Sofft Buckle Slides

Sorry, I know I could have styled the skirt look better but I was getting hot / tired.  Comes with 3rd trimester territory I think :)  How would you style this when wearing as a skirt?

Preggy Chronicles Vol. 3: Preparations for Baby

Pregnancy check-in:

• Gestational Time:  28 weeks - 12 more to go!  (Only 8 more until maternity leave - woohoo!)
• Weight Gain:  22 lbs (I may have to be stricter with my diabetic diet bc I only gained 19 lbs total with our son)
• Added Inches: +11 at the tummy, + 6 at the "waist"
• Current Cravings:  Chicken Salad with Buffalo Sauce, Tamales, Carne Asada, Fried Pickles

Baby Names

We've actually had a baby girl name in mind since my first pregnancy and I think we are sticking to it.  When asked, we have a tendency to just say we don't have a name yet.  Hubby had a friend who wanted to name her baby "Savannah" and a well-meaning(?) person informed her that was the name of a porn star.  In order to prevent our bubble from being busted, we'll just stay tight-lipped until her arrival.  

A Chinese middle name was much more difficult to think of.  Both hubby and I immigrated to the US as infants so while familiar with Cantonese, are not what you would call proficient.  We've been bumbling around for the longest time but then came across this nifty website which allows you to input the English name, gender, date of birth, and desired meaning.  We chose one that means kindness and intelligence.  Mom thinks the characters are a bit funny for a girl but eh, what are you going to do?

Baby Purchases

• Coming Home Outfit:  Ruffles on the tush!  The one I ordered is actually pale pink with just one polo figure at the chest, but this is the only photo I could find online that showed the cute little butt ruffles

• Nursery Decor:  We are putting this on hold until our move next spring / summer but I'm planning on a lavender room with panda bears :)  (Gorgeous Etsy offering from Designed Designer - buy here)

• Misc. Clothes:  A bunch of little dresses, socks / tights, hair accessories :)  Plus, a little splash of Burberry doesn't hurt anyone!

• Neutral Hand Me Downs:  I saved some Gucci sneakers and a Burberry sweater from big brother too!  After Baby Girl, I'm going to have these framed into a shadow box keepsake.  In general, I didn't want to buy TOO many designer baby items since they grow so fast but I just couldn't resist buying a few pieces for family pics and for handing down.

To all those with siblings (both hubby and I are only children), any words of wisdom for welcoming #2 / making #1 still feel special?

P.S. - I'm still a bit behind on responding / commenting, but will catch up this weekend!!  

No Sew Tutorial: Make a Neckline More Modest

As you may already know, I am a HUGE fan of maxi dresses but I find many of them to be a bit too revealing in the bust area - especially ones with a sweetheart neckline.  If I don't have to, I prefer not to have to do any major overhauls on my purchases (though hemming is always a must for shorties like me).  Here's a super easy and fast fix without any sewing needed.  All you need is a scarf!

Dress:  Old Navy Tiered Maxi Dress (old)

Scarf:  The Limited, $5 (didn't see online, but should be in stores)

What You'll Need:

• Dress / Top 
• Coordinating Scarf - the long, rectangular ones work best 

Step 1:  Slide your scarf behind the shoulder straps against your skin and center.  My dress conveniently had a loop here that added extra security.  You can either use a safety pin to secure or leave as is.

Step 2:  Take one end and thread it upwards at the middle of the bust.  Do the same thing with the other end.

(It will then look like this)

Step 3:  Now grab an end again and thread up through the opposite side.  Repeat with other end.

(Looks like this)

Step 4:  Take one end and wrap the shoulder straps with the scarf.  Take any excess and tuck into the back.  Repeat for the other side.

And you're done!  You should wind up with a pretzel-esque neckline :)

What do you think?  Would you try this?