Fashion – Page 9 – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Events March 26, 2015

The Perfect Blush Pink Dress

Next weekend, one of my good friends is getting married in New Orleans, and she has asked me to be in her house party (if you’re not familiar with this southern tradition, read this explanation here). Amanda asked all of the house party to wear blush pink dresses, which is also the bridesmaid dress color I chose for my wedding (photos here). Instead of lucking out and finding one dress early on that fit me like a glove, I tried on over twenty blush pink dresses from a number of different stores. I’ve had a hard time finding dresses that fit well recently, given my (ahem) milk-enhanced chest. After trying on some pretty pricey dresses, my friend, Taylor, sent me a link to a dress at Forever 21, and I actually really liked it. The best part was the price tag: $39? Yes, please. Given that I don’t normally wear light pink due to my insanely pale skin, I was a-okay with spending less than $40 on a dress. It’s currently getting altered, as they didn’t have my size, and I’m excited to get it back and try it on. I’m praying it fits well!

During my extensive research, I found some gorgeous blush pink dresses at J. Crew, BHLDN, Nordstrom, Asos, Forever 21 and Macy’s. While at the latter shop, the cashier asked me if I was looking for a bridesmaid dress, and I explained it was for the house party. She told me that blush pink is the most popular bridal party dress color, and that she constantly is helping women find dresses in this color. Et voila, here is my guide to help all of the ladies out there looking for a blush pink dress. If that’s not you, perhaps you think one of these little numbers is pretty and grab it just for fun! I absolutely love this Joanna August Polly Dress and this Tahari Sleeveless Brocade Dress. Lots of good options out there!

Fashion March 13, 2015

Favorite Looks of the Week

As I mentioned on Wednesday, the weather in Houston this week has been less than desirable, with gray skies and constant drizzles. My favorite fashion bloggers clearly had sunnier conditions, as there was a lot of spring and summer apparel worn in this week’s posts. I’m ready to put on a sun dress, wide brimmed hat and sandals and hit the beach. Unfortunately, we don’t have any ocean-side vacations planned any time soon. Alas, I will continue to live vicariously through Julia Engel and Amber Fillerup Clark.

I adore Maya’s amazing leather jacket, Rachel’s bright heels (and belly!), Julia’s structured dress, Nichole’s bralette (and rocking abs!), Amber’s patterned swimsuit, Sarah’s eternally preppy beach look, Sam’s fairy-like skirt, Wendy’s wind-blown dress, Brighton’s high-low tunic, and Caitlin’s off-the-shoulder blouse.

Given that I am totally craving summery weather, I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorite warm-weather pieces. Which is your favorite? If you’re reading this in mobile view, go to the home page and click on ‘Shop This Post.’

One last thing! If you haven’t already entered the $100 Albion gift card giveaway, do it now! The contest ends tonight at midnight.

fave1 1 My Life as Maya | 2 Pink Peonies fave2 3 Gal Meets Glam | 4 Vanilla Extract

Fashion March 11, 2015

New Mom-Approved Swimsuits

It’s hard to believe that Texans are currently celebrating spring break, as we’ve had terrible weather weeks three in a row, and this holiday is normally one filled with sunshine and a whole lot of pool time! Those who know me well are aware that I am not a huge fan of wearing a bikini outside of our own backyard, as I’ve always thought it felt like you were wearing a bra and underwear in front of people whom you wouldn’t normally. I do, however, enjoy a stylish one-piece, which Sasha may or may not make fun of me for. Wearing a one-piece does not have to be ultra conservative, as there are a number of fun shapes, colors, necklines that can add a little sass to your swimwear.

Even if you’re doing your stroller fitness (wink, wink), your stomach may not look as toned as it did prior to having a baby, so a well-cut one-piece or high waisted bottoms can be perfect to hide any of those last pounds your body is still hanging onto. Perhaps you’ve lost all of the baby weight but feel you’d rather not put on your itty-bitty bikini now that you’ve got a new title of ‘mom’ (I think I’ve been years ahead of myself in this category!), well that’s fine, as there are a number of gorgeous one-pieces you can choose from. I’ve rounded up 18 of my favorite and am sharing them with you today! If you’re reading this on a mobile device, go to the home page and click ‘Shop This Post’ for links to each piece.

Fitness March 9, 2015

Stroller Fitness with Albion (Great Day Houston feature)

During my pregnancy, I experienced severe round ligament pain and was told by my ob-gyn that I needed to quit running. I was upset, as I wanted to stay active during my pregnancy and was afraid I would gain a lot of unnecessary weight if I couldn’t run. Thankfully, I found DEFINE’s spin classes and continued to do personal training sessions with the most amazing instructor, Mike Bina, until the day before I gave birth. Therefore, a week or so after Isla was born, I felt pretty darn good (remember this post?), as my body will still relatively in-shape from working out. It’s not recommended that you exercise for at least six weeks after delivery (for natural births), and even after that period of time, I was faced with the tough reality: when in the world would I be able to go to the gym? All of a sudden, the years of being a gym rat and workout lover seemed threatened by this adorable bundle of joy who needed my constant attention.

Fortunately, I am now able to leave Isla at the Life Time Fitness day care, but for days when the weather is nice or I don’t want to drive to the gym, I prefer to work out with Isla. Not only do we go running ‘together’ three times a week, I’m also able to work my core, legs, butt and arms with her right beside me in the stroller. My trainer, Mike, put together an amazing set of stroller fitness exercises so that moms can workout with their little ones. There are descriptions next to each exercise below, and I’m showing you some step-by-step photos for some of the tricky ones. These photographs were taken by the ever talented Paige of Awake Photography, who also took our family photos (here and here). There are more photos of Isla and I below all of the workout examples.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be on Great Day Houston this morning at 9am CST. If you can’t catch it live, you can watch it here later in the day. It’s probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, but I would be lying if I said I am not nervous! I’m going to be showing some of these exercises alongside my friends, Sara and Kristy (of Seven Graces).

In the photos below, I’m wearing tops and pants from Albion, which is by far my favorite fitness line. Those Antigua leggings are perfect, and the Go Long Crew top is so comfortable. I feel so fancy wearing both! In honor of this stroller fitness post, Albion is offering the winner a $100 gift card. The giveaway will end on Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm. Good luck!

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Fashion March 3, 2015

Kate Spade’s Girls Line

KSgirls3

This winter, Kate Spade collaborated with GapKids, and I loved everything. I was really tempted to buy Isla clothes for when she turned four, but it felt a little strange, so I held back, with prayers that a similar partnership would happen again in the future. Just last week, Kate Spade New York just announced the launch of its first girls’ collection (I discovered it here on Hook, Thread & Tinker), and I’m obsessed with every piece of it!

The new line includes dresses, rompers, tees, accessories and outerwear, all very similar to the looks for women. There are enough bows, stripes, glitters and hearts to make you extra giddy! I’m sharing my favorite looks today, but really, I love them all to pieces. I’m excited that Kate Spade will also launch a Baby and Layette line later this year. Um, we’re in trouble. Which pieces from the collection are your favorite?