August Wishes 2013

I assume you guys have just been sitting around waiting for me to make another post about stuff that I want from ASOS, right? Well half of this stuff is from there, though I did go a bit outside the box this time. Here are the top six things that I want to get this month. I'm finally stocking up on fall clothes, because I just can't control myself anymore. Seriously.

1. Maternity Body-Con Dress in Blue $17.82: I want this dress so, so bad. The bad news? It doesn't come in my size in the color that I want. I'll hopefully be getting it in black, but I want it in blue so badly. I will literally buy it off of someone! I love it that much. I could do so much with it, it's not too plain, but it's still a safe dress that I could pretty much pair with anything that I want. Not to mention I adore that shade of blue... on other people.

2. Monki Lightweight Parka Jacket $76.37: Yeah, I know I put a parka on my last wishlist. But I didn't buy it and I actually like this one a lot more. It seems a lot more versatile because of the fit and the style of it. It's not too grungy and it can still be styled with more classic pieces. I'll never be able to get it though. Or any of them for that matter.

3. Pink Lips iPhone 4/4S Case $12.95: Okay, you caught me. I'm currently obsessed with cute phone cases like that. I guess that's why my iPhone is cracked really badly on both the front and the back. I just love when my phone case is just as cute and stylish as my wardrobe is, you know? Sometimes I convince myself to put on a protective phone case, though. I've actually had one on my phone for a week or so now.

4. Lennon Slipper Shoes $33.94: I am obsessed with the ASOS color "oxblood" right now! Also, these shoes just so happen to have Lennon in the name and I've loved John Lennon ever since I was a little girl. And my boyfriend is obsessed with the Beatles. But the real reason I should get these shoes is because they're versatile. They could be casual, dressy, grungy, classic, or basically whatever I want them to be. I could wear them with so many different things. Basically I'm in.

5. Over-the-knee Socks $12.95: I'm obviously not dying to have this specific pair of socks. They're just knit socks, there's nothing special about them. But I do want socks like these that I can pull up over my knee or bunch up at the top of boots for the fall. Preferably in gray because that's what would go with most of my clothes and shoes best. I do really like these though and if I had money to just toss around I would definitely get them. I bet they're really warm and comfy for those chilly days that you want to wear a skirt or shorts.

6. Velvetines in Red Velvet $16.99: I have wanted this shade of this exact Lime Crime lipstick for a very, very long time now. I've had it saved in my phone with a reminder, but I still haven't gotten around to buying it. Maybe it's because of my thing about buying lipsticks in unfamiliar brands that are expensive. If it's disappointing I would be so pissed off, seriously. I want this so bad though so I'm definitely making it a goal for August. Keep your fingers crossed for me ladies! I have a lot to be buying this month!

So what are some of the things that you're looking forward to buying this month? What's on your shopping and to-do lists? Are any of these things something you'd be interested in buying? Are there any products you'd like for me to add to my shopping list for review? Any brands or stores you have for me to check out? Any tips? Let me know! I'm always curious about what my readers are thinking, using, and doing. You can also talk to me on twitter @debbieshapes.

What I'm Sad I Can't Wear Because I'm Pregnant: Summer

Since I've been talking about my pregnancy and the baby so much lately, I thought why not just smother you guys with one more post about it while I'm still baby registry shopping and that's all that is on my mind? But instead of talking about baby clothes or bragging about having a boy, which I'm still excited about, I thought that I would share some things I'm really torn up about not being able to wear this year. And if you saw my wardrobe you'd definitely know why.

Crop Tops used to be something that I wore almost every single day in the summer. I have a really cute crochet crop top in a lovely off-white color that I got last year that I'm absolutely obsessed with, it's similar to this one from H&M although I think I got mine from Pac Sun. I also have a million shirts that I turned into crop tops from thrift stores, because that's seriously my thing. I have at least twenty crop tops all together. I've always been very thin and toned without having to workout or anything, so I could pull that stuff off. Not with a baby in there though.

Anything with a high-waist, because nearly all of my skirts are worn up around the waist line and I have a pair of amazing high-waist shorts that I got from a thrift shop the summer before last that just started to fit me right this year because I started to get a butt. Turns out the only reason I was getting a butt was because I was pregnant. They're semi-similar to these from Urban Outfitter's, but mine are less shredded and a bit higher.

Most of my bras and bathing suits are way, way too small for me now. My boobs went from a large A cup or small B cup to a large C, and I'm thinking there's a possibility I may have to switch to D! Now I know for sure that I actually liked having small boobs and that wasn't just something I said because I was insecure about having small boobs. I've been thinking of buying a maternity swimsuit, but come on look at this little beauty from Forever21.

That really isn't it though, guys! I'm growing out of all of my favorite things because my wardrobe is basically super tiny because I'm small and I like to wear things that are either short or tight. I'm trying to class up my wardrobe lately, though. Tell me if you guys like this and I'll plan another one for the fall. If you can't tell I'm getting pretty experimental with my blog lately. I just want to do the best things I can to help you guys out! What are your favorite summer items? And if you're pregnant is it something that's still accessible to you? Got any tips for extending my pre-pregnancy wardrobe? I'm trying really hard! Damn, I sound cheap.

It's a Boy!

It's hard to believe that we're already more than halfway through the pregnancy! I'm twenty-one weeks along and two weeks ago we found out that our little angel is going to be a boy! (Please contain the disappointment, ladies! Hehe.) I can't imagine being anymore excited now that we know for sure and I can start really shopping for clothes. Of course that would be what's on my mind. Not to mention I am so happy that I get to announce something for myself. When we found out I was pregnant I guess we told at least one person we shouldn't have too early on and they decided to spread the word like it was any of their business, so I don't get to really announce that I was pregnant other than the initial shock to my best friends and my mom. We do have a name picked out (I hope, because I love it!) but it's way too early to share, I think. My boyfriend, Jonathan, is a baby name genie.

We were originally going to make these photos a lot more professional looking by having a photographer do them, the photographer being my best friend's mom, but she was very busy and I was wanting so badly to announce it as soon as possible! Then we decided someone could just take the photos with my nice camera and I was going to also have some polaroids taken by my friend for the baby book. But then my boyfriend and my best friend convinced me to just have polaroids taken and scanned.

Blue and Gray Maxi Dress: Wet Seal, it's not maternity; Denim Jacket: American Eagle; Silver bracelets: Juicy Couture; Silver Studs: Forever21; My cross: gifted from my mom, I basically never take it off unless it absolutely doesn't match; Fake Diamond Ring: Unknown, it's old.

My outfit was obviously baby gender inspired. I was going to make my boyfriend matched me, but I didn't want to force him so I let him pick out his own clothes. I think the colors ended up looking really nice together, though. I stuck to something kind of form fitting to show off my bump because that's what I like. I stuck to silver jewelry because my boyfriend likes silver better than gold and I have a lot more of it, too. But basically I had to wear something blue.

This is also the reasoning behind the recent layout update! The light blue was a subtle hint towards "it's a boy," but before we actually announced it. I had to celebrate some way and that way was changing the theme, painting my nails, and baking a gender reveal cake for my sister even though she didn't really care and I can't really cook.

I hope you guys are as excited as I am! If you have any negative opinions you might as well keep them to yourself, because nothing could contain my joy.

Black & White Stripes for Fall

As usual here I am sharing more stuff from ASOS. I seriously can't help it, you guys! I'm obsessed. They're affordable and adorable. Not to mention it's like they can sense the things that I love. For example this year I'm obsessed with black and white stripes for the fall and what does ASOS maternity have? Some totally amazing black and white striped pieces that I would wear in the fall. Thank the lawd for ASOS maternity, I would look so ridiculous during the pregnancy without it. But this isn't just a maternity trend guys, so this goes for all of you! Even if you aren't a mommy-to-be like I am.

The black and white striped mini dress would be awesome with a denim or a leather jacket, some bunched up socks, and a pair of combat boots (I have about three pairs). I may even put on a beanie or another little hat with it along with a million little midi rings and layered bracelets. As for the leggings, I would probably style it very similar to how it is in that picture. I would wear some heels, and a black tee shirt. If I needed it I would layer a big cardigan with a denim jacket. The shirt is so versatile I have a million ideas for it! Probably to start off some jeans, some flats or boots, and a colorful blazer or cardigan. Lastly the trousers, which might I add are my absolute favorite pick, I would pair with a button up like this also or maybe a white tank with a red or blue blazer along with some black flats that had something special going on. Pair that with a big statement necklace and you got yourself a dang classy outfit!

What do you guys think? Is this trend outdated or are you still into it? Do you like to make it look classic or more Beetlejuice than that? How would you style these pieces? What are some of your favorite black and white striped pieces?

Bump Fashion: Kate Middleton

Although I am from America, I thought I would celebrate William and Kate's little prince being welcomed into the world by making a post dedicated to the Duchess of Cambridge and her classic maternity style. Although most of the things she wears are pretty out of reach for most us (Come on, she's married to a prince!) it's still nice to fantasize about and lust over some of the pieces she wore while she was preggers.

Kate knows how to dress it up and dress it down in a classy way even with a baby bump poking out. Although I did notice even after she came out with the pregnancy that she kept holding her hands in front of her belly like she was blocking it. I wonder why, because I love showing off my belly. It's a baby after all, not extra pounds that you're putting on for fun. However, one thing I did hate that she did a lot (photos not included) were those horrible hats that she kept wearing. I know it's a trend for the royals, but no. Yes, I know that in the last photo she's post-baby, but she's so cute and bump-y still.

What were some of your favorite Kate Middleton looks from the pregnancy? What other celebrities do you think I should feature before I have my baby? What other looks didn't you like from her pregnancy? Isn't the little prince just so adorable?

Sometimes I Shop at Baby GAP...

Not for myself, though... for the little. I have been endlessly shopping and shopping so that I can have my registry together for my baby shower. Which I realize may seem kind of early, but apparently it's not and I just learned that I'm way behind. It's a lot more difficult than I thought it was going to be, because as it turns out I am almost as picky about baby clothes as I am about my own clothes. And my boyfriend's sister said that she needs my baby registry information as soon as possible! Ah! Though I did find out that I love, love the baby clothes from Baby GAP. Considering my baby registry is at Babies R Us, this information is only kind of helpful.

They have a lot of neutral clothes at Baby GAP. Yes, we know the gender, but I still prefer gender neutral clothes. They're  versatile, easier to sell, and easier to pass down no matter the gender of a friend's baby or maybe even one of my own. Not to mention I'm kind of against forcing gender stereotypes on my baby. I don't want my kids to think boys can't wear pink and girls can't play with toy cars.

They have quite a bit of baby clothes that look like adult clothes. I don't know why, I just love when infants dress all sophisticated and mature instead of cheap and baby-ish. I plan on putting my baby in lots of cardigans and lots of knit sweaters all winter long and again next year. I already found some cute ones from Babies R Us, but there is a lot more at Baby GAP in way better colors.

Bear ears, and that's all I need to say. Seriously, who doesn't love baby stuff with bear ears on it? I've been dying for a onesie with bear ears that I can bring the baby home in from the hospital because I love it so much. They have just about a million hoodies and hooded sweaters with bear ears on Baby GAP and it makes me so happy.

I'm sorry that this is a post about baby clothes, I've just been working really hard on baby stuff and my brain is so fried other than baby, baby, crib, diaper, baby! I promise that posting will continue as normal tomorrow and it won't be about baby clothes or what's going on in my life. In the meantime how much do you guys love these baby clothes? If you had a baby how would you dress them? Or how do you dress your baby? If you have a kid what are some good places for me to look for baby clothes that aren't too manly and aren't too baby? (Did that even make sense?)

HATCH: Maternity Dreams

It seems that all of the maternity clothes that I come across that I really, really love are incredibly expensive and completely out of my price range and it's honestly depressing because I have an urge to buy all of it. One day my boyfriend is going to come home to me hormonally sobbing over maternity clothes that I can't afford and he will laugh at me. But honestly, why do women spend so much money on clothes that they're only going to wear for a few months?! Unless you're loaded with spare cash I personally think that it's ridiculous to do that. But then again this is coming from the girl who can still put on some of her size zero jeans at nearly 20 weeks (I'm a lucky woman). This brand that I just found via an interview with model Lily Aldridge is so amazing, but really pricey for me personally. It's called HATCH and it's absolutely to die for!

The first dress, the Slouch Dress in Poppy, is $198 which isn't too bad for some people, but for my budget it's really not all that reasonable for a casual dress that I could only wear until September and then never again in my life. I would wear this one to lunches with my pregnant best friend (that's what I call her because we both got pregnant at the same time and it bonded us) or to visit with my best friend for a shopping day after she goes off to school. It's something that could easily be dressed up or down for pretty much any occasion though, so it's versatile and if I had a little more money I would definitely buy it.

Though I love the entire outfit in the second picture I saved it for the cape. I could probably wear this thing pretty deep into fall here, all the way up until mid November if I'm really lucky before it would get terribly too cold. Why don't I buy it then? It's $318 for a cape specifically made for a pregnant woman. I make myself sound so cheap, and I'm really not because when I really love something I will save the money to buy it, but maternity clothes are just sadly outrageous.

I personally believe that the third image of the burnt coral Dinner Party Dress is the most reasonably priced. It is only $298 for a special occasion dress that I could wear to my baby shower, my friend's baby shower (that I could possibly be planning), a wedding, a fancy party, or anything else that I needed to really. It's pretty and flowy and probably incredibly comfortable I would image and when you're about to pop that's an important thing to look for when buying clothes. Out of any of these if I was going to splurge I would definitely get this one, probably in burnt coral but I would also consider the other colors because I'm a sucker for broadening my horizons color-wise.

Finally the button down in navy silk is something I think I could pull off for a long time. If I bought a decent jacket to go over it I could probably pull it off for the rest of the pregnancy, as a matter of fact. However, I would never in a million years be able to pay $248 for a maternity button down. Couldn't I buy a car for that much? (Just kidding guys! I'll stop making myself seem so stupid now.) I would pair it with a light wash jean and some dark shoes and it would be season-less, in my opinion. I really love it though. Oh, how I wish I was rich.

Don't you guys wish you had the money to buy all of the beautiful things that you find? I would have bought so many things for me and baby so far! Do you like my maternity style finds? Don't they kind of make you wish you had a bump? Just a little bit? Do you know of any cheap maternity stores that don't sell horrifying clothes? Help a sister, out! By the way, today I'm finding out the gender of the little! I'm beyond excited!

Neutral and Relaxed: OOTD

As most of you know I went to get my hair re-done at the salon yesterday closer to my original hair color as well as getting some bangs cut. Usually when I go to the salon I try to wear something comfortable, but cute. That way I can feel good about myself when I leave, but I don't have to be incredibly uncomfortable sitting in the chair for possibly hours. That's why I put together this cute but sensible and accessible outfit for going to get my hair done. Sorry for the crappy lighting, ugly nails and ugly feet. Check out the baby bump that's coming along!

Tank top: Express; Denim Shirt: Forever21; Charcoal Leggings: ASOS Maternity; Lipstick: Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivids in On Fire Red; Bracelet: Unknown (gifted from mother); Shoes: Kino's (my boyfriend picked them out).

What do you guys normally wear to the salon? Do you actually get dressed up or do you go super casual like I do? Are you into my totally adorable and comfortable shoes my boyfriend got for me at the beach? What about my awesome red lipstick shade? Should I review it?

P.S. Kino's are the best things that could have happened to me. They're so comfortable and my boyfriend is obsessed with telling people he picked them. It makes him so happy that I wear them. Also, my hair isn't even close to that dark. It's the bad lighting. Blah.

Fillyboo: Maternity Dreams

This week I am officially eighteen weeks pregnant and I'm still wearing clothes from before I was pregnant. Slowly, but surely though, I am having to move into maternity clothes. And you know what that means? Shopping! Sadly there aren't all that many affordable maternity shops and I don't want to spend a hundred dollars on a piece I'm only going to get to wear for a couple of months. Although it is very tempting because I have found some pretty cool websites in my endless search for stylish maternity fashion.

One of those sites is Fillyboo, a bohemian maternity shop full of hippie-esque dresses and things of the sort. I have spent a lot of time creeping around this site and drooling over everything that they have. The bad news about Fillyboo is that it is way out of my price range for maternity clothes. I have a baby on the way, guys! Lower your prices! But of course I will continue window shopping just because I like looking at the pretty dresses like the ones at the top of this post.

The Dream Catcher, which is the dress on the left, looks so comfortable and airy. If I had $69.82 to spend on something I will only be able to wear for a couple more months and then never again I would definitely buy this. Plus, it's so minimal you can do so many things with shoes and accessories! This dress could be dressed up or down for whatever occasion you need to be dressed for. It's out of stock in my size anyways. That's probably the only thing keeping me from splurging on it and being upset with myself a couple weeks from now.

The other two pieces are between $80-$135. The powder blue dress in the middle is cool and nearly worth the price because of the chic fringe-y tassels and the gypsy feel/aesthetic and the lilac dress on the right side is perfect for accessorizing however you want to also. If it was for a big event I would definitely get one of these! A baby shower, a wedding, a nice party, a brunch, something like that. I might be throwing one of my friends a baby shower in a couple of months and if I am I would totally match the colors to one of these dresses so I could match the whole party!

Is there a brand that you love right now that you can't afford? Is there any big event coming up in your life that you need to put together a really nice, stylish outfit for? And are you into the maternity style that I've been sharing with you guys?

July Wishes 2013

These are the things that I want to buy really badly this month! And hopefully, if I save up correctly, I'll be able to get a lot of them or something close enough to satisfy me. However, some of these things are things that I will never be able to afford, but a girl can still dream, right? Let me know in the comments what you've been wishing for lately and let me know if you're into any of the stuff I shared here.

1. Army Parka $93.34: This army parka from ASOS is literally the cutest thing that I've ever seen and I want it so badly that I can hardly stand myself. The only problem is that I don't have the money for it. It would be so perfect for fall and the early weeks of winter. If I actually had the money I would be willing to splurge for it, but I just don't. I have to put more important things above clothes... sadly. Times are a-changin', I suppose.

2. Maternity Full Length Soft Touch Legging $20.36: I've come to learn I'm not going to be able to get $10 maternity leggings like I was so hoping. But they're a necessity, so I have to get them anyways. Most of them are at least $20 and if they're cheaper all of the reviews tend to say how poorly they fit. Everything I get from ASOS is really good quality though, so if I get these I can hopefully just get two pairs for the entire pregnancy and be happy with that. A charcoal pair and a black pair.

3. Maternity Peg Trouser in Bird $37.33: If you guys haven't been able to tell yet I am completely obsessed with ASOS and ASOS's Maternity clothes lately. These pants are no different from the rest of it. I absolutely love the pattern and the way that they look. I actually bought some solid peg pants from ASOS a few days ago, but they haven't gotten in yet. It says that they're really soft and should fit the entire pregnancy.

4. Capsule Ponytail Clip $18.00: If you guys didn't know this, which most of you probably don't, Nasty Gal is one of my favorite websites, but it's mostly out of my price range right now. However, I can't resist the urge to constantly window shop anyways (even if I can't fit into the clothes and wouldn't spend that much money on most of the accessories). I figured out yesterday while I was shopping I'm going to have to buy 95% of my accessories these next two seasons probably from Forever21 because I'm broke. I have tricks to keep those in good condition though.

5. Miu Miu Cat Eye Frames $325.00: Sorry that I won't shut up about these, but I just love them so much! If I could just make any item in the world appear in my hands right now it would be these glasses (and I wouldn't complain if everything else on this list appeared, too). They're just so fresh and fierce, okay? I totally don't have $325 to spend on something that I wouldn't use literally 24/7 though.

6. Zoeva Bamboo Pinsel Set 30 EUR: This set is kind of pricey, but it seems like it would be totally worth it. For 30 euros (about $38.50 in American dollars) you get the 12 makeup brushes and the travel cases, and you know what? 12 brushes are a lot of brushes for that amount of money. They're made of bamboo and they're completely vegan and they've gotten some killer reviews from what I have seen.

7. Conditioning Makeup Brush Cleanser $15.00: I originally was recommended this product from another blog, but the link they provided was more expensive than this. I'm pretty sure this is the cheapest you can buy it. It's the original website. Basically you use this stuff daily to clean your makeup brushes after using them. That prevents breakouts and spreading germs around on your face unnecessarily which is really important to me because I am a huge germaphobe lately. I carry around 3 bottles of hand sanitizer at all times and I refuse to touch door knobs with my hands. I'm that girl in the bathroom opening the door with her elbow.

8. Lady Danger Lipstick $15.00: You guys are going to shame the heck out of me for this, but I've never gotten MAC lipstick. I've been lusting after a million shades for a million years and I've heard from everyone under the sun that it's the best thing ever, but for some reason I can't will myself to spend that much on lipstick. I'm planning on it this month though. I've heard from so many people that it's worth it that I thought it couldn't hurt to give it a go because the colors are so fantastic, especially this one.

So what are you into lately? Are there any products that you could recommend me, clothes and beauty wise? Or even brands! Remember though that for clothes I am pregnant and right now I'm trying to buy mostly maternity clothes other than big shirts and dresses that will fit for awhile. What are you wishing that you could get this month? I hope I hear back from you guys.

ASOS Maternity

I recently discovered that ASOS, a shop that I sort of shopped at pre-pregnancy, has a maternity shop! So I've been browsing around the maternity shop online and finding that there are a lot of things that I would wear for a lot of different occasions. Check out the shop for yourself, but here are just a few of my favorites and some scenarios that you could wear them in.

Comfort
These are some pieces I would wear just lounging around, going to the doctor, or running errands (i.e. the grocery store, the bank, the dmv, etc). Of course tee shirts and leggings are essentials for every pregnant woman. They fit the whole time and they're comfortable the whole time! Not to mention you can totally wear this stuff to the hospital for the big day. I ordered the first two today. You'll be seeing pictures as soon as I feel it's fit.
 

Casual Cool

These are closer to my everyday wear than anything else. Or pre-pregnancy everyday wear, that is. There's nothing wrong with looking cute and dressing the way you normally would dress while you're pregnant! The important thing is that you're happy in your skin. I would wear these to go hang out with friends, to go shopping, and to go out on casual dates with my boyfriend.

Casual Classy

These are the pieces that I personally would wear out to lunch with the family, or my boyfriend's family. I wouldn't be comfortable wearing these every single day because they just aren't my style that way and I would feel weirdly overdressed. I would work it for job hunting or interviews, family events, photo events, etc. though.  I'd just pair them with a pair of nice jeans and be done with it.

 

Jeans
I actually just ordered a pair of these! I was having to wear my jeans around unbuttoned because I don't have a belly band in yet. Needless to say it is kind of embarrassing! I'm working on gradually building up the amount of maternity jeans I have, though I'll probably only get 3-5 pairs for the entire pregnancy. Why? Because I'm only going to be pregnant for about twenty more weeks. They're a necessity though, because you can wear jeans with basically anything.

 

Special Occasion
I'm not sure about everyone, but I know I will at least need one special occasion dress during my maternity clothing wearing days. These can come in handy for your baby shower, for a friend's shower, for a wedding, for a funeral, etc. We need to look dressed up from time to time even if there's a bun cooking in our puffy little ovens.

What do you guys think? Do you like ASOS? Do you like my picks? What else would you have added to this? Let me know! xx

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