BellyMoms nursing shirt review and a giveaway!

If you are or have ever been a breastfeeding mom you know just how challenging it can be to find nice affordable nursing clothes as I mentioned in my breastfeeding post. Most regular tops just do not have the access needed and a lot of nursing wear you will find is tanks which is fine but sometimes you want to wear a short sleeve or long sleeve top and be able to easily nurse. I was recently contacted by Belly Moms to do a review of one of their nursing tops and do a nursing cover GIVEAWAY!

The giveaway details are after the review so don't miss out!  I was given this top below to try out and give my honest opinion on.

My review:
- The top will go with many different bottoms and pair easily with a cardigan in cooler weather.
- It is really long. On me (5'3) it is basically long enough to be a tunic so I may have to try it with leggings. I definitely prefer long over short as you know it won't ride up bending over to pick up your little one or play on the floor with them.
- It is a little loose in the stomach area but it is supposed to also work as a maternity top as you can see in the website photo so I understand why they needed to make it that way.
- It is very easy to nurse in
- The panel underneath the outer layer pulls up easily to access your nursing. Many other nursing tops have elastic on the panel making access to your nursing bra a little more limited.

They have a lot of cute nursing and maternity clothes on their site.

This crossover is cute and is currently on sale:

This long sleeved tunic has a great pattern and who doesn't love wearing comfy leggings with it:

And here is the nursing cover. I don't use a cover much anymore now that Dexter is older because he doesn't tolerate being under them but they were great when he was younger and I always use one when I need to pump in public or in the car.

The Giveaway! 
I have a very stylish nursing cover from Belly Moms that I modeled above for one lucky winner! This would be perfect for any expecting mom, new mom or a great gift for either! See the rafflecopter below to enter. The giveaway starts on 12/18.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!

Update: CONGRATS Lindsay! I will email you next week after the holidays to arrange mailing you the nursing cover! Thanks to all who entered! You can receive 20% off any purchase at bellymoms.com with the coupon code THANKS

What I Wore: Navy and pink tunic

I bought this really cute tunic several months ago thinking it would be great with leggings and it's been great to wear layered as it's been getting cold. I wore it on Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve to dinner and a brewery with friends. It meets the key tunic requirement of being long enough in the front and back. There are some that don't meet those requirements and you definitely need to wear a pretty long tank underneath instead but with this one that is not needed although I like layering underneath (and over) for warmth.

Also gotta love fleece lined leggings in the winter!

Tunic: Target (the exact color is caraway seed), similar, similar, similar
Gray sweater cardigan: Marshalls, similar, similar, similar
White tank: Target
Fleece lined leggings: Marshalls, similar
Cognac boots: Born, similar, similar, similar
Pink pashmina: shop in London, similar, similar, similar
Gold disk earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar



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What I Wore: H&M leopard top

We now have a few H&M stores in town but sometimes they are hard to look through since it seems like stuff is everywhere in there and not well organized. I decided to give ordering online a try and ordered this $10 "jersey top" a couple of months ago that comes in a ton of colors. It's really just a thin soft flowy top.. not sure why it is called jersey. It was perfect with a camisole underneath it but if you got it in a darker color then you might not need it.


I don't usually like to take photos inside because the lighting isn't as good but it was raining outside.

Leopard print top: H&M, similar
Black cardigan: Gap outlet, very similar, very similar
Black camisole: Old Navy, similar, similar
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similarBlack flats:
Black dangle earrings: made by me


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What I Wore: Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving last week at the in-laws in Columbia. While they do not dress up for Thanksgiving, I think it is always good to look a little bit nicer for a family dinner like that. I suppose you could call this a What We Wore since Eric is in the photo too (although don't mind his flip flops... guy never gets cold). It was a really nice cool day outside and I wanted to wear a scarf even indoors so a way to tie it without it feeling too hot around your neck is to tie it in a low double knot. You still get the look of a cute scarf accessory without feeling too hot inside the house. Also this tunic is super comfortable and has pockets in the front that are kind of hard to see in this photo... great item to have in your closet paired with leggings or skinny jeans!

Striped tunic: Nordstrom, very similar, similar  love that Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns by mail!
Black fleece leggings: Marshalls, similar, similar
Cognac boots: Born, similar, similar, similar
Pink pashmina: shop in London, similar, similar, similar
Turquoise earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar, similar



Linking up to: What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore to Work, Because Shanna Said So, Tucker Up, PTMT Get Pin-spired, Tip Junkie

What I Wore: Fall Tailgating Purple Dress

The key to successful tailgating attire in the fall is layers since it starts off cool in the morning and gets warm mid-day and then can get cool again in the evening. That is exactly what I did for a Clemson game near the end of October. I had a denim jacket on in the morning and evening (plus a tiger hat that evening since it was a night game) and then below is what I wore the rest of the time. I could have easily taken off my fleece leggings too when it got warm but we were in the shade most of the time so I was fine to leave them on. A shift dress can also be a great game day option so you can fill up on all the delicious tailgating food!!

Purple dress: Hourglass Lilly from Ivy & Leo, similar, similar, similar, similar, same dress in black/white
Black fleece leggings: Marshalls, similar, similar
Cognac boots: Born, similar, similar, similar
Football field scarf: Julie's Boutique, I've only found this online in wholesale so check boutique near you - I know it also comes in red/white and red/black
Orange chandelier earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar
Orange Purple bracelet: made by my godmother
Denim jacket (not pictured): Old Navy, similar, similar

And just for fun here is one of me and the husband. He hardly ever gets cold so layers weren't necessary for him.

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What I Wore: Gray Knit Blazer and Teal

I bought this slightly striped light gray knit blazer during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and was just waiting for cooler weather so I could wear it. I really like knit blazers because they can be dressy, like when wearing them to work below, or casual and they are oh so comfy! I can't wait to pair this one with more outfits! (Ignore that light stripe looking thing going across me... apparently the sun was peaking through something)

Gray blazer: Nordstrom, similar, similar

Teal dress: Target, similar, similar

Black leggings: Amazon

Cobalt Belt: Target

Gray flats: Anne Klein iflex

Gold disk earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar


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What I Wore: Black lace and coral

We went out after work a little over a week ago to a couple of breweries with friends and I knew there would be a mixture of sitting outside and inside so this outfit worked out perfectly with the option of the denim jacket. This is also one of those tops that can add some dressiness (is that even a word?) to any outfit.. I guess it's the lace. I like how it has a bright color under the black lace layer. Of course you know I love teal and coral together!

Black lace top: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, similar
Black camisole: Old Navy, similar, similar
Coral skinny jeans: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Denim jacket: Old Navy, similar, similar
Cognac flats: Aerosoles, similar, similar, very similar
Cognac crossbody bag: Target, similar, similar
Black earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar


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What I Wore: Purple on Purple

Purple is a great jewel tone that looks good on many people and I wear it frequently. It just seems very fall-ish too. I wore this to work with black pants but if you really wanted to go for it, you could turn it into purple on purple on purple with some light purple or mauve skinny jeans. I don't own a pair of purple skinny jeans but those or an orange pair have been on my closet gap list for awhile now. They would be perfect for Clemson games but also look great with other items.

Printed purple top: Banana Republic, similar, similar, similar, similar
Purple cardigan: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, similar
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Gray flats: Anne Klein iflex
Silver filigree earrings: The Limited - seriously get a pair of these.. they are so fun and lightweight AND on sale (they also come in gold), similar



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What I Wore: Polka Dots and Floral

If you are shy about pattern mixing, this is a great way to ease into it... with a patterned scarf! Like I've said before, the key is to make sure the patterns are different enough. Floral and polka dots work great together as long as they are not the exact same size and concentration. In this outfit I wore to work, the dots are smaller and more spread out where the floral is a little bit bigger and very concentrated. I've gotten so much great use out of this floral scarf so having one would be a great addition to your closet if you don't already own one!

Note; The top is not quite as bright of a cobalt as blogger is making it look.


Blue polka dot top: Target, similar, similar, white option
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Floral scarf: Francesca's, similar, similar, red/purple option, multicolor option, turquoise option
Gray flats: Anne Klein iflex
Cobalt earrings: Towne and Reese, similar $8, similar




Linking up to: What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore to Work, Because Shanna Said So, Tucker Up, PTMT Get Pin-spired, Tip Junkie

What I Wore: Turquoise and Orange

Of course as a huge Clemson fan, I have a lot of orange jewelry. Orange doesn't just look great with purple (or blue for Gator fans or navy for Auburn fans... VT fans the jury's still out on orange and maroon). I've found that orange pairs beautifully with turquoise or teal! I wore this to work and like working little bits (or big amounts) of orange into work outfits. On this day, I met someone at work that also is a Clemson alum because they were commenting on my orange... ya just never know!

Turquoise blazer: Loft, similar, similar, more green than teal
White top: Target, similar, similar
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Leopard flats: Sam Edelman, similar, similar, similar, similar
Orange circle bead earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar
Orange necklace: Towne & Reese, similar, similar



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What I Wore: Mint with Emerald Green Accessories

I bought this green and gold necklace back in the Spring and to be honest hadn't worn it much because I was having a hard time figuring out what to pair it with and it is a tad on the short side (I think I may lengthen it with some chain I have though). When I was getting ready for work and deciding what jewelry to wear to spice up this plain tee I figured I'd give the emerald green necklace a try with emerald green and pink earrings and surprisingly it worked. I thought it wouldn't because who thinks to put mint and emerald green together but in such a small dose it looked great!

Mint cardigan: Gap Outlet, similar, similar, similar
White tee: Old Navy only $6!! similar, similar
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Black flats: Anne Klein, similar
Emerald green necklace: Towne & Reese, similar, similar
Emerald green and pink earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar



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What I Wore: Mint and gray

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I never used to stock my wardrobe with many blazers and jackets and once I started doing that, it really opened up so many possibilities for mixing and matching and creating great outfits. So with that said, always keep an eye out for ones you can add to yours! This gray 3/4 sleeve jacket is one I really love for work or casual... in this instance below it was worn to work.

Mint capris: Loft, similar, similar
White tee: Old Navy only $6!! similar, similar
Gray 3/4 sleeve jacket: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, similar
Teal earrings: Francesca's, similar, similar
Teal necklace: Towne & Reese, similar, similar
Gray flats: Anne Klein iflex


Linking up to: What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore to Work, Because Shanna Said So, Tucker Up, PTMT Get Pin-spired, Tip Junkie

What I Wore: Yellow and Teal

I usually pair this bright yellow skirt with a neutral top or I've paired it with a bright blue before but I decided to try it out with my favorite color, teal. And I really liked the combo. If you like bright happy colors definitely try out yellow and teal together. As I've said before if you are shy about yellow (as many people are) try it as a bottom instead of a top and won't have a chance to not look great with your face skin tone.

I only wish I could find this exact skirt in more colors. It is the perfect length and fit.

Yellow skirt: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, midi skirt, similar
Teal cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet, similar, similar, similar, similar
White sleeveless top: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, similar
Cognac flats: Aerosoles, similar, similar, very similar
Clear and gold chandelier earrings: Towne and Reese, similar, similar
Gold necklace: Towne and Reese, similar, similar


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Great lipsticks for fair skin

I've found that one of the biggest beauty challenges for someone with fair skin is finding lipsticks that look great. Of course there is no one lipstick for all occasions since if you are wearing colors that go better with red you will want a red-tone lipstick or wearing colors that go better with pink you will want a pink-tone lipstick and so on. I've compiled a list of lipsticks that I find to be fabulous for those with fair skin like myself and these are the only lipsticks I wear!

Nars Flair
My most versatile and longest lasting lipstick so worth the higher price compared to the other lipsticks on this list. Creamy and nourishing too!

Clinique Black Honey
This is a little bit sheer but still great color. Has a little bit of a purple hue in it.

Revlon Colorburst Red Velvet
Obviously in the red family but a little more crimson than the true red.

Revlon Colorburst Berry Smoothie
In the pink family but really goes well with lots of outfits/colors. I've found this to be a great lipstick when wearing bright orange since I have a good bit of that in my closet... Go Tigers!

Maybelline Colorsensation Warm Me Up
This has a mauve/pink and soft brown hue so it is my "neutral" lipstick without looking like your bare lips which a lot of neutrals look like on fair skin

Revlon Colorburst True Red
Just like it sounds, a perfect true red


Of course I am sure many of these lipsticks look great on other complexions too but hopefully this was especially helpful to all the fair skinned girls!! Fair is the new tan right?!? Well at least that's the motto my sunscreen and I are sticking to.


Here are a few past style photos for me to identify the lipsticks for you... I usually don't list out my lipstick color in the What I Wore posts so I'll try to add a few photos to this in the future. You can click on the photo if you need to see it enlarged.

Nars Flair

Another Nars Flair

Revlon Berry Smoothie

 Revlon Red Velvet

Revlon True Red

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What I Wore: Coral Shorts and Chambray

I had been looking forward to pairing my coral shorts with a chambray top ever since I bought the shorts. We had a few really hot weeks so I had to wait for a day when it wasn't just blazing hot out even though the chambray isn't too heavy. I wore this to dinner out with the girls! I finally ate at Tupelo Honey (a local-ish restaurant with a few locations, the first being in Asheville). It did not disappoint... especially the free biscuits with honey and jam they bring out to every table! If I was saying this to Eric, this is the point where he would quote Futurama and say "free bread at a restaurant".

My chambray shirt was a clearance find at Gap for $18 marked down from like $60 something. Probably why I don't own that many things from Gap (as opposed to Gap Outlet) since I won't pay that much for a button down shirt but every so often you find a gem on the sale or clearance rack. I really loved the combo of a chambray top with bright colored shorts.

Chambray top: Gap, very similar, similar, similar, similar
Coral shorts: J.Crew (brilliant coral 3" chino shorts) - these often go on sale and you can get them for around $30
Gold sandals: Nine West, similar, similar
Teal earrings: Francesca's, similar, similar
Aviator sunglasses: Loft Outlet, very similar, similar


Linking up to: What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore to Work, Because Shanna Said So, Tucker Up, PTMT Get Pin-spired, Tip Junkie

What I Wore: White + Floral = So Summery

Apparently the formula for a summer outfit is white + floral because while wearing both of these outfits, many people commented on how summery I looked. Fresh crisp white and bright floral.. makes sense to me! Summer is my favorite season so while others have been breaking out pumpkins and fall things the past couple of days, I've been hanging onto summer for as long as possible. Luckily living in NC, we should get at least a couple more weeks of summer-like weather. Fingers crossed!

This skirt is really comfy and flowy and has pockets which makes me love it even more! Lots of great midi white skirt options for you in the links below.

White midi skirt: Victoria's Secret, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar
Floral sleeveless top: Loft outlet, similar, similar, similar
Blue cardigan: Gap outlet, similar, similar
Cognac flats: Aerosoles, similar, similar, very similar
Pink and coral earrings: made by me
Gold necklace: Towne and Reese, similar

I realize a parking lot is not an attractive background but it was all there was to work with on this particular day so just roll with it :) 

White midi skirt: Victoria's Secret, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar
Blue floral sleeveless top: Banana Republic, similar, similar, similar
Gold sandals: Nine West, similar, similar
Gold disk earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar
Aviator sunglasses: Loft Outlet, very similar, similar
Cognac bag: Target; similar; similar
Bun tool: Amazon


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What I Wore: Leopard in the Summer

When I first started adding leopard pieces to my wardrobe I naturally wore them in the fall and winter because leopard just seems to fit in those seasons. I wanted to be able to wear some leopard pieces in the summer and figured out that that best way to do so and still look summery is in moderation and paired with bright color. I just don't see anyone in a leopard print skirt or dress in the summer.... too much leopard for the summer. Below are some examples of how to insert small amounts of leopard into your summer outfits with two being business casual outfits and one a casual outfit. Another great leopard accessory is a leopard scarf as long as it isn't too hot for this. Just pair it with a bright top or bright bottom to keep the summery look.

I finally found a pair of leopard flats I liked and that fit at the beginning of the summer. There are a lot of great options I found in the links below for cute affordable leopard flats. As you can see in the 2nd and 3rd outfits and imagine they will be a nice addition to many outfits and can be worn like a neutral but are a more fun neutral :)  Since I was already wearing a leopard top in the 1st outfit, I didn't overdo it by also wearing the leopard flats and opted instead for black.

Blue/purple blazer: Loft Outlet, very similar, similar
Leopard top: Target, similar, similar, similar
Khaki skirt: Old Navy, similar, pencil skirt
Black flats: Aerosoles, similar, similar
Black pendant necklace: Towne & Reese, similar, similar
Black earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar

White sleeveless top: Loft Outlet, similar, similar, similar
Coral shorts: J.Crew (brilliant coral 3" chino shorts) - these often go on sale and you can get them for around $30
Leopard belt: Target, similar
Leopard flats: Sam Edelman, similar, similar, similar, similar
Teal earrings: Francesca's, similar, similar
Teal necklace: Towne & Reese, similar, similar
Gold ball bracelet: Towne & Reese, very similar
Aviator sunglasses: Loft Outlet, very similar, similar

Light tan cropped jacket: Loft Outlet, similar
Coral red top: Loft Outlet, similar, similar
Black straight dress pants: Loft, similar, similar, similar
Leopard flats: Sam Edelman, similar, similar, similar, similar
Yellow bubble necklace: Amazon - $12 and free prime shipping
Yellow stud earrings: Amazon, similar



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