Channeling Kendi

It seems almost comical that during my pregnancy my style icon has been the svelte Kendi Skeen of "KendiEveryday" and not someone, well, rounder.

I thought I'd be one of those ladies channeling Stevie Knicks; wearing caftans, chiffon and boho skirts; but this has not been the case for the past 9 months.

I think I've been so drawn to Kendi because I like the simplicity of her style. She chooses well fitting garments and adds thoughtful accessories to her ensembles to create outfits that are edited perfectly.

Examples you say? Here you go:

Simple blouse, simple hair, clean make up and unconventional trousers. Balanced with chunky jewellery so no piece is the "star". The color palette is blue, white and green accented with a delicate warm gold.

A  red lip would make it look like she tried too hard, a colored bag would throw off the balance, take away the necklace and it would look like expensive pajamas. The girl got it right.

Tough leather jacket with sweet pretty dress, unfussy accessories in the same hues and a perfect blow out. This outfit is perfection, it makes me itch for Autumn.

Her oversize necklace could take away from the leopard print skirt, but because it's such a delicate color and is echoed in the skirt they do not compete for attention. This picture taught me how to wear the huge intimidating necklaces that I have seen in magazines and been afraid that I couldn't wear them myself.

Here are a few pictures of me biting Kendis style from the past week

I found this JCrew inspired necklace at "Rag-O-Rama" It's chartreuse and slime green and I love it. I paired it with my "put a bird on it" top from Forever 21 for balance.

Jeans- Destination Maternity

Top- Forever 21+

Necklace- Rag-O-Rama

Shoes- Ebay (Of course if I was wearing a 100% Kendi outfit these would be pretty green heels)

Thanks for the inspiration Kendi!

A little lip.

 

Sometimes when it's steamy outside and you're 36 weeks pregnant, the only hope of looking somewhat decent is slapping on a coat of red lipstick and hoping for the best.

I decided to try a new hairstyle too because I can't be bothered to cut my bangs.

Tank- Ross

Long black maxi skirt (that you can't see)- Target

Bow belt- ASOS

Necklace- House of Harlow 

Lipstick- MAC "Lady Bug"

 

Shower Me

On Sunday 5th August I was showered with love and gifts at Hodgepodge by my friends excited to meet "Baby T".

Amanda made this cake! Unreal!

My friend Amanda arranged the whole thing and it was so very special.

Me and Amanda with pirate themed booty for baby T

 My dress- Ross

Cardigan- Jigsaw London

Mona, Tara, Lynne and Laura

We didn't play any games, which I was really happy about, instead everyone (except me) drank wine and we ate a whole bunch of delicious treats including Lemon Meringue and Key Lime pies!  

 

It was so nice to see everyone, especially because I've been working so hard that I've had no real time to enjoy being pregnant. 

Me and Sahara

Me and Anna

Me and Betsy

Me and Leah

 

It was nice for my baby bump to get a few rubs and talk about all of the dreams and wishes we have for a little boy who hasn't taken his first look at the world yet.

2 1/2 Americans and 2 1/2 Brits! I could not love this photo more.

I had a blast!

35 wEEKs!

So, Atlanta is having a record breaking hot summer, wouldn't you know it?! 

My English blood is boiling underneath my skin thanks to my built in heating pad that kicks me intermittently throughout the day, and develops hiccups around 6pm each day. 

It's been a little rough getting ready recently, mainly because my feet and legs have swollen, so my shoes hurt and wearing a skirt leads to excessive chub rub, you feel me?

This is what I wore to get lunch with my buddy David yesterday as the temperature hit close to 100 degrees.   

Shirt- Macys 

Skirt- Forever 21+ bodycon skirt

Belt- ASOS.com

Sparkly Flats- Bakers

Yup, there's definitely something other than lunch in there!

Earrings- Francescas

Nail Polish- Butter London in "Bossy Boots"- Spring 2012 Ltd Edition

I have to say, that I haven't bought much "maternity" clothing, other than some bras, a pair of shorts and a pair of jeans because I've just been wearing anything that is floaty or stretchy.  I also had a couple of maternity tops before I was pregnant because they had a little more room in the belly area, and lets face it, even though you only need maternity clothes for a few months even they are cuter than most plus size threads. Grumble grumble.

It's so strange as a fat girl to embrace a belly, we've grown up learning "tips and tricks" to disguise it, so it feels a little liberating to not suck in, or wonder if I look extra fat in something.  

I may have become one of those serene mothers to be...

...until I stand up and my feet look like this...

My feet are so very swollen  that even these flats hurt after an hour :(

A little more round than usual.

I'm 32 weeks pregnant on Tuesday and I have the bump to prove it!
The summer is hot, so finding comfortable things to wear has been a challenge.
I do love this outfit though. I got a pair of stretchy maternity jeans from "Destination Maternity" that are very comfortable and were very affordable.
This shirt is from Macys "American Rag" line, and is such a lovely rust color.

 

 My necklace is from Forever 21 and cost me $6.80! Up close it looks like it could be from a foreign land as it's so intricate. The only way you can tell I scored it on the cheap is the lovely green ring around my neck after I take it off...I've got to try that nail polish trick. Until then- Hair down it is.