[haute mama] w19d2 ~ labor day weekend

A belated happy Labor Day weekend to everyone.  We headed north to Wisconsin to visit my parents over the long weekend, and were greeted by crisp, early fall weather.  It was admittedly a little cooler than I expected, but still a nice change from the sweat box that has been Texas for the past few months.

My mom is a fantastic gardener, and although she claimed her garden wasn't very colorful or exciting at this time of year, I think it looked amazing:

dress: Motherhood, cardi: Urban Outfitters, flats: Ted Baker

Stay tuned for part II of my Labor Day weekend with some shots from our fabulous nautical baby shower.  Ahoy!

[haute mama] w18d6

Some days I think 'wow, I don't really look that pregnant yet,' but I know I really do.  Case in point, I've worn today's exact outfit before on the blog (check it here), and yeah...there's a difference!  But once again, it's nice to be finding a lot of pieces in my existing wardrobe that work for me right now.

This deserves a 'before & after,' especially since I posed EXACTLY THE SAME the last time I wore this. Embarrassing, but funny.

Heee!  I'm definitely filling out the top portion of this dress a little more now, too.  *ahem*

dress: Wal-Mart, shoes: Miu Miu, bag (in today's version): Tylie Malibu

[haute mama] w18d2

Another non-maternity maternity gem:  Maxi dresses.  I got this one last year for our wedding trip, and it's kind of working out perfectly for this stage in my pregnancy.  It's 100% cotton, which is crucial in this heat, and the empire waist leaves me just enough extra room.  It's got no stretch to it, so it may not make too far into the 3rd trimester, but it's so summery that I don't really need it to.  I love it right now!

I wore this on Saturday to hit a few thrift stores (found a fab $40 dresser that will become our changing table - more on that later), followed by dinner at one of my favorite Dallas restaurants, Hattie's.

I went closer to the tree for this last pic, but then didn't know how to pose.  Rod yelled, "Hug it!"  So I did.

**dork**

dress: Old Navy, bag: Rebecca Minkoff, flip-flops: Old Navy, necklace: self-made, cuff:  Hi Fi Jewelry

[haute mama] w17d7

For some reason I've been neglecting my Mexican pueblo dresses this summer, which is crazy because they're perfect as maternity wear.  I usually belt them for a little definition, but belting a bump is definitely a different ballgame.  You kind of have to go above, which doesn't exactly work with all belts.  I tried on about 5 different ones before I decided on this elastic vintage belt, which I think looks cute and also stretches with me - always a good thing.

I'm may have to figure out a different spot for morning pics - the sun was KILLING my eyes!  Sorry for all the squintage.

dress: La Mariposa in Dallas, belt: vintage via eBay, sandals: Boutique 9, earrings:  Forever21

I wore this yesterday and got mad compliments on it all day - I'll definitely have to wear this one and my black version a few more times before summer runs out.  Also, I don't know about you, but I normally can't change out of my work clothes fast enough when I get home.  But last night?  I popped off that belt and lounged in my dress all evening long.  It's basically the most comfortable article of clothing, ever.

Bring on week 18!

oh hi. remember me?

I've never pretended to be a consistent blogger, but I think I've outdone myself this time.  The excuses are good this time, though, they really are!  First of all, Rod & I bought our first house together & moved back in June.  It's been equal parts exciting and exhausting getting everything in order, especially in this summer heat, but we're loving every second of it.

Aaaand the second great excuse?  We're expecting our first baby!!!  Yep, folks, come January we are going to be parents to a baby boy, and we couldn't be more thrilled.  The past 4+ months have been a bit of a whirlwind, getting used to this new chapter of our lives, starting all of the preparations, and trying to stay awake.  It's also been interesting dressing a figure which seems to change on the daily!  Which is part of the reason why I've finally gotten the motivation to return to my much-neglected blog:  Now that I'm starting to show, I figured why not share my growing waistline and adventures in maternity fashion with the world?  Plus, I know my family and friends who don't live near us will get a kick out of seeing me grow.  So without further ado, I give you my very first mama-to-be outfit of the day, week 17, day 6:

My bump is still a small speed bump at this point, although I know not for long!  As such, I'm trying to make as many things in my existing wardrobe work, as well as purchasing more generously cut non-maternity pieces that I can wear later on.  I have had to cave on pants and skirts, though.  With a couple of very rare exceptions, I was sized right out of my normal pants/jeans/skirts about a week ago.  This skirt was a good find at Motherhood Maternity - their quality tends to be a little iffy (LOTS of polyester), but I really like the cut and fit of this one, and it seems to be well made.  Oh, and it was $21.99.  Not bad for a basic black skirt, and I know I'll get a ton of wear out of this at work this fall & winter.

Throwing in a side note on the new house, this is our back yard!  Rod and my mom planted that flower bed right after we moved, and it makes me seriously happy.  We haven't done anything major back there this summer, but the flowers definitely prettied everything up for the time being. 

Outfit details:  top: Gap, skirt: Motherhood Maternity, shoes: Anne Klein, bag:  Handmaid by Michelle Frantz, necklace: Urban Outfitters

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!  xoxo

etsy dallas spring bash - may 1st at south side on lamar

Just a reminder that the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is only one week away!  Dallasites, head down to South Side On Lamar between 11 am - 5 pm to catch 60 of Dallas's most talented artists and crafters, including Haute Hardware.

The last two bashes have been EPIC, so you don't want to miss this!  Tell your friends and get yourself there on the 1st!!

happy easters

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter today, with a promise to be back soon. It's been mass chaos up in here, with us buying a home, getting ready for our trip to Spain at the end of the month, and making pieces for the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash.

In the spirit of the day, some bun spam:

One of our babies, Fiver Ears McBigglesby, chowing down.

Our other babies, Ruby & Ethel, doing what they do best (maxin' & relaxin').

Haute Hardware leaping bunny necklace

Bunny pancakes I made this morning.

Last but not least, in loving, loving memory of our sweet Zoe:

 We miss you so much, sweet girl.

Just a quick reminder today that although rabbits are an awesome symbol of Easter, and in my opinion the greatest pets in the whole wide world, they're not a suitable Easter "present" for young kids.  Rod and I volunteer at the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary, and shortly after Easter, rabbit rescues like NTRS & humane societies are inundated with rabbits, Easter gifts whose "owners" no longer want them. And these are the ones who aren't just abandoned outside.  So without getting too preachy, just remember to make your bunny a chocolate one this Easter, or a stuffed animal, or a Peep, or a bunny-shaped pancake, or a pretty necklace...  And if you decide a rabbit IS the pet for you, just make sure to do your research first, and adopt vs going to a pet store.  Fiver, Ruby, Ethel, Rod and I will thank you!