After my last #consciousclosets post, some of you asked about where I shop for my little ones. I buy most of my kids clothes at 2nd hand apps or stores, but when I can, I like to support small business clothing shops. Some of my favorite kids clothing sites are made here in America, and many of them hand stitched or sewn! I love that they are supporting our economy, but also super kid friendly. So here is a start of our American Made, Ethically made, and irresistibly cute kids clothing shops for you to reference when you need!
These are all shops I have personally tried and loved. What about you? I would love to hear your favorites! P.S. Winter Water Factory is giving away $100 gift card on IHOD’s instagram today! Get on over there:)
Arrived at 21 weeks today. I think the fourth time around has allowed me comfort in my own skin. I expect the changes, and am more than okay with the extra weight. I am celebrating, because every day I have a life inside of me is something miraculous to rejoice over. As my closet choices grow thin, and my belly continues to expand, it is much easier to succumb to leggings over anything else. So, I’ll be starting a pregnancy lookbook series next week with Jessica in hopes it will help my dwindling motivation to get dressed, and maybe help a few other mothers to be in the process. There really are some great options available now for every phase of pregnancy. So here we go, this bump style break down:
Long and stretchy stiped tee – I probably should avoid stripes when I am pregnant, but I have an undying love for them…especially black and white stripes. This is a maternity tee I used from my last pregnancy that I just fit into again last week. Here are a few non-maternity striped tees here and here that could also work for your first and second trimester by going up a size or two.
Black Slouchy pants – Make way leggings make way. You have been replaced by the slouch pants from Lou & Grey. These are not maternity but the stretchy waist and ankle give plenty of room for comfort. Love how you can dress these up or down. They are still available in stores, and online they just released a pair that is almost the same.
Cognac Ankle boots – Low cut ankle boots are handmade by Poppy Barley. They make the shoes to custom fit the width of your foot which I welcome with open arms. They also have these cushions on the insoles that allow you to wear them for hours without pain. I bow down. (Also #consciousclosets approved!)
Black Leather Tote – I love large totes because I need to be able to fit the world inside. This is a reversible brown/black leather tote that works with just about everything I wear.
Gold accents – I love supporting ethically made jewelry and clothing companies as you know, and really loved the mission behind Trading Hope. Their pieces are also really unique. I paired their Elin necklace, Trellis cuff bracelet, and stud earrings for some gold accents to complete the look.
Check back next week for my next outfit breakdown. Cheers to the new week, expandable pants, and better yet, husbands who go on ice cream runs for the pregnant wives;)
x, Anna
Americans are currently spending over 200 Billion dollars a year on retail merchandise (source). And every day, there are thousands of workers in sweatshops across the globe making just $1 to $2 to provide for their whole family. There are very harsh conditions in sweatshops across the globe, and many of deaths occur as a result.
Ever since I was a teenager I have bought my own clothes. I worked various jobs, and was taught at a young age the value of earning your own dollar. My style changed and evolved, but I usually frequented the same shops. I never gave much thought to buying higher quality ethically made clothing. I never really had the option to buy high quality prices since I was working my way through college, and after that, I was getting married and saving for our family. Every dollar was hard earned, but I never thought much about where that money was going when spending it on clothing…..
I have a weak spot for modern design, and let out an audible gasp when I saw this bag from The Common Knowledge. They were kind enough to send over a bag for me to style and share the line with all of you. Even though ethically made requires a higher price point, I am happy to at least share support for these companies, and this innovative line is one of them. Edgy design, but with enough practical benefits to help a girl out with comfort and space. Made in New York City with Italian Leather materials, I’d say these are #ConsciousClosets approved.
Gabe and lil’ Gabriel have President’s Day off, and there is snow in the forecast. I am thankful for the extra time with my boys, and the time we got to spend with good friends over the weekend. After one of my posts about ways to Battle the Winter Blues, one of you readers mentioned she looks at winter as an opportunity for togetherness. For some reason, that really made an impact on me. How true it is! What a fantastic way to look at it. Even when the togetherness can start to give you cabin fever;)
To continue the #ConsciousClosets series, I wanted to share the jewelry I have narrowed down my hoard to! I used to be a big and bold accessories girl (all my college pictures involve big earrings…), and I still love to put bold pieces on for special occasions, but I would consider myself a minimal jewelry wearer now. I am not sure what changed, maybe it’s my perspective on style and the belief we don’t need much to reveal authentic beauty. Although it might have to do more with a busy particular toddler.
I used to just pick up jewelry at F21, because you can’t beat $5.80 for a necklace…but then I started to question how all this cheap jewelry was made. Not to mention it would tarnish less than a month later. I really value the designers behind ethically made jewelry, and realize it is a better investment in pieces that will last forever. I wear these pieces with everything. Sometimes solo or sometimes layered. There are SO many good companies, but here are a few favorites. Will update as I go!
The jewelry dishes are from The Object Enthusiast. What are some of your favorites?
I’d love to check them out!
Happy Valentine’s Day weekend!
xoxo, Anna
P.S. Building a closet from scratch part one and two.
What are you all wearing Christmas/ Christmas Eve? It is usually a decision I make the day of, and scramble to get things together like tights with no snags;)
I teamed up with Anne Klein to style a few holiday pieces and fell for the detailing in this skirt, which is now a contender for Christmas festivities. And the sweater with leather trim? Definately adding this piece to my #consciouscloset efforts. (Both pieces launching on the site soon!)
I am looking forward to this last full week before Christmas. The anticipation is in the air!
Wishing you much peace this coming week!
Outfit details: Top, skirt, watch: Anne Klein c/o // Boots: Sam Edelman // Necklace: Kendra Scott // Clutch: Wink & Winn
I have found the perfect tees. And I mean, I will never be able to settle for another. The dating game has ended friends, and the marriage is happening to Lou & Grey‘s long and soft tees. And the price tag is stellar.
I also found a perfect mix of stylish neutrals to dress up or down in. Picked up this sweater dress for winter months, the front panel leggings to pair with longer length tops, and the softest baseball tee tunic that I will find every excuse to wear! (All #consciouscloset material;))
If you have a Lou & Grey store near you, I highly recommend walking in and swooning over their store set up. It will give you all the right ideas for apartment and home decorating. The copper pendant lamps!! The store pictured above is the brand new location at the Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. But alas, lucky for us, there is an online site to take advantage of too. And guess what? It’s currently all 50% off!
x, Anna
Shop the Post:
Photos by the talented Chelsey Heidorn. This post is sponsored by Lou & Grey, and all thoughts are completely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make the blog possible!