week 38 . the end {the beginning} is near!

We are closing in folks. At the present moment, the only room that can stay clean in the midst of our "to do list" is the nursery...so that's where we stopped quick to take pictures on our way out the door for yet another graduation party.

It was pouring rain outside, we've evaded the typical June in Seattle and have been thoroughly enjoying sunshine and 70 degrees...until yesterday, when we snapped these pictures.

I'm all about sale shopping and these maternity pants from gap were just the ticket. Under twenty bucks and a great post-pardum pant, I couldn't say no.

pants: gap maternity on sale (similar not on sale)

t: asos maternity (similar)

shoes: go to black wedge (similar)

earrings: gold tags

bracelets: own

I'm doing my best to utilize all the Lucia K. Jewelry I can before Kirsty moves south and we can't connect really quick over coffee in her front living room...where I usually give my two cents on the new pieces and hopefully "sample" a few in my daily life and buy a few to give to close friends for birthdays and the like. I know that she hasn't started grieving fully yet, but I have (I'm sure the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy has added to that grief exponentially.)

I'm not sure if this little guy is going to arrive early or late, but we'll keep you posted!

best!

ali (for lkj)

week 37 . pregnancy stripes

I've been seriously missing in action, just growing this small (will probably end up being large) child. The weeks have slipped by and my outfits consist of leggings, a long tee and my hair pulled back...which has meant very unexciting pictures.

This week was different. Remember these pictures? Remember how I hoped to transition from cheap maternity dress for the early weeks to cheap tee for the later weeks. I am now at those later weeks...just in the home stretch.

I'm at the pregnant point where people stop and stare when I walk by or insist on commenting "is that baby come soon or what?!" Which I never know how to respond to because I'm not sure they are actually asking or if they are just stating the fact that I'm large. Either way, my response is usually, "I know right, I'm getting pretty big...any day now!"It's the best I can do to put on a smile and keep on walking...

I can't stay locked up in my house, I'll be doing that the first week (or more) of this kid's life just so I can catch enough zzzz's. Either way, my husband planned a date night last night (thank you!) and we headed out to a quiet dinner and a stroll along the waterfront. It was a great night...just warm enough without the long sleeve, sunsets, fro-yo and pictures to boot!

maxi skirt: GAP (non-maternity)

top: XXI

shoes: Seychelles 

earrings: Tag

Thanks for taking part of this journey with me (in part) I'll be back next week with another post, assuming I haven't gone in to labor :)

Ali

week 30 . jet setting

Last chance to travel...so I'm heading off to Palm Springs with some girlfriends for a sort of "last hurrah." After the craziness of Boston, this will be some much needed relaxation time. 

I am obsessed with this sweatshirt, it's been my go-to for pregnancy layering in Seattle...plus, it's so affordable (can't beat that). I also love the coral and turquoise together. I've had to become a bit more resourceful, making some homemade skirts to cover the bump!

two months to go, lots of nursery arranging waiting to happen and it sort of feels like spring warmth has finally arrived in Seattle...making for great afternoons with chips and salsa near the water. 

Thanks to Seattle for reminding me why I love this city, it's so easy to forget on those cloudy days.

earrings: lkj turquoise (coming soon)

sweatshirt: asos maternity

top: canada surf

skirt: made

leggings: old navy

flipflops: rainbows

sunglasses: suncloud polarized

are you a PNW girl? where is your favorite place to do a spring getaway from the gloom and gray of the city? Last year we went to Sedona, AZ and that so far is my favorite on the cheap. What about you??

happy springcation!

Ali for lkj

week 28 . boston

this last week, we were in Boston. In fact, we were a block a way from where the first explosion hit. I'm still having quite a hard time wrapping my head around it all...and it makes the whole purpose of posting seem a bit trivial, when i consider the enormity of what some families are facing and the road of recovery and healing that Boston has ahead. I am beyond thankful that my husband had finished the race as fast as he did and we were clear from the blasts, but my heart aches for those that were so gravely impacted by the devastation.

i am doing my best to be thankful and full of fervor for the life we have! my husband did an amazing job and that is something to be celebrated as well.

I can't really recommend wearing this outfit, it was not that flattering for the growing belly, but that was definitely not the point for this occasion. My dear friend Renee was in town and completed our word "RUN" (my sister is the "N"). This was when we finally met up with Satch (and about 10 minutes or so before the bombing).  It is still very surreal. We all feel incapable of wrapping our mind and our words around it all.

Satch ran fast (2:56) which is 26.2 consecutive miles each mile only taking him 6 minutes and 44 seconds. I mean, I am so proud! He ran the Boston with Dana Farber Cancer Research in honor of my mom who lost her life to cancer in 2009. It was so special that he could run in memory of her and as my dad said "she would have been his biggest fan!" 

{the earrings are LKJ tags, the leggings are target, along with the sweatshirt (both on sale) and the t-shirts were from target and I decorated with sharpie the night before the race}

praying for Boston and all the lives so heavily impacted!

ali for lkj

week 27 . april is showering

It's raining in Seattle today and it was raining yesterday and it will most likely be raining tomorrow (not that i'm complaining or anything...) All the rain does lead to all the green so we can't complain too much. Spring flowers can be found everywhere and it's not only refreshing, but a reminder of the resurgence of energy, creativity, overall good vibes that spring brings. Lucia K. creative juices are flowing and it makes me even more anxious for summer and all the fun, bright, functional that's in store for the next line. are you excited?

sweatshirt: asos maternity 

tank: h&m

jeans: banana republic

rain boots: sorel rain

earrings: lucia k. turquoise (coming soon)

the hooded sweatshirt, the jeans with the extender, and the lucia k. turquoise earrings are becoming my go-to's for this rainy weather. I can stay comfortable, warm, and a little fashionable. 

What are your go-to's for rainy PNW weather? and if you're blessed enough to be inundated with sunshine this spring, what are your go-to's for the change in weather? are you braving white pre memorial day? or maybe your bare legs underneath a new skirt? share share share! we love to be inspired by your style.

check back often for updates on Lucia K. launch dates for new jewelry!

ali for lucia k.

week 26 . out on the town

Closing in on the 3rd trimester, pretty hard to swallow. We've been busy thinking and doing some making/purchasing for the nursery...but no visible progress in the actual room. This week we headed with some friends to see these guys in concert at the triple door, my favorite place to see a concert...you get to sit in Las Vegas style half moon booths, sip on great drinks (except not this time) and eat tasty food from Wild Ginger (a local favorite upscale Thai restaurant). It was a great night with great music and I felt comfortable in what I wore (a plus!)

top: Kavu (sale)

leggings: gap maternity

shoes: dsw (similar)

earrings: own

I kept the outfit pretty basic, but I was most impressed that my hair curled just how I wanted...for those of you that come from curls, you know this is a big victory. :)

enjoy the weekend...we'll be spending it in birthing classes (yipee!)

-ali for lkj

week 25. hellllllo spring!

I'm not sure how many of you noticed, but the bump was M.I.A last week. I've been having some serious nerve pain in my lower back (sciatica) making dressing in anything other than sweats and leaving the house somewhat undesirable. But here I am, back in action (mostly because I could only work from home so many days in a row before needing to head back into the office for some face time.) 

The sun came out this week for more than one single day!  Viewing all of KP's fun sunshine pics (thanks to Vegas!) made me perouse my closet a little longer for any hint of spring I could find that still "fit" my growing belly. 

shirt: h&m (old)

cardi: madewell (old)

jeans: gap (similar)

shoes: B.Makowsky (last season)*

jewels: faye knotted chain 

Do you have any tips, pointers, remedies, or doctor's recommendations on pinched nerves and pregnancy? do share...

* Please ignore those white feet (longing for the CA sunshine) and the horrible paint on the house (the joys of renting!)

enjoy the sunshine if you're out here with us in the PNW!

-ali for lkj

week 23 . navy

I feel like one of these days I need to post an outfit that i've already worn...mostly because I even have a heard time telling how much I've really grown from week 17 til now. I can feel how much i've grown, but with different clothes it's harder to see i think.

did I mention yet that we're having a BOY!?! I promised at some point to post a little DIY on gender reveal, but I'm not sure how many soon-to-be moms are out there...so maybe we'll save it for when inspiration is lacking. Anyway, I'm wearing a lot of navy blue here in honor of the boy growing inside!

top: target (similar)

cardi: old navy

skinnies: old navy

flats: gap (similar)

jewels: (faye) and (blake)*

*blake is on sale folks (25% off), now is the time to take advantage.  enter code potofgold25 before checkout.

happy shopping!

ali for lkj

week 22 . bold

the sun came out for a day this week, I took advantage and wore a dress to work. It's not a maternity dress at all, but I think it works—I especially love it paired with these earrings. It's a dress I've been wearing for ages, one that my mom and I spotted on a shopping adventure years ago. 

dress: ripcurl (coastal boutique). old  |  sweater: target (old)  |  boots: frye  

scarf: market find  |  earrings: faye knotted chain

It's hard to remember what it was like to wear this dress not pregnant...and then I found this gem...

I love how versatile it continues to be—stretchy fabric that just molds to the bump means savings on my wallet (which I'm sure will be spent on the nursery...)

here's hoping for more sun this weekend!

ali for lkj

week 21 . winter white

I had all these grand intentions of showing you a little diy on announcing the gender of your babe, or at least how my husband and I announced it to those who don't live close to us. Maybe I still will, but for the current moment, there is no time...here's to week 21! 

I sort of love this shirt because I don't feel so large and in charge...you can hardly even tell I'm pregnant, which on some days is just what I want. The "ombre" effect in my hair is totally unintentional and needs to be dealt with asap!

shirt: olive and oak (old) 

 jeans: gap (last season) 

shoes: report (old)

earrings: lucia k.

If you love these Lucia K. specials, contact us...we have just a few pairs in stock as these turquoise gems didn't make the final cut for the spring line. We have a weakness for turquoise, especially me growing up in the southwest...it sort of makes me feel a comfort of nostalgia and home. Pretty crazy what a pair of earrings can do! I also love the red & turquoise combination ..gets me every time!

happy weekend!

week 20. half way there!

Half way there. It's hard to believe! July will be here before we know it. I'm doing my best to take advantage of my current energy levels and get cracking on the nursery and other baby prep things that need to happen around the house (like is a coffee table without corners a must?...if you have advice, please share). This first time parenting thing can be a bit (A LOT) daunting.

The husband planned an awesome night out for the two of us and found it a perfect excuse to wear a dress...a rarity. This dress is not maternity, so I'm sure as I keep growing outward it will have to become less dress and more shirt paired with skinnys.

dress: XXI . boots: frye knock-offs (target last year) . boot socks: smartwool . necklace: blake 

I must talk about blake, my favorite necklace from the new line. I think the best jewelry is versatile (can be worn with a lot, compliments your style, makes a statement without stealing the show, and adds interest to what might be an otherwise "typical" outfit.) Blake is versatile. I love it. 

care to share what your "go-to" lkj pieces are OR might be (if you haven't yet splurged on any)??

we're almost to spring, can you believe it?!

ali for lucia k.

week 19.

hey jewelry lovers...

I love any outfit that I can pair my favorite lkj earrings with. This week was sort of "blah"...trying to get back into the swing of things after some serious rest and sunshine.

soon very soon we'll find out boy or girl, another exciting step in this whole journey. Makes it a little more real. What about you guys, opt for surprise on delivery day or would you rather know in advance???

earrings: lkj / cardi: olive & oak (old) / scarf: (local market) 

leggings: nordstrom rack / boots: frye / tank: h&m

here's hoping your week was just what you needed.

ali for lkj

week 18. sunshine in the southwest.

This week I was in Southwest Colorado celebrating our wedding anniversary in the same ski town we got married in. For the last couple years, we've been fortunate enough to come back to this special place and celebrate with close friends and family. It was great to be with some of the people I love the most in one of my favorite places...despite the fact that the majority of us (6 of 10) came down with the nasty flu! 

The days in Durango were filled with sunshine, blue skies, and snowcapped mountains. It was challenging to pack this time around, being pregnant and all. I only have one pair of maternity jeans that fit well, so the majority of this vacation you'd catch me in leggings (thankfully in style) or sweats. I'm still holding out as long as possible in my "regular" clothes before I succumb to the necessity of all things "maternity wear."

shirt: XXI (old) . tank: h&m (old) . leggings . headband (vacation souvenir) . earrings

Disclaimer: I'm actually wearing the best slippers ever in this picture but didn't want to make my sweet husband re-shoot (as he was one of the sick ones)... if you love all things outdoorsy but still want to look like a woman, check out smartwool (I pretty much love all the things they make). 

If you're not sure about everyday earrings definitely check out Lucia K. Tag earrings. They are a great 'starter' pair of earrings that go with everything from leggings to a little black dress. 

until next week.

Ali {for Lucia K.}

week 17. the news is out!

Ali here.

Kirsty has a way of persuading me to do things I normally would never do. case in point...these blog posts. The whole "week by week baby bump pictures" not so much my style....then I got pregnant and I found myself looking in my closet asking "what in here can I possibly make work with this bump?" It's like I lost some sense of what to wear. Do you feel this way?

So we bring to you—dressing the bump—believe me, I'm not an expert or a stylist or as fashionable as Kirsty, but if we can offer any inspiration (like which lkj necklace looks best with a bump under it) then it was all worth it. Check back weekly for more pics on dressing the bump.

top: wilster apparel (old) . jeans . boots . scarf: h&m (old) . earrings

FOUR quick steps to making dressing during maternity easier...

1. Call Your Friends (the ones with the style you love). Borrow borrow borrow (and whatever you end up purchasing save for your girlfriends).

2. Utilize Your Craftiness. Hit up Nordstrom Rack or your local Marshalls in search of designer jeans (one size larger than normal). Take the waste band out and sew in a belly band. After delivery sew the waste band back for great post-pardum jeans.

3. Purchase The Basics. You can decide what this means for you...for me it meant splurging on a supportive bra, some quality tanks, and a couple go to tops that will last me through the entire pregnancy.

4. Make Long Lasting Purchases. Search for items that are not "maternity" but will work for some if not all of your pregnancy. Search for things you could maybe wear when your body goes back to normal.

*I realize everyone gains weight differently during pregnancy...so share with us what works (or worked) for you

Do you have any tips to make dressing during pregnancy easier?? 

What did you miss most in your wardrobe when you got pregnant?

til next week...

Ali