Fashion Friday is back....BabySPANX

The Diaper Wars-$7 Billon Industry

Pampers vs. Huggies is the big question.  This battle has gone on for years.  It is said that a mom will use the brand of diapers that the hospital uses.  Diaper companies give huge discounts to hospitals to accept their brands and gain mom's loyalty for life.  It is said that parents spend more than $2,000 on diapers before their "bundle of joy" is potty trained. 

The video above gives the full story, but diaper companies are also stepping it up with fashion.....

Yes, Tillman already has a pack of these waiting on him!  The smallest size they come in is 3.  Nick's grandmother just loves this commercial, so when Mimi came, she brought down a box.

Pampers doesn't want to be left behind in fashion.  They have teamed up with designer, Cynthia Rowley, to have some cute prints added to their diapers as well.

This is totally a Fashion Friday post, but it just came to me today!

Fashion Friday...no so much

I know...I know it is supposed to be Fashion Friday, but I just can't think of anything.  No matter where you are in the country, it is HOT everywhere.  My AC is on full blast no matter if I am in the car, at work, or at home (got the ceiling fans whipping there too). 
My fashion lately is what is the coolest thing I can get by with and still be appropriately dressed for work.

My employer's dress code in a nutshell:
-Official badge must be worn at all times. (no biggy with that)

-Hair, beards, and mustaches shall be clean and neatly kept.  Extreme hair colors, hairstyles, and hair ornaments should not be worn in a professional health care setting. (as long as I stay away from "sun-in" I should be "a ok" with this one)

-Cosmetics should be used in moderation. (I wear less and less...its just too HOT)

-Perfumes, colognes or heavy fragrances should not be worn, as many patients and staff members are offended, become nauseated or experience respiratory distress when exposed to chemical scents or odors. (Thank you for this one...Especially my first trimester this stuff was awful!  Save that smelly stuff for your date night)

-Undergarments: Appropriate undergarments must be worn under uniforms and must not be distinguishable through attire. (It is kind of like the warning labels on electronics...someone had to try it for those labels to exist.  I wonder who didn't do this....)

-Non-direct patient care employees will wear professional business attire which is clean, neat and conservative. (Don't worry, I'm not going to come to work with my baby bump hanging out although it is a 100 degrees)

-The following will be considered unprofessional, inappropriate attire:
1. T-shirts and sweatshirts (worn as an outer garment)-no, you can't wear your sorority and fraternity shirts to work people!
2. Isolation gowns or patient gowns (who does this???)
3. Recreational attire including exercise/jogging shorts or sports outfits-I don't think I've owned a pair of "jogging shorts" since the 80's...I imagine these as the ones with the R on the bottom, and they come to your knees.
4. Mini skirts, sun dresses, halter tops, tank tops-I get these, but sun dresses? I may be in violation
5. Blue denim jeans and pants made of spandex or lycra material-no leggings??? My personal fav
6. Party clothes such as glitter, sequins, or other evening attire-Who did this????  Does Tina Turner work here?
7. "Revealing" clothes such as low-cut, sheer, see-through, or tight/form fitting attire-The bigger I get the more in violation I come of this rule. 
8. Leather clothing-Don't worry...I don't own any
9. Dark glasses (except for documented medical reason)-you mean I can't wear my Jackie O's to a meeting?
10. Head wear including hats, sweatbands, and bandannas-man, I was hoping to wear one of these to catch the sweat during meetings (especially those meeting I have not control over the thermostat)....guess I'll go to plan "B."

-Hosiery is encouraged. Socks may be worn with slacks. (this must only apply to the winter months...I've been in violation for sometime...nothing is worse than sweating in hose....)

-Footwear/Shoes: Shoes worn by direct patient care employees must be clean, well kept (with laces tied) and should have an enclosed toe. So I guess the day I wear Jack Rogers, I'm technically not in any patient areas....

Hand-Me-Downs

Growing up, I had (have) an older sister and older girl cousins.  We all lived around each other, so hand-me-downs were quite common.  I don't think I had a full wardrobe of my own until high school.  Tillman will be in the same fortune growing up, as he will be the youngest of 4 boys in my family and of 3 boys in Nick's family. 

My mother-in-law made a trip South this week, and she brought with her tubs and tubs of clothes for Tillman (all the way to toddler size).  Nick's sister generously gave us a lot of her two boys' clothes.  When "Mimi" made it in to town, we unloaded her van, and began to "plunder" through all the newborn clothes.  Little T already has more clothes than Nick and I combined! 

Nick's nephews (ages 8 and 6) also boxed up a tub of their toys for Tillman (Mimi says they call him "Baby Tillman").  They gave him some stuffed animals and some musical toys. 

Tillman also got an outdoor play set and a Pack N Play! 

Tillman's arrival is two months away, but if you were to come to our house, you certainly would know by the looks of our living room that a baby is on the way!

So, on this Fashion Friday think Hand-Me-Downs!!!

Hot in...so hot in here....

In case you don't get the title reference, I'm singing Nelly in my head (So hot in here).

These words are something I say daily!  Before carrying this 2 lbs 8ozs "bundle of joy" we call Tillman, I used to always be cold and have to carry a cardigan anytime we went to eat out.  Completely not the case anymore!  This is the first time in my life that I wear sleeveless, and I'm still hot.  I've even gotten to where I dislike wearing closed toed shoes (yuck...my feet sweat...is that normal?). 

I'm not hot all the time, but it just comes over me.  My clothes start sticking to me, I get red in the face, and for those who know me know what I'm taking about, I blotch!  I consider these hot flashes, but I have no idea. 

So for this fashion Friday post, I simply say "Hot in....so hot in here..." 
-Paints are a struggle, but thank goodness for linen!

-Dresses are great, but lets face it ladies, your legs stick together in those (if yours don't, then you must be 100 lbs or less)!  Sleeveless dresses make it worth putting one on.

-Shorts are great, not exactly the dress code for work.  These are my weekend choice.

-Tank Top maternity shirts-the best!  Although, I don't understand why they are made out of material that you must IRON...nuts!

-Open toed shoes-the best!  Not exactly dress code for work, but got to love Jack Roger sandals.  They look dress enough, but are still a flip flop.  Although, Rainbows are the best!

Nick's comments after reading my post..."Good post. I do agree. There has been many times where the car has been too close to a meat locker or Blue Bell freezer." (spoken from a true pregnant lady's husband)

Mommyhood...A special society?

I'm switching things up this week.  Fashion Friday is a day early due to my growth study and 29th week appointment being this afternoon.  I'll be blogging tomorrow with an update from both appointments.

Mommyhood-I guess that is what I am joining in September.  There are some that say, you're not a mom until your child arrives, but I think ladies are inducted into the Mommyhood Society as soon as the belly starts to sprout (Nick irks me when he calls it Buddha...ugh)!  The reason being is this is when the advice, stories, and the best part, maternity clothing offers begin!

I have been very fortunate to not have to purchase a whole new wardrobe during this time.  I'm very grateful to my friends, Jennifer and Sarah, and my cousin, Erica, who gave me tons of clothes from their pregnancies.  Just this weekend, I got an over flowing bag from Erica (she refers to maternity cloths sharing as the "borrowing-chain.").  When I showed up with the clothes, Nick said "this is the one time all women come together."  He goes on to say "it is like you've joined a society or something."  I must say, I agree with him.  The clothes offering is like being inducted into the Society of Mommyhood (also these maternity (big tent) shirts make me think of no more bikinis too...but I digress)!

The one thing all of these ladies mentioned to me is that other mothers were so generous to them that they would like to pass along the favor.  This warm welcome into Mommyhood certainly gives me the feeling to pass along / pay it forward to future moms.



 

Pediatricians can be fashionable?

Today is supposed to be fashion Friday on the blog, but I just can't think of any thing fashionable to chat about.  I have the holiday weekend and pediatricians on the brain. 

This week we interviewed a Pediatrician, Dr. Rhodes with Parkwood Pediatrics, for Tillman's care (no practice website...ugh!).  He came highly recommended by a friend.  When calling the practice, they offered an appointment to meet Dr. Rhodes, so we went on Wednesday.  

He is a native of Charleston and has lived in the area all his life (except when he went off to school and residency).  We appreciated him taking the time to chat with us and to address a few of our concerns regarding childhood shots (mostly the un-backed research of these shots causing or attributing to Autism).  The news coverage of this has been scarey, but he had a very good thoughts on why there is a rise of Autism in society, which steared the the cause to more envirnomental things (TV, video, TVs in the mini vans, etc).  He mentioned that many disorders that used to go undiagnosised or considered kids with behavior problems are now considered in the Autistic spectrum.  Autism used to be a very finite disorder, and now it is more of a spectrum of behaviors (the difference between a single gun shot and a shot gun blast).

We really appreciated his time.

Another practice that came highly recommended was Coastal Pediatrics.  The good thing about this practice is I have worked with one of the physicians, Kara Bleavens Huncik, and one of the practitioners, Beth Thelan, in the past.  A familiar face is always a good thing!  In fact, Nick has met both of these ladies before too, so that should make it more comfortable for the both of us.  I'll be looking into this practice this week. 

I think between these two highly recommended practices, we'll find the right fit for Tillman's care.

Happy 4th of July, and please keep Baby Cohen's family in your thoughts and prayers.

The white demi panel slim flare pants

To be real blunt about it, I've been stalking these Gap maternity pants for a month or more!  I first found them online at full price (yikes..$60), then tried them on at the Gap maternity in Cincinnati (loved them, but they were regular length), and then broke down and purchased them right before the Atlanta trip (thank goodness they went on sale, and I got a coupon code just in the nick of time!).

I wore these to my last OB appointment.  All the ladies just laughed at me for purchasing white pants.  I heard "enjoy those while you can," "milk stains, chocolate hand prints, and dirt are soon to come," "you'll learn, black is a mom's best friend."  In the back of my head, I'm thinking, "thank goodness I didn't pay full price for these!"

Before hearing all of that, I was pumped about my pants (and honestly I still am).  I love the demi panel and even think I could wear these after pregnancy!  Maybe I'll get to wear these on "girls night out" or "date night."  I envision, after hearing their comments, these white paints will be treated like the china cabinet.  All poor Tillman will hear is "NO, don't touch" or "that is a NO NO!" 

I'll be sporting these paints right up until Labor Day....literally!

Cutey Booty Giveaway

Over on Pluff Mudd Studio she is hosting a Cutey Booty Giveaway!  Cutey Booty has teamed up with Pluff Mudd Studio to host an amazing giveaway for a free pair of their adorable personalized boxers or bloomers. Head over to the blog for details on how to enter.

These boxers are just too cute.  I registered for these at Baby Bloomers.  You can purchase them at most of the local children boutique stores in Charleston.  Cutey Booty is a local Charleston company, and "each piece is born in Charleston, SC."

Cutey Booty just has infant wear now, but according to their website "look for cutey booty to grow leaps and bounds from infant wear to garments and accessories for older children soon!"

Get your Fashion Friday on and register for some Cutey Booty boxers or bloomers!

Everly Grey Maternity

I've been really lucky to not have to purchase many maternity clothes.  My friend, Jennifer, recently had a baby and let me borrow all of her clothes.  This has saved me tons on money!  However, I still love to shop, so I've been looking for a nice dress to wear to one of my showers and while on our trip to Atlanta.  There is a cute little shop in West Ashley (Charleston) called Sprout!  I went shopping there the other day, and picked up this Everly Grey Maternity dress. 

I love the print of the dress, and it is very comfortable.  Especially with it being so hot outside, I need a dress that is comfortable and cool to get me through the summer.  It also doesn't hurt a thing that Nick was a fan of the dress as well! ;-)

If you're interested in checking out Sprout, find their page on Facebook.  Just by becoming a Fan (or like to get with the new FB Lingo), you'll receive $5 off your next purchase. Search for Sprout Maternity & Infant Boutique Charleston!  I wish I would have had this coupon for my purchase...guess I'll have to go back!

Layette-Fashion Friday

Layette is a new word I have learned since being pregnant.  Not many of my friends have been pregnant, so I haven't been exposed to all the baby terms until now.  A Layette is a collection of clothing for a newborn child. The term "layette set" is commonly used in the United States to refer to gift sets of baby clothes. Traditionally, women would hand-sew their baby's clothes during their pregnancy. Today "layette" is often used to identify a baby clothing section of a store (according to Wikipedia).

I'm finding that the boutique baby stores often refer to their higher end/heirloom quality baby attire as Layette. 

Pixie Lily is a brand of Layette, and it is actually a Charleston company.  You can find Piexie Lily at Baby Bloomers, Charleston Child, and on the web.
Pixie Lily also is on Facebook and has a mailing list.  My cousin, Erica, found out that Pixie Lily now does 50% off Fridays. Although it can still be pricey, Layette is rarely on sale in stores, so if you're interested in Layette, this might be the deal for you on this Fashion Friday!

I'm sure there are tons of Layette brands (another is Kissy Kissy).  What is your favorite one?

Jazzy Toes!

You may have noticed on the right side of the blog, I have links under the heading "shop the private sales with me." These links to websites that offer private /  member-only sales.  Once you become a member (membership is free, but you have to be invited by a member...that's me!), you'll get daily emails of the sales up for that day (new sales begin at 11AM each day). These links take you directly to an invitation from me, so you can become members of these wonderful sites that offer great deals!


One of the sites is The Mini Social. This site is to clothe our little ones (great site for baby gifts as they can ship it as a gift)!  This week the site was offering Jazzy Toes socks box sets for $12.50.  Just by doing a quick google search, I found that most sites sell them for $26 and up, so $12.50 is a great deal.  I got Tillman the Boy Loafers Box Set.  I think these socks will be too cute for Tillman until he reaches the point of wearing shoes and running around like a mad man!

If you currently are not shopping the private sales, now is your chance!  You have been personally invited to join The Mini Social and all the other great sites by Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry!  So, what are you waiting on?  Get your Fashion Friday on and join!

*Note to readers: I do not receive any of your personal information when you fill out the initiative.  The link sends you to a page to create a log in for each site.  The information you enter is only to the site to set up your log in.  If you have any questions about the site, feel free to leave a comment or email me at soireesandshenanigans @ gmail dot com.

Diaper Bags...Every Mom's (and Dad's) Fashion Accessory! (like it or not)

I haven't received much advice on diaper bags, but one thing is for sure, I've been asked probably 10 times or more if I was going to get a Vera Bradley baby bag.  I am not very educated on diaper bags, and when reading mommy blogs, there is not real consensus on "the best" diaper bag (at least one under $200).
I chose the "Sittin' in a Tree" pattern by Vera Bradley for Tillman's diaper bag.  If you know me at all, you know that green and brown are my "signature colors!"  In fact, I am going to change my stroller and car seat selection (I think) to a green and brown pattern.  I want to be neutral as possible, so in the event we have a little girl some day, she won't be all decked in blue!

This bag print is just perfect, and I think the bag will be big enough for what we'll need to tote around (at least I hope).

Here's a little about the Vera Bradley baby bag (16" x 11¾" x 5½" –12" strap drop, 26" x 14" changing pad)
"Our latest Baby Bag has a total of 11 pockets inside and out, including a full zippered back, and holds everything from bottles to extra clothes. We've added a special clip for disappearing pacifiers and lined the interior for easy cleaning. Also includes a 26" x 14" terry-covered changing pad with coordinating trim."
 
Have any baby bag advice?  What's your favorite?

"T Bro's" Closet

On Tuesday night, I went to the Divine Children's Show that came to Charleston (read more here).  The mission was to find some cute outfits for Tillman for a good deal (most items under $35 at the sale, but all items purchase were $26 and under).  The racks were packed!  It was hard to dig through all of it, but I think we came away with some good things.  As my mom kept saying "we can't make it for that!" 

All of the clothes purchased for Tillman are certainly "little bro" style!  I can't wait to see him in these!  I'm going to call him "T Bro" when he is all decked out! 

Here's how "T Bro's" closet is shaping up!
(note about the closet: we live in an older home, which equals very little closet space.  So, pretty much all the closets in our house are filled with mommy and daddy clothes.  Solution: I'm going to get a rack to put Tillman's clothes on.  We've got a loft area upstairs that has nothing in it, so I thought that would be the perfect solution!)

This outfit is my favorite! It's got smocked monkeys on it.

 This is a size 6 mo, so I hope he gets to wear it

before corduroy goes out of season. If not, it's reversible!

This will be his Christmas outfit...probably to all functions.

I'm pretty practical, so I doubt I'll be purchasing one for every function!

This one has smocked Mallard ducks.  Too cute! 

Nick likes the ones with the sleeves, so this one and

the next were his favorite out the bunch!

Love this style outfit! 

This is the smallest outfit (3 mo.).

I'm thinking this might be his "coming home" outfit!

The "Little Bro Look" is coming!

Nick will be the first to tell you that he doesn't go for the "bro look."  The "bro look" is the typical Charleston guy look with Rainbows, Croakies, madras (seersucker) shorts (too short and too fitted in his opinion), and normally a shirt from Luden's or a bright pink (or other bright color that Nick would NEVER wear)! 

(side note: This City Paper article references the look I am speaking of, and Nick is from Ohio; so it is fitting to reference. However, if you choose to read, don't think I am referencing the entire content of this ridiculous long article.  Caution to my Mother-in-law and Ohioan: the article is about Go Back To Ohio!! ;-))

I tell you all of this to say that Nick won't ever wear the typical "bro look," but he has lightened up....well lightened up a lot when it comes to Tillman.  I'm a Southern girl, so I just can't pass up the "little bro look."

We love bow ties on little boys (ages 2+)!  Nick has the more practical thinking of it won't get as dirty as a tie.  I simply think they are so stinkin' cute!  Check out this pic below from LaRoque.  Tillman will have a few bow ties at this age, and he just might have some seersucker paints or shorts to go along with it too!

Another "little bro look" that Nick has really lightened up about is Jon Jon outfits!  My mom sews, and by Tillman being her fourth grandson, she will be very good at making the cute little Jon Jon outfits until Tillman is ready for the bow ties! 

This is my nephew, Logan!  My mom made his little Peter Rabbit Easter outfit! 

The "Little Bro Look" = Fashion Friday!!

Divine Children's Show is Coming to Charleston!

Attention all Mrs. Pregnants in the Lowcountry and Lowcountry Moms (grandmas, aunties and daddies).  Charleston’s First "The Divine Children's Show" will be in town May 11th-12th at the Charleston Area Convention Center (5055 International Blvd). 

Get out your check book ladies (they accept Visa and Mastercard too)!  This is time to stock up on the finest children's clothes at deeply discounted prices.  If you don't have children, I am sure you have been invited to a baby shower or will be soon, as everyone is pregnant right now.  This would be an excellent sale to attend and stock up on baby shower gifts as well.  So, there is something for everyone!

Here's the Spring 2010 Overstocks brands for the sale:
Charleston, you are not going to believe this amazing inventory! It is truly fabulous with all of your favorite lines: Castles & Crowns, Three Mommas, Kate & Libby, Wish Upon a Star, Dolce Mia, Baa Baa Clothing, Anita G, Tea Collection, E-Land, Charlie Rocket, Sweet Potatoes, Bailey Boys, Mary James and MORE, MORE, MORE! Most items are under $35! You do not want to miss it!

Tuesday, May 11th - Preview Night
Grandparent Preview Show:7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(volunteering and promoting the event will also get you into the preview sale)

Wednesday, May 12th - Public Shop
9:00 am - 8:00 pm

THOUSANDS OF BRAND NEW, DEEPLY DISCOUNTED BOUTIQUE AND TRUNK SHOW OVERSTOCK ITEMS!

Now, how's that for a Fashion Friday post?  See you at the sale!!

Save the Date! May 20th

I would like invite all Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry and Soirées & Shenanigans readers to a private shopping party at Colleton's Fine Clothing!  I have spoke of Colleton's on both blogs (Here and Here).
Please save the date for May 20th around 6PM (This is a Thursday).

Colleton's is located at 248 E Washington Street in downtown Walterboro.  Walterboro is 45 minutes away from Charleston and 30 minutes (I think) from Beaufort and Summerville. 
Let me know if you are interested in coming by commenting.  We already have 4 5 in our group for the event.   Also, feel free to invite others. Food and drinks are provided with the party. I also have seen that 20% off is available, but I want to double check on that!!
 
Here are some other cute things she has in the shop now!

For a full slide show, click here!

Spendin' My Bucks in the Boro...

Happy Friday!  I am excited for the weekend.  As soon as I get off of work I'm headed to Walterboro for a shopping adventure at Colleton's Fine Clothing!  If you follow me on Soirées & Shenanigans, you know that I really like this store.  My friend (and blog follower), MM, got me hooked on this store.

The wonderful thing about Colleton's is Ansley, the owner, gets small runs of things.  It has more of a boutique feel.  Also, since it is in Walterboro, I don't have to worry about someone else having the same outfit (Remember showing up to church on Easter Sunday with the great dress from Belk just to find that four other people at church thought it was great too??)!

I've been chatting with the store over email to see what would work from their monthly email during my pregnancy (the store sends out an email with photos of new items).  Here's what I'm going to get this afternoon to add to my "baby bump" clothing!

Reader note: Colleton's doesn't sell maternity, but some styles will allow me to wear it through my pregnancy.  So when I am asked "is that maternity," my answer can remain the same-"NO!" :-)

Here's the reply from Colleton's...
Okay, these are the ones that will work with growing baby belly:)

Deep V Neck Dress would be AWESOME with black or brown leggings and gold sandals...so cute!

Great bright Summer tops and would be perfect (that's what I like to hear!)

Perfect Summer white top- it is big through middle

A few of us are getting together in May for a "private shopping party" at Colleton's!  Let me know if you are interested. Ansley request we do in on a Thursday night.  I'd love to have a blogging buddy get-together!  Colleton's will provide food and drinks!  What a party!!!

Is that Maternity You're Wearing? NO...well, yes.

Today is the first day I am sporting maternity all the way!  I've got my maternity jeans and a maternity t-shirt on!  I think you can really tell I look pregnant today since these clothes really let you hang it all out.  When wearing regular clothes, I feel those help keep things in.

All of my jeans are pretty fitted, so I knew those would be the first to go!  I actually don't mind maternity jeans all that much.  The ones that I have look like real jeans.  It has a faux zipper, and you just pull the on like sweatpants.The only thing I have trouble with is tugging on the to keep them up.  I am supporting a major sag today!

I really have been conscious about wearing maternity clothes too soon (call me crazy).  First off, I find most of them very unattractive, and second, I don't want have to wear them just to wear them.

I have some big tops that I have been wearing, and since people know that I am pregnant, they'll ask "oh, is that maternity?" I make sure to tell them NO, and feel as though I need to explain (Silly?  Probably, Yes).  I guess I'll need to get over that feeling, because the answer will soon be yes for all of my outfits!

Well, that is my Fashion Friday update!  Have a great weekend!

Fashion Friday-Leggings

I am a HUGE fan of leggings!  I wasn't at first; it took some convincing for sure (Thanks to my friend, MM!!).  When trying leggings for the first time, make sure you complete the outfit.  Don't just go to the store and slip on a pair without a cute top. You must see it as an outfit.  I am sure if I would have only tried the leggings, I would have been completely "grossed out" at the way I looked and ripped them off (and never looked back).  These were my first "maternity" purchase.  Most leggings come one size fits all, so I am hopefully they will stretch to fit me at 9 months and look as good as they do at 14 weeks (time will tell...I'll keep you posted)!

Here are a few tops I think would be cute to pair with some leggings!

Click Here to view this Pea in the Pod Tunic

Click Here to view the Lavish Tunic by Heidi Klum

Click Here to view Loved By Heidi Klum Dropwaist Tunic