Sequin Shift Lookbook

Zara Sequin Shift Dress  |  Christian Louboutin Silver Simple Pumps  |  

Louis Vuitton Clutch (90's)  |  t+j Designs Gunmetal Hoop Earrings  |

t+j Designs Silver Edge Bangle

A perfect date night dress; A bit of sequins, cheetah print and in black and white.  Luckily shift dresses still work with my 31 week pregnancy.  I find this silhouette easy to wear and gives me room to eat. My goal has been to buy stuff that I could wear now as well as after the baby came.  A lot of it is looking at silhouettes, fabric, and of course trying it on to see if it works.  I'm a big believer of style and comfort, but also trying on different things.  You'd be surprised what items work on a growing tummy and blazers, jackets, or layering pieces help break up your upper body.  I veer towards printed tops and dresses and solid layering pieces; it gives my body some shape and dimension.  I'm not a big fan of belting items, empire tops and dresses, as I find they emphasis the stomach, but some woman love to show off the pregnancy, so those silhouettes would definitely be the way to do it.  

Thank you for all the encouragement from Monday's post!  It has helped me organize, get back on schedule, and look forward to things to come rather than dwell on the stress.  

Cozy Stripes Lookbook

Zara Plaid Coat  |  Topshop Stripe Sweater  |  Bella Dahl Chambray Shirt (similar)  |  

Forever 21 Skinny Denim  |  Fergie Boots  |  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC bag  |  Michael Kors Watch

t+j Designs jewelry:  Pink Teardrop Earrings  |  Gold Luxe Colored Crystal Bangle Set  |

Twisted Silver and Gold Bangle

A couple of my blogger friends and I were together and we discussed how personal or non personal our own blogs as well as others were.  It got me thinking, how much do I share or what do people who read my blog care to know?  I try hard to stay positive, share my styling looks, what I love, and honestly feel very lucky to have great positive readers/customers.  But I do have bad days.  I'm a type A person; I stress and have anxiety about things.  With the baby due in 9 weeks, I've been a bit stressed about how to keep up my blog, shooting photos of looks (it's hard with a tummy and feeling unmotivated), manage my time for my jewelry business and what will I do once the baby is here?  At times I feel overwhelmed, but I try to take it one step at time (after some meltdowns).  Whether or not I'll be able to do it all and be a stay at home mom we will have to see.  I hope my readers will continue to stay with me as I go through this journey of figuring everything out in the next three months. 

I think today's just one of those days, but my goal is to continue sharing what I love up until the baby arrives.  Your positive comments, looking at the number of page views I receive, and seeing t+j Designs grow since we've launched in mid August is rewarding and amazing.  I can't thank you enough.

For 2 days only we are offering these beautiful bangles as a set for over 50% off, $100 for all three (originally $204).

  

My Next DIY - Ikea Rast to nightstands

Since owning a home, getting ready for a baby, and loving interior and DIY blogs, I've become somewhat crafty.  If you have known me for a while, I am NOT crafty; I am not a great cook, I don't' make things often, and I generally prefer to buy rather than make.  But since blogging and being in Chicago, I realize how easy some of the DIY's are and how much money it saves!

Since sharing my DIY dresser for the baby's room in this post, I've been on the search for nightstand tables for my bedroom.  The Ikea Rast 3 drawer chest is a popular before and after product and I fell in love with this DIY, which I'm going to do for our bedroom.

BEFORE:

General steps:  

1. Prime un-assembled Rast cabinets.

2. Sand.

3. Apply first coat of paint.

4. Sand again.

5. Apply second coat of paint.

6. Sand some more.

7. Apply third coat of paint.

8. Assemble cabinets (don’t add drawers).

9. Add hardware.

10. Install drawers.

AFTER:

I'm loving the hardware on the edge of the drawers as well as the handles for the drawers! 

All I have to do is patch up the old holes on the drawer and attach these items with a drill.

The flat brass corners are found here and the pulls are found here.  Thanks to pinterest, I found this DIY dresser.  

To inspire you, here's another couple of images of old dressers turned into beautiful pieces.  

another Rast after

Last three dresser from Design Sponge

So remember, before you throw out something old, you can google, read and maybe make something wonderful out of it.  Or if you happen upon an idea, I love craigslist and find some good finds to redo.  

Happy Friday and weekend!

Neon Crush Lookbook

Zara Blazer  |  Akira Neon Yellow Top (love this yellow tank)  |  Trouve Faux Leather Leggings (similar) |

Chanel Bag  |  Christian Louboutin Pumps  |  t+j Designs jewelry:  

Black Pyramid Bracelet  |  Black Crystals Luxe Gold Link Necklace

Are you loving neon as much as I am for Spring?  This top is easy to wear and gives my outfit just the right pop of color.  Inspired by these runway images below, I hope to find a fabulous dress when the weather gets warmer.

Jason Wu Spring 2012

Blogging has enabled me to meet and communicate with fantastic people.  This week I'm honored to have been interviewed and featured in Marionberry Style's blog and ModaChicago.  Check them out and learn a little more about me.  

For 3 days only, all rings in my jewelry line are $16 and we extended free shipping!  If you feel like a little or big bling, check it out. 

*My Pregnancy:  I'm at 30 weeks, only 10 more weeks to go!  For those of you who are wondering when my tummy will really show - it will be soon :).  I've taken some shots this week, which I will share soon, that show my growing tummy.  

Stripes & Polka Dot Lookbook

Tommy Hilfiger Wool Trench  |  BB Dakota Fur Vest (same vest different color)  |
H&M Polka Dot Blouse  |  Stripe Skirt from Intermix (similar)  |
t+j Designs jewelry:  Gold Hammered Link Necklace  |  White Pyramid Bracelet  |

Happy President's Day!  Wearing a bit of red, white and navy and mixing prints.  Found this peplum H&M top while in New York and thought it was great paired with my knit stripe skirt.  The faux fur vest has been a fantastic purchase for the winter as it easily layers over everything and keeps me warm.  I am sure enjoying this wonderful weather we are having in Chicago.  Hope your keeping warm and if you have the day off, hope it's fantastic.

Last day to take advantage of my jewelry President's Day deal and free shipping!

Spring Fever - What I'm Loving

With my obsession with shopping I always seem to be looking a season ahead and wishing I could wear next season's fashions.  These are three trends and/or items I would love to add to my wardrobe for spring.

    Candy Stripe Cut Out Dress     |        Skater Dress in Mexican Print         |   Stripe Cap Sleeve Knit Dress

A bold printed dress is a must have, but still loving how preppy and nautical comes back every spring.  I'm still on the search for a pretty spring floral number but the stripe neon colored dress is probably my next purchase (when I get back to my non pregnant size).  

Current Elliott The Stiletto   |     7 For All Mankind Garden Party Pant    |     J Brand Floral Skinny Twill

I'm dying for one of these!  I love florals and the fact that they are printed on denim.  Printed pants are also trending, but I would probably wear these more often.  Paired with some neutral pumps and even a simple tank, these would be great for spring and summer.  

YSL Tribute Patent Leather Sandals  |  Christian Louboutin Yolanda  |  Christian Louboutin Very Prive

I know I do have a lot of shoes, but these three have been on my wish list for a long time.  Classic silhouettes that would last for years.  The Yolanda's are a bit trendier in color but I love pink.  

What are you coveting for spring?  

To celebrate President's Day weekend, t+j Designs is offering free shipping and a special deal.  If you have been eyeing my jewelry from all my lookbooks, now is the time to shop!

Pleated Skirt Lookbook

Trina Turk Cardigan  |  J. Crew Blouse (similar)  |  Forever 21 Vibrant Pleated Skirt  |

B by Brian Atwood Boots  |  Burberry Purse (similar)  |  

t+j Designs:  Sapphire Teardrop Earrings  |  Gold & Black Luxe Link Necklace  |  Gold Edge Bangle  |

Making a spring pleated skirt wearable in the winter with some tights, a touch of fur and black boots.  I gravitated towards this skirt due to the colors, the pleats and the fact this it was only $23.  I look forward to pairing this skirt with a simple silk tank and a pair of chunky wedges in the spring/summer.  

I'm loving pleated skirts for spring, especially in bright and bold colors.  After all the mini lengths in the past year, it's nice to have knee length and maxi length options for spring.  

1}     2}     3}     4}  

My favorite is #1; I'll be stalking it for when it goes on sale!  

Happy Valentine's Day

some pics from here and a couple from my wedding shots

Celebrate with a glass of champagne with your girlfriends or your significant other.  I greatly appreciate all your continued support and comments for my blog and t+j Designs.  It means a lot to get such positivity everyday as I go through my pregnancy.  Wishing everyone much love.  

*I'm in my third trimester, only 11 weeks to go!

Color Me Block Lookbook

Armani Exchange Black Blazer (similar)  |  J. Crew Blythe Blouse  |  Forever 21 Fitted Skinny Jean  |

Christian Louboutin Pumps (similar)  |  t+j Designs Love and Heart Rose Gold Necklace  |  

Love and Heart Rose Gold Bracelet  |

Happy Valentine's Day this week.  Inspired by the below collage (which I found on pinterest), I mixed two of my favorite colors, red and pink.  Looking forward to celebrating with a nice dinner with my husband  and just sharing some love.  

Source

Polka Dot Lookbook

Burberry Coat  |  Alice + Olivia Polka Dot Sweater  |  Trouve Jodhpur Leggings  |  

Gifted Sweater Snood  (loving this similar one by Marc by Marc Jacobs on sale)  |

Kate Spade Linette Pumps on sale  |  Gucci bag  |  Chanel Watch  |

t+j Designs Silver & Ruby Three Stone Dangle Earrings on sale

From a tiny polka dot in Tuesday's Lookbook to a big polka dot today.  The sweater is a find in my closet that I had forgotten about.  Soft and fun, it is the perfect sweater right now for my 28 week tummy.  I love mixing textures when I'm wearing neutral colors; you see a little lurex shiny thread in my coat, coziness in the snood and sweater, and a touch of feather in my shoes.

Already looking forward to the weekend, lots to do as we are preparing our nursery and registering for the baby.   Maybe even a trip to Ikea, but going on the weekend is sometimes a nightmare.  Wishing everyone a great Friday/weekend.

*Big favor:  I've entered the Refinery 29 style blogger contest, please vote for me.   If you go to the link here, hit cntrl + F find Jennifer Worman and you'll see my pic.  Thank you, thank you xoxo!

DIY Stripe Clutch

As an avid Popsugar reader I had to share this DIY when I viewed this!  

I'm going to definitely try this when I can get my hands on some spray paint (in Chicago spray paint isn't legal so I have to travel to the burbs.) 
This beautiful clutch (which comes in 60 colors) would be perfect for the project:

American Apparel Large Leather Clutch

Loving all the color options of this clutch!

I may even try one in neon colors and the other in pastel as the two are big trends for spring.  

Black, White & Gold Lookbook

Zara Blazer  |  H & M Polka Dot Peplum Top  |  Citizens of Humanity Avedon Denim  |

Chanel Bag  |  B by Brian Atwood Boots  |  t+j Designs jewelry:

Gold & Black Luxe Link Necklace  |  Black Pyramid Crystal Bracelet  |  Hammered Bangle Set

What comes to mind when your tummy is growing (due to pregnancy) is typically not a peplum top, but during my recent trip to New York, I fell in love with H & M's peplum top designs.  Why not accent your tummy when it's already showing :).  This cute knit polka dot peplum top is not available online, but it should be in stores as I just got it.  It will probably only fit for another week or so, but I can still wear it later with a cute pair of shorts or pencil skirt.  A pair of brightly colored denim would be a perfect pairing once I can fit back into my size.

Spring trends are all about color and I'm loving these options too:

1}                                                  2}                                                   3}    

Fashion week starts soon, any of you heading to New York for it?  I always love watching the coverage and get inspired by the street style fashions as well as the runway designs.  Hopefully for next fashion week, I can be in New York to enjoy it in person.

*Free shipping and on time V-day delivery for t+j Designs ends today (Tuesday, Feb 7th)!