Zebra Print Midi Skirt and a "Pet" Owner

ZEBRA PLEATED MIDI SKIRT - Venice Anonymous
BLACK TANK TOP - Gap Maternity
CREAM CARDIGAN - Old Navy
RING - Jewelry Party
AFRICAN NECKLACE - Heavenly Treasures
ORANGE BOOTIES - GoJane

"I want a puppy so I can be a pet owner," Princess Sparkles announced at the breakfast table.  Her grandma, Fair Isle, then asked what being a pet owner entailed and Sparkles listed a few things: feeding, bathing, brushing their hair.  Then Fair Isle asked if there was anything else and Princess Sparkles smiled and said, "you have to clean their poo poo."  When asked if she wanted to do that, Sparkles replied, "nooooo."  I guess for now, she'll have to be okay with her zsu zsu pet racoon, "Chum-Chum." 

Princess Sparkles and her "pet"

Today I'm linking to Silverstyle's "Trending Through the Decades: Animal Print."  I was excited to wear the zebra midi my girlfriend Fierce gave me from Anonymous Venice.  I love this skirt because it's shiny and has pleats, which makes it extra fun!  For a little color I wore my GoJane orange booties and a statement necklace that actually comes from Africa thanks to Heavenly Treasures.

I'm obsessed with animal prints and any excuse to wear it makes me happy.  And since Princess Sparkles doesn't like cleaning poop, for now the only animals that will be living in our home will be the ones printed on my clothes!

Socks and Sandals - "Messing Up" a Fall Trend

BLACK AND WHITE DRESS - Banana Republic (thrifted)
YELLOW CARDIGAN - Gap Outlet
MARY JANES - Dr. Scholls (via Macys)

"Pig-Pen," that's the nickname I should've given Pigtails.  My best friend, Cardi, says my 18-month old reminds her of the Peanuts character because no matter how I dress her or what I do with her hair, within minutes she has become a complete mess with dirt on her clothes, mysterious sticky stuff in her hair (which falls in her face), and has left a trail of food all over the house.  And yet she always accessorizes with that ridiculously adorable dimpled smile.

Pig-Pen

Pigtails

Today I'm linking up to Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday" and Spunky Chateau's "Thursdays are for Thrifters."  This is NOT a maternity dress, but something I thrifted at the Goodwill.  It's Banana Republic and it fit really well.  I also decided to do something different with the socks and mary janes.  I'm sure I didn't quite pull this trend off right (tips?), since most pics I see the models are wearing solid colored socks (and not these crazy patterned patchy ones) but for some reason I guess I'm not a solid sock buyer.  Oh well.

I did read in one of my magazines that "socks and sandals" are one one of the trends men dislike the most.  Luckily for me I'm married, preggo and not looking for a man, so I'm going to wear this style, even if I'm doing it wrong.  Because fashion should be about what the person wants to do, even if it's wearing dirt in her clothes and mysterious sticky stuff in her hair!

Princess Pirate Superhero and Animal Print Platforms - Inspiration Monday

ORANGE SWEATER - Buffalo (via Loehmanns)
DENIM MIDI SKIRT - Buffalo (hand-me-down)
CREAM TANK - Old Navy
BELT - Furla (vintage)
EARRINGS - Jewelry party
ANIMAL PRINT PLATFORM HEELS - GoJane

"Princess Pirate Superhero!!!"  That's what Princess Sparkles shouted as she ran into my room wearing a leotard over a t-shirt, tutu, one striped leg warmer and a dog stuffed into her skirt.  Then she did a big jump with her arm thrusted high.  I asked her what her super power was and she told me it was "playing, flying and saving her dog."  She also informed me that Pigtails was her sidekick and sidekicks "listen to their superheroes."


Princess Pirate Superhero and her Sidekick

For "Inspiration Monday" from  Two Birds, I decided to do a twist on Ali Larter's look.  First, I don't have light colored jeans I could currently squeeze my belly into so I found this long denim skirt my friend Fedora handed down to me.  I went with the orange sweater because it has little sequins on it and I really wanted to wear my leopard platform heels.

Today I'm watching Fedora's daughter.   It's good practice for having 3 kids.  We'll be visiting the park, maybe even Target.  Luckily I wore this outfit yesterday and NOT today because I won't be doing any "superhero saving" in that skirt and those heels! 

Red and White Polka Dot Cardigan and GS Lillian Statement Necklace

POLKA DOT CARDIGAN - Anonymous Venice (exact)
RED TANK TOP - Target
OLIVE SKIRT - Forever 21
WORKMAN BOOTS - Forever 21
STATEMENT NECKLACE - GS Lillian

Almost 20 weeks pregnant!

My fabulous GS Lillian necklace (THANK YOU, SHELLY!!!)

Pigtails hands me a rock.

"Snuggle!"  It's something my girls say to me daily.  It means they want to cuddle on my bed and I love it (though sometimes it gets complicated when one asks to snuggle and the other one tries to get in on the action).  They each have different reasons for saying it to me.  For Pigtails, she says it because she wants my attention (translation: "Momma, stop blogging and hold me!").  For Princess Sparkles, it's her way of trying to get out of going to bed.  I'll tell her, "time for sleep" and she'll say, "but I want to snuggle with you!"  Of course, it works everytime.

Today I'm wearing my new polka dot cardi from Anonymous Venice.  My girlfriend, Fierce, gifted me with it (I love my friends!).  Whenever I wear red I seem to gravitate towards olive.  I know it's kinda  "Christmas-y" but I like it.  I'm also wearing a gorgeous necklace designed by Shelly at GS Lillian.  I'm obsessed with her pieces and bought a necklace and cuff.  When she accidentally sent me the wrong necklace (this turquoise and red one) she sent me the right piece and let me keep this one!  I couldn't believe her generosity and I'm loving this colorful piece! 

Also, I'm linking up to Silverstyle's "Trending Through The Decades: Polka Dots."  It's a really fun way to check out how people of different ages style this fabulous trend!  So if you have some polka dots you're dying to wear (or if you just wanna check out how others are styling them) then check out Silverstyle!

Anyway, I'm really trying to accessorize more.  There's something about a statement necklace that really makes an outfit and GS Lillian has some of the most beautiful stuff.  Shelly even has a "sample sale" where you can get some of her pieces for a serious steal ($20!).  Everytime I go there, I want to buy something.  It's kinda like when Princess Sparkles or Pigtails ask me to snuggle, I just can't help myself!

Wearing Maternity Clothes

BLUE MATERNITY TANK - Made by my mom
WHITE CAPRIS - Pea in the Pod
GRAY CARDIGAN - Target
BRONZE LOAFER WEDGES - Steve Madden (thrifted)
RING, LEOPARD BLUE CRYSTAL NECKLACE - from a Jewelry party

"Come on," says Pigtails as she grabs my hand and drags me to whatever it is she wants.  Usually this is when I'm trying to take a nap, cook dinner or blog.  But I can't help but go with her.  Pigtails is very persuasive, and she's also just so darn adorable (I know, I'm biased) because she doesn't talk all that much and it's one of very few things that she says that's actually audible.  I will say, that girl knows how to get attention.  Good thing since she's going to be the middle child.


Pigtails (18 months)

 Here's what I wore last Friday.  I've finally started wearing maternity clothes and have put away a lot of my "other" stuff.  My mom made me this maternity top when I was pregnant with Princess Sparkles.  It's one of my favorites.  I sorta went "thrifting" in another mom's garage, and that's where I got these white capris.  She actually through them in for free because I bought some of her designer stuff.  The bronze wedges are also a thrift find from Goodwill.  I'll be linking this up to "Thursdays are for Thrifters" over at Spunky Chateau!  Oh, and the necklace is a purchase I made at the jewelry party I went to a few weeks ago.  At least I can still buy accessories!!!

Anyway, I'm relieved I can now rock the maternity wear.  I'm pregnant enough that people can ask me without fearing I might just be "recovering" from having 2 kids and/or gaining weight.  I'm excited to have an entirely "new" wardrobe to wear, and I'm glad I get to share it with my blog friends.  So "come on" and take this pregnancy journey with me!

Missoni for Target

Missoni for Target long hoodie cardigan

Missoni for Target chemise

Missoni for Target black and white sweater tank dress

Missoni for Target multi-colored cardigan, silk scarf and ballet flats

Missoni for Target beanie

This morning while eating breakfast (dry cereal, no milk...I know, but that's what they wanted!), I kept hearing Princess Sparkles and Pigtails giggling.  I came out of the kitchen to find the two girls making funny faces at each other.  Sparkles was making her cereal stick to her lips while Pigtails was using her spoon and shaking her head side to side.  They were making a HUGE mess (which is typical) but I figured I'd just vaccuum after and it was nice to see the sisters getting along so well.

Funny faces and the beginning of a mess

It's been a week since the Missoni craze.  On Friday I went to visit Fair Isle who had trekked to her Target early last Tuesday and picked me up some goodies (Thanks, mom!).  Here are some things she found me.  Unfortunately I can't keep all of them, and will most likely return the short cardigan (a slightly too big medium that looked kind of matronly on me...I know, I'm preggo, of course I look matronly!), the camisole (fit well and was soft but I'd rather keep a sweater dress), a romper (not pictured because I couldn't fit it over the belly) and the beanie (I just don't need it).  I also ordered stuff online, but it won't come for another month.  Sigh.  It feels slightly difficult returning such coveted pieces, but oh well, maybe I'll make someone else's day!

Anyway, in the words of Camouflage, "how many chevron patterns does one person need?"  (BTW I didn't actually realize chevron was a fashion/military term and thought it was just a gas station...you learn something new everyday!).  And now this Missoni (for Target) wearing momma must go and vaccuum up that mess I was talking about :)

Maxi Dress & Purple Jacket - Inspiration Monday

MAXI DRESS - Charlotte Russe
PURPLE JACKET - Loft
EARRINGS, BRACELET - Jewelry Party
METALLIC PURSE - Downtown LA Fashion District
BROWN SUEDE WEDGES - Steve Madden

Monday's Inspiration - Maggie Gyllenhaal

The other night while Princess Sparkles was cleaning up her toys she asked Camouflage, "Daddy, why do I have to clean up Pigtails' stuff too?"  And he told her because when she was little mommy and daddy had to clean up after her.  Sparkles shrugged and finished cleaning.  We're lucky because even though we have to threaten to throw away her stuff and she complains the entire time, Princess Sparkles actually cleans up her toys!  It makes me so proud.

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from the ladies over at Two Birds is Maggie Gyllenhaal.  I love Maggie's floral maxi dress and black blazer.  It's simple, dressy and fun.  I decided to wear my $15 maxi from Charlotte Russe and my surprisingly versatile purple jacket I bought on clearance at the Loft (here is how I wore it in June with a plaid dress). 

Anyway, I better keep this short so I can sneak in a short nap while Pigtails' is screaming... I mean trying to fall asleep.  That way I can wake up and be a good example to Sparkles by cleaning up some of my stuff!

A New Maternity Dress, Booties and an Award

COWL NECK MATERNITY DRESS - Liz Lange for Target
DENIM BELT - Style Xpress
BRACELETS - Cara, Jewelry Party
EARRINGS - Downtown LA Fashion District
WEDGE BOOTIES - Jeffrey Campbell

Today was Pigtails' first day at Moms Day Out without her sister.  It went smoothly.  Perhaps it's a 2nd child thing, though I think she didn't realize I was actually leaving her there.  We'll see what happens next week when she knows what to expect.  The only crying incident was when another Asian American mom came to pick up her daughter.  Pigtails also did this at another class with a different Asian American mom.  I'm not sure if Asian American moms remind Pigtails of me or she actually thinks these women are me (I'm hoping for the former).

I'm so glad I've finally shared with you all about my pregnancy because I can actually wear and post maternity clothes pictures.  I found this dress at Target a few weeks back in the clearance section.  I'm trying to be good about NOT buying maternity stuff (yeah, right) but this was only $7 so I couldn't help myself. 

I also wanted to thank a few bloggers who awarded me the "One Lovely Blog Award" a few weeks back.  Jess at Avant-Garde Living, Aki at 7% Solution and Florence from Fantail Flo have so kindly thought of me.  I decided I'd use the opportunity to finally give you all 7 FACTS ABOUT MY PREGNANCY...

1.  I'm in my 18th week of pregnancy. 
2.  The baby is due February 10, 2012 (The girls will be almost 2 and 4-1/2)
3.  I discovered I was pregnant because my clothes felt tight, food I liked grossed me out and I was so tired.
4.  I took 3 pregnancy tests.  The 1st was expired.  The 2nd seemed "light."  The 3rd was in the morning.
5.  I've always wanted 3 kids though this one wasn't exactly "planned."
6.  I'm carrying lower than I did with the other two (possibly because I've lost all muscles in my abs)
7.  I told Camouflage in June by saying, "Happy Father's Day.  You're gonna be a father...again."

Anyway, it's so nice to be recognized by other bloggers.  I really appreciate everyone for reading, commenting and encouraging me on my blog, especially about this new baby!  It makes me feel special, unlike when my daugher gets me confused with other moms :)

Thrifted Top and Denim Maternity Cut-Offs

CHECKERED TOP - Grass Jeans (Thrifted)
DENIM CUT OFFS - Motherhood Maternity
RING, EARRINGS - Jewelry Party
HANDBAG - Downtown LA Fashion District
PINK/RED/NAVY HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Princess Sparkles photobombs my picture

"Mommy, I'm going to Costco," Princess Sparkles told me as she rode an airplane at the park.  It seemed strange for Sparkles to mention Costco so much, especially since I never take the girls there (it just seems way to daunting to fight the crowds with them).  Then one day she started talking about Costco and how we drove a "PU car" (a rental that had a "new car" smell which she found stinky) and how we went to a wedding.  Finally I realized she wasn't talking about Costco, what she really meant was Chicago.

How I get the girls to go
to Target with me :)

It'd be much more understandable if Princess Sparkles was actually talking about Target, since I take the girls there like every other day.  It helps that I can fit them into the cart, I can buy them cheap snacks and I can buy myself clothes and every other thing I could possibly need/want... except for Missoni. 

Missoni.  Sigh.  I've been reading other blogs and everyone has a horror story.  I too went at 9:30am after I dropped Princess Sparkles off at preschool.  EVERYTHING WAS GONE.  The racks were completely cleared out.  Normally I would keep trying other Targets, but I could already tell it was hopeless.  So I packed up Pigtails and took her jogging.  Luckily, I was able to get online.  Got in there before the Target website completely crashed and bought a ridiculous amount of stuff (What?  It was free shipping, and I have no idea what will fit and what will look good, right?).

My Target buddy

Here's the outfit I wore to the jewelry party last week.  It's some cut offs I made with some maternity jeans and a top I found at the Salvation Army when my sister, Polka Dots, and I went on our shopping marathon.  Yay, I can link up to "Thursdays are for Thrifters" over at Spunky Chateau!

I gotta say, I love blogging.  It's fun to participate in link ups, knowing people from all over the world are doing the same thing together.  It's such a great community.  It's also comforting to know other people around the country had crazy Target experiences too, including the people over there in Costco...I mean, Chicago :)

Aqua Colored Skinny Jeans, Purple Tank and a "Little" Secret

AQUA JEGGINGS - Flying Monkey (via Anonymous Venice)
GRAY CARDIGAN, PURPLE TANK - Target
COLORFUL RING NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423
MAKE-UP BAG/CLUTCH - Giveaway, Her Late Night Cravings
LAVENDAR MARY JANE PUMPS - Prada (via DSW)

"Mommy, where do babies come from?"  Princess Sparkles asked me this in the car the other day.  I've been dreading this question for a while now and debated whether to give a more "fluffy" answer.  I started out explaining that mommy and daddy loved each other and so they made a baby.  But she kept wanting more details so I finally gave her a simplified biology lesson.  I explained mommy had eggs, like a chicken or a fish, and needed daddy to fertilize them.  I prayed to God she wouldn't ask me details on the "fertilization" process.  Luckily I think I had talked so much that I bored her so she didn't ask for any more details.  Phew!

"Inspiration" for my outfit

Everybody, Everywear is doing "colored pants" so I wore my aqua jeggings, and copying the color combo on a make-up bag I won from Her Late Night Cravings, I chose a purple tank, gray cardigan and lavender pumps I bought just after I got my first real job.  They're Prada and I got them from DSW.  I remember being so excited to buy them.  They were only $100 then but they seemed so expensive at the time.

As you can see, I'm finally revealing my little secret.  Actually, it's not all that little.  So the reason Princess Sparkles and Pigtails have been wondering about babies and pretending they're pregnant (stuffing their animals inside their shirts) is because their mommy is carrying #3!!!  I've been meaning to share with you all for a while now (because it was getting mighty hard NOT to wear maternity clothes and also not reveal the belly) but I just didn't know how to do it.  So this isn't all that creative but at least I can finally tell you all... I'm pregnant...AGAIN!

Anyway, I'm excited to participate in Everybody, Everywear.  But I'm even more excited that I could still fit in my skinny little jeggings!  Even though my body will be changing a lot during these next few months, I hope I can still participate in challenges like this and also keep stylish (because I know how much I'll feel like throwing on sweats and a t-shirt sans bra!).  This is an exciting new experience for our family and I'm so glad I can finally share it with you all!

Black and White - Bow Tie Top and Denim Capris

BLACK BOW TOP - Anna Sui for Target
WHITE DENIM CAPRIS - Express
SILVER BRACELET - Jewelry party
HOOP EARRINGS - Fashion District in downtown LA
BLACK PURSE - Fashion District in downtown LA
BLACK MARY JANE HEELS - Dr. Scholl's

MONDAY'S INSPIRATION - Rachel Bilson

This is how my photo shoot morphed, thanks to Pigtails!

I really enjoy watching the natural dynamic between kids.  It's just so organic to see them make friends.  We were at my old boss' house the other day when Princess Sparkles met another 4-year old girl.  They started talking and finding similarities.  "Hey, we're both 4!"  And that was just the beginning... "I like ladybugs and butterflies."  "Me too.  Oh and I like rolliepollies."  "Yeah, me too!" 

Princess Sparkles and her new friend

They noticed they were both eating hot dogs.  Then the dessert tray came around and both girls picked a chocolate brownie with marshmallows.  "I like chocolate."  "I like chocolate too!"  Chocolate sealed the deal.  Camouflage later pushed Princess Sparkles on this really cool tree swing which just happened to fit two 4-year olds.  They continued to laugh and have "adult" discussions about cars and shoes.  They had a great time together.

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds is Rachel Bilson.  I always admire her simple but extremely stylish looks.  I went with the only "bow shirt" I own, which is from the Anna Sui for Target collection.  I put on these white capris because Camo said they looked best.  I wore my super comfy Dr. Scholl's heels I got on clearance at Macy's a few years back.  Then I accessorized with some really great purchases from my Downtown LA Fashion District shopping trip I took with my sis Polka Dots (which I still need to post about). 

Anyway, I have to say, I've lived in the LA area all my life but it wasn't until last week that I finally made it out to the Downtown LA Fashion District.  And let me tell you, it was heaven for a shopaholic like myself.  Polka Dots and I had the best time.  If anyone comes to visit LA, I definitely suggest a trip down there.  It's just about as good as riding a tree swing with a new friend!

p.s. I'm excited to share a "little secret" with all of you in my next post.  I know I mentioned it last week.  I promise, it's a good one!

Remixing a Summer Top for Fall

ABSTRACT TANK - Thrifted
SKINNY JEANS - H&M
BLACK CARDIGAN - Old Navy
BROWN WEDGE BOOTS - Steve Madden
BRACELET, EARRINGS, RING - Jewelry Party

HOW I WORE IT IN JUNE:
PINK CAPRIS - Hudson
PINK BELT - Thrifted
EARRINGS - Forever 21
T-STRAP SANDALS - Forever 21 (via TJ Maxx)

I really enjoy watching how Pigtails goes around and copies everything Princess Sparkles does.  Like just today Sparkles was eating her mac n cheese and decided to carry it over to a smaller table. Pigtails immediately grabbed her bowl, climbed down her chair and followed her sister.  She also loves to wear her sister's (dirty) socks (and sadly, mine too...again, dirty ones).  I even once found Pigtails wearing Princess Sparkles panties over her diaper.

Pigtails modeling my socks

Today's fashion challenge from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki is to remix a summer top for fall.  I chose a thrifted patterned top so I can also link up to "Thursdays are for Thrifters" over at Spunky Chateau!  I'm not sure if I'm cheating but I remixed the summer top for fall just by adding boots and a cardigan.  I also decided to wear some jewelry I just bought at a friend's party.  I promised Polka Dots I would show her what I bought, so what better way than to post them on my blog!

Anyway, I love getting inspiration from these fashion challenges and also from other bloggers.  It's a little like Pigtails and her inspiration, Princess Sparkles.  But don't worry, I won't be wearing anyone else's panties :)

Remixing a Summer Dress for the Fall

FLORAL DRESS - Old Navy
FAUX LEATHER JACKET - Loehmanns
CHAIN NECKLACE - Downtown LA Fashion District
GRAY WEDGE BOOTIES - Jeffrey Campbell

HOW I WORE IT IN APRIL:
DENIM VEST - American Eagle
LEATHER WRAP BRACELET - Made by my mom
PINK PEEP-TOE HEELS - Seychelles

Recently, my sister Polka Dots went out and when she came back Princess Sparkles asked her what she did.  Polka Dots told her she saw "The Help."  Sparkles asked if she too could see the movie with her Auntie but Polka Dots told her "probably not" since they said some bad words.  Princess Sparkles replied, "Like what?"  Then she whispered, "Did they say... I don't like Jesus?" 

Today for the fashion challenge from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki, I'm remixing a summer dress for the fall.  I decided to wear my $6 floral dress from Old Navy and my favorite Jeffrey Campbell booties (or "skates" as Princess Sparkles calls them) which I actually think you can wear year-round!

Pigtails photobombs my pic

It's been a busy week with Polka Dots around and Princess Sparkles' birthday.  I have something cool I've been meaning to share with my blog friends though I think I'll wait until I finish the fashion challenge to tell everyone.  I also received a couple really cool awards from some blog friends and can't wait to post those too!

Anyway, I'm not especially loving the heat.  It was difficult to remix this dress for the fall in 90+ degree weather (luckily I snapped these photos earlier in the morning).  I hope it starts to cool off soon, otherwise I too might be saying some bad words :)