The Best $18 Dress

Spring is quickly approaching, and it is time to say goodbye to your nursing tanks and cardigans and hello to the popular wrap and shirt dresses that are available at almost every store.  I saw this dress at Target this past weekend and was blown away by what a great deal it is.  This dress is made by Merona, and features a button-down front - which is perfect ideal for nursing or pumping easy access - and the best part - it is only $18!  Pair this dress with these adorable platforms by Steve Madden and you will be ready for a night out without the baby!

An Adorable Nursing Dress

I saw this dress on zulily.com and immediately fell in love with it.  It is a light-weight, 3/4 sleeve simple dress that comes in purple and grey.  It has an easy pull-up top which makes nursing a breeze, and it is super versatile, so not only can you dress it up or down, but you can also wear it across different seasons (for milder weather slip on a pair of flats and layer it with a jean jacket, and for colder weather try it with a thick pair of tights or leggings and a great pair of boots).  The best part is that this dress is less than $35 - what a steal!  Act quickly though - Zulily only keeps items for a few days, so it won't be around for long!

The Must Have Bra

If there was ever an important time to have a cute bra it is now ladies.  Face it, your bra is out and exposed more than ever before, so why stick to something plain and boring when you can add something fun under your clothes (if nothing else, it will make you feel better about yourself!).  This bra is another great Target find.  It is by Gilligan & O'Malley, and comes in at under $20.  The cups of the bra do not have underwire (I know, I know, if there was ever a time for underwire it is now, but most breastfeeding experts agree that it is best to find underwire-free bras for best milk production), and the polka-dot print and lace detailing make the bra look really pretty and much more expensive than it's reasonable price tag.  Best yet, this bra does great in the washing machine and dryer, so it won't fall apart after a few washes.  This gem earns a solid "5" on the Tata test. 

You get what you pay for...

This top from Old Navy is the least expensive item I have yet to write about on this blog.  It comes in at under $6 (depending on the color you get), but the most expensive color is still under $8.  It is comfortable, easily accessible for nursing and pumping, and a good casual top to have for hanging around the house or running errands.  It is machine washable, so no need to worry about spilling anything on it - and did I mention it is only $6?  With that said, the quality is that of a $6 shirt.  It will not fall apart after a few wears, however, you have to be vey careful with how you wash and dry it because it will become somewhat mis-shapen.  I recommend washing it on a gentle setting and line drying it. 

 Now the overall style of this shirt is not fantastic, so it will need to be dressed up a bit if you want to wear it out.  For a cute casual look I would pair it with your go-to pair of jeans, and this bright colored trench coat (also from Old Navy).   Lastly, add a comfy pair of flats, and you have a great pulled together-casual outfit for a minimal expense!

Gap does it again!

Today's entry is highlighting another nursing top from the Gap.  This was one of the first nursing shirts I purchased, and it is still one of my favorite tops. 

For starters, the fabric is soft, very comfortable, and machine washable.  The other thing I really like about this shirt is that the wrap front makes your waist look super tiny and also adds some visual interest/design to the shirt.  Lastly, like all of Gap's products, it is extremely affordable (depending on the color, you can snag this top for $15!).  It is a great weekend go-to and looks fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans and boots.   

 Right now I am loving these rain boots from the Gap.  They come in black, orange, pink, and green and are on sale for just under $30!

The only (slight) negative of this top is that it is not as easily accessible for nursing and pumping as other shirts I have featured, earning this shirt a "4" on the Tata Test.

Five Quick (and Frugal) Fixes to Feeling Fabulous!

As a mom, you don't have a whole lot of time for yourself - especially with how demanding a baby can be.  Although it may seem hard to do, it is important that you take the time to take care of yourself, too.  It will make you look and feel much better - trust me!  This entry is dedicated to five easy, inexpensive things you can do to get yourself feeling fabulous.

1.  Take a hot bubble bath.  This is by far one of my favorite things to do.  I try and do this a few times a week, and I find that when I put my son down to sleep at night is the best time for me to do it.  Some nights I make a cup of hot tea to sip on and read a book or magazine and it is WONDERFUL! 

2.  Treat yourself to a face mask.  This is something that is super inexpensive and will make your skin look and feel so much better.  Better yet, it only takes about 5 minutes to dry, so in under 10 minutes you can look and feel like a million bucks!

3.  Put on some make-up.  Okay, I know this may seem like a daunting task and not something that is going to be quick.  I promise that in five minutes, you can put on a small amount of make-up which will make a huge difference.  Here is what I try to do every day:  First, start with some concealer (especially if you have been up a lot the night before with the baby - this will help a lot with under-eye circles).  Next, add a little bit of blush or bronzer for some color on your cheeks, forehead, and chin.  Add a little bit of eyeliner (sometimes I put on a bit of a light shimmery eyeshadow too) and mascara to make your eyes stand out.  Last, put on a moisturizing lip gloss and you are good to go!

4.  Wash your hair.  This may sound obvious, but it is amazing how the day can get away from you, and before you know it, it is time for bed and you have still not showered or washed your hair.  Even if you don't have time to dry it, taking a quick shower and washing your hair is a quick, easy way to feeling like a new person.  I suggest trying a shampoo that has an energizing scent; that can be a huge help on mornings when you are tired and feeling a bit sluggish.

5. Treat yourself to some new underwear.  Again, another thing that might sound like a no-brainer, but swapping out the underwear you wore during your pregnancy and right after you had the baby for something new will make you (and your husband) MUCH happier.   

A Perfect "5"!

Hello, Fashionistas!  I'm sorry it has been a few days since I posted a new item for you - but today's selection will not disappoint - I promise!  Today's must have item is this super versatile top from Target's Converse One Line.  I am featuring it in the purple color, but it also comes in black, blue, and white.  This top epitomizes what a full "5" on the Tata Test is. 
First of all it is extremely affordable ($23), machine washable, and a breeze to nurse or pump in with buttons going down the front of the shirt (better yet, you really only have to unbutton the first two since it has a slight v-neck).  Next, it can be worn with just about anything in your wardrobe.  I have paired it with the white Gilligan & OMalley nursing cami underneath and skinny jeans (trouser jeans work too) for a casual look.  Try topping the outfit off with a cute pair of flats or comfy boots (I have worn UGGs on cold days), and VOILA - you are ready to run errands, grab lunch, or just hang out around the house and feel cute and put together.  This top can also be dressed up when you swap out jeans for a skirt, and add some cute tights and a pair of ankle - high dress boots.  I love these boots from Piper Lime - and they are on sale for less than $50! 

Last, accessories are an easy way to really polish off your look.  Try this beatuful cuff from Banana Republic:
 It is a little pricey at just under $50, but it is currently on sale for 20% off.  What I love most about this cuff bracelet, is that without a clasp, it is easy to alternate wrists to keep track of what side you last nursed on.