Dress: Shabby Apple | Scarf: Shop Kempt | Cardigan: JCPenney | Tights: Forever 21 | Boots: Famous Footwear | Earrings c/o Jac & Elsie | Clutch: Made by Hank gift from Much Love, Illy

It’s kind of sad how short college football season is. It’s always fun to sleep in a little on Saturday mornings and wake up just in time for kickoff. I have to say, I’m pretty dang proud of my Michigan Wolverines this year, with a 10-2 season and all. We’re going to play against Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl this year. It would be a fun game to go to but with a little one on the way, travel is out of the question. However if I were to go to the game, I’d probably wear this outfit. Yellow (maize) + blue has always been one of my fave color combos, and not just because it’s my school colors. And I kind of like it paired with creams and browns too!

Bump update: 38.5 weeks
- Still dilated 1.5 cm
- 27 pounds gained
- Craving caprese salad(and I had it too)
- Have tried walking stairs, pineapple, raspberry tea, spicy food, massage and bouncing on exercise ball to induce labor (obviously none of those worked)
- Still lots of Braxton Hicks contractions but not any real ones
- Hospital bag packed in a carry-on roller bag (don’t laugh!)
- Have caught myself snoring

P.S. Have you entered the Luce accessory giveaway yet?
P.P.S. And how about the group giveaway for shop credit to knit, accessory, vintage shops and a camera bag insert?

What are your school colors?  Are they a good color combo, fashion-wise?

Dress c/o Soon Maternity | Button Down: Target | Belt: Forever 21 | Shoes: Payless Shoes | Necklace: Oh, Hello Friend

 Hey friends!  How was your weekend?  Ours was filled with sleep, laundry, tidying up, going out to eat, and enjoying the still nice weather.  It’s crazy to think that Thanksgiving is next week, y’all.  I guess it hasn’t really hit me because usually I’d be starting to think about travel plans to go back to either Michigan, Ohio or California to visit family but this time I can’t travel.  Guess we’ll just be sharing a turkey between the three of us and maybe buying a 60″ TV for Black Friday since we’ll be in town.

We’re SO close to baby being full term now (I’m 34.5 weeks, full term is 37 weeks) that I’m getting a ton of mixed emotions lately.  Excited to meet our little one, scared about how labor is going to go down, nervous to see how our lives are going to change, anxious to begin this new chapter in life.  But in the mean time, I’m embracing my big belly and all of the perks, like extra massages from hubby, coworkers giving up their chairs to me at team meetings, and getting an extra slice of pizza at Sam’s Club b/c I’m eating for two. 

What are you doing to get ready for Thanksgiving?

dress: ruche | tights: francesca’s | boots: steve madden | necklace: pretty things by meg

this weekend was sure a busy one and i could totally use another day of it just to relax.  on friday night, marv and i used our free pay on demand movie credit and watched bridesmaids!  haha yes, we’re WAY behind on the times, don’t laugh!  but anyhow, now we totally see what the hype was all about, it was one hilarious movie.  for any of those more behind than us on the times, you MUST go see it!

then on saturday, we headed to an in town fall fest where i picked up a medicine cabinet (which i plan on turning into my jewelry storage box)!  i also got a baby bib from a local etsy artisan, wild juniper!  it’s always great to meet other etsy sellers!    then that evening we went to a neighbor’s housewarming party where almost all of the ladies there either had small kids or were pregnant!  it’s always great to meet other moms and mom-to-be’s!  then we had chick-fil-a for dinner, YUM!!

and on sunday, we headed down to the plaza art fair where we saw some really great pieces of art, met up with my parent’s friends who had a booth there, met up with a new friend that just moved to KC, bought some dresses for special occasions and then hunkered down and bought a dining room table for our eat in kitchen!  and now i totally need to look for dining room chairs to go along w/ it and a rug!  yea… a lot of shopping has been going on here!  :/

bump update: 27.5 weeks

- out little baby boy is about the size of an eggplant now!

- belly button is still an innie but i feel like it will soon be an outie any week now

- still haven’t heard back on if i have passed my glucose tolerance test yet, should find out this week~

- baby kicks and movement are in full force

- i have a serious case of nesting and it doesn’t help that we have a new house with so many spaces to fill still!

- craving fruit and chocolate milk, not necessary together

- i’m all about turning my short dresses into shirts/tunics, exhibit above

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything fun?

Entries for this giveaway have been closed, thanks!

Today, I’m super excited to bring you a super fashionable giveaway, that is so perfect for summer!  I have paired together with Shabby Apple and couldn’t be more excited!  If you aren’t familiar with Shabby Apple’s Women’s Dresses then I’m not quite sure where you’ve been hiding.  They even sell kids and maternity dresses, accessories, swimsuits, and more!  And because I’m sure you all know just how obsessed I am with bows, the winner of this giveaway can pick one of these items that has a lovely bow on it! 

{GIVEAWAY}

The winner’s choice between…

a. the beautiful turquoise colored ahoy! dress

b. the sweet and summery lighthouse dress

c. your choice of a navy, black or olive bow dress

To enter:

1. Visit Shabby Apple and leave a comment with your favorite item!

For additional entries, leave a separate comment for each action.
2. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment saying I sent ya
3. Be a Google Friend Connect follower of this blog
4. Follow @sandyalamode on Twitter
5. Follow @shabbyapple on Twitter
6. Blog, facebook, or tweet about this giveaway (make sure to include @sandyalamode and @shabbyapple in your tweet) and include the link (one entry each)

Feel free to use this tweet:
There’s a @shabbyapple #GIVEAWAY on @sandyalamode! Enter to win a perfect summer dress or a skirt! http://bit.ly/ijxAJe

This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only and closes on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 12PM CST. Good luck!

Don’t want to wait?  Take 10% off your order with code “sandyalamode10off“!

Entries for this giveaway have been closed, thanks!

Dress: H&M | Cardigan: Ann Taylor | Tights: Forever 21 | Boots: Steve Madden | Belt: Gift From Mom

Here we go again with the boots and photos from a month ago.  I promise, these are the LAST photos for the season with these boots (I think).  This photo shoot was taken by my dad (yup, our family is totally talented behind the camera) at a park near my parent’s house.  One of my nephew’s absolute favorite things to do is go to the park, his ears perk up at the sound of “gong yuan”, or “park” in Chinese.  And then he repeats “gong yuan” incessantly and asks you to put on his shoes for him so we can leave to the park ASAP, melts my heart.  If you look at my outfits, I don’t actually own a lot of red.  But I am utterly in love with how this red bow belt (yes, bow!) looks against black and white.  And it ties together my coordinated outfit with Evan too, didn’t plan that one. 

Highlights from my Easter weekend?

1) Getting some orders made and packaged up to be sent out on Monday.
2) Sharing a booth at a craft fair with My Little Sunshine Handmade and going on a double date BBQ run!  If you ever come visit in Kansas City, we’ll take you to Oklahoma Joe’s, YUM!
3) Preparing for my best friend’s Bridal Shower and Wedding in Vegas next weekend!
4) Spring Cleaning. Like for serious.
5) Seeing me and Much Love, Illy’s Connection’s post go up on Susannahbean’s blog!  Head on over to check it out!

What did you do for Easter weekend?

Happy first Friday of 2011!!!   Hope you all had a great week!  For this week’s Flavors to Follow I wanted to start it off with the 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle (picked by Pantone)!  This is so exciting because pink if my absolute all-time favorite color!!!  Yellow and grey are my faves too but those are only recent faves haha.  Honeysuckle, is a reddish-pink that is encouraging, uplifting and as I like to describe it “big girl pink”!  I think this color would go well with blacks, greys, browns as well as darker green tones, don’t you?  WellI’ve scoured the web and found some perfectly honeysuckle finds for you to swoon over!

1 Bedroom designed by Grant K. Gibson seen on Creamy Life
2 Chaise Louis XV Jacob chair seen on Dodeline Design
3 Valentine Crochet Heart Garland made by BobbiLewin found by Mandipidy
4 Essie nail polish in Fiesta
5 Lovely long bridesmaid dress from Dessy
6 Abstract watercolor greeting card by Chic Geek Designs
7 Inna flats by Simply Soles seen on Dedicated Follower of Fashion
8 Mini Chalkboard sold by The Door Stop
9 Wesley Purse made by So Cute It Hurts

Don’t forget to enter the FOUR GIVEAWAYS going on right now!!!  You could win two beautiful prints from City of Blackbirds, a mustard headband from Maie Dae, a Polaroid pocket mirror and postcard set from OPB Studios, or a cowl in your favorite color from Holly Knitlightly!!

Are you a fan of honeysuckle?  What colors would you pair with it?

Hello from sunny (and slightly chilly) California! We’re out here to surprise my brother for his birthday and for our friend’s wedding! And he just ain’t any old friend, but he’s the reason me and Marvin met each other, he’s our matchmaker! I’m also getting a perm today, I’m soo excited and nervous at the same time!! Don’t worry, it ain’t no Shirley Temple curls, it’ll be big waves (I hope anyways)! And lastly I have a few blogger meet-ups lined up, as long as the LA traffic doesn’t hold us back, hopefully I’ll be able to see them all!

I totally think today’s Flavors to Follow is quite fitting for the weather right now.  It’s not quite super cold yet but it’s just starting to get chilly, especially in the mornings, and I can attest to this for the Midwest and California!  My obsession with sweater dresses pretty much began last year and guess what?  I am still obsessed this year too!  You can wear them over jeans or tights (colored ones as Much Love, Illy would say) with flats or boots, one dress, so many looks, you can’t go wrong!

1 cozy up to this leMuse milk sweater dress seen on bug miscellany
2 slip your hands into the pockets of this adorable striped Rag & Bone/JEAN knit pocket dress from shopbop
3 brighten up your day with this golden opportunity sweater from modcloth
4 feel sexy and sleek with this lurex sweaterdress with ruffle hem from victoria’s secret
5 seen on honeysuckle chic and also from victoria’s secret, this slouchy fair isle sweaterdress looks stylish and comfy
6 take yourself back to the 80s with this vintage red cable knit slouchy sweater dress from enid and edgar
7 be warm (sorta) and sexy with this McQ – alexander mcqueen cable knit dress from shopbop

Are you a sweater dress fan?  Is there one that you’re currently eyeing?

Hope you adore this pretty collection as much as I do!  Have a wonderful happy beautiful weekend my friends!  Don’t forget to check previous posts for the TWO giveaways going on right now.  And come back next week for TWO more giveaways as well, boom chicka boom.

Oh and please don’t forget to check out my lovely sponsors and follow me via Google Friend Connect over there on the right side —->

Hello October!  Wow already!?!?  I think I say this every month but time sure does fly.  But this month is particularly exciting because it means that MY BIRTHDAY is exactly ONE MONTH AWAY!! Oh don’t you worry, I’ve already started my birthday wishlist already!   Speaking of birthdays, yesterday was my sponsor, We Heart Paper’s birthday and today is Much Love, Illy’s birthday… sooo don’t forget to send them some birthday love!!

And next up I just wanted to announce the winner of the scratch and sniff custom dog silhouette giveaway!  Random.org picked…

This comment was left by the beautiful blogger Diana from exPress-o!  Congrats lady!  I will send your email to Mary Lou and she will contact you shortly to get your mailing address.  Can’t wait to see your custom print!

And speaking of animals… I’ve done quite a bit of shopping lately and my newest obsession is none other than… LEOPARD PRINT! I just bought my first pair of leopard print flats at Target and I love them, the best part being that you can pretty much wear both black, brown, and brights colors with it.  Honestly, I was never a huge fan of it before, guess I was missing out!!  Here are some other ways that leopard has inspired me this week:

1 spice up your neck with an ultra fabulous coco leopard necklush
2 be the trendiest lady on the streets with this kate spade leopard print shoulder bag seen on lord and taylor
3 how about a cute little leopard print bow headband from irispancy?
4 this betsey johnson leopard watch seen on fantabulously frugal totally had me with the pink!
5 since you probably use your phone all the time like me, why not make it stylish with this phone case seen on made by girl
6 although i already have flats, i might just need this joan & david chanteur pump from dsw to complete my shoe collection
7 just saw this blumarine spring 2011 dress on the alternative bride, check out her post for much more!
8 decorate your furniture with leopard print handmade snow leopard throw pillows by highstreetmarket
9 and finally score his zara shoulder bag for $79.99, thanks sogni e sorrisi for sharing with us!

Well, that’s all friends!  Have a beautiful, wonderful, merry, lovely weather fall October weekend! 

Are you a leopard print lover?  Do you own anything leopard print?

Thank you to all who entered the Kfashionhouse Dress Giveaway!  Random.org has picked a WINNING NUMBER for us and that number is…

And who would lucky #49 be?  Why that would be Ms. Erica from Sweets and Hearts!  Congrats hun!  You will be contacted shortly for your mailing address so you can be sent your beautiful new dress.

And just as another reminder, the PROMO CODE for 15% off your total purchase at Kfashionhouse is still going on through next week, Wednesday, September 15, just make sure to enter code “ALAMODE15OFF” at check out!  Thanks again Yena for the GIVEAWAY and this lovely offer!

Happy September friends! Today I am super excited to bring you an awesome DRESS GIVEAWAY hosted by Yena, the fashionista behind Kfashionhouse! I found her shop through a mutual friend (thanks Janet!) and I absolutely adore everything about it. Kfashionhouse is an online clothing store dedicated to bringing you, beautifully designed Korean and Japanese style fashions at affordable prices. The merchandise is trendy, sophisticated, fun but also comfortable to wear for every-day women and for fashionistas everywhere.

{shop} {blog} {twitter} {facebook}

{Meet the Shop Owner}

1) Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a caffeine-loaded, Lancome eye-liner obsessed girl who, just over a year ago, decided to take fate into my own (fashion-needy) hands. My whole life has consisted of obsessively reading Vogue and WWD, watching copious amounts of FashionTV and constantly channeling some fashion icon or other. (Currently channeling Vivien Leigh-for those who care to know) I am that girl who just can’t say “no” in Nordstrom even when my credit cards are crying out in pain. I may be labeled as one who has their “priorities all out of wack” because I would honestly prefer to starve for two weeks in order to buy a pair of Louboutins, but I feel fashion feeds my soul.

2) How did you get the idea to start up your shop?

A few years back (in college), I became obsessed with cultural fashion pieces. Think Kimono-inspired skirts and Hanbok colored scarves. Since then, I’ve immersed myself with learning about Asian fashion trends, Korean styles and Japanese street looks. It made me realized that my true calling in life was not tax law (plans of going to Law School) but fashion. Fast forward 3 months of craziness, sleepless nights, trying to communicate with Chinese merchandisers and Japanese Jewelers (I’m Korean), while attending school and voila! I opened my very first store. It represents who I am in every way, because I literally hand-select each piece I choose to have in my store. I also decided against going the big-name designer route because I wanted to cater to “struggling” shopping-gals, just like me, who want champagne on a beer budget!

3) What are some must-haves in every girl’s wardrobe?

A well-tailored black blazer, gorgeous brown leather boots, a fantastic pencil skirt, and a statement necklace (it can dress up any plain top or outfit).

4) What is your favorite item in your shop?

It’s hard to choose but it would have to be the Fine Lace Napoleana Blouse (perfect under a mini leather jacket with cowboy boots) and the Midnight Rendevous Dress (which happens to be the dress we are giving away today)!

{Reader Discount}

Yena is sooo sweet and is offering my readers a special discount.  From now through Wednesday, September 15, if you enter code “ALAMODE15OFF” at check out to receive 15% off your total purchase! How cool is that? I’m totally going to buy a dress… or maybe two!

{Giveaway}

Isn’t this dress so beautiful and sexy?  Great as a present or for yourself, it would look great worn as is or over tights/jeans and paired with tall heels!  Currently all of Kfashionhouse items fit a size Small (2-6) but they will be getting more size options in the near future.

{To Enter}

1. (Mandatory entry) Visit kfashionhouse and leave a comment on this blog post with the name of your favorite item!

2. (For an additional entry) Twitter about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with the link to your tweet or your twitter name. If you Twitter, please use @sandyalamode and @asian__fashion in your tweet so I can track them. And to make things extra easy, feel free to use this tweet:

Win a sexy SATIN DRESS from @asian__fashion’s kfashionhouse website on @sandyalamode’s blog! #GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/cAcpCn

3. (For an additional entry) Like kfashionhouse on facebook and leave a separate comment letting me know you did so.

4. (For an additional entry) Become a follower of the kfashionhouse blog and leave a separate comment letting me know you did so.

5. (For an additional entry) Blog about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with a link to your blog post.

This giveaway is open internationally and ends on Wednesday, September 8 at 9:00PM CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on this blog on Thursday, September 9. Thank you SO much Yena and good luck everyone!

Entries for this giveaway have been closed. Thanks!