Inspiration Daily: 09. 29. 10

A lovely Print by Laura George.

Chic for Cheap: Cute + Cozy Maternity Wear

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Hello lovelies! Today's Chic for Cheap challenge is an extra special one, as it has come at the request of my little sister Morielle (how adorable of her to ask). As a young mom with an almost 1 year old and a very pregnant belly to contend with, she is looking for items that are budget-friendly, cute, comfortable and also warm enough for the coming months (her final months of this pregnancy). She is also hoping for a few ideas on what to wear with these sweet boots that she recently picked up from Target. I must admit that I'm not an expert when it comes to maternity wear (it's been almost 12 years since I had my daughter and styles have changed a lot in that time - for the better thankfully), but I do know my sister pretty well (she's laid-back, classy and always beautiful), so I'm hoping these picks will work for her.

I decided to focus on finding pieces from shops that I know she already frequents (who needs the stress of figuring out sizing for a heap of new stores when you're pregnant)...hence the very large assortment of items from Gap + Old Navy (eep). Plus they are making some really cute things that look perfect for this challenge, so it is a win, win!

This time of year, layering is the key to feeling comfortable and it gives you a lot of options to work with. For instance this sweet dress would look just as good now with sandals and a cute ponytail (when the days are still a tiny bit warm) as it would with leggings, boots or flats and a cardigan (for cooler nights). Add color to the neutral palette with a pretty scarf (my sister has a beautiful one that she got in Europe that will be perfect) or a simple pair of earrings (nothing too long and dangly that will cause unwanted attention from a little one-year-old). A lot of people steer clear of mixing brown and black together, but I think it can look really nice when done well...and the truth is that if you feel great in what you are wearing you will look fabulous, no matter what color you are wearing. I hope you like my picks Morielle! I love you! xo Ez

• Tiered Cowl-Neck Shirt (more colors available) - Old Navy | $16.50
• Full Panel Skinny Jeans - Old Navy | $36.50
• Shawl-Collar Cardigan - Old Navy | $35.00
• Low-Rise Denim Pencil Skirt - Old Navy | $26.50
• Drop-waist Ponte Dress - Gap | $49.99
• Antique Jeweled Drop Earrings - Charlotte Russe | $7.50
• Solid Leggings - Gap | $19.50
• Karima Leather Boots - Target | $49.99 (already owned)
• Grosgrain Ribbon Mocs - American Eagle | $39.50
• Chunky Knit Beret - Forever 21 | $6.80
• Chunky Woven Beret - Forever 21 | $5.50

Fancy This: Babette's Fall 2010 Collection

The fresh Fall 2010 Jewelry Collection from Babette just launched (as in today) and Geeta (the creative mastermind behind the brand) has truly outdone herself. She has made pieces that are as luxe and attention-grabbing as they are wearable. I can name no fewer than four that I want to take home with me right now. I love them all!

Hop on over to the Babette shop to see the full collection for yourself (maybe you'll get a jump start on some holiday shopping while you're there). Enjoy! xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: Honey & Milk

Honey: Hannah Kristina Metz - portfolio here.

Milk: Hannah aka Honey & Jam - find her prints for purchase here + her blog here.

Inspired By: Jacinta Moore

I came across this beautiful pet portrait by Jacinta Moore last week and have viewed it several times since...I don't think that I've ever seen such an evocative animal portrait. After gazing at her first image (multiple times) I was curious to see more of her work and popped over to her blog for a quick look. I ended up browsing through the entire thing — page after page of exquisite images. It was a great way to spend an hour of my weekend!

Jacinta truly captures a unique and wonderful perspective in her work. Do yourself a favor and skip on over to see for yourself.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

Posted with permission - All images ©Jacinta Moore