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#Slayternity: Stitch Fix Casual Chic Maternity Wear

by Rochelle April 9, 2017

This post contains affiliate links, including my Stitch Fix referral link. I earn a small commission each time someone signs up for Stitch Fix or makes a purchase through one of my links, which helps to support my blog. Additionally, this month’s fix was sent complimentary of Stitch Fix. All opinions are honest, my own and I’m so excited to share them with you.

As my due date quickly approaches, my clothing selection has officially slimmed down. Why? Because my body’s growing and I’m running out of options. #Slayternity means nothing if I can’t pull something together and with 5 weeks left, purchasing new maternity clothing will be short-lived. Luckily, there is Stitch Fix, a personal style service that evolves with your taste, needs, and lifestyle. All it takes is a few minutes to fill out your style profile and you are one step closer to a delivery filled with stylish pieces to match your wardrobe.

How Stitch Fix Works

Before anything gets sent your way, you fill out a style profile that asks several questions to help determine what pieces will be best for you. These questions cover everything from your sizing, shape, style, budget and lifestyle to help your stylist pick the best options. A total of 5 items will be added to your fix.

Next, pick a delivery date from their calendar. Once your stylist has picked your items, a styling fee of $20 will be charged that can be applied as a credit toward anything you’d like to keep from your shipment.

When your fix arrives, you have 3 days to try everything on and decide what you’d like to purchase or what you’d like to send back. The beauty of this is that you are only charged for the items you’d like to keep during checkout. Stitch Fix clients receive free shipping both ways and a 25% discount if all 5 items are purchased.

My Casual Chic Maternity Fix

Market & Spruce Sollas Maternity Knit Top

Because my body is in a state of growth, my style profile focused on comfort. What I love about the Stitch Fix website is that it caters to all body types, including maternity. After receiving my box in the mail, I was happy to see items that I knew would work for me. I thought I’d share my top items from my fix, one being a black Sollas Maternity Knit Top by Market & Spruce because of its simplicity and fit.

It was easy to add the Dolce Cabo Brule Faux Suede Jacket right on top to take it from casual to chic. The texture of both the top and jacket were soft and lightweight, a bonus for my ever-changing body temperature. With these two simple pieces, I was able to add a chunky necklace from my personal collection to dress up the look.

Dolce Cabo Brule Faux Suede Jacket

The Maternity Liza Distressed Skinny Jean by Lila Ryan were right up my alley. The light blue shade was casual enough for the daytime and the built-in belly band supported the extra weight I’m carrying.

Lila Ryan Maternity Liza Distressed Skinny Jean

How many of my pregnant mamas-to-be use Stitch Fix? Comment below and tell me about your favorite pieces…

stitch fix maternity wear

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#Slayternity: Nursing Sweater & Slouchy Pants

by Rochelle March 2, 2017

As I enter my third trimester I welcome you to another #Slayternity post! This is the cozy edition that features a nursing sweater and a pair of slouchy pants. Every day as my tummy grows a little bigger I become a little more clumsy which is why being comfortable is at the top of my list. Here’s what I’m wearing to keep up with my appearance.

Old Navy Nursing Sweater

See those zippers! Those aren’t just for decoration. They zip right down so that I can easily nurse when the time comes. In the meantime, this Old Navy Nursing Sweater fits beautifully and provides plenty of extra space near my belly.

Old Navy Nursing Sweater

Forever 21 Tie-Waist Trousers

Let me first acknowledge that these are not maternity pants. However, these Forever 21 Tie-Waist Trousers do have a stretch waistband in the back and can be worn low. The beautiful rust color caught my attention and the tie-front gave the trousers a casual feel. These pants do have a zipper that will eventually not make the cut but will make an appearance again after I deliver.

Forever 21 Tie-Front Trousers in Rust

VANS Disco Python SK-8 Hi-Slim

You had me at Disco. How could I not purchase a comfortable sneaker like this? If you read my first Slayternity post then you already know that my black leather Vans were a game changer simply because they were a step up from my knock around sneakers. Although the Vans Disco Python Sk-8 Hi-Slim doesn’t offer a zipper in the back, they offer my swollen feet comfort and they get an A for looking like a shiny, disco ball.

Vans Disco Python Hi-Slim SK-8

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in this post? What are your favorite non-maternity pants to wear in your 3rd Trimester? Let me know down below in the comments.

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#Slayternity: Fringed Poncho & Flat Boots

by Rochelle January 31, 2017

#Slayternity is back with a new look for the winter season! This week like most focuses on comfort above all. As a fan of oversized sweaters, I’ve included a fringed poncho to the mix. Pairing it with a slim-fit black maternity pant and knee high flat boots gives it a look that is chic and effortless. Here are all the details…

Fringed Poncho

This cable knit sweater poncho has an oversized turtleneck and fringed hem. The sleeve lays at a 3/4 length and the length of the fringe falls below the knee. The black and white pattern can be mixed and matched with any solid color pant. Available at Forever 21. Find a poncho like this here.

Turtleneck Sweater Poncho | Forever 21

Over The Knee Flat Boots

It’s not easy finding the perfect pair of flat boots…especially when you’re a size 10. Some make my feet look like skis while others are so wide that I look like I’m swimming in them. What I love about my Marc Fisher Felissa Tall Boots are that the toe is not pointy (because then I look like a clown), the back is stretchy (so it’s form fitting to my skinny calves), there is a zipper closure at the inner ankle, and they’re only a 1 1/4 stacked heel (perfect for long work days on my feet).

Another detail I love is the gold frame at the top of the boot. It easily takes the boot from everyday to evening. As far as the sizing, I did have to order a 9 1/2 as they run big (Hallelujah!)

Marc Fisher Felissa Tall Boots

How many of you rock a fringed poncho and what are your favorite brands? Also, do you have big feet and skinny calves? What are your favorite shoe styles and brands for this? Let me know down below in the comments…

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#Slayternity: Dressing the Bump With Cute Maternity Clothes

by Rochelle January 12, 2017

As the day’s pass and my belly grows, I’ve come to realize that I refuse to be frumpy throughout this pregnancy. I was able to wear my normal clothes for the first couple months, then I got creative with a rubber band around the button of my jeans. When that stopped working it was finally time to invest in a few simple pieces. Although maternity clothes are helpful, they are not completely necessary to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time. Here are some of my staple pieces this winter:

Faux Shaggy Coat

There’s nothing more I hate than being cold but I needed an updated piece that screams “Oscar the Grouch” realness. This coat from First & I is long, soft to touch, and so warm. Not to mention so 70’s chic, I could die! Pair this with a black turtleneck to dress it up or a simple, loose fitting white tee to dress it down.

First & I Shaggy Faux Fur Coat | ASOS

Belly Grazing Necklace

One of my favorite pieces from MarkieChar designs is this matte finish gold tone chain with a sliced peach rainbow agate. Not only is it gorgeous, the length of this necklace is perfect for showing off your baby bump. If you are in the Las Vegas area, definitely check out this shop for more amazing pieces.

MarkieChar Designs Matte Gold Chain With Sliced Rainbow Agate

Skinny Maternity Jeans

This was the maternity clothing I did splurge on. With my ever growing belly, there was no way I could continue with pant extenders and belly bands, I just needed comfort. These skinny black maternity jeans from H&M and have a full band for maximum comfort. I have them in several colors and they will come in handy even after the baby’s born for Thanksgiving dinner.

H&M Mama Skinny Jeans

Leather High Top Sneakers

As the weight on my scale increases, the heel size decreases which is why I’m becoming a sneaker head. It’s not easy finding a size 10 shoe that doesn’t make me look like Bigfoot but my Vans Leather SK8-Hi Slim Zip are the perfect remedy. The white waffle rubber outsoles and gold zipper dress up any casual look.

Vans Leather SK8-Hi Slim Zip

What are your go-to maternity clothes? Tell me all about it down below in the comments.

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Simple Baby Wearing with the Lalabu Soothe Shirt

by Rochelle August 25, 2017

*My Lalabu Soothe Shirt was sent complimentary of Lalabu.  All opinions are honest, my own and I’m so excited to share them with you.*

As a first-time mom, it can be overwhelming to learn about all of the necessities one might need. One of my favorite and must have items include the Lalabu Soothe Shirt for simple baby wearing. I found this extremely helpful during my sons first few weeks of life because not only did I underestimate my need to multitask but I felt this amazing bond with my son. One of my favorite features of the Soothe Shirt is that you can start baby wearing at 7 lbs. which is something I couldn’t do yet with my other baby carrier.

More Lalabu Soothe Shirt Baby Wearing Features

According to the Lalabu website, additional features include:

Shirt Features

Easy-to-use pouch calms newborns
Built-in nursing bra makes breastfeeding convenient
Inner mesh panel provides cool breathability
Pouch extender grows with baby
Made in the USA

Nursing Bra Tidbits

No need to wear a separate bra
Two fabric layers for extra coverage
Soft elastic band provides support
Shirt covers stomach while nursing

Keeping him close to my heart in Lalabu

When to Start & Stop Baby Wearing with the Soothe Shirt

There is a start and stop date when wearing the Soothe Shirt. Babies should not be lighter than 7lbs or heavier than 15 lbs. In these photos shown my baby is almost at his max (13lbs) which is a bittersweet moment for me. It’s been so enjoyable carrying him around within the convenience of a tank top but he’s reached his weight limit.

Lalabu Soothe shirt is for babies 7-15lbs.

Where to Find a Lalabu Soothe Shirt

The Lalabu Soothe Shirt comes in Pure Black, Simple Grey, Calm Blue, and an SWL (So Worth Loving) Special Edition. There’s even a Dad Shirt so fathers can experience the beauty of baby wearing. For more information and to shop the Soothe Shirt, please visit www.lalabu.com

mother holding son in a Lalabu soothe shirt

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Group photo from the Mazda Field Trip #WeAllGrow

#WeAllGrow Summit Long Beach, CA 2017 Recap

by Rochelle April 23, 2017

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the #WeAllGrow Latina Summit in Long Beach, CA. As silly as it sounds, I felt a bit nervous attending as a non-latina but my good friend Rocio Mora of RisasRizos.com assured me that everyone was welcome. The summit was an amazing 3 days of listening to influential speakers, networking, courses, and one incredible field trip.

What is the #WeAllGrow Summit?

According to their website, the #WeAllGrow summit is the go-to professional conference for Latinas in the digital space. As the audience was primarily women (with just a sprinkle of men), it was comforting to be surrounded by so many powerful, inspiring people. At any point, you could be rubbing elbows with top executives and entrepreneurs as well as your favorite blogger and influencer.

Photo Credit: Robson Muzel. My Curl-Friends Jeshua Vivieros, Rocio Mora, Ada Rojas

What made this entire experience special was that everyone was there to experience growth whether that was within their own business, blog, or relationships. It was genuine, uplifting, and not once did it feel catty. I overheard someone use a phrase that really resonated with me, “There’s enough sunshine for everyone”. It’s safe to say that, that phrase set the tone for the weekend.

Day 1: Field Trip with Mazda

Our first day was spent on a field trip. There were several field trip options but WAG (#WeAllGrow) purposely pairs you up with the brand that best fits your lifestyle. They might be mind readers because the Mazda field trip was exactly what I was hoping for considering my husband and I just purchased a Mazda CX-5!

The day was spent testing out several of the Mazda 2017 models including the spacious CX-9, CX-3, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 and the sporty MX-5 (Miata). We began our trip from Hotel Maya in Long Beach and explored the coastal region of California down to Palos Verdes. After visiting each destination, we switched cars to truly feel the way each car handled along some of the innovative technology the new models offered.

Group Photo for Mazda Field Trip at the #WeAllGrow Summit

Photo Credit: Carley Hummel. Coastal Views on the Mazda Field Trip

Some of our stops included the South Coast Botanical Gardens, Roessler Point in Palos Verdes and finished at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. We were swept away at the Terranea Resort to a private dining area to have lunch and meet Teresa Spafford. At Mazda’s North American Operations she is the design manager for colors, materials and finishes, and advanced design planning. We learned her history and her inspiring story of evolution within Mazda.

The Terranea Resort Entrance for the Mazda Field Trip

The Glamorous Entrance of the Terranea Resort

After lunch, we went ocean side to paint…something I hadn’t done since I was a child. It was pleasantly therapeutic and I didn’t do half-bad! The grand finale was a wine and chocolate pairing that looked amazing but I could only half partake in as I was 6 months pregnant (Find out more about my pregnancy here). The chocolate was amazing though! Fortunately, after such a long day our DriveShop operators drove us safely back to our resort.

Days 2 & 3: Keynote Panels, Courses & Networking

The next two days were spent at Hotel Maya filled with keynote panels, breakout sessions, and networking events. Throughout each day we experienced inspiring keynote panels hosted by several speakers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, influencers, and celebrities. In addition, there were plenty of breakout sessions that offered specialty courses for growth. The topics included building professional websites for your business, DSLR and photography tips, expert blogging tips, generating income, building your brand and much more.

In between the keynote panels and specialty courses, there were networking breaks that gave us a chance to visit with many of the sponsors in their individual suites. I was able to visit several of the suites including Neutrogena, Aveeno, Johnson’s Baby, Stitch Fix, Narciso Rodriguez, Chase Slate, Wordpress, Mazda, and TurboTax. These visits gave us a chance to finally meet some of the contacts for these brands and develop relationships for future collaborations.

Most importantly, these days introduced us all to like-minded individuals all working hard to attain growth within ourselves. Even though I had my initial concerns about not being Latina…everyone was so welcoming and never made me feel out of place. It truly harnessed the energy of the sisterhood that connected us all.

Watch my vlog from #WeAllGrow Latina Summit 2017:

Have you ever attended the #WeAllGrow Summit? What are some of your other favorite digital conferences for women? Let me know down below in the comments.

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Pregnancy Diary From 0 to 25 Weeks

by Rochelle March 1, 2017

For those of you following my pregnancy journey, I felt it was best to document what I could through my blog and video. Since I’m starting late on this, this pregnancy diary post will begin at 0 weeks and go to 25 weeks. It will briefly cover my how I knew I was pregnant, body changes, and maternity clothing.

How I Knew I Was Pregnant

Shortly after my husband and I started trying, I went to a California Fish Grill to enjoy a bowl of clam chowder and a fish plate. I love fish and was beyond excited to give this restaurant a try. After diving into my first spoonful, I noticed something strange. The clam chowder tasted off. Some people would have stopped there but I tried a couple more bites to make sure I wasn’t crazy. What I was tasting was metallic.

Immediately, I knew that meant one of two things. Either the chowder was truly bad or I was pregnant. I had read somewhere that if fish has a metallic taste it could mean your pregnant. Needless to say, I’ve always kept that in the back of my mind. I glanced at the other tables surrounding me with a bowl of chowder. They licked the bowl clean. Maybe it was just my imagination or the seasoning was off. I stopped eating it just in case but moved onto the fish. No metallic taste there. Probably because it was smothered in lemon, butter, and garlic.

I felt confused but very curious. I called my husband to tell him that my chowder tasted funny and maybe I was pregnant. On my way home I grabbed a pregnancy test and sure enough, I was.

Pregnancy Diary 1st Trimester (0-12 Weeks)

Grateful is the word that I think about often in regards to my first trimester. No serious nausea, no vomiting. I did experience bloating, however. Almost immediately after I realized I was pregnant, my pants became tight instantly and within a month I was using a rubber band wrapped around my buttons as a relief.

I say “serious nausea” for a reason. I didn’t experience much until my 12th week. All of a sudden, the taste and smell of ground turkey was so gamey and strong and I couldn’t eat it. The same went for red meat. Luckily, that feeling only lasted that one week and then I went back to eating as normal. My only craving was fresh fruit, anything artificial didn’t appeal to me.

2 Months Pregnant

Pregnancy Diary 2nd Trimester (13-25 Weeks)

Yes, I realize the 2nd trimester lasts until 28 weeks but at the time I filmed my pregnancy vlog that’s where I left off (See link below). During this time, we let both of our families know that we were expecting. Both families were over the moon and filled with questions. Boy or Girl? Who’s your pediatrician? Why aren’t you registered? The truth is, my husband and I had no answers for them except pure joy. We weren’t concerned about the sex, the pediatrician or a baby registry. We only cared about a healthy pregnancy that results in a healthy child.

My tummy was slowly growing and eventually, it was time for maternity clothing. My sister took me shopping and our focus was bigger underwear, bras and maternity pants. My rubber bands were snapping and it was time to invest in the right pants. My underwear was cutting off my circulation and my breasts were spilling out of my bras. Luckily, Target and H&M had maternity sections that were helpful during this process. Check out “Slayternity: Dressing the Bump Without the Frump” to see some of my maternity styles.

Besides my growing belly, my only other complaints were of round ligament pain. Right above the right and left side of my pelvis were the occasional sharp pain. My doctor told me there was nothing to be worried about as this is part of the process. It is a bit scary at first as I had no idea what to expect. It also only happened on certain weeks.

Want to see how week 26-33 went? Click here for pregnancy vlog #2

Watch My Pregnancy Vlog here:

Share your pregnancy story with me below in the comments…

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