Wear to Work: Pants That Elongate

I haven’t shared any work outfits in the longest time.  (The last one was all the way back here!!!)  Truth be told, being a fashion blogger in winter blows.  Especially when it’s 10 degrees outside!

I wore these plaid pants to work last week.  I really like this pant because the print isn’t too in-your-face and because they’re high-waisted.  The high waist makes my legs look a little longer – a nice little bonus if you ask me!

And for the let’s-keep-it-real moment, during my commutes to and from work, I wear Uggs and a beanie.  Not always a cute sight, but such is winter.

sweater, pants – thrifted // coat – Target // shoes – Payless

Knocked Up Fabulous is now on FACEBOOK!  (A little late to the party, I know.)  Besides for KUF stuff, I’ll be sharing my favorite outfits from around the web, make-up and hair tips, and just a bunch of fashion-related stuff.  Come join the fun!

Linked with Monday Mingle.

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

There is something so refreshing and pure about white.  And with the kids being at an age where they don’t get themselves too dirty any more, I’ve been wanting to incorporate more of this clean color into my wardrobe.

Christmas is such a perfect time to wear a white or a cream color.  Of course, if you live in an area that gets snow, like Chicago, you might blend into your surroundings.  But if you’re looking forward to a white Christmas, then wearing a little, or a lot, of the color would be the perfect.  If you are concerned about the chances of snow on Christmas in your area, check out this nifty snow calculation tool!

Obviously, white is a neutral color – it works with just about everything.  But, I’ve been wanting to wear more of a head-to-toe look.  Tip:  When wearing all of one color or shade, use textured pieces to keep the look interesting.  (Take a peek at this post I wrote to see 3 great white/cream outfits.)

Dressing for Christmas definitely helps put me in the spirit!  I’m really looking forward to just lounging around with our extended family, playing cheesy holiday games, and nibbling on loads of holiday treats.  Plus, the kids have been getting so excited – watching them open their gifts is going to be quite entertaining!

1. crossbody bag // 2. pants // 3. sweater // 4. baseball hat // 5. necklace // 6. sunglasses // 7. coat // 8. stole // 9. cuff // 10. shoes

I received compensation to write this post – all writing & thoughts are my own.

Cozy Glam

My jeans and sweaters have had their work cut out for them recently.  I’m in such a cozy funk…but I’m loving it.  Especially with fabulous vintage accessories like this bag and these earrings.  It’s amazing how a little sparkle can really brighten up the day!

jeans – H&M men’s // sweater, bag, earrings – thrifted // booties – Franco Sarto

Linked with Get Your Pretty On, WIWW, and Visible Monday.

3 Work Outfits in 4 Easy Steps

If we’re anything alike, I’m sure that Mondays are one of your least favorite days.  On my end, Mondays suck because there is usually a meeting at work after the school day, and then my little guy has an evening session of speech therapy.  It’s a guaranteed 12-hour day.  (Deep breaths…deep breaths…)

Anyway, I wanted to share a little formula that has been working for me with picking outfits for work.  Each outfit below starts with my favorite pair of ankle booties.  I’m really digging this pair because they are cut slightly below my ankle, which makes them look really flattering.

With these outfits, I picked them out from the bottom up.  Shoes first, then pants, tops, and accessories last.

A few tips to consider: Because I wanted to show off the cut of these booties, all these pants are about ankle length.  Also, when I layer button-downs with sweaters, I try to wear sleeveless button-downs.  This prevents that unsightly puffy sleeve business.

With Christmas getting closer, and the days building up to it getting crazier, what outfits or pieces have you been relaying on for work?

This is What Happens When I Run Out of Time

If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s being late.  And recently the combination of too-much-to-do plus not-enough-time has been putting me on the verge of it.

Take this outfit for example.  By the time I had done everything that needed to get done, I had zero time for anything extra – like doing my hair.  Thank goodness for hats!  And thankfully we were just headed to my parents’.  (I did bring a few supplies to put up my hair once we got there though.)

How have you been feeling?  It’s just that time of the year, right?  At least things will be more enjoyable in a few weeks.  In the meantime, tis the season for hats!

hat, blazer, shirt, jeans – thrifted // boots – Ann Klein

Linked with Monday Mingle.

Ugly Christmas Sweater T-shirt

Nothing quite sets the holiday mood like ugly Christmas sweaters.  Or in this case – a “tacky Xmas sweater” t-shirt.  This t-shirt is definitely a fun nod to those hideous things.  

I went nice and easy with this look.  A trench, distressed denim, and my current black booties were all I needed to accompany this tee on a warmer-than-average day.

t-shirt – c/o Skip N’ Whistle  (save 20% when you use code SANTA at checkout) // trench, jeans – thrifted // booties – Franco Sarto

Linked with WIWW and Get Your Pretty On.

Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash

The thing I hate the most about winter is what the cold, dry air does to my skin.  Thankfully, there are some great ways that I cope with this.  Using a body wash that’s gentle and moisturizing on my skin is one of those ways.  And a wash like Dove’s Deep Moisture with Nutrimmoisture knows just how to care for my skin.

This body wash leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth – not dry or ashy like other washes.

Dove has some other types of body washes, too!  (Take this fun quiz to find your body wash bff – mine is Cool Moisture.)

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Dove through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Dove, all opinions are my own.

ShopStyle

Being a busy mom, I really don’t have that much time to do in-store shopping.  And to even think about setting foot into a store now that Christmas shopping has officially kicked off – forget it!

That’s what drew me to ShopStyle by POPSUGAR.  They’re an online site where I can find all my favorite places – they even alert me when my favorite brands go on sale!

This month ShopStyle is showcasing their new look, and they invited a few bloggers to get creative, too!

For my layout, I picked a few of my current cold-weather favorites: thrifted sweaters, a vintage black and gold purse, skinny jeans from Old Navy and Gap, Ann Klein tan boots (this wedge with a tassel is also cute), and black booties from Franco Sarto.  Of course I had to include a bold statement necklace, some aviators, and a little lip color.

Right now ShopStyle is offering up to 30% off plus free shopping.

I think I’m about to put the kids for a nap and get my shopping on.

Getting Cozy and Opening Up

I’ve been living in over-sized sweaters – especially the day after eating two Thanksgiving dinners.  This sweater I recently found.  It has some weight to it too.  And it’s so warm and comforting.  Mostly I love it because it has that 80s feel to it – and because it keeps my tush toasty!

Speaking of having my assets covered…

If you’ve been around KUF for a little, you probably know that I get items here and there to include in my posts.  I do have somethings coming up though that I’ll be getting paid to share with you.  Please know that I provide my own opinions and that I wouldn’t share something that I didn’t believe in.

sweater, jeans – thrifted // bag – c/o Boden // boots – Gap

The Best Part of the Day

There’s a relatively small amount of time in the mornings when cuteness oozes from the kids.  I love to sit back and watch, and let the laughter be my energy for the day.

It’s a shame that Mondays through Fridays typically don’t start this way.  These moments are what I live for.

Being thankful for everything – especially the little moments – that’s what it’s all about.

Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings.

xo April

p.s.  This adorable Race Track playmat was kindly sent over by Personal Creations.  They have unique personalized gifts for life’s special occasions…and an adorable kids’ line!  And I say why save gifts for just special occasions – let your everyday be special in itself.