30th Birthday Countdown: What I'm Wearing in Vegas

I have finally narrowed down my options for my trip to Vegas. I didn't want to spend a lot of money shopping before our trip. Mama wants to make sure she has money to spend in Vegas you know what I mean?

Just when I thought I was going to have buy one of the dresses I showed you before Jesus smiled down on me with a 50% off sale at Express. While checking out the sale I saw that they had restocked my initial birthday outfit that was previously sold out. So happy that I'll get to wear sequins on my birthday and it cost less than dinner for two at a Vegas buffet. Win.

Party Looks by thechicsahm featuring a blue dress

Now y'all know I love black. I have said that many many many times here on the blog. So it's no wonder that almost all of my night looks are black. I can't help it. To switch things up a bit I am taking this blue dress with me. It's cute, comfortable and it has an exposed back zipper which I love. I'll be pairing the leather skirt with a sheer black top. So cute and sexy. 

I have this whole strategy for packing and doing a carry-on bag. It can be done. (i hope) What do you think about these looks?

30th Birthday Countdown: What to Wear

In an effort to get more excited about my upcoming Flirty30 celebration I decided to start pulling (yes, pulling. cause i'm stylist for myself and all the other people that live here lol) looks. I'm not too worried about what to wear during the day but I wanted to go ahead and start putting some thought behind what I'll wear at night.

I haven't been to a nightclub since college and I've never been to Vegas so I want to have some fun with my style during this trip. The black skater dress is currently hanging in my closet. I plan to wear it with my black booties and some accessories that will make it pop more. That outfit will take care of night one.

Birthday Looks for Night by thechicsahm featuring a reversible dress

Our second night there will be my actual birthday. For some reason I feel like sequins are the way to go for that night. I just want to sparkle and shine that night. I'm looking for the perfect dress. Asos had several that I love but I just want to make sure it's thee dress before pulling the trigger. If I can't find one that I like enough then I'll probably go with a LBD. The one with the cutout back is cute.

And for our last night I am going to wear a leather mini skirt. I already have the skirt so I'm currently looking for the perfect top to pair it with. So what do you think of my options so far? Let me know if I'm headed in the right direction in the comments!

Fall Family Photos 2013

As promised here are some of the images from our Fall family photo shoot. I am in love with these pictures. If you are in the San Antonio area and need a good family photographer I highly recommend Crystal Claire Photography. She is great with kids and I really feel like we got a lot for our money.

I love that Baby M was yawning and checking out the sites! As Kevin Hart would say, "We look good as a unit!" LOL! 

And one with my love...

And one of the littles...

There were so many great shots from our session. Pretty sure that file has been open on our computer since we got our pictures back. I had the hardest time trying to find something for all of us to wear. I'm really happy with the outcome. How often does your family have pictures made? 

Chic Mom Style: A Tee and Jeans

Today we went out to run a couple errands and grab lunch. The typical family Saturday outing. I wanted to wear something relaxed, casual and cute. I decided to wear a cute tee and some skinny jeans. I scored the tee shirt during the big Labor Day sale that Express had. My sneakers are the Steve Madden wedge sneakers that I've been wanting since last year. I was able to get them at half the price during the Nordstrom Labor Day sale. The jeans are my favorite skinny jeans. They're probably six years old by now and they have the best fit. Skinny but not skin tight. 

Oh. And I wore my hair up in a top knot. It's so rare that my hair is straight and I'm loving wearing it up. I bought some of the marley hair I need to make twists so I'm thinking about attempting that this coming week. We're having our family portraits done tomorrow so I may start them after that.

What do you think of my easy Saturday style?

eShakti Fall Collection

I wanted to quickly share a promo offer that just hit my inbox! You all know how much I love eShakti. Well, their Fall Collection is now available and it's full of feminine classic modern items. Remember eShakti always has your size because you can provide your measurements and have the items customized to fit you. It's like having a personal seamstress and tailor via the web and I love it! 

You know I've been doing a lot of online shopping lately and any time I find out about a great sale I spread the word on my Facebook page. Here is another offer. Take 20% off while you shop eShakti's Fall Collection. They have everything from the very now menswear inspired look to the very pretty cobalt blue. I can not wait to start scrolling through their new line. Check me out in some of my past favorite eShakti looks.

Chic Style: eShakti's Spring Collection for Mother's Day

Happy Friday!! I for one am very happy it's the weekend. This is our first day of the week being home and I am not complaining. I'll be spending this unusually chilly San Antonio day hanging out with my mini me and of course doing some things around the house. I start my speaking appearances with the HEB Little Texans tour on Sunday. With a full week ahead of me I thought it would be a good idea to get my outfits together for the week.

I need an outfit for Sav's recital tomorrow, three outfits for my speaking engagements and something for Mother's Day. Can you believe it's Mother's Day already? I can't. This year is literally flying by. I plan to wear a dress that I was given at no cost from eShakti's Spring collection. I am such a huge fan of this customizable clothing boutique. I chose a very pretty maxi style dress and had it altered to knee length. It killed me to do it but part of our agreement this time was to actually customize something instead of ordering an item as is. The print on the dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it. 

It's not too late to get your Mother's Day look. eShakti is having a great sale right now! There are so many amazing designs to choose from. If you're planning a wedding right now check out their Bridesmaid dresses. The prices are great and you can send in the exact measurements for your wedding party. I'll be instagramming all my looks for this coming week so please be sure to follow me there! Have a great weekend!

The Hospital Bag Part I

This post feels a little premature but I'm going to write it anyway. Today at my doctor appointment my Doctor gave me all the information I needed to get started on my pre admission paper work. I can not believe that it's time to do that already. I'll be getting that started on Thursday when I go back for my NST (non-stress test). Being at the hospital two to three times a week is a lot but at least it keeps me on top of what I should be getting done.

After leaving my appointment I figured now was as good as time as any to start thinking about packing my bag for the hospital. What do I want to take? What did I take last time that I never used? That kind of thing. Right off the bat I remember packing makeup and never using it after I delivered Savannah. From what it looks like, there's no WiFi (where they do that at?) in the Labor & Delivery/Mother & Baby wing of the hospital. So unless I bring my own WiFi there's no need to bring a laptop. 

I don't know maybe I'm more a Low Maintenance Mama than I thought, but I just didn't use a lot of the recommended items that most lists have. I used the hospital gowns and the hospital mesh panties that they provided. I had previously read about how messy your own gown could get and I didn't see the point in buying one for the purpose of sitting in a hospital bed. I had also read that the mesh panties that they provide were more comfortable than regular panties if you're having a c-section. Since I'm a c-section Mama I figured I'd give their panties a try and bring some of my own just in case I didn't like the ones they provided. I have to say, they mesh panties were great right after surgery. I was very comfortable.

Here is a pin I found that has a pretty basic list of what I think is necessary for your trip to the hospital. I'll post my actual list with pics when I pack my bag. Was there anything you took to the hospital that you didn't use? What's an item that you're glad you had with you?

*The description on this pin was written by the original pinner.*

Chic Obsessions: Pregnancy Survival Kit

It's a thunderstorm rainy day here in San Antonio. I for one am glad to see some rain and cooler temps. We went to dance this morning and then out to run a couple errands before coming home. Savannah's dance class will be dancing to a song from the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack. They will be dressed as little Piglets. That should be cute. Once we were home I tossed some chicken breasts, beer and BBQ sauce in the crock pot for dinner. Super easy and fast. We'll have pulled chicken sandwiches with roasted mustard potatoes. I saw the recipe on Mimi's blog,  Lipgloss and Binky, and thought I would try it. 

Anyway. I digress. Last night I was thinking about how fast this pregnancy has seemed to fly by. I have exactly twelve weeks left. So exciting. I thought this would be a nice time to share some of the products that I have used during this pregnancy to help with some of the common pregnancy issues. This post is not sponsored and I have not been compensated to share these products. I just wanted to share what works for me in the hope that it would work for you as well. We're girls, right? If I'd recommend it to my bestie I'd recommend it to you too! Here we go... 

Lemon Heads. A morning sickness lifesaver.

Remember how bad my morning sickness was? It lasted forever it seems.

Everyone's body responds to pregnancy differently. I know stretch marks are said to be hereditary and that there's nothing you can do about them. When I was pregnant with Savannah I thought I would try to beat my odds and lather up twice a day. I read somewhere that keeping your skin moisturized helps. I used the the Palmer's Cocoa Butter line during both pregnancies and loved it. So far no stretch marks, but I do notice that I'm getting cellulite so trust me I'm not getting off that easy. :-)

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Love this lotion by Neutrogena too.

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My skin went through a lot of different changes during this pregnancy. It went from being extremely dry to acne prone. My acne is finally starting to clear up again. I found two different skin care lines to treat my issues. During the dry stages I used the Burt's Bees Intense Hydration line and Mary Kay's Velocity line for my acne. They both have worked wonders. 

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This BB cream has an SPF and it provides a slight bit of coverage. It makes getting ready to go so much easier. A little BB cream, mascara and blush or bronzer and I am done!

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 I discovered the Be Band during my first pregnancy when my pants no longer buttoned. This was a great way to still wear some of my jeans before investing in maternity clothes. 

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Those are all of the items I could think of for now. I also thought it would be fun to share some of the meals I've eaten recently. I live for grits, eggs and bacon for breakfast. A yummy "kitchen sink" salad covered in Thousand Island dressing is always good and the last pic is of our Easter dinner, delicious!!

Mac n Cheese, Mustard Greens, Rice and Ribs

What"s in your pregnancy survival kit? 

Chic Mom Spotlight: Tiffany of Pink Pearl Couture

I am so excited to be sharing the today's blog post with Tiffany, the owner of Pink Pearl Couture online boutique and an up and coming life coach. Supporting other women and their success is very important. Tiffany is a married Mom of three who works full time during the day and builds her empire at night. My kind of girl! Please check out her boutique (her stuff is SUPER cute and affordable) and blog. I'll be featuring one of her items in a style post soon! 

How did you get the idea for Pink Pearl Couture?

When I was in college, I use to sell shoes from my car and apartment.  I was just trying to make ends meet, on the broke college budget we all know about.  I grew to love the entrepreneurship and independence I had of making my own rules, doing it on my own time, and being in charge.  I also love fashion, and “What not to Wear” is my all-time favorite show!!!! After graduation, I also graduated my business, selling both shoes and handbags, but I was still pretty much selling them from my car and apartment. Technology has changed tremendously since 2006, and the ease of making your own website, social media, and with the things I learned, I decided to start my own online boutique (and I still occasionally sell items from my car and home, lol).   I have now graduated to vendor opportunities and my own personal Pink Pearl Couture pop up shops as well as my own personal website. 

What are some of your favorite fashion trends for spring?

I love the bright colors.  Neons, Brights, Corals…LOVE THEM!!!  It seems funny for me to say this, coming from a girl who use to have an all-black section in my closet (lol)…I also love the peplum style tops.  These tops are great for moms because they hide the extra belly fat we’ve acquired from carrying children for nine months.  I have three, so my pouch is growing more and more each birth.  I also am totally in love with the flowy sheer tops.  I am a little self-conscious about my belly and these help me be stylish without having to make sure I am sucking in every 5 seconds. 

You recently started blogging about your new venture as a life coach. Tell me a little bit about that.

I currently work in social services as a social worker, which lead me to get a Master’s degree in counseling.  In May I will be graduating with a M.A degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.  Counseling happens to be the other side of me (outside of fashion) that I really connect with.  I love helping people.  I am the friend that everyone calls for advice, and for ideas, as far back as I can remember, so counseling is who I am.  There is no better way for me to express myself than to do something I truly love. 

How do you manage to balance being a wife, Mom and career woman?

At this time I am taking it one day at a time.  As a wife, I make sure I spend quality time with my husband.  As a marriage and family counselor, I know that if I make sure we are intimate (not sexually, but close, best friends), make sure we keep our romance going (this is sexual…lol), and make sure we compromise, and for those spiritual people, remember to keep God first, things will work out.  As a mom, I make sure I put my children as a top priority. I typically try to only work on “business” things if my children are asleep or in school.  My top priorities are my children, and making sure they are taken care of.  The business me is an asset I am using to make sure this priority is accomplished.  In order to keep yourself sane, you must set priorities and I decided to not allow outside distractions and other people’s expectations pull you away from what is important to you and your family. 

What advice would you give to a new Mom?

New Moms!!  I would first let you know that the first year or two are definitely the most difficult.  I have a six year old, a four year old, and an eighteen month old.  I would say try focusing on the good things about your child, when they laugh or give you that gummy smile after keeping you up all night.  And remember to breathe and take one day at a time.  Parenting is not a race or competition… so do your best, and ask God to fill in the blanks in all your shortcomings. 

Maternity Style: What I Wore

Happy Friday!! I quickly wanted to share what I wore to an event last weekend. I was asked to be a speaker at the event so I wanted to look stylish and pulled together. Nothing is easier to pull together than a LBD. Pregnant or not it looks good on everybody. I kept my accessories simple with gold hoops, my watch and a gold bangle.

I pulled the belt off of another dress and gave myself a little empire waist. The belt is black and white polka dots with a gold buckle. Love it.

To finish off my look I wore some nude platform heels. They were a gift from my husband and I love them. I can not wait to wear them more after the baby is born. 

Dress - Target (old)

Belt- Express (it came with a dress)

Shoes- Chinese Laundry

Bangle- Express

Watch- My everyday Michael Kors Chronograph timepiece.

Not too bad for someone a few days shy of being six months pregnant, right?

Giveaway: Vintage Inspired Earrings

How would you love another giveaway? Tis the season to give so I'm giving away these stunning Tangerine Topaz and Aquamarine vintage inspired ear rings.

These beautiful Castellemmare Designs earrings had me at hello. I love the simplicity of them and their vibrant color. Perfect for a night out or a day at the office.

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Holiday Inspiration from Hollywood

This is such an eventful time of year. In the military world many of us may be attending one of the Holiday Balls. In the real world you may be going to a ball, party or some other gathering that is festive and calls for an amazing gown. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite red carpet looks that also fit the holiday theme. What do you think?

                                                                          Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jeanette on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: nymag.com via Debbie on Pinterest

And because there's always going to be the girl at the office party that completely shuts it down...

                                                                                  Source: mtv.com via Karen on Pinterest

                                                             Source: www-hollywoodlife-com.vimg.net via Danielle on Pinterest

I wouldn't be staying true to myself if I didn't include a lady tuxedo. I have one and I LIVE for it! I prefer a skinny or cigarette leg on my tux but this one is pretty nice too.

                                                                             Source: uk.burberry.com via meg on Pinterest

                                             What will you be wearing this holiday season?

Stylish Saturday: Dance Recital

I just wanted to share the blouse that I wore to Sav's recital. I am in love with it. It's a silk top I found a year ago at White House Black Market. It was on the clearance rack and I couldn't pass it up. It was my first time wearing it and I paired it with jeans. I originally bought it to go with my tuxedo pants but those were fitting a bit snug tonight so I did jeans instead.







And some pics of my little ballerina...






- posted from my chic iPhone

Stylish Saturday: Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day everyone! We spent the morning in downtown San Antonio at the Veteran's Day parade. My soldier walked in the parade along with the other Sgt. Audie Murphy Club members. It was a beautiful windy morning and I was very excited about taking Sav to her first parade.

Once we got there I learned that they wanted the families to walk with him. I was cool with that but I felt bad because I wasn't dressed in red, white and blue. My plan was to stand on the side and take it all in. Apparently, I was the only wife with that plan because everyone else had on colors from old glory. Ah well. We'll get'em next year. Here are some self portraits of my outfit and a couple from the parade.

these girls were gorgeous! 

Sav in a diva moment

clapping during the parade. i was pushing the stroller and snapping pics at the same time. Pow!

Now for my outfit...

this pic is actually for my hair. i was rocking a twist out that kept getting bigger and bigger the more the wind blew!

Sweater and Jeans - Express

Earrings - Forever 21 (very old) ... I can't believe they're still "gold"

Boots - Aldo 

- posted from my chic iPhone