Sequined Sweatshirt

Sequined sweatshirt, Wax-coated Jbrand jeans - c/o Marshalls

Stuart Weitzman boots

When items in your closet stop fitting, wearing a sequined sweater shirt makes everything better!

Not only is this one beyond comfortable, but I felt so sparkly and confident wearing it around town-especially with my 8 month baby bump. Some may say sequins are for nights out, but I'm firm believer in wearing them 24/7! I found this sweatshirt at Marshalls for $69.99 compare at $138; I'm crazy about the fit of the top and the tone of the sequins. It's nice to find items that I can wear with jeans during pregnancy that can be dressed up, because at this point in time, comfort is key!

In other news (pregnancy-wise), I'm in the final stretch! We have a month until our due date and absolutely nothing is ready for the baby. I guess that's the beauty of your second pregnancy. Hah! We have essentials (diapers, car seat, crib, onsies) but everything else is still up in the air. Like I've said before, I'm not a huge planner, so thankfully this doesn't make me very stressed! My goal for this week is to get my hospital bag packed and swaddles ordered.                                      

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 

in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB

As always, all opinions are my own.

Slowing Down

 

Suede jacket, Paige jeans, Sam Edelman studded heels - c/o Marshalls

Alexis blouse - Nordstrom Rack

Yesterday I reached the 31 week mark in my pregnancy. I was thinking that in around 8 weeks I'll have another little one, sleepy eyes, and a full(er) heart. I'm really taking the time to slow down, especially on work, and savor these few weeks with Uriah. I know a lot of parents always say that they struggle or have fear around this time when they're expecting their second. When the time comes and our sweet baby is here, my heart will double in size and not even think twice about any fears or nervousness of having two. And I can't wait to see Uriah holding his brother or sister. 

Now let's talk about this outfit! Certain items are worth the splurge - that great bag you've been eying, a nude heel that goes with literally everything, jeans that are like a second skin. The list goes on! While splurging may be difficult at the time, there isn't one investment piece that I regret purchasing. I find most of them when the item goes on sale or if I'm able to score them at Marshalls. I'm sure you've seen suede jackets all over Instagram or Pinterest, because they are huge this season. It's a great texture to add to your outfit and they come in so many more colors than typical leather jackets do. When I spotted this beauty at Marshalls for under $100, it wasn't hard to pull the trigger! I brought some more texture into the outfit with a feminine blouse by Alexis and killer studded heels. Opting for beautiful textures and details can elevate what may seem like a simple outfit to a chic one.

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 

in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB

As always, all opinions are my own.

Winter Layers

My look: 

Paige jeans, Cloth & Stone chambray, Tart hat, Velvet vest -- c/o Marshalls

Booties -- Nordstrom

Nick's look:

RVCA button-up, Joe's jeans -- c/o Marshalls

Uriah's look:

Joe's jeans & top -- c/o Marshalls

Sweatshirt -- c/o Primpop

Christmas season is here! Our tree is up, holiday music is on Pandora 24/7, and we are enjoying every.single.moment.

It's adorable seeing Uriah excited for all of the holiday decorations; he is  always trying to convince me to get ornaments whenever he sees them. We added a little tree in his room for him to decorate and picked up some kid-proof ornaments from Target and Marshalls for him to add to his tree. We went to a local lot (family owned for 26 years!) and picked out the perfect tree. Well, Uriah wanted (of course) this 18ft. tree, but sadly that wouldn't work for our home so he settled for a regular ole' tree. I love smelling that fresh pine scent when I'm in the living room!

Another thing I'm loving is all the winter items at Marshalls. I walked in and had a cart filled within minutes. Not kidding - minutes! I was so surprised to find this amazing shearling vest by Velvet for only $44. And it has pockets! I also added another felt hat to my growing collection. Whenever I spot a Tart Collections hat at Marshalls, it always comes home with me. Such incredible quality and they're priced perfectly at $19.99 compare at over $48 -- who could resist that? It's difficult shopping for a growing belly, but luckily vests and hats will always fit!

                                    

Lace & Florals

I know I'm not the only girl who lays in bed and scrolls through her phone at night, right? Usually I end up on a random shopping website looking at clothes, filling a cart, and going to bed. I probably should just spend that time sleeping, but it's a bad habit! I spotted this top and thought it could work with my growing belly and still be a blouse I would wear next year. Every time Olivia Palermo does a capsule with Chelsea 28, I always end up falling in love with all the items. This blouse was no exception! The pretty floral print, delicate lace tiered arms, off the shoulder neckline -- it's the ultimate girly top. I paired it with the comfiest Theory jeans that I scored for under $50 from Marshalls and my go-to Stuart Weitzman boots.

Kitchen update: We are waiting on our backordered tile to arrive, then the backsplash will be installed and we will be finished. Finished! Follow along for behind the scenes on snapchat (@FrancescaPenko)

Chic Basics

Lovers + Friends sweater and Theory skirt - c/o Marshalls

Stuart Weitzman Sandals

I've been gravitating towards basics, to create more of a streamline wardrobe. Finding chic pieces that will pair well with a number of my items has made getting dressed easier. Plus, I'm more inclined to invest in more high-end items, knowing I will get to wear them with many different looks. 

Marshalls has been killin' it in the contemporary section aka "purple tags"

I scored this off the shoulder sweater by Lovers and Friends for only $29.99. I sized up to fit the bump and love the slouchy fit. The skirt is another score. Theory makes items that are simple, but made so well. This wrap skirt won't fit much longer (pregnancy-wise), but I'll definitely wear it come spring/summer. Double win!

We are finally getting to the end of our kitchen remodel and I have some awesome posts planned to help you gear up for the holidays. I can't wait to share it all with you!

Surprising Finds

I'm a sucker for neutrals and this turtle-neck sweater was just calling my name.

 Paired with cute fringe heels and soft leather jacket, I'm ready to make a statement for fall.

J.O.A turtleneck, Paige distressed jeans, Stuart Weitzman heels - c/o Marshalls

All Saints jacket 

Prada Sunglasses

I'll say it before and I'll say it again, I'm a Marshalls girl through and through. Reason #2486 - hello, Stuart Weitzman fringe heels for $95. I couldn't resist the sleek silhouette and amazing fringed ankle straps. I mean, come on! Especially when these bad boys retail for over $500. It was such a surprise to spot them sitting on the shelf and I felt like I hit the jackpot!

I've been leaning more and more towards picking up neutral items for my closet, so when I spotted this turtleneck tank in a beautiful grey color I had to pick it up. It's by a great contemporary brand called J.O.A and they just get it right! It has a cute zippered detailing and a thick woven fabric; I sized up to a medium to not only fit my bump, but also for a oversized fit. I know I'll be wearing this sweater on repeat, at least until my belly gets too big. 

We are in the final stage of our home remodel and I couldn't be more excited. Nick, Uriah and I have been walking through warehouses and warehouses of stones trying to find the perfect one. It's been harder than I thought! We absolutely love marble, but not the upkeep and maintenance that comes with marble. We found a few stones we like, so we are heading back today to finalize our pick. I've been sharing lots of behind the scenes on snapchat, but will share a full recap on the blog when it's complete. Until then we are ordering lots of takeout and eating out of paper plates/bowls.