Goodbye for Now

It is with a heavy heart that I am making a decision to step away from blogging for the time being. It has been a great experience over the last few years, but one that I just cannot sustain to the level that I would like to as I approach this new phase of motherhood. You can still look for me on Instagram and Twitter as I share things about lifestyle and pop culture, but for now, I am taking time to prepare for my little one who will be here shortly.

Blogging is a labor of love and one that I have enjoyed immensely, but I just don't think I have enough time for both my virtual baby and my soon to be actual baby, and sorry folks but she wins every time.

The Year of the Engagement

This post has been sponsored by Anjolee. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

Doesn't it always seem like all your friends get engaged in waves? 2014 was the first Year of Weddings for Dan and I, where we were flying all over the country for what seemed like at least once a month for a wedding of friends or family. Now with 2015 shaping up to be the Year of the Engagement Part Deux, we are looking at 2016 being the Year of the Wedding, Part Deux.

Since Christmas of 2014, we have had six friends get engaged and its only April. Two have even gotten engaged within one week of each other. With all this joyous news in our group of friends, every girl's first two questions after giving hugs out, are "How did it happen?" and "Can I see the ring?"

What I love about my group of friends is that every couple is so unique and true to themselves that no two rings have been alike yet. I love the individuality of each couple and I feel that each engagement ring has been a reflection of that.

From our own engagement story, I know that shopping for what your spouse deems will the perfect ring can be daunting and overwhelming. Especially since this is the first major jewelry purchase of most men's lives. And while those of us that are fortunate enough to live in major cities that have diamond or jewelry districts, have the opportunity to price out a number of styles, many people across the US and world unfortunately have limited to access to ring shopping venues outside of the traditional retail jeweler like a Kay.

While traditional retail jewelers have lovely pieces to choose from, sometimes you want to be able to customize your rings a bit more, and that is where online jewelers like Anjolee or Blue Nile can come into play.

What I love about service like Anjolee's is that you can truly customize everything about your ring style from the gold style, to adding in non-traditional stones and more. It is a way for everyone to have their own "guy" to come up with something perfect from engagement rings, to wedding bands to anniversary gifts and more.

Have any of you tried an online jewelry service? What is your experience like?

Color Therapy: Rose Gold

Color Therapy by preppy-lizzy featuring summer shoes

Adrianna Papell maxi dress / Miss Selfridge summer shoes / Neiman Marcus white tote / Rose jewelry / Ippolita bangle / Kate Spade tech accessory

Apologies for the crazy hiatus last week. I have been running around catching up after coming home from NY and celebrating my birthday. On my actual birthday I was so exhausted that we ended up just grabbing dinner at In-n-Out and snuggling on the couch watching The Amazing Race after Dan took me to Nordstrom to pick out a birthday present. We picked out the dusty rose Cedar Street Maise handbag from Kate Spade that I have been eyeing for months now.

Since Tuesday was a low key night we used Friday night as another celebration and we headed to downtown LA for Captured LA. You get locked into a room with up to 7 other people and have to solve the clues to get out before your hour is up. Dan and I were with a group of five teenagers and we weren't sure how it was going to go, but we ended up smoking it! We missed the record by one minute and were out with 23 minutes to spare. We were pretty stoked since the success rate has only been 8% so far.

After our puzzles we went out on the Art Walk downtown for dinner and then headed home. Saturday night we celebrated my birthday with Dan's family at dinner and then today we celebrated with our friends at a beach day. It was a pretty great weekend of events, hence my MIAness. 

I'm hoping to get back on a regular schedule this week and be on top of my posting game since I know I will have to be prepared in advance in the coming months when baby girl arrives!

Currently Craving

Currently Craving by preppy-lizzy featuring tech accessories

Kate Spade tech accessory / Tech accessory

Countdown to my birthday is on and I am the lucky recipient of a new iPhone 6. My mom and dad treated me to new phone as my birthday present this year so that I would have tons of room for pictures and videos of the new baby. That 128GB will come in handy I am sure when I want to capture each and every moment. 

Currently

Currently... by preppy-lizzy featuring ballerina flats

Tieks ballerina flat / Ergobaby Original Collection Baby Carrier in Sea Skipper / Yes Please / Amazon.com: The Following: Season 3: Kevin Bacon, Shawn Ashmore, Sam...

Reading: Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. I love Amy Poehler. I was so sad to see the end of Parks and Rec and I thought that diving into her book would help ease the pain. It has been really enjoyable thus far and a great read when traveling because it's easy to pick up and put down whenever you have time.

Eating: Chocolate cake. I have been noshing on leftover chocolate cake from my shower. Absolute perfection.

Listening: Disney tunes. I have been getting in mommy mode by singing along to disney tunes in the car. 

Watching: The Following on Hulu. I loved the first two seasons and was really curious where they would be able to go after the end of Season 2. I don't want to give anything away but I am anxiously wondering what will happen to Ryan Hardy and his team next.

Craving: These ballet pink Tieks. I hear these are the most comfortable flats and I keep wondering if I should take the plunge on a pair. Anyone have any personal experiences with them?

Dreaming: Of baby carrying. I cannot wait to wear my girl around town and explore with her!

10 Under $100

10 Under $100 by preppy-lizzy featuring a j crew bracelet

J Crew graphic t shirt / J.Crew shorts / Pleated skirt / Pelle Moda high heel shoes / Topshop leather flat / J Crew j crew bracelet / Kenneth Jay Lane baroque jewelry / Madewell bangle bracelet / Floral empire-waist dresss | Gap / Sleeveless Back Interest Maternity Dress | Destination Maternity

This month's 10 Under $100 is a mix of things I can wear now and things I am hoping to be wearing post pregnancy!

Wednesday Wishes: Birthday Wish List

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring pink ballet flats

J Crew breton top / J Crew calf length skirt / Kate Spade leather wedge shoes / Converse trainers / Tieks pink ballet flat / Kate Spade pink cross body purse / Coordinates Collection cuff bangle / Nordstrom Spring Confetti Gift Card / Kate Spade Love Cupcake Skirt

My birthday is coming up and I am starting to think about what I would be putting on my wish list. I usually have tons of outfits I am craving but being pregnant my mind is on shoes, purses and technology. Oh and maybe a cute bangle or two.

Tuesday #Shoesday: Pop of Color

Tuesday #Shoesday by preppy-lizzy featuring heels & pumps

Nine West pointy toe flat / Converse canvas shoes / Sergio Rossi heels & pumps / Office red stilettos shoes

Sometimes all you need to punch up an outfit is a great pop of color. I love wearing bright shoes. Some of my favorites are my hot pink pointy toe flats from Kate Spade last year and my bright red flats Kiki flats from J.Crew.

Style Inspo: SJP

Style Inspo by preppy-lizzy featuring a pink purse

Roksanda color block dress / Sportmax yellow skirt / Frame Denim boyfriend jeans / SJP strap sandals / SJP pumps / Rebecca Minkoff pink purse / Oliver Peoples vintage round sunglasses

Can we talk about how SJP is not only a style inspiration herself, but her most famous character, Carrie Bradshaw, is one in her own right as well? I also have to admit that Sarah Jessica's twin girls are quickly becoming style inspo's for my own baby girl. They are adorable.

Spring Weddings: What to Wear

Spring Weddings: What to Wear by preppy-lizzy featuring green patent leather pumps

Tadashi Shoji sleeveless flare dress / Tadashi Shoji evening dress / Finders Keepers dark blue dress / Issa black tie dress / Tory Burch wedges shoes / Buffalo green patent leather pumps / Carvela gold flat sandals / J/Slides gold ankle strap shoes / Rebecca minkoff handbag / H M beige purse / Diane Von Furstenberg brown leather handbag / MICHAEL Michael Kors chain handle handbag / J Crew 14k bracelet / Bracelet jewelry / J Crew cultured pearl necklace / Handcrafted earrings

The season for Spring weddings is upon us and with that some creative dress codes, like Garden Party. Embrace color during springtime weddings. Pick colors you see in your favorite flowers or sunsets.

What Shoe Goes with This?

via

I few months ago WhoWhatWear had a great post on when to wear flats and when to wear heels. I think its a great little graphic that makes it super easy to grab your shoes in the morning. Since I've been pregnant I've reverted to flats almost exclusively, but there are days that I grab those heels. Here are a few of my favorite flats and heels for this spring!

Flats or Heels? by preppy-lizzy featuring white sneakers

Kate Spade sparkly flat / Pointy shoes / J Crew d orsay flat / Lucky Brand platform wedge sandals / Brown open toe shoes / Office high heels stiletto, $73 / River Island high heels stiletto, $73 / J.Crew mule heel shoes / Butter Shoes leather ballet flat / Converse white sneaker, $92 / K. Jacques pink leather sandals, $265 / Topshop shoes, $23 / Valentino flat / J/Slides gold ankle wrap sandals

Color Therapy: Lavender

Color Therapy by preppy-lizzy featuring cross handbags

Cropped moto jacket / Sergio Rossi real leather shoes / MBaoBao cross handbag / Lola Rose lace jewelry / Tri color earrings / Jersey knit scarve

On the color block for this month's Color Therapy is my good friend Lavender. I love this shade of purple, as it is delicate, feminine and not overly girly. Our daughter's nursery is actually a mix of lavender and grey depending on the light and I adore it. I find that I personally have mixed lavender in most in accessories, but would love to branch out to a great pair of shoes or shades. I also would love to find a great bikini in this color palette. I think it would really compliment a summer tan. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Tuesday #Shoesday: Pregnancy Staples

Tuesday #Shoesday by preppy-lizzy featuring kate spade shoes

J.Crew suede shoes / Kate spade shoes / J.Crew suede shoes / Salvatore Ferragamo flat shoes

Number one rule? FLATS! Anything flat and padded gets an extra bonus in my book. I am at the stage where being comfortable with my shoes rules supreme. But that doesn't mean I still can't look cute! What are some of your favorite, really comfortable flat styles that you can recommend a pregnant lady with sore feet? #preggoproblems

Currently

Currently... by preppy-lizzy featuring a black ceramic mug

My favorite post of the month is back. It's time for March's Currently edition.

Reading: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I am a huge fan of the movie and always wanted to read the book, so I decided what time is better than the present. The great thing about having it on my Kindle is that I never have to carry around a big book!

Eating: Wonderful FroYo. Soft serve has been my absolute favorite lately. Whether its frozen yogurt, ice cream or a Frosty from Wendy's. It's so satisfying.

Listening: Disney tunes. I drove 3.5 hours back and forth to a conference last weekend and I rocked out to Disney all the way. I am already looking forward to singing Disney music with my girl in the car.

Watching: House of Cards. Honestly, who isn't? I hope that they will decide to do a fourth season... Whose with me?

Craving: Of sleep! My best sleep has been in the AM when baby girl is finally asleep with me. I also think my energy is starting to ramp back down as I head into the tail end of my second trimester. No good!

Dreaming: Of my baby girl. Her nursery is coming together. We just still need to finish decorating. Right now the paint and furniture are all in place. I am also working on making her knit baby blocks and a chevron baby blanket. I love being crafty when it comes to her.

What makes your Currently list this month?

Picking an Outfit

Picking An Outfit by preppy-lizzy featuring white shelves

Is it just me or is trying to get an outfit selected each morning a challenge at times. Maybe it's partially because my closet is so diminished while I am in maternity wear or because I have pregnancy brain 24/7, but for the last few months I have gotten into the habit of selecting my outfit the night before.

While this has backfired on my a few times (once when I had an interview for a promotion at work and found out that I could no longer button up any of my non-maternity button ups), for the most part it's been a lifesaver. I wore a uniform growing up so its similar to my mornings as a kid, where I didn't need to worry about what I was wearing that day. I am also more of a night owl, so picking out my clothes each evening is so much easier.

Because I save time in getting dressed from the shower now, I also do better about remembering my accessories. I allow myself to choose my jewelry and jacket, if needed, each day once I am dressed and I am still out the door faster than ever before.

What's your biggest tip for picking your outfits everyday?

Wednesday Wishes: Baby Outfits

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy on Polyvore

Little Girls Dresses, Formal Toddler Dresses, Special Occassion Girls... / Janie and Jack - Girl 0-12 yrs - Girls Clothes, Kids Clothes, Baby... / Girls Short Sleeve Shirts, Toddler Girl Short Sleeve Tops at Janie and... / Janie and Jack - Layette 0-18 months - Infant Clothes, Newborn... / Little Girls Dresses, Formal Toddler Dresses, Special Occassion Girls... / Girls Shoes, Toddler Girls Shoes, Designer Girls Shoes at Janie and... / Janie and Jack - Girl 0-12 yrs - Girls Clothes, Kids Clothes, Baby... / Little Girls Dresses, Formal Toddler Dresses, Special Occassion Girls... / Girls Outerwear, Little Girls Coats, Toddler Girls Jackets at Janie... / Girls Bottoms, Toddler Girls Pants, Little Girl Skirts at Janie and...

Little girl's clothes are just dreamy. And its fun to lust after some beautiful pieces from the amazing brand Janie and Jack. I was able to visit their outlet this past weekend and the nice thing is that you can snag pieces that are still in store at a minimum of 25% off the retail price up to 60% off. It's nice because unlike so many other outlets, the pieces are current and new. Here are just a few of the pieces I am loving right now. I would say that its best to purchase their larger sizes (I looked at just 12+ plus for almost everything, since I wanted to get the most out of each wear). Also the sales lady did tell me that typically their dresses run big, which is great to know for this first time mom.

10 Under $100

10 Under $100 by preppy-lizzy featuring a white purse

Maternity Striped Boyfriend Shirts / J.Crew shoes / LOFT slip on sneaker / Rebecca Minkoff white purse / Komono watch / Silver stud earrings / Ále by Alessandra summer hat / J.Crew Baby ruffle jumpsuit in thin stripe / J.Crew Baby one-piece in sunglasses / Maternity Ikat Print V-Neck Maxi Dress | Loft

This month's 10 Under $100 is a mix of baby pieces and maternity staples including some items that can be worn after baby comes. I am living in sneakers lately, so finding pairs that are work friendly have been essential. I also can't fit into any of my regular button downs anymore, except for one, so maternity friendly tops are a must.

Style Inspo: Audrey Hepburn

Style Inspo by preppy-lizzy featuring leather handbags

J Crew slim fit t shirt / Uniqlo trench coat / Helmut Lang jeans / Salvatore Ferragamo flat shoes / Rebecca Minkoff leather handbag / I Love a Lassie bow necklace / Ray-Ban vintage sunglasses

Audrey Hepburn is one of those icons that made easy dressing so chic. I love that she embraced the tomboy style and was a huge fan of cigarette pants and turtlenecks, one of my favorite looks for work day to day. I am obsessing over these Ferragamo flats in ballerina pink. Who wouldn't?

Transitions... Winter to Spring

Transitions Winter to Spring by preppy-lizzy featuring black jeans

Uniqlo brown trench coat / L K Bennett green coat / Frame Denim black jeans / DVb Victoria Beckham mid rise white jeans / Jigsaw pointy flat / Vince Camuto gray ankle boots / UGG Australia beanie hat / Logo baseball cap

With Spring approaching, it's time to shake off those winter blues and transition to our lighter weight gear. Spring is my favorite season by far so I am always excited when I have an excuse to rock my spring gear. It also helps that I can pretty much rock Spring layers year round in Southern California, but I am excited when the stores are stocking spring gear. What is your favorite season?

Wednesday Wishes: Preppy Ties for Guys

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring Lands' End

Lands End clothing / Billy Reid Heirloom Classic Check Tie / Forzieri Diagonal Stripe Silk Tie / Lands' End Men's Regular Regimental Stripe Necktie / Boys' Neckties: Sailfish Printed Tie for Boys – Vineyard Vines / Alexander Olch Necktie, Cream/Red/Multi Plaid

Beau Ties of Vermont provided a sample to review for today's post. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was received for this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

Today's Wednesday Wishes is focused on the men in our lives and outfitting them for those events where a tie is needed. Dan is one of the those guys that can easily pull off a bow tie or necktie, so when Beau Ties of Vermont offered him a tie to try out I knew he would be game.

The sent us a beautiful pink necktie that I cannot wait to pack him for our next wedding. Where do you find ties for your guys?