Showing posts with label mom style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mom style. Show all posts

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Comfortable Mom Style | New Site & Blog Design

T-Shirt Dress | Skinny Floral Belt | Statement Necklace (similar) | Messenger Bag (similar) | Wedges | Sunnies

My blog began during my pregnancy with Klair as an effort to journal more than anything else. If you go back to some of my first posts, they weren't written with the intent of ever sharing them with well... anyone. Anyone other than my own little family that is (something that is evident by the way they are formatted...or weren't. Yikes). I simply wanted a place where I could collect pictures and write down meaningful events/thoughts about my family. The title "The Ausam Life" was born of this sentiment--it was our family blog "Autumn + Sam" of which I happened to be the author.

Over time, however, I became brave and started sharing my blog on Facebook. I figured people that I knew and loved might be interested to know what was going on in our lives, and I began writing to an audience other than Klair when she's a mom and suddenly cares about all this stuff. Then, slowly, I started to become involved in the blogging community. I loved how much inspiration and strength I was able to draw from others. Everything from fashion, to religion, to Pinterest-worthy projects... even good old mommy support. I became even braver and started to venture into these topics myself. As of late, my blog has become my blog--it's no longer just a family journal--it's an extension of me. Now, it's a place for me to share anything I want to--my life, ideas, recipes, DIYs--with a particular emphasis on fashion. With my interest in modest styles and my husband's growing love of photography, this was the natural progression. Moving forward, fashion will be a major theme of this project.

With this in mind, and a desire to have my own domain... I've decided to change the name of my blog and basically re-brand this thing. Welcome to www.autumnklair.com! Luckily my name is unique...or, at least, it's spelled uniquely, so it was pretty easy to pick a domain. I worked with Erin over at Love, Fun, and Football for my blog design. I like a very minimalist look, and she brought my vision to life. She was so great to work with, and very reasonably priced. If you are ever in the market for a new design I highly recommend reaching out to her! I can't praise her enough.

I have really enjoyed blogging thus far, and I'm excited to see where this adventure takes me. Thank you for all of the love and support you've shown! I really value the connections I've made in this blogging world.

Oh, and I should probably mention the styles featured in this post. This particular outfit is one that I will likely wear too much this summer. It's comfortable (and practical for chasing a toddler), cool for the hot summer days that are just around the corner, and cute. I found the dress and shoes at Target, and I'm tempted to go back for another dress in a different color/print. It's so basic, I feel like I could wear it a million different ways. Also, Sam bought the bag for me as a gift from a local boutique and I absolutely love it. There is a similar one from Urban Outfitters that I also love (linked above). It's big enough to hold all of Klair's "necessities," without feeling like a diaper bag.

Isn't it nice to find ways to be a functional mom, while still feeling fashionable?

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mother's Day | "MOMories"

"Mama."

This is who I am--my identity. Later it will likely change to "Mommy" then "Mom" and, on occasion during those lovely teen years "MO-OM!" (pronounced "mah-ahm" with an evident bit of annoyance).

I'm a MOM. !!! 

Wow. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around that one. I'm not sure I ever will. I brought a life into this world. My body housed and nourished a child for 9 months, and fed her for another 14 after that. I know I did these things. I remember them, I have photographic evidence... but it still seems so surreal. The whole pregnancy process is mysterious, amazing, and beautiful. All of motherhood is.  I continue to feed, nurture, teach, and love her, but she teaches me more. She is my daughter. She looks to me for comfort, safety, love, assurance, guidance, and fun. We have so much fun! I turn to her for everything. She and her dad are my world, and every moment I spend with either of them strengthens the love I have for both. I have spent more time with that little girl than anyone else in my life. We know each other so intimately, yet... there's still so much to learn. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Klair Marie has captured my heart. She has taught me to love in a way I didn't know was possible until that blue eyed, mischievous little blonde came along. She showed me what it means to truly live. She is the embodiment of the love that Sam and I share. Before her we were happy, but now... now our happiness is at a level that we could never have dreamed of. She is everything good, beautiful, and pure in this world, and I am humbled to be able to call her mine.

With Mother's Day approaching, I can't help but think of all the beautiful moments that I've been able to experience in the past couple of years. I was recently approached by Dropcam for a "MOMory" campaign that they are doing in honor of Mother's Day. Thus, with this cute little pun in mind, here's a link-up with a few of my fondest "MOMories" with Klair:

 The moment we discovered I was pregnant--when we found out she was in fact a she. The first kick. The ultrasounds. The magnificently beautiful, transcendent moment Klair was born. All of her firsts--her first cry, her first smile, her first laugh, her first word ("mama"), her first scoot (she was a scooter) her first step. I even remember some of the harder moments with a bittersweet sense of fondness. When she has been sick or sad, she clings to me for comfort, and in those moments I am able to calm the storm within her--not because of me, but because of what she inspires within me. 

Additionally, as Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think of my own mom. She went through so much, struggled so terribly at times to keep it all together in a family that was constantly being barraged by the fierce winds of opposition. Yet, through all of the pains in our family, addiction, illness of every variety, the death of my dad--she somehow made it through. And, although there were hard times, I always knew that I was loved. I had a sense of security. I had a home. I knew I could go to my mom, and she would let me lay my head in her lap while she played with my hair. I have many fun, beautiful, and tender "MOMories" of my own mom. And, now that she's a grandma, I'm able to see her in a whole new light that only adds appreciation for the mother that she is.

Lastly, with Mother's Day just a few days away, I can't help but think of all the strong, loving, nurturing female figures in my life who have "mothered" me in some way or another. I don't think that motherhood is reserved only for those who have children. There are some women who give birth that never mother a day in their lives. While there are others without children of their own who mother every day of their life. I believe when we, as women, accept and embrace the divine potential within us to love, to nurture, to inspire, to lift the hearts that hang heavy, then in those moments we truly embody the essence of what it means to be a mother. There have been many women, too many to count, who have extended love and true charity to me in a way that only those with a mother heart really can.

Motherhood. In a world where the role of a mom is viewed as less than--is constantly diminished and relegated to the sidelines in terms of what is important, or worthy of a modern woman's time--I'm grateful to know how important moms and mothers of every variety really are. I'm thrilled to be part of a church that honors, even reveres the sacred work of women--of mothers. Because of Him, I have strength, guidance, and perspective. Because of Him, I have true purpose and joy.

 “Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." 
-The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 
...

Our Matching Outfits.
Yep, I'm one of those moms.


Mine (similar items): 

Klair's (similar items): 
Chambray Shirt | Dress | Necklace (vintage) | Shoes | Bow (homemade--tutorial here





Monday, April 28, 2014

Sharing Style | The Comfortable Cotton Dress

As a kid dresses were the antithesis to everything that I stood for. Climbing trees, riding bikes, playing sports--all were hindered by a singular, flowing piece of fabric. Despite my distaste for them in my younger years, I grew to like and even love dresses during adolescence. At that time, however, I thought they could only be made of the stiffest fabrics, and paired with the biggest earrings and tallest of stilettos--rendering them useless for much more than taking Myspace-bathroom-duck-face selfies (I think I may have dated myself a little there). More recently, I've discovered that dresses can be both practical and stylish simultaneously... the perfect staple piece for the mom of a busy little toddler. They have become an essential part of my warm weather wardrobe. 

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm all about combining the best of both worlds--I like to be comfortable, while still managing to feel pretty. And, I like polka dots. A lot. I found this dress and knew that I would probably wear it way too much this summer. Anytime I come across a dress that's modest without the need for any kind of modification, I jump at the opportunity. Sleeves? Knee-length? Affordable price? It's almost unheard of. I paired it with my go to booties, added a few simple accessories, and called it good. I suppose the younger versions of myself just wouldn't understand... A fact that I'm okay with. 

Similar Items:

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Easter Photos with My Klair Marie | eShakti Dress Review

I love Easter. Growing up, my mom would always buy me a dress in a bright, springy color that I could twirl and flaunt. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I want to keep this tradition alive... for both of us. Because let's face it, I may be grown up but there are some things I choose not to grow out of...such as my love of dressing up on the Easter holiday. It's fun! And having the cutest baby around to coordinate with doesn't hurt either. 

eShakti sent me this dress, and I am in love with it... and with their company. They reached out to me a few weeks ago and let me pick a design. First of all, I love their business model. They have dresses (and other apparel) from size 0 to size 36, and  they feature real women of all sizes on their website and social media sites.  Additionally, they make customizations based on your body type and style preferences. For instance, this dress that I picked was originally sleeveless and had a longer hemline. I was able to add sleeves, and shorten it to account for the fact that I'm a little vertically challenged. They asked for my measurements, and within a couple of weeks they sent me my dress--designed perfectly for me. Oh and the best part? My dress has pockets! 
Perfect for a mom on the go... or for any woman for that matter.

Basically my experience with them was awesome, and if you want a dress for a special occasion, or if you just want to treat yourself to something nice... I highly recommend eShakti. Check them out for yourself. And, if you decide to buy something, use the coupon code "awees" to get 10% off an order from now until May 4th. 


Also, in case you're wondering, these photos were taken at the Draper LDS temple. We made a trip up there yesterday, and I'm glad we did. The grounds were absolutely stunning and bursting with new life for spring. Klair was enchanted with the flowering trees and bright blooms all around her. And, of course, the temple itself was captivating. Being on those sacred grounds with my little family was a good reminder of the true meaning of Easter. 
Klair was such a good sport for the photos, but as we were leaving Sam snapped this gem. 
It looks like my intuitive little girl knew that we were done, and she was celebrating. 

My Outfit: 
Dress: eShakti | Necklace: Local Boutique (similar here) | Belt: Vintage (similar here) | Earrings: Forever 21 (similar here) | Shoes: H&M (similar here) | Watch: Skagen (similar here)

Klair's Outfit: 
Dress: Carter's | Shoes: Carter's | Bow: Homemade | Bunny: Target (similar here)





*note: eShakti sent me this dress, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.