Maternity Chic: Out of The Day

By popular request, here are the details:

Yes! That is Fluffy Leo my pomerian-finnish spitzer hybrid pup.

My Outfit:

Top: INC. International Concepts 

Store: Macy's 

Price: $10

Leggings: Loft by Ann Taylor 

Store: LOFT 

Price: $18

Cardigan: Banana Republic  

Store: Banana Republic 

Price: $30

Boots: Hunter Boots 

Store: Lord & Taylor

Price: $105

Handbag is my Vegan Leather Handbag & the Necklace is handmade both will be coming soon on my etsy store or possibly my very own online store. You'll be updated shortly as I'm still trying to figure that out. The scarf is from H&M it was about $12. I absolutely love scarves from H&M they are so inexpensive, great quality and a classy classique.

Anyway I hope you've enjoyed this blog post. More outfits will be listed as the warmer weather persists here in New York City.

Thank you so much for reading my blog, I hope you subscribe and get updated on every new post. I will also offer special discounts to my online shop exclusively for my followers. Have a great weekend!

x o x o

Amela Sandra

Maternity Chic

Because I love Myself

My Maternity Style

My style is based on my mood but my taste always remains the same.

I love anything that catches my eye & usually it's feminine, sexy, glamorous, comfortable, & a classique. When I dress up I choose things that make me say "this is very interesting" & then I pair it up with something else that is compatible. I always keep in mind that my style like everyone else's is a work of art. 

My Fashion Advice to You

What you wear expresses not only your mood but you as an individual. It's very good to keep this advice in mind before you leave your home dressed a certain way. When you don't take care of yourself and dress nicely you are showing people that you don't really love yourself.

I understand that you may be going through a difficult time such as pregnancy or maybe you don't like your hips, breasts, etc... But all of that can be taken care of by buying clothes that compliment YOUR body. Also don't ever exceed your budget unless you have saved up some money to go on a shopping spree per se or unless you've saved money to buy that $160 dress. Otherwise, Chic & Cheap is very doable.

The Four C's

Now that I'm pregnant My Fashion Motto are the 4 C's: 

Cheap, Chic, Classy, & Comfy 

(Comfy = comfortable)

I aware that I won't be pregnant for long so when I shop I definitely look for sales and discounts. Everyone wants to know my big secret to shopping for less & looking super expensive. And actually I can not reveal my secret in just one blog post. You will need to read my blog to truly understand the purpose of being a Frugal Fashionista.

You don't become a frugal fashionista over night. It is something that you are trained to become. 

It may sound silly but I've bought entire* outfits that cost me $40 and they were all boutique brand names. 

Here's a great example of one of my favorite outfits, although this outfit is much more than $40 I absolutely love to share it with you because I think it's such a great artsy & feminine, maternity chic style with new merchandise. 

Details About This Outfit:
Dress: MANGO $40
Tights: Charlotte Russe $3.50
Vegan Handbag: $50
Scarf: H&M $5
Suede Platform Boots: Steve Madden $99

Yes. This Outfit was way over $40 but let's review this outfit with it's original prices:

Original Price:
Dress: $40
Tights: $7.50
Vegan Handbag: $130
Scarf: $12.90
Steven Madden Suede Platform Boots: $200


VIOLA ! 
See the difference.
I've saved: $192.90 & some change
Huge difference, yeah?


I wore this outfit on a lovely lunch date with my husband. I strongly believe that when you dress nicely, no matter how horribly you feel,  it tends to cheer you up! It really does!

Also, people treat you much more differently depending on how you dress. 
So if you don't feel good or just don't think you can afford to look good you are foolish. 

You need to go to your closet & look at everything that you love, like, hate & aren't sure about. I will write more about Moving to Your New Home, Spring Cleaning & Shopping Your Closet this upcoming week.

This Morning's blog post will be on: How To Eat Healthier by Replacing Simple Items in Your Kitchen.


Thank You for reading my blog, if you've enjoyed reading this post then please subscribe and read more wonderful posts like this one by clicking: SUBSCRIBE


x o x o
Amela Sandra

My Obsession with Bags

As many of you know I am a full-time student, who is involved in many activities.

I am also a wife, entrepreneur & freelancer.

My life is busy.

All of that has changed and continues to change in my pregnancy which I had discovered in my second month of the first semester in the Fall at CUNY. 

Pregnancy . . . .  is a lifestyle that you need to adapt to.

According to the CDC 48% of Pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. . .

So basically my life went from being heavily involved in multiple activities, working full-time, studying at the public or campus library for 4 to 8 hours a day. My husband & I barely saw each other. On top of that I was also taking some liberal arts classes that I wasn't required to take. I am so glad that I took those classes because I was very passionate about those topics: Psychology, Anthropology, Urban Studies, History, etc...

My pregnancy was my reality check in life.

In life we go through so many phases and stages but I have never been in such a phase like the one I'm in now. It is incredible. At the same time it feels like there's an imaginary hour glass in my mind that's telling me:

"HURRY UP!" 

"DO EVERYTHING!" 

"FIX YOUR LIFE!"

"GET YOUR LIFE TOGETHER!"

Along with everything else my style has definitely changed, I used to wear skinny jeans & heels everyday.

Now I wear stretchy high waist leggings from non maternity stores but my favorite brands which I will write about soon.

 - - - -  Listen, there is a stereotype that I really don't appreciate: "Married women dress like crap" that's not true. I have never dressed like crap in my life, even when I was a very poor and malnutrition child my mother and grandmother made sure to sew the most adorable clothing for me.

My first handbag was given to me by my mom and aunt, it had no brand name but it was my favorite and I wore it every day even to my first year of school. Until I got my first backpack, that's when I switched from handbag to backpack. Ahahaha. Oh little Amela, little fashionista.

On my thirteenth birthday my aunt gave me her Miss Sixty handbag which I admired so much!

When she gave me that denim Miss Sixty bag with a block of wood at the bottom, it was the happiest moment in my life. That was the moment in my life when I became obsessed with brand names.

At age fifteen I especially became fond of Christian Dior, for one we both share the same birth date and for the other because John Galliano was a genius. I mean I was a huge fan of couture since the first day Gianni Versace died in his Miami home. I actually cried when I saw the news coverage of his death on television. I was just a child yet he was a genius & I knew that he would no longer be around to share his brilliance with the world. 

But my handbag phase... that came in my pre-teen years by the time I was sixteen I had over 40 handbags. Some designer, some non designer but they were all trendy and everyone stared.

Growing up I've always heard the same question: What's in your bag?

What's in that bag? Why do you carry such a big/small/two/ bag(s)?

I'd always reply: MY LIFE.

because literally everything I need at the moment is in my bag.

What's in Your Bag?
For Upcoming Entries & Vlogs Please Subscribe: Amela Sandra

x o x o 

Amela Sandra

Outfit Inspiration: Valentine's Day

If you have no idea what to wear for Valentine's Day,

here's an Inspiration board. Wear a little black dress, red dress, white dress & sexy heels!

Don't forget about Mascara & Lipstick!

Those are the two cosmetics that a any lady truly needs.

Of course don't forget to wear a delicious perfume - wear the fragrance he loves the most.

Most of all, don't show him how hard you've worked to pull it all off.

The secret to being a Sexy Wife & Mama is to make him think it's effortless beauty!

After all, men do the same with us - don't be hard on him.

Laugh. Love & Remember the good times you've shared together.

I don’t know why many of this it to ourselves but once we’re married or have children we don’t feel sexy anymore. We stop wearing sexy clothes for silly reasons. If it’s been a while since you’ve shaved/waxed those sexy legs of yours, got your hair done, nails done, make-up etc… PLEASE, make an oath to me that this Valentine’s Day you will be a Sexy Mom or Sexy Wifey to your love of your life and dress Sexy!

You don’t have to go shopping if you’re broke or on a tight budget, just shop your closet. I’m sure that somewhere deep in your closet there is a pair of sexy heels! Bring them out! Wear that sexy dress that you’ve bought just in case for a sexy-special occasion. The truth is, your husband is dying to see you look sexy again. It’s the Best Free Valentine’s Day gift you can do for him and for yourself.

You will feel confident and beautiful! If you think dressing up is about putting some clothes on, then what the heck happened to you? What ever happened to that foxy lady your husband met years ago? Since when the hell did we sign a contract once married or pregnant that stated “Dress like a hobo, never wax your eyebrows, wear heels or mascara ever again oh and if your skin is dry it’s okay, you’re not allowed to use moisturizers of any kind….. Must wear sweat pants 24/7 & granny panties. Oh & Have sex once a year any more than that and we will hunt you down!”

Seriously? I keep hearing women talk about “Buy this!” “I hope he gets me a diamond.” And chocolate, wait…. I want chocolate. But that’s besides the point. The point is, Valentine’s Day is not about what you have, don’t have or what you want. It’s about LOVE! LOVE YOURSELF! You are beautiful! Take care of yourself! Pamper yourself! You don’t need to be a millionaire to look stylish or beautiful. All you need is: Taste, Confidence & a Smile!

This Valentine’s Day do something different without being different: Be the Woman Your Husband fell in love with! 


Happy Sexy Valentine's Day!

Love,
Amela Sandra

LAST MINUTE: New Year's Eve Outfit

Today is the last day of 2013 and I’m certain that we all have many things to do. Maybe last minute shop for that New Year’s Eve outfit?

Let’s call today the MISSION OUTFIT DAY!

Today is the last day of 2013 and if you have no idea what to wear don’t worry.

If you have absolutely NO TIME or Patience or a Dime to shop for an outfit, don’t worry!

Here is my Frugal Diva Advice:

·      Shop Your Closet – Yes. Shop in your closet. I want you to literally take EVERYTHING out of your closet as neatly as possible with the hangers still attached  and now make three piles: One Pile should be things I’ve worn more than three times, Pile #2 Things I wore less than three times & Pile #3 Things I loved but never ever wear ~ No not that size 2 Dress you said you’d wear this year when you lose the excessive fat, that other Dress! The one that you said “I like this! It’s on sale! It’s cute! I’m going to wear It someday.” Your subconscious mind has chosen this dress! This is who you are deep down inside & the New Year should be all About Who YOU Truly Are Deep down inside. Your body is a canvas and your personal style should be your master piece in display to the world. Now it’s time for search for THOSE shoes!

·      Borrowing from Family – This is risky because if you lose or ruin your sister’s/mother’s/cousin’s/aunt’s dress you are big trouble! (See tips toward the end of this post).

·      Thrift Shop – Don’t judge a book by it’s cover/reputation. The Goodwill, Salvation Army and other Thrift stores offer great deals on clothing that you have seen at the department store. In a decent neighborhood you will find some brand names. In fact just last week I found a pair of shoes from Steve Madden that I bought last summer for $100 for $10 and they were in really good condition! The reasons vary for returns – unclutter things you never ever wear, things you’ve out grown, things you find no longer appealing, some thrift stores even allow you to swap your donation for what they already have in store. Now that’s a deal!

·      Clothes Swap Events – There are some meet-up groups you can find that do swap events and this is great! All you have to do is get what you seriously never ever wear & never ever plan to wear and things you regret buying, then go to a “clothes swap” and exchange what you have for what someone else has. Just make sure to avoid getting clothes that are heavily stained or ripped unless of course you continue reading my blog and subscribe and eventually learn from my Domestic Goddess Skills how to remove those stains =)

When all else fails - These stores currently have sales: Mango, Mandees and I believe that H&M has some discounts as well as Forever21 & Charolette Russe

Tips:

o      You don’t need an iron to straighten or freshen up your clothes. Before taking a nice warm shower for the big night take your dress/outfit and put it on a hanger properly & individually. After your warm shower let the steam from your shower give you the power of an iron and washer combined – straighten out your outfit by hand – stretch out each corner and keep doing this until your outfit/dress is wrinkle free then spray on some body mist or perfume TWO SPRAYS MAXIMUM! Continue straightening. Wrinkles all gone? There you go!

o      STAY AWAY FROM GREASY or SAUCY FOODS!

o      NEVER, EVER! Eat while you are standing – 1) it is gross and inappropriate, be a lady, have a seat at the table and enjoy your food, let it digest properly, have a glass of wine/champagne/lemonade/water and relax. This also helps prevent those foods from falling on you and staining your outfit. You don’t want to look like a sloppy child… Do you? Ahahaha. 

ENJOY HAVE A VERY HAPPY & BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION!

Please Subscribe for More Great Blog Posts!

x o x o

Amela Sandra

Pregnant Style Winter 2013/4

Aaaaaaaaaaa....... Pregnancy comes with many new enlightments. 

Your body has changed completely as have your hormones. 

Now when you eat you usually get bloated. 

You also tend to grow bigger and bigger every single day. 

Between the hormones, hunger, loss of energy, endless aches, pains and other things in life, we also realize that our skin and style are no longer the same either. In my first trimester I was…. I can’t explain….. Honestly… In one word I felt terrible! I was very ill and weak. Luckily now I’m stronger than my first trimester, pregnancy is still difficult for me but I’m stronger and more energized now than before. 

Amongst those, my other problem was my sense of style - it was gone! Everything I own no longer fit me... except my work-out & lounge outfits.

My Prenatal/Maternity/Pregnant/"Fat Lady" Shopping Experience:
After a week of stressful wardrobe shopping I had realized that there was nothing cheap about maternity fashion. 
So I had decided to take matters into my own hands and buy nine pairs of leggings, 3 in black and the rest in different colors. 
My favorite stores for leggings are: Pink by Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21 and sometimes American Apparel (sometimes because they’re overpriced). 
Leggings from Victoria’s Secret are my absolute favorite because now the company has finally made their leggings more sturdy and thick so they don’t rip when you sit like a pretzel or reveal your underwear when you’re squatting properly to pick up your pen off the floor. Be careful when squatting, I’ve heard a myth? that squatting the wrong way is dangerous for your baby…. Not sure how true that is… But anyway, here are some other tips when wearing leggings: wear boy shorts like the ones pictured below, I own five pairs of the same underwear in black. They are very important because you never know when your leggings might stretch out so much they show your undies. Worst case scenario you are doing prenatal yoga and the seam from your buttocks rips a hole right in the middle.

The bra… Oh lady! As though I’ve never had a problem in my life with my boobs pregnancy is much worse. Worse because your boobs just get bigger and bigger also sometimes your boobs squirt out milk when you’re excited…. So that is humiliating! I have bought a pair of bras from Gap called GapBody Favorite Wireless bra. 
Also for the dry nipples use coconut oil or 100% organic shea butter right after your shower. Make sure ALL of your under garments are 100% Hemp or Organic if you can't afford Hemp although Hemp is the best quality - The Hempest has an adorable bra and underwear set  it's pricey but Hemp fabric allows your skin to breath and is muchhhhh! more durable than cotton.

Heels: wear them only on date night – IF YOU CAN WALK IN THEM.

Always have a pair of flats in your bag just in case and if your mama tells you not to wear heels… then don’t - flat boots and flat shoes are easier on your back and you won’t walk like a penguin which happens to me after two  hours in heels. 

Boots: 
Be careful with boots, sometimes they can be super slippery! 
Get comfortable heel boots to make your outfit a little more stylish – flats are best. Remember that Your outfit MUST be comfortable to you.

Shoe Tip: Get pads for your shoes, or buy shoes that are specifically designed for comfort. I always find comfortable shoes because my grandmother and mother who have lifetime experience in that sort of stuff have taught me how to choose the most comfortable shoes. But here are some popular comfort shoe brands that I adore: Clarks, sometimes Easy Spirit.... sometimes you can find cheap comfortable shoes at Zappos (link) and department stores like DSW (link) & Nordstrom (link) also have great selections

Handbags: 
Again comfort is everything! Make sure that before you buy your bag that the weight is light - if the bag is heavy empty then just imagine how heavy it would be with all the daily essentials and JUST IN CASE things you put in there? Sorry but lifting weights is for the gym. 

 -- Stay tuned I will post a video soon on my YouTube Account very soon!

Until then . . .

Happy Shopping!

x o x o

Amela Sandra

My Very First Maternity Shopping Journey

Hey Ladies!


       I feel really badly for being MIA so tonight I have decided to post this video via instagram of my first trip maternity shopping.
     

Stores:
My first store was A Pea in the Pod the Macy's on 34th Street Herald Square in NYC has a boutique on the third floor called A Pea in the Pod. They sell their brand of clothing and under garments as well as designer brands such as 7 Jeans, BCBG Max Azria, Jessica Simpson et etc... I was shocked that these designers had a maternity collection. I only bought two of the most incredible bras at A Pea in the Pod boutique.

Then I headed over to the Juniors level of Macys & all I found was an adorable Sweater. Which is featured in my instagram video. The wind in the background is my fan. Sorry.

Prices:
I used to not care about my spending but after my marriage I became more conscious of my spending. Especially now that I'm an expectant mom I really consider what to buy and whether it's worth it or not.



Style & Size:
Anyway although my trip to A Pea in the Pod was a shocker with the prices. I became a little more familiar with what pregnant women wear. I'm only in my first trimester so my belly isn't as big as the ladies in their second and third trimester but it's always a great idea to get a size or two larger that way you could 'grow into it'. One things for sure my style is very chic, classic and feminine.

I bought this American Rag sweater on the Juniors level at Macys Herald Sq on sale for $30 it used to be $59. Usually I wear a Medium in sweaters but I decided to buy a large to prepare for my baby's expansion in my abs & belly.

Forever 21:
As I've mentioned my maternity shopping journey began at 34th St. Herald Sq. of course I made a visit to Forever 21. This store location was undergoing reconstruction so only one floor was open. I also had no idea that they had discontinued their maternity line last winter. I'm pretty sad about that.
However I kept searching for something a pregnant gal with classic style could wear but everything they had was very 1980s hipster & Punk Rock meets Grunge style. I didn't like it at all. Not my style.
Lately I've been super disappointed with Forever 21. They used to cater to all young women now it's just certain styles and it's usually very gross as in skanky super short and easily outdated pieces.
Come on F21! STEP UP YOUR GAME!!!


The Upside of Forever 21:
I had managed to find an adorable loafer in the shape of a bunny, $2.80.
They also had hair accessories on sale for $1 I just bought an array of scrunchies.
I also bought a tote bag for $2.80 that comes in handy as a shopping bag for produce at the farmers market.
And finally a mint color scarf for $8.80 which makes me feel like I'm headed to Morocco.

Last Stop:

My Trip didn't end at Herald Square, my next stop was Union Square. 

Union Square station is a three block walk away from my favorite bookstore: Strand Bookstore.

They have new and used books on the cheap. 

I remember once in High School I sold the original copy of Black Boy to Strand bookstore for only $10 if I had known the real value of that book.... Shaking my head..... Anyway. I bought a few pregnancy books. It was difficult finding the books because some staff said it was in the basement in the Medical Section, some said it was in the best sellers by fiction & finally an elderly man told me it was on the second floor by the Children's books section sharing a nook with Parenting books. I sat down on the floor and began searching for books that suit me and answer my questions. Along the way I found a pregnancy journal. I spent $20 together for these two books:

I know there are different versions of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" this one is from 2008 but it still answers most of my questions. I also purchased 2 other books which I will share with you via blog posts. I'm super excited ya'll! YAY! =D


Please be a babe & share your insight:

• Do you have any maternity shopping tips?
• What's your fave maternity store?
• Have you ever read the book What to Expect When You're Expecting?

Have a Great Evening!

x o x o

Amela Sandra

The Right Bag

School has begun for some of you or has yet to begin.
As a CUNY student school hasn't begun for me yet....
I'm super nervous!

I have no idea what bag to wear.

My flawless skill is my organization.
I am super organized!
Time Management is not easy for many people.
For me it definitely is thanks to my beautiful planner.

The only thing is that on my super busy days I am stuck carrying around so many things.... 

A Purse, a Bag for my Books, a Gym bag, Yoga bag, a Coffee Mug, et et....

Yes. I look like a circus sometimes but it's so much fun to accomplish so many errands and do so many activities successfully in a single day each and every single day. 


❤ Here's what I'm talking about . . .

 My Books

 Yoga Day

 Exam Day

It's a lot huh?
Well it's fine because each bag is organized.
One is strictly for school.
One is for work & personal stuff.
One is strictly food!
I have a busy life but this fall I'll need to find a bag that isn't going to give me back problems in the future.

What's your favorite bag to carry on your busy day ?

x o x o

Amela Sandra

Autumn Style Preparation

Autumn will arrive on September 22, but lately the weather in New York City has been switching from hot to cold. So I've decided to keep myself cool and warm. Here's an outfit I wore while shopping for back to school.

I'm wearing a Longchamp tote, booties, Zara shorts, Abercrombie tank top and a knitted top my cousin made me. Sorry for not smiling, my face was congested from the weather change -__-

Stay tuned for upcoming videos on my youtube account.

x o x o 

Amela Sandra