Bump Not Frump

At 28 weeks there is no hiding my precious little cargo and the temptation to live in trackies or leggings is greater than ever! Dresses are my favourite item at the moment as they are most comfortable and when you have a slight waddle like a penguin, can't see your feet and start debating whether something is worth bending down for, comfort is of the utmost importance!

I'm really looking forward to wearing my old jeans, tops or anything I haven't been able to wear the last 4 months! Right now I can't bare anything tight across my belly so loose and flowing is what I usually go for.  I find it easier to dress down something dressy than to dress up something casual when I'm pregnant and since I don't want to spend loads on 'maternity' clothes, I try to get stuff that I will still be able to wear after the little one arrives.

 

Navy dress & belt from Penny's, H&M cardie and New Look wedge boots.

In other news, I've swapped our piano for this 70's oak sideboard.  I've come to realise that after 5 years of having a piano and not playing it, I'm not about to burst into Eric Satie territory anytime soon so time to get practical!

I sold the piano and got this in a charity shop for €25! SCORE!

Ya, that's a total pose! With three kids under 5 (and one on the way) you will never find me tucked away in a quiet corner reading a book in the middle of the day but I'm going for something serene here so just go with it!

What's on my mind? All things lovely, pretty, adorable and tiny! Not long to go now and I'm thoroughly enjoying getting ready for a girl...she may end up a total tomboy but until further notice I'm revelling in all things girlie!

 

-Vievie Xx

 

It's a Girl!

It's a girl! It's a girl! It's a girl! After three beautiful boys, we are now expecting the arrival of a little mademoiselle next February. Needless to say I am going mad with shopping and I wonder if there will be enough days in the year for all the stuff she will have to wear! Today I purchased some pretty floral fabrics to sew little dresses and romper suits. I love an old fashioned dressed little girl, so I got some sewing patterns from the 60's and 70's on eBay... you wont find Dora the Explorer t-shirts and leggings here! 

Anyway, in the mean time I'm trying to make the most of my clothes before I get too round! Today I'm wearing my seriously stretchy jeans and a classic white cotton shirt with touches of candy coloured accessories.  Silver heels from Heatons would you believe, while I can still get around in them! Off to shop and think of names... I already have names but I need ones that the hubby and I can agree on :)



We have 4 months to find and agree on a name that is pronounceable to both the Irish and french.... in the meantime, mademoiselle bump and I have plenty of things to do!
                           Bonne Journée!
                            -Vievie Xx

 

 

 

 

Fall for Autumn

As the cool autumn air sets in, it's time to wrap up.  It shouldn't be that difficult since we've been doing it all summer with the exception of that one week, you know the one I'm talking about. There was a whole 4 days in a row when it didn't rain! Selling products for sunshine in Ireland is like selling rain gear for the desert! Anyway, on with a more pleasing subject, fashion! Autumn is by far my favourite season for fashion.  It will be a bit trickier with being pregnant but there's no reason I can't keep up with styles I like & include my little bump! Almost anything goes this autumn/winter with prints and tailored shapes going strong. I love all the blues and deep rich tones mixed in with last season's fresh pastels & strong jewellery.  We are spoilt for choice! Here are a few pieces I spotted earlier this week, as always at a great price but also slightly different from the easily accessible on the high street.  

 

First up this fresh simple blazer.

Only about €22 including shipping!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251146455225

 

I love this Three-In-One envelope clutch.

It will fit more than just your phone and lipstick!

Only about €13 and free shipping :)

It also come in two other colour combos

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300767879582

If your into print this season, this is the top for you!

This trend is a lot easier than it looks and once you start your hooked!

Only about €26 & free shipping :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300743095456

 

After all that print, cleanse your palette with a

fresh chiffon maxi skirt.

This would be beautiful with a grey jumper or

a navy jumper with the lilac one.

They come in a rainbow of colours and to be honest I wouldn't know which one to choose!

Only about €29 & free shipping!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300595330390

 

I'm a minimalist at heart and I love the return to simple clean lines this season!

This lovely jacket also come in black or white.

About €31 including shipping.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221127619221

 

Not following any particular trend, I just thought this bag looked amazing!

The shape is bang on for now and I love that it looks like a big oil stain!

About €24 including shipping

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320993652159 

 

 

I'm a jumper junkie so all my lists tend to include at least one jumper (if not more!)

I like the honeycomb texture of this cosy one.

It also comes in soft pink.

Only about €18 including shipping

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200794026397

 

This top is perfect for work, going out or for everyday casual!

Only €16 including shipping!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251143559348

 

Lovely two tone handbag

It comes in a load of colours but this one was my favourite!

About €36 including shipping

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150873995629

 

 

Owls are everywhere this season so I'm opting for something different, like flamingos!

Only €22 including shipping

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271029324942

 

 

Denim shirts are still strong this season and I really like the detail on this one

Only about €20 & free shipping!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350538761134

 

 

Last but not least, a slouchy jumper even I could fit into!

About €18 including shipping

It also comes in 2 other colours

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251150897299

 

Hope you spotted something you like!

I'm off to get my baby scan so here's hoping!

Have a great week!

 

-Vievie Xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back with a Bump!

 

I'm back, well, sort of... I'm very sorry for being away the last two months. I've been crazy busy in and outside of my head so thank you if your still checking out the blog.

 

I'm now 4.5 months pregnant with baby number 4. When he/she arrives in February, my eldest will be 4 and a half.  I love a challenge so this one will definitely keep me on my toes!

 

On the fashion front, as with all my previous pregnancies, I refuse to go to frumpsville! Having said that, I'm not sure I'll have as many posts about what I'm wearing as baby gradually expands his/her apartment but I will do my best to be more present:)

 

Today I'm wearing two pairs of black tights (extra opaque!), A flowing top from Tesco in size 20 with my new ring and earrings from Penny's and black block heels. I'm also sporting my Mulberry bag I found in a second hand shop.

 

Sunday I'm off for a scan. With three boys I would be lying if I said I didn't care what it was.... I would love a little girl!

Watch this space :)

 

Thanks for popping by! It's good to be back :)

-Vievie Xx

 

 

La Sortie

Going out for dinner is a trivial thing when you can do it whenever you want to but when it's a once a month affair it's more of an event! My brother and his wife were over so we did loads of lovely things like drive up the west coast in Clare and go to the Limerick Milk Market Saturday morning, an absolute pleasure every time!

I attended a beautiful country wedding last summer and haven't worn the same dress since so that's what I'm wearing.  It was originally a vintage dress that looked more like a shiny night gown I purchased off eBay for €11 (including shipping). All I did is take it in at the sides and shorten it. For me, nothing beats a vintage find for a special occasion.  Anyway, here are some pics. Enjoy!

Pink and black are such a classic combo and I can't help but add pearls for the finishing touch.  My belt is a ribbon that was wrapped around a gift.  I've been using ribbons for belts since I was a teenager.  I just find them that little bit more feminine than a regular belt.

Black tweed jacket and quilted handbag, tres Chanel :)

P.s I haven't been to the gym in about 3 weeks.  I blame the visitors and my lazy attitude towards physical exercise in general. My membership ends at the end of this month so I have a bit of time to redeem myself...maybe.

-Vievie Xx

L'impatience

Je suis de retour! I haven't had the chance to write anything in the past little while (my apologies), as my calendar has been bursting with things to do.  I'm not complaining. I much prefer to be busy.  My brother and his wife are visiting and 3 weeks after their departure my mum and dad will be visiting us so I'm both the upstairs & downstairs, queen of my castle and house maid supreme!

My garden is nearly finished it's transformation and I can't wait to sit out there for afternoon tea, playing with the children or nothing at all but stand around and not sink into the former muddy swamp that it was! Next week I get to pick a paint colour for the shed, whatever colour I desire! That is to say whatever colour I desire that my husband can live with... no cotton candy pink I'm afraid.

I haven't had the chance to take many outfit pictures but here is one I managed a few days ago in the midst of a typical family scenario.

 So many things to do, so little time!

No reason I can't dress up anyway!

Hand on hip for authority. Having reviewed my mental "to-do" and "must-get" list, I think I'm ready to go!

Scarf, check!

Handbag, check!

Wait a minute! Where are those 3 boys? 1, 2 ?!? Getting out the door is like filling your kettle one teaspoon at at time around here! Slow! Slow! Slow! And crazy!

Oh no! Not my bed! All white, clean and perfectly fluffed pillows!
Arrrrggghh! Typical!

Mummy's room is off limits! OUT Please!

Right, back on track. It's not a race so take a chill pill! :)


Cheesy enough? My new dress from Dunnes Stores reduced to €12, tights (need I explain why?), vintage navy blazer, sunnies, belt & necklace from Penney's.
If you have kids you know how hard it is to get things done and not go bananas! Some days are more successful than others! :)

Have a great week!

-Vievie Xx

Go With The Flow

Maxi dresses. So comfortable and yet I can't help but think they usually look a bit frumpy. From the waist down they sometimes end up looking like a waterfall of fabric completely swallowing up the feminine shape.  There are of course exceptions.  Having purchased a maxi dress with a dipping hemline I find this little problem is eliminated.  By seeing a little of the legs at the front you avoid your bottom half from looking like it has disappeared. It also significantly reduces the embarrassing chances of you walking on your dress, tripping and spilling yourself all over the floor or worse, down some staircase.  Hilarious when it happens to someone else but not you. 
So here is my latest little purchase:

Blazer & belt from a charity shop, dress from Guinney's (Yes, Guinney's, €16), heels from Dunnes Stores.
I would tend to think Guinney's is for the older shopper but I'm in there the odd time for their baby stuff and every now and then they do have certain pieces that stand out, like this dress so why not? I'm not a snob!

Thanks for popping by and keep in touch for a new list of great online finds!

Have a great Friday!

-Vievie Xx