mommy confessional: white roses & preterm concerns

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I have absolutely the best boyfriend ever.

I realize that most view flowers on Valentine's Day as obligatory, but I've never really viewed V-Day as a day of any significance - let alone an actual holiday. Although some might view a floral delivery on Valentine's Day as cliche, I'm happy (and lucky) to be with a man who thinks I'm worth the effort of the occasional 'corny' gesture.

I'm also lucky have a guy who understands and reciprocates my distaste for going out, particularly when it's crowded. Friday night, we grilled some freaking amazing steaks, eaten by the glow of House of Cards on our big screen with the kids snuggled in our laps. We managed to watch all but three or four episodes of the second season before finally giving in to sleep, but we quickly finished those off Saturday morning. If you have Netflix, you definitely need to watch that show. Not only is it mind-blowing, but Claire Underwood, fictional character she may be, is hands down one of the most stylish women haunting the Netflix halls. What did you do for Valentine's Day/Single's Awareness Day?

Despite Brent's attempts to bend time forward, yesterday put Kumquat at 26 weeks - almost to the third trimester. I started having some odd symptoms a few weeks ago, prompting a call to the OB's office. After visiting with Dr. Singer three times in a week, it turns out I'm showing some signs of preterm labor. Fortunately, the fibronectin (the protein that shows up when baby wants to come out) test was negative, but Dr. Singer has decided to keep a closer eye on the pregnancy, so we'll be visiting her more frequently moving forward.

Since Kumquat is also measuring a bit small, I'm wondering if both might have something to do with my nutrition (or lack thereof). After our last appointment, I did some research on dietary requirements during pregnancy - and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I just don't understand how anyone can possibly eat that well and that much, and it's actually causing me more than a small amount of anxiety - this is something that's entirely my responsibility, and it's crucial for baby girl's health.

Any advice from current or expectant moms on eating right and eating enough during pregnancy? 

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a #goodwknd in st. george, featuring prabal gurung x target

outfit #1 - bomber jacket :: ashley (similar) | black tee :: express | khaki skirt :: h&m | black tights :: forever 21 | jigsaw collar necklace :: boehme boutique | pink skinny belt :: h&m | co-star :: The Boy's godson

outfit #2 - hat :: emanual gerardo (similar) | blouse :: prabal gurung x target | cardigan :: zenana outfitters | skinny jeans :: american eagle (similar) | bomber jacket :: ashley (similar) | ankle boots :: classified | messenger bag :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | green skinny belt :: maurice's | leather wrist wrap :: c/o salvage west | co-star :: The Boy himself

Took off to St. George for the long President's Day weekend. As much as I love the dreariness of winter, there is a certain allure to the perpetual sunniness of Utah's southern half. We couldn't have asked for better weather for our spur of the moment getaway, and I couldn't have asked for better company. What did you do for President's Day weekend?

I've watched the proliferation of high end designer-meets-mass retailer pairings with disinterest for the most part; I feel that many of the collections have been a little too obvious and overly trendy. Target's latest lovechild with Prabal Gurung, however, is the exact opposite - classic shapes and silhouettes overlaid with a litany of the season's trends to achieve just the right mix of the two makes it one that I'm more than eager to lay my hard earned cash down for. It feels less like a dumbed down, significantly cheaper version of the designer's traditional line and more like it's own collection.

This floral blouse is one of two items I snagged from the aforementioned Prabal Gurung x Target collab while down south; one of the pros to living in a non-fashionable state is not having to fight for such things. I may make a another foray to my local Target to locate a few more pieces to add to my increasingly overstuffed closet.

What are your thoughts on the Prabal Gurung x Target collaboration? Or any of the recent designer/retailer partnerships? Have you invested in any of them?

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ski mogul world cup + spring trenducation ebook (btw, it's free!)

A few snaps from last night's FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The Boy and I hiked up the side of a very frozen mountain with some friends to watch skiers fly down the track at ridiculous speeds (admittedly, I cheated - I rode the chair lift most of the way up. Someone had to take the 5 year old!).

January was a bit of a crazy month, as one might have noticed by the radio silence held over the blog. February promises more excitement, however - you can look forward to my first e-book, Trenducation: Spring 2013, around Valentine's Day Single's Awareness Day. The book will contain everything any stylish gal needs to know about this spring's trends, fashion, clothes and beauty, plus tons of inspiration, advice and more to help you transition your winter wardrobe into spring.

The best part? It won't cost you a penny - all of my subscribers will be able to download my spring trend e-book for free! All you have to do is send me an email with your Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin' username and let me know that you want the e-book, and I'll send it to you in PDF form.

If you're not yet a subscriber, don't fret! Use the buttons on the left side of the blog to subscribe via GFC, Blog Lovin' or email, then drop me a line to introduce yourself so I know where to send the goods.

I'll start sending the e-book out on the 14th, but you can get your name on the VIP list by signing up for the release now - and because I know you're too excited to wait till then for all the trendy goodness it contains, those who sign up by February 10th will receive a preview chapter and will be the first to get the book the day it's released. How cool is that?

While we're on the subject, I'm on the lookout for bloggers to include in the e-book's Spring Inspiration Photo Gallery and their thoughts on this spring's fashion - the trends, the clothes, the beauty, the underlying feel of the 2013 season - to include in my Ask the Experts section. If you're interested in having your photo or style advice published in my e-book, email me with your submission, contact info and link to your blog and we'll talk! Chosen submissions will include the blogger's name, blog address and social media info (hint: this is a huge opportunity for publicity!).

Questions, comments, submissions? 

Comment below or email me at jennifer@frayed-threads.com.

*A note: All submissions will be read and considered, but not all will be published due to length constrictions. Some edits (grammar, spelling, etc - none creative) may be suggested for publishing. Editorial discretion is left entirely to the author.

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blog vacay wrap up

two weeks, a pixie cut, a puppy, shopping, a tattoo & a secret

Here endeth my momentary blogging vacation. Some life situations require a moment of disengagement to truly understand and cope with them.

The last two weeks have felt like one intense whirlwind of change. If this sounds like hyperbole, take another glance at the photos above - these, combined with an announcement I'm hoping to make tomorrow, will make the reasons for my recent absence fairly obvious.

Photo 1: A Perfect Hair Day
This is what my hair looked like last Sunday afternoon (8/2/12), pre-visit to Jessie at Kami Hair in Salt Lake - where I hacked it into a pixie cut and threw in a weave of bleach for good measure. Although the general population seems fairly divided on the issue (it seems to be an issue of love or hate with few in between), I have yet to come down fully on either side. I'm having trouble getting the style down just right, and the fact that my hair grows as fast as Rapunzel's doesn't help much. In order to keep a pixie, I will have to trim it every two weeks... not an idea I'm a fan of. Any tips for styling/growing out a pixie cut?
Outfit info below.

Photo 2: The Cutest Puppy EVER on the Face of the Earth
An adorable chocolate lab pup that wandered into my yard a little after one in the a.m. last Monday night/Tuesday morning (8/3-8/4). Apparently, one of my neighbors is an animal collector. Unfortunately, I can't keep this gorgeous lil guy and the owner isn't going to claim him - he's currently up for adoption at the Tooele Animal Shelter if anyone is in need of a super friendly furry sidekick.

Photo 3: The Best Damn View
I'm pretty sure the Motor Vu has the best sunsets in the entire Tooele Valley. #justsayin

Photo 4: Torn Between Heaven & Hell
The view of the SLC LDS Temple from the upper level at the City Creek Center. I spur-of-the-moment decided to drop in there the other night, determined to purchase something from a store I've never been in - but quickly realized that most of the shops there are wildly out of my budget. I then proceeded to blow most all of my money at H&M, a store that is rather rapidly and suddenly becoming my favorite place to drop ungodly percentages of my income.

Photo 5: Fall Fashion Studies
Hanging out in the study hall at my favorite coffee shop of all time, The Coffee Connection. Researching fall trends counts as studying, right???

Photo 6: Self-Portraiture
A late-night attempt at capturing some of my fab snags from H&M + my new do. I may or may not have worn this to an early morning meeting Thursday morning that may or may not have been extremely important. Check back tomorrow for full disclosure.
Outfit info below.

Photo 7: Yes, Virginia - Tattoos DO Hurt Like a *****
No, actually, I'm not orgasming - that expression is one of sheer agony as that nice gentleman tattoos feathers and birds up and down my side. I can now definitively say that yes, tattoos hurt like hell... especially over the hip and near the under arm. But I didn't bitch out, either. So where's my cookie?

Photo 8: Unfinished Business
The majority of my gorgeous new (and first) tattoo, by Jon Fields at Susie M's Custom Tattoo, on State Street in SLC. I rolled the dice a bit and selected an artist by Googling "tattoo shop salt lake city" and stopping on a name that sounded nice (and had space for a walk-in Saturday afternoon). It definitely worked out in my favor - if you're looking to have some work done, I highly recommend looking Jon up, or stopping by Octane Tattoo in Tooele (ask for Johnny or Steve - both good friends and excellent artists).  I plan to go back in late September/early October to add some color to the piece.

Photo 9: Captain Stansbury, We Salute You
Stansbury Island on the Great Salt Lake at sunset, as I drove back to Tooele earlier this evening. The commute from Salt Lake to Tooele and back can seem long some nights, but I never tire of this view.

Photo 10: Pretty In Pink
An up-close shot of my quickly growing out pixie hair cut (I'm pretty sure it's already grown at least an inch) and another outfit that I may or may not have worn to yet another important meeting that may or may not have happened earlier tonight. I repeat: check back tomorrow for full disclosure.
Outfit info below.

Photo 11: Tightropes In High Heels
I'd like to see you scale a parking barrier in four inch stilettos with mosquitos buzzing about and live to tell the tale.
Outfit info below.

outfit a (photo 1)

white button down shirt :: forever 21 | blue tunic tank :: forever 21 | pocket watch necklace :: nine via urban wear (similar)

outfit b (photo 6)

black blazer :: charlotte russe (similar) | charcoal gray draped blouse :: H&M (similar) | red pencil skirt :: H&M (similar) | burgundy skinny belt :: H&M | black satin pumps :: wild diva (similar) | pocket watch necklace :: nine via urban wear (similar) | earrings :: maurice's | gold cuff :: charlotte russe (similar)

outfit c (photos 10 & 11)

salmon pink button down blouse :: H&M (similar) | khaki pencil skirt :: H&M (similar) | salmon pink skinny belt :: H&M | nude pumps :: maurice's (similar) | pocket watch necklace :: nine via urban wear (similar) | earrings :: walmart (seriously) | neon piped messenger bag :: francesca's collections (get it here)

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weekend pieces

Photo 1: They don't understand you? Someone will.
Stencilled graffiti on a stone tile at Sugar House Park. Oddly, it brings me some small measure of hope, as opposed to the Trust Jesus stencils decorating the sidewalks in downtown.

Photo 2: Stylish Locals
L-R: Beatriz of Bootz, Inc., Rebecca of Rebecca (hearts), myself.
A photo from Saturday afternoon's Stylish Beehive blogger meet up. Although the turnout was a bit smaller than hoped, we did meet the endlessly stylish Beatriz of Bootz, Inc. and made plans for our next social, the deets of which can be found here and RSVPs submitted here.

Photo 3: A hint of Spain
The lobby of Cafe Madrid, an authentic restaurant specializing in some rather delectable cuisine from Spain. The decor was incredible, and the food was even better. Truth be told, I'm not sure what most of what we ordered was called... but it was delicious. I can definitely recommend the lemon sorbet in Spanish champagne - the perfect end to an amazing meal.

Photo 4: Sea Foam or Mint Sprig?
This summery pastel dress I wore Saturday was the subject of much debate amongst the wait staff at the restaurant Saturday evening - specifically, the exact shade of green it captured. Your thoughts?
Outfit info at bottom of this post.

Photo 5: Saturday's Accessories (note: get the reference here)
A flagrantly neon-piped structured bag, textured gold cuff, cheaply oversized black sunglasses and a pocket watch necklace have consistently formed my army of accessories recently. Confession: this bag makes me feel like a grown up - like a woman. Another lesson re-learned: everything has [hidden] meanings.

Photo 6: I've Got Your Six
We went hiking up Mount Olympus on Sunday. Rather, he tore ass up the mountain while I trailed along behind. Annie somehow had the energy to run back and forth between us, thereby ensuring that I was indeed still following and not entirely lost... also, at least once saving me from walking off a cliff because I was trying to change the song that was playing.

Photo 7: Yeah, what?
What one wears hiking when the closet in one's car contains very little that is actually suitable for great outdoor adventuring. The Vans are courtesy of The Boy. Sometimes, having big feet is a good thing. Also, check out those remarkably badass headphones, also courtesy of The Boy by way of SkullCandy: the Fix earbuds in black and red. I am not in any way considered audio tech savvy, but damn - these are one sound piece of wavelength machinery.
Outfit info at bottom of this post.

Photo 8: The View
The Salt Lake Valley. I (respectfully) disagree with the Mormons LDS Church on many (many, many) things, but they did get one thing right: this is the place.

Photo 9: WTF?
I spent my Monday morning scraping glass off the ground, vacuuming it out of my seat and very carefully removing it from my foot and fingertips while trying to not get any in my eyes as I wiped away tears of panic. While there is the impulse to lay blame upon myself for leaving a purse in the open, I prefer to lay the blame squarely on the shoulders of whatever low-life smashed open the window of my new car for, quite literally, nothing (the only item stolen, a cheap purse, was empty). On the bright side, I was able to put together most of my August editorial calendar while waiting for it to be replaced, and I worked less than half the day.

It's the little blessings that get us through the big messes.

Picking up those shards of shattered window glass this morning seemed a disturbingly apt analogy for my life over the last six years. No matter how many pieces you collect, how many shards you add to the bag, every time you open the door a few more fall out. A complete recollection and restoration is essentially impossible - no matter how hard you look, you'll always be missing the pieces you left with someone else.

saturday's tea party outfit

sea foam cut out dress :: charlotte russe (love this lacey version) | gray rope wedges :: charlotte russe (similar here) | gold textured cuff :: charlotte russe | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar) | messenger bag/purse :: francesca's collections | belt :: charlotte russe | purple beaded earrings :: urban wear | aviator sunglasses :: forever 21

sunday's hiking outfit

oversize white tank :: H&M | black layering tank :: charlotte russe | charcoal shorts :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | tennis shoes :: Vans | headphones :: fix earbuds by skullcandy (get them here)

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