Old Navy Maternity Haul + Fun Giveaway!

I have been squeezing myself into a wardrobe that doesn't fit for quite a few weeks now, so you'll understand the excitement I experienced when my Old Navy order arrived yesterday! Squeeee! Clothes that fit! 

Maternity Chiffon-Tiered Top - $8.97 (I did not get it for that awesome price!)

Maternity Cowl-Neck Drawstring Dress - $20.00

Maternity Dolman-Sleeve Tunic - $15.00

Maternity Embellished Floral-Graphic Tee - $16.99

Maternity Full-Panel Flared-Leg Jeans - $32.00

Maternity Jersey-Stretch Tank - $12.94

Maternity Scoop Rib-Knit Tank (Both) - $12.94

Maternity Tiered-Ruffle Drawstring Dress - $30.00

Maternity Ruched-Shoulder Jersey Dress - $22.00

I'm so excited, but I feel like I still have a very limited maternity wardrobe. Unfortunately, my current "state" is not cause for buying a brand new wardrobe to clothe me for a month at a time. Husband is completely confident that I'll survive with a week's worth of clothes. He's probably right, but... I mean, come on. You know me. I really do have enough. It's already 74 degrees, so I truly only need the one pair of jeans (and okay, I might already have another pair or two). And I have dresses that will fit over this belly 'til eternity, so I didn't need all maternity dresses. And let's be honest. If I only had the few things above, my leggings, the Bella Band, and some comfy yoga pants, I'd be perfectly fine. Which is good, because that's all she wrote! 

Now, if you've stuck around this long, you know there's a giveaway involved!

Because my wardrobe is so limited, I'd LOVE some styling ideas for the pieces I did grab. We did a styling contest like this when I took my nanny position last year and it went so well! You can be as creative as you want and include any shoes, accessories, or other pieces that you see fit. Please make them maternity-friendly, though! ie: NO 4-inch heels. Megan can do it, but I cannot.

So, how's it work? You create a polyvore set with one or more of the items above and leave the link in a comment below. Next Wednesday, March 7, I will choose a winner! 

The winner will get a $25 gift card to Old Navy!

Some other things to consider including in your polyvore set:

- cardigans

- leggings

- flats/sandals

- layering pieces

- blazers

Good luck! I will wear my closest rendition of the winner's outfit to church  on Sunday, March 11 (and in Monday's outfit post). NO pressure to be fancy! We are a very casual church!

Nanny Style Contest Winner!

Thank you all for participating in the Nanny Style Contest, whether you submitted an outfit set or helped choose the winner! The winning outfit was #3, submitted by Marie-Eve of A Pretty Nest!

Here is the outfit she submitted:

I own this LC top already, so that's great. And as far as the shoes go, I tried them on at Old Navy over the weekend and as cute as they are in the photo, they look like old lady shoes on my feet. No can do, but I'll find something suitable. I decided to go with jeans and a polka dot tee for my first day and I've learned my lesson, already: photos must come BEFORE work. I'm disheveled, but happy! Teeny tiny baby S was a gem and I get to have all three of the S kids, tomorrow. Their mom warned me that today was as easy as it gets and tomorrow might be a nightmare. I'm up for it. I felt guilty leaving, today, because it was like I didn't do anything. Feed and play with a baby for only four hours? Um, yes, please! Tomorrow is 9 hours and I have baby in the morning and all three kids in the afternoon. I have a pair of navy chinos that I hardly wear (because they look too much like jeans), so I think I might just crop them to these walking shorts' length and find a good, strong, sturdy bracelet. Shoes are the big mission. I'm thinking my navy and light blue polka dotted flats in place of the shoes in Marie-Eve's set. As much as I prayed they'd be perfect, they just looked awful on me!

Congratulations Marie-Eve! Please email me at kimberly.s.parham(at)gmail(dot)com to tell me where you'd like your $25 gift card from and for your address!

Thanks, again, to all who submitted. :)

Back with an outfit in the morning!

Vote for the Nanny Style Contest Winner!

First, I want to thank all of you who submitted outfit sets. I had about 17 entries that I left open on my screen for over two hours last night, trying to narrow them down to the top five. I just couldn't do it, so I have a top six! These entries are going to be posted anonymously, so if you see yours, CONGRATULATIONS for making it this far, but please don't comment with, "Yay! You picked mine as a finalist!" I'd like to keep these anonymous so people aren't picking their favorite blogger, but their favorite OUTFIT, which is what the contest is all about- How to help me be a stylish nanny. Trust me, all of the entries will be saved in my inspiration folder for practical style ideas. You all did a wonderful job!

Here are the top six finalists!

(in random order)

{one}

{two}

{three}

{four}

{five}

{six}

So, my sweet readers, all I need you to do is leave a comment with your vote! You can tell me why if you want, but also, just saying, "One" or which ever number you love will suffice! The winning choice will be announced on Sunday night (May 15) and I will be recreating the outfit that gets the most votes (to the best of my ability) on my first day of {new} work!!! Don't forget, the winner will also get their choice of a $25 gift card from Target, Kohl's, Old Navy, or New York & Company!

Thanks, again, to all who entered!

3 Days

 Yes, friends. 

Three more days until I'm done working at the university. It was all sweet until it became bittersweet at graduation on Friday. I cried like a baby, watching our graduate students walk across the stage, listening to my favorite faculty members speak, hearing the chair's closing remarks... As much as I'm ready to leave and as tough as the road has been, there will be things I miss about this place.

And people. Like you, down the hall. You know who you are.

In other news, I had a wonderful time at the beach with Christina. We went dancing on Friday, I had too many drinks, and we walked on the beach with some new friends that we'll never see again. The wedding was beautiful on Saturday- perfect bride, perfect location, perfect weather. And the gloom got us packed up and on the road in time for me to eat Mother's Day lunch with my family, yesterday. I came home to a pristine house (thanks, babe) and a baby girl that was bounding with energy and lots of hugs! I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend. All I wish is that I hadn't left the four hard ciders that I'd just bought in the hotel fridge. Oh well... Hopefully housekeeping enjoyed them.

 dress: Sonoma via Kohl's

cardigan: New York & Company

flip-flops: Mossimo via Target

headband: Goody via Walgreens

purse: D&L Fashion, handed down from Shelly

I could totally wear this to my new job, right? That's why I bought this dress (50% off!) on Friday. Man, have you been to Kohl's, lately? LOVE that place! And speaking of what to wear to my new job, have you entered my Nanny Style Contest, yet?

You know that when you submit an outfit set (which is actually FUN), you're entering to win a $25 gift card to your choice of one of the four stores I shop at, regularly?

Yep! I said it. MONEY for SHOPPING! Who doesn't love that stuff?

So head over there, nizzow and dress me up!

Click the picture, below, and submit your entry before Friday evening!

Important notes:

I guest posted about pregnancy on The Frugalista Diaries, yesterday! Stop by and check out some important tips and see some of my professional maternity photos, taken by Jackie Ranson Photography!

I was also featured, today, on Blogs from the Heart at My Heart Blogged. Wonder where I shop for deals, how I make the most of my closet, and how I suggest incorporating color into your wardrobe? Head there, now!

And stay tuned! Mansome Monday is coming up in just a bit!

What Does a Nanny Wear - CONTEST & Giveaway!

Well, someone borrowed my camera cord at work, took it home, and didn't bring it back. So I don't have a transfer cable and that means you get to pretend you see me. Fun game, right?!? At least you can see the basic idea of my outfit with this fun polyvore set!

 

dress: Old Navy - Still there! On sale!

henley (mine's a BIT different): Old Navy

wedges (mine are a bit different): Sbicca, via Ross

earrings (mine are a bit different): Bridesmaid gift from Casey

Know what else will be a fun game? The game where you help me put together cute outfits for my NEW JOB and win a sweet prize! Yep, that's exactly what's just about to happen. For those of you who don't follow me on twitter, though, let me fill you in. Remember how I thought I was having a heart attack on Friday, but it ended up being a severe anxiety attack? And remember how I've been re-evaluating life and my job and not being with my family or using my degree, etc? Well, my sweet friends, God gave me a sign that morning and then He answered my prayers. A faculty member who's been through the ringing with caregivers in the past few months knew that I wanted to try and take care of kids, including my own. She asked me if I'd be interested in taking the position with her family... and as much as I wanted to scream, "YES!" as soon as she asked, I was calm and cool-headed and took the weekend to discuss the options with my husband, mom, grandmother, and some other friends and family members. It was a no brainer for everyone. So, I put my resignation in at the university, yesterday, and I'll be starting my nanny position on May 16. Breaking the news to Little S' daycare provider was heartbreaking, but I hope she'll eventually understand that S. is going to be with her momma and still with other children. Little S. will stay with her Nana (that's what the kids call her) until May 27 and I'll start bringing her with me on May 30.

*****

So, here's where I'm challenging you (because I'm lost and feel very challenged, myself!). 

What does a nanny wear?

Sweatpants are not an option. I'm still me and I want to be the stylish mom I've set out to be. But I think the wedged heels and possibly the chiffon dresses might have to fly by the wayside (or be saved for weekends, of course)! So, what do you need to do?

1. Go to Polyvore (set up a free account if you don't have one!) and create an outfit that you think I should wear as a stylish nanny. 

MANDORY:

Please use main pieces from clothing currently found in Old Navy, Target, New York & Company, or Kohl's!

Keep in mind, I'll be taking care of four kids, including mine, playing outside, walking to the park, and feeding a 6.5 month old! Bending, lifting, cooking, and light housework are necessary. And lots of hugs are going to be happening, too.

2. Submit the link to your outfit in the comments! 

Super easy, right? I'll narrow the submitted outfits down to mine and my husband's top five favorite and we'll all have a vote! That means you get a say in who wins, too! And all of the entries are going to help me reorganize and rebuild a comfortable and chic wardrobe, so please, please play along. I'm in desperate need of your help!

ENTRIES accepted until Thursday, May 12, 11:59 ET.

United States and Canada entries, only! Sorry to my international readers.

The winner will choose a $25 giftcard from ONE of the following stores:

Target

Old Navy

New York & Company

Kohl's

P.S. - You can totally submit more than one Polyvore set! Each set is one entry, so you can enter as many times as you want!