With an affinity for fashion and champagne, you can only imagine the transformation new-mom-to-be Alison, creator of ChainStrapPurse.com, was expecting to go through upon finding out she was pregnant for the first time. Living in Washington DC with her husband, Alison anticipated how her blog posts might shift to incorporate a new bump-worthy maternity style! Determined not to lose her fierce sense of personal style, she’s the kind of girl who just refuses to swap faux leather leggings for maternity jeans. Instead, she has allowed the joy of the journey to inspire her to feel even more glamorous, confident, and prepared for her new life ahead.
We have loved following her over the last few months and are inspired by her poise, her personal growth, and her general refusal to give up her everyday style. Even better? Her go-to everyday jewelry is Dogeared… we got the inside scoop from this fab mom-to-be!
Pregnancy Style
I didn’t want to change how I dressed or my personal style just because I was pregnant. Everyone has different experiences, of course, but why shouldn’t a mom-to-be rock faux leather leggings and heels as long as that’s what they’re comfortable in!? Being pregnant also makes you appreciate your jewelry and accessories so much more. When it seems like nothing fits, at least you know your accessories won’t let you down!
Everyday Jewelry
For me, less is more when it comes to accessorizing and I tend to keep my everyday jewelry pretty simple. I love the look of dainty layered necklaces or just a few knuckle rings (though I do love a good statement pieces on occasion), which is why Dogeared jewelry is perfect. I also love pieces that have versatility and can be mixed and matched with other jewelry and outfits.
shop the look: 1. karma sparkle rings, set of 3 2. it’s the journey north star necklace 3. new mom safety pin necklace
shop the look: 1. best mom ever pearl necklace 2. good luck elephant necklace 3. karma sparkle rings, set of 3
Just Be You
One of my favorite quotes is from St. Francis DeSales: “Be who you are and be that well.” As I get older, I’m realizing more and more how true this is and how important it is to just be you. Especially now that I’m having a baby, this is definitely something I want to instill in her.
A New Chapter
There are so many things to be excited about, I don’t think I could pick just one! I’m just so excited to start this new chapter of our lives and I absolutely can’t wait to watch my husband be a father and our parents become grandparents for the first time.
Nursery Decor
I wanted to keep it very neutral, elegant and peaceful, so we went with a white and gray color scheme and incorporated hints of very light pink here and there – we’re having a girl, after all. This quilt drapes over the glider in the nursery – it was made by a long-time family friend and given to me as a gift at my shower. The little bears are all made out of flannel shirts my dad used to wear. He passed last year just after I found out I was pregnant so having him close by means the world to me.
Most Afraid Of…
Umm…everything (haha)! Being a parent is the most important job in the world and it’s such a huge responsibility. You want to do everything perfect — especially the first time around!
Special Moms In Your Life
My mom is, of course, the number one mom in my life. We’re very close and she’s taught me everything I know about what it means to be a loving, selfless and encouraging person and mother, and I hope to pass all of those things along to my daughter. I’m also grateful to be close to my mother-in-law, who is one of the most kind and gentle people I’ve ever met. She helped raise my husband to be such a good man, and I’m so thankful for that.
Mom Knows Best
Whenever I would tell my mom that I was nervous to have kids, she would always just say that all I have to do is love them. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way, because no parent is perfect. So simple, but so true!
Best Advice
To trust my instincts. I haven’t spent a lot of time around babies, so of course I’m nervous, but every mom I’ve talked to has assured me at how natural it all is once the baby is actually here!
We HEART Mom
My mom has a small collection of heart-shaped pieces that she always wears. As much as I wanted to get her one of the heart necklaces, she already has a few with hearts on them. So the Sparkle Karma necklace is perfect! I picked this one for her because it represents good karma and positivity. We’ve been through some big and difficult changes in the past year, namely the loss of my dad, and she’ll soon be moving down to Virginia to be closer to me — not to mention her first grandchild. So it’s a symbol that good things are on the horizon!
Dogeared Forever
I really like to be able to mix and match, so for me, the versatility of Dogeared is ideal. Plus, I imagine when the baby comes I will need easy jewelry that I can wear everyday, which is what attracted to me to Dogeared in the first place! Here are some of my favorite dainty Dogeared pieces that I know I’d have forever:
When it comes to the weekend, you’re probably so ready to shed your work-week wardrobe and throw on something comfortable and cozy. Whether it’s for brunch with your girlfriends, walking your pup on the pier, or just running errands, easy, effortless jewelry can take the work out of you weekend style! 
shop the look: 1. free spirit turquoise choker 2. free spirit isis pyramid necklace 3. balance spiky spear necklace 
shop the look: 1. happy gem rings 2. free spirit rings 3. healing gem hemimorphite necklace 4. free spirit plume necklace 5. 100 good wishes necklaces 6. balance leather bracelets (magnetic closure) 
