New Mom Profile: Chain Strap Purse

header

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!

Untitled-1

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.

14084548025_97c288832d_o

shop the look:  1. karma sparkle rings, set of 3  2. it’s the journey north star necklace  3. new mom safety pin necklace 

14096919333_a550ded296_o

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.

Untitled-2

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.

14081638941_3fd9bd8733_o

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!

14084548955_03cb3a3d62_o 13897943897_ae6696c8e5_o

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!

13897943087_da4ecb0536_o

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!

1ASSB00106498-1 1ASSB00106498

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: 

 

Shop-Alisons-Favoriteskarma-ringscircleits-the-journeykarmawishbonebalance-earringskarma-ringmake-a-wish-bracelet

Gypsy Lovin Light

img_1050

We can’t get enough of Aussie blogger (and honorary #dogearedMOM) Gypsy Lovin Light! Not only does this mom of two have obsession-worthy style, but the messages and mantras she shares in her writing are just so Dogeared, we had to share:

On motherhood: “Firstly I learnt how to simply slow down each day. I stopped comparing myself to other mothers and realised my pace was my pace, and that if I tried to go at someone else’s pace I would just crash. This change was huge! And my first major act of self-love.”

On love: “Following my passion is one way I show love to myself….sharing it is my way of inspiring self love to all who cross my path.”

On fashion: “A vintage style tee, some perfectly worn in denim cut offs, ankle boots, a felt fedora, messy braided hair, and a whole pile of silver! One of my favourite day to day outfits that is so easy to throw together and makes me feel as though I’m forever at a festival dancing up a storm to some awesome tunes.”

img_1132

shop the look:  1. soar high thunderbird necklace  2. elephant ring

img_1069 img_1032 img_1183 img_1142

Moms Love Pearls

 

Untitled-1Untitled-1

There is just something about pearls when it comes to gifting Mom… Maybe it’s the fact that they’re beautiful like her, or classic like her. Maybe it’s something about pearls that feels special, like they have a built in history or story. Regardless of the reason, they are definitely our go-to each season when we think about celebrating the moms we love most!

Untitled-3Untitled-4

With Mom in mind, we put together a Limited Edition Online Exclusive mini-collection for Dogeared.com of long pearl and tassel necklaces. Enter for a chance to win one here: #MyDogearedMOM

Untitled-5shop-for-mom

#MyDogearedMOM Giveaway

#MyDogearedMOM-blog-header-1

The entry period for this giveaway has ENDED.

Make MOM’s day! Share a pic on Instagram of you and your mom using #MyDogearedMOM and be entered for a chance to win a Dogeared Online Exclusive Pearl Necklace!

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The Promotion begins on April 27, 2014 at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PST”) and ends on May 7, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and where prohibited by applicable law. Subject to Official Rules. Instagram is not a sponsor of the promotion. For Official Rules, click here. Sponsor: Dogeared Inc., 6047 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230