Polished Pastels (just in time for Easter)

It’s been a while! My husband and I had a beautiful baby boy 11 weeks ago today so I’ve been delightfully preoccupied … I was busy styling him instead of me!

I’m in love with blazers and jeans paired with sneakers, throw in this graphic-t with soft pink highlights and you’re comfy and stylish for spring! Although I love me a black blazer, this one’s not so heavy for LA spring/summer. Pay attention to detail, these days the inside lining is just as cute as the outside. Roll up those sleeves and show it off!

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Style The Bump

2014 is definitely going to be a new year for the Cleek/Wards! In February, we’ll be welcoming a new addition to the family. We’re 23 (going on 24) weeks pregnant and couldn’t be more excited for our new adventure!

When these first couple of photos were taken I was at that “awkward” stage. I hate to use that word but for me, I was trying to figure out this new bod! It’s not that I wanted to hide my bump, it’s just that I didn’t have that big, beautiful belly to show off yet. It’s also a time where (if you’re pregnant) some of you may not have shared your news with the world yet. Here are a few great ways that helped me conceal the little seed growing inside.

Now I realize this didn’t start out as a pregnancy blog and most of my readers probably aren’t pregnant. Be assured that I’m still going to be blogging about style and fun ways to put things together, I just won’t be flying solo in the photos for the next few months!

I had a last-minute event to go to and no evening outfits that fit right!
This stretchy skirt and loose, graphic tank were exactly what I needed.
(17 weeks)

(17 weeks)

Stretchy waist band, an obvious and super comfortable must!
Opt for a dress with an empire waist.
(17 weeks)

This is a life saver! By using The Belly Belt you can still fit into your regular jeans!

Step One: Button the one side of The Belly Belt to your pants …
Step Two: Choose from a number of buttons to attach the belt …
Step Three: Throw your shirt over your zipper and voila! No maternity clothes necessary!
(A longer shirt works best because you probably won’t be able to zip your pants all the way up.)

When the time comes, don’t be afraid to show off that beautiful bump! You’ve got a human growing inside there and that’s pretty amazing! Throw on a sweater dress with some boots and you’ll be an instant (not to mention comfy) hot mama!
(23 weeks)

Graphic Tees

Everyone, everywhere on the planet can find something as basic as a graphic tee these days. They’re everywhere, in all colors, patterns and styles. Some have jewels, some have flowers, the point is, there’s one for everybody. Below are a few fun ways to incorporate something as simple as a graphic tee into your wardrobe without making it feel like you’re wearing a plain ol’ t-shirt and jeans!

Have a little fun and go a little punk rock.

Create an eye-catching ensemble with a splash of color.
(ok, ok, this is more like a tidal wave of color than a splash but you get what I mean)

Get patriotic with a printed flag tee and cardigan.

Beach Bum

Who says ya can’t wear sparkles to the beach!

When heading to the beach, we still want to look cute and stylish … all this while maintaining a sense of comfort. This red and white sparkly anchor tank, sweater and boyfriend jeans are the perfect combo for hanging out.  Top the look off with some fun spikey sandals and you’re ready to rock the beach!

This Red Skirt

I’m pretty sure when I bought this skirt it sat quietly in the closet. I loved it, but I wasn’t sure what to pair red with! Now I see that it’s pretty versatile. Browns, blues, sparkle or stripes … Which is your favorite?

It’s All About Hats

Whether you’re wearing them to keep your noggin warm or just for plain old fun, hats can take fashion to another level.

Baby It’s Cold Outside…
Not only do I LOVE this hat that my aunt Carrie made, but I love my mom in it!
Such a fun design and color!

Berets always have a way of giving off that smart, artsy vibe.
This sparkly one is a fun, new twist on an old classic.

Sexy and sophisticated. You can never go wrong with the fedora.
Try one with some detail or add your own touch like your favorite pin or a pretty ribbon!

All photos Copyright © 2013 Amber Ward

www.amberward.com

A New Year. A New You.

It’s a new year, which means a new you! Fashion isn’t about looking a certain way, it’s about feeling a certain way. This year, bring out that inner fashionista, the dare-devil or the flower child that makes you feel good. Try something new. Be someone different. You may be surprised by the confidence it brings out!

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Gibbons Pandit ( blogger at Tech In Real Life ). Not only did we push the envelope with her style, but we came up with some pretty fun and slightly different ways to pair items you might have hanging around in your closet. Although I’m pretty sure most of you don’t own a pair of these killer British flag tights, how fun are they?! We paired these up with some cute black shorts and other accessories. The final results are rockin.

With an armload of bangles…

a button up collared shirt, tie and vest …

or a plaid jacket!

Soft and Sweet

I love the “J. Crew” look of a belt over a sweater but I just can’t ever seem to pull it off… until now! I love the combination of these colors together and the belt helps to pull the look together.

Denim From Head to Toe

As I was flipping through the pages of a magazine, I came across a photo of Kate  Moss decked out in denim from head to toe. I thought I’d give it a whirl and this is what I came up with. The key is to keep one of your blues darker than the other as to not look like you went into denim overload. Break up the blue with a fun piece of jewelry or a different colored belt.

Flats in LA: A Girls Best Friend

Today I decided to do a post on flats.  I use to cringe at the thought of wearing them, but living in LA, I’ve learned to love ’em.  I think we can all agree that a great pair of heels makes your legs look great, but not if you’re hobbling around in them. I reserve my heels for any occasion where my husband and I are driving in the car. We walk A LOT and there are tons of hills and bumpy sidewalks to tackle so flats in LA are a girls best friend. Thing is, while walking about you still want to look good. Luckily, there are a plethora of fancy-shmancy flats to choose from.

I realize that for the rest of the country, you’re trading in your flats and sandals for boots, but here in LA we still have a few good weeks of sandal wearing weather. (Yes, there actually is a time when it DOES feel too chilly to wear flats and sandals all year round) Maybe these will inspire you to find some great flats for next spring. Enjoy!