RAW Hollywood Photographer of the Year

It’s official! I can now call myself RAW Hollywood Photographer of the Year. Quick shout out to anyone who voted and got me into the top 5 . Semi-finalists were judged, narrowed down to 3 and winners were awarded on November 21st at OHM Nightclub in Hollywood. It was a fun night full of fashion, art and music!

Photo Credit: Gil Riego Photography

What does a gal with a bump wear to such an event? “Comfortable” was on the tip of my tongue. No heels, no confining fabrics… I was in for a long night and I needed to feel as good as possible. I went with a high wasted, simple, clean dress that had a bit of embellishment around the collar, threw on a pair of boots and headed to the show!

Accepting the RAWard for Hollywood Photographer of the Year
Photo Credit: Gil Riego Photography

What’s next? Nationals! All city finalists go on to compete with each other across the nation. View the lineup of talent from across the country here. A national and final winner will be announced in each category on December 16th but I’m just excited to be representing Hollywood along with all these other fantastic artists!

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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)

The Venue, The Cake, and of course … The Dress.

It’s our anniversary month! I’m still in love with my husband as much today as I was on the day that I married him! Know what else I’m still in love with? My wedding day! The Dress, the venue, the food… wouldn’t have changed a thing! Thought this would be a good day to share. Enjoy.

THE VENUE
My mother-in-laws beautiful/flawless backyard in New Hampshire. 

 

THE CAKE
Simple, sweet and sooooo delicious. In fact, we STILL have a piece in the freezer! It’s traveled from New Hampshire, to Minneapolis to LA, and no, we will not be eating it 🙂

THE HAIR
Did this myself! I still can’t believe I trusted myself to do this on the day. I must be nuts because if I would have messed it up, brushes would have been flying!

THE DRESS
It’s not your typical wedding dress (it actually wasn’t a wedding dress at all), but hey, I’m not your typical type of gal!

DRESS DETAIL
Pop of crinoline = a party!

THE MAN
The perfect guy and my best friend (with just the right amount of goofy).

Screw the LBD

Okay, okay… so everyone COULD use a Little Black Dress in their closet from time to time, but wouldn’t it be much more fun to step out in one of these little numbers?! Patterns, geometric shapes, cutouts and fun colors seems to be gracing the pages of magazines like crazy these days, and not just in clothing, jewelry too!  Paying attention to the details can help set your look out from the rest. So next time you’ve got a hot date or a fun night out on the town, step out in something bold and leave your little black dress at home (it could use a break).

Dress By – BCBG

Dress By – BCBG

Dress By – BCBG

Dress By – BCBG

Dress By – Rebecca Minkoff

Dress By – Rebecca Minkoff

You Style The Day – Jennipher: Pretty in Purple

When the “long in the back, short in the front” dresses first started making an appearance on the streets I wasn’t sure I liked them, until this one…

Today, Jennipher ( with a “PH” ) is showing off a piece that is so sheer, light and loose-fitting, perfect for those hot summer days (which we’ve all been experiencing in excess lately)! This piece could be used so many different ways. Here it’s show with a similar colored longer tank underneath, but I would also love to see it as a sheer bathing suit cover up! I love the combination of Jennipher’s red hair and the purple of the dress. The gold sparkly belt ties the entire look together and the shoes give it a little extra umph! Beautiful!

This Outfit 3 Ways – Stripe dress & Accessories

I’m starting a new category called “This Outfit 3 Ways”. I’ll take one piece from my closet and show you 3 different, simple ways to change it up!

Over the weekend I was inspired by a striped dress I saw with a yellow belt. I headed into my closet to see what I could find and voila! I had all the right pieces all along and never thought to put them together. Here’s the final outcome along with 2 other fun ways to change-up a striped dress.

Yellow belt accessory

Blazer and scarf for work

Layers to keep warm for the weekend.