LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLED UP REVIEW

When we finally got the OK to bring Max home from hospital, it was 8pm on a Monday night. We decided to bring him home that night once the hospital finally did their discharge and referral paperwork (knowing what we know now, we should have savoured one last night of decent sleep!)

The first few nights were horrible. He didn't stop screaming, he didn't settle and he definitely didn't sleep. I was desperate for ANYTHING that might help.

That's when I found his Love to Dream Swaddle Up that I had won via their Facebook page. I had heard great things about these... Apparently their arms being up is more of a natural position for most bub and promotes self soothing. 

The Swaddle Up is so soft, and really hugged Max's body. I think he did prefer his arms up, especially since his arms were not often "wrapped" in while he was in the NICU due to his IV lines.

It has a zip which opens both top and bottom which is super handy for late night nappy changes where I don't want to disturb him too much. 

The purpose of bottom opening zip, along with a clever opening in the back, allows for baby to be strapped into a 5 point harness (in the car seat or pram) whilst wearing the suit.

Was it the magic answer to get Max to sleep? No! But really... He is not going to be a great sleeper (I've come to accept that). 

It did help him settle a bit easier, and it great because I don't have to try to wrap him once he has already dozed off in my arms... I can simply pop him in his bassinet and hope and pray he stays asleep. 

Daddy Mummerina loves it because he could not, for the life of him, ever remember how to wrap him properly.

A few of the mums in my birth group swear by the Swaddle Up and say as soon as they started using them their babies were sleeping 5-6 hours at a time (yes, I am jealous!)

You can get the Love to Dream Swaddled Up from their store here from $39.95

Does your little one sleep in a Love to Dream suit?

Disclosure: I was not compensated or remunerated for this review, I'm just a fan who wan this product in a competition. This review is my own and honest opinion. For more information see my disclosure policy

WARDROBE CLEAN OUT

As much as I hate to admit, I have been living in trackies and tshirts since giving birth to Max. However, I am in the process of cleaning out and revamping my wardrobe, which means I am selling some pre loved items on eBay...

Check out my items for sale Here at my eBay store

BIBS FOR A TEETHING BUB

Teething sucks... Any mother will tell you that.
Your baby may be unsettled, restless, sooky, clingy and possibly show symptoms of a cold and flu. But aside from all that... They will probably be dribbling and drooling as if they have completely lost their ability to swallow.

Some days, we would go through 4-5 tshirts which were all soaked in drool. Which makes it hard to dress your kid in any soft of coordinating outfit (not to mention, adds to the already overflowing baskets of laundry). In summer, I would just let Hank roam around in no T-shirts... But obviously that is not an option in winter.

Which is why I am building up a collection of bandana bibs, or dribble bibs. They look a lot more funky than a normal bib, and really do work better in terms of catching droll and stopping your little ones neck and chest from getting soaking wet.

Here are a few of my favourite bibs from Aussie retailers

Eden Baby Leopard bib $7.50

Kapow Kids cubic drib bib from Willow and Whimsy $15.95

Raenne Designs Tribal Bandana Bib $10.00
Gurt & Ernie shabby chic bandana bib

Functionality aside... Bandana or Dribble bibs are a cute and cheap way to dress up your little ones outfit.

What's your best teething advice?

WINTER NEON

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of black and white; clothing, decor, interiors...you name it!

While monochrome will always have my heart, I am starting to appreciate what a pop of neon can do to your home or outfit, especially during these cooler months.

Clockwise left to right;
Chuck & Taz pram liner $58.00
RawNeon ply bunting $10.00
CheekychickadeeStore long sleeve onesie $28.00
Manly Beach Mason Jars neon jar trio $55.00
Glisten Designs Neon nights necklace $40.00

I definitely need a bit more neon in my life!

What trends do you warm up to in Winter?

HOW I WORE IT

There is something sexy about a leather/khaki combo with a pair of stilettos. When I was gifted this belt from Killer Curves Clothing, I knew it would go perfectly with a pair of older-than-old Urban Soul heels I haven't worn in years

Top: Crossroads, Skirt: ASOS, Belt: Killer Curves Clothing (*gifted) Shoes: Urban Soul

I just love this military inspired look! Despite the leather, I think this outfit is still quite girls and soft, which is the perfect way to wear military.

* This product was gifted to me, however opinions are that of my own and have not been influenced. 

XOXO

DRESSING MY NEW HAIR

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (@karinaxoxo) you would have seen I recently chopped my hair to a short style.

I'll go into more detail next week about the ease of styling short hair, but today I want to talk about how I dress my new hair. Because my ear lobes and neckline are always exposed now, I am really loving being able to dress up my outfits with earrings and necklaces.

I'm not against popping into a chain store accessory shop, but now that I will be wearing costume style earrings every day, I'd rather buy a good quality product.

One of my new fave online shops is www.shabbysisters.com.au

1. Miss Tiffany Necklace

2. Vintage Amelia Earrings

3. Art Deco Long Fans

Shabby sisters jewellery is affordable and good quality. Plus they are an Australian retailer and also donated a gorgeous necklace to my friends fundraiser to be raffled off.

Now I just need to find a stylish way to store/hold all these new accessories I am rocking

XOXO

HOW I WORE IT

As much as I love being a mum, I am getting cabin fever and am looking forward to a night out soon!!

I may or may not pass the days planning what I will wear when I go out for a night with the girls soon! This is my perfect outfit for a winters night out of the town.

Top: Devon Dolman sleeve top from Killer Curves Clothing (gifted*) Leggings: ASOS Curve wet look leggings (similar here), Wedges; Emerson for Big W

I was kindly gifted the Devon Dolman sleeve top by www.killercurves.com.au to consider using in my How I Wore posts. I only had to put it on to know it would be more than a top I would consider! It is quite possibly the most flattering top I have every worn. It's the perfect length for leggings and if you could feel the fabric you would know why I never want to take it off! 

Stay tuned for an update of my first night out on the town in nearly 12 months! 

XOXO

* This product was gifted to me, however opinions are that of my own and have not been influenced. 

OOH LA LA!!!

Remember how I told you about my friend who was going to Shave her head for cancer?

Well some of my girlfriends & I are organising a fundraising function for this weekend to help raise money.

One of my favourite accessory stores www.oohlalaofficial.com has kindly donated this gorgeous bag;

I ALWAYS try to support stores that give back, and it certainly won't be hard to support Ooh La La Accessories. I've already book marked 3 items I'll be buying next pay day

1. Darci Pave link bracelet

2. Quilted 18'' suitcase

3. Larval Floral body bag

Just what I needed, another online store to become addicted too!

XOXO

HOW I WORE IT

I think I am finally getting the hang of taking "outfit selfies"

Today's outfit features one of my favourite styles... Peplum! It puts a stylish and feminine take on a 'jeans & t shirt' combo.

 For any plus size girls who think they can't wear peplum, think again! Head into a store and try on a few different varieties, I think you'll be surprised.

Top; Target. Jeggings; ASOS Denim look leggings. Belt; ASOS Curve. Wedges; Kmart

Clutch; Equip.

I love that the ASOS belt is long enough to do a bit of a funky knot.

Would you all prefer if I tried to source similar products for any garment I wear that I can not provide the direct link to??

XOXO

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER

How many times have you been searching for that one perfect item of clothing you need... Only to find several that are "almost" what you want. If you are anything like me, you've probably got way too many "almost perfect" pieces in your wardrobe.

Style Platette is a recently launched online design application where you can be your own designer! Don't like sleeveless tops? Would rather a v neckline? Well with Style Platette, you mix and match the design elements to create YOUR perfect garment.

Style Palette founder, Debra Nott sums it up perfectly "I have always been confident in knowing my style and my statement for each occasion. I know what suits me. Speaking with other women, I understand that most of us know what we like. We know what makes us feel confident and look gorgeous. Stylepalette.com.au is designed for woman who know their own style"

At the moment, you can create you own tops and dresses (which will eventually extend to a full wardrobe). The garments are manufactured in Australia and take around 4 weeks to be made and delivered - which is a similar amount of time I spend searching high and low for the perfect dress.

Do yourself a favour and check out www.stylepalette.com.au

XOXO

This is a sponsored post, however opinions are that of my own and have not been influenced by this. 

SEND A GIFT INSTEAD OF FLOWERS

Sometimes I have some very clever ideas (I also have some horrible ones - but we won't talk about those)

Last week, I caught up with a friend who has had a run of ill health. I wanted to send her something to work to cheer her up the next day, but didn't want to waste money on flowers (seriously, am I the only female who thinks flowers are a waste of money). I looked online for hampers etc, but nothing seemed appropriate.

As I was doing this, I was "multi tasking" by browsing The Iconic and had a light bulb moment!
3 hour shipping (within Sydney) + gift wrapping = The opportunity to hand select a gift to be sent to my BFF that same day! Genious.

I chose this Dogeared Make A Wish necklace and added the express shipping & gift wrapping option. By that afternoon I got "thank you" message and Instagram shout out

For the same price of sending flowers, I sent my friend a more personal gift that I know she can wear again and again.

Now, lets share this with our husbands/partners! 

XOXO

STATEMENT JEANS FOR CURVY GIRLS

Sitting at home with a newborn baby and unfortunately carrying a bit of extra weight has given me plenty of time to shop online.

In preparation for winter, I have been updating my denim wardrobe. This is a big issue for me - since my short, chunky legs struggle to fit into jeans and when they do, they usually don't look any good.
I have a few staple pairs of skinnies that I hope last me until the day I die - but I have been having a few hit & misses when it comes to buying more fashion forward pairs of skinny jeans.

I've since learnt that unless you are blessed with being curvy AND great legs (bitch!), you should stick to dark denim (or colour)  which will elongate your legs... Even in flats. Unfortunately that means no pastel jeans for me.

My choice for denim is ASOS, because they usually go up to at least size 18 (and then have a plus size range) and legit have the biggest range.

I've got my eye on these 3 pair - I'm not 100% sure on the ombré ones... But I will definitely order them and try.

1. ASOS Supersoft Skinny Jeans in Dark Acid Wash
2. ASOS Matelot Denim Jeggins in Oxblood
3. Oasis Skinny Jean in Ombré

I have the Matelot Jeggings in khaki and a light denim (which was a HUGE mistake - pardon the pun) and they are super comfy.

I'd love to hear your tips & tricks when it comes to buying jeans

XOXO

STORE FEATURE; AUSSIE GIRLS LOVE SHOES

I recently caught up with Dawn, who is on her way to living every fashionista’ss dream with the launch of her online shoe boutique www.aussiegirlsloveshoes.com.au (AGLS)

I am so inspired by people who can turn their dreams into a reality, and seriously, who wouldn’t love to design and sell shoes for a living

Tell us about the history behind the brand?
I started the brand in April 2011 but only coming to launch my designs October 2012. I faced many “upheel” battles trying to find suppliers and get myself up and running while also managing a full-time job as a neuroscientist, and getting through rehabilitation for a sprained back which happened late last year. I set-up the company because I realised Australian women didn’t have the same access to reasonably priced, good quality unique fashion shoes as women in the US and Europe. I have been blogging about my journey since the first “bumps” last year and you can read the tricky, funny and sometimes ridiculous challenges I faced on my blog at www.aussiegirlsloveshoes.com.au/blog
The first thing I did when I decided I had to pursue my dream of designing shoes and owning a shoe store was to go into Borders Bookstore (which was still open then) and buy a book called “How to Start an Online Business for Dummys”. That’s literally where it all began and after countless networking and professional development events, courses etc I got to where I am today which is with uniquely designed, quality products, made from European leather, available for sale in my boutique. It’s all very exciting (and scary) for me.

Where do you source your inspiration? And how do they influence your design?
Inspired by my long-term love affair with all things French, the collection is inspired by French feminine chic style. I connect closely with the statement “Fashion appeals to many – but style is individual”, French author Véronique Vienne. Each AGLS style is named after a French city, like St Etienne or province, the Bordeaux. I like to think that when an Aussie girl buys a pair of my shoes, they are kind of buying an overseas experience, without the price tag!

Talk us through your design process from drawing board to in-store/online?
I sketch my designs simply with a sketch pad and pencils, using colour and textile swatches provided to me by the manufacturers. They can source accessories for me and I am provided guidance by them on the “engineering” of the shoes, in that, if a design feature I’m after will not translate into a quality, long-lasting shoe they very kindly advise on better modifications to my get close to my desired features.

I agree with Dawn that us Aussie’s don’t have the same access to high quality AND reasonably priced shoes. Sure…we can go budget and buy from chain stores (nothing wrong with that, they make up half my wardrobe – but they will rarely last more than a season or two), or we have to spend a month’s wage to buy heels from high end fashion labels

AGLS gives us a chance to have a little bit of French chic style and quality in our shoe collection, for a fraction of the cost.

Since the website was launched earlier this month, I have had my eye on 3 styles;

Bordeaux - A funky T-Bar take on a classic pump. A little bit sassy, but still subtle enough to wear to the office

Calais – A bright wedge sandal, just perfect for summer. I love anything turquoise at the moment, and these shoes are no exception

Cannes  – A sophisticated printed flat that my swollen pregnant feet are dying for





If you are after high quality, reasonably priced, and fabulously stylish shoes… Check out Aussie Girls Love Shoes  For a limited time only, AGLS are offering a 10% discount to KarinaXOXO readers using "karinaxoxo" code.

For any Melbourne ladies, you can still take advantage of a free blow wave from VA Hair & Makeup with any purchase. Check out AGLS facebook for more details



This post is my own opinion and I was not remunerated or sponsored for this feature. For my information see my disclosure information

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR JEANS ARE TOO BIG

Discovering your fav pair jeans are too big is a bitter sweet feeling. On one hand - it's great because it usually means you are losing weight! Yay! On the other hand it means you probably have to buy new jeans (or you could just eat more McDonalds to gain weight - but I wouldn't recommend that)

If I am going to be adding yet another pair of jeans to my collection - they are going to have to be cheap. An upcoming wedding puts to sleep any designer denim dreams I have. Along with my hopefullness that I will continue to lose weight - I don't see the point can't justify spending more than $50.00

My two picks for cheap jeggings (yes, I wear jeggings... what of it?!! As long as they are actually denim and you don't intend to wear a shirt tucked in  - they are comfy as f*&k)

ASOS $40.55

EziBuy $49.99

Until I decide on my new pair (and wait for them to arrive) I will have to resort to putting my current jeans in the dryer to shrink them before each wear!

xoxo

SHOP YOURSELF CHIC

1,000,000 new blogs are created everyday (ok, I made up that statistic - but you get the idea) - so it is rare that I find new ones that I actually enjoy reading.

I love reading about all my blogging pals lives, ideas, inspiration, children, significant others, style etc etc - but every now and then its nice to escape to a site where you can window shop, but also get the authors hints, tips and suggestions on the product.
Think regular online shopping - with little voice next to each product telling you how to style it, comparing similar products, or how to rock it like the celebs did.

Well its here at Shop Me Chic

"We created Shop Me Chick to keep our readers up to date with current trends or products and to inform them of online bargains and amazing online stores" Melinda (MummaInHeels) co founder

It was created by my twitter gorgeous friend She's Sonic and another fabulous blogger Mumma in Heels - and trust me, if there is one thing these ladies know it is shopping! (They do know more than one thing though - they are both funny, intellegant and stylish women)

"Shop Me Chic brings together Fashion, Beauty and Children in one chic little place. Our readers can click through and buy every single item featured on the website - online" says co founded Sonia.

You can tweet you suggestions, ideas or questions directly to @ShopMeChic - it's like having your own personal stylist/shopper.

I've asked the girls at Shop Me Chic to compile some feirce Winter "girls nigth out" outfits. My hen's night (more on that later) will be in July. I still want to look ah-maz-ing but I think I'll need to wear something more than a little cocktail dress. I can't wait to see what the girls come up with.

Have a great weekend

xoxo

BIKINIS MY BOOBIES LOVE

Anyone with boobs bigger than a B cup will know what I am saying when bikini shopping is the WORST (like, even more of a nightmare than bikini shopping is for most)

Little string bikinis hardly cover my headlights - let alone provide any support (or modesty). Team that with the fact that I am not blessed with a bikini perfect body (far, far, far, far away from it) I was starting to think I would have to resort to wearing a tankini or one peice.

I long gave up my insecurities about going to the beach/pool. I am most definitely a water baby and I can tell you that a (well fitted) bikini is much more comfortable to swim in that a tankini top or one peice. I hate the feeling of the water coming up under your swimmers. In saying that - I have learnt (the hard way) that I do need to invest in well fitted swimwear - not tie up traingle bikinis for this beach babe whale.

So team the curvy d cup Karina with the tight a$$ Karina and my serach for cheapish yet supportive and fashionable swimmers lead me to http://www.asos.com/

I got this animalistic bikini top back in September

ASOS Leopard Print 50s style bikini

It had served me & my tat tats well over the last few weekends... however I now have the style permanentely tanned onto my skin - so I think its time to get another one to remove the halter tan lines frmo my chest.
Although this one is also hatler, the straps are a lot thinner and in a different position to the above - so I think I am going to order this one later in the week

ASOS Blue underwire Bikini

Here are a few tips I have for buying the perfect bikini - if you aren't lucky enough to be able to make a garbage bag bikini look good

*  Buy what fits - not what is fashionable. A string bikini on anyone bigger than a size 0 does not look good if you ask me. Nor do high wasited bottoms.

* Try to avoid tie up backs... I find they are not supportive enough and you risk ending up with a bow tan line

* Also avoid big bows, buckles, cut outs... unless you like the whole weird tan line thing

* For us Aussies - shop in the off season. ASOS has a lot of their bikinis on sale because it is coming into winter over in the UK

* Buy a few different styles - halter, straps, strapless, thin straps etc. this way if you are spending a few days in a row in the sun you can ulternate the straps line

* If you are big busted I would steer clear of detachable straps. A little plastic clip is not going to hold my girls up and usually results in the clip breaking or coming undone.

* You don't have to buy a set. I nearly always wear black or navy bottoms and just mix & match the tops (In my mind, this is a slimming effect). If your bottom half is your best asset you should wear a plain colour on top and wear print/bold coloured bottoms

* Be confident. Seriously - I truly believe gals wearing boardshorts and singlets make themselves look x 10 bigger. No one is judging you and once you get over the insecurity you will enjoy going to the beach so much more. Trust me!

* Wear sunscreen. This is a true case of the pot calling the kettle black, beacuse I rarely do. I have the freckles/mole to show this - and if I am still blogging in 20+ years I will show you how leathery my skin will be.

If you know of any other places to buy real women bikinis, let me know =)

xoxo