Christmas – S T E P H A N Y ' S C H O I C E

Christmas Category Archives

Festive fashions for the whole Family!

Written by Stephany Bowman / Alexander, Angelina, Annabelle, Children, Christmas, Family, Fashion, Kids, Matching, Mom Life, Motherhood, Season, Winter / December 13, 2017

Stephany Bowman in a Target holiday outfit, Claire's headband, Alexander Bowman in a Santa pajama from Carter's, Santa hat from Hanna Andersson, Nike sneakers from Nordstrom, Annabelle and Angelina Bowman in matching Christmas tree dresses from H&M

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Festive fashion is not something that exactly happens deliberately around here. But Matching the whole family in a festive theme sure is pretty fun!

As much as the girls loved their dresses, I’m not sure that Alexander realized how cool it was to be Santa!

Lucky to share that everyone still BELIEVES and isn’t that a relief with being at school all day, and probably around friends that have older siblings. I guess the Christmas magic is hard to shake off, and I’m not complaining!

Let’s be honest though, for me the festive season can be a little overwhelming.

I’ve put together a list of 4 non-negotioables for this festive Chirstmas holiday

Christmas music

Christmas sugar cookies

includes making, cutting, baking, icing, decorating + EATING!

Cozy pajama parties

I mean with huge bowls of popcorns and old school holiday classics (ideally Home Alone, Elf, and A Charlie Brown Christmas)

A Christmas mass

perhaps one of the most lovely traditions I can remember as a child when I used to go visit my Auntie Jean in England for Christmas and on Christmas Eve, we would go to a large Church and sing Christmas Carols- just peaceful and beautiful

This year Angelina is old enough to understand Santa, ” LOOK mommy ANTA!!” Can’t believe it was just 2 years ago when she was just a tiny nugget under the tree 🙂 Read here for more about when Angelina was little and we celebrated her first Christmas as a family of 5!!

Now, wrapping up the Christmas shopping- and next up-WRAPPING!

Looking forward to mom and dad coming in just a few days, after all, what is Christmas without the ones you love?

What are some of your non-negotiables this year? Any favorite traditions new or old you look forward to this time of the year?!

Write to me in the comments below xx

Stephany

Lady in Red, with Stylewe

Written by Stephany Bowman / Christmas, Fashion, Shop, STYLEWE / November 28, 2016

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Stephany’s Choice: Red Dress: STYLEWE || Shoes: SIMILAR HERE || Lipstick : REVLON

Red dress!! Y A A A S S S !! Okay okay, I’m crushing on this red dress way to hard, but really?!! It’s so challenging to find the perfect little RED dress!! I mean, really! How cute is this?! It’s kind of a cherry red color and it’s elegant too. It sort of shoots out at the bottom and is really flattering. I think I’m in love. If you buy one holiday dress this one should be considered. Plus, it can double for Valentine’s Day?! Woo! STYLEWE has a huge selection of gorgeous dresses. It was really tricky trying to narrow down my search. A variety of prices, hundreds and thousonds of options.

When searching for the perfect holiday dress what do I look for?! I’ve broken them out to a few main points..

Holiday dress code

Short and sweet: because long dresses get in the way and short dresses feel more flirty and modern.

Sleeves must be long : I love a good sleeve, as my dresses are always short I think a sleeve gives me more coverage. A good sleeve can also be more flattering than one that is cropped or cut off on the arm. Also, I hate being cold and that extra fabric is something I can count on for warmth and keep the chills at bay.

Babydoll and loose fitting: As the dress is already short, having it skin tight may be slightly provocative for me. Not that I’m so conservative or anything it’s just more discreet and flattering. If I’m eating at the event or walking around I begin to get self conscience, and wonder if anyone can see any bulge or curve out of place. Besides, I love the movement and texture of lots of fabric.

Color should be fun and flirty. Most importantly,choose something that makes you happy, today mine this happy cherry red!

My best accessory here is a secret weapon: Black Cherry lipstick. It’s been a favorite of mine for years. 5 years ago I had a near panic moment when I thought it was discontinued. I ran to every cosmetics counter that I could find and bought up as many as I could. Luckily, it seems like they haven’t discontinued the shade after all. haha. I love the color because it makes my teeth look white and bright. It also builds up to a really pretty deep red color. You can also apply just a tiny bit and it comes on as a pretty rosey shade. Dab some on your cheeks for a cute sun kissed look too! If you’re worried about going red or going dark this is the perfect season to try it! If you over do it, just blot on a kleenex and put on a nude matte shade.

Try it out and let me know what you think. Every single one of my handbags (especially my sparkly date night clutches) has one inside!! Speaking of date night, Friday is going to be our 7 year anniversary date!! All I want is a margarita and guacamole, is that lame?! I seriously just want to sit back and relax, catch up and have a laugh. I’m so glad I get to do that with my best friend. ♥

Photography: AshleyKayPhotos.com

Merry Christmas! Pinkblush

Written by Stephany Bowman / Children, Christmas, Family, Motherhood, PinkBlush, Postpartum, Toddler, Winter 2015 / December 26, 2015

Merry Christmas Everyone!! Family fun on this special day!! Waking up early with the children and hanging out in pajamas all morning is what it’s all about!! We love our Pink Christmas tree too! Adding ornaments that are fun characters that the kids recognize and enjoy makes it extra fun. Our favorites this year are these adorable cartoon Cat Woman and Batman ones! Collecting different and unexpected decorations from all over the world makes for wonderful memories and allows us to revisit some of our favorite moments from the past.

The best part about Christmas is of course-SANTA! -Just kidding! The best part about Christmas is spending it with family. As cheesy as that may sound, it’s the togetherness that makes the magic. I feel so blessed that my wonderful family came from so far away to share this important milestone with us, Angelina’s first Christmas.

Thank you Dad, Kevin, Annabelle, Alexander and Angelina for making this holiday so beautiful. A special thank you to my mother a tremendous help and partner who not only makes it more fun but also makes it look so easy. Love you all.

This year I decided to dress all the kids up in Holiday fun pajamas! They looked so cute in their Christmas inspired little outfits. My lovely plaid flannel tunic from Pinkblush is just the cutest thing! It’s simply adorable for the season, and feels casual and comfy too. The length keeps it versitile. Here i’m wearing it as a dress with my chunky over the knee socks but as soon as it gets chillier outside ill slip it over my denimn skinny jeans. It also comes in a different darker shade of red, and is currently on sale today!! woohoo!!♥

Stephany’s Choice: Plaid Flannel Tunic : Pinkblush // Socks: Topshop // Headband: Claire’s Accessories// Cuff: Chanel

Annabelle’s Choice: Pajamas : Carter’s // Hair bows : Target

Angelina’s Choice : Onesie :First Impressions // Crown : The Blueberry Hill// Red Bow : Claire’s Accessories

Alexander’s Choice: Pajamas : Carter’s

Christmas Tree Ornaments: Cartoon Characters: Target// Princesses : Disney// Silver Letters : Pottery Barn Kids

Waiting for Santa! Smockingbird Kids

Written by Stephany Bowman / Angelina, Children, Christmas, Smockingbird Kids / December 24, 2015

It’s the night before Christmas! Shopping is done (most of it online this year!). Baby Angelina is 7 weeks old and happy. The last few days she’s been under the weather so I’m happy she is feeling better and on the mend.

I love everything Christmassy and festive. This Smockingbird Kids Wreath French Knot Onesie is just adorable and perfect for the season! It’s so soft and sweet and I love the touch of Christmas. The classic look also makes it a wonderful choice, keeping it timeless and elegant.

I don’t think Angelina is going to remember this Christmas, but for me I’ll always remember that I got all the gifts I ever dreamed of. Having my whole family here to share the joy and happiness and my three babies is everything.

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you a beautiful day of joy and love to you and all of your family!!♥

Angelina’s Choice : Smockingbird Kids Wreath French Knot Onesie // Headband : Claire’s Accessories

It’s a wrap! Ingrid & Isabel

Written by Stephany Bowman / Alexander, Christmas, Ingrid & Isabel, Must Have Essentials, Nursing, Postpartum, Uncategorized / December 22, 2015

It’s a wrap! Christmas shopping is almost complete! Was super fun to bring my youngest two little ones with us. Angelina slept most of the time and Alexander just loves to push her stroller around!

I love this awesome coal Belted Cozy Wrap from Ingrid & Isabel. It’s really chic and cozy, and the belt keeps everything in place. You can dress it up or down, add layers underneath for extra warmth, or just throw it on whatever you are wearing. It’s design is very clever and flattering. The fabric is soft and light. I’ve already worn this to a mother’s holiday party, shopping with the kiddos, and to the doctor’s office. Because of this versatility, comfort and nursing accessibility I’m classifying this piece as a “Must Have Essential”! If this item is all you buy from maternity to nursing and beyond, you’ll thank me!! ♥

Stephany’s Choice: Belted Cozy Wrap : Isabel & Ingrid// Socks : Free People // Shoes : ALDO // Shorts: Mango

Angelina’s Choice: Onesie : Carter’s // Headband : Claire’s Accessories

Alexander’s Choice: Sweater : Old Navy // Polo : Old Navy // Pants: Old Navy // Shoes : Target

Playing in Plaid!! Smockingbird

Written by Stephany Bowman / Alexander, Children, Christmas, Kids, Smockingbird Kids, Toddler / December 15, 2015

Play all day!! Santa is right around the corner especially for all the good little boys and girls!! I’m sure Alexander has impressed Santa this year! He has had so many changes going on in his little life!! This year he became a big brother!! I was a little concerned about how he was going to take his big brother promotion but I am so pleased to say that he has been the best big brother!! He is just so sweet with baby Angelina! He adores snuggling with her in the mornings, caresses her head gently and kisses her on her cheek. It makes my heart melt. Of course Angelina can’t play with him at the park yet 🙂 He loves flying on his little blue scooter and chasing Annabelle! I am so proud of you Alexander!! ♥

Because Alexander is my little gentleman, I thought he was totally adorable in his little suit and tie! Of course because he is so fun loving , he completely pops in these gorgeous Smockingbird Kids Red Plaid pants!! They are so adorable, festive and fun!! No problem spotting out this cutie at the park!!! Light and comfy, he is so happy in these he has no idea that they secretly double as both chic and trendy;)

Alexander’s Choice: Red Plaid Pants : Smockingbird Kids// White Shirt: Old Navy// Tie: Gymboree// Shoes: Gymboree// Blazer: Cherokee( Target) // Badge: Pottery Barn Kids