PREGNANCY 101

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but it can be scary in the beginning. You start gaining weight, your clothes don’t fit like they used to, your bras hurt, jeans are too tight and you realize this is about to be the most selfless thing you’ve ever done.

A real life human is taking over your body. It’s telling you what to do and when to do it. You just have to tell yourself that every pregnant woman feels this. You’re not crazy… you’re just human. For us, once we found out the sex of our baby, that’s when everything became so so exciting! It made the experience more personal. I started talking to him and Ace was kicking for the first time. Not to mention, it’s time for shopping, planning and decorating.

I made a list of things you should do right when you find out your pregnant!

1. Buy bigger bras

2. Get a pregnancy pillow

3. Stretch mark oil 

4. Stretchy pants (if it’s winter)

5. Flowy/stretchy dresses (if it’s summer)

6. Prenatal vitamin with iron

Making sure you have bigger clothes BEFORE you need them will make your life so much easier. A lot of my friends (and me included) had a mini panic attack when we couldn’t fit into our clothes anymore. This will save you from unnecessary added stress. Size up one size in the beginning and one more towards the end.

Start thinking about your meals. Your doctor should give you a list of what to eat and what not to eat. All of a sudden you start eating more but your body needs real/healthy Whole Foods more than ever. Try to stay away from snacks because anything packaged will have high sugar/carbs and it’s not what your baby needs. You will always have your days where you can’t help but to eat bad. However, if you have a game plan with your eating it will save you from a lot of issues down the road.

Good foods/snacks/what to order:

1.Fruit - pineapples, bananas, apples, grapes are all great snacks

2. Nuts

3. Meat and veggies - this holds me over and makes my baby happy! Chipotle bowl with chicken and steak. Black beans, veggies, corn, sour cream, salsa, and guac! I live for this meal and eat it almost everyday.

4. Greek Yogurt with a little honey and granola

5. Costco - organic super foods smoothie has kale and fruit. This has helped with my “sweets” craving

6. Halo Top - if you need something sweet, eat this protein packed ice cream

7. Salads! On the go? Chick Fil A - Cobb salad with honey mustard dressing hits the spot everytime 

8. Lots and lots of water

9. Atkins Protein Bars - I worked out my entire pregnancy and continued to eat these 3 days a week

10. EGGS! Ace might come out looking like an egg because I ate so many. They fill me up and there’s so many ways to eat them

My Favorite stores:

I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes since it’s such a short time of your life. I ended up buying all my clothes from the list below. I stuck to stretchy dresses and purchased them in every color I could find. I would also buy stretchy midi skirts that hit below my knee and switched out the tops. Pregnancy fashion is really simple. Buy clothes that lay on your skin. Nothing too tight.

1. Fashion Nova

2. Nordstrom

3. Forever 21

4. Target

5. H&M

6. ASOS

7. Nasty Gal

Happy Pregnancy to all the mamas out there! Don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor, family or friends for questions!

XO

Whitney Dillon

The Swan Wedding : Fashion

Fashion played a huge role in my big day, so here is a breakdown of the details.

Something  I really wanted was a beautiful bridal robe to get ready in. Le Laurier founded by Designer Lauren Holovka offers timeless and fashion forward pieces, inspired by everyday brides. Lauren created me a one of kind robe and named it The Mariel Robe.  She made the robe with me in mind and made it  from the finest materials imported from Paris, with delicate Chantilly lace. Each of Le Laurier’s couture designs are handmade, with a high level of complexity, from finding the right materials to creating a unique but glamorous concept. The robe continued with a beautiful bell sleeve with beaded lace trim to a ostrich feather beaded belt with Swarovski crystals.She also added a dramatic cathedral train with 4 different types of beaded laces appliquéd throughout the train, as well as adding ostrich feathers to create the perfect details for my ideal robe. 

I was also obsessed with look of tiaras, so I had to find the perfect one. I wanted to feel like a princess! I ordered my crown from Giva My Jewerly and Kendra Currie did my hair and installed the crown.

My Wedding Gown

My gown is from RK Bridal in New York. Whit Whit, My mom, and Maribeth all went with me to find this gown. I knew immediately when I saw it that it was the one. My gown was designed by Morilee by Madeline Gardner. I loved everything about this gown. From the sleeves to the cathedral train with ostrich feathers.

i wanted my bouquet to be massive!

Flower Girls

I wanted my little girls to look like little swan princess. I found their dresses from Kingdom Boutique. I loved my little flower girls! They were just as sweet as they were adorable,

Bridesmaids

I wanted my bridesmaids to look like forest fairies! I found their dresses from Abyss By Abby. I absolutely loved everything about these dresses. The color reminded me of royalty and forest fairies all at the same time, wanted them all to have emerald smokey eyes and neutral lips. Bre Early and McCall Gaulding did an amazing job on their makeup. I also wanted long romantic, loose curls on everyone and Kendra did and amazing job on their hair.

All of my bridesmaids word black silk robes with their names stitched on the front. Whit Whits robe had Maid of Honor written on the back.

The Groom

Paul wore a black velvet tux custom made by Stitched.. I love the look of velvet in the winter time. It is the darkest black you can find in clothing, and the color always looks so rich. Pauls jacket was lined with tickets on the inside, because he’s a big ticket guy. It’s kind of his thing. He loves tickets.

Groomsmen

All the groomsmen look extremely handsome in their classic black tuxedos with black bowties.

Miss North Carolina United States

Official Judges 

Thank you Johnathan Kayne for styling us this weekend. We are two of the official judges for the Miss North Carolina and Miss South Carolina United States pageant. Good luck to all the beautiful ladies competing for the title! We can't wait to meet you bright and early in the morning. Check out our instagram story for behind the scenes. XO!

Cheers,

Whit + Mariel 

My Best Friend's Wedding

The wedding first hand

December 9, 2017 was one of the most amazing moments in my life. It was insane to see my best friends, Whitney, and AD, become one.

Weddings are so much bigger than many of us realize. It’s an oath you take before God. It’s a chance for us humans to get a glimpse of the love God has for us, through the love we are supposed to have for our spouses, which is unconditional.

Unconditional love is the love that God has for us no matter what. His love remains patient, and kind. It does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.

Love Never Fails. (1 Corinthians 3:4-8)

Being Whit Whit’s Maid of Honor was so much more than just standing next to her in a sparkly dress. I could see my best friend enter a different chapter in her life. To witness how far she’s come spiritually, and to see her dreams unfold into reality was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Aside from this wedding being one of the most beautiful events I had ever attended, you could FEEL THE LOVE all around you. The room was filled with love everywhere you turned, and with people who were truly excited for the union of her and AD.

Austin and Whit are a true testament that real love does exist. Real love is worth waiting for. It may seem difficult during the time, but when you wait on who God has in store for you, it is incredible. It leaves you speechless.

Marriage is a God union, which means only God can orchestrate a successful marriage, where you experience the abundance that He has to offer you in your life. Something I thought that was so beautiful, was before Whit and AD got married, her biggest request was for him to get baptized. He did a couple of days before the wedding and it was such a beautiful and emotional moment. Their relationship is so much bigger than what is seen on pictures and on social media, it is a God union.

I asked Whit when she came back from her honeymoon, “Did she feel different?” Her response was, “Absolutely.” She felt in her soul that she was a brand-new person, and that a new person was born, Whitney Dillon. How awesome is that! And I got to witness it, right by her side. I am forever grateful. Congratulations Austin and Whitney Dillon! I love you two more than you will ever know.

XoXo – Mariel , love you bunches!

Fun Fall Fashions

All in the Accessories

Fall fashion hasn't changed much from last year to this year. We took pieces we had in our closet and paired them with fun accessories. This year is all about the furs, barrettes, and thigh highs.

Here's some ideas to pair different outfits. Hope you love them!

Whit's Outfit Details:

Express: black sweater dress

Stuart Weitzman: Thigh Highs

TJ MAXX: Furry black purse

Mariel's Outfit Details:

Forever 21: barrettes 

H&M: black thigh highs

TJ MAXX: black fur cross body 

Forever21: Skirt and turtle neck

XO
 

Whit + Mariel

Engagement Photos

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Austin Dillon

I think it really hits you when you get your engagement photos back... WE'RE GETTING MARRIED! We had so much fun shooting our engagement photos at Middleton Place Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. I've always been a huge fan of 'The Notebook' so I wanted to shoot at one of the plantations. Here are a few of my favorite photos...

Charleston is incredibly romantic. I have to give AD props for shooting the day after his Darlington race which he placed 4th! YAYUH. He's not big into photos but he was a champ. 

Sometimes you have to get creative with outfits. I envisioned a romantic, bohemian style, white lace gown. I couldn't find what I was looking for so I made my own. This was a short white dress with long sleeves. I found it on clearance for $30 so I bought three of them and sewed it into a long gown. It ended up being around $90.00. Score!!

I wanted the theme to be bohemian. I'm in love with the look of boho brides. Effortless, timeless, and dreamy.

I have to give a big shout out to our incredible wedding photographers, Kristin and Aaron with Kristin Byrum Photography. I searched through tons of NC wedding photographers and their photos stuck out the most. They make you feel so comfortable right off the bat and they love Jesus. 

I can't wait to marry this man! I love you. I love you. I love you. 

XO

The Future Mrs. Whitney Ward Dillon

Girls Trip

Girls Trip: Outfit Ideas

With Whit's Bachelorette nearing, and the all the buzz around Girl Trips, we thought it would be a great time to give a couple ideas on what to wear on vacation. We chose these dresses because they were perfect daytime dresses, but were easily transitioned for night time, without looking like you were still in your clothes from earlier. Try a loose fitted dress with fun prints on your next vacay. When comfort meets style, you've got a winning combination. 

Photography by Ricky: instagram @ncognitto

Whit's Outfit Details: 

Dress: The Edge Boutique 

Shoes: Nordstrom 

Jewelry: Sophia and Kate 

Photography by Ricky: instagram @ncognitto 

Photography by Ricky: instagram @ncognitto

Mariel's Outfit Details:

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: Lola Shoetique

Jewelry: Windsor 

Cheers,

Whit + Mariel 

VACAY STYLE

Vacay on my Mind

Get those passports ready because summer vacay season is finally here. This two-piece suit is giving us major Rihanna vibes. Wanna make a statement? Get this entire look at Robin's Runway which is straight from New York Fashion Week. Have fun with this one and pair it with funky shoes and big hoops. Throw your hair in a high pony tail to complete the look. 

Shop Whit's two piece set HERE - $70

Summer time means vacay season is in full force. We're obsessing over Mariel's bahama mama jumpsuit. We paired this number with a black belt, big earrings, and a choker. Let the suit do the talking and keep it simple. Throw your hair in a top knot to complete the look.

Shop Mariel's Jumpsuit HERE  - $85

You can never go wrong with a pretty pink bandage dress. It's perfect for a fun date night on vacation. We're obsessing over this baby pink color. It's been all over the runway for spring and summer. Keep this simple and pair it with pretty earrings and simple heels. 

Shop Mariel's bandage dress HERE - $59

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Summer Style under $100

Romper: Robin's Runway

Earrings: Forever21

Heels: Steve Madden

With the weather heating we were looking for fresh, cool, trendy outfits to look and feel our best this summer!

Robin’s Runway had everything we were looking for to keep our style sizzling during this season. From sexy/comfy 2 piece sets to super cute rompers, Robin’s Runway had it all!

Two Piece Set: Robin's Runway

Heels: Windsor

XO

Whit+ Mariel 

Valentine's Day Inspired Gowns

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Red is for lovers! Celebrate Valentine's Day in Johnathan Kayne.

Prom is coming! Check out JohnathanKayne.com for a retailer near you.

XO

Whit + Mariel 

NASCAR Hall of Fame

NASCAR Hall of Fame

We had so much fun celebrating Richard and Judy Childress, aka RC and Nonnie, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We were truly honored to be apart of their special night. 

Richard Childress

RC’s life story is phenomenal. He began by selling peanuts and popcorn at Bowman Gray Stadium, a race car track in Winston Salem, North Carolina. While working the races he became inspired by the drivers. Back then racing was just a dream to RC, and the drivers were his heroes, but with determination, a heart that wouldn’t quit, and his ride or die Judy by his side, he turned that dream into a reality, and is going down in history as one of the best that ever lived. 

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress, Ty Dillon

From Nascar driver to Owner, Richard has represented some of the best drivers that has ever lived such as Dale Earnhert. 

Car owner Richard Childress and driver Dale Earnhardt

Being in attendance at the Hall of Fame banquet was something that we will never forget. Richard is the American Dream. From selling peanuts to Hall of Fame, Richard Childress’s legacy will remain forever.

Haley Dillon, Ty Dillon, Richard Childress, Judy Childress, Austin Dillon, Whitney Ward, Tina Dillon, Mike Dillon 

Richard Childress, Whitney Ward, Richard Petty 'The King', and Rick Hendrick

Watch Richard's video here

Ty and Haley Dillon

Paul Swan and Mariel Lane representing Pit Stops For Hope

Whit's beautiful family - Rick Ward, Shawnee Ward, Austin Dillon, Whitney Ward and Jackson Ward

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Whit's Outfit Details:

Dress: by Bebe

Shoes: Windsor Store

Clutch: YSL

Mariel's Outfit Details:

Dress: Windsor Store

Heels: Christian Loubotin

Clutch: Charmin Charlies

Thank you Richard and Nonnie Bop for sharing this beautiful night with us.

Cheers to you two!

XO

Whit + Mariel

The Party Edit

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Johnathan Kayne's Spring 2017 line has the perfect party dresses. We love to be different and nothing spices up a night like the perfect little black dress. These short dresses are fun and sexy. Perfect for any occasion. 

XO

Whit + Mariel 

The Holiday Shop

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Dazzle in red or bling in green, these dresses are sure to be a hit. Strapless can be hard to wear, but this fits just about any body type. Broad shouldered or heavy up top? This dress fits it all. Not to mention, it's comfy and easy to move in.

Prom season is coming fast! Shop the dresses on our site soon.

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

XO

Whit + Mariel

Winter Whites

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017  

We love everything about Johnathan Kayne's Spring 2017 Line. From style and fit, to color and fabric, JK has a dress for every type of girl. 

You can never go wrong with white. These gowns speak for themselves. Beautiful, angelic, and lovely.

Prom is coming! You can purchase any of the Johnathan Kayne Gowns modeled by us on our website. Everything coming soon!

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Photography by: Bo Timmons / @bosphotonc / www.bosphotography.com

Hair by: @prettyinmemphishair

outfits BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE / @JOHNATHANKAYNE / WWW.JOHNATHANKAYNE.COM

What’s better than celebrating Christmas with your bestie + Johnathan Kayne? We collaborated with JK and his team to bring to you his Spring 2017 Collection. 

Everyday we will be posting a new blog on new dresses. We are SO excited to show off all of his amazing designs. You guys are going to LOVE them! Check back everyday for a chance to see them first. 

We’re especially obsessing over what we like to call his 'nude collection.' Mariel looks effortless in his wide-sleeve nude dress and Whit rocked the fun pants suit. Either of these designs could be worn to Prom, Homecoming, or a special night. Whichever fits your personality, Johnathan Kayne has it all. 

XO,

Whit + Mariel 

BOUTIQUE COLLABORATION

Robin's Runway

Photography: @Bosphotonc

We’re so excited for our first ever Boutique Spotlight. Cheers to the grand opening of Robin’s Runway out of NYC. We teamed up with Robin and celebrity stylist Harrison for the debuting of her crazy awesome clothing line. It’s different, sexy, and fun. The shoot was styled by Harrison and photographed by Bo Timmons. 

Use Promo code ‘WhitandMariel’ for 20% off. This is just the beginning of Robin’s Runway. Stay tuned for more to come!

Thanks to our dream team! We love you guys. 

Boutique: @RobinsRunway

Styled by: @iamhdiddy

Photography: @Bosphotonc

Hair: @PrettyinMemphishair

Hair color: @HairbyLaurenHawkins

XO

Whit + Mariel 

NASCAR Awards Banquet

Red Carpet Details

Photo by Harold Hinson

NASCAR goes to Vegas to celebrate the top 16 drivers. The top 16 are in the chase and compete for a championship. This year was Austin's first year and experiencing it together was really special. Mariel went on behalf of Monster Energy so having her there made it even better.

I have to brag on AD for his custom suit. He definitely wins the award for swaggiest suit game.

My gown is designed by one of my favorite designers, Michael Costello. Working with him and his team was a dream come true.

Mariel helped me style my look from top to bottom. At the last minute, we decided to throw the leapord clutch in for a little boom boom pow. 

Hair by Ashley with Miguel Julio Beauty/MUA by @makeupbymyia

Photo by Harold Hinson

Mariel wanted to go for a Golden Globes look. She got a chance to work with her favorite designer, Johnathan Kayne. We both adore Johnathan and can't wait to collaborate with him. Stay tuned!!

Mariel's Details:

Hair: @PrettyinMemphisHair

Styled: @haircandy_byanna

Make up: @makeupbymyia

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Street Style

Easy, Sexy, and a Little Bossy

This has been our go-to look. It's super easy, sexy and a little bossy. Mariel is the glamour girl and Whit is the sporty chick with a slight edge.

Here's a couple ways to be both. Personally, we like to call it "Whit's jam" or glam it up Mariel's way!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Mariel's Outfit

1. Booties - Charlotte Russe
2. Suede pants - Forever 21
3. Sweater - Forever 21
4. Hat - H&M

Whit's Outfit

1. Moto Booties - BCBG 
2. Black Pants - Express
3. White High Low Top - H&M
4. Leather Jacket - Windsor Store
5. Leopard clutch - Forever 21 
6. Scarf - Forever 21
7. Hat - Bebe 

PHOTOGRAPHY: BO TIMMONS / @BOSPHOTONC / BOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

XO

Whit + Mariel

Celebrity Style: must haves

Duster Coats 

Photography: Bo Timmons / bosphotography.com / @bosphotonc

We’re obsessed with duster coats this season. It can elevate a casual outfit to street-style chic. Not to mention, it’s comfy, affordable, and easy to pair. 

Duster’s are perfect for date night to throw over your skirt, dress, or jeans. They can also make a casual day time outfit seem extra stylish. For our jet setters, it makes for a perfect airplane look. 

Styled by: whit + Mariel

Outfit breakdown

Whitney - Black Duster

1. Duster - Windsor
2. Choker - Revolve
3. Tank - Bebe
4. Pencil Skirt - Bebe
5. Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Mariel - Nude Duster

1. Duster - Forever 21
2. Dress - Naked Wardrobe
3. Pumps - Christian Louboutin

hair by: lauren hawkins / @hairbylaurenhawkins

More of our favorite celeb looks worth copying:

Khloe Kardashian - date night ready

Chrissy Teigen - day time chic

Gigi Hadid - girls night out 

XO

Whit + Mariel

How to rock Clueless for Halloween

Grab your bestie! Here's how to emulate the ultimate duo of all time, Cher and Dionne. It's been over 20 years since Clueless hit theaters, and we STILL can't get enough of it. Totally iconic! 

Check out how we rocked the plaid ensemble.

Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid outfit

1. Plaid Skirt, Top, Jacket (comes with white socks) - Walmart, $69.99
2. '90s Cell Phone - Amazon, $5
3. White Girly Shoes - Charlotte Russe, $15
4. Furry Backback - Forever 21, $19
5. Hair - Curled under
6. Makeup - Barely any with clear lips

Dionne's Black Plaid outfit

1. Plaid Top, shirt, skirt (comes with socks) - Walmart, $69.99
2. '90s cell phone - Amazon, $5
3. Nose Ring - Claire's - $2
4. Braided Wig - Beauty Store - $99
5. Black furry backpack - Forever 21, $24
6. Black Hat - TJ Maxx - $10
7. Red Flower - Michaels - $5
8. White Poster Board - Michaels - $1
9. Black Girly Shoes - Halloween Store, $20

Dionne's Famous Hat - Buy a black hat, cut poster board 10" high and tape the sides together. Set the poster board on top of the hat and add red flower.