black & gray

We've had some less than desirable weather the last few weeks - I'm talking cold and rainy (and some snow/slush, as well). So, as much as I'm dying to break out clothes for warmer weather (dresses & sandals), I'm holding off in favor of not freezing every time I walk outside. And, apparently, wearing lots of dark colors (cause I love 'em).

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

show stealer

The cute, white, furry nugget (also known as "The Handsome") makes an appearance in today's look and steals the show. So much for my brightly-colored poncho, huh?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

PS - these pants aren't sticking around in my maternity capsule wardrobe - there is no zipping them all the way up...

a week

Apologies for my unintended absence on the little blog - it has been a week (really, two weeks), my friends. Thanks for understanding, and checking out my red & navy striped outfit. Hope you're having a great weekend :)

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

maternity capsule wardrobe

Here it is, my long-awaited maternity capsule wardrobe (kidding - I doubt anyone has been waiting on the edge of their seat for it).

I've mentioned before my interest in a capsule wardrobe, and now, with a deadline and a decreasing number of items that fit, this seemed like the perfect time to try it out. I've also played with a capsule wardrobe before (four 30 for 30 challenges: June 2013 // November 2013 // October 2014 // April 2015), choosing 30 items to wear for a month.

So, the concept and application of "capsuling" (I'm making that a word, you're welcome, internetz) are not new to me. However, each 30 for 30 challenge had a defined lifespan of a month. This new adventure will last until sometime in June (perhaps after, who knows how my postpartum body will look and feel?), and I put it together (i.e. boxed up everything that doesn't fit and won't fit for a while) in March, so we're looking at about 4 months of true "capsuling."

The below items still remain in my closet after several reviews because they still fit; however, that doesn't mean they'll remain until the end. I hope to update/edit as items are edited out, but, alas, that may not happen, what with life happening and growing a human and all. I also may not wear everything that appears below - that is dependent upon the weather, as I've included several sweaters.

A few items to note:

1) While my total count of items is around 70, some of these items (basic tops, etc.) shouldn't really be counted, as they're more items to be worn under something. Or you can count them, whatever.

2) Some items have been added to the below, and some of these items will not make it to the end of my pregnancy - I am hoping to get some pictures up and an update posted, but if you see unlisted items in a future post, or never see some of these items on the blog, apologies!

3) These aren't the greatest pictures you'll ever see, but I was running out of daylight, so please excuse the hangers and way items are piled on each other. I've tried to link to previous posts showing the item where applicable.

4) I have not included accessories, shoes, loungewear or undergarments in the pictures below, but you better believe I'm using/wearing them all!

Let's begin...

left to right, back row first:

long sleeve green floral tee: local consignment (non-maternity)

long sleeve teal tunic: Target (non-maternity)

short sleeve cobalt tunic/top: Kohl's (maternity)

blue striped v-neck: Old Navy (non-maternity)

tan & gray tunic: Kohl's (maternity)

red & blue striped top: thrifted

red top: Kohl's (maternity)

left to right, back row first:

3/4 sleeve black chiffon blouse: Nordstrom Rack (non-maternity)

short sleeve black tunic/top: Kohl's (maternity)

black top: Kohl's (maternity)

short sleeve black v-neck: Target (non-maternity?)

long sleeve back v-neck: Target (non-maternity)

short sleeve lace tee: gift from a friend

lightweight knit oatmeal top: Coldwater Creek

left to right, back row first:

long sleeve gray lightweight sweater: Kohl's (maternity)

long sleeve black & white striped tee: Kohl's (non-maternity)

lightweight open knit sweater: Coldwater Creek (non-maternity)

short sleeve white v-neck tee: Target (non-maternity?)

long sleeve white v-neck tee: Target (non-maternity)

short sleeve gray tunic/top: Kohl's (maternity)

long sleeve gray hooded t-shirt: WalMart (non-maternity)

left to right:

dark wash chambray: thrifted (non-maternity)

ombre chambray: Target (maternity)

light wash chambray: Kohl's (non-maternity)

black chambray: Old Navy (non-maternity)

top to bottom:

red cardigan: Banana Republic (non-maternity)

raspberry cardigan: thrifted (Motherhood Maternity)

navy blue cardigan: Banana Republic (non-maternity)

purple cardigan: Ann Taylor (non-maternity)

top to bottom:

oatmeal cardigan: Eddie Bauer (non-maternity)

oatmeal sleeveless cardigan: Eddie Bauer (non-maternity)

cream zip-up cardigan: Aéropostale (non-maternity)

top to bottom:

black cardigan: Maurice's (non-maternity)

black & gray striped cardigan: Eddie Bauer (non-maternity)

black & white polka dot cardigan: J. Crew Factory (non-maternity)

left to right:

cream cowl neck sweater: Coldwater Creek (non-maternity)

pink & teal poncho: Lilly Pulitzer (non-maternity)

left to right:

teal hi-low maxi: Nordstrom (non-maternity)

black maxi skirt: from a friend (maternity)

knee length black skirt: from a friend, Old Navy (non-maternity)

gray maxi skirt: from a friend (maternity)

not pictured: knee length gray skirt: from a friend, Old Navy (non-maternity)

:

left to right:

coral dress: from a friend (non-maternity)

blush lace dress: c/o PinkBlush Maternity

teal floral maxi dress: consignment via PinkBlush Maternity

left to right:

navy blue sundress: consignment via Old Navy (maternity)

chambray dress: consignment via Kohl's (maternity)

left to right:

blue striped dress: WalMart (non-maternity)

black 3/4 sleeve dress: Target (maternity)

black wrap dress: thrifted, Motherhood Maternity

left to right:

black tank dress: American Apparal, via sorority recruitment (non-maternity)

black & gold printed dress: Base Exchange (non-maternity)

left to right:

olive skinnies: thrifted (maternity)

dark skinnies: PinkBlush Maternity

left to right:

dark skinnies: PinkBlush Maternity

flares: Kohl's (non-maternity)

black skinnies: PinkBlush Maternity

left to right:

denim shorts: thrifted (maternity)

black shorts: thrifted (maternity)

left to right:

denim jacket: Aéropostale (non-maternity)

olive field jacket: thrifted, Land's End (non-maternity)

black blazer: thrifted (non-maternity)

knitted fringe vest: Aéropostale (non-maternity)

gray sweater tunic/vest: Base Exchange (non-maternity)

left to right:

brown faux leather jacket: Aéropostale (non-maternity)

black velvet blazer: Eddie Bauer (non-maternity)

black faux leather jacket: Target (non-maternity)

And there it is, (most of) my maternity capsule wardrobe). Ta da! In summary, these are the bulk of the items I'll be wearing until delivery (the remaining items are basic completer pieces, i.e. tank tops & leggings, as well as loungewear, pajamas, activewear, swimsuits, and outerwear), and what you'll see here on the blog until then, as well. Wish me luck!

Phew. That was a lot. I'm spent.
Please comment with any questions or email me at sweetbananie@gmail.com :)

Side note: I follow several bloggers (Style This Life, KATBERRIES, Truncation Blog, Seasons + Salt, just to name a few - there are many more!) who utilize a true capsule wardrobe, and while I admire them and their application of the concept, I myself am not ready to permanently adopt the practice, YET. Also, I most likely won't be posting what I did/didn't wear, or how many times each item was worn, etc.

stretchy pants

Hello! and happy Sunday!

I put together this look almost a month ago (*wide eye emoji*) so just imagine it now with a larger belly. However, it was perfect for wearing to work (leggings with a stretchy/flowy top), so I'm planning to repeat it soon.

That being said, I'm working on sharing my capsule wardrobe with you, but even in the few weeks since I took pictures of my items, I've discarded a few items (too small for now) and added a few more (birthday gifts from my parents), so there will be some edits. Hope you don't mind that I'll be utilizing an ever-evolving capsule wardrobe - it's a bit tough to put finite limits on getting dressed when your belly is growing everyday and your body is changing to support it...look for that post this week! I'm excited to dip my toes into a capsule wardrobe with you!

short sleeve tunic? top?: Kohl's (maternity)

striped long sleeve top: Kohl's (non-maternity)

black leggings: Old Navy (maternity)

black flats: BCBG via TJ Maxx

repeating the good stuff

I picked up this dress at Target a few weeks ago. One thing that I have found challenging when shopping for maternity clothes is that a lot of them are very cute, nice looking items, but when I go to try them on, they’re incredibly THIN. Meaning I’ll have to wear at least a tanktop underneath, if not something more substantial. And some items show every nook & cranny of my changing body, or every wrinkle & crinkle of my undergarments (not ok).

Since this little bebe is due to arrive in June, I know I won’t be interested in wearing more layers than absolutely necessary, so I’ve only been purchasing items that are of a thicker material. This dress fits the bill - no need for a slip, tank top, of shapewear underneath it. I like it so much, I’m tempted to order it in every color that’s available (who knows how many that could be?!), but I also keep reminding myself that pregnancy is not forever (although it can feel like it at times), and that to keep this dress interesting, I just need to switch up how I style it.

And, worst case scenario (not really,though), I could just wear it the same way more than once – the truth is, no one else notices if we repeat our clothes, it’s just us - it's all in our minds. Other people are too busy with their own closets, lives, work, families, etc. to concern themselves with the fact that I might have worn this dress twice (thrice?) in the same week...

black dress: Target - Liz Lange Maternity

pink scarf: gift

pink flats: Coldwater Creek

new black pants

This is the first outing for some maternity pants I ordered from Pink Blush Maternity. My plan has never been to create an entire new wardrobe until our baby arrives - instead, I'm trying to stretch (literally & figuratively - ha!) the clothes I already had in my closet, with some thoughtful purchases to supplement.

First up: black pants. I knew I would get a lot of wear out of these, if my obsession with non-maternity black pants was any indication - they go with EVERYTHING. For real. And in the 2 weeks I've had these dark beauties, I've worn them at least twice a week to work, if not a few more times than that. I'm strategically planning laundry days.

I'm planning to write more about the "capsule wardrobe" approach I'm taking to my maternity style - stay tuned for some posts about my process, what I'm keeping, what I've tossed, and what I've already purchased / plan to purchase (not much on both fronts).

Don't worry, though, this is NOT going to become a maternity / mommy style only blog - pinky promise. However, that is something I'm having to dress around / dress up / consider when my pants don't fit, so there will be some of that. If that's not your cup of tea, I understand - maybe you'll stick around for my wit and charming personality? ;)

white sweater: (not maternity) borrowed from my Mama, Coldwater Creek

pants: (maternity) Pink Blush Maternity

black & white plaid scarf: thrifted

black flats: BCBG Generation, I think...

30 for 30: capping it off

I had a distinct thought at the end of this 30 for 30 go-round:

“This was a lot less painful than previous ones.” 

June 2013 // November 2013 // October 2014

1 & 2 // 3 & 4 // 6

I like to think it’s because I’ve matured, and my style has, too. I find myself being drawn to simple looks more than I was in the past. Solid colors, neutrals, basics, one really great pair of boots in a beautiful brown and a great bag in black. My 14, 18, and even 21 year old self would have dubbed my current self boring, especially when boots come in all colors of the rainbow (red! purple! green!) , and tried to convince me that more purses = more fun (really, I had TONS of bags. none that really fit my everyday needs, though. yes, they were cute, and yes, they were plentiful and colorful, but my smaller purse collection now has me pretty satisfied. however, if I were to happen upon the perfect bag, so be it).

7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

So, this time, I started with a more condensed closet, more pieces that I really like and reflect me, now. From there, I chose pieces that I thought would play nicely together – gray, black, navy, a few “wild cards,” but overall, the ability to create more cohesive looks, instead of a few really great looks, and a lot more “meh” looks.

13 // 14 // 15 & 16 // 17

I’m still so intrigued by the idea of a “capsule wardrobe.” I keep thinking of things I could replace in my closet (getting rid of 2 or 3 pairs of “meh” black flats for THE pair), or what my “capsule wardrobe” would be comprised of:

all black? all navy? all gray?

all animal print? all stripes? all neutrals?

all button-ups and skinnies?

17 // 18 // 19 & 20 // 21

And while I intend to strive for a “less is more” wardrobe filled with the perfect (for me) pieces that fit and flatter, I’m also thankful that I have the closet I have now. Not just that it’s large enough that I can continue to whittle it down and “curate” it, but that it currently contains things I bought in the past that I might be too apprehensive to try now; that it has variety; that lots of things in there fit me at different sizes; that is has a lot of colors and styles to play with; that it’s something I put together over time, not over the course of a few days; that it covers me and keeps me warm.

22 // 23 & 24 // 25 // 27

Sure, there’s pieces I would love to add, and even today I got the itch to go to Target – not because I NEED anything, but because I wanted to satisfy a shopping itch. I’m really learning a lot about myself, my lifestyle, my motivations, and my choices the more I blog about my style. It’s really making me questions some past wardrobe-related decisions:

why did I buy so many tank tops?

why did I ever wear baby doll tops? 

why did I think stepping on the hem of my jeans was ok (not cool, but ok)?

28 // 29 & 30 // 31 + new boots

It’s fun to have this facet of my life documented and be able to see the evolution happening and the wheels turning.

See my list of 30 items here.