thoughts on Memorial Day, comfort, and weather

Did everyone have a nice long weekend? It's such a great way to start off the summer - with a holiday weekend. But the end of the summer is a little harder to take, I think - another holiday weekend to mark the end of a season of outdoor fun and sunshine. Can't a Colorado summer last forever?

However, the real reason for the three-day weekend is not to celebrate the start of summer or to get started on lawn work - it's to remember those who have passed while defending our freedom. Hope everyone remembered to thank a veteran and fly those American flags high and proud.

Switching gears, here's a casual outfit I wore recently. I've reached the point where pants are pretty uncomfortable, so this is one of my last looks to share with pants. Instead, i'm opting for dresses and skirts. And when I'm at home, the Mr.'s gym shorts, boxers and t-shirts (his side of the closet has become a treasure trove of comfortable clothing options).

This general uncomfortable-ness has made me thankful that this baby is due to arrive any day now in the early summer, so that 1) I'm not in my last few weeks/months in the heat of summer, and 2) I'm not trying to wear tights/leggings/sweaters/boots in the cold of winter in my last few weeks/months. I think each season of the year has something to offer pregnant women at different times of their pregnancies, so maybe I'm just biased and feeling really lucky and only seeing the silver lining as I end my gestational period.

That being said, we've still had some cold & rainy weather here in Colorado, mixed with very nice sunny & warm days. Talk about keeping me on my toes...do I store the long-sleeved newborn-sized onesies? What about the really warm fleece sleepers?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

stretchin'

Stretchin.' As in: stretchin' my tummy, my comfort, and this dress. This dress is not a maternity dress, but it is QUITE stretchy, so it was added to the rotation. I purchased it for our maternity photos (coming soon!) - I tried to only purchase a few things I knew we would get a lot of wear out of after our photos were complete. This dress for me, and two shirts for the Mr. (one is chambray! eek!)

When thinking about transitioning to postpartum clothes, I'm a wee bit overwhelmed/nervous - I have A LOT of clothes. And not being able to fit into that many has been kinda nice - it really limits my options, forces me to be creative and OK with repeating outfits, and has helped to keep a lid on my shopping adventures. Aaah, just another hurdle to deal with, right?

I'm told parenthood is full of those ;)

dress: Old Navy

everything else from my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

May showers

About three weeks ago, three of my sweet sweet girlfriends hosted a baby shower for me and our new Bebe. It was a truly lovely afternoon - lots of delicious food, lots of fun books for Bebe to read (or, us to read to Bebe, let's be real), and lots of lovely gifts (thank you cards are being worked on, pinky promise).

My parents came to visit for the occasion, and while Mom and I attended the shower, the Mr., my Dad and some boyfriends/husbands of the girls attending my shower played lawn games and enjoyed beer at our house. My bestie with a new baby came and even brought her little one to my house before the shower so I could love on the wee one. Friends came from all over Colorado to celebrate and I only wish I could had more time to see everyone.

Mama (soon-to-be- Gramma) & I

friends from high school - thanks for making the trip!

ZTA friends - thanks for making the trip!

Above is the dress I wore for the shower - not included in my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe, as this was a birthday gift from my parents that arrived after I'd taken pictures and posted my capsule on this here blog.

It's from a Pea in the Pod Maternity, and while I do like it a lot (built-in print mixing, huzzah!), I had planned to wear an apricot midi skirt with a lace top for my shower, but this Colorado spring weather had other ideas (gray. cold. rain. mud.). So, a warm dress with tights and booties was the next best option. Luckily these fleece-lined tights matched the red/maroon in the dress perfectly - phew!

Thank you to my hostesses for a lovely party, and thank you to everyone who made the trip or sent lovely gifts - you guys are the best. We can't wait for you to meet our new addition!

black & olive

This black/dark gray chambray hasn't buttoned properly for quite some time, but that doesn't mean I can't still wear it open over my bump. And that's precisely what I did here. Just because something doesn't fit the way it's designed to, doesn't mean you can't wear it, especially while growing a human - that's when you should feel your best!

Take a look at some pieces you love but aren't wearing at the moment - is there a different way to style them? Voila! An outfit is born! ;)

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

temporary retirement

I thought I could eek out a few more wears from this lightweight hooded gray top and floral print tanktop underneath, but looking at these pictures has convinced me that they are headed for temporary retirement. Looking like you're about to bust out of your clothes is not a good look on anyone, my friends. Even pregnant women who might waddle...

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

seasonally

Apparently this season is not my best, in terms of blogging. I seem to get a nice rhythm going with a few posts written and scheduled, then BAM – something shakes it up and I stop writing. Things like packed weekends with friends and family, packed weeks with fun stuff after work and/or baby classes (or both, sometimes). Busy times at work. Appointments. And trying to get so many things done before the baby actually arrives (we’re less than 1 month out!) and we become a family of three humans + a naughty, yet handsome, and ever-so-endearing, bulldog.

So, here is what I wore a few weeks ago – but the weather is pretty much the same around here, so it's still pretty appropriate for spring time in Colorado. I'm still hoping I can get away without purchasing TOO many maternity items for winter because I’m due in early summer, but the way this weather is hanging around makes me wonder. Can't it just be warm and I can wear my sandals and dresses and flowy skirts in peace??

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

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 bachelorette party

When you are expecting, things that were previously a part of your social life are not quite the same.

Say, for example, a bachelorette party. A friend of mine is getting married Memorial Day weekend in Texas, and we won't be able to attend. Her bachelorette party, however, was being held in town where I live, so I was able to go. And this is what I wore.

You might be thinking "That doesn't look like typical bachelorette party attire, Annie." And you would be quite right, my friends. Normally, I'd wear something a bit different (most likely a party dress and heels), but I attended this party during the day, right after a snowstorm. Hence, the layers and the boots.

Additionally, the bride and other party-attendees had ordered matching tank tops in dark purple and lilac, but I declined, as nobody wants to see this girl squeeze into a party tank top at the moment. So, I wore a basic black tank dress, black fleece-lined tights, rain boots, a dark purple cardigan and a lilac scarf, so I wouldn't be TOO out of place.

While I didn't attend the entire party (a Friday to Sunday event, with one evening in Denver, one in Northern Colorado, hotel rooms, and lots of champagne), I did attend Saturday day for a scavenger hunt around town in a party bus and a stop for delicious local lunch. Then we showered the bride with gifts, and while everyone else took a power nap, I went on home to lay low and watch some Netflix in my pajamas. It was a win-win in my book - I celebrated the bride, got to be comfortable, and got home at a reasonable hour, 3 of my favorite things!

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

purple cardigan: Ann Taylor (non-maternity)

lilac scarf: gift

black fleece-lined tights: Kansas City Kitty (non-maternity)

rain boots: gift

blues & greens

Unintentionally, I paired together ALL OF THE SHADES OF BLUE with some olive green skinnies. And since blue and green are both such nice, cool colors (I mean color-temperature wise, but they're also pretty cool/kool/kewl), they played well together. I love it when that happens!

ombre chambray: Target (maternity)

olive skinnies: thrifted (maternity)

teal scarf: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

cobalt flats: Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx

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.