the fringe vest makes another appearance

The fringe vest makes another appearance! Aided by the colorful help of a purple dress from a sweet friend. I wore this on a date (our last as a twosome!) to dinner and a movie. We FINALLY saw Deadpool, you guys. Only a few months late...but it was good! Really funny. And I heart Ryan Reynolds.

But, when you're closing in your due date, you wear what fits and accessorize as best you can. Enter fringe vest. Layered over a sun dress. Ta da!

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

formulas and recipes

Here's an outfit I'd wear again, not pregnant. I'd change a few things, though - no maternity top or jeans. Instead, I'd choose my regular skinnies + a favorite gray v-neck. Pair it with the same jacket, scarf and accessories, and this is one of those easy outfit formulas that can be repeated while gestating or not.

What's your go-to outfit "formula" or "recipe" lately?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

room to grow

Not my most flattering dress, look, or phase of life, but this dress fits over the bump (with a little room to spare!). So, wear it I shall.

I found it at a consignment shop with my Mama when I was about 20 weeks - she kept telling me to get clothing that was big, because I'd need the room. I couldn't quite wrap my head about how big my bump would get with this little babe, but, she was right (as she usually is). I'm glad I listened and brought home this short-sleeve chambray dress, even if it's pretty shapeless and not my most flattering piece of clothing (or item of chambray).

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

blue Monday

We're getting closer and closer to meeting our new addition! Tough to say when, because, I'm not sure if you know this, but babies don't arrive on our schedules or time tables. Nor do they provide an ETA.

I've heard I better get used to it - my schedule will no longer be my own. That is proving to be pretty tough for this planner, list-maker, and scheduler. BUT, all for a good reason, my friends! I'm working (best I can, anyways) at being better at "going with the flow" and increasing my ability to adapt and be flexible - we'll see how I handle rolling with a newborn!

That being said, comfort is key lately, and I don't anticipate that going away after the baby arrives. So, a stretchy maxi skirt and soft shirt paired with easy accessories in the form of a denim jacket, beaded necklace and sandals were perfect for this "blue Monday" ;)

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

on repeat

You've seen this dress before - several times recently (here and here). I just dig it, you guys. A stretchy, comfortable, and flattering dress that's affordable and is basic enough to go with almost everything, yet has a fun print that keeps it from looking drab and dull. What's not to love?

If it's not TOO stretched out, it is definitely going to become a part of my regular rotation. And if it is too stretched out to pass as a regular clothing item, then it will get stored with the rest of my maternity clothes once the baby arrives for the next time.

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

milestones

Today marks a special day - it's our four year wedding anniversary. Four years ago today we were getting ready to walk down the aisle, say our "I Do"s and celebrate with friends and family. Flash forward to today and we're getting ready to welcome our first little babe into the world and our little family. Seems fitting, yes? We didn't plan it that way, promise - just happened to happily work out that way.

So, on this anniversary, to my husband: "I love you. Thanks. For everything. For making me breakfast, for cooking the bacon extra crispy. for loving our pup, for loving me, for loving our little babe, for all the nice things you do for me and for us. For being funny and my best friend. For putting up with me. Love you long time."

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

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

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.