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

open-ended

The Mr. got me this lightweight silver/gray sweater for Valentine’s Day and it’s been a big hit – I’ve received lots of compliments every time I’ve worn it; it’s very comfortable, and easy to wash & take care of. And with such a neutral color, the styling possibilities are very open-ended: today, cobalt. Next time, maybe blush. After that, maybe black. After than, maybe some neon. WHO KNOWS?!

gray sweater: Kohl's (maternity)

leggings: Old Navy (maternity)

cobalt flats : Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx

statement necklace: local consignment

a little bit of fit

This top is a recent addition to my maternity wardrobe – I’ve also got it in black & gray. I like the feel of these tops, but mostly I was looking at what I could comfortably wear as a tunic now, and as a shirt later, when my bump prevents any other top from meeting my pants. They’re nice and flowy, but I’m learning they need to be paired with some structure so I don’t look and feel like a blob. Something structured or more fitted somewhere in my outfit, is helping me to feel a lot more put together and human lately. While leggings and loose tops are great, something to define my legs or bump go a long way.

I added the vest so I wouldn’t be wearing leggings as pants, but instead as pants under a tunic-type layer. This scarf is a gift from my sister-in-law many Christmases ago and I’m always impressed that it manages to go with almost everything, especially since the gray can lean purple and the dots can lean highlighter yellow in the wrong light.

Happy Spring!!

cobalt v neck: Kohl's (maternity)

fringe vest: Aéropostale, 

black leggings: Old Navy (maternity)

scarf: gift (Old Navy)

cobalt flats: Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx

literally & figuratively

Even though I can’t get this chambray buttoned anymore, I’m keeping it around as a layering piece. Colorado teased us the last few weeks with lots of sunshine and warmer temperatures, and now we’re expecting snow...This summer-loving girl knew it was too good to be true – I enjoyed the sunshine, but have kept my sweaters and maternity coat easily accessible. I’ve also planned a few more outfits with layers and sweaters and fleece-lined tights, because inevitably, it will snow again. If you’re a long time reader, you’ll know that it’s snowed on Mother’s Day for the past two years...

All of that being said, the key to making your maternity wardrobe stretch (literally and figuratively, ha!) is layering and switching it up. I’ve worn this tunic with jeans, leggings, and ponte knit black pants. I’ve worn it by itself, under a sweater, under a jacket, and now under a chambray with a scarf. Keep ‘em guessing – that wardrobe is getting smaller and smaller ;) [again, literally and figuratively. I am HILARIOUS today, you guys…]

teal tunic: Target

chambray: thrifted

leggings: maternity - Old Navy

scarf: Pendleton

flats: WalMart

tone it down

This cable knit gray sweater is officially retired until next winter. It was a great layering piece over this midi dress, though (last seen here – it was much less snug this fall…), and helped to tone down the brightness of this dress for the cold and gray weather.

I’m looking forward to wearing this dress a few more times before it becomes too small. It’s non-maternity, but I’ve included it in my maternity capsule wardrobe (more on that coming soon, promise - I know, I've failed to deliver so far) because of the stretch that it offers (love it when that happens).

teal midi dress: WalMart

gray cable knit sweater: thrifted (J. Crew)

black flats: BCBG Generation

statement necklace: Old Navy

plaid & more leopard

The first time I wore this outfit, the shirt fully and comfortably closed – that was many weeks ago. Now, it’s a bit snug. Might be time to retire it, or plan to wear it open and unbuttoned, with something underneath it, of course. I used my trick from a few weeks ago, which is double leopard. That’s right – my shoes and my tiny belt are different prints of leopard. As long as it looks intentional and not like you got dressed in the dark, it’s ok - I promise!

Additionally, adding a belt helps to define your waist (see how I wore this last time here) by showing off the smallest part of your torso – for me right now, that is between my bust and belly. Helps me to look and feel more put together lately, when all I want to wear is maternity leggings and the Mr.'s t-shirts

red & white checkered tunic: The Screamin' Peach

red sweater: from a friend (Banana Republic)

leopard belt: thrifted

leggings: maternity - Old Navy

leopard flats: Aéropostale

blushing

This pretty blush lace dress is from PinkBlush Maternity. In an effort to not procure a whole new maternity wardrobe, I’ve been trying make very wise shopping choices (I think the Mr. thought I was banking on a whole new wardrobe – not the case. I didn’t break down and buy maternity pants til I was 17-18 weeks).

Enter this dress. It’s perfect for a baby shower, church, parties, tea parties, weddings, fancy  brunches, etc. Almost anything I might encounter before our little one arrives this summer (several brunches & luncheons are on the agenda, and a few baby & bridal showers, too). One of my favorite parts about this dress is that it was flattering at 20 weeks, is flattering at 26 (!!!) weeks, and I’m hoping when I’m almost full term, due to the full and swingy skirt.

This color is also pretty flattering (although I could definitely use a spray tan - yikes), and would complement many skin tones. I’ve paired it here with magenta/hot pink accessories, but it would be easy to change them up to nude, brown,  or perhaps printed shoes. This dress is pretty enough to wear to anything, yet not noticeable enough to be concerned about wearing it over and over.

I've linked to some similar dress and pieces on PinkBlush's site:

Ivory Lace Belted Dress (same dress, but in ivory)

Blush Pink Lace Tank Top (similar lace print in a tank top)

Blush Pink Floral Lace Dress (same style dress, in a different lace print)

dress: c/o PinkBlush Maternity, however, all opinions are my own

magenta wedges: ALDO