Tag: style

Style: Fall ’14
Some seasons feature palettes and silhouettes that I’m not crazy about, and I find myself not being drawn to any of it. The fall stuff that’s making its way to stores now though? So good! The prettiest colors, super-flattering cuts, and plenty of pieces that are feminine without being fussy.
1. Faraway Necklace, Madewell
  I bought this and the barrette (#7). I’m pretty over all of my old maternity wear by this point (one more month to go!), but the necklace updates my outfits a bit.
2. Mle Hagen — Undertaker Hat Blanc, Bona Drag
  I wish I was a hat person! I feel like it’s too ‘look’ much on me — a hat and glasses, without long hair to soften the effect. Brandon wears them regularly, but I know that if I bought one, I’d probably wear it twice and then it would just sit in my closet.
3. Anna Sheffield Rings, Bona Drag
  I’m linking to where I first found the rings above, but if you’re looking for an engagement (or otherwise really special) ring, it’s worth looking directly at the designer’s site too.
4. Sleeveless Drapey Top, J. Crew
  I wouldn’t have thought much of this if I’d only seen it online, but in the store I fell hard for them in all the different colors. Besides that lilac, “dusty pomegranate” was especially pretty.
5. Box-Pleat Dress, Zara
  I’d wear this with the hat and necklace.
6. Louise Bag, Claire V.
  A perfect size, with a luxe mix of materials.
7. Wide Metallic Barrette, J. Crew
  My hair is growing so quickly right now (thanks, pregnancy and prenatal vitamins!), so I’ve been pinning it back. This barrette is huge, but I quite like having a giant gold bar in my hair.
8. Graciela D’Orsay Shoes, Anthropologie
  Flats because they’re easy to wear, these because they’re lovely.
9. Twin Pearl Stud Earrings, Gem
  Ladylike with a little twist.
10. Fidji ‘L456’ Shoes, Nora’s Shoe Shop
  Excellent summer to fall shoes, and they’d be great when spring comes back around too. These would look good with skirts or with cropped pants, and that heel height is so walkable.
11. Dolman V-Neck Sweater, Talbot’s
  I saw this in the store window, and it’s perfectly drapey and in the best shade of pink. I’ve had a few sweaters with this same cut over the years, and it’s my favorite — always so flattering, and great with a pencil skirt.
12. Ivory Box-Pleat Skirt, Banana Republic
  Subtle pleats for the win.
August 11, 2014
What to Wear When Pregnant and Traveling
I wanted to look cute while traveling recently to France and Morocco, but I’m too far along to wear most of my regular stuff and I didn’t want to go out and buy a lot of new clothes. And now I’m posting this while on a quick trip New York. Really though, this post could have just been called “What to Wear When Pregnant,” as it’s pretty much the same thing — traveling or not! Two new pairs of cropped maternity pants have been the mainstay of my wardrobe, but some of what you see me wearing above is from when I was pregnant the first or second time around (or accessories that I’ve had for years), so I found suitable substitutes below.

Dresses

I think the easiest, and often most comfortable thing to wear when you’re pregnant is a dress. No weird elastic band around maternity pants to deal with (ugh), and you look instantly put together.
Tops and Bottoms

Tunics and cropped pants have been my friends on these trips. Pants in black or white look dressier than jeans, and everything still goes with one or the other. A blazer was handy for chilly nights.
Accessories

Accessories keep me from getting bored with my limited maternity wardrobe, so I like to bring a lot of them with me on trips. And here’s my fashion public service announcement: Pregnant ladies (and ladies that just like good shoes for walking a lot), do yourself a favor and buy those Worishofer sandals. They’re old-lady orthopedic shoes that had their heyday of grandma-chic a couple of years ago, but they’re still cute and they are super comfy.
July 16, 2014
Cute Maternity Swimsuits

I’d hoped to stretch the maternity wardrobe I already had since this is my third (and likely last) pregnancy, but this whole ‘summer’ thing is not making that easy. Eleanor was born in late April and August was born in February, so the clothes I had weren’t great for warm weather. I had to add a pair of shorts and a few short-sleeved shirts, and I picked up a few maxi tank dresses too. Also? Summer has necessitated a maternity bathing suit. I have worn my regular one (a red and white polka dot Esther Williams one-piece) while pregnant before, but I was not as far along then as I am now.

Blech, I thought. Maternity swimsuit shopping: do I need to bother? But then I actually found a cute one-piece that looks a lot like my normal suit! And actually, there were several cute options out there.
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June 11, 2014
Peek Inside my Tote Bag
Hi! Five months pregnant and looking the part!

dress: Old Navy (past season) • bracelet: kate spade new york (similar) • earrings: Small Sqare Studs, kate spade new york • glasses: Mallory, Warby Parker • bag: New York Francis Tote, c/o kate spade new york • shoes: Kate Spade Saturday (similar here and here)

I was sent a Francis Tote from kate spade new york and asked to share what I like to bring with me when I’m traveling. The bag is exclusive to their Hampton store, but it’s also carried online at Bloomingdales and Saks.

So, what’s in my bag when I’m on the go? I tend to pack light, mostly with what I have in my purse normally, plus a little extra something to read. Depending on where and with whom I’m going, I might have my laptop with me (in a cute laptop sleeve like this one), but I didn’t include it here. Let’s take a peek at what is inside…
- Holly Street Clear Francis Tote, c/o kate spade new york
  What better bag for a “what’s in my bag” post?
- Chambray Infinity Loop Scarf, fashionABLE
  I never fully hopped aboard the chambray trend, but this scarf goes with just about everything.
- Leather Sunglasses Case, Rebecca Minkoff
  Brandon gave me this case for Christmas a couple of years ago after I wrote about it here.
- Hepcat Shades, Madewell
  Well, if I already had the case, I had to go pick up the sunglasses from that post too, right?
- Photo Finish Odometer Coin Purse, c/o kate spade new york
  The perfect little pouch to have with you on a road trip! I have lipstick, a barrette (because I might be growing out my hair?), and a few other small things inside.
- Keys, with Tassel Keychain
  The funny thing about having a blog like mine is that you can go back and see when you got something. I’ve had this keychain since 2010, apparently. Still goin’ strong!
- Anthology Magazine, The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things (and How to Do Them), by Peter Sagal, a Notebook, and a Pen
  Something pretty to look through, something funny and quick to read, and something for jotting down notes. All set.
- Botanical Rose iPhone Case, Rifle Paper Co.
  I gave a matching case to my mom too, so we’re twinsies.
- Blood Orange & Honey Organic Hard Candy, Torie & Howard
  Pregnant, remember? I’m still craving orange/citrus all the live long day.
- Legacy Metallic French Purse Wallet, Coach
  Hello, wallet! I’ve had you since my first style post in 2008. You were a splurge, and I’d say well worth it, since you’re still around with no plans for replacement.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”64220″]

Make Waves in Rio

Now, as for where to go, how about Rio? Not for me, for you! Kate spade new york is offering up a trip for two to Rio, plus your own summery tote filled with goodies and $1000 to spend in their shop. You can find out more about the sweepstakes and enter here by June 1 for a chance to win. Good luck!

Sponsored by rewardStyle and kate spade new york
May 21, 2014
Verdant and Floriferous
It all started with the pillow. Then I saw that silk top on the same day, and I realized I had been seeing a lot of florals against white and cream backgrounds lately. This is good news for those of us who like to decorate as we dress, which is not at all weird, right? Right.
1. Claire Floral Pillow, Society Social
  How perfect would this floral be against stripes? Lovely against solid colors, too.
2. Jules Flutter Tunic, Steven Alan
  The sweetest top for little girls.
3. Equipment Kyle Top, Piperlime
  A pretty silk top to peek out from a blazer or cardigan, or to shine all on its own.
4. Edgeworth Sage Glasses, Warby Parker
  They may not work for everyone, but I think green glasses could be a flattering color.
5. Appeau Earrings, Anthropologie
  These are sort of goofy, as far as earrings go. Which is to say of course that they are fantastic.
6. Ecru Florentine Writing Paper Set, Paper Source
  Perfectly plain and simple, with an unexpected envelope liner for punch.
7. Floral Wreath Tea Towel, Terrain
  Dainty flowers to bring cheer to mundane tasks.
8. Claire Floral Tablecloth, Society Social
  They only come in a single square size, but can be layered for longer tables.
9. Birdsong Ring Set, Anthropologie
  Four rings to be worn stacked together, or separately.
May 19, 2014
Wardrobe Updates for Spring
Sponsored by Nordstrom Rack

I’m about halfway through this pregnancy now. As I grow, I’ve been sticking mostly to the maternity clothes I have from when I was pregnant the first time around with Eleanor, five years ago. Let’s just say… I’m not as excited about my wardrobe as one could be. Nordstrom Rack is now shoppable online, so I had some fun checking out the new site and putting together my favorite finds. I spotted a cute pair of straight leg maternity jeans, and below I concentrated on shoes, accessories, and jewelry. You know, the stuff that always fits.
1. Sugarlips Long Sleeve Blouse
  Ever so slightly sheer, and with a mandarin collar.
2. Eye Candy Los Angeles Green Rock Pendant
  I like the simplicity of jewelry that’s essentially a rock on a chain, with a little gold to hold it in place.
3. Michael Vincent Michaud Round Stud Earrings
  The imperfect gold setting makes these interesting.
4. Cole Haan Bellport Carryall Tote
  That punch pink is just so delicious, and perfect with a bit of leather trim.
5. Bucco Valentony Gladiator Sandal
  They go with black and brown, the straps are great, and hello, stripes! For $27. So awesome.
6. V Optique Pier Readers
  For those of you that only need readers (rather than glasses with a full prescription), these are a lovely shape.
7. Harlyn Silk Colorblock Pocket Shift Dress
  The easy shape of this is so perfect, especially from the back. And how cute are those pockets?
8. Dogeared Initial Ring
  I’d wear a stack with my kids’ initials, but I was chuckling thinking of what four letter words I might spell out, knuckle tattoo style.
9. Vince Camuto Diamond Pattern Ring
  A big ring with big impact.
10. Lucky Embroidered Square Scarf
  I am in favor of quirky details like the tassels, and the fabric is a gorgeous shade of pinkish red with embroidery.
11. Hobo Lorna Crossbody
  Big enough to carry everything without being bulky, and the green is a fun color.
12. Mixx Shuz Jane Ankle Strap Flat
  Yes to a bit of unexpected pattern at the heel.
Things sell out quickly, but new Nordstrom Rack goods for women, men, and kids are added to the site weekly, all at up to 70% off and with free shipping over $100. (Plus you have the option of taking things back to the store or sending them back by mail within 90 days, so returns are easy.) The sale events are powered by HauteLook and if you have an account there, you can use it for NordstromRack.com too. The shopping cart lets you add items from both sites, and they ship to the US, Canada, and Australia. And now that they’re online, it’s so much easier to keep an eye out for what’s new. I’d add that dress to my cart, but I think I’m already too big for it and it won’t be practical for nursing. I’m going to go for the scarf and sandals though! They should go a long way toward making my current maternity options a bit more fun.
May 15, 2014