Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), blouse-Anthropoloige(similar here ), pants- Gap Maternity , necklace-Gifted(more options here via Bauble Bar ), flats-Dr. Scholls(similar here ), rings-Jewel Mint(more options here via Poshmark ) I got this novelty-print button-down for my return to work after having my last baby. And it's still going strong while I'm cooking up my current baby. Overall this OOTD is another iteration of my style uniform--trousers, blazer, printed shirt. Which just goes to show, you don't have to sacrifice your personal style when you're expecting. You just have to reconfigure a few pieces here and there to keep your outfitting game rolling!  Also, I'm loving how the raindrop print pops against this bright yellow background, don't you?! 

blazer-Uniqlo(more options here ), dress-Gap Maternity(similarish here ), flats-Dr. Scholl's(similar here ), necklace-Jewel Mint(available here via Poshmark ) I picked up this pocketed maternity shift in the dead of winter and am so happy to FINALLY get to bust it out here for spring. For work, I paired it with a striped knit blazer for a nod to nautical style and threw in a bit of print mixing with these polka-dotted flats. We're coming down to the wire with approx 6 weeks until this baby is due to arrive. I'm starting to scrap the bottom of the outfitting barrel, but with warmer days ahead I plan on living in a lot of dresses and drawstrings. It'll almost be like a capsule wardrobe challenge, maternity addition!

cardigan-J. W. Anderson for Uniqlo(more cardis here ), "tunic"-Style Mint(similar here from Everlane ). pants- Gap Maternity , boots-H&M(similar here ) So I just found out about  National Stripe Appreciation Day coming up here on Saturday, the 31st! 😀 Which is something as a stripe aficionado I can really get behind, even if it IS just a made-up day to promote the New Spring Arrivals at J.Crew . Of course, stripes are for every season and go great with other prints like the Fair Isle neckline on this sweater. And while this striped top used to be a T-shirt dress, it now serves as a tunic for my growing baby bump, much like the mini-dress from this post . There are quite a few challenges to endure while pregnant (I'll spare you the gory details) but one that I actually enjoy is re-calibrating my style and finding new ways to wear pieces, like this T-shirt dress, that is now a tunic, until further notice.  There you have it folks, stripes...

bomber-similar from Violeta here ), shirt-Mango(more gingham options here ), pants-Gap Maternity, boots- Sam Edelman via Nordstrom , necklace-similar options here from Nordstrom For this first day of spring my OOTD is all about the mix of gingham with floral. In my mind, prints like checks, stripes, polka dots, and gingham are really neutrals, especially when rendered in basic shades like black and white, hence they can be easily paired with more busy/elaborate prints, like these darkly-hued tropical blooms. Of course, here in Pittsburgh it may be officially spring, but we're actually in the transitional season of " sprinter " where it's spring, but still feels wintery. So why, the patterns in this outfit speak to the spring, the covered up layers and waterproof boots make it very functional for the forecast. And yes, I did wear my Columbia Sportswear Coat OVER this ensemble because, it's chilly out! 

cardigan-J.Crew(a fun option here ), shirt-Style Mint(similar here via Poshmark ), pants- Gap Maternity , boots-H&M(similar here ) I've received a bit of good-natured Where's Waldo teasing about this red n' white striped top, especially when I've worn it with jeans. But, when paired with this red n' navy striped cardi and slim-cut maternity trousers it makes for a great pregnancy OOTD with some of my favorite features, i.e stripes & pockets! So far, I've been able to wear mostly non-maternity clothes, much like my last pregnancy, it's mostly in the pants department where I've made the switch. For me, I can't justify the low cost-per-wear when it comes to maternity blouses, sweaters, etc. Of course, when you opt for oversized versus maternity wear you do run the risk (so to speak) of obscuring your bump, which can be it's own puzzle of "Where's the Baby?" HA! See what I did there? 😜 ...