Outfits Not Just Clothes

Spring has sprung and while the temps have been up and down, I've been busting out all sorts of springtime prints, like the mix of vibrant florals and stripes in this blouse. I got this from a personal shopping appointment at my local Nordstrom . You may recall those dressing room selfies from this Instagram post .   Love the drama of this full sleeve and drape from the half-tuck.  Not just a mix of floral and stripe, but different stripes and flower prints patchworked in one garment.  coat-J.Crew(similar here ), turtleneck shell- Gap , blouse-Nordstrom(more options here ), trousers-Banana Republic(more options here ), belt- Amazon , boots- Nine West While the blouse is quite the statement piece of this outfit, these purple pants are nothing to slouch at. Wider-leg silhouettes have been on trend for several years/seasons. I still deeply 💓 a cropped trouser, but a longer-fuller, yet still tailored pant can take a stroll down my style alley, as seen here last fall ....

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), shirt-Anthropologie(similar here ), pants-Uniqlo(similar here ), flats- Gap I'll readily admit that I don't really feel like myself without my personal style. Lately my style has been wavering (at least in my own estimation) as my body is still transitioning/settling after having baby #2. Not being able to fit into my clothes, especially workwear, has given my self esteem quite a blow, which you can read more about here .  Also, what the F is happening with my hair?  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I only feel good about myself when I look a certain way. OR, that I need to look a certain way in order to have self worth. What I'm saying that I'm currently in the midst of negotiating a new sense of myself(what with motherhood and getting older in general) and how I want/can reflect/express that in my personal style.  Speaking of which, this OOTD is yet another iteration of m...

We are now at the beginning of the end. That's right the 3rd trimester and I have made some discoveries about maternity wear. First off, this is all about personal preference and individual body/bump type. Yes, there are different types of bumps, just like there are different body types and this becomes extremely apparent when shopping for/trying on maternity bottoms. I ordered these black jeans at month 4.  J.Crew Side-Panel View You can see in the close-up that the front pockets have been replace by stretchy side panels to accommodate the growing abdomen. I wore these jeans several times and found them to be quite functional. However, now they are starting to get a bit tight... Gap Shorts These "low-slung" shorts were also ordered around month 4 and I've been wearing them throughout the summer. They are still very comfortable and getting some use even now in September(check back tomorrow for that post...).  They also have the panels set alo...

Saturday, August 3rd I'll be giving a lecture on personal style and figure-flattering fashion! This event is free and open to the public. So, if you are in the Pittsburgh area and free from 3-5 Saturday August 3rd then get on down to the Oakland (main) branch of the Carnegie Library !  Official event and contact details here .  I'll be presenting in the Quiet Reading Room on the first floor.  Be ready to learn some tricks and tips for revving up your style AND dressing for your body shape. Additional talking points will be fueled by audience questions and concerns.  Check it out on facebook  here . NOW, the big concern for me (besides actually putting together the presentation) is WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!?!?!  I honestly, have no clue, and while I'm currently on vacation I really can't bring myself to think about it. But some things I'm keeping in mind: 1) This event is on  August 3rd, so it'll probably be hot and humid. 2) I HAVE to ...