Outfits Not Just Clothes

In yesterday's post I reveled in the challenge of re-purposing my dresses into maternity tunics, but there are two sides to every outfitting coin and I'm finding work-appropriate maternity top options to be dwindling here as of late. I'm not a fan of actual maternity shirts because they really ONLY work with a bump. The close-fitting kind are just NOT flattering postpartum, and the more voluminous shirts are WAY too big after baby arrives. Plus, I find it hard to justify a new purchase (and get pumped for it) if I only have three more months to wear it.  So I'm looking to tunic options, particularly from ModCloth (I have a store credit) and in thinking ahead to the fall, wanting a shirt that'll see me through the rest of my pregnancy, during my postpartum period, and be a cute piece for my return to work.  Cast your votes in the comments!  A. Cotton Floral Tunic I have this same shirt in chambray, seen here  and here , so it's a proven piec...

I'm a big fan of both standard and novelty printed button-downs, especially to liven up everyday work wear, as seen here , here , and here .  And what better time to add to my roster of patterned shirts the now, to take advantage of those "Back to School" sales.  But, I'm having trouble deciding and need your help. Here are some of my top picks!  A. This Batik-esque is more of a summer-time print, but navy n' white are a season-less color-combo that works all year round! AND, it's on sale over at Wildfang ! B. Also from Wildfang this animal-printed beauty, which I think would totally rock with darker suit for fall & winter.   C. A third Wildfang option featuring sailboats, because sailboats! D. From Landsend , this shirt is no longer available in this print, but there are additional options to choose from. I like that this is a tunic and can be worn both for work and on the weekends.   E. From ModClo...

No, this post is not about fruit, but the online retailer Mango  which I've been browsing for almost a year. Last week I finally took the shopping plunge and scored some pieces from their current sale ! Trousers These jacquard suit trousers are going to be great this fall/winter. When shopping sales you have to think beyond the current season. The best deals are for off-season pieces. So while, this textured pair of pants would be disgusting during these hot and humid days, come holiday time they'll be chic and seasonally on the mark!  Gilet This men's style knit wear is the perfect " third piece " for the rule of three outfitting strategy . And, unlike the pants above it can be worn regardless of the season. Well, most of the time... a long, sweater-vest for the height of summer is probably not a good idea.  BUT, for adding some structure and polish to a basic dress, or pants-and-shirt ensemble it's perfect for 10 out of 12 months! Long B...

In this post I made mention of my go-to outfitting strategy for spring/summer '16-- boxier silhouettes with a lots of leg and athleisure-esque footwear.  So, in light of this discovery I've made some strategic purchases towards that outftting end. ModCloth This striped shirt is going to be great for work and I ordered up a size to ensure I can button it all the way without gap-age. You busty gals know I'm talkin' bout, amiright?   H&M  Similar to the shirt above, but more versatile being black n' white. And even though it can be a bit expected, I see this working with simple black leggings and ballet flats for a great quick n' easy go-to look!  H&M I am so EXCITED for this top!!!! I just want to shout "Pineapples!!!" This is going to  be such a fun piece this upcoming season. I'll pair it with my green drawstrings (seen here ) and maybe try to style it for an upcoming wedding in July. I'm all about the non-dress...