Outfits Not Just Clothes

dress /necklace- Anthropologie (similar necklace here ), blazer-Gap(similar here ), bag- G.H. Bass , booties-Target(similar here ) You may recall this dress from this post . I ended up buying the same cut in blue, and I'm loving how this skims over the belly. Mr. Keller is loving how my boobs look in it, so everyone is a winner! I added a blazer, which is a simple trick to make a semi-casual dress office appropriate. The heels and statement necklace give some visual interest to the subdued palette of black and greyish beige. I'm still able to fit into "regular" clothes, which has been great, especially for work! Now, onto the poetry reading! I'm reading this Saturday the 24th, 4pm at the  Staghorn Garden Cafe on Greenfield Ave! I'll be reading with Vanessa German and will have copies of my chapbook Trestling for sale!

shirt- Style Mint , pants-H&M(similar here ), flats-Target(similar here ), necklace-ViVI(more options here ), bracelets/rings- Jewel Mint , bag- Longchamp These "harem" pants from H&M were kind of a impulse buy a few years ago and have become a great non-maternity option. Comfy, fun, and flattering I find myself reaching for them especially during the weekend to add some pattern to casual outfits. You'll definitely be seeing more of the "drapey" silhouettes here on the blog. The athleisure and pajama-chic trends are saving my satorial life this summer/second trimester. Plus I love the low-key mix of black, brown, and beige in this outfit AND how the "tribal" print of the pants is mirrored by the leopard-print flats. 

Totally using the clutch to hid the bump, very Grace Kelly of me, no?  blouse/clutch-Banana Republic(similar here  and here ) , skirt-Forever 21(similar here ), cardi- Piperlime (similarish here ), heels- Prabal Gurung for Target , necklaces- Jewel Mint , ring/bracelet- Le Tote I swear this is the last striped-theme post for the rest of the week. What, can I say? When I'm feeling a theme I run with it, as seen in these posts here , here , here , AND here . Beyond stripes, this statement "Tomboy" clutch is carried ironically, as this outfit is very feminine with the blouse, skirt, heels, and draped cardi. But that's part of the fun with statement pieces and mixing up styles. You can be a bit tongue-in-cheek with your outfit.  Now for some bump pics! In profile I'm all stomach, but straight on I can still "hide" my condition. This knit skirt will definitely be worn again during my pregnancy...

blazer-Gap(similar here ), pants- J.Crew , tank-Tart Collections via Le Tote (similar here ), loafers-Target(similar here ), watch-Michael Kors,(similar here ) necklace-Gifted I'm still on my stripes kick as seen last week in this post , this one , and here . But, this go round I'm sporting stripes in a professional outfit. Pinstripes especially, are always a smart choice for office wear. In general, stripes are one of those few types of patterns that can go between casual, professional, and in some cases formal-mostly for menswear with that last one. But, unlike say florals or polka dots, stripes can be a bit more flexible, and act as a neutral for a variety of occasions and outfits. Case in point, you may recognize this top from this weekend look , here it's serving for a work ensemble. There's all the proof you need for versatility of stripes!  Okay, I promise one more stripes post this week, then I'll give it a rest.