July 30, 2012

One of the last things that still fits... (sort of) OOTD


My summery clothes that don't have elastic waists have been sorely neglected all season. Every time I try to make something work, I'm left with stuck zippers, snug bodices, and belly-shortened lengths. So when I had to go to campus for an orientation event, I was really nervous. Most of my colleagues still do not know that I'm pregnant. It isn't at all a secret but the semester's end happened to correspond with a time when I wasn't showing at all. Picking something somewhat professional from my remaining regular clothes was really tough. I went with this black Theory dress which fit (sort of). Honestly, until I saw these photos I didn't realize how bust-emphasizing this dress had become in my current physical state.


In retrospect, I'm glad that the overly air conditioned buildings necessitated a cardigan for my meetings.

I'm not even a huge fan of summer clothing and I find myself sad to see my regular wardrobe options dwindle. Fall, which is my favorite clothing season, is going to be even more difficult.

Outfit details:
Theory dress (similar here)
Kate Spade Daycation totebag (current season here; similar here)
Miu Miu jeweled flats (current season here; similar here)
Redraven Studios Bib Necklace
Michael Kors watch (buy it here)
Misc. bamboo enamel bracelets

p.s. Thank you for all the kind words generated from my previous post. I'm so excited to raise a strong, smart, stylish child!

July 28, 2012

Sex reveal (cross posted)

I'm of the perspective that neutral baby things are ideal for first pregnancies, after all if your family expands further it is great for your items to be versatile. I also just enjoy neutral, bright colors. Pastels are pretty but in my own personal (and clumsy) experience, pretty shows more dirt, spills, messes, and stains.

Still, I am a little too excited to keep the sex of the fetus a secret until December. And Chris and I are a little too impatient to wait for a surprise (though we admire deeply the parents who do wait! When else in your life can you experience such an incredible moment of shared surprise?!). So, I am thrilled to announce what we're having (which confirms the suspicions and instincts of many of our family and friends, all along)!


My mom presented me with this bracelet that she purchased in the hospital gift shop when we were told what we're having during my anatomy ultrasound. I laughed through happy tears and asked if she had a blue one too, just in case. She said she didn't think she'd need it. Although she had a 50% chance of being right, I am still fairly amazed by her insistence throughout my pregnancy.

I still gravitate toward neutral items and (as a person mindful about gender fluidity) will be resistant to gender-normative ideas regarding character and personality traits while the fetus remains in utero and through her earliest months and years of life. But it is hard to deny the epic adorable that is girl baby clothing!

Thank you for all the kind words and messages of support along the way. It's been really heartening to hear from other women who have already begun their families, who plan to begin a family, and/or who are enthusiastic about others' choices to begin families. It means a lot to me. xo

July 27, 2012

Mostly impractical (for me right now) wishlist



Although I have no clue how my body will change as a result of carrying a pregnancy to term, I cannot help but browse, especially when there are so many sales every weekend. It would be great to be back into my regular summer clothes for next summer but I also want to be open minded with regard to how things may shift. I don't know that my waist will return to its former (relative to the rest of me) small state.

Just because I am uncertain about how my body will turn out doesn't mean my tastes have changed much. Above is a compilation of some current sale favorites from across the retail cyberspace. My favorite are the Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs animal themed shoes (mouse flats, someday you will be mine!).

July 26, 2012

Elastic OOTD


Over the last few months of pregnancy, I have amassed a small but useful collection of elastic waisted skirts. Each of them has served me well in many contexts, from formal occasions to casual ones. The above (called the "Fresh Cut Skirt") was an Anthro sale buy. I grabbed a 10 but it runs big so even while pregnant, an 8 would have been fine too. I appreciate its slightly asymmetrical hemline and the rich greens of the print. It has pockets and is fully lined. I imagine you might be able to still track one down in store but it is sold out online. I am learning that with my thickening middle, I probably shouldn't rely on the same outfit shapes that I used to but, old habits die hard. To peep more detailed belly photos, you can check my pregnancy blog here.


Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs top
Anthropologie Fresh Cut Skirt
Tory Burch Revas in pink (current season version)

July 24, 2012

Flared Anabelle Dress Review


When I first spotted the Flared Anabelle Dress, it called to mind the New Look silhouette. Its below-the-knee length, fitted and slightly high waist, and generous skirt comprise apparent vintage inspiration. I didn't realize it was offered in petite lengths until I checked it out on the Anthropologie website. I love the drama of the catalog shot they include! I am unfamiliar with the brand, called Mabel by Some Odd Rubies. But I thought the dress was pretty stunning even if it made me look a little stumpy. The quality seemed to be very good. It is fully lined. I tried on an 8 which fit well, despite my nearing the end of the first trimester at the time these photos were taken. For this reason I would say it runs large. Large but also short waisted. I am already short waisted and this particular style made me long for a belt and for a bit more length in the dress's torso. While I find the dress to be stunning it is not for me personally. I look forward to seeing it styled by others because I think it has great potential.

July 23, 2012

Quick Dressing Room OOTD


This Fluttering Flora dress has become my go-to number for the recent wedding shower I attended, an admissions/orientation event on campus, brunch, and a going away party for my friends. It gets a lot of compliments and still manages to fit my ever-growing waistline. Very into it!

Details:
Fluttering Flora dress from Anthropologie
Kate Spade bag (current season versions on sale here and here (for the second one, use code ME for an extra 20% off! Valid today and tomorrow on everything at Piperlime)
Michael Kors watch
Redraven Studios necklace
Vintage bracelet
Delman Wonder striped flats (similar here, here, and here)

Apothica/SkincareRX Giveaway Winner!


There weren't many entries this giveaway so the odds were stacked in favor of those of you who did participate. I personally made my own recent Apothica order and am thrilled with my Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner as well as my Laura Geller lipgloss. I am sure the winner will put her giftcard to good use!

The winner was drawn via Random.Org.


Congratulations to comment number 8, from Rebecca Lately!


Please email me (jesspgh at gmail) to claim your prize! Thank you to Apothica/SkincareRX/Skinbotanica for providing the prize and to all the contestants for entering! I will be back with another great giveaway soon!

July 20, 2012

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!



Although it was launched in a preview for cardholders a few days ago, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now public. This is the annual sale where, as Carol put it, you have the opportunity to buy next season's items at a discount now. That's pretty rare! As an avid sale shopper, I tend to buy things I can wear right away. So if you shop the clothing in this sale, some of these goodies will have to be put away until fall. The early discounts are hard to resist.

Personally I tend to stock up on basics like solid color cardigans, underwear, Spanx tights, and things that I know are useful but that don't necessarily go on sale all the time. Plus, if you shop your store or even the sale section of the website, the summer clothes are being clearanced so you will find more than just next season on a discount. Here are my favorites from the current season sales:


Also, The Outnet Clearance (posted about here) is an additional 20% off! Lots of cool things remain so it might be worth the time to browse. Happy shopping!

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