Pregnant in Boden Glenda Dress

My pregnancy with my daughter occurred during a time when I was in the thick of an ongoing retail fascination with all things Anthropologie. As a result, I documented my attempts to try to make Anthropologie pieces work throughout my pregnancy. You can read through my "pregnant in Anthropologie" series by clicking here.

Over the last few seasons, Anthropologie's style and mine seemed to head in different directions so I bought less and less from them. Even my old favorites sort of feel different from my place in life at this point. I should probably do a big eBay purge eventually.

This time around, I am wearing a lot of non-maternity Boden pieces. Boden actually used to have a maternity line, though they don't seem to carry anything maternity-specific at the moment. Still, they offer plenty of stretchy dresses that bridge my changing body shape and my style nicely. As a result, as I've settled into the second trimester, I've been rotating through a lot of Boden pieces. I've only broken out my maternity dresses here and there. Since I'm just over halfway through this pregnancy, I'm sure I'll be needing actual maternity clothes more and more and I'm glad I waited so that what I have doesn't get as much of a chance to bore me.

Outfit details:
Boden Glenda dress (still available and on clearance! Plus it will work for nursing!)
Spanx tights (Which I'm still wearing because they come up very high and feel nice and supportive on my belly. But I'm guessing they won't do much to hold in said belly after getting all stretched out from being worn during pregnancy... Oh well!)
Sam Edelman Petty booties

Stuck indoors OOTD

Although I have a course release this term, my teaching days are very hectic. I have a 10-15 minute break between classes. Sometimes less if students linger with questions afterwards. By the end of the day I'm exhausted and it's too dark and cold to take an outdoor photo. I wore this old favorite Kate Spade dress with a slightly less old Anthropologie sweater on a recent teaching day. It already is too small to wear again any time soon. My waistline is expanding much faster during this pregnancy. I've heard that is common. But I have yet to bring out my bin of maternity clothes. I will probably do it in March.

I know it's been a long time since I've updated but I'm still working on my book and on top of teaching I am busy with consulting, committees, and a hefty helping of ongoing pregnancy exhaustion. Hopefully it will ease up some day soon.

Details:
Kate Spade dress
Anthropologie cardigan
Spanx tights
Tory Burch flats

Favorite Outfits of Pregnancy

For me, 2012 was most memorable because of Emilia. Even before her arrival, my life began changing in ways both large and small. Dressing a transitioning body was just one of the mundane aspects of change.

Outfitting my pregnant body was challenging because I couldn't rely on emphasizing my waist... at least not in the same manner to which I was accustomed. Here are some of my favorite pregnancy ensembles:

As I look at some of my belly photos (see them on my pregnancy and parenthood blog) and pregnancy ensemble posts I feel a lot of amusement and nostalgia. I think it's very funny that I legitimately believed I was visibly pregnant at like 16 or even 12 weeks. Unless outsiders were scrutinizing my body with the same level of intensity reserved for female celebrities, I just looked like I had a big lunch. Sure, my body was changing. But visibly pregnant to strangers, I was not. And my wardrobe reflected that. Until I got to the third trimester I could mostly avoid maternity clothes because stretchy fabrics and empire waist maxi dresses were everywhere last summer. Some of my maternity pieces became fast favorites and I already lament no longer having my prominent bump to fill them (as silly as that might sound...). I am still wearing a few of them particularly when they are nursing friendly. I will be writing about that soon enough. Nursing-friendly wardrobes might be even more difficult to assemble than maternity wardrobes!

Anyway, Happy New Year and thank you so much for reading in 2012!

Professorial Pregnancy Part 3: In the trenches

Thank goodness for self-effacing jokes in the classroom to lighten the awkwardness of my exacerbated clumsiness! I've never described myself as a graceful person but this decreased depth perception has made moments of my physical classroom presence into a classic slapstick comedy. For example, when I literally ran belly-first (ouch!) into the empty desk I was trying to maneuver around, I felt compelled to remark aloud that "I used to fit through there." It was a big hit. Thank goodness also for kind and sympathetic students!

In addition to obvious physical differences like the fact that I feel tired on my feet sooner than ever before, I've faced some moments that push toward the edges of my professional boundaries. For instance, I've had to navigate through far more personal questions from understandably curious and well-intentioned people than I'm used to at work. In most circumstances, these are folks who would  be removed from the details of my private health circumstances.

Pregnancy feels so personal (even alienating, at times) and yet in many ways beyond one's control, it morphs further and further into public view. It becomes fodder for public commentary. I have the good fortune of being surrounded by many enthusiastic loved ones with who I feel my pregnancy is shared. Physically, I may be the only one who experiences it as a constant, evolving visceral state but those feelings of excitement and anticipation bond me to my family, immeasurably.

As I remarked in part 2, these later stages of pregnancy announce themselves on my behalf. Pregnancy becomes public knowledge because that transitioning/transitioned body makes it so. And its public-yet-unspoken announcement might even yield gossip. 

It is perhaps no surprise that my female students seem especially interested in the details of my pregnancy. I find it endearing but also complex. Rarely do I have time to suspend my sense of humility and dwell on the fact that professors often serve as role models for their students. For younger professors who perhaps seem more approachable to their students, the boundaries of professionalism might be tested if they're not held firm. But pregnancy blurs the boundaries of public with private, creating a space for personal and forthcoming conversations.

Since learning of my pregnancy, students have asked me things about my personal life that in other contexts would probably make me bristle. Their excitement is at times palpable and I can't help but feel gratitude and empathy. I realize from my own experience of being a student that this is a curious, question-provoking event. I also know that I looked up to many of my professors. I don't mean to inflate or exaggerate my influence but on some level, it kind of comes with the job.

Through all my years of post-secondary schooling I only encountered one pregnant professor. I remember vividly the day that she shared her news with us. We actually cheered! It was in the middle of the term and I hadn't noticed that her belly had grown with each passing week until she mentioned it. It felt supremely fun and exciting to be in on something so personal with her. It reminded me of how my own mom always remembered with fondness the students she taught the year she was pregnant with me (her firstborn). I imagine that some day I will look back on this semester with similar nostalgia. I also know that there is something anticipatory and unique about being taught by a pregnant professor.

In informal polls of friends and relatives, only a handful of them recalled having pregnant professors in their post-secondary education. On some level I realize that my very on-campus existence is a bit of a novelty. But thankfully, college students are wrapped up in their own lives, schedules, and responsibilities. So I don't mean to project some enhanced opportunity for impact through representation. The reality is there are far more blasé attitudes about this than anything else. And that is a good thing. I want the quality of my instruction to make a bigger impression than the size of my belly. But I still can't help but wonder about how I'm perceived by students and colleagues. Especially now that my body speaks for me...

If you went to/are in college, did you ever have a pregnant professor? If you are an educator, have you ever taught while pregnant?

Outfit details:
Anthro top and skirt
Chloé flats

Quick Primary Colors OOTD

I wore this to campus to teach. Fluttering Flora has been a staple of my "Pregnant in Anthropologie" wardrobe because I bought the gray gently used via ebay, early into pregnancy. I was excited to see the deep sale cuts to the dress and nabbed it in blue. I paired it with fall versions of primary colors and am surprised and glad it still worked, despite the size of my belly.

Click to check in on my week by week belly shots.

Outfit Details:
Fluttering Flora dress from Anthropologie
J. Crew Factory Rosette cardigan (similar)
Wolford tights (buy them here or here)
Ferragamo Varina flats in Oxblood (buy them here or here)
Redraven Studios bib necklace; Kors watch (here or here); Linea Pelle studded wrap bracelet

BTW, I have been having some issues with Disqus commenting and apologize if you have tried to comment without success and/or had your comment eaten by this unfortunately buggy comment client. I've been told the issue is resolved but I am still contemplating a return to Blogger since it now allows replies. Thanks for bearing with me!

Emphasizing the shape of things

When the Bailey 44 column dresses were finally seeing markdowns at Anthropologie (cap sleeved here; tank here; scrolled here), it was just too hard to resist. I ordered what was available that seemed like it could fit a pregnant body without factoring in that 1. I don't really wear BRIGHT RED and 2. I don't really know if I want to "show" that much of myself. Being pregnant gives some women more body confidence than ever before because the body is doing remarkable things. But for me, on many of my more emotional days, my body feels unrecognizable. When your wardrobe is cultivated to emphasize a relatively small waist (the way the bulk of my pre-pregnancy clothes are), it can be a little disorienting to watch your waist change so much in such a relatively short time frame.

So in many ways, my Bailey 44 buy was an experiment. Incidentally, I was able to track down one of the purple versions which I tried and reviewed a while ago. But the red went back. I'm too much of a wallflower to pull it off, pregnant or not. We'll see if I wear the purple while my stomach continues to grow. If not, I am confident it will be a great piece for next fall!

Professorial Pregnancy Part 1: the body as a text

The professorial body is a text read and judged by student subjects as well as faculty and staff colleagues. So when that professorial body is both (cisgendered*) female and pregnant, it can feel as though all scrutiny intensifies. For me this sense of intensification has yielded both awkwardness as well as opportunity. In this (currently 3-part) series I will be sharing my ideas and experiences of being a pregnant professor.

When I teach I am often in front of the room, with students facing forward. I don't sit down much unless I am evaluating presentations or we are conducting the seminar/discussion portion of our meetings. In many ways it can be difficult to not feel as though I am on display. But through repetition and trial and error, I became used to display. Eventually, I didn't think too much about it.

I have written before about how I've tried to balance my stylish interests with academic professionalism, particularly as I transitioned from "student" to "faculty." And I've feared that if/when my clothing became a subject for discussion (even positive or complimentary), appearance ventured toward the realm of distraction. In most professional settings, when self-expression becomes too distracting it can pose untold problems to the professional.

When I found out I was pregnant and calculated that my third trimester would correspond closely with my fall semester, I became a little apprehensive. For me, this has marked yet another  professional context with which I am unfamiliar. And just recently, I began to feel confident and settled in my visual professional identity.

With no certain knowledge of how I would "carry," how my body would change, which parts of me would grow, etc., I took comfort in wardrobe. After all, wardrobe can be a venue for visual performative control, barring the usual budget realities and financial limitations. Part 2 will discuss this process of exerting control via wardrobe.

Above is what I wore on the first day of class.

Details:
Montserrat dress from Anthropologie
J. Crew Factory Cardigan
Anthropologie belt
Chloé zipper flats
Redraven Necklace (c/o); Kors watch; Starfish cuff

*To clarify, a person who is cisgender does experience less scrutiny than a person who is trans but being female is still the marked category within a binary framework for gender.

Some outfits from the summer

With Labor Day behind us, I wanted to share a few outfits I never got around to posting. Both are from earlier in my second trimester so in both I look smaller than I do today. But with the temperatures still swelling, I expect I will be recycling these looks for a few more weeks. Thank goodness for elastic waistbands.

A surprising plus of this pregnancy has been last summer's clutch purchase of the Ancient Myths maxi skirt from Anthropologie. I didn't anticipate how useful its stretchy ruched waist would become. I've worn it often and the print is just distracting enough to feel like a decent belly mask.

Less adept at masking was this Max Studio foldover waist skirt with Bailey 44 column-esque stripes. Although the stripes trick the eye, because I didn't tuck my tee, the belly is pretty obvious.

Outfit 1:
Ancient Myths Maxi Skirt from Anthro, summer 2011 (similar)
Gap tee
BP sandals from Nordstrom

Outfit 2:
MaxStudio maxi skirt from Marshalls (similar)
Gap tee
Kate Spade Daycation tote (recent version on sale here)
Etro sunglasses

A late summer wedding in Shabby Apple Maternity

Last weekend, my family and I ventured to the beautiful Hartwood Acres Mansion, north of Pittsburgh to celebrate the wedding of my cousin's first born. The weather was perfect and the grounds were spectacular. I was eager to wear my aptly named Anticipation Dress from Shabby Apple's adorable maternity line.

It's hard to come by stylish maternity clothing that still suits my aesthetics and tastes. But this dress hits all the marks. It has unique details at the neckline, to draw attention upward. It has a flattering a-line shape with generous room for a growing belly (for reference, I was a day shy of 26 weeks pregnant here). The fabric stretches just enough to be forgiving while maintaining a sense of structure. By the end of a hot day it did show some wrinkles but I still felt comfortable and put together. And by adding a belt, I was able to showcase what is left of my waist. The dress features a side zip and is long enough to maintain modesty, even after a pregnant stomach is tucked beneath it.

 My sister and I didn't plan this but we totally matched!

I am also drawn to the pleated bodice of Shabby Apple's Fruitful dress. I love the orange color for a fall maternity wardrobe. I wish more vintage inspired boutiques offered maternity clothing options! I am grateful Shabby Apple has the selection they do.

I can't wait to debut this pretty dress on campus. Despite the fancy neckline, I think I can style it for my workplace. One of the benefits of working in the university context is that you are afforded more flexibility to be creative with clothes.

BTW, this week's belly shots are up on my pregnancy blog. 

Outfit details:
Shabby Apple Anticipation Dress (c/o)
Anthropologie belt (similar here)
Saks Fifth Avenue pumps
Vintage Chanel flap (vintage chanel bag here; tromp l'oeil tote here; similar style here)
Kors watch; vintage necklace, starfish cuff

Pregnant in Anthropologie: Montserrat dress

When it went on a second cut I couldn't resist the temptation of the Montserrat dress. Even though my second trimester stomach has made maternity clothing an increasing necessity, I hoped buying a size up would allow me to wear it postpartum. Much to my delight, the generous pleating and full (non-petite) length work for now, too.

I know this one won't be getting any third trimester play, after all it has a side zip. But I did get to wear it for my first day of teaching (styled different, as you'll see in an upcoming post). And I am happy to have it in my closet for the future!

Same thing, again?!

Fluttering Flora dress

Now that I'm more than six months pregnant fitting into anything with a button or zipper near my midsection feels like an incredible novelty. That this dress still zips and feels comfortable has me reaching for it on the regular. So I'm wearing basically the same thing I've worn, multiple times on this blog. I even ordered the navy version because it went on sale at Anthropologie.

For other pregnant Anthrophiles, I think it's useful to know that this particular piece does have a seamed waistline but it is a forgiving one. The entire dress, including the very soft cotton lining has stretch to it. I bought a size up from my pre-pregnancy size (a deal on ebay while the dress was still full price) and it has been a great second trimester garment. It also is a piece that can be easily layered to hide the bump if that is a concern.  Even now, from the front I don't think I especially look pregnant in it. Its easy a-line shape is a great camouflage. The one thing I should caution is that I am not very tall (5'3"). And a growing belly shortens most everything. This is less of an issue if you have legs you don't mind highlighting and/or if it is tight season. But it still seems important to point out. I see it working well as part of my postpartum winter wardrobe. It is definitely an all star dress in which to be pregnant in Anthropologie.

Outfit details:
Fluttering Flora dress
Delman Wonder flats (similar)
Kate Spade Daycation bag (current season options on sale)
Redraven necklace (c/o), vintage bracelet, Kors watch

Slanted and bumpy stripes OOTD

When I saw the Slanted Layers top in Anthropologie stores, it was after it already made it to a temporary sale. I liked the length and hoped that the pattern could trick the eye enough to flatter an increasingly visible pregnant belly. I tried it on (in large) and it seemed great as a maternity top. Very stretchy, long enough to not require constant fussing, and more attractive than the majority of legit maternity tops I had tried recently. I bought one for the discounted price and have been very pleased with the purchase. I wear it a lot and although it doesn't hide my bump (which would be hard to do at this point) it emphasizes it in what I hope is an inoffensive manner.

I wore this to go shopping with my mom and sister. They hadn't seen me for a few weeks so it was fun to debut a bigger belly. To follow the progress of my belly, you can browse the week by week section of my pregnancy blog.

Details:
Anthropologie Slanted Layers top
Gap "always skinny" cropped maternity jeans (not so cropped on me, somehow; btw, that name... ugh)
Coach flats
Kate Spade Daycation Bon Shopper in NYC street map print
Kors watch; MBMJ bracelet

Scalloped Stripes in Red review

Scalloped Stripes Dress in red

I don't typically bother to review different colorways of the same dress but because I really loved the look of the Scalloped Stripes Dress, I wanted to give more practical color options a chance. The first time I tried it, my Anthropologie store only had it in white and I instinctively grabbed my pre-pregnancy size while pregnant. That was a mistake (duh). Not only was it too small but I thought it was slightly sheer in some parts. This time I grabbed a red in large and it was a much better fit, with thicker-seeming fabric. The large fit well even though I was nearly 6 months pregnant. There wasn't a lot of room to grow though. The good news is that it also comes in XL. I might need to nab the brown color which I think will be amazing for fall and will fit through at least part of my third trimester.

Pregnant in Anthro: Primary Colors

I bought this dress on ebay recently. It was previously not an item that made my wishlist but now that I am pregnant, I seek out pieces with stretchy panels and room to grow. This one has a ruched elastic back, making it possible to fit my 24 week belly. I first saw it on a blogger named Katie who sported a great deal of Anthropologie throughout her second and into her third trimesters.

I've long suspected that a lot of Anthropologie pieces might work for a transitioning body. The flowy shapes and elastic fabrics offer room to grow. And although not everything that I thought would be useful has been a success, I figured it made sense to share with others what has worked for me (and what might work for them) so I am calling these posts "pregnant in anthro." I am also looking for other bloggers who shared maternity options that worked for them while pregnant. I know Molly did a great post with a bunch of other anthro-fans sporting full bellies (check out Anthrobumpogie here). She also had an amazing Anthro-centric maternity fashion series that you can scroll through here.

For my week by week belly photos you can follow on my pregnancy blog.

Details:
Anthropologie "Anchors Aweigh" dress (another cute and bump friendly yellow dress here)
Gap cropped cardi (similar)
Michelle Franz bag (similar)
Chloé flower flats (similar)