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

Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner review

On Consuming Parenthood, I have a post up about my "pregnancy hair" and the impact of a new conditioner from Dove. The conditioner is called Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner and I was offered to review it by BlogHer. Check it out here.

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