Untucked OOTD

For a long time I felt like I was "supposed to" tuck in my top if I was wearing a skirt. The reasoning tied to a notion that I should try most often to emphasize my waist. Perhaps this was the influence of watching too many episodes of What Not to Wear? At any rate, my postpartum waist understandably is thicker than before. And with those changes come the opportunity to play with different shapes and styles. I have long been suspect toward the idea that flattering is defined narrowly as "that which makes you look smallest." I feel like I am flattered also by the comfort that comes from settling into a motherhood style that is more relaxed, more self-assured, and more willing to acknowledge the necessity of machine-wash-ability.

Details:
Target sweater
Off Fifth house brand skirt
Spanx tights
Delman Wonder flats

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

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)

One trick pony

Juicy Couture dress from Gabriel Brothers (years ago)

Delman wedges

Anthro blouse and belt

I keep expecting the heat to break and I keep finding things that look nice with the back porch blouse so I am indeed a one trick pony lately. When I'm not wearing cover-ups, cotton skirts, or my favorite Old Navy shorts with a tank top, I'm wearing some version of the above.

What I ended up wearing to the faculty retreat

Ancient Myths maxi skirt

Limited (via Gabes) dress shirt

Delman wedged sandals (via Gabes, via Erin of Shoe Love)

I was very grateful for the input everyone offered about the appropriate attire for a faculty retreat. It became clear that if I wore the Babergh, I was going to be too dressed up and uncomfortable for a full day of strategic planning meetings in July. People were dressed less casually than I predicted so I fit right in, wearing the cotton Theory dress on day one. But I noticed many of my female colleagues wearing bright colors and maxi skirts with sandals. For day two, I took their lead. It was less hot and I was quite comfortable! I feel a little stumpy to be wearing a maxi length, but I love the print so much that I decided to keep this skirt.

Weekend Dinner OOTD: Leifsdottir Dress

I met up with some friends for dinner last Friday and had a blast catching up. It had been far too long and I wish I could post a photo of the fantastic MBMJ dress one of my friends wore. I didn't have my camera, sadly. I wore a repeat of the Cathedral Garden/Curled Zinnea dress by Leifsdottir and paired Anthropologie somewhat uncreatively with more Anthropologie by way of Gabriel Brothers: Delman Mercedes sandals. I carried a bag by Balenciaga.

Tomorrow I'll have an update with the outfits I wore to the various "new faculty" orientations/events this week. Among many other academic bloggers, I am participating in the Fashionable Academics Back to School Conference! Be sure to also check out Panel 1 and the list of participants.

Lastly, the very stylish blog, Breakfast at Gigi's is having a giveaway for a $50 giftcard to anthropologie! Check it out here!

The Spoils of Estalking: F/W 2k6 Anna Sui Peter Pan Dress

Two Fridays ago, I confessed that I was in love with a few dresses that got away. Among them was an Anna Sui dress from F/W 2006 that had what I consider to be the ultimate peter pan collar.

Soon after that entry I decided to run an ebay store search and randomly came upon the dress, two sizes below what I typically wear, but for a good price. According to the listed measurements it seemed like it *could* fit. So I contacted the seller to make an offer, rationalizing that if I got an even better price on it, then I could just take a chance.

And they said yes, much to my surprise! So I got the dress on Friday.

Well it basically fits. Except it is SO SHORT! I do not have the gams to pull off such a mini. I am going to try to creatively layer until I come up with a magic dress lengthening strategy. You can see the apprehension in my face. Also pictured are my new Delman flats! And a special guest spot by my extra dusty mirror!

Delman Wonder Flats In Navy and Gold Suede: RIP Pitt Basketball 2k9

Another Pitt-inspired purchase arrived today, just one mail call day short of our now-defunct Basketball season. No matter. These are cute enough that I will wear them all year to illustrate my school pride and fashionable fandom.

Delman Wonder flats in a navy and gold suede combo:

Thanks to Jessica Faintlymacabre for selling and shipping them to me from Canada!