Mama-to-Be Style

It's the latest Summer 2011 fashion accessory!

Cardigan: J.Crew, Top: Old Navy, Leggings: Poof, Sandals: Steve Madden, Scarf: Forever 21

I have been thinking a lot recently about maternity/pregnancy posts for the blog now that I find myself on the cusp of parenthood (yikes!), and how exactly I wanted to “break the ice” with the topic. Since I spend a fair amount of this blog writing about adventures in general and some of my favorite style pieces, I thought kicking it off with a “Mama Style” post would be a good start.

It took me a while to finally find my “Mama Style”- as those of you who have been through pregnancy know, there are a lot of physical ups and downs to go right along with all of the emotional ones. Throughout my first trimester, I was very tired and quiet honestly not all that concerned with my look. It was October through January, so comfort really reigned supreme. Once my initial bloat (ugh!) died down, I really didn’t have much of a bump to dress until around the 20 week mark- a fact that I was not pleased with. I was dying to have a cute little bump to show off, but my lovely babe did not seem interested in introducing itself to the world. Alas!

After a terrible early spring weather-wise, the sky gods seem to be smiling upon us, and true springtime weather seems to be here, hooray! With that, I have been inspired to adorn my ever-growing bump in bright outfits and comfortable layers. It’s amazing what a pop of color and a pair of open toed shoes can do for your mood! Fashion and style-wise, it is a great time to be pregnant, since tunics, flowy tops and light fabrics are quite in these days, even for the not-with-child set. Because of this, I lucked out big time and have been able to incorporate a lot of my pre-pregnancy pieces into my current wardrobe. Anything with an empire waist, some stretch or drape has been seeing a lot of miles in my attire, and I am grateful for not having to shell out crazy amount of money to maintain my comfort and style. I finally caved and picked up a couple of pairs of maternity jeans on the cheap, and I will admit they are well worth it. While I skated by for a long time with some low slung Joe’s Jeans Jeggings (yes, I know the word is evil, but they are crazy stretchy and comfy!), having that extra “give” in the waistline of my maternity jeans is a thing of beauty. I also got myself a couple of lose, comfortable maxi dresses (non-maternity) that would help me transition into summer for both pre and post baby, as my due date is smack dab in the middle of July, and they have already paid for themselves a million times over. So by purchasing these pieces and a couple other maternity friendly items (long layering tanks, t-shirts, etc), I have created what I feel is a great maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank or compromising my own style. The best advice I could give another mama-to-be is to not run out too early and stock up (you have no idea what your pregnant body will really look like, trust me), don’t bother with designer pieces (unless you are one of the lucky few who has a sweet disposable income), and have fun with it! After all, who really would have the testicular fortitude to walk up to a pregnant woman and tell them their look is a mess?

So here you go- a show and tell for some of my recent maternity looks (bonus points for spotting my fashion stylist, Ninja kitties in some pictures)….

Tank: Poof, Cowl Neck Top: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J.Crew, Skirt: Old Navy, Boots: Aerosoles

Top: Angie, Cardigan: J.Crew, Scarf: Gift from my Mama!, Jeans: Old Navy maternity, Shoes: Qupid

Oxford: Ralph Lauren, Sweater: Vineyard Vines, Jeans: Old Navy Maternity, Shoes: Banana Republic

Top: Old Navy, Necklace: Boutique out on Block Island, Jeans: Old Navy maternity (notice a trend???), Shoes: Old Navy

Dress: Lily Pulitzer, Long Sleeve T: Boden, Belt: Vintage, Boots: Steve Madden

My Mother's Day outfit!

Sunnies: Vintage Ann Klein II from Mum, Dress: Old Navy Maternity, Cardigan: Vineyard Vines, Boots: Steve Madden, Necklace: Old Navy

So there you have it- a couple of snippets of my Mama-to-be Style, now get on down and rock your bump ladies!

Just Can't Get Enough

Books. I love them. I love absolutely everything about them. I love their weight in your hand, their distinct smells and the feeling of the paper. Some (ahem, my husband) would say that I am a bit of a book packrat, and I completely embrace the title. I come from a family of readers who covet the written word- the house that I grew up in literally has a library room,  and the shelves are stuffed with volumes of both old and new. It's a place I consider a sanctuary, with large windows and a leather couch that tempts you to slide in and enjoy an afternoon lost in pages. 

I have been thinking about books a lot recently in light of the new generations of e-readers that have come out. While conceptually I appreciate the e-reader, I’m just not sure it is for me. If I were someone who was traveling frequently and needed a space saving, efficient way to travel with my novel du jour, I think I would invest in a Kindle or Nook in a heartbeat. Since I am unfortunately not employed as either a travel writer, salesmen of medical equipment or author, I’ll stick think I’ll be sticking with the vintage style.

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, I also love book styling. I’m one of those readers who wants to know why a certain font was chosen, who the cover/jacket artist is, the whole nine yards. Yes, I understand that the Nook is offered in a color version, which allows the reader to have access to all of this information, but to me, it’s just not the same.

I also absolutely adore used books and used bookstores. Not only can you score some pretty incredible and rare finds, but I feel like I’m doing a small part to be environmentally friendly with my need to devour literature. Very rarely will I pick up a book “hot off the press” if I can find a used copy somewhere- it usually comes down to something that is new in print and I am dying to pour through it. There is very little I find more soothing than strolling lazily through a used bookstore on a rainy day in search of treasures. I love finding books that may have inscriptions or notes tucked away in the margins, underlining of witty phrases and other signs of love from past readers. It’s no different than the feeling of success I get when I find a great piece of vintage furniture or clothing at a great price, and I can’t wait to get home and enjoy my new find.

Again, while I appreciate all that the e-reader has to offer, I just don’t think that it will ever replace the pleasure I take in actual, physical books. Maybe it stems from my general disinterest in hopping on board with the newest items in technology, but I’ll stick with my overflowing shelves of the good ol’ paper and print for the time being (sorry Kyle!).