Monica Vinader Bracelet c/o (Also available at Nordstrom, along with a big MV collection!) / Lilly Pulitzer Maxi Dress (Vintage; found on eBay — But shop newer LP maxis via Lilly Pulitzer, Nordstrom and Zappos!) / Jack Rogers Wedges c/o (Also available here) / Similar Sunglasses / GiGi New York Clutch c/o
Shop Monica Vinader at Nordstrom:
It goes without saying that I’m absolutely thrilled to be pregnant. (And grateful. Beyond grateful.) And I’d experience my worst pregnancy “side effects” for years if I had to. The nausea, the backaches and the exhaustion have all been 100-percent than worth it. But you know how some people say that they absolutely loved being pregnant? Yeah, I’m not one of them. I don’t hate it, but my eyes are on the end goal: the baby.
Soon, I’m going to do a more extensive post about what my first and second trimesters were like. (Definitely not horrible, but I have some interesting stuff to share, for sure!) I just entered my third trimester, though, and I have to say: one of the hardest parts is that I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin.
I’ve always been a petite girl, and suddenly, I’m HUGE! And yes: I know. That statement makes me sound vain. But it’s more than just my size. Throughout my life, I’ve never had too many hangups about my appearance. I’ve always known I’m not and will never be a model, and I’ve always been more than good with that. (My hope is that you visit this blog because I’m real!) And my physical imperfections–my pasty and freckled skin, knobby knees and elbows, mosquito-bite-sized boobs, less-than-straight nose, and untoned tummy–have never really bothered me. (With the exception of my skin. A breakout hits and I’m almost always in tears. #rational) The third trimester, though, has me feeling like my body isn’t my own anymore. It’s almost like I’m a visitor.
More on that later, but every day, getting dressed is a struggle. What fit me yesterday might not fit me today, and what looked fine yesterday might look downright awful today. ;) I constantly feel like I’ve just eaten two Thanksgiving meals, the love handles are out of control, and I’m just… like I said, uncomfortable. Like, nearly all the time, haha. Also, where the heck is that pregnancy glow that everyone talks about?! For me, it’s dark under-eye circles and dull skin. (Hence why I almost never take off my sunglasses these days.) Still stressing the fact that I’m incredibly thankful to be pregnant, I’m definitely looking forward to feeling like myself this summer. (Or closer to myself.)
In the meantime, though, I’ve been been focusing on accessories–not clothing–to create looks that make me feel good. :) And this “Fiji Friendship Bracelet” from British jewelry brand Monica Vinader, also available at Nordstrom along with a wide variety of other MV products, has been brightening my days!
Remember when I said I wanted to be edgier this year? I admit that I’ve kind of been failing on that front. It’s been a little challenging with the pregnancy, but I still want to change up my style… and my Monica Vinader bracelet is certainly helping me to do just that! It’s still totally me: the gorgeous gold finish, the hanging toggles, and the engraving on the front scream Kelly. (You can even personalize the bar with a message, word or hand-drawn doodle!) But its shape is a bit trendier than what I usually wear, and therefore it’s been giving me that awesome feeling one gets when she changes something about herself, or when the seasons change.
(Side note: the cute little toggles slide up and down to guarantee a snug fit. I really appreciate that!)
This Saturday, May 7th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monica Vinader is having a trunk show at Nordstrom in Chicago–and you don’t want to miss it! More details above. Just be sure to RSVP to rsvp@monicavinader.com.
So many of the pieces that are part of the Monica Vinader collection at Nordstrom are perfect for those last-minute Mother’s Day gifts, too. Oh! And engraving is complimentary during the trunk show! Which means you’ll have an incredibly thoughtful gift to give Mom the following day!
(I’m thinking about personalizing mine with “Baby Larkin.” Or maybe “MSL” (Mitch’s initials). Or maybe “New York/Chicago.” Or maybe “68th & Lex,” where Mitch and I had our first kiss. Or maybe the lyrics from our wedding song: “Real Love” by the Beatles. Oops, sorry. So many options! Thoughts?)
Anyway, hope to bump into you there! Pun intended. I crack myself up. ;)
Shop the Post:
Monica Vinader Bracelet c/o (Also available at Nordstrom, along with a big MV collection!) / Lilly Pulitzer Maxi Dress (Vintage; found on eBay — But shop newer LP maxis via Lilly Pulitzer, Nordstrom and Zappos!) / Jack Rogers Wedges c/o (Also available here) / Similar Sunglasses / GiGi New York Clutch c/o
Shop Monica Vinader at Nordstrom:
This post was sponsored by Monica Vinader, but all opinions are my own. As always, thank you so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!
Also, a huge thank you goes out to my friend Rachel (who shot my wedding!) for helping learn how to preserve my skies in my photos. I’m still learning, but anyone interested in a photo tutorial on that?!
