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?!
Such a lovely bracelet!
Love,
http://thestyleventure.com/2016/05/04/inspiration-wednesday-glowing-skin/
Such a lovely bracelet!
Love,
http://thestyleventure.com/2016/05/04/inspiration-wednesday-glowing-skin/
LOVE MV jewelry, can’t wait to get a bracelet, I have it in my ‘shopping bag’ at Nordstrom:) Just wait until ‘the waddle’ starts when you are about 3 weeks from delivering……Love your outfit!!!
AH! I love it too. Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous?! This is my first piece and I’m obsessed. :)
OH NO WHAT IS THIS WADDLE YOU SPEAK OF? Basically, I’m hibernating in my backyard for July, haha!
It’s when you start walking like a duck because your back hurts and baby is putting pressure on your bladder so you start ‘waddling’ like a duck:) HA!!!
Oh GOOD, hahaha. I’m dying laughing here!
I think you look great, Kelly! In spite of how you feel (which I’m sure so many women experience…haven’t been preggers, don’t know personally haha), you have been dressing the bump adorably! Such a great eBay find…teach me your ways! XO
Awww, thank you Carly! That means a lot. ;) eBay is the BEST for Lilly. I set up alerts! Some of the older prints go for very little, and even come new with tags! :)
Beautiful bracelet!!! Also, your dress is super cute xo, Emily
http://bailylamb.com/jeans-and-white-tee/
LOVE this dress and the bracelet is beautiful. Of course the changes are rough. Hang in there; you’re so close!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Kelly- Congrats to you an Mitch! Have you been sizing up when ordering Lilly maxis? I’m 17 weeks and looking to stock up on a few for the summer and not sure whether to go with my regular size or go up one. Looking forward to your post on the 1st and 2nd trimesters!
Erin! It’s so nice to hear from you. And thank you! You are the sweetest.
Secondly, CONGRATULATIONS!! SO exciting. :)
Okay SO: Pre-pregnancy, wore a a size 00 or 0 in Lilly shift dresses (depending on the cut) and in Lilly t-shirt dresses and maxis, I wore a size XS. In currently 28 weeks (beginning of my third trimester), and I’m wearing a size medium in Lilly maxis. The one I’m wearing in this post is pretty baggy around the arms, which is why I rolled up the sleeves, but fits everywhere else! So I think I’d recommend going two sizes up. My mediums will definitely bring me to the end of the pregnancy!
The one thing I’d say is to make sure to find Lilly maxis with empire waist cuts. Those have looked the best on me! Honestly, I wear a Lilly maxi to nearly every event or dinner, haha. I also highly recommend buying vintage on eBay or at consignment stores. In the beginning, I was a little grossed out by this, but I really can’t justify buying super expensive dresses when I can only wear them for a few months. And what happens if my next pregnancy–fingers crossed–is a winter one?! No bueno. ;) I had this dress dry-cleaned, and it made me feel MUCH better. :) Also, I’ve seen a LOT of great deals on NWT Lilly maxis on eBay in older, less popular prints for a DEAL! Just stalk eBay. It’s really fun, haha!
CONGRATS again!! Hope this helps! <3
Thank you!!!
Erin! It’s so nice to hear from you. And thank you! You are the sweetest.
Secondly, CONGRATULATIONS!! SO exciting. :)
Okay SO: Pre-pregnancy, wore a a size 00 or 0 in Lilly shift dresses (depending on the cut) and in Lilly t-shirt dresses and maxis, I wore a size XS. In currently 28 weeks (beginning of my third trimester), and I’m wearing a size medium in Lilly maxis. The one I’m wearing in this post is pretty baggy around the arms, which is why I rolled up the sleeves, but fits everywhere else! So I think I’d recommend going two sizes up. My mediums will definitely bring me to the end of the pregnancy!
The one thing I’d say is to make sure to find Lilly maxis with empire waist cuts. Those have looked the best on me! Honestly, I wear a Lilly maxi to nearly every event or dinner, haha. I also highly recommend buying vintage on eBay or at consignment stores. In the beginning, I was a little grossed out by this, but I really can’t justify buying super expensive dresses when I can only wear them for a few months. And what happens if my next pregnancy–fingers crossed–is a winter one?! No bueno. ;) I had this dress dry-cleaned, and it made me feel MUCH better. :) Also, I’ve seen a LOT of great deals on NWT Lilly maxis on eBay in older, less popular prints for a DEAL! Just stalk eBay. It’s really fun, haha!
CONGRATS again!! Hope this helps! <3
I sure know that feeling, but you must trust me (and everyone else) when we say YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! Really. Hang in there, girl! The 3rd trimester is a character-builder!
Alicia, Editor http://www.lakeshoremag.com/
Thank you so much, Alicia! You are the sweetest. Haha – LOVE what you said about the third trimester. I know these feelings are only going to intensify as I’m at the very beginning of it… but HEY: it’s only three months! Can’t wait for Baby. xoxo!
I sure know that feeling, but you must trust me (and everyone else) when we say YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! Really. Hang in there, girl! The 3rd trimester is a character-builder!
Alicia, Editor http://www.lakeshoremag.com/
This dress is so cute! I love the stripes!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
You still look cute and stylish! I totally get the “not your own body thing”.
Thankfully it does not last forever. You will have a beautiful baby after all this and you will forget all the “bad” stuff!
You still look cute and stylish! I totally get the “not your own body thing”.
Thankfully it does not last forever. You will have a beautiful baby after all this and you will forget all the “bad” stuff!
HI SARAH BROWN! :) Yes, you’re totally right. Less than three months to go! I can’t wait for Baby! Miss you!! <3
Love a good delicate bracelet! Glad you are feeling better lady! You’re going to be a great mum!
xx, Lauren {www.rosesandrainboots.com}
Thank you so much, Lauren!! <3
Thank you so much, Lauren!! <3
Kelly! You look so beautiful and glowy!! We need to get together soon, it’s been way too long!
I can’t wait to see you!!! <3
I can’t wait to see you!!! <3