J.Crew Blazer and Striped Tee / Paige Jeans (I’m wearing the maternity version but I love ALL Paige Skyline jeans!) / Vintage Scarf (Thanks, Mom!) / Louis Vuitton Tote (Buy here, here or here) / Similar Sunglasses / Similar Bracelet
Hello from the lake! These photos were actually taken a few weeks ago in Newtown, Pennsylvania (about 10 minutes from where my parents live), but I’m currently visiting my in-laws at Lake Bloomington in Illinois for Larkin Family Spring Festival!
WOOF!
It’s Noodle, aka “Noods,” “Schmoo,” “Girlfriend,” “Potato,” “Noodie,” “Noodlina,” “Spicy Noodle,” “Noodle Patricia,” “Chicken Noodle,” or “Nevernude.”
Typically, Kelly and Mitch fall asleep on the couch from 10 to 11 every night (#lame), and it’s awesome. While I’m a normally a very well-behaved dog, I pretty much do whaaaatever I want for this one magical hour. In short, I rule the house. It’s my castle, and I’m the queen bee.
Some of my favorite activities during this time:
I think it’s safe to say that I’m going to be spending the majority of my pregnancy in flowy, silky tops. (And maxi dresses when summer arrives!) Paired with skinny jeans, they just make me feel more like myself, and a little more comfortable in my ever-changing body. They also make getting dressed in the morning SO EASY. I wore this to the Easter brunch (with Mitch, Emily, Doug and Gracie) I talked about yesterday, and it seriously took me all of three minutes to get ready.
Hunter Boots and Lilly Pulitzer Top, Bracelet and Sweater c/o Zappos / J.Crew Maternity Jeans (These are the non-maternity version!) / Duck Umbrella c/o (Navy version) / Barbour Raincoat c/o Barbour (Also available here)
I’d be lying if I said I’m not (a wee bit) bummed that I can’t wear most new spring clothing this year. I mean, I spent the entirety of winter bundled up in oversized sweaters, and finally–just as it warms up enough to shed the layers–I’m too rotund to fit into the vast majority of all the cute dresses and skirts that are out right now. ;) But one article of clothing that still totally works?! This Lilly Pulitzer Elsa, and all Elsa tops for that matter. (Zappos has an amazing selection!)
It feels really good to finally be honest about everything: I am very nervous construction won’t be done before the baby arrives.
Typically, I kind of have no idea what’s going on with seasonal trends. This spring, though, I’ve been all about them, because I adore so many of ’em. (I mean, the lace?! The orangey-red colors?! All the white dresses, jeans and sandals?!) And Last Call Studio, my favorite place to find luxury merchandise at a great value in Chicago (up to 60 percent off at all times!), has been hitting it out of the park this season with the trends.
Burberry Quilted Navy Jacket (Sizing tip: I typically wear a size XS or 0 in jackets, but I went with a size small in this one, as it was a little tight in the shoulders. I tried it on pre-pregnancy, so this tip should still apply to everyone!) More fitted black version here, and my favorite Barbour version here) / Paige Jeans (I’m wearing the maternity version but I love ALL Paige Skyline jeans!) / Joie Booties c/o / J.Crew Striped Tee (Also love this one SO much!) / Louis Vuitton Tote (Buy here, here or here) / Similar Sunglasses
Last year, I purchased my very first “investment piece,” and I have to say: I was nervous about it. You can read about that decision here, but in short, I’m so glad I did it. I use my bag on a daily basis, and there’s a whole lot less stuff in our home as a result of the purchase. In my opinion, no need to buy new purses when you own a LV! So the thing actually saves you money, right? Haha! And like I said in the original post, the tote–as ironic as this is–serves as a reminder to stay on top of consumption, helps me appreciate all that I’ve been blessed with, and encourages me lead a simpler life.
J.Crew Bow Dress (25 percent off with code “SHOPMORE”!) and Tortoise Bracelet / Sole Society Pumps c/o (30 percent off! SUCH a good price. Also available here.) / Lilly Pulitzer Cardigan c/o / Kate Spade Clutch (It’s my wedding clutch! Super old, but love this similar one, and this one, too.) / Similar Sunglasses / Similar Bracelet
Oops. Please excuse the late post; totally fell asleep on the couch last night with Mitch because he has off today, and we treated it like a Friday night. ;) Which meant pizza, television, cookies and snuggles with Noods while we watched the snow come down. Ohhhh, March.
But I LOVE THIS BOW DRESS. (25 percent off with code “SHOPMORE”!) I bought it when I went shopping with my mom in Princeton a few weeks ago because I wasn’t fitting into most of my dresses anymore, and I really needed at least one I could wear to events. Such a good decision! It’s seriously the most comfortable and flattering dress I’ve ever owned, and the textured crepe material makes it far warmer than most little black dresses I own–perfect for the cold spell we’ve been experiencing here in Chicago. The J.Crew Presentation Dress also features a swingy A-line cut, which is great for me right now. I’m wearing my normal size, so I might suggest going down a size if you have smaller shoulders, as it’s roomier in the middle region. (But still: SO flattering.) If not, I’d go with what you normally wear!
Navy Slip-On Keds c/o Zappos.com / J.Crew Jeans (I’m actually wearing the maternity version) and Pearl Bracelet (Look! The necklace is back!) / Bell Collection Top c/o / Tory Burch Tote (Smaller version here. Though, if you’re going to buy a nice brown bag, I vote for this one in “tan”! I also love this drawstring bag!) / Moon and Lola Earrings c/o / Similar Sunglasses
Over the last couple of days on the blog, the bump has been, well, bumpin.’ But today, I’m back to an outfit that doesn’t scream pregnancy. Which, I have to admit, is pretty nice. Like I said in a few of this week’s posts, I’m beyond excited about being pregnant. I’m also extremely grateful, as we’ve wanted this for a very long time. (I really can’t stress that enough, and more to come on that subject soon, I promise.) But getting dressed–and feeling good about myself–is kind of challenging when I’m expanding rapidly on a daily basis. ;)
H&M Dress and Striped Loafers c/o
Today, I’m teaming up with H&M to showcase some of my favorite products from the brand’s spring collection, and talk about some of my favorite spots in Lincoln Park, Chicago. If you haven’t already noticed, I’ve been on a red kick this year. So when I saw this flowy red viscose dress and these adorable navy striped loafers in the Michigan Avenue store, I knew they were coming home with me!
