Bump Dressing at 22 Weeks: Loose Layers, Camo & Paisley

Above: Zara paisley tunic, Old Navy maternity leggings, Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos tote, Zara camo jacket, Vic Matie gold booties via Viola Lovely

Maternity wear is all about comfort. Hence, I have been living in these boots. They are not only comfortable, flats, but in gold they seriously go with everything. 

I have also discovered the wonders of Old Navy. It's been a while since I have visited them, but they have been a god send when it comes to cheap, cute, on trend maternity gear. Why pay a fortune when you will only spend a few months in these items? These jeans were a no brainer. Basic dark denim wash, at such great pricing you and afford to get a few pairs....I got two!

And a confession. You don't often see the bump well defined in my outfits, because I am just starting to get used to people wanting people touch it! Not naturally a touchy person, the growing bump has hatched a new host of issues around personal space. I haven't had problems with complete strangers......yet.....but when it comes to the bump, I feel you should ask, or be invited for the touch, right? Pretty much everyone has done this (with the exception of my mother, who I guess gets a pass;). The Mr. claims it is just too cute not to touch though, and understands others temptation. It's new, like the pregnancy and I'm sure I'll get more comfortable with it as time goes on. How have you/would you handle the issue?

I took this photo last week and the belly feels enormous post Paris (though that could be to massive macaron consumption, and cupcake consumption last night, more than anything else).

The babymoon was fabulous, but exhausting! Glad to be back home in Boston and ready to focus on operation baby shower.

Marshalls Fab Found Spring Fashion Event Tonight!

"Maxi dresses make short gals look shorter = myth. There's nothing more lengthening than a sleek, long dress - and you can't beat the price tag on this one!”

cc: Extra Petite Blog

"For those who aren't afraid of color for spring, Marshalls has no shortage of it! I'm loving this bright orange dress from one of my favorite designers!" 

cc: I am Khatu 

"A casual, floaty maxi skirt can be dressed up with a crisp, white shirt. Comfortable and classic!"

cc: Neat Bit 

"Perfect for baby bump now, and a few months from now, for my 'after' when I am allowed to sip a cocktail in this chic designer cocktail dress."

cc: Mon Petit Chou Chou

See you there tonight! Here's a preview of all our fabulous Marshalls finds.

Event details:

Marshalls Fenway: 126 Brookline Ave, Boston MA

Wednesday, May 8, 6-8:00 PM

You can RSVP for the free event here: http://marshallsfindyourfabulous.eventbrite.com/

Mother's Day Means Jewelry

What says romantic more than jewelry for Mother's Day?

1. Pamela Love  Breast Plate Cutout Necklace

2. Lizzie Fortunato Pony Cuff

3. Gemvara Chantilly Ring

4. Hannah Blount Baroque Pearl Earring with Barncacle 

5. Soixante Neuf, via 30 Ponte V, Moonstone Ring

6. Mikal Winn, via 30 Ponte V, Shell Swarovski Earring

7. Mikal Winn via 30 Ponte V, Crystal Wire Cuff 

8. Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer, via M. Flynn, Lenox Necklace

9. Hannah Blount Raw Crystal Ring

10. Lizzie Fortunato Hemingway Earring

11. Falconiere Silver Chainmaille and Fringe Necklace

12. TopShop Acrylic Shard Earring

13. Jessie Lane, via Succarra, Black & Clear Quartz Ring

14. Wicked Peacock Path Cuff

15. Heron and Lamb, via Wicked Peacock, Orb Necklace

DVF X Baby Gap: Bebe's First Wrap Dress

Images: GAP

Sorry, couldn't resist this collab. Mama loves her DVF, so it's only logical that baby should start early. 

As I explained to husband, bebe's first wrap dress is a milestone, and hopefully a stylish statement she will make later in life as well. Best to teach them the sassy, style edicts of Ms. von Furstenburgh earlier, rather than later.

The Mr. is in trouble. Big trouble, with a mini me on board.

From top to right:

DVF X GAP Pleated Tank Dress

DVF X GAP Snorkel Blue Wrap Dress

DVF X GAP Lush Green Wrap Dress

DVF X GAP Romper

Dress like a Parisian & Paris Packing List: Day Outfits X 3

Babymoon time! Husband surprised me by agreeing to a long weekend in Paris, a last chance to stroll the city of lights before baby Z joins us. My goal is always to blend. Not broadcast tourist. Especially challenging this year given my expanding waist line. The highest compliment I have received while abroad- not on an outfit, but when I was stopped in the street and asked for directions while sightseeing in Paris.  

Here are some of my quick tips on dressing like a Parisian (aka, Mon Petit Chou Chou's universal travel fashion guide to not look like a tourist).

-Keep it simple. Fill your luggage with timeless basics that translate well anywhere, anytime. Raw dark denim, plain black flats, a trench (or cape trench in my case), you get the drift....

-Comfort is king! Think long walks. Public transportation. COM-FORT-ABLE shoes. I repeat, COM-FORT-ABLE shoes!

-April weather in Paris can be unpredictable, but closely follows our temps on the East Coast. I double down with light layers that keep me warm in the early AM, and can be easily shed and stowed in a roomy tote when the sun gets higher.

-Less is more. Especially when it comes to dressing like a Parisian. They build wardrobes around well edited investment pieces that will last for years, not cheap trendy items that are tossed in a week. It's a wardrobe model and lifestyle I try to live by. 

-I personally like to keep my travel purse/tote light. Load your phone up with apps. Carry a quick mini-map. And I never leave home without my trusty point and shoot Leica. The carry case also makes for a great cross body purse in a pinch!

Need more ideas on what the wear? Inges de la Fressange's little red book, Parisian Chic do you right.

1. The Cape, Hatch

2. St James Unisex Tee

3. Cece Black Flat, J Crew

4. AG Jeans

5. Hermes Constance Bag

6. Ray Ban Aviators

7. Leica Camera & Case

8. Straw Fedora, Forever 21

9. Isabel Marant Etoile Lace Dress

10. Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos Tote

11. Printed Scarf, Zara

12. Isabel Marant Dicker Ankle Boot

13. Denim Vest, GAP

14. Vic Matie Ankle Boots

15. Maternity Jacket, Top Shop 

16. Pleated Maxi Skirt, J Crew

17. Gold Leather Tote, GAP

18. Northern Light Sunglasses by Karen Walker

19. Grand Herkimer Necklace, Hannah Blount

20. Western Denim Top, Madewell