Maximize your Maternity Look: Week 23

Above: Anthropologie macrame maxi, Zara camo jacket, Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos tote (love this new version for summer), Dolce Vita strappy platform, necklace courtesy of maman MPCC

Finally! Some nice weather to wear the assortment of maxi dresses I have been stockpiling. This beauty is from Anthropologie (of course, home of pretty much every cute maxi in existence, and another great spot I have been picking up maternity gear. The Bordeaux line of t-shirts are generously cut and oh, so comfy!).

For more of my maternity chic ideas, check out my ever growing pinterest board.

I wore this layered with my camo jacket, to give me the illusion of a waist, now long gone. I have a bump, I swear!! The dress is also sleeveless, so I wanted to keep layered up for our Marshalls Spring Fashion Event (recap highlights here).

The event went swimmingly and I made it the night in these strappy platforms. Expect to see this maxi appear in many shapes, layers, and looks in the coming months!

Out to Dinner as Optical Illusion

Above: Zara shift dress, West Elm make up bag as clutch, TopShop necklace,

Call it Spring Weslia shoes (c/o)

Before I pack, I usually try on outfit options. It is a great way to make sure seperates work with each other and, when you are growing every week, day, hour, make sure that everything still fits. This was a quick series of snaps while packing for France two weeks ago and a dress I wore out to dinner while on babymoon (for those of you tracking, this was at 22 weeks;).

This dress has been everywhere thanks to Zara's global reach, but I forgive them, because I have had a lot of luck shopping there for roomy maternity looks (shopping a size or two up- what my chic friend over at Ritournelle said most French moms* do when dressing the bump). A trapeze cut is roomy for baby to be and flattering for mom. I was initially unsure about something so short, but it also looks great as a top over some leggings. 

My other pregnancy fashion must, wedges. Heels have gone by the wayside for a bit, but when you need a little height, a platform will definitely do. This minty fresh pair are from Call It Spring, a new chain from our friends at Aldo. They ring in at a very budget friendly $50! I checked out one of thier stores over at the South Shore mall a few weeks ago, very cute goodies.

*I have been reading Bringing up Bebe and really love a lot of the common sense ideas and practices they detail. I'll definitely leave some of the French tips by the wayside, but all in all, the book has me yearning for some excellent public health/baby care options a la the French. State supported extended maternity leave and full time daycare? Definitely a win/win.

Marshalls Fab Found Fashion: Recap!

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Marshalls Fab Found Spring Fashion event last week!

Plenty of cupcakes, spring styles, fantastic prizes and fabulous people.

I personally gave away a cute neon clutch and this lovely trio of mirrored shapes- to one Miss Najeema. Send me pics of them in your new apartment please;)

Look at how gorgeous all my fabulous co-hosts are! Demonstrating all the important spring trends in one shot (lace, florals, maxi dresses, and navy/green color blocking!). Clearly I missed the memo on nude heels.

Minor miracle, I also survived the entire night in heels. Though I was eager to take them off when I reached the car.

Any fab finds at Marshalls lately? I'll definitely be back to the Fenway location soon.

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/