Short sleeve button downs

Lately I've been loving these blousy button down tops with a slim longer sleeve--pairing them with slim cropped pants or shorts for the weekend.   They're easy to wear, fulfill my art teacher chic sensibilities and bonus--are nursing and work/pumping friendly.  I've been hoarding these Ilana Kohn Darryl shirts like they're going out of style.  Simply perfect with the longer hem in the back (and her prints are to die for).

A basic chambray from Steven Alan

And these two are on my Madewell wishlist:  lovely stripes

And silk

What have you been loving this summer?

4 months

It's been four whole months since Stella was born and I still don't have the words to adequately express how excited, tired, incredulous, scared, and humbled I feel to now be her mama.  While I realistically knew it wouldn't be bliss all the time, I had seriously underestimated the of hard work, self doubt, and of course sleep deprivation that would become our norm.  It's been helpful to realize that most everything (the good and the bad) are just phases and will pass, and to learn to be flexible and adapt as you go along.  This is especially difficult for a creature of habit, schedules and routines like me but I'm learning slowly.  Most of all, my choice in how to view things has made a large difference.  On a bad day, I would feel like the baby was taking me hostage, catering to her every whim.  And on a good day, I would be able to tell myself that responding to her needs helps strengthen our bond and that a secure attachment will ultimately give her the confidence to explore and be independent.  She can't know she's deliberately keeping me away from my sleep or household chores or online shopping, she simply just needs her mama. 

Near the end of my pregnancy, I started feeling more introverted and wanted to keep my world quite small and protected, probably in anticipation of the baby and the total chaos that would ensue.  After she was born, our world opened back up and I felt so supported by family and friends who encouraged us every step of the way and marveled at Stella along with us.  There was great advice and not so great advice, all given with good intentions.  And slowly we are learning what feels right to us and the values we want to have as parents.  Navigating new parenthood can sometimes feel isolating and yet there is also great comfort knowing others who have walked the same path.  In the beginning when things were just so new and difficult I couldn't wrap my brain around how other people did this and even had multiple children!  Were their babies just better sleepers?  Did they have selective amnesia?  Now when I am up for the 4th time at night with Stella, I think about other mothers somewhere around the world that are up at that very moment with their babies as well.  And if it's 5am, I think about my friend Jill who is probably up with her baby just a few miles away from me.  And this helps me feel less lonely and more brave to join the ranks of these women who have come before me in loving and raising their babies. 

Introducing...

Stella Margaret!  Named after her great-great grandma and great grandma who are dearly missed.  She arrived on November 13.  Who knew this tiny little bundle would be so precious? Everyone is doing well (beyond the sleep deprivation) -- hope to share more soon!

Rosie Pope maternity

Now that I'm in the 3rd trimester, maternity dresses are my best friend.  I've had good luck with certain brands like Hatch, Splendid, and even the Liz Lange line at Target.  I especially like this best dress by Rosie Pope--not only is it super comfortable but the jersey material is thicker and  accommodates a growing bump nicely.

Outfit details:

Dress: Rosie Pope

Cardigan: J.Crew

Shoes: No.6

33 weeks

I've been feeling decidedly better mentally and emotionally as we head into the "fourth quarter" in football speak.  We attended a great series of childbirth classes by Get Babied and while labor and childbirth still seems awfully terrifying, it's also reassuring to know that the many physical changes in pregnancy and the process of childbirth all actually serve a purpose.  It's fascinating to think about the linea nigra (line down your belly) as an evolutionary guide to helping your baby find its way to its food source.  Or how contractions during labor help squeeze the fluid out of the baby's lungs to prepare it for its first breath of oxygen. 

Something else that has given us a huge sense of relief is deciding on having a doula with us at home and at the hospital for the process.  It will be reassuring to have someone there to well, reassure us and walk us through this unknown time.  If you're local, I highly suggest checking out the classes, services and philosophy of Get Babied!

Outfit details:

Dress: Splendid

Shirt: J.Crew

Shoes: Loeffler Randall

Necklace: Dream Collective

J.Crew debuts baby line

The best news of the week for me.  The worst news for BK.

30 weeks

I've begun to prioritize how and when to spend my energy.  If I drop a paper towel, do I pick it up?  No.  A sock?  No.  A receipt?  No.   A kit kat?  Yes.

Outfit details:

Dress: Ilana Kohn

Cardigan: J.Crew

Shoes: No.6

Necklace: Object & Totem

Ace and Jig tunic

I've been wearing dresses throughout this whole pregnancy which has been great in this Texas heat.  I hate having anything tight on my belly so all my skirts have been packed away.  Once fall arrives, I hope to get by with longer tops and leggings.  I wore this outfit traveling to San Francisco recently.  Can't wait for cooler weather!

Outfit details:

Top: Ace & Jig

Leggings: Karma

Shoes: No.6

Necklace: Object & Totem

28 weeks

My transition from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester has been somewhat bumpy (ha!).  I feel like my stomach gets bigger every day (that crab claw buffet from our recent trip to SF probably contributed to much of that) and it still surprises me each time I accidentally bump into the edge of the door or the bathroom counter when I lean in to look in the mirror.  Physically I hit a wall where all I wanted to do was sleep for a week and now I find myself having to catch my breath doing simple activities, even just sitting and talking.  My physical limitations are becoming more evident and emotionally I'm rushing to catch up with this pregnancy.  I told myself that I'd enjoy weeks 20-28 of just being pregnant and feeling great and I certainly have because now I have much left on the list to do!  There's a nursery to get ready, classes to attend, plans to make, etc.  I probably should have been more productive when I had more energy! :)

I haven't bought too many maternity clothing items but did recently splurge on this Splendid tank dress.  It's a great basic that I'll be able to dress up or down and the fabric is substantial and comfortable and will grow with me through this last trimester (and then hopefully I can belt it for later wear).  I'll write a post soon on more of my favorite maternity buys and what worked double duty from my closet.  Got to get cracking on some of this other stuff on my list first! ;)

Outfit details

Dress: Splendid Maternity

Necklace: Object and Totem

Shoes: Walmart

Accessorize this

Loving the August sale season and esp excited to have snagged these wishlist lovelies!

 

Clare Vivier messenger

No.6 clogs

Have you gotten anything exciting from the recent sales?

Muji chambray dress

We were in San Francisco a few weeks ago and BK and I were taking the bus to Japantown.  At one of the stops, a bunch of elderly Asian women got on and BK gave up his seat for one of them.  Her friend then proceeded to stand in front at me and gestured at me with her head, making a click-y noise (like you would to a horse) to indicate that I should give her my seat as well (which I did of course--age trumps pregnancy).  I'm still waiting on these so-called pregnancy perks! :)

Outfit details

Dress: Muji

Belt: B-Low

Shoes: Worishofer

Still J Crew-ed out

Although more than half of my wardrobe had to be put away, it's been great figuring out which existing items still work for pregnancy (and makes me suspicious that I've been looking pregnant for the past few years).  This J.Crew dress with a higher waistline works perfectly--it's super comfortable and still work appropriate.

So about pregnancy and body image...I guess I assumed that the weight you gain is directly correlated to how much you eat and what you eat.  Well I've learned that even if you're eating relatively well and staying active, your body is still going to put the weight on where it wants to (your hips, your face, your arms) and that's that.  So formal apologies to all those celebrities I've judged in the past (Jessica Simpson, Kim Kardashian--why is it so much easier to criticize celebrities?) and here's hoping I can be a little kinder to myself as well.  I've always admired my friends and their pregnancy bodies--you're growing a baby, of course you're going to put on some weight--it all makes sense.  But it does feel differently when all these changes happen to you, at a pretty rapid rate, when it seems like you're surrounded by media images of Princess Catherine and Heidi Klum who just have twiggy limbs and a tiny baby bump.  Don't even get me started on the mommy bloggers who are super slim, hanging out in their bikinis before AND after birth. 

I have to remind myself that while it's totally ok to be frustrated about body image and wanting to look fashionable and my best (ok ok at least presentable most days), it's really not terribly interesting to take up a lot of time thinking or worrying about it.  In the grand scheme of things, fashion is a fun part of life, until it gets in the way of more important things (like sleep, the health of the baby, family, friends, my puppies, where my next brownie is coming from, etc.)

Outfit details:

Dress: J.Crew

Necklace: Giles and Brother

Shoes: No.6

Demylee striped dress

Belting seems like a good idea in theory but after lunch, all bets (and belts) are off.  

Outfit details

Dress: Demylee

Belt: Gap

Necklace: Annie Costello Brown

Shoes: No.6

The second trimester

(24 weeks)

Ace and Jig dress, No 6 clogs (which both thankfully still fit!)

How I felt:  Marginally better!  The first night I was able to sleep through the night without a bathroom break felt magical.  I started getting a rounder, firmer belly around 16 weeks and felt the little one’s first kicks around week 19-20 (or it could’ve been indigestion).  Sadly no sign of this mystical pregnancy glow, just feeling chunky.

What I didn’t expect:  Physically how quickly I outgrew all my clothing.  I did a little closet redo at about 20 weeks and packed away more than half my wardrobe.  I totally get that this is all part of the process but it still feels a bit disheartening to not be able to fit in things from just a few weeks ago.  Also, I was sad to discover that I will not in fact be one of those people that only gains weight in their belly.  Hello to a fuller face, rib cage, hips, belly and thighs!

Another unexpected part of pregnancy was deciding when and how to communicate the news to others.  Outwardly it’s a no brainer since it’s good news, but people have their own experiences, feelings, and journeys about pregnancy and parenthood and I wanted to be mindful of that.  As an introvert it was also exhausting to tell people and have the correct expression on my face and be excited when I still felt so unsure.  Telling others meant that it was real, not this nebulous thing in my head.  Huge reality check!

What I avoided:  Still haven’t touched those pregnancy books hidden under my bed!

I never knew: how much unwanted advice and unsolicited comments I would get.   I know it’s obvious but really one should never tell a pregnant woman that her face/belly/hips are looking fuller.  Ever.  Also please do not use "waddle" to ever describe someone other than a penguin.

What helped:  It turned out that telling others, especially those I am close to really helped and I am so thankful for the positive emotional support I've received.  I’m also continuing with acupuncture and began prenatal yoga, which really helps with the creaks and growing pains and also gives me more quiet time.   I’m still chowing down on grapefruit and am so glad it’s summer when lots of berries and peaches are in season!  A good friend lent me the book Bringing Up Bebe which I found really comforting and I’ve really enjoyed reading Cup of Jo’s motherhood around the world series.  More than ever, I’m reminded how important it is to surround myself with positive people and voices, to seek help when needed, and to trust my intuition more soundly.

Rachel Pally caftan dress

Every girl needs a Rachel Pally dress in her wardrobe.  And they're especially handy for pregnant gals since the fabric is super comfy and forgiving.  It's a bit of trial and error dressing this ever evolving body of mine and especially weird to look at pictures.  I have lots more thoughts on this that I'll write down soon!

Outfit details

Dress: Rachel Pally

Shoes: No 6

Vintage Biba paisley dress

If I could wear loose dresses all day I would.  This vintage Biba (Indian, not British) dress is super comfy and was perfect for vacation as well as these hot Texas summers.

Outfit details

Dress: Biba

Shoes: Franco Sarto

The first trimester

(Hawaii - 20 weeks)

I thought I’d write down some thoughts about pregnancy so far.  My experiences are certainly not unique but they have not been glorious or picture perfect as it seems to be commonly portrayed either.  In the first trimester, I felt so unsure about everything and because I was hesitant to talk to others, lived a lot in my head. 

How I felt:  The first few weeks were filled with a lot of conflicting emotions.   Overall it seemed so surreal.  I felt equal parts excited, worried, incredulous, paranoid, and blessed.

What I didn’t expect:  To feel so out of control.  Granted, that partly had to do with hormones but I didn’t realize how much crazy it would get.  Physically I had no idea what was going on—was I hungry?  Nauseous?  Did I have to go to the bathroom?  All my signals were mixed up.  Thankfully I didn’t have severe morning sickness, just an all day hung-over, motion sick type of feeling which surprisingly was only alleviated by eating (and I sure did lots of that). 

I’d really like to be a balanced, even-keeled sort of person so when the pregnancy hormones hit, the highs and lows were exaggerated even more.  I would feel myself flush with anger or annoyance over trivial things or laugh uncontrollably during inappropriate situations.  I’m lucky I didn’t get invited to anything important during this time that required social finesse. 

Emotionally and mentally I thought I had prepared pretty well but that all went out the window. Thinking about the enormity of parenthood would trigger moments of panic and doubt.  I also had a few minor complications early on and it drove me crazy to have to wait and hope for the best and wait some more.  I felt like I spent those early weeks holding my breath, trying not to get my hopes up, then alternately fearing the changes and responsibilities in the near future.

What I avoided:  In the early weeks, I bought lots of pregnancy books, but reading the first few chapters, especially in the beginning when they talk about all the things that could go wrong made me incredibly anxious and I promptly hid the books underneath the bed.  I also stayed off chat boards and Google as much as I could.  I’m all for information but there was too much out there and it quickly overwhelmed me.  I gleaned enough to get me by and then just had to shut the rest out and focus on remaining positive.  I was also fortunate enough to have medical providers that are pretty practical in their advice and encouraged me to trust my intuition and logic to make good decisions for myself.  

What helped:  Eating every few hours helped appease the motion sickness monster.  My taste buds gravitated towards really tart things so I would guzzle lime juice mixed with Sprite and consume an alarming amount of grapefruit and Sour Patch Kids.  I took a quarter pill of Unisom and B vitamin religiously to help with the nausea and as a side bonus got some great sleep (except for the 2am bathroom treks).  My saving grace turned out to be my weekly acupuncture appointments.  I adore my acupuncturist and was amazed at all the symptoms (headaches, slow digestion, nausea, back pain) that could be alleviated with a few efficiently placed needles.  The time spent there was also really calming and helped me center myself and be able to connect with the experience more.

I never knew: that once you are pregnant, your immune system lowers so your body doesn’t attack the baby.  Makes sense right?  However this suppressed immune system also leaves you susceptible to all sorts of nasty germs.  I battled a two-week cold early on and sadly since a lot of medications were off the table, instead relied on my neti-pot to pull me over the edge.  Also, around my 12^th week I got shingles (painful recurrence of chicken pox on a nerve ending), which I would never wish on my worst enemy.  I would actually say that it was big turning point for me.  My perspective shifted when I realized that really a lot of things were out of my hands and I just had to do my best to keep healthy habits, be kind to myself, and stay positive for myself and the little one. 

Alright, reading through all that, maybe I should've titled this "Confessions of a Worrywart" :)  More to come on the 2nd trimester, thanks for taking this journey with me!

Good news!

I'm happy to share that there will be a new addition to our family this November!

I've had a relatively healthy pregnancy so far and will share more thoughts and pictures from our recent trip to Hawaii soon!

Outfit details

Dress: Madewell

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Another day

Outfit details

Dress: T by Alexander Wang

Sweater: Rogan

Shoes: No.6

Accessories: Object & Totem necklace

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

That is--it's Steven Alan sample sale time!  I love this twice yearly sale and was so excited to get early access.  There are ton of awesome deals on Steven Alan and some of my most favorite brands: Ace & Jig and Demylee.

You can purchase a $100 coupon for $70 on Refinery29 and get first dibs on all the sale goodies.  More info here.  And if you've not joined Refinery29 and would like to use my referral link so I can continue my addiction, click here.

Here are some of my favorite buys:

Ace and Jig turnaround top

Demylee Olivia dress

Demylee Hudson striped tee

Steven Alan Nora floral dress