Mamma Monday: Professional & Pregnant

There are so many things that are challenging, new, unusual and uncomfortable being pregnant.  And it's different for every Mamma and every baby.

One of the challenges I faced was dressing for the office.  While my bump is still very small at 24 weeks this week! pencil skirts, sheath dresses and tucked in dress shirts were the first things I had to mourn.  My pre-pregnancy work wardrobe consists of very tailored garments, primarily wool that are not forgiving even in the beginning 'fluffy' stage. (If you've been reading along for any length of time you all ready know)
And there's the added difficult task of hiding your 'condition'.  I still feel bad for the guy who's office shares a wall with mine, he had to hear me throw up daily and he kindly never said a word.

I will say because I've been so ill these past 5 months I was probably able to go a bit longer than most before saying goodbye to my suiting.

Here are some great pieces I've purchased for dressing professional while pregnant ...

Little Black Dress - I wore this dress to my last doctor's appointment.  It's super comfortable and classy.  It's rare for me to wear black (I see that changing during this season) so I added a long strand of pearls and plan to accessories with jackets and a snazzy broach.

Pencil Skirt - I love this one because the elastic is designed to wear under the belly.  (Again not a fan of over the belly stretch although i'm going to be forced to embrace at some point) I've worn it to church with a pink silk blouse and to work last week with a white cotton peplum top, both of which were non-maternity.

Trousers - I love these!  Leggings are inappropriate in the work place and that seems to be the #1 garment out there for maternity wear. NO! What's so hard about a black pair of trousers that aren't 100% spandex but rather a nice leg skimming cut with stretch at the waist band?!!  These are it gals. They are designed in a nice tapered leg so perfect for flats or pumps.
Now, they are over the belly stretch however I just folded it down.  When I grow a bit more I'm sure they will fit like they're supposed to.
Leggings are not pants! biggest pet peeve EVER!!!!

Crisp White Shirt & Here - A staple for every wardrobe - I can't get enough so naturally it was one of the first pieces I purchased. I own 3.  My dress shirts became ill fitting in the chest long before they were too snug around my waist UGH
Since my go-to non iron dress shirts are not available in a maternity cut, I simply add a little starch to these when ironing for extra crispness. Also, I hate maternity tops with the added string to tie above your belly - why?! No need to emphasize the curvatures - they're already apparent.  I take the strings off gals.

Blouse - I love the windowpane print and navy color of this one.  I'll probably wear it this week.

Stripes - They add boldness.

As for blazers - I'm wearing what I have (I just won't button).

While your maternity wardrobe will never be as fashionable and diverse don't forget your accessories fit at any size! So add a silk scarf, bold necklace or broach.

And might I also add that shoes and handbags are great things to shop.  I find myself grumpy seeing all the new fall arrivals with their waist seams Grrrrr And then I look down and smile knowing there's nothing more beautiful that carrying our baby girl.

Dress Beautifully & Professionally While Pregnant

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Velvet Touch

Velvet is everywhere this season! From clothing to shoes, the soft warm fabric with it's eye catching sheen adds elements of luxe to any look.  See some of my velvet favorites from this post a few weeks ago.

P.S.  I'm stalking my front door for this pair of velvet shoes to arrive.

This blouse blends classic and modern components with an embellishment of a velvet medallion.

The design incorporated the foundation of a poplin dress shirt and reworked the construction with a shorter hem and oversized elbow sleeves.

I feel that this top is one of those pieces that you can wear all year long for so many occasions.  For the office, ditch the boring solids and pair it with a pencil skirt or trousers.  For casual days you can't go wrong with denim and come spring white will make it pop!

If the shorter hem line has you concerned, wear it on top of a sheath dress or with a higher waisted a line skirt.  Personally, I'm a tucker but I like adding variations to my wardrobe - keeps things fresh.

Velvet Embellished Top || Pencil Skirt || Pumps || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Statement Skirt

This streamlined skirt not only makes a statement with it's beautiful ikat print but in a silk blend fabric has a lovely luster to it's pattern.

The high waisted band and slightly longer length gives the appearance of an extra long silhouette.  And gals, it also has pockets! And they lay flat - which is great for keeping your hips looking slim.
The pin tucks below the waist give you room for movement without adding volume.

In a navy and ivory pattern this skirt goes with everything!  I paired it with a chambray shirt and peep toe booties for a more casual look.  With a sweater/blouse of any color or pumps/boots there's lots of style versatility.

PSA: This skirt is on sale + an additional 40% off and free shipping!!! #yourwelcome

Ikat Skirt 40% Off & Free Shipping with code 'YESPLEASE' || 

Chambray Shirt & Similar || Booties & Similar & Similar || 

Earrings || Bracelet || 

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peek a Boo

Tis the season of shoulders.  I shared this trend with you in this post, here and again here.

And today it's all about this trendy button up.  I believe in crisp dress shirts as evidence by the large inventory hanging in my closet.  They're sharp, classic and pair, layer and coordinate with everything.

All of my off-the-shoulder tops are clearly appropriate outside of business hours.  I leave a small percentage of my wardrobe for that category because those occasions are so few.

This top marries the off-the-shoulder trend with the dress shirt beautifully. The crisp collar and pinstripes bring sophistication while the ruffles and peek through shoulders give it sass.

While this top is trendy I do believe paired with trousers or as I did with a pencil skirt it could be worn to the office if your work place is fairly casual, non customer facing and for those days with no meetings.

Note: this top does run small and with the ruffle seam across the chest buttoning up all the way was restricting.  Although I don't believe I would any way as it's a bit stuffy.

Tip: A raceback bra is ideal, more like necessary, for tops like this one that cut in.

This top is also perfect for transitioning in to Fall with its long sleeves.  Pair with dark skinny jeans and booties and you're all set for the weekend.

Cold Shoulder Top: Nordstrom & Here ||  Pencil Skirt: J Crew & Similar || Pumps: Nine West  ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Earrings: Similar || 

More Cold Shoulder Tops: Here - Here - Here - Here  

Dress Beautifully in a Cold Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Seas the Day

I've always had an affection for nautical style from my days in college by the beach to now as a Naval Officer's wife.  The stripes, anchors, and gold buttons take you to a place of bright sunny days and sandy warm beaches.

Typically nautical pieces are casual because let's face it sailing on a boat or strolling along the shore calls for cool cotton and bare feet.   So when I find skirts, pants or dresses that incorporate nautical elements appropriate for the office I'm headed straight to the dressing room.

I was quite excited at the sight of these shiny gold buttons on this tailored pencil skirt.  Slightly surprised at the black color (I prefer navy) but I suppose a gal does have to have some black in her closet and contrasted against lighter shades it is quite sharp!

I didn't want to distract or take attention away from the gold button detail but I wasn't quite in the mood for my normal solid top so I went with a pinstriped shirt.  When prints are so small you can't see them from far away you can style them as a solid.

Pair this skirt with a denim top,  printed top or brightly colored top.  Swap out pumps for wedges for a more casual look.

Sailor Skirt: Loft || Pinstripe Shirt: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West || 

More Nautical Options: Here - Here & Here

Dress Beautifully in a Sailor Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

This look incorporates the essentials color, femininity, and sophistication.

There is no need for us women in the corporate world to dress like a man to look professional.  Sure I love a crisp dress shirt and blazer but I feel just as confident and more ladylike in a blouse and some color.

The ruffles on this blouse were irresistible.  They add interest and movement in a soft delicate way.  Ruffles can be tricky, you often see them on little girl's garments and when it comes to women's wear sometimes designers go overboard.  Ruffles should add a feminine touch and detail, not distract. Keep them small and understated around the neckline, cuffs or hems.
I paired this blouse with jeans and a blazer a couple weekends ago for a casual look.
Tip: Since this blouse is ivory not white layer an ivory or nude camisole underneath. It's more subtle.

I often pair ivory with taupe as it's super soft and low contrast, a perfect canvas for a pop of color.
Emerald is my go-to and a red head's best friend. It's rich and makes our locks shine. If I had to pick a color to wear that wasn't white/ivory it would always be emerald green.  It's not the most common color to find on the racks so when I do and it's a nice piece, I bring it home to my closet :)

Note: I just painted my formal dining room emerald green this past weekend ... sharing soon! 

Add a feminine touch with ruffles and color.

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Taupe Suit Skirt: Similar -Here & Here ||

Pumps: Nine West || Emerald Topper: Similar and Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Roar

Animal prints, natural and organic.  God created these markings on animals, so why not strut on this earth looking just as beautiful in these unrefined prints.

Animal prints are neutral so I like to pair them with saturated colors to enhance their unique design.

Tip:  Trade in your pumps for a pair of boots for warmth and comfort in the colder months. 

Leopard Sweater: J Crew || Skirt: J Crew || Boots: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Green

Traditionally when I think of pink & green a preppy, summer, Lilly Pulitzer look comes to mind.  They are both my 2 most favorite colors so why put them away for the colder months?  I chose darker shades of the colors and texture in a leather pencil skirt.

My blouse is silk so it will carry you all year long.  Once it's get a bit colder opt for a sweater. I've had this leather skirt for many years - it made me think of Barbie.  I mean a pink leather skirt is a rare find!

Don't throw out you favorite colors with the seasons, just opt for lighter or darker and incorporate them with different fabrics/textures.  Pastels are my favorites for styling in the winter, they're fresh and light and totally unexpected outside of spring.

Green Silk Blouse: J Crew || Pink Skirt: Similar & Here || 

Grey Booties: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Green 

XOXO Sarah Louise