Python Purse

Gals, this look bumped the others down on the list to post because I was so excited to share this python purse Mr gifted me for Christmas.  I had posted about it on this Friday 5 Post several weeks back and when it was 30% off for Black Friday I made sure Mr knew about it.

Surprise presents are just rare for us.  So rather than struggle and hunt down something that the other may want we either treat ourselves or send a link via email - so romantic I know. But honestly romance isn't in wrapped presents, it's in the little things like when Mr surprised me with my nursery chair or when he put together baby girl's crib on a day I was super sick at work and sent me a picture.

So back to the purse/outfit, I do believe that when you're wearing solids or color blocking you must add some print somewhere and animal prints are my most favorite! Despite my intense fear of snakes I'm obsessed with snake accessories.  They have a fierceness and expensive look about them.

This dress is obviously maternity - but my vest is not.  I've utilized vests and jackets to add style and variety to my maternity pieces.  Even thought they don't button I find that they still get the style job done and they even help me feel a bit more confident by adding coverage to all my extra curves.

PS #36weeks

Maternity LBD  ||  Vest  ||  Python Purse  ||  Pumps  || 

Dress Beautifully with Python Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & Camel

I love the color combination of black and camel.  They're rich neutrals.  I must admit I've never worn so much black in my whole life as I have being pregnant.  First, it's available (maternity options are limited) and second it's slimming/concealing so I'm going with it.

I purchased this vest over the Summer at the Nordstrom anniversary sale and knew it would be great this winter being pregnant to layer.  I officially can not button my coats and have only worn them twice.  Baby girl is a heater!

I really like long vests because they're basically a one size fits all and they make me feel tall (hard to do at 5'2").  They're professional for work and chic with a pair of distressed jeans on the weekends.

Note:  I have to apologize for these not-so-sharp pics - we didn't shoot these at our normal late afternoon time and with bright lighting didn't get the settings right but you get the point.

Oh I almost forgot about these earrings!  They've been on my wish list and I pulled the trigger on Cyber Monday.  I absolutely LOVE them!!!

Black Dress  ||  Vest & Coat  ||  Tights  ||  Pumps  ||  Earrings  || Handbag & Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in Black & Camel

XOXO Sarah Louise

Soft Neutrals

Today baby girl is 32 WEEKS!!!

Half the time I’m like ‘Woah! time is flying by how am I ever going to be ready?!!’ Then the other half of me is panicked that I can’t survive another 8 weeks!

I will almost always opt for a lighter palette over a darker.  Even in the winter, I find light and bright looks refreshing! Just like snow – that I never ever see because #southernliving.

This sweater is the perfect blend of soft in color and comfort. AND it’s not maternity – so if you do have a bump you’ll probably need to layer a shirt underneath for added coverage.

I went with my normal size because I want to wear it for seasons to come.  And since it’s a looser fit it will be nice for the transition once she’s here.

  

If you’re a rule breaker pair this sweater with white jeans – if not black or blue are good too!

Can I just add that I’m loving my new bag?!! I can’t remember if I shared with you #babybrain that Mr surprised me with it at one of my baby showers a few weeks ago – best baby daddy ever! I have my planner with me and it often has a jacket or sweater in it because I’m constantly shedding due to internal heat waves.

For years I’ve shared with you that this shoe is my ALL TIME FAVORITE EVER!!! I have them in 4 colors black patent, brown croc, red patent and nude patent – they are classic and comfortable.  So much that I’ve resoled 2 pairs over the years.  They’ve been my go to for work & travel and even more so now that my heels are being neglected.

Sweater & Layering Tee ||  Pants - Non Maternity  ||  Shoes  ||  Handbag & Similar  || 

Dress Beautifully in Soft Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tweed

Tis the season for tweed!

Thank goodness this number is sleeveless because baby girl has me roasting from the inside out!  I’m not a hot natured gal but these days the colder the better.  Poor Mr is bundled in our house.  I try and console him with the energy savings we will have – he could care less as he shivers.

Tweed has always given me a Jackie O/Chanel feeling and gals it doesn’t get any classier than that!

Seraphine has been one of my favorites for my maternity wardrobe.  I mean, Princess Kate wears it so it was a guarantee I had to have a few pieces.  The dresses are super comfortable and great for work and church.  For the weekend I just pair them with flats or boots.

Later this Winter when it is a bit cooler I can layer a long sleeve tee underneath or a black jacket/sweater over.  This dress definitely accents the bump whereas most of my other dresses are a bit roomier.  One of the kiddos in my Sunday School class that I teach said ‘woah she looks almost ready!’.  It was the first time I had worn a dress that was a bit fitted so they were excited to see that I actually had a growing belly.

If you really want to pile on the class add pearls and/or a broach!

Tweed Dress - NonMaternity & Here ||  Maternity Tights  ||  Pumps  ||

Handbag & Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Tweed

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bolder the Better

The bolder the better!  Leopard and red are two bold prints and colors that personally I find striking together.  It's complimentary.  If you're not into the bold on bold combo I also find that leopard and red both pair well with pastels - highly unexpected contrast.

Gals, I'm 30 weeks with baby girl tomorrow and I'm feeling it!

Confession:  so sick last night I cried! I know this is a blessing but I literally almost threw up on the cat when I got home from work and thank goodness I made it to the kitchen sink because the idea of having to bathe my cat in my own vomit is traumatizing! And poor Mr, he comes home from long days in the ER to a sad case for a wife.  Not to mention 4th quarter pressures at work with my pending maternity leave is about to break me.  To say I'm counting down is an understatement. 
Sorry to rant but it's my reality - are there any other Mammas out there hanging by a thread like me??!!
I'll spare you my other complaints of largeness, ankle swelling, limited mobility and the struggle to put on my tights!

Again, counting down! I do find that going into her nursery and holding her things adds a glimmer of light to the darkness.  but then I just dash to the bathroom and ...

Tomorrow I'll write a joyful post :)

But hey I'm dressing my belly beautifully!

Leopard Dress - Non-Maternity  ||  Red Jacket  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag - Similar  ||

Earrings  ||  Cuff Bracelet  || 

Dress Beautifully in Leopard & Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Cutie Collar

Can I just share that I started this week on the sweetest note! This past weekend I was blessed with two loving baby showers and I'm still in awe of the kindness generously given to us!  I can't wait to share it with you soon :)
(Last week was consumed with business travel followed by hosting family and friends so I didn't get a chance to post - I promise I'll catch up)

Most Mammas-to-be do not want to invest in maternity clothes and I hear ya! It's temporary and expensive however I know I still want to maintain style while growing.  Another challenging element would be dressing professional in the office - there's no shortage of maternity tees and leggings but try and find suiting and you'll feel like you're hunting for a needle in a hay stack. Trust me - I've done the hunt and had some success that I shared on this post.

I also do not care for all of the super fitted maternity garments, I prefer a looser fit.
Confession: I just can't get comfortable with being bigger.

This dress I love because it's a classic black with cute scalloped white collar.  It's soft and swingy.  I would wear a black dress with a white collar without the bump. I'll have to add black tights now that the temps have finally dropped.
PS This baby girl has me so warm that I'm freezing Mr out in our house!

White Collar Dress - Non-Maternity  ||  Pumps & Here  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||  

Dress Beautifully in a White Collared Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

New & Navy

You gals know I'm into Navy when it comes to neutrals - well today I'm into a new trimester at 28 weeks, 3rd and final!!! I can see the end! Don't get me wrong I want her to be healthy and grow but being pregnant has been far from fun for me.  I'm ready to not be sick and to enjoy snuggling her sweet little self!

AND I passed my glucose test! I literally said 'Amen' out loud when I heard the results. I could not take another defeat.  I woke up throwing up yesterday morning so getting that nasty drink down was torture at 8am.  But with a lot of prayer, determination and Mr cheering me on holding the barf bag nearby I pushed through.

We heard her strong heart beat at 155/min - music to our ears! We will also get to see her in 3 weeks on ultrasound. I look at all these extra monitoring tests as just another opportunity to see her rather than being stressed. It's all in God's hands anyways.

So, to the topic of interest, this outfit.  I 100% prefer navy over black when it comes to dark neutrals.  I find that a lot of gals struggle with navy outside of summer because they don't want to pair it on top of jeans for fear of being monochromatic with no contrast.  The key is to opt for a lighter wash denim because those white jeans are tucked away for days between Easter and Labor Day - unless you're a rule breaker.

When it comes to maternity dressing I wanted to stay as true to my style as possible but that can be challenging because the options are so limited.  This top spoke my language in a windowpane print.  And it had a unique neckline with more of a peplum design which is very close to what I would like without the bump. It's perfect for the office with trousers but also super cute for weekends with distressed jeans and booties, as you can see.

I topped it off with an ivory jacket I already had to add a dressy element, balancing the jeans.

Prego Pals - we must use as much of our wardrobe as we can, just ignore the inability to button those blazers.

Navy Top - Non Maternity Option & Here  ||  Jeans - Non Maternity Option  ||  Jacket  ||

Booties  ||  Cuff  ||

Dress Beautifully in Navy

XOXO Sarah Louise