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

Mod for Pink

Oh Wednesdays we wear pink - ok let's be honest even the most non-girlie of girls can embrace this feminine color.  There's hot pink, fuchsia, pastel pink and the most lightest of lights blush pink.  Pink is a fun color and there's no reason it can't be embraced in a professional setting.  The key is styling.

You want your pink pieces to be polished when wearing to the office.  Tailored structured pieces are best or pair with such. I feel that most gals go dark when it comes to looking professional.  That stigma drives me crazy!  The truth is that lighter shades are equally as powerful and give a clean fresh appearance.

This pink skirt is very structured in a mod design.  I love a good retro vibe! It's higher waisted and flairs just a touch. In this boxy cut and shorter length it's very reminiscent of the '60's (without the go-go boots of course).

For a less playful look I styled this skirt with a crisp sleeveless dress shirt (perfect for this crazy hot weather that seems to be never ending) and topped it off with a camel blazer; grey or navy would look nice too.  This dress shirt actually has purple and pink pin dots throughout but is difficult to see in these pics. Even a subtle pattern adds interest.

For the weekend pair with sandals/wedges and a tank or tee.  Whenever Fall does decide to grace us with it's cooler temps pair with boots/booties and a cardigan/denim jacket.

Note:  I found these large pockets flattering on my hips/thighs.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt: Banana Republic || Pink Skirt: Loft || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Tory Burch & Similar || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Ruffles

There's nothing more classic than the contrast of a black and white ensemble.  It's crisp, clean and sharp.  When you're needing that extra umph to tackle the day ahead, a good power outfit can give you that little push to get you on your feet and energized to take on the day.

I'm all about bringing femininity to work wear.  I feel that women are under the impression they have to be plain, simple and dress like the menfolk to look professional.  You can't escape the fundamentals of a tailored jacket, and trousers but you can differentiate with sheath dresses, pencil skirts and blouses with detail.  Don't worry I'm not abandoning my dress shirts but I feel extra pretty in ladylike pieces.  This ruffle blouse does just that.  It's not too fussy and in a solid doesn't distract so it's quite perfect for a dress shirt substitute.  It's also great paired with jeans or even shorts for a casual chic look.

Swap out your dress shirt for a ruffle blouse and I guarantee you won't loose any sophistication but may actually gain some pretty awesome confidence!

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Grey Trousers: Banana Republic || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Similar & Here || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bourbon & Blush

This is a first.  I have a twin set in my closet.  With my affinity for classic and timeless pieces  it's ironic, even to myself, that I don't own such a fundamental garment as a cardigan.  I've always chosen blazers over cardigans.  I prefer the structure, durability, and sophistication that a jacket brings.
And now I'm enjoying the softness and movement of the warm wool snug against my skin.

Tip:  To avoid the cardigan cons of stretching, and piling choose a set made of wool or a silk blend.  And invest in this Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Remover to gently remove those pesky fuzz balls. 

I'm guilty of stereotyping cardigans as mature, and frumpy.  The key to avoiding the librarian/granny look is styling. Pair with modern, edgy and streamlined pieces. Avoid old school traditions such as pearls, broaches and overly conservative garments.  Also, split the shell and cardigan up.  They're both layering pieces and can lead to countless outfit options.

Another thing that drew me to this set was the rich amber color.  It's a unique neutral.  I have all the other neutrals covered in my blazers and suiting garments so this addition adds a particular uniqueness.  At first glance it reminded me of a lowball glass of bourbon, something Mr would drink on a date night (I see things that remind me of him constantly, sometimes it in the funniest of ways - there's clearly no limit to how much I miss him).

I paired the cardigan over a soft blush sheath dress and added some contrast with black pumps & handbag. I also accessorized with a modern gold hoop eating.  This color combination is sharp, unexpected and sure to impress at the office.
It's a classic look but I surely don't look mature or frumpy.

If you haven't added this year's Pantone color 'Rose Quartz' to your wardrobe this dress is a pretty piece to start with.  The piping detail streamlines your shape and highlights the waist.
Note:  I purchased in petite, it's designed in a longer length.

Later this week I'll share with you how I styled the matching shell :)

Cardigan: J Crew || Blush Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Bourbon & Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

Caramel + Rose

I'm an enthusiast for all neutrals other than black and believe that professional wear doesn't have to always be dark.  Don't get me wrong, deep colors are sharp and classic and highlight the skin, eyes and hair ... and let's not forget slimming!  But the softer shades are light and ladylike.

This palette of rose, ivory and caramel is a balance of soft and saturated shades.  

Please invest in an ivory silk shell and a caramel wool blazer!  They are investment pieces that will be in constant rotation. 

Shell: Similar Here Here & Here || Rose Trousers: Similar & Here || 

Blazer: J Crew & Factory || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Caramel & Rose

XOXO Sarah Louise