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

Roses

It's Valentine's week!  I'm obsessed with love - Love for God, Mr, family, friends, our country and let's not forget the little loves of fashion, red lipstick, black coffee (it is Monday), lemons, fine paper (I'm all about correspondence) and of course champagne! It's Love that sustains me!

When I think of Valentine's Day the typical comes to mind, flowers, chocolate and date nights.  Sadly Mr and I haven't had but a couple Valentine's Day dates over the past 10 years but we always made up for it in other ways when we did see each other.  I was never one for flowers or chocolate, they die and well chocolate isn't friendly on the waist line.  So he always got creative with his tokens of affection. This year he's on the other side of the world but thank goodness our love knows no distance.

It's funny how gals will use any occasion to style a look.  Valentine's Day is no exception.  Magazines, blogs, store front windows and even Pinterest will all be sharing lovely looks.  Even me.
So here's what I picked to celebrate love, because aren't roses the flower of love? - minus the thorns?

This cropped shell with roses was just the piece.  Since it's still winter I paired with one of it's darker shades, bordeaux, but accessorized with lighter shades of pink.  This look is ideal for both the office and date night.  Try swapping the pencil skirt for skinny black pants or jeans for a more comfortable and casual look.

This Valentine's Day pinks, reds, florals and just your sweet heart will make the loveliest of looks!

P.S. Thanks to my gal pals & their peer pressure I'm seeing more roses than ever before, I'm watching 'The Bachelor' for the second time - I know I've lived under a rock.  Well, honestly I record it, I need beauty sleep for my 5am wake up. I want to quit but it's literally a train wreck you can't look away from!!

Rose Top: Vince Camuto more Rose styles here and here || Skirt: Similar and here || 

Pink Handbag: Tory Burch || Pumps: Cole Haan || Earrings: Honora ||  

Dress Beautifully in Roses

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bermuda

Bermuda shorts or some call them walking/city shorts are simply shorts that are a longer length hitting right above the knee. I like them for their modesty and comfort. I also find them to be sliming! 

Of course for they're great for weekends with a tank or tee but in a dressier fabric/design, they can certainly be styled for casual Friday in the office.  Depending on your office environment of course. Think of them as a pencil skirt but cut down the middle to make legs.  Add a fun blouse, blazer and pumps to jazz it up.   When wearing a casual piece it's important your pairings and accessories are sophisticated. 

This printed top with beaded & neon accents at the neckline keep it modern and fun.

Ditch the jacket for happy hour and replace the pumps for wedges for a chic weekend look. 

Bermuda Shorts: Peck & Peck (Available in lots of Colors) || Top: Sovella's || 

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

Dress Beautifully in Bermuda Shorts 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Match Set

I'm loving all these designer lines presented at the big box stores with affordable price points (I'm not going to discuss the Lilly for Target too Cra- Cra!) 

I've always loved Milly but it is definitely something I purchase on sale or for a special occasion. So I was pretty excited to see this Milly line for Kohls. It was inspired by the designer's trip to Capri, Italy and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a few pieces. 

My store didn't carry the full line so I may have to order online but I did bring home this beautiful blue and white matching set.  It's not my typical nature to coordinate to a tee but in this case I'm Matchy-Matchy all the way! The print reminds me of italian porcelain pottery.  It has that 60's vibe but in a modern design.  The cotton sateen finish is polished and comfortable. 

The crop top is shorter but not so short it's inappropriate.  The pant and top meet with a slight overlap - note I'm short waisted and barely 5'2" with my puffy hair. 

So for taller gals or for the office, pair shorter tops with high waisted pencil skirts or trousers.  Try layering a button down underneath. 

I'll be splitting these pieces up pairing each with white, navy, black and gray colors.... maybe even yellow :) 

Crop Top: Milly for Kohls || Capri Pants: Milly for Kohls || Heels: Franco Sarto Similar ||
Bracelet: Hermes || Clutch: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah Louise

Rosy Posey

Roses are the epitome of romance and femininity.  Their sweet smell and colorful petals just make me think of love.  

I adore this ladylike top for it's slightly cropped design in a metallic jacquard fabric.  The vibrant colors of pink, purple, red and a touch of dark, make it look almost like an abstract painting. The gold threads throughout gives off a touch of shine.  

I typically shy away from boxy tops but in a shorter length paired with a higher waisted bottom piece it actually highlights the waist line. 

In the hustle and bustle of life we often loose track of the beauty around us and what's truly important.

Stop and Smell (or Wear) the Roses! 

Rosy Top: Trina Turk Similar & Here || Ivory Trousers: Similar & Here || 

Cuff: Ann Taylor || Lace Up Pumps: Similar || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Roses

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & Blue

I get asked often if pairing black and blue is ok.  It's more than ok gals!  I personally love pairing the two shades.  Since I don't wear a lot of black, it's key to add some color when I do.  

The 'Midi' length is a huge trend and one I've been dying to try but being petite I was extremely apprehensive that it would make me look shorter than I already am.  I've found that a lot of the midi length skirts are full and pleated.  By opting for a midi length that's fitted or less voluminous you get more of a sleek long look.  To me the midi length is very feminine and reminds me of those elegant ladies of the 50's!

This black dress has subtle and sophisticated stripes and a lot of stretch to create a fitted shape. I paired it with cobalt blue pumps and coat (y'all it was crazy cold taking these pics!).  For the summer months I plan to pair this dress with sandals and wedges for a more casual look.

Photos BMD

Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West || Coat: J Crew Similar || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Bangle: David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wrapped

Last month when I was home visiting my Mamma, the temps dropped unexpectedly and naturally I didn't pack a coat.  It was early November in the South who would have thought?!

Normally I would just borrow from my littlest sissy's closet but as hard as it is to believe she's grown up to be 20!! and isn't at home anymore ... so it was straight to my Mamma's Closet.  We are both petite little red heads but her coats were just a tad too long for my taste. 

And then I remembered this oversized scarf I gifted her a couple of years ago.  It's a warm caramel color made of cashmere and oh so warm.  It's like being wrapped in a blanket.  
What I did pack was my favorite vintage belt and my go to crisp white shirt.  Paired with jeans, I was styled and read to step out into the cold.

I wrapped the oversized scarf around and secured it with my belt.  It was the perfect touch, adding warmth, shine and creating shape.

I felt so classy wearing my Mamma's scarf ... I mean she is the muse behind my classic style!!

Add some warmth without the coat with an oversized scarf turned caplet with an added belt. 

Oversized Scarf: Ralph Lauren Similar & Here & Here || Dress: Ann Taylor ||

Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers ||  Belt: Vintage Similar || 

Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully Wrapped in an Oversized Scarf 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tartan

Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors - Otherwise known as Plaid.  Traditionally 'Tartan' Plaid consists of navy, dark green and a signature woven red.

For the Scottish, Tartan plaid is worn all year long in their kilts. For me, and I'm going to assume most americans, I associate tartan plaid with the Winter months as it's typically constructed in wool fabrics.  I particularly love to incorporate Tartan plaid at Christmas time.

I found these festive pants a couple of years ago and loved their straight leg design. 

I styled this look encompassing all the basic elements: color, pattern, texture & shine.

Who doesn't love to add (faux) leather and gold in their outfits??!! 

Ot

Faux Leather Top: Loft || Tartan Pants: J Crew (old) Similar & Here & Here || 

Gold Pumps: Nine West Love These & this pair of Flats || 

Dress Beautifully in Tartan Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise