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

Simply Striped

Stripes are simply a classic print that every gal must embrace. A classic black and white striped top and dress are staples for your wardrobe that I promise you will wear over and over. 

They pair beautifully with everything – colors, textures and even other prints, like leopard!

This dress is a maternity dress.  I don’t technically need it quite yet, however I don’t want to reach a point where I literally have nothing to wear and find myself scrounging and paying full price at the store.  So, I’ve taken advantage of sales and promotions and have been purchasing ahead. 

This dress has amazing structure and shapely paneling that creates confidence for a growing silhouette.  Like I shared before I’m not a fan of cotton/jersey fitted dresses.  I didn’t wear thin unstructured fabric garments before so I have no desire to start now.  I believe clothing pieces should skim the body. It’s just flattering and classy.

I styled this dress how I would normally style a striped dress.  I plan to keep my maternity style as close to my normal as possible -  I already have crisp dress shirts, pencil skirts and A-line dresses.

Since we are technically in Fall despite the just plain hot temps, I layered with another classic, the denim jacket.  You should all have one and if not shame on you.

I added a pop of color with my red bag so I kept the shoe neutral. Check out the back of this dress J

Don’t hesitate to style with added print with a scarf or shoe.  I foresee a trench, camel sweater and boots pairing next month … maybe even tights & colored coat come November.  Seriously the options are endless.

If you do happen to be like me (there are a couple of you sweet gals aka belly buddies) on a mission of  ‘being a babe while having a babe’ you NEED this dress!

And for the rest of you I’ve linked less roomy options down below. 

Striped Dress & Similar ||  Non-maternity Striped Dress  & Here  || 

Slides & Here  ||  Denim Jacket & Here  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Striped Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: The IT Pant

Good Morning Gals!  I hope that you all have a great start to the week. It can be a disappointing to leave behind the enjoyment of a relaxing weekend away from the office and with your family but I try and think of it as a fresh start full of opportunities to make great impacts. 

Today is the first ‘Mamma Monday’ post and I’m starting with an essential that’s been a life saver for me.

I’m sharing with you the IT pants of all pants.

I purchased these last year as my gal pal has them and after seeing her in them I wanted to have my own to step into.

I don’t gravitate towards casual, lounge, athletic (whatever you want to call it) wear.  It’s hard for me to spend money on that stuff as I’m in office 5 days a week and at church on Sundays so they wouldn’t get much wear.  I’m also a dressy gal and feel more comfortable in structured and tailored pieces.

However, I will say that I have softened over the past couple of years and own more casual/basic garments. 

These pants have been a workhorse for me as I’ve transitioned into pregnancy.  I have them in both black and navy and wear them each once a week.  The other 3 days I typically wear dresses.  They are made of a synthetic material so they’re super lightweight and cool, have a modern design in a tapered leg and have a partial elastic waist that gives enormous comfort.
Oh and they have pockets!

I’ve paired these with tees and sandals/sneakers for the weekend and pumps and a blouse during the weekdays.

The only element that can be of bother is the tie strings, I have to make sure they don’t show underneath my work blouses.

They come in multiple colors & in regular, tall, and petite lengths. I wear regular and they hit right at my ankles – I’m 5’2” tall.

They are clearly not maternity and I enjoyed them prior as an alternative to jeans on the weekends.

Now, they are a part of my every day wardrobe.

I also foresee them being just as useful post pregnancy.

Today I’m 22 weeks and 4 days carrying baby girl and they will hopefully be with me til the end. 

Note:  I wear my normal size.

I’ve also found that I do NOT like the over the belly pants!!! I’m sure partly because my belly just isn’t big enough yet but it’s smothering and itchy.  I’ll definitely be opting for skirts, pants and jeans that have elastic in the waist band to be worn under.

I’m telling you now, go get yourself these pants!!!!! 

Ankle Pants

Dress Beautifully in These Wear-Everyday Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Must Haves

Gals, TGIF! I’m so ready for this weekend. My career has been extra demanding this week with big deadlines and next week doesn’t look any better not to mention I’ve had a few really sick days but pushing through and showing this baby girl how strong her Mamma is!

Mr is off of work this Saturday so we have a full day together with breakfast, a work out, house projects and hanging out with friends.

When I’m out shopping sometimes I see things that I like or will wait to see if they go on sale to purchase and other times I see things that I just have to have.  I’m talking ‘can’t live without’, ‘I’m taking these to the register’ things.

Well today’s Friday 5 post are things I literally must have...

First, The shoes!

I first laid eyes on these while at the mall with one of my gal pals – she has them in black.  Gals, these will be on my feet just trying to decide when to pull the trigger as we are in the midst of renovating our home and designing a nursery (still haven’t found a money tree in our backyard).  Thankfully our new furniture has already been ordered and paid for.

I’m in LOVE with the blush color and envision myself wearing them all seasons with skinny jeans, trousers, dresses … basically everything!  Think of slides like a ballet flat when styling.

The Bag

Navy is my most favorite dark neutral.  My grandma loved navy shoes and handbags.  I find it much softer than black.

This handbag is ladylike, sophisticated and just looks rich!

It’s on sale this weekend for 30% off – which means I have to get it now right??!!!

The Fragrance

No lie, I’ve been wearing Chanel Chance perfume since I was 16, that’s 18 years! I love it and haven’t found anything else.  I prefer strong scents, always the eau de parfum never the toilette.

Just a few weeks ago when Chanel came out with this new scent I immediately spritzed it on myself and inhaled!  It’s perfect! I placed this one on my Christmas list.

The Fur Vest

Well, I can’t get enough fur in my wardrobe, color it pink and I’m struttin sassy! And warm J

The Gold Cuff

I prefer to keep my jewelry classic and this gold cuff fits for a forever piece.

Dress Beautifully in Pieces You Must Have

XOXO Sarah Louise

Floral & Lace

Florals in the Fall  is fashion’s way of holding to the pretty blooms of warm weather.  Just incorporate with darker hues and more coverage.

I actually prefer tiny printed florals over the big and bold.  I believe prints should be classic and proportionate to your frame and clearly I’m petite even on my tippy toes.

I can’t tell you gals how much Anthropologie has taken over my #ootd ‘s over the past few months.  The flowy designs of their pieces are feminine, light and have just been comfortable this Summer.  Though I haven’t had much of a bump to accommodate, I have felt ‘fluffy’ in the middle. I’ve had to take a break from tucking, pencil skirts and sheath dresses  sniff sniff. 

This dress isn’t maternity but add a sweater and I’m hoping it will carry me through.  And it’s a smart investment as I’ll wear it when the belly is long gone!

The added lace and midi length adds femininity and a twirl factor.

It also reminds me of dresses we wore in the 90’s #tbt

I like adding booties with it for a more casual fall vibe.

Floral Midi Dress  ||  Peep Toe Booties  ||  Handbag  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Florals for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise