Friday 8 January 2016

Second Trimester Evening Outfits: Jersey Maxi Dresses & Pregnancy Weight Comments

As much as I love a good singlet and shorts combo for being pregnant over summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a maxi dress for looking put-together. They are perfect for feeling dressed up enough for going out for dinner, while still being incredibly comfortable and accommodating to a baby bump.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester jersey maxi dress Christmas party outfit vintage Chanel bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to hubby's work Christmas party. We went out for dinner, and I had planned to wear one of my dressier non-maternity maxi dresses, but quickly found I couldn't squeeze the bump into it! Clothes that zip up are generally are not pregnancy friendly. Tried on a few and settled on this one instead. Stretchy jersey so I knew it would fit (I wore it through the third trimester last time) and I just added some glam accessories with my vintage Chanel bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandalsvintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress without a baby bump, Balenciaga studded sandals and a chambray dress, Chanel bag and a purple maxi dress.


 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Mothers En Vogue Havana Maxi Dress LV beandeau scarf as belt

AwayFromTheBlue | Accessories: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC Hermes clic clac
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Chanel necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

We had a dinner out with friends booked for a while and I was looking forward to it, but so much more after the Christmas party the night before. There were a lot of 'you're huge!', 'it must be twins!' and 'are you sure it's not twins?' comments from strangers at the party and it was getting to me a little, with all the pregnancy hormones! While my OB reassures me I'm measuring right on track, I still think I look a couple weeks bigger than at the same point in pregnancy with baby T. I know you'll always look bigger in subsequent pregnancies too as your abdominal muscles aren't as taught as they were the last time, but so many comments seem designed to put pregnant women down for the natural and normal weight gain that comes along with growing another human.

I am completely in awe and so grateful for a growing baby, and I'd happily have a belly twice the size if that means baby is growing as it should. Being pregnant is a blessing I am thankful for every day. It still stings a little to be constantly told how huge you are though, especially at a time when emotions are already a little unstable!
I don't want to appear ungrateful, I just want to highlight that there are nice ways to say things and not-so nice ways to say things and that when someone is pregnant suddenly all the weight comments start flying, with very few filters. Commenting that the bump is growing nicely or has gotten bigger since you last saw it is a lot politer than saying that pregnant women swell up like massive puffer fish, haha.

It was awesome to put on a pretty dress I knew I would fit, look good in, and laugh and joke with my friends for the evening. I am so blessed to have friends that know exactly how to compliment a pregnant lady, giant baby belly and all ;)


Last worn: purple maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeau, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress in winter without a baby bumpLouis Vuitton bandeau worn in hair, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and skinny jeans.





The Asos 70% off sale includes some really pretty dresses if you're after some more maxi dress bargains.







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Wednesday 6 January 2016

Summer Kimonos and Denim: Jeanswest Georgie Maternity Boyfriend Shorts

In spring I realised that a tank and shorts would probably be my go-to outfit combo for coping with the summer heat during pregnancy, and kimonos seemed like a nice piece to add on top for a little more interest. I'd been hunting for some nice ones for a few months. There are a lot of polyester ones around but I needed something more breathable for the heat. I managed to score the two I'm wearing below in the Asos sale, already reduced with an extra 20% off so I'm pretty happy. Ended up wearing them both with the same pair of shorts for their first wears.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Bright and Colourful Second Trimester summer maternity pregnancy outfit singlet shorts kimono

Away From Blue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine
NecklaceAustralian coin and crest necklace layered with Roie Designs feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
Singlet: thrifted Cotton On yellow tank
ShortsJeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

I loved everything about this outfit! The style challenge for the day was 'brights' so I wore my brightest tank and a colourful bag. I liked how well the yellow and aquamarine worked with the print on my kimono too. Wore this to go out with toddler T for a play date with some other mums and bubs from playgroup, as we are still trying to catch up although playgroup has a break over summer.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarersyellow tank, Jeanswest maternity shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a recent purchase, but you can see another way I wore it on Instagram here.

Other ways to wearyellow tank and a maxi skirt, Jeanswest maternity shorts and teestudded sandals and a printed skirt, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with flared jeans



More fun printed kimonos under $50:






What I wore:

Away From Blue | New Look Petite print kimono maternity singlet boyfriend shorts pregnancy

AwayFromTheBlue | Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
TankJeanswest maternity tank in white
ShortsJeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagBalenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

Wore this out to a Christmas party. I really like pink and blue together so I loved the colour combination in this outfit also. The style challenge for the day was 'killer heels' but no chance of wearing heels at this point in pregnancy! I figured the studs on my sandals made them 'killer' enough looking to meet the theme, and they were perfect for chasing around a toddler. Toddler T had a blast at the party, and got to meet Santa again. Even after Santa gave him a cookie he wasn't really sure of him, although it did make for some cute photos.

As it's the second time I've worn this tank since I purchased it, and I'm trying to review and reflect on all my purchases to find out if I'm buying the right things for my wardrobe, my purchase review:

I LOVE this tank. In my last pregnancy, I didn't try any of these maternity tanks and I just stuck to the regular non-maternity tanks, but I decided to try these on at Jeanswest one day and loved how comfortable and flattering they were. I bought three colours, and may have bought a few more in the recent sales....definitely a great pregnancy purchase. Although I am too clumsy for white and I'm frequently spilling things on it, so far I've managed to get all the stains out!


Last worn: white maternity tank, maternity boyfriend shorts (above), Balenciaga studded sandals, Balenciaga sorbet pink city bag. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a recent purchase but you can see how I also wore it on Christmas eve on instagram.

Other ways to wearwhite maternity tank and a maxi skirt, maternity boyfriend shorts and Converse, Balenciaga studded sandals and skinny jeans, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and a chambray dress




If you like the look of the kimonos above, now is a great time to snap them up! Final reductions are on in the Asos sale.


I sized down with the New Look Petite print kimono and got my regular size in the Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono.



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