LIFESTYLE

MY (NON)MATERNITY WARDROBE

 

The last thing I wanted to do when I got pregnant was buy a whole bunch of clothes that I would never be able to wear again. And as I thought about getting pregnant, I started paying attention to the clothes that I already had and realized a lot of the dresses and sweaters that I had would probably last me for a long time. So I got to looking into all of my favorites as well as some bestsellers that could fit for at least the first two trimesters and maybe even after.

 

SHOP THIS LOOK

 

I was the most comfortable in dresses, as I usually am. And luckily most of the maxi dresses that I had still fit! I am officially in my third trimester now, but I am happy to report that I have not purchased one dress specifically for maternity, but I’m sure that’ll might change in the last months. My hope is that I can get away with a large sweater dress and maybe some maternity leggings this Fall, but the first thing to go for me was my jeans and jean shorts. While I wasn’t “showing” per se, I was definitely bloated and immediately got wider more than anything. I really only started to show around mid June, and early July was when I was starting to narrow down my wardrobe choices, but these dresses were a constant for me for comfort (and the heat).

 

DRESSES

 

 

Now, remember, everybody’s body reacts differently to pregnancy. So while these are all things that I’ve been able to wear the last seven months, I’m not saying they will or should fit everyone. These are just items that I felt were spacious enough to look cute but also give me room to grow. I did end up buying a few pieces from maternity brands like Hatch, Legoe Heritage, and Bodily but was super intentional about what I did purchase. Legoe has great knit pieces that you can build several sets out of and wear throughout your pregnancy spanning different seasons. They also have great dresses that stretch a ton and would be very comfortable to wear postpartum.

And once I started to really pop and my sweatpants started to tug on my tummy, I didn’t go with maternity pants. I ended up buying sweatpants from A&F in men’s large. I knew that I loved them because I had them in women’s and honestly I just wanted to be comfortable and feel a little normal. So far they have accomplished just that and I still have room to grow!

 

SHOP THIS LOOK

 

But my saving grace this summer when it was so oppressively hot and humid? Rompers! I found this delightful linen number and not only is it adorable but it is also the most comfortable thing ever, and has tons of room to grow in because it’s already an oversized fit. I got it in black and natural and wore them constantly. I also wore this Tuckernuck Romper a ton once I realized how much room it had, I was even tempted to get it in another color because it was a great comfortable option that still felt elevated and not too oversized or messy.

We had our annual family trip to the lake house and I chose to get a few more Hunza G swimsuits instead of anything maternity so that I could wear them after as well. I bought one of their styles last Summer and it was so comfortable I knew I’d want to get another one anyway, so I went with a black bikini and one piece and both were very comfortable and I felt stretchy enough to probably wear if I was even a bit bigger!

 

WHAT I PACKED

For our week at the lake.

 

I’ve found lots of styles that were just generally comfortable and forgiving as I grew in the first two trimesters that I wore a ton before I got pregnant and will hopefully be able to wear afterwards as well. Shop all my first/second trimester outfits here!

Going into my last two months as the temps cool off my focus is going to be anything that I can layer with leggings. I’ve only bought a few pairs of maternity leggings knowing that between workouts and everyday athleisure I’d wear them a ton. I can still layer some of the dresses I link above with sweaters and jean jackets for those nicer outfits, but you really can’t beat a leggings + oversized sweater outfit in the Fall. Even if you’re not pregnant! Below I’ve linked leggings that I got to grow into and hopefully wear through to the end and in the fourth trimester. I really started to need maternity leggings about a month into my second trimester, and these have been a huge hit.

 

LEGGINGS

I bought to grow into and through the 4th trimester.

 

I’m likely going to have to make some changes during my last trimester as I grow to the size of a house, but for now, all of the styles above have been amazing. Check out a list below of a few of my favorite things these last seven months of pregnancy!

 

MORE RECENT LOVES

that I wore throughout my first two trimesters.

 

Favorite Workout: A Peloton power walk! They have all kinds of classes and they still feel like a good workout

Favorite Pajamas: These SKIMS Sleep Set is not only incredibly soft and comfortable but I’ve had plenty of room to grow! I have worn my original set (bought pre-pregnancy) the entire time.

Favorite Belly Oil: I stuck with Bio Oil which I’ve used before, but I started using these on my thighs and belly week 4 and used it twice a day every day. I really think that’s why I don’t see any stretch marks!

Favorite Leggings: These Zella High Wasted Maternity Leggings are so soft and so stretchy but still supportive. I wore them mostly for workouts but they are great for everyday as well.

Family Photo Outfit: Mango Pleated A Line Dress

Favorite Maternity Undies: I really resisted this for some reason, but once I got the Bodily All-In Panty and realized how soft and comfortable they were? I bought another 3-pack!! I highly recommend

Favorite Slippers: I don’t know if it was swelling or just usage, but my feet started to really feel the pain towards the end of my sixth month. These were my saving grace!

 

 

LIFESTYLE

THE FALL EDIT

 

My favorite season for fashion, and this year is giving all the feels; 90’s looks, loafers, chore coats, lady jackets, the works! My current trend that I’m loving the most? Dark hues; I’m talking dark browns, and burgundies.

 

Trends I am seeing and loving?

  1. Monochromatic layering
  2. Trousers
  3. Split vests and sweaters
  4. Midi Skirts
  5. Loafers

 

OUTERWEAR

 

FOOTWEAR

 

SWEATERS

 

LADY JACKETS

 

DARK HUES

LIFESTYLE

MDW Holiday Weekend Sales 2023

 

Here is a breakdown of some of my favorite retailers and the best sales we have found for the holiday weekend. Personally my favorite thing to do during big sales are:

1. Big purchases: if you’ve had your eye on something for the home? Now is the time to get it!

2. Staples: things like white tees or even pajamas! I have several pieces that are just worn out and need to be replaced, this is the time that I do that.

3. Organizing + cleaning: if you have a closet or room that you’ve been wanting to reorganize? Get those things now! Huge savings at The Container Store, but also on cleaning products. Again, a great time to shop for staples.

 

Jenni Kayne

20% off with code MDWEVENT 

 

Madewell

25% off through 5/30 with code LONGWEEKEND 

Scout & Nimble

Up to 25% off!

The Container Store

30% off sitewide

Abercrombie & Fitch

20% off everything!

Visual Comfort

20% off

J.Crew

40% off your purchase plus an extra 50% off sale items with code WEEKEND

Serena & Lily

20% off with code SPLASH
LIFESTYLE

ADD TO CART: COASTAL GRANDMOTHER

 

It’s that time of year that Pinterest board is full of exterior landscaping from the Hamptons and Nantucket. I’m talking wood shingles, hydrangeas and boxwoods, soon followed by the urge to watch every Nancy Meyers movie ever made. From all of this we can only make one conclusion…

It’s coastal grandmother season!

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it was an aesthetic defined a few years ago as a ‘clean and classic of women living in luxurious oceanfront properties set in the Hamptons’. Glamour describes it as

“Being a coastal grandmother means wearing loose, breathable fabrics and doing strength training by shifting a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc from hand to hand. It means shelling peas on a chaise lounge, or getting up at six to drink coffee with local cream in the still, cool promise of the morning.”

I mean, what doesn’t sound absolutely lovely about that?

 

INSPIRATION VIA PINTEREST

 

There are three pillars to this aesthetic, and they are:

1. Neutrals

2. Linen

3. Classic + Timeless

I love any excuse to wear a beige sweater over my shoulders and if you’ve been following my Instagram stories the last month you will know that has been my go-to move. And to be honest I think a draped sweater is a power move in the coastal grandmother handbook.

Let’s review the staples of this look and just how easy it is to accomplish this aesthetic:

 

PLEATED SHORTS  |  SWEATER  |  NECKLACE

LINEN PANTS

Whether you are wearing these as a cover up with a swimsuit, or maybe pairing them with a neutral stop and sandals for a stroll through the farmers market, these are not only so comfortable but great pieces to transition from spring to summer because of the breathable fabric.

 

 

BUTTON-DOWN

An oversized white linen button down is a real strong coastal grandmother move. Go with cotton and you can pair it with jean shorts and a straw bag for a fresh + stylish vibe for Summer.

 

 

NEUTRAL KNIT SWEATERS

You can’t go wrong with these styles all year round. And did I mention I like to drape them over my shoulders yet? The perfect outfit for when you’re a little chilly on the beach in the Hamptons 🙂

 

 

WOVEN BAGS

I actually love these styles for this time of year no matter what aesthetic you’re going for. And the idea of filling them with produce for a farmers market, then walking to your beach house afterward makes me want to pick up and move pronto.

 

 

A BREEZY DRESS

Another piece so crucial to a comfortable spring/summer wardrobe. And dare I say, a great piece to pair with a sweater draped over your shoulders?!

 

 

 

LINEN DRESS  |  CARDIGAN

LIFESTYLE

ADD TO CART: SPRING FASHION

 

There is something about Spring fashion that is just so much better than the other seasons. Fall is fun because you get to wear sweaters and feel cozy, but Spring fashion brings you back to life! No more layering, no more coats, no more boots that ruin an outfit and look super clunky that you’re so tired of…

Need I say more?

 

 

I’ve been linking a ton of neutral staples lately that I have worn year after year, and to be honest they are still some of my favorites. And one things about having a great neutral line up of classics is that you can easily interchange for countless new looks and layering options. I also recently did a huge closet purge of those items that I kept keeping year after year thinking “I haven’t worn them yet, but I will”. So now my closet has nothing that I haven’t worn at least a few times.

 

A FEW OF MY NEUTRAL FAVORITES

 

I think this is also a season where denim really starts to make a comeback: lighter wash jeans, jean jackets, denim shorts, etc. There are so many more options this time of year to style with your outfit. I even got a new pair of light wash jeans and I am only mildly obsessed. They are ultra high rise (duh) and just soft enough to be super comfortable. I’ve had a hard time with length lately because I don’t think the 90’s cut + length is super flattering on me, but I haven’t been able to find an ankle length pair that actually hit at my ankle. They’re always too short leaving a super unflattering fit. So I actually got these same jeans just in the short length and they’re kinda perfect! About two inches longer than the ankle cut and about two inches shorter than the regular length.

I also refuse to even look at a pair of jeans that isn’t ultra high rise, or a pair of jean shorts that doesn’t have extra length. That’s what getting old and not working out gets you :-/ But I’ve found this pair from Agolde that is both! Here are a few other new denim styles that I’ve found lately.

 

SPRING DENIM FINDS

 

Now, we can’t forget the most fun part! Spring dresses!! I have been dreaming of this day when I get to put on my favorite maxi dresses and layer with sweaters. It is so refreshing after Winter to be able to wear these styles again. I’ve posted a ton about needing a staple white maxi dress, but let’s be real, you need several colors. I got this one from Amazon at least three years ago and have loved it so much that I got it in one new color last year, then another this year! It’s the perfect length to wear with sneakers or sandals, and so fun to pair with sweaters. Plus, you can’t beat the price. It’s an amazing alternative to this Jenni Kayne style.

Casual travel look? Pair with white sneakers and a white sweater draped over your shoulders. Patio brunch? Sandals and a denim jacket! I mean, you can’t beat it. But if you aren’t convinced here are more styles to check out that would be great additions to your wardrobe.

 

 

MAXI DRESSES

 

Now for my personal favorite, sweaters. No, not those heavy ones you’ve been wearing since the Fall, but light and airy sweaters. Ones that you can throw on with jean shorts when it gets warm out during the day. Or a sweater that you throw over your shoulders for that chic, mature look and to keep yourself just a bit warmer than without it. A sweater you can pair with a summer hat and feel like you are immediately transported to the Hamptons. Okay, I need a vacation…

 

LIGHT + LAYERING SWEATERS

 

Don’t miss tons of outfit ideas and looks on my LTK page. I’ve been much better about documenting my outfits lately, and now that it’s nice out and I can’t hide my ugly outfit under a winter coat, I’m actually getting dressed 😀

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