April 23, 2016

Channeling My Inner Parisian

Sweater: ASOS (Maternity) || Maternity Jeans:  AG Skinny Ripped Jeans ||  Flats: Madewell (old, similar) — Sweater: ASOS (Maternity) || Maternity Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans || Flats: Madewell (old, similar)

Sweater: ASOS (Maternity) || Maternity Jeans:  AG Skinny Ripped Jeans — Sweater: ASOS (Maternity) || Maternity Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans

I love stripes. They are so classic and never go out of style. For those chilly spring days (like today), this stripe sweater is the perfect transitional piece. The sheer layer attached to the bottom adds a cute, feminine touch and is great for my little bump. Complete this Parisian look with ripped skinny jeans, red flats and a bold red lip. I have gotten so much wear out of these red bow flats from Madewell. I think red looks so good with denim and a white/black (or navy) stripe top. Feels like I should be in Paris! :) P.S. I am completely obsessed with ASOS and feel like I just discovered it. Where have I been?! They have by far the best maternity styles that are so affordable and very on-trend. And everything looks so much more expensive than it really is. (Read I got some $40 dresses coming up on the blog soon!) Of course they have a crazy amount of non-maternity styles (as that's their focus) but this has definitely been my go-to for pregnancy clothes. And the online shopping is really easy.

Happy Saturday everyone! :)

March 19, 2016

Little Black Maternity Dress

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Pink Blush Maternity ||  Heels: Marion Parke — Dress: Pink Blush Maternity || Heels: Marion Parke

Dress: Pink Blush Maternity ||  Heels: Marion Parke||  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar at J.Crew) — Dress: Pink Blush Maternity || Heels: Marion Parke|| Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar at J.Crew)

I'm finally at the stage where I'm starting to show and feel a lot more convertible in a fitted dress. People are even giving me their seat on the subway! It's really happening! The key has been to find longer dresses (since I'm already tall and the bump makes them shorter) and of course a stretchy material so my bump can grow. I discovered this super cute and affordable maternity brand, Pink Blush Maternity, that I really love. Most of the dresses are in the $45-$65 range! Woo hoo! Everything is really on trend and I like that the clothes are great even if you're not pregnant. For instance, they have off the shoulder dresses (huge spring trend right now) which are adorable. When I started to make investments in my maternity wardrobe, I figured you can't go wrong with a fitted black dress. I like that this one has a lace detail, goes right below my knee and has sleeves to my elbows (making it very flattering, plus I feel less pale!). For the chillier days, it's the perfect transitional spring dress that I can easily layer with a jean jacket and pair with pointed toe strappy heels. And you can really dress it up or down with statement jewelry or flat sandals for a casual look. Now I just need to work on my "pregnancy photo stance!" Haha! I honestly feel a little awkward and not sure if I'm holding my bump in the right place?! I'm working on it! :)

Also...I have some exciting news!! I'm doing a $75 giveaway with Pink Blush Maternity! So head on over to my Instagram for all the details and a chance to win!! Good luck! Link to my Instagram: @laurakperkins

March 12, 2016

Side Slits and Sleeveless Sweaters

by Laura Perkins

Sweater: Anthropologie (old, similar options at Asos)

Sweater: Anthropologie (old, similar options at Asos)  || Jeans (DIY Ripped Jeans, similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Delman — Sweater: Anthropologie (old, similar options at Asos) || Jeans (DIY Ripped Jeans, similar at Urban Outfitters) || Shoes: Delman

I have to admit that when I took these pictures I was 18.5 weeks pregnant and now I'm showing so much more at 20.5 weeks! It's crazy how fast that happens! Which by the way, I've learned that it's really important to not compare yourself to other girls. It was easy for me to think, "Man, I look so much further along than my friend who is or was at this stage." But everyone is different and I have to trust that I am the size that I'm supposed to be. So anyways, I hope that this look can give style inspiration to ladies of all sizes - which of course is always my goal! :)

This cowl neck sleeveless sweater has been my go-to from pre-pregnancy to all throughout my first trimester and during the last few weeks starting my second trimester as we transition into spring. It gets really hot in my office so it's been key for me to find outfits that are appropriate for the season but not making me sweat bullets when the heat is blasting. Plus when it gets cold, you can easily layer it with a jean jacket (see below). My favorite part about this top is the side slits; there's just something really cute and sexy about it. The chunky, loose style of this sweater has been perfect for what I call the "awkward stages of pregnancy," where you don't really look pregnant but rather that you've been enjoying a few extra slices of pizza, bagels and desserts (which has absolutely been the case for me!). And yes, I'm totally rocking the rubber band trick with these jeans (and you can't tell!). I constantly feel like that scene in Mean Girls (wow I'm really quoting that a lot lately!) where she's like, "Sweat pants are the only thing that fit me right now! Whatever, I'm getting cheese fries!" Haha!

I'm sad to say that this particular sweater is sold out (I got it on crazy sale at Anthropologie this fall) but have no fear - here are lots of adorable options from Asos that are super affordable (read: $20!!). Woo hoo! Happy Shopping and Happy Almost Spring!!

Sweater: Anthropologie (old, similar options at Asos)  || Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar at J.Crew) || Jeans (DIY Ripped Jeans, similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Delman — Sweater: Anthropologie (old, similar options at Asos) || Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar at J.Crew) || Jeans (DIY Ripped Jeans, similar at Urban Outfitters) || Shoes: Delman

March 5, 2016

"Cool" Mom Jeans

by Laura Perkins

Maternity Jeans:  AG Skinny Ripped Jeans ||  Jacket: Urban Outfitters (old, similar)  || Blouse: Target (old, similar) — Maternity Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans || Jacket: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Blouse: Target (old, similar)

When I realized it was time to buy maternity jeans, I'll admit that I wasn't thrilled about the idea. In my mind, I thought all maternity jeans would be terrible and definitely not "cool" or "fashionable." Little did I know what was out there and I am happy to share that I was pleasantly surprised. During my search, I couldn't help but laugh to myself, quoting Mean Girls, "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom!" Haha!! I love that scene! And I'm totally kidding, I'm not going to be like that. :) But I will say, when I saw that you could have maternity jeans that were still completely on trend (i.e. ripped denim), I was excited! I've just been determined to find clothes throughout my pregnancy that I still feel cute and stylish in - and I do think it's possible! I ended up finding three designer jeans on sale (woo hoo!) at A Pea in the Pod at Macys that I really loved and now wear on rotation: 7 For All Mankind Skinny Jeans, AG Ripped Denim (shown in this post), and Hudson Black Skinny Jeans. And I have to say, they are nicer than the non-designer regular jeans I already own (i.e. American Eagle, Zara, etc). Is it weird to say, I'll be sad when I can't wear them anymore?! Haha, that's how much I like them!

One thing I do miss, though, is tucking shirts into jeans - you can't do that with maternity. So I've embraced the longer flowy tops (like this super affordable non-maternity blouse from Target). Until you're really showing, I think what can make it more flattering is adding in a jacket, like this faux leather jacket (which by the way, is sooo old, like 2009?! from Urban Outfitters). If I could have given advice to my 25 year old self, it would have been to invest in a nice, fitted black leather jacket - it will never go out of style. You can always change how you style it to keep up with the times.

And then there's the shoes....oh how I completely love my Marion Parke heels. If you read my last post, you might remember that these are designed by a podiatrist so they are the most amazing and beyond comfortable (yes, that's right, a high heel that doesn't hurt your feet!) luxury designer shoes in the world! I'm so obsessed. First because they're gorgeous and second because they are designed to support my feet (isn't that what we all want?! well it's finally here!!). I literally get stopped on the street all the time with people asking me where they're from and have caught strangers secretly taking a picture of my shoes on the subway. Ladies, they are worth the investment! Your feet will thank you!