Fall and Winter Bump Style

I have a few friends that are expecting (yay!) and have been asking me what maternity clothes I wore last year. Black leggings, black tank top, cardigan and boots was my "go to" look. I also wore these under the belly jeans frequently. Looking back I had my moments of frustration and boredom with my wardrobe... but the upside is I only had a small pile of clothes to pack away.

With the exception of a dress for my shower, I basically stayed away from the "this will work post pregnancy" mentality. And in all honestly, when I put that dress back on I feel pregnant and don't think I'll wear it again. I work in a casual office and didn't travel anywhere with a different climate, which made things easier. My babymoon to St. Thomas was cancelled due to the Zika travel advisory just breaking so I ended up returning a few things I bought for that trip (bikini tops and maxi dresses).

My go-to stores were Old Navy, Gap, Target and ASOS for decent priced, stylish options. I didn't have much luck at H&M but a friend of mine has been happy with her findings this year. What to splurge on? I think it's worth a pair of jeans that hold their shape or a dress for an event like your shower. For those items, check out Nordstrom and Shopbop.

Here is a breakdown of the basics that I purchased. You will see a theme... tight and ruched!

Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand $28

I bought clothes as I needed them, with the exception of the Bellaband to hold up my jeans in the first and second trimesters. I purchased those in advance because I didn't want to be caught off guard one morning trying to button my jeans. I had both black and white.

lululemon High Times Pant (non-maternity) $98

I definitely got my money's worth out of these and the brushed inside kept me warm in the winter. I'll admit I would wear them to work and then straight to barre class.  I went up one size from pre-pregnancy and wore them into my third trimester, sometimes folding over the top. (I also got the Power Y Tank in a size up for working out and to wear on the weekends... I was lucky to find one on sale.) These are non-maternity and the fit might not be for you because as you get bigger they won't go all the way over your belly.

Old Navy Full Panel Jersey Leggings $14.94

These are very basic and just comfortable. Full disclosure... they don't do anything for your thighs and behind like lulu will. For me they went all the way over my belly, where the lulu pants did not as I got bigger.

Liz Lange Under the Belly Ankle Jeans $34.99

The only maternity jeans I bought... great price point and I love the distressed look. 

Old Navy Shirred Tank $12.94

I LIVED in this tank top style. I had a few in black and also in gray and navy and wore under cardigans. I also bought a couple of these. 

Gap Stripe Boatneck Tee $34.95

Always a sucker for stripes. Gap has a few striped styles, I also like this one.

ASOS Bardot Dress $38

I wore this dress to a few holiday parties, a bachelorette and also out to dinner with a cardigan over it.. I did have it hemmed right above the knee since I'm on the short side.

A few other things I loved that I don't see available... a gray t-shirt dress from ASOS and foldover yoga pants from Old Navy. I also bought a cute top at pea in the pod. One of the things that is noticeably missing is a jacket. I just didn't zip mine up if I couldn't and always wore a scarf. If you are in the city or outside a lot that probably isn't going to work for you but if you can get away with it, you'll save.

If you're expecting... congratulations! If you need registry tips, check out my post. 

Weekend Update

How is it December... and just a few weeks away from Christmas?! There is so much to do and never enough time. I can thank this drug store concealer for hiding the dark circles under my eyes, plus good lighting. I have been staying up later than usual trying to get organized for the holidays (and for life in general).

Speaking of drug store beauty... somehow I receive Teen Vogue in the mail and I flipped through and saw their 65 BEST Drugstore Beauty Products of 2016. I might give this other Maybelline concealer a try along with this mask when I have a teenage breakout. A few other things also landed on Allure's Best of Beauty 2016: Steals like the Tresemmé Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner and Shampoo. If I add anything to my routine I'll keep you posted.

Lexi wore this adorable lobster sweater from her godmother Kate from The Red Wagon on Charles Street in Boston. I spotted a cute navy sweater with "BOS" or "617" on their Instagram for anyone in that area. I am already sad for when she outgrows this... I see a larger version for her future.

I recently got this 7 A.M. Enfant Le Sac Igloo for Lexi's car seat. Since it turned cold, I wanted to easily get her in and out of the car and quickly bundled up. It can also be used with her regular stroller seat. I purchased mine direct from their website during their Cyber Monday sale. My practical side said to order in grey in case we have a baby boy someday but I couldn't resist the rose pink.

Last year Ted and I moved in December and were also heading out to Colorado for Christmas so we didn't decorate... not the mention the fact I was starting to feel very pregnant. I had my decorations packed up in these Scout 4 Boys Bags. It's amazing how much they hold. Highlight recommend.