PREGNANCY FILE: AFFORDABLE MATERNITY DRESSES

We have a lot of new things to chat about - and no time to chat about them in! I'll try to give you a quick summary. I am in my third trimester now; turned 28 weeks on Saturday. We also just moved! In case anyone was wondering, I do not recommend moving while six months pregnant. Our home is still upside down. Things are still in boxes, and I have no idea where I'm going to stash all of this makeup that I've hoarded over the years. My feet are swollen, I wake up at all hours, work stress and schedule has not lightened up...oh, and where is my concealer?! I have so many broken capillaries and angiomas from throwing up that I can't live without it.

During my pregnancy, I've been fortunate in that I've not needed to invest in many pieces. I have a really kind co-worker who handed down a few pair of her maternity jeans - I've worn them daily. I purchased a pair from a brand called Angel Maternity jeans (also try this pair, or this pair of denim leggings) I've pretty much lived in them my entire pregnancy (even arguing an motion for summary judgment in a pair - shhh). As for dresses, I've mostly managed to stick with the same dresses I owned before; anything that has stretchy fabric is a 'go' (like this basic jersey dress by Leith).  

There is this option from Bumpsuit which is a maternity wear brand. It's a great Fall layering piece.

DC STYLE: FASHION DIARY

I snapped some outfit shots of what I wore during our recent trip to DC. All product details linked below. Stay warm!!

Botkier Cobble Hill Crossbody: a beautiful vibrant yellow. The bag has interchangeable sporty straps that come with it, as well as replacement pulls. Zippered inner compartment and storage flaps. Magnetic snap flap. Really cute and pulls any look together. Get it here in a beautiful coral color and here with contrast stitching. 

Poncho via Poshmark - the seller is Tres Chic Chica. Poncho still available. Can't beat the price. It's very warm and soft, too. Loved this piece.

Purple snow hat: via ASOS. It's SUPER soft (chenille), but to be honest, it was not that durable as the loops kept undoing and coming out. Try this chic headband, instead or this beanie. 

Asos Analise Leather Chelsea Boots. SAVED my trip. These were very comfortable. They are perfect for traveling, when you're walking a lot. They have a rugged heel and keep your feet snug and warm. Love the deep burgundy color, too. Highly recommend. 

Let's take a second to talk about my white, wool coat by Mackage. It's the most beautiful winter piece I own. Worth every cent. Heavy, and incredibly warm and stylish. Their winter-wear is gorgeous. Check out this one, as well as this one.

MissGuided Faux Suede Biker jacket, in multiple colors. Softest and most chic. Ridiculous sale price. Check, check, check!

Asos New Look studded booties. Can't beat these. Gold studs and a beautiful raspberry color.

Ann Taylor Faux Fur Collar. I love this because of its versatility. It's also reversible and has a beautiful brocade pattern on the flip side. This one from Banana is navy blue, and on sale for $20!

Also wearing this sweater dress (great layering piece), and these tights.
More outfits after the link!

9 to 5 Workwear: Top Online Workwear Retailers

Did you know that a lot of your favorite contemporary brands have recently begun to offer workwear sections online?

Ann Taylor Tropical Wool One Button Jacket

I love this! Now us working women have a much wider range of fashionable options for the office.  I've listed my favorites below - broken down into categories.  Something to keep in mind when shopping online is the height of the individual modeling the clothes. For example, in some photos in this post, hemlines may appear short because most models are 5"10 - 5"11. If you're going to make an online purchase, always remember to check out the "size and fit" section of the item so that you can see how tall the model is.  Click the link below to see what brands made my list of the Top Online Workwear Retailers. 

Recent Acquisitions: ASOS Slot Through Portfolio Clutch

Recently bought this ASOS clutch online, without paying attention to the dimensions. I was surprised to find that it's really large.  As far as envelope clutches go, this is probably the largest one I own.  It took a while to get used to the size at first, but after a couple of days I decided to keep it. I actually kind of love it now. 

It's soft on the outside, feels like leather.  The inside is roomy with one zip pocket. 

The color is a gorgeous nude. These are Iphone pictures on a gloomy day - with no light. The pictures on the website are more accurate as to the color.

Buy here.

PS: I'm hosting a giveaway which ends 2/14/12 @ Midnight. Enter here.

Design Element: Bows

Bows! Whether it's on a tie neck blouse or a hair pin, I love the idea of putting a bow on a blouse or a bag as a design element.  They're feminine and flirty and everyone ranging from high-end designers down to affordable brands put them on their items.

Below are two different sets of items; the first is the break the bank set (if you're feeling generous).  The second set showcases items that are affordable, so you can pick one of each up for everyone on your Christmas list (me). 

1. Moschino Cheap & Chic Bow Neck Show Dress .
2. Mulberry Tippi Blouse on Mulberry.com. ASOS carries a similar style blouse by River Island that is on sale now for $39.
3. Valentino Patent leather Round Toe Pumps.  These are showstoppers and I'm absolutely in love with them. The satin and crystal version are amazing. The open toed version is also gorgeous.  You need these.
4. Prada Lurex Jacquard silk sleeveless Dress .
5. I'm embarrassed to say that when I made this set, I forgot to save the designer of this top! I love it! Does anyone know who makes it? Milly? Nanette Lepore? 
6. Chloe Rachel Bow Embellished Leather Clutch on sale on Net-a-porter.com.
7 .Louis Vuitton Sarah Noeud vernis wallet. Out of stock wonderfulness.
8. Salvatore Ferragamo Bow headband.  Currently sold out but now available in a glitter version?! Too.Much.Can't.Handle.

1. Juicy Couture Bow Back mini dress.
2. ASOS Velvet Bow slippers
3. Topshop Bow Trim Cross body Bag.
4. Lilly Pulitzer Skinny Bow Belt.
5. M-Butterfly Victorian Style Blouse. 
6. Dorothy Perkins Green Dandelion Bow Blouse.
7. ModCloth No Cutting Corners Heels.   Want these!
8. Fred Flare Hello Kitty Bow Brass Knuckles Ring
9. Delia's Stripe Bow Tee. 
10. ASOS Orelia Resin Bow Clip.


Readers: If you had to pick one of these 18 items, which one would you choose? 


XO,
TFE