I’ve always loved getting dressed up, but doing so while pregnant poses a whole new host of challenges.  When investing in a new maternity occasion outfit, I try to think as practically as possible: Is it my style?  How versatile is it?  Can I repurpose it to wear a few different ways?   Here are more of my tips for pregnancy style and staying true to yourself during this ever-changing time.

• FIND RETAILERS/BRANDS WHO CARRY GREAT MATERNITY STYLES  Here are my go-tos:
  • HATCH – I’ve loved this brand since they launched.   Their styling is spot on and it is nice to know that there are cool styles designed to fit your evolving figure instead of trying to fit into your non-pregnancy styles.  I even have a Hatch dress that I wear not pregnant and get tons of compliments!  They also have a denim collaboration with CURRENT/ELLIOT and a new workout collaboration with Bandier.
  • Shopbop – A good maternity section for denim, basic tops and dresses.
  • Nine In The Mirror – High end, non maternity clothes that all work while pregnant.
  • ASOS – Whatever you may need, they will have it.
  • Zara – Keep up on the trends, just size up.

• KNOW THE STYLES THAT WORK FOR YOU You may still be able to get away with your non-maternity empire waisted dresses (see the second look below) if they have stretchy bodices or the empire waist is high enough.  Or if you prefer a-line, flowy, or body conscious styles, stick with what makes you feel best.

• WHEN IN DOUBT, BLACK IS GOOD Black pants, black tops, black dresses – they are all so easy to dress up.  It serves as the perfect  blank canvas to add great shoes, a fab bags, a statement jacket, some major jewelry or bold makeup (just not all together…).

• JUMPSUITS I love a good one-piece pregnant or not.  But they really are just about the cutest thing on a pregnant shape.

• LAYER TO DRESS UP OR DRESS DOWN YOUR LOOK For a dressy event: layer an over-the-top jacket over your dress or one-piece.  Dress it down with a jean jacket or make it sophisticated with a blazer.  Oversized cardigans are perfect during the day.

• KEEP PRINTS SMALL  There is a lot more of you to cover.  Wearing a large print will only make you look larger.  Opt for a smaller repeat.

I love a good jumpsuit and this one by HATCH is a favorite, with the off-the-shoulder detail.  This one piece can go in a million different directions.  The off-the-shoulder design is the perfect neckline for a major statement earring, like these from J.Crew.

I love that I can still wear this Ulla Johnson dress, since it has a stretchy empire waist, it works perfectly – for now.  The boots dress this look down, while a platform sandal or a suede tall boot would take it beautifully into a fall, dressing it up a bit.

Picture 1: Jumpsuit: Hatch, Sunglasses: Krewe du Optiq, Shoes: Valentino, Earrings: J.Crew

Picture 2: Dress: Ulla Johnson, Sunglasses: Illestiva, Boots: Woman by Common Project, Hat: Sunroom, Jean Jacket: GRLFRND

While New York’s Spring/Summer 17 Fashion Week collections were not ground-breaking shows, there were some memorable moments and beautiful clothes presented.  Delpozo’s collection was exquisite with rounded proportions and undulating lines paired back with jaw-dropping oversized dangling earrings.  Marc Jacobs presented a high-octane show from start to finish.  He supplied energy and drama that, frankly, could have been used earlier in the week.  More honorable mentions include Rosie Assoulin and Brandon Maxwell for beautiful, wearable clothing.  I love that some of the newer designers continue to impress and make strong impressions on NYFW.

Here are some of the best pieces and my favorite collections from the week.

Feature Photo: Ryan Roche

Clockwise, from top left to right: Delpozo, Proenza Schouler, Monique L’Huillier, Brock Collection, Rosie Assoulin, J.Crew, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta via Vogue, Brandon Maxwell via Vogue, Marchesa, Monique L’Huillier via Vogue, Delpozo, Marc Jacobs

The most inspirational photos from Instagram this week…  I think we all want to hold onto summer for a few more weeks. 

Feature: Gypsea_lust Clockwise: Photo 1: House Beautiful Photo 2: Archdigest Photo 3: J.Crew Photo 4: Viyet NY Photo 5: Vogue Photo 6: Mimi Brown Studio Photo 7: Gracie Studio Photo 8: Viyet NY Photo 9: Vogue

In the last post, I focused on the more casual aspects of uniform dressing.  Here are some additional looks to add to your arsenal.  These will diversify your options and the end-uses for each outfit, as well as amp up the style quotient.

Sometimes, the addition of a blazer and a heel are all you need for a little fashion boost or to simply take you from day to night.  Don’t forget that you may need to update your denim silhouettes.  The fit is all about looser, cropped styles.  Mom jeans!

Photo: Mademoiselle Robot,  Pump: M.Gemi Penna, Bag: Chloe Small Drew Crossbody, Blazer: Sandro Valentine Blazer, Loafer: Gucci Brixton Loafer,  Denim: Redone Denim Blazer: J.Crew Blazer, Painted Denim: NSF Denim

I love dresses.  They take the least brainpower (it’s a top and bottom in one, duh!) to outfit, and always look put-together, with very minimal effort required.  Knit and sweater dresses are the perfect option for busy days; they will keep you cozy and comfortable.  This style happens to be flattering on all figures.  Luckily, at the moment, fashion isn’t about how tight you can wear your clothes: jeans are roomier, the body-con dress is passé, and cozy sweaters have been a trend for a few seasons now.  If you are going for a casual look, the sneaker is the perfect option, but this dress can easily be dressed-up with a boot of any height.

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker, Bag: Chloe Faye Bag , Stripe Dress: Theory Stripe Dress , Gray Dress: Sandro Sofy Jumper, Leather Leather Jacket – Madewell,  White Sneaker: Eyty’s , Heeled Boot: Chloe Suede Ankle Boots, Dress: Raquel Allegra Jersey

My favorite daytime addition has been leather leggings or pants.  They have long been my nighttime staple, but they look perfect when paired  with the ubiquitous white sneaker.  And in these freezing temps, they are a winter blessing.  Leather leggings are such an easy item to transition to night – just add a heel and maybe an earring.  While they are an investment, you only need one (perfect) pair and you will wear them for years.  They will be well worth the money.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Leather Pants: Vince, Coat: Club Monaco Daylina, Turtleneck: Acne, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Bag: Saint Laurent Sac Université, Crewneck: J.Crew Cashmere Sweater, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker

Lastly, you don’t have to pack away your skinnies yet.  Layered tops and a blazer plus a heeled stiletto sandal immediately update your look and make it work-appropriate.  If the sweatshirt doesn’t work, sub in a perfect white tee or cashmere sweater.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Denim: Acne Highrise Jeans, Sweatshirt: Madewell, Heel: Stuart Weitzman, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Blazer: Joseph Laurent Jacket, Sweatshirt: J.Crew

Feature Photos: Pinterest

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After turning 30, getting married, getting pregnant, and becoming a mom, a big challenge for me has been figuring out what I am going to wear – or not wear.  It may sound silly or trite, but having worked in the apparel industry for over ten years and being confident in every outfit I wore, I suddenly felt like most of my closet no longer represented who I was.   It was a bit of an identity crisis.  Who was I?  I needed a fashion rebirth.

As a new(ish) mom who is trying to find her new path, I want to show a modern sense of style that can go from a meeting to the playground, all while being comfortable.  Practicality is now a must.  I’m a little older now and don’t want to dress like a 25 year old.  I also want to invest in fewer, higher quality pieces that will last for a few seasons.  It was time to find some new looks, flush out and streamline my closet, and focus on adding in some new essentials.

It turns out I love a little bit of a uniform.  I cycle in a few different looks with some variations on the pants, shoes, accessories, which makes the look feel new or transition it from day to night.  This focus gets me out the door faster and allows me to quickly layer or add on when I want.  These looks aren’t earth-shattering, but the honest truth is that they look good on just about anyone (that’s why they are photographed!) and fit in perfectly to fashion right now.  Looking put-together doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Look 1:

Photo: Fashiion-Gone-Rouge, Coat: Rag & Bone, Boot: No. 6, Bag: Mansur Gavriel, Scarf: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew, Sneaker: Common Projects, Pants: Nili Lotan

A major key to getting these looks down is basically cutting out prints (not include stripes…).  Prints are tricky.  Tricky to coordinate into a look, tricky to wear well, and, a little secret, it’s tricky for most retailers to even design!   If in question, it’s a probably not.  Leave your printed loves for days where you have more time to think about your look.

Look 2:

Photo: Lucy Williams, Hat: J.Crew, Sweater: Iro, Scarf: J.Crew, Boots: Acne, Bag: J.Crew, Coat: Woolrich Bros Literary Parka.

Also, cut down on the color.  Neutrals play best – but of course a pop is always fun.  Proportions are always key.  Cropped or ankle length pants are so flattering with flat shoe and always look good with a heel (more on that soon). I am a huge fan of all looks pared back with a sneaker.  It looks modern and leaves my feet so happy.  Take advantage of this beautiful time in fashion!

Look 3:

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas, Coat: J.Crew Stadium Coat, Sunglasses: Valentino, Hat: Steven Alan, Sweater: Nili Lotan, Pants: Nili Lotan

The oversized sweater and skirt look has quickly become one of my favorites of the season.  The change in proportions feels so new and fresh.  I especially love the versatility this look offers.  It’s just as cool with sneakers as it is with boots or heels, meaning it can go casual to dressy in 0-60.  And, it isn’t restricted to any one style or length of skirt. Flowy, midi, or streamlined, they all work.  Comfortable, cozy, with an edge?  It’s exactly what I need to get me through this winter.

Here are a few that I love…

      J.Crew                                      Rag and Bone                                Emerson Fry

Feature image: via The Fashion Guitar

Image 1: Camille Over The Rainbow Image 2: Net-A-Porter Image 3. Pinterest Image 4. The Fashion Guitar

I loved New York’s Spring 16 Fashion Week.  This is a rarity for me, as I tend to gravitate towards Europe’s shows.  But this year, there was so much amazingness coming out of NYC, it was kind of shocking.  Not only was there innovation in the fabrications, but clear color trends emerged (oranges and reds), along with new and exciting design concepts.  And it was all done really beautifully.  The looks were well-styled from hair to toe.  The complete gestalt.

Not only am I inspired by the creativity the designers put forth in their collections (Marc Jacobs especially), but there was a major wearability component present in NYC, which is not always the case on the runway.  I find the balance of imaginative and wearable collections to be critical.  You want the art, but then you also want to be able to wear the clothes (or at least dream to) day to day.

My favorite show goes to Ryan Roche.  I basically want to live in this collection.  Forever.

Here are some of the highlights from the week…

Photos – Clockwise from top: Delpozo (@tmagzine), Tome (@margaret__zahng), Victoria Beckham (@ellestrauss), Zimmerman (NY Mag), Carolina Herrera (NY Mag), Proenza Schouler (NY Mag), Carolina Herrera (NY Mag), Ryan Roche (@tamumcpherson), Prabal Gurung (NY Mag), Altuzarra (NY Mag), Alexander Wang (NY Mag), Altuzarra (NY Mag), J. Crew (NY Mag), Lela Rose (@fashion_week), Jason Wu (@real_kate_foley), Cushnie Et Ochs (NY Mag),