how to survive pregnancy in style (and without maternity clothes)

dress :: rolla coster // hat :: cc // necklace :: freckles & company (@ march's vintage whites market) // bracelets :: rue 21 // earrings :: c/o confused arts // black leather wristband :: c/o salvage west // sunglasses :: juicy couture // purse :: francesca's // sandals :: gap

The Boy bought me a set of hair chalk at Salt Lake Comic Con last month, and I've been having fun turning my hair different colors on an almost daily basis. As a big fan of neutral colors (particularly black and gray), I like the idea of my "pop of color" being in my hair. Also, it's fun to make my hair match my awesome Skullcandy x Urban Decay headphones.

surviving pregnancy in style & without maternity clothes
While it's true that my pregnancy didn't start showing until somewhere around month 7 or 8, I was definitely gaining weight prior to that - it just took a while to display as a proper baby bump. As I made my way through my denim collection, progressively becoming unable to button nearly every pair I own, I still managed to avoid donning a single piece of maternity wear - even in a fitting room. Sure, there are some cute maternity clothing lines out there, but it seems silly (and wasteful) to invest money in something that has such a clear expiration date stamped on it. Instead (much to The Boy's eternal frustration), I purchased a number of other items to accommodate my expanding waist, hips and bust as Kumquat filled out.

#1) maxi dresses
I developed a mild obsession with maxi dresses a couple summers ago, so I had a fairly healthy collection of wispy silhouettes heading into the second and third trimesters of pregnancy - but that collection has probably tripled over the last few months (TJ Maxx & I have become close friends). Comfy maxi dresses have become my daily uniform, particularly in bright colors (like today's) or fun patterns (like yesterday's). Solid numbers in particular are easy to accessorize, and most can be easily dressed up or down.

Look for soft, flowy shapes with a bit of spandex and high, stretchy waistbands that will forgive any areas of expansion as your pregnancy progresses. Cool details (like the crossover/cut out back that gives a glimpse of my tattoo on today's dress and the graphic color blocking & halter neckline on yesterday's dress) add an extra layer of awesome to your look. Pair with tights for winter, sandals for summer and cardigans for those in-between times we occasionally encounter here in Utah.

#2) stretchy leggings
I've never really understood the appeal of leggings - until my six or seventh month of pregnancy (and I will never, ever take my skinny jeans for granted ever again). While I'm still a passionate proponent of the "leggings are not pants" movement, I have to admit that they are damn comfy and convenient for those days when I really just wanted to wear pants. I scored several pairs in a variety of hues at a darling little boutique in PC called Whimsy, made winter-wearable by virtue of the fact that they are lined with fleece. Next on my wish list: a pretty floral pair for spring & summer (my pregnancy isn't over yet!).

Remember - even in pregnancy, leggings are not pants, so wear with a blouse or dress long enough to cover your bottom. Match your shoe for a super leggy look.

#3) printed trousers
For those days that I really want to feel trendy, I snagged a few pairs of flagrantly printed trousers that have saved my sartorial self on more than one occasion. While the more vibrantly hued contraptions can be hard to wear in late pregnancy without looking like a rainbow balloon, darker shades or graphic black and white patterns remain a viable option, particularly if paired with a tighter top that highlights your baby watermelon. Most have elastic waistbands and a soft, breezy touch that makes them feel more like pajamas than actual pants. Try this pair by Mossimo, at Target for just $20 (just remember to avoid loose tops with loose pants, or you will look like a balloon).

#4) long, loose tunics
Perfect for matching with the above-mentioned leggings, billowy tunics have the added benefit of camouflaging your burgeoning baby bump (up to a point, at least). Add some ankle boots and something studded for some low-maintenance edge, with some smoky eyeliner for those rare Friday nights you make it out of the house to DD for your other, non-pregnant friends.

Bear in mind that there is a difference between 'billowy' and flat out 'baggy'. A loose-fitting top should be balanced by closely-fitted bottoms (like leggings) and a (small!) measure of skin, like bare shoulders & arms or a sliver of cleavage. Keep it classy, ladies - you're about to be a mom, after all.

#5) old navy flip flops & canvas vans
Aside from the constant, persistent, never-ending need to pee, my primary pregnancy complaint has been my feet - they started swelling about a month ago and haven't stopped. I sort of feel like I'm wearing giant cement boots of pain. Since I'm desperately hoping they'll return to their original size post-birth, I've been trying to avoid buying new shoes... but since even my trusty flip flops cause me to wince, I succumbed to the allure of a pair of leopard print canvas Vans (I justify it by telling myself I'll wear them plenty post-pregnancy, when carting around a kid demands flat shoes). Since the weather turned warm, I cheered my wardrobe up with a number of brightly colored (and cheaply priced, at $2.50 a pop) Old Navy flip flops. The trendy hues, including coral and aqua, almost make up for being unable to wear prettier shoes. Almost.


The most important thing I've learned about pregnancy style is that comfort is key, but you don't have to sacrifice your sartorial sense of self for the sake of ease. Fun patterns, bright colors, cool accents and awesome accessories can add layers of sophistication and interest to any easy-going look.

Any moms out there who'd like to add their two cents on surviving pregnancy in style? Sound off in the comments.


And P.S. We have an appointment with the OB this afternoon, so check back tomorrow morning for another Baby Kumquat update!

Freebie alert: Get my ebook guide to fashion blogging, The Unwritten Rules of Fashion Blogging, for FREE, when you sign up to get the latest in fashion, style, culture, first-time mom adventures & valuable blogging resources delivered straight to your inbox! Just enter your email in the form at the top right to get your free copy!

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baby bump @ 39 weeks + kumquat update

dress :: monteau // sandals :: gap // earrings :: old navy // silver chevron cuff :: threadsence // black leather cuff :: c/o salvage west // aviators :: juicy couture // hat :: cc // headphones :: the electric knockout design - skullcandy x urban decay (read the review here)

amazing hair by Dani at Lunatic Fringe in PC; check out my previous ode to her mad skills here

I finally found the time (read: the motivation) to get out and take some final baby bump photos; since little Kumquat's official due date is this upcoming Saturday, I figured it might be my last chance - plus, I kind of love this dress. It's simultaneously easy going and glamorous and hands down one of the most comfortable things I own. I also really love how the color blocking accentuates my now (finally) gigantic baby bump - the bump that was basically non-existent until Month 7, and seems to have grown exponentially over the last few days in particular... possibly due to Kumquat's recent (& passionate) affinity for those little powdered Hostess donuts. #pregnancycravings

Quick update on Baby Kumquat's status: As of our most recent OB appointment (last Wednesday), I was dilated to 2.5 cm, and she's all snuggled down in my pelvis in the correct position, ready to pop on out (the doctor could literally touch her head at our 36 week cervical exam - creepy). I'm not in active labor (as evidenced by the fact that I'm not in the hospital) but I've been having regular, mild contractions for the last few weeks. The doctor said that I have "an amazing birthing pelvis" (thanks?) and that Kumquat could come any time - tonight, or three weeks from now. Her dad is pushing for now (he was literally trying to push her out of there over the weekend); I'd rather she stay put for a bit longer. I originally thought she'd be early, but now I'm thinking we'll have a June baby (that could be wishful thinking).

She's kicking me ask I type this (probably because I just poked her), and she was playing with her dad this morning as we lay in bed (it's crazy how intensely she responds to his voice already). As excited as I am about having my body back soon, it will be strange to be alone in here again. It will be odd to not have a little one kicking around in my tummy, a constant reminder that I'm not just me any more. She's not out yet, but already I'm beginning to understand the truth behind the assertion that having a child is like a piece of your heart existing outside your body, and I think that's why I so much want her to stay in there. She's safe. I know where she is, and no one can take her away from me. I know that's selfish - I know her dad is anxious to meet her, and he already loves her so much that sometimes it breaks me in two. But all of my fears about labor and childbirth and post-birth and motherhood in general aside, the idea of her being anywhere but with me scares the hell out of me.

Or maybe I'm just petrified of the idea of pushing a human being out of my vagina.

Edit: With only a week to go, I've still got quite a bit left on my baby bucket list, but here's a quick update of the items I've recently crossed off--

#5) Sleep 15 hours straight.
#7) Stay out late with some awesome friends.
#10) Watch every single episode of Law & Order: SVU.
#11) Throw a party.
#12) Land a few contract gigs.
#15) Buy something pretty (non-baby related).
#20) Write a book.
#29) Go somewhere I've never been before (a new restaurant counts!).
#31) Get a massage.
#37) Finish something.
#39) Design & create some badass accessories.
#41) Be honest.
#44) Spend some time with my niece and nephew.
#49) Help someone.
#54) Check out this year's Vintage White's Market.
#56) Take a long hot bath.
#57) Get a pedicure.
#59) Check out a new restaurant.
#60) Go see a movie.
#65) Go 24 hours without eating any candy.
#68) Wear something red.
#83) Say I love you.
#85) Own up to a mistake.
#86) Admit my fears.
#101) Pick a name for Baby Kumquat.

See the original post here.

Check back tomorrow for my third trimester pregnancy style guide, with tips on how to survive pregnancy without maternity clothes (assuming, you know, that I don't have a baby by then).

Freebie alert: Get my ebook guide to fashion blogging, The Unwritten Rules of Fashion Blogging, for FREE, when you sign up to get the latest in fashion, style, culture, first-time mom adventures & valuable blogging resources delivered straight to your inbox! Just enter your email in the form at the top right to get your free copy!

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utah's flea market season kicks off in style at the second annual vintage whites market in salt lake city

outfit - moto jacket :: bebe | dress :: bohme | tights :: bebe | boots :: aldo | belt :: charlotte russe (I think) | sunglasses :: juicy couture | earrings :: bohme | starfish cuff :: shopcalico | leather wristband :: c/o salvage west | bag :: volcom

When I left for the Vintage Whites Market Saturday morning, I was under the delusion I had done a decent job of hiding my baby bump - a dream that was shattered within moments of arriving when vendors immediately began directing me to collections of baby stuff. At seven months in, I've finally lost the battle for my abdomen; I did, however, win the vintage-baby-shopping game by snagging some pretty sweet stuff for Baby Kumquat at killer prices that afternoon.

After a full day of shopping, I typically come home to almost instantaneous regret over how much money I spent - Saturday's Vintage Whites Market in downtown Salt Lake City was a rare exception. In fact, I spent the rest of the weekend mourning the items I passed up and wishing I could go back. I did, however, score a beautiful lavender dresser from Sweet Pea Pickers for Kumquat's nursery, in addition to a red vintage purse from Maeberry Vintage, some killer jewelry from Freckles & Company, an adorable floral newborn dress from 58 Bluebirds and a random assortment of odds and ends (like skeleton keys and a couple of old brooches) from a few different vendors that I spent Sunday turning into jewelry.

The Second Annual Vintage Whites Market, held at the Utah State Fairgrounds on March 8th, was flat out amazing and a huge success from my perspective. Unfortunately, I arrived a little late and missed the fashion show, but there was still plenty to do and see. While it's true that the best selection is available first thing in the morning, before the booths are picked over, the end of the day is the best time for bartering - especially for larger/more expensive items, like Kumquat's new dresser. The gal at the Sweet Pea Pickers booth was absolutely adorable and gave me a great deal, and her dad was even kind enough to lug my new acquisition out to my car for me.

The Vintage Whites Market was the perfect kick-off to this year's garage sale and flea market season, with plenty more to come. Click here for a calendar of upcoming events in Utah, and make sure to subscribe to the blog for reminders, sneak previews and tons of pretty pictures (use Bloglovin' or Google Reader, or subscribe via email, to your right).

Did you make it to Saturday's Vintage Whites Market, or did you attend one of the other events in the Salt Lake area that afternoon? Share your thoughts in the comments.



If you're organizing a market or event and would like your event featured or listed on this website, please feel free to drop me an email at jennifer@frayed-threads.com with the details.

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baby bump update: 27 weeks + giveaway

dress :: connected apparel | moto jacket :: bebe | loafers :: forever 21 | purse :: aldo | watch :: carbon by rue 21 | leather wristband :: c/o salvage west | sunglasses :: juicy couture | earrings :: bohme | owl big sis necklace :: claire's | moccasin necklace :: from my grandma | ring :: forever 21

At 27 weeks, I finally have a baby-looking bump. While I had gained some weight prior to 23 weeks, most of what you see here appeared over the last month. Kumquat has definitely had a growth spurt and I can feel her straining against my belly as she tries to Zumba-dance her way out of there. I sincerely hope her penchant for bedtime violence is not an indicator of things to come.

Before this watermelon sprouted on my midsection, I had been under the delusion that I might be able to squeak through my pregnancy in low-rise skinny jeans and tunic tops, but I'm quickly realizing just how ridiculous that thought was. Instead, I've found myself regularly turning to the empire waisted dresses and billowy sweaters that line my closet rods, like this beautifully patterned maxi dress. I also recently invested in a couple pairs of palazzo trousers and a collection of fleece-lined leggings from an adorable boutique by my work called Whimsy - and they're the closest I'm going to get to maternity wear (look for them in an upcoming post).

Fortunately, the preterm labor symptoms I mentioned a couple weeks ago seem to have mostly tapered off and I'm adjusting to all of the new and weird shit that's happening to my body. We're teetering on the cusp of the third trimester, and although there are certainly things to be whined about, I think we've convinced her she needs a little more baking before she can join her furrier siblings in annoying the crap out of her father.

In the meantime, I'm left to endure a variety of aches, pains and random hormone surges for three more months. I'm trying desperately to avoid giving into the urge to wear yoga pants every day (though, admittedly, I have given in once...) and to make it through the second half of each day without bursting into tears (mornings are a hopeless battle - don't ask my why). The closer we come to her due date, the more I worry about everything that might go wrong, and the more paranoid I become about how everything I do might affect Kumquat. I've had a series of intensely disturbing nightmares over the last few weeks, and I have to admit to being deeply worried over my nutrition (or lack thereof) and what repercussions that might have for our baby girl.

But letting paranoia rule my thoughts will do more harm than good, so I'm just trying to zero in on the good stuff - like her constant kicking and the adorable clothes starting to fill the nursery closet. Some moments are easier than others.

My belly button feels like it's about to pop out.


P.S. While you're here, it would mean the world to me if you would pop on over and vote for Frayed Threads as Best Utah Blog in Salt Lake City Weekly's annual 'Best of Utah' awards. Just click here, and then select the banner at the top that says "Readers Ballot" to start voting. It does require ten nominations for the ballot to be counted, so here are some other ideas if you need them:

Best Women's Clothing - Q Clothing 

Best Cocktails - Mimosas at Wild Grape 

Best Breakfast - Sharon's Cafe 

Best Brew Pub - Molly Blooms 

Best Coffee Shop - Park City Coffee Roasters 

Best Park City Bar - No Name Saloon

Best News Station - KSL

AND, to show my appreciation for your support - leave a comment on this entry saying you voted for Frayed Threads, and next week I'll randomly select one commenter to receive a nifty prize! The deadline for votes is tomorrow (2/28) at midnight, so make sure you vote and comment before then. Thanks for taking the time to show your support!

15

rock that baby bump, part 1: dressing around the bump

moto jacket :: bebe | blouse :: maurice's | skinny jeans :: refuge | boots :: de blossom collection | bag & earrings :: aldo | necklace & gold bracelet :: forever 21 | black leather cuff :: c/o salvage west

At 23 weeks in to this adventure, I've discovered there are three stages of baby bump:
Stage 1: The initial is-it-or-isn't-it barely-there bump (it probably looks like you had a big lunch)
Stage 2: The "I swear I'm pregnant and not just chubby" bump
Stage 3: The adorable watermelon size bump that makes it pretty obvious a lady is preggers

Dressing for stage one is pretty simple - you can probably stick to regular programming, with the occasional fit-and-flare waistline or tummy control tights for bumpier days. Comfort and fit are tricky in stage three, but by this point vanity should be somewhat satiated by the now-obvious fact that you're pregnant rather than stacking on pounds for the hell of it.

It's stage two, where I'm currently situated, that's taking a serious toll on my self-image. Depending on your frame and how you're carrying, the ten or fifteen pounds you've gained likely look like extra weight rather than the adorable baby bump photos seen on Pinterest. Kumquat's sudden growth spurt over the last two weeks has caused me some pretty intense body image anxiety that has me feeling more than a little depressed about the way I look.

And let's face it: with hormones kicking in, how you feel about the way you look is going to seriously affect your outlook on your pregnancy, so it's important to win the daily wardrobe battle. Some may view appearance as a shallow thing, but image is vital to our self confidence and impacts everything from our mood to our career and sex life.

I've found two strategies for managing the wardrobe angst that accompanies stage two bump: dressing around the baby bump, and dressing to accentuate it. This post will look at the former with tips on what to wear to hide your baby bump, and next week we'll explore ways to accentuate the stage two bump to make it look more baby bump-ish.

baby bump hide #1: the empire waistline
The empire waistline can be used to hide or accentuate your bump - it depends on placement of the bust hem, the fit and overall look of the garment. To camouflage your blooming baby bump, look for something extra billowy with a wider waistband (refer to the photos above for a visual). A solid camisole beneath a sheer top in matching colors gives the illusion of straighter lines.

side note: the lower the rise on your jeans, the longer they're likely to fit (they'll be somewhat further from your expanding mid-section); just make sure to wear a lengthier blouse to prevent pregnant plumber's.

baby bump hide #2: the boyfriend blazer or cardigan

While you may have relied on a well-fitting blazer to show off your waist pre-pregnancy, the looser silhouette of a boyfriend cut works well to disguise any newly gained weight while still looking sharp. Swap the blazer for an artfully oversized cardigan on the weekends for a more casual vibe.

baby bump hide #3: a fit-and-flare dress

Similar to the empire waist, a fit and flare's waist hits just below the bust. The difference is the flared skirt that fans out from a fitted bodice, where an empire cut might have a straighter silhouette descending from a fluffy top. A fit and flare dress is the perfect choice for date night or a swanky party, and the right one can be just as sexy as any strapless mini.

baby bump hide #4: a billowy blouse or sweater

A tried-and-true staple of professional moms-to-be, a billowy blouse can do wonders for days when nothing fits. Having had more than a few experiences with pregnant-wardrobe-anxiety recently, I've found that an oversized sweater with a collared blouse with skinnies is the perfect way to hide extra inches without giving up on style. Amp up the preppy vibe with studly ankle boots and a sleek envelope clutch - extra points for a military-style parka on chillier days.

A variation on this look to carry you through stage three: a billowy tunic and patterned leggings. Maintain the ankle boots and clutch for a comfy-but-chic look that won't hurt your street style cred.

baby bump hide #5: the sheath dress
Short, Gatsby-inspired frocks are still very in at seven months post movie release - probably because of their forgiving nature. Regardless of how much you had at dinner or how far forward baby is sitting, the sheath conceals your waistline with a sheer drop from the shoulders. Pick one with pretty detailing (like lace panels or beading) or a badass pattern to kick it up a notch, or keep it simple with a solid color and chic accessories. Add tights and booties with a sharp blazer for the office or leather jacket for night.


If you're looking for more stylish-but-comfy pregnancy looks, check out this Pinterest board, and stay tuned for upcoming posts on the subject (and baby bump photos this weekend). And if you're a mom or mom-to-be, I'd love to hear your thoughts on baby bump dressing - post your tips in the comments below.

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