I used to say I'd never wear maternity clothes after pregnancy...
but that was before I met this dress.

Amazing.
I was surprised with how beautiful, flattering and not to mention comfortable it is on me
...even with it being maternity.
I already knew Isabella Oliver could make me feel like a gazillion bucks while pregnant...
but postpartum too?

That's a yes, apparently.
I slipped on this maxi dress from their new Spring '14 line over the weekend and...gosh.
I felt better in it than anything else I've worn since giving birth!
I even nursed while wearing it...score.
All of you mamas know how frustrating getting dressed can be...during pregnancy and after.
It's important to have at least one clothing item that you feel AMAZING in...even if nothing else in your closet fits- hehhh. :)

My poochy post-baby body thanks you, Isabella Oliver.
You have won me over (yet again).

Of course, not all of Isabella Oliver's maternity pieces can really be worn unless you are actually pregnant, but I do think quite a few can definitely work postpartum and beyond. My picks are below...

More Isabella Oliver...

my outfit: Isabella Oliver Vienna Print maxi dress // *Onecklace Carrie Name necklace + Dogeared ribbon bow necklace // Wallis biker jacket // Nine West Heavy Hitter Shopper // JCP ballet flats (similar)

*Onecklace is offering LiM readers 10% off w/ code- lifeinmod

Isabella Oliver Does it Again - Spring 2014 Collection

Oh, man. Isabella Oliver.
How do they do it?
Their new Spring '14 collection just arrived and it is b-e-a-utiful.
Not surprising. At all.
I wore their ruched tank dress throughout my pregnancy...and I was actually sad to store it away when baby boy arrived.
I am looking forward to breaking it out again and again and ag-...wait a second. ;)

Isabella Oliver just does maternity right.
So right.

Here are some of  looks I can't get over from their new collection...
I want every. single. one. 

Look #1: dress/tunic | cardigan | tote 

Look #2: top | pants/trousers | sweater | shoes

Look #3: top | belt | dress | boots 

Look #4: dress/tunic | cardigan | shoes

Ughhhh. So good, eh?

I think several of the new pieces, if not all, can totally work for that weird, in-between postpartum bod too.

I tried on this maxi dress...

and let me just say...

ALLELUIA.
I'll be sharing more about that very soon though, so be on the look-out :).

I know that Isabella Oliver is a spectacular maternity line, because it always makes me want to be pregnant again (stop it, Cams. You're crazy. You just had a baby a month ago. Shhhh.). 

It's true though. They've got me...yet again.

FYI:
 As if they could make pregnancy feel and look any better...they now have an eStylist service. 
Basically, you can sign-up for a free online styling session (e-mail or video)- one of their stylists will talk you through the building blocks of a successful maternity wardrobe, offer advice, hints and tips for all of those dressing dilemmas and serve to inspire you.
How cool is that? 

Maternity Outfits for Christmas

Just so happening to be looking for a stylish maternity outfit for Christmas? I've personally been feeling stumped as to what I'm going to wear *blah* - trying desperately to put together something from what I already have in my closet. I have been unsuccessful so far, but after seeing these outfits...I may just have an idea or two...

Layers via. - layering non-maternity sweaters, shirts, jackets and coats help to keep you cozy and also give you that perfectly layered look. The plaid and sparkly clutch make it totally Christmas-worthy.

Buffalo plaid via. - gotta love this winter-y mix...and actually...here is another one of her lovely maternity outfits...perfect for a holiday party!

Long cardigan over dress via. - that green hat adds the perfect holiday touch. ps. I have a crush on this girl's maternity style.

Plaid dress with leather jacket via. - just cute. That belt with the plaid.

Sparkly pants via. - because who doesn't love sparkly pants this season?...and just because your pregnant doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to wear them!

Lace dress via. - hawtttt. Great look for a Christmas party. I might go for some warmer footwear though...

Winter whites via. - my other maternity style crush. Put together all of your whites and creams...throw a little tan in and you'll have your outfit. Maybe even consider adding some gold or sparkle (clutch, shoes, or accessories?).

Stripes & large red scarf  via. - cozy and chic. I like how the red checked scarf took the stripes and black coat to the next level so simply.

I'm now thinking I need to break-out the glittery belt and possibly some plaid...maybe go semi-crazy with layering. Hmmmm. How about you? Any ideas?

Maternity Outfits for Thanksgiving

1 | 2| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

In addition to the Simple Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas post, I've got these maternity outfits for all of you expectant mamas. Can't forget the pregnant ladies!

Cozy kimono or sweater: You all may know about my love for a kimono by now (see exhibit A & B)...and this sweater reminds me of one. It's cozy, awesomely patterned and just says 'Fall'. They also seem to be made for a bump- you don't have to worry too much about the fit, b/c it will just wrap right around that bump. Not to mention, if Sydney wore it...it's usually a safe bet. [shop this outfit: tribal print cardigan or tassel hem cardigan]

Boyfriend cardigan: Who doesn't love a cardigan? Make it a slightly bigger, comfier version and...sold. Add a feminine touch, like a furry scarf, and you've got a great Thanksgiving outfit. [shop this outfit: boyfriend cardigan / faux-fur infinity scarf] 

Cable knit sweater: it's cozy and forgiving...'nuff said. [shop this outfit: asos cable knit sweater / hush puppies moorland ankle bootie] 

Maxi skirt (winterized): love how a maxi skirt can be styled for cooler weather- with a jacket, scarf, long-sleeve shirt, booties, etc. Maxis are usually terribly comfy as well, so it's a win win for a mama-to-be. [shop this outfit: PinkBlush maternity maxi skirt / roll sleeve black blazer]

Simple cotton dress: the colors in this outfit are perfect for Thanksgiving! Depending on where you live, you may want to add extra layers- long jacket and tights? [shop this outfit: cotton maternity dress / maternity midi dress]

Cuffed denim & jacket: I have recently realized the importance of having a comfortable pair of maternity jeans that fit well- it's so important. When you feel comfortable in the basics you'll be able to be more inventive when it comes to the rest of the outfit...at least I do! The mama above threw on a pair of cuffed maternity jeans with a striped top, cropped trench and phenomenal booties. Simple, yet she looks soooo good...all ready for a Thanksgiving din din. [shop this outfit: J.Brand Kinetic Mama jean / striped boyfriend tee / cropped trench / Seychelles booties] 

Leather/coated jeggings: the leather look is here to stay...and mamas-to-be are definitely not being left out. Go ahead! Edge it up this Thanksgiving. [shop this outfit: coated jeggings / maternity hoodie] 

Tunic top: I mean, it all just looks terribly comfy- loose-fitting top, stretchy bottoms & booties. Done. [shop this outfit: Elerby Top / Essential Treggings ]

& that's that, friends. My decaf coffee is calling my name...and possibly a brownie my wonderful husband brought home for me...

Isabella Oliver | 1 maternity dress, 2 ways

Isabella Oliver ...an expectant mama's best friend? I say oh yes.

Their styles are spot-on, trendy and accentuate that bump in a way that makes it look like the best thing that has ever happened to your body. My Isabella Oliver ruched tank dress is one of my more prized maternity items. On that note, I was unsure about how to make it a more versatile piece- with it being so comfy and flattering, I wanted to be able to wear it many times...to all different kinds of places and occasions.

Sooo, ladies...I tackled "Project: Style Isabella Oliver's Ruched Tank Dress" this past weekend...and I came up with these 3 different outfits...

ruched tank dress-c/o Isabella Oliver | trench coat- Banana Republic (gift from an amazing friend that loves me. a lot), similar | studded skinny belt- Target, similar | leopard print flats- Steve Madden, similar

Refined: Oooh, trench. You're one of my materialistic loves. Ha. A classic trench does amazing things for an outfit in such a simple way. I threw mine over the ruched tank dress with a studded skinny belt (that I've had for ages, btw)...and finished off the whole look with leopard print flats. There are many different ways you can achieve this look...if you don't happen to have leopard print flats or a trench for that matter- go with a long cardigan or jacket and throw on a colorful &/or patterned pair of flats. Voila! You and the bump will be looking all kinds of refined and chic.

ruched tank dress- c/o Isabella Oliver | layered necklaces- up-cycled from old jewelry | biker jacket- c/o Wallis | booties- Macy's, similar

Edgy: I've always loved a bit of edge- from combat boots to studs to leather jackets...I'm sold. The key is making it all look feminine,...b/c I'm not sure looking like a hard core biker chick is a good idea. ;) It's a very simple task if you just pick one edgy piece, like my leather jacket, and pair it with more feminine items. The ruched tank dress, with it's vibrant color and ability to hug my curves and bump in just the right way, made me feel like one hot, yet still feminine, mama.

That's that. There are many ways you can wear Isabella Oliver's ruched tank dress...you just have to think out of the box a bit. If you have the dress already, please do share how you like to style it. We'd all love to hear! :)

NYFW: bumped - maternity outfit

biker jacket | bootie | ruched tank dress | lariat pendant necklace | chevron ring + quartz shard ring

This is one outfit I would definitely be wearing if I was at NYFW this week- not only because I just so happen to have most of the items, but also because it's a chic way to style the bump. They say black is slimming, right? ;)

I was actually reeeeally hoping to make it there this Fall just so that I could challenge myself with the task of dressing for the most stylish event of the year while pregnant. Yes, I'll be honest...the whole idea was scary, because...uhhh...everyone looks so dayum good in NYC. How do you compete with all of the Olivia Palermos running around (especially with a baby bump)? Well, I was up for the challenge.

Maybe next year I'll be able to brave the sea of ridiculously well-dressed peeps. The bump may or may not be present though...

Just workin' on my fitness (pregnancy style) | albion fit

albion fit breathe freely tank | don't look too closey at my tennies- they're about..oooh...10 years old

That last one was just for you...knew you'd appreciate my monkey face.

Let's get down to bidness. I'm usually a Pilates and power walk lover, but...not when I'm growing a babe inside of my bod. I don't believe in "staying in shape" during this time. I do think it's very important to stay healthy and keep moving though, but...working out to stay fit? Mmmm. No thanks. 

So how do I keep myself from becoming a total sloth? Ha. I go on walks with Mads and about once or twice a week (ok, just once) I complete a *Tracy Anderson: The Project Pregnancy work-out. Basically, I try to stay active without really exerting myself too much (haha...no, but really). I like this time of pregnancy to be a restful, peaceful period that I can slow down enough to soak up and enjoy. I'm incubating a baby, for goodness sake! I know that if I'm worrying about how much I did or didn't exercise in a  week...it would just end up being a source of anxiety for me, which definitely isn't very healthy.

Now, I totally admire those mamas-to-be that complete triathlons when they're 6 months pregnant or go to the gym every day until the day they deliver. I do. I really do. I am just not up for all of that, so I stick with my method...and it works for me :).

...& while I'm staying actively pregnante Albion Fit makes me feel comfy and cute. I came across their women's fitness and swimwear a few months ago- not sad about it at all. Their styles are not only comfortable and high-quality, but also super flattering....which is always a good thing when you're trying to work it...whether you're bumpin' or not. 

*FYI: they've so awesomely offered a giveaway...look out for it here tomorrow! 

love racer tank | the petal pant | sweet stripe capri | go long crew

So...how do you stay active? Do you work-out during pregnancy? 

*Awesome pregnancy work-out series. Tracy takes you month-by-month through your pregnancy. The work-outs are very dance-like and afterwards I always feel refreshed and stronger. I highly recommend it!

Beach with a Bump

I'm always more than happy to have stylin' contributors on Life in Mod (especially when the Moo has been sick with her first stomach flu the past few days -ew- and I have been MIA!). Today I'm welcoming the lovely Laura of A Little Bit of Lacquer. She's sharing how to rock it at the beach with a baby bump...and goodness does she rock it. :)

 ...................

For many women, the idea of heading to the beach 20 pounds heavier is a terrifying idea, but for us mamas-to-be, it should be a cause for celebration! With so many styles to choose from, embracing your beautiful baby bump under the sun has never been easier. Here are a few tips for picking the right beach wear for your bump.

- Know your comfort level. I'm all about showing off the bump in a bikini, but if you've never been one to wear a bikini even before baby, don't feel pressured to start now. Instead, opt for cute one pieces made for a bump (side ruching does wonders!) and with fun details like a bow (I've been obsessed with my Asos one piece http://rstyle.me/~Hyut)

- Support where you need it. Most women's cup sizes increase dramatically during pregnancy - opting for a supportive top will prevent the girls from looking a little sloppy. A strong halter with thick ties or even a bra top with underwires will be your best friend! (This molded cup in a non-maternity bikini from target would provide plenty of support http://rstyle.me/n/bimfngq9e)

- For a cover up, I love using a fun light shirt (chambray is perfect) to show off the belly and prevent the oversized T-shirt look. If you don't want to show off the belly make sure to still accentuate it by picking a breezy coverup with a tie waist. (This one from JCPenney is one of my favorites http://rstyle.me/n/bimdhgq9e)

- Don't forget the SPF! Pregnant or not this is a must for being out in the sun to reduce the risk of sun-induced skin cancers, but being pregnant our skin is also more likely to develop hyperpigmentation (dark spots and splotches) that can be difficult to get rid of. So cover up with SPF, an actual cover-up, or in some shade! And make sure to stay hydrated for you and baby.

- Bring your confidence. Nothing is more beautiful than a pregnant woman, and as celebrities feel more and more confident baring their bumps, so should us normal moms! So get out there and be proud of the changes your body is going through!

Laura

how we wear it: Maxi Skirts

We are baaaack and hopefully you are too, so that you can join in on this round of How We Wear It- this time it's all about the maxi skirts. I love a maxi, S loves a maxi...you know you love a maxi. They're flattering, transitional, comfy and...comfy.  Sooo S of ANMJ  & I are here to show you how we wear them... (I'm doing the preggers version for a while :) ...

Keep it simple, but add some fun little details- I've said it before and I'll say it 10 million times more. I like simple. It's fun to pack a little style punch into a simplistic outfit though...and I did this by simply adding colorful statement earrings and gold cuffs. Done. 

maxi skirt | marshalls ($15!)- similar

ribbed tank | Target 

sandals | steve madden - similar

bauble earrings | caroline g. 

cuffs | On a String Bead Shop - I'm thinking of doing a DIY with these??

Turn that maxi into a casual little dress- honestly, this was a spur-of-the-moment idea. I was like, "hey, this thing is super comfy...I'm at the beach. Let's make this thing into a dress". I added a belt and dress it was. It won't work with every maxi, but if yours is stretchy...try it out! Ps. You may or may not want to add a semi-nekkid baby to the mix. 

maxi | marshalls - similar

j.crew ribbon belt | thredUP

sandals | steve madden - similar

Get Fall-ready - It's still a bit too hot for any kind of layering (for many of us), but when it does start getting a bit cooler...throw on a blazer and flats with your maxi skirt. It'll make it a transitional piece that will get you through that in-between season. Btw, my bump is getting on, eh? :)

maxi skirt | marshalls - similar

blazer | Wallis

flats | jcpenny - similar

Now head on over to ANMJ to see how S rocked the maxi. 

OKAY- so now it's your turn! If you've ever worn a maxi skirt or plan on doing so now...do share. You can use the linky tool below, post a pic to the Life in Mod Facebook page, send me an e-mail at camsdipaola(at)yahoo(dot)com, OR you can post your pic on Instagram w/ hashtag: #howwewearit. We would love to see how you wear it. 

My Maternity Style Must-Haves

My bump isn't too bumpin' yet, but I know that soon it will be (without warning)...and that's why I'm prepping for it with this maternity must-haves list. Also, Fall is fast approaching!...weird...which means I'd like to have some maternity essentials that will work style magic through the cooler months.  Okeee, so...here we go.  1. the Blanqi bodystyler- let's talk about working magic. This thing has gotten rave reviews from mamas all over the place. I didn't have one while pregnant with Moo, which was just plain silly. This time around I WILL have one. It gives you back supports, smooths, shapes & secures...and cannot forget it's belly lifting abilities. These are all good things for a pregnant mama. *& oooh, look who it is that's modeling one of them...Anna of IHOD. Gorgeous mama! 2. Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow- so this isn't something you wear, but I had to add it b/c it's so comfy and pretty looking. I didn't invest in a body pillow last pregnancy, but ooooo...if there is something I have learned it's that you need a good support pillow for when sleeping starts to be really "fun". Sadly, it's already happening to me (up to pee about 3x already). I actually think that it will come in handy when the sweet bubs first arrives- nursing through the night and all that jazz. I'm excited about giving this one a try! Btw, they have the cutest patterned covers for them. 
3. Isabella Oliver Ruched Maternity Tank Dress- Kallah wore one during her current pregnancy- you may have caught the Maternity Shmernity post with her in it? Bombshell. That was enough proof that this dress is a maternity style must-have. My favorite thing about it is it's versatility- want to go casual? Easy. Jean jacket + booties. Dressy? A fun, statement necklace and heels. Done deal.  4. Ballet flats- not much needs to be said about this one. They're comfy, yet perfectly Audrey Hepburn-ish. The Franco Sarto pair shown above are actually a very good option- they come in a variety of other colors too. I've got a similar black pair which I plan on wearing with a slew of outfits this pregnancy.  5. Open-front blazer or long sweater-  found at Parc Boutique and what's nice about this style is...more room for growth. I also think a long open-front sweater would be nice- helps you cozy up in the Fall/Winter with a bumpy sticking out a bit.  & there you have it. That's the list.  Now, I want to hand the mic over to you...if you know of any MUST-HAVE Maternity items that just so happen to be stylish too, please comment below and let all of us know about them.
Bye! I am totally at the beach right now. I have turned off everything and am soaking up every minute of this heaven while I can. You can be jealous. It's ok. ;)

Favorite Bumpin' Bloggers

Now that the big news it out(!) I get to explode with baby and pregnancy style goodness for the next 7 months. Woop woop! Let's get this party started.
While I was impatiently keeping it mum during the 1st trimester I made sure to seek out and stalk follow other stylish expectant mamas as they dressed their baby bumps. I found some winners, friends. They have me totally excited about getting dressed this pregnancy. 
Sooo let me share some of them with you...

9to5 Chic

Sparkling Footsteps

The Freckled Fox

A Little Bit of Lacquer

The Fashion Guitar
Goodness. These ladies pull of a bump like nobody's business. It's almost intimidating- the thought of sharing my maternity style when there are mamas out there like this...that totally rock it. Whooo. I will be trying my best to keep up! 
Do pop in more these next 7 months or so...there's going to be a lot of baby/mama/style goodness going on around here ;). 
Gosh, I love this pregnancy stuff. 
ps. If you know of any other bumpin' bloggers, please let me know!