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? 

37 weeks. Um. What?

the outfit: 

burgundy crochet-trim maternity top, c/o PinkBlush | the strand necklace, c/o applepear | faux fur vest, Target | Burberry satchel knock-off, thrift find | maternity boyfriend jean, A Pea In the Pod (via e-bay) | Moorland ankle bootie, c/o Hush Puppies, similar 

The husband & I got to have a date day this past weekend (maybe our last before the baby boy arrives?!). So. What did we do? Starbucks, a Target run and then literally just vegged on the couch. It was glorious. It's funny what you consider to be a hot date once you have a kid(s). O m geeee...we get time to ourselves. What do you want to do?? Ummm. Let's sit on the couch without interruption! ha-ha. Pretty much.

It's weird to think that I won't be dressing this bump for much longer. We've hit that 37 week mark. What? Crazy. I really can't believe it. I actually found getting dressed this time around a bit more challenging...not sure why. Maybe because my two year old was keeping me busy and very tired at. all. times? That may be it. I know that I'll miss it though...sometimes. Keyword here. ;)

I'll be layered for Christmas.

the outfit: fur-collared white coat, Old Navy | plaid scarf, Old Navy | textured open front cardigan, Old Navy | skinny glitter belt, Target | MAMA maternity jeans, H&M | Chamber 14" boot, c/o Hush Puppies 

After yesterday's post I actually got all inspired to lock-down a Christmas day outfit. I think I've finally got it. We're headed to the in-law's house in the country, so this outfit will work great- nothing too fancy shmancy, has a festive quality to it...and it's comfortable (the most important thing). Now, the only trick is getting me out of my even more comfy flannel pajamas that day... ;). It may or may not happen. 

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?

Bump gone wild.

the look: leather sleeve top - c/o Fourth Love Maternity, cargo maternity pants - A Pea in the Pod, leopard chunky heel pumps - Target, studded handbag - DIY, assortment of old chain jewelry 

Oh, bump. Look at you bumpin'. It's started to get wild around here. I now have to think of creative ways to sit, stand and sleep in order to be semi-comfortable. It's a real party! ;)

Anyways, the leather sleeve top totally inspired this entire rocker chic outfit. There is something about leather that makes me want to break out the metals, so I piled on the chain necklaces, a chain bracelet and grabbed my chain-strap handbag. Voila. Edgy mama-to-be. Now, where's the concert?? heh hehh.

I cannot get over the fact that the 37 week mark is this Friday. Stop. it. The boy could show up at any time. I am definitely hoping he stays in a while longer, because I love my sleep too much...but still. He will be here in the blink of an eye (after a really super quick and easy labor and delivery?! haha) It is completely blowing my mind. Aaaahhhhhhh!

ps. fourth love is an awesome maternity clothing shop. I wish I had found them sooner! They have edgy and trendy pieces...all very well-made. They are definitely on my list for next time.

A Cozy Maternity Wrap - styled 2 ways

This wrap came in super handy while we were up north with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday- was just a bit chillier there than it has been in NC. It's cozy, soft and long enough to drape around this (almost) 36 week bump and pregnant bod. It's the perfect thing to throw on, over most anything...and I love a versatile piece.

I thought I'd share how I styled in two ways- dressy and a bit more casual.

I was a fan of this outfit because it looked dressy, but definitely didn't feel that way. From the stretchy skinny pant to the low heel...I felt great and completely comfortable (which can be very hard to say at this point). It was all just a bit too boring by itself, so I added a pop of color with the necklace and that was that. A clutch would have been a nice add-on as well! I just didn't have one with me.

dressy outfit: cozy wrap, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | long sleeve scoop neck tee, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | ponte skinny pant, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | bold beaded strands, Baublebar | black pumps, H&M

Now, really...I'll find any excuse to wear these boots. They are my best shoe freeeends. In order to take the wrap from dressy to casual, I ditched the necklace and pumps and replaced them with the combat boot. I actually like how simply black and grey this look is. The boot did all of the work for me. It's so good at making most any outfit terribly cool (and that's my main goal in life, of course). I'm hoping they last for many more years to come, because the day they go to shoe heaven will be a sad sad day for me. ;)

casual outfit: cozy wrap, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | long sleeve scoop neck tee, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | ponte skinny pant, c/o Ingrid & Isabel | troopa boot, Steve Madden 

Anywho. I guess I should get going and finish decorating this house for Christmas. We did some yesterday, but I ran out of steam about halfway through...and immediately planted myself on the couch for the rest of the day. FYI: I have no energy whatsoever anymore. B day approacheth. I guess my body is making me rest before all the baby madness breaks loose. Woo!

Happy Monday, friends.

my maternity thanksgiving get-up

THE LOOK: 

textured open front cardi | Old Navy

long-sleeve graphic tee | Old Navy

plaid scarf | Old Navy

MAMA slim jeans | H&M

booties | Old Navy

I'm thankful for non-maternity clothes that still fit on my pregnant bod, even after a huge Thanksgiving dinner. :) Old Navy worked it for me this year...with the over-sized, comfy sweater, soft graphic tee, the perfect plaid scarf and booties (bought last year, fyi). We headed back to my hometown to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my fam and so I knew I had to be comfortable for the car trip...aaaand I didn't want some fussy outfit that I would just want to strip off halfway through the day. This outfit completely worked. Score one for the pregs team.

How was your Thanksgiving holiday??

InStyle and People StyleWatch at Target

 This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and People StyleWatch and InStyle magazines but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PeopleInStyle http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

There are those times (more often than naught) when I'm just blah about getting dressed. I feel like I have nothing to wear and I don't want to wear anything but pjs. It's those times when a magazine or two can come in handy...helping to re-inspire me and be more creative with what I already have in my closet. It's also nice to be informed about stylish budget-friendly steals that I'd never find on my own. InStyle and People Style Watch are two of my favorite mags to grab in the check-out aisle.

...aaaand they just so happen to be part of a sweet deal happening at Target right now. If you buy both of the December issues of InStyle and People Style Watch magazine you receive a $5 gift card! As if I or you needed another reason to spend more money at that lovely place. ;)

After flipping through both magazines I wanted to break-out my tuxedo jacket (that I have maybe worn a total of two times)...and so I did. I went for a more laid-back, casual, realistic mom look...instead of a more glitzy, tailored one as shown in the mags. I did, however, add a chic black pump! Gotta keep it classy in the land of gross toddler diapers and 34 week baby bumps, people.

THE LOOK:

Leather Sleeve Shirt | c/o FourthLove

contrast blazer | c/o Sway Chic, similar

MAMA maternity jeans | H&M

pointy toe black pumps | H&M

If you're heading into Target any time soon (or should I say today?...if you're anything like me) check-out the magazine rack. InStyle and People StyleWatch are waiting there for you...along with a $5 gift card. Woo!

*promo runs until 12/7

The importance of a great pair of maternity jeans.

THE LOOK:

Red Lapel Long Sleeve Plaid Pockets Blouse | c/o SheInside

MAMA nursing tank top | H&M

blazer | Forever21, similar 

MAMA slim jeans | H&M

knit hat/beanie | H&M, similar
Troopa boot | Steve Madden 

I had underestimated the importance of having a quality pair of maternity jeans that fit well...until this pregnancy. I had been doing my best with the couple of so-so pairs I had worn throughout my pregnancy with Mads, but they made me want to cry this time around. They felt tight and would slide down. every. 5. seconds. Let's just say, they made me feel like a beached whale. It really doesn't matter what size you are. If you have ill-fitting jeans on, you will feel uncomfortable and less than your best. Am I right?

Soooo...I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore. I loaded Moo into the minivan and we made the 30 min trip to the only H&M around. They carry their MAMA maternity line in-store, so I was all over it. I found the above pair of awesome sauce jeans. Amazing. I'm in love. I may even have teared up a bit with sheer pregnant happiness when I tried them on. They fit so well and felt sooo good. I also grabbed up the two-pack of nursing tank tops (b+w), because not only do they work now for bump layering...they will be very handy once the baby boy arrives and I return to my nursing post. Yay for stylin' maternity finds! I was saved. 

My advice: if you're newly pregnant, reeeally pregnant...any kind of pregnant...purchase a pair of quality maternity jeans that fit well. You'll be happy you did when things get really bumpy, if you know what I mean. That is all. 

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...

Bumpalicious.

THE LOOK:

Avalicious maternity dress | c/o Babes With Babies 

Animal Print Chunky Heel Pumps | Target

Maharaja Fringe Strand necklace | Baublebar

It's official. I have reached bumpalicious status. My bod is being taken over by the unborn child. Of course, I'm happy that the little guy is growing big and strong, but gosh...it's difficult to ever really feel comfortable and pretty when my belly has started to poke out of the bottom of almost all of my shirts (maternity included) and everything rides up or slides waaayyy down. Yeh. My husband has experienced at least three emotional breakdowns recently (maybe mas;). I just feel so uncomfortable, I don't feel that pregnancy glow and I reeeeally really feel as if nothing fits me.

So. I had no idea what I was going to wear to the wedding rehearsal dinner this past weekend...and then I received this dress- my saving grace. It hugged my pregnant curves, the bump and kept me feeling comfy and pretty all evening. Thank goodness for flattering maternity clothes that get you through the end of a pregnancy so beautifully (with minimal tears)! Seriously.

A ball cap, sweatshirt...& the entire neighborhood parked behind me.

THE LOOK: 

herringbone baseball cap || parc boutique

Maharaja Fringe Strand necklace || Baublebar

crew-neck sweatshirt || Old Navy

polka dot button-up || F21, similar

boyfriend maternity jeans || A Pea In the Pod via Ebay, similar

Chuck Taylors || Converse via Ebay

Yehhhh, I'm pregnant. I got this Old Navy sweatshirt a couple sizes up thinking, "Oh, it'll totally work this entire pregnancy. Totaaaally". Try again, Cams. If my belly grows out any farther, which it's bound to...it's over for this sweatshirt. At least until the bump goes bye bye. Still! I have been able to wear it several times this Fall and have loved it- oober comfy and goes with tons (at least I pretended it did).

Now, let's talk about that hat. Herringbone + ball cap combined. What's not to love? My husband also digs a gal in a baseball cap, so helloooo. Win win. I think he especially loves it when the lady has a big belly to go along with it too. At least, that's the word on the street.

That was just my second outfit post for the week. Whaaaaat? That's some kind of record for me. Maybe I was feeling excited and inspired...and maybe I had a little more energy than usual. Don't get used to it. I am now worn out and will be resuming my usual 1 outfit/week routine. ;)

Peace. Love. Donuts. Really...I'm going to go eat some donuts now.

..................

PS. I did a little blog shoot with a local Charlotte photographer, wearing the same hat and sweatshirt (b/c they're awesome). I wanted to share a couple snaps from our session...

Photos: Lindsay Wynne Photography // You can find the rest of our session on LiM's Facebook page.

If you're looking for a photographer in the Charlotte area, definitely check her out! As you can see, she does lovely work.