second trimester

{OLD NAVY Pink Floral Dress, J. CREW Straw Tote and Satin Embroidered Flats, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Sunglasses}

To be honest, shopping for maternity clothes hasn’t been as fun as I thought it would be. Most items are ridiculously overpriced – especially considering the quality, or lack thereof. I’ve also struggled to find items that still fit in with my personal style. Luckily, Old Navy has come through for me with the dress you see above. It’s non-maternity, so I just went up a size or two to accomodate my growing belly. It comes in both a long sleeve and sleeveless version and a plethora of colors and prints. I’m pretty sure I’m up to at least 5 or 6 different iterations at this point.

About the Fit:
This dress is non-maternity, so I got a few one size up in second trimester and a few two sizes up that I’m just now starting to fill out now that I’m 30 weeks along.  I’d say the fit is true-to-size, if not a little large for you ladies who aren’t currently knocked up. The length hits just a couple of inches above the knee on my 5’7 frame.

{OLD NAVY White Denim Jacket, H&M Maxi Dress, FOREVER 21 Straw Boater Hat, J. Crew Straw Tote, PRADA Sunglasses, MARC FISHER Espadrilles}

So the idea of a jean jacket as a wardrobe staple is not exactly ground-breaking. I’ve had one on regular rotation in my closet since high school. In fact, my current favorite has been in my possession for almost 10 years (FACT: they only get better with age!). Recently, I decided to switch things up a bit and get a white denim jacket… BEST DECISION EVER! Not sure why I didn’t take the plunge sooner. On second thought, it’s probably the fear of ice cream and BBQ stains that held me back. In any case, I’m so glad that I threw caution to the wind. I wore this jacket almost daily while in Charleston, and expect it’ll become just as loved as my other jacket (barring any unfortunate BBQ incidents).

About the Fit:
This jacket runs pretty true-to-size. I can’t button it over my bump at the moment, but I’m sure that’ll fix itself once the wee little one gets here. I have a short torso for my frame, and this jacket hits right at the perfect spot (right above my bum, lol). The sleeves are slim, which I prefer in denim jackets for a sleek look. But you may want to size up if you plan on wearing bulky sweaters underneath.

More White Denim

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{OLD NAVY Floral Midi Dress (non-maternity) and Cardigan, J. CREW Straw Tote, H&M Tassel Earrings, COLE HAAN Two-Tone Loafers}

Eric and I recently got back from our babymoon in Charleston, and I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. The temps hovered in the mid-70s the entire time, so I was glad that I stocked up on pretty little sundresses like the one above before leaving New York. I’ve finally gotten to the point in my pregnancy where strangers can tell there’s a bun in the oven – not just a lunch baby, ha! While I’m ecstatic to finally show off my bump, I’m less than thrilled at the prospect of spending a ton on maternity outfits.

Luckily, Old Navy came through to the rescue with a 40% off sale and a copious amount of darling dresses that’ll hopefully carry me through my third trimester and beyond. I paired this floral midi dress with a simple straw tote and two-tone loafers for a dose of comfy southern preppy style.

About the Fit:
I sized up to an XL in this frock to accommodate my ever-expanding waistline (and bosom!). But if you’re not knocked up, your regular size should do just fine. The back is elasticized for comfort and fit, and it’s really hard to go wrong with this one. I love how the midi-length hits just below the knee on my 5’7″ frame. The dress comes in multiple colors and prints in-store, and I’m definitely going back for the yellow floral version as soon as another 40% off sale comes around.