Purple Stripes

I'd love for you to click on over to Franziska's blog Franish!  She has an awesome series called "Behind the Blog" and I am so excited to be a part of it today :-)

 Sweater: Loft  /  Shirt: Old Navy  /  Pants: Loft Maternity  /  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman 'Capsize'

Over the Bump

I'm trying to be creative and expand my closet without purchasing new items.  In an effort to do so, the only way to wear this skirt now is to zip it up over the bump.  At first, I thought I was a genius but after an hour sitting at work, I remembered the magic of maternity bottoms.  Ahhhh maternity bands!

Sweater: The Limited  /  Skirt: JCP  /  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman 'Capsize'  /  Jewelry: J Crew, Stella and Dot, David Yurman

Weekend Errands

These are my new maternity jeans.  I banned myself from shopping but these were purchased with a gift card I received for Christmas.  Back to the main topic though - maternity bottoms.  Seriously, how will I ever go back to normal pants, jeans, or skirts?  Maternity bottoms are the most comfortable things EVER.  I'm not kidding.  I don't even care if the maternity band shows - that band is magical.  My favorite pencil skirts for work are from J Crew but, unfortunately, they don't have a maternity line.  I would love to know if anyone knows where I can find colorful maternity skirts!  I think I would cheat on my ban if I could find them...shhhhhh...

Sweater: J Crew  /  Tank: Gap  /  Jeans: Maternity Gap  /  Shoes: MIA  /  Handbag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM  /  Jewelry: Forever 21, David Yurman

Until Fall...

Sweater: Banana Republic  /  Shirt: Macy's  /  Skirt: J Crew  /  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman  /  Handbag: Chanel

I had to say goodbye to this skirt after I wore it.  In fact, I had to say goodbye to almost 95% of my skirts and pants this week.  It's goodbye until fall when I can *fingers crossed* fit into them again.  I could probably wear this skirt again soon but I have a weird thing about skirts that are above the knee at the office.  I had to wear this skirt above the belly which shortened the hem.  At this point, I think it's funny how big my belly is getting so I'm fully embracing it! 

Abstract

Dress: Old Navy  /  Sweater: J Crew  /  Shoes: Sole Society 'Kelly'  /  Handbag: J Crew

Dresses make me so happy.  They are easy and forgiving.  However, there was a time that I despised dresses.  Middle school Maria was NOT a fan of anything girly.  I didn't hit my girly peak until the summer between the 8th grade and 9th grade.  No matter what anyone said or did, I could not have cared less about what I looked like in middle school.  Looking back, I wish someone could have been like "hey, why don't you brush your hair" or "maybe your dad's t-shirts aren't the best things to wear" but, honestly, it wouldn't have mattered.  Dad's old t-shirts and ratty hair was my norm.  I cringe at those super awkward photos that now happen to be my husband's "favorite" of me...he's evil I tell you...

Cobalt Tones

The top photo is totally staged.  Okay, so technically most all photos are not natural because who poses by themselves out in the street besides bloggers?  Anyhow, the reason I say it's staged is because I never ever cradle my belly with my hands.  It just isn't natural for me.  If you ever catch me out and about, chances are I'm lazily resting my hands on top of my belly like I'm flipping Santa Clause or something...not cute.  Have a great weekend!

Sweater: Loft:  /  Dress: Target  /  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman  /  Handbag: Chanel