Pregnancy Style - Make non-maternity clothing work

Dress, Marshalls; Jean Jacket,
Chicago boutique, Shoes, TOMS

I was excited for about 10 minutes about buying maternity clothes...and then I saw my options. So plain! I found a few items at Old Navy, Pea in the Pod and H&M that I love, but it's still slim pickings. I couldn't wait for the Michigan weather to get warm so I could wear some of my non-maternity dresses.

Pregnancy Style Tip - Look for dresses in your closet that don't zip or button, and have an elastic, higher waist. This blue and white polka dot dress from Marshalls can totally be pulled off as maternity wear. I got asked several times if it was a new maternity dress. Paired with comfy wedges and a jean jacket, I have an outfit that works for a work travel during the day and transitions to night for a work dinner.

Transition from Summer to Fall

We are deep into Fall now, and some news reports are even predicting snow soon! Best part about living in the north is experiencing 4 different seasons...which means 4 different wardrobes! 

I love being able to carry some items over from season to season, and wear them in a different way. I'm currently loving layering sweaters over my summer dresses with tights. The sweater pictured is from the Catherine Malandrino line from Kohl's. It's layered over my black go-to sundress from this summer. Paired with black opaque tights and booties totally transforms this dress to a cozy, tres chic, Fall look.

Pictured: Catherine Malandrino Tres Chic Workweek Paris Sweater c/o Kohl's, Sundress from Marshalls (last Summer), black opaque tights (old), black booties from Marshalls (last Fall), vintage Louis Vuitton crossbody. Makeup from Mac.

What are some of your favorite Fall trends for clothes? Do you have an item or two in your closet that you like to wear year round?

Friday Favorites

This is a style themed Friday Favorites. I usually keep an eye open for fun styles that I can wear to work and transition to night. I normally don't buy stuff that I can't wear to my office (we have a casual dress code, but I usually dress business casual). The past few weeks I've found some really great Fall pieces from H&M, Target.com and at Marshalls that are work and date night friendly :)

Top: H&M, Pants: Piperlime.com Blank NYC, Necklace: Etsy.com, Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target.com, Shoes: Franco Sarto from Marshalls.com

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim from Target.com, Jeans: DL1961, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target.com, Necklace: Wantable.com

Normally I'm not a Target clothes shopper (they usually fit me weird) but I've been super impressed by their designer partnerships to date. Phillip Lim has been the best one yet!

 Dress: Marshalls, Jacket: boutique in Chicago, Shoes: DSW Nine West, Necklace: Francesca's

 Dress: Marshalls (old!), Jacket: boutique in Chicago, Necklace: RocksBox, Shoes: Marshall's Aerosoles (extremely comfortable!)

Dress: Vince Camuto from Marshalls, Shoes: Aerosoles from Marshalls

I'm a huge Marshalls fan. I find the cutest dresses, tops and shoes there. I'm kind of obsessed with my new beige suede booties from Marshalls. Because they are Aerosoles and have extra padding inside, they are super comfortable, even with the heel. I have been wearing them with both jeans and dresses.

Where are your favorite places to shop for work and weekend clothes? Please share in the comments!

Sweater + Dress Layering

H&M Sweater, Dress from Marshall's, Nine West wedge ankle booties, Very Jane bracelet

I've been feeling very inspired after Fashion Week. We saw so many people on and off the runway who had unique, crazy and wild outfits, but at the end of the day, they all made it work for them, because it was their own style. All the fashionistas oozed confidence which made people (especially photographers) gravitate towards them. It was a lot of fun to watch but also very inspiring.

On to my outfit of the day...I normally don't layer sweaters over dresses because I don't like the way they lay on my hips. But when I woke up this morning and it was 60 degrees out I knew I couldn't wear the dress I had set out alone.

I just purchased this sweater from H&M in Soho over the weekend. The black tank dress underneath was a staple for me this summer. So instead of packing it away for the chilly weather, I decided to try layering a sweater over it.

The suede ankle booties are new as well (NYC inspired!). My friend at work has been rocking ankle booties for awhile, so I'm taking a cue from her fashion sense.

Now that I know that this dress layers well I will definitely be trying out other sweaters with it. I love being able to transition summer clothes to Fall/Winter.

San Francisco in a Weekend

This post is way over due. It was amazing to get away for a bit 2 weeks ago with the hubby. San Francisco is an amazing city. Lots of shopping, great food and sunshine. Super chilly at night and when the sun goes in, but I was prepared from my past experiences.

Even though I didn't make it to the gym in SF, I feel like I got an amazing workout from all the walking we did! Saturday morning we woke up early, had breakfast, and rented bikes. Yes, we were touristy, we rode our bikes across the bridge into Sausalito. So..much...fun...but a tough ride! 8 miles later we were dining in Sausalito, followed by coffee drinks before catching the ferry back to the city.

Sunday we explored some more, made it to the Coit Tower and a ton of parks, and did our fair share of people watching in North Beach.

If you plan on visiting San Francisco my tips are:
 - Bring comfortable walking shoes
 - Bring a jacket that transfers from day to night (jean jacket, blazer) because the city can go from what feels like 80 degrees to 50 degrees in a minute!
 - Wear sunscreen. The temperature is deceiving. It may be chilly, but if the sun is out you will burn!
 - Sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch. Lots to take in on the streets of SF :)
 - Rent bikes to get around and explore, and if you have it in you, ride them across the bridge - it was definitely the highlight of our trip!

Steps leading to the Coit Tower.
Cotton Nautical colored dress from Marshalls, Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini bag 

View from the middle of the bridge

Flowers along the bay in Sausalito

Chai latte, cappuccino & people watching