4th trimester: the jersey dress

calivintage - storq maternity dress

hard to believe it, but my little baby edith is three months old today! we’ve made it through the “fourth trimester,” and i can no longer call her a newborn. she has been good to me so far, happy and healthy, growing and developing right on track. she’s an excellent sleeper at night just like her big brother, but she does make up for it during the day. i have to fight her pretty hard to get her down for naps because apparently she did not get the memo about the importance of sleep. she would much prefer to hang out and give her mama smiles, or practice tummy time. she can already hold her head up and roll over, and she is desperately trying to sit up already! yikes!

needless to say, babywearing has definitely come in handy not only when i need to get things done, but also when i need to get her to sleep! so i thought i’d share this really simple outfit just to give an example of what to wear while babywearing. it varies depending one what type of carrier i’m using, but i really love to pair my sakura bloom linen ring sling with simple dresses like this maternity t-shirt dress from storq. it might not come across in photos, but this dress is seriously amazing. it is a super soft and stretchy modal jersey, which i highly prefer over cotton because it tends to maintain better shape and is somehow a million times softer. and if you’re anxious about wearing something that clings to the body, don’t worry, it is not flimsy or sheer in the least. i actually wore this dress to the hospital the day edie was born, pulled it on for my first walk around the maternity ward after she arrived, and wore it a ton in the first few weeks after we brought her home. the scoop neck makes it easy to pull down for nursing, so you can even breastfeed while babywearing if you’re feeling up to it!

if you’re looking for more tips, you can check out my guide on what to wear when you’re expecting (which includes this same dress!) or take a peek at some of my 4th trimester outfits.

calivintage - storq maternity dress
calivintage - storq maternity dress

4th trimester: the caftan

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it’s officially caftan season, and this new caftan by storq is so perfect that it almost makes me miss being pregnant. fortunately for me, i still have a postpartum belly to contend with and an 8-week-old baby nursing on demand. oh, and i’m human. so yeah, this caftan is awesome. it was designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy, so i’m basically gonna be wearing it every single day. the fabric is super soft and sturdy, while the cut is generous and forgiving while still having some interest. i really love the subtle shape of the collar and sleeves, and i appreciate that there’s a button front, which is pretty much necessary for breastfeeding.

speaking of clothes to wear during the “4th trimester,” i was thinking about creating a guide on what to wear during recovery, breastfeeding, and babywearing. but instead of holding out on you guys for one big lookbook, i thought i’d just start sharing some of my favorite looks as outfit posts and then rounding them all up into one post at the end. i’ve definitely learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t after having two babies, but i’m sure there are tons of great brands out there that i haven’t even heard of, or styling tips that i haven’t considered, so please let me know if you have any tips or recommendations while i go along!

and in the meantime, you really should check out storq if you haven’t already. lots of really great basics for maternity and beyond!

wearing:
brookes boswell cortland straw hat
storq caftan
marais usa jardin heels

calivintage - the caftan
calivintage - the caftan
calivintage - the caftan
calivintage - the caftan
calivintage - the caftan

what to wear when you’re expecting

calivintage - what to wear when you're expecting

i know i’m backtracking a little bit on this one, but i am so excited to finally share this little project that i started working on shortly before edith was born. being pregnant for the second time around, i had a lot more confidence than my first. when i was pregnant with adam, i was a lot more insecure about losing my personal style (and my identity, for that matter), so i basically tried really hard to dress exactly the same as i did before i was pregnant. which totally works for the first several months of pregnancy, especially if you don’t tend to start showing until pretty late in the game. but once you hit that third trimester, things get rough, and it’s good to have a realistic game plan for how you want to dress. i mean, yeah, lots of sweatpants are involved, but if you’re like me, then you probably still want to look pulled together no matter how huge and uncomfortable you might be.

so while getting dressed this time around, i made note of what my “essential” maternity wardrobe looked like. the tried-and-true pieces that got me all the way through until 39 weeks. and yes, all of these looks were shot in that last week of pregnancy, so these were all outfits that worked when i was full term. because like i said, it’s really that third trimester (and even the fourth) where getting dressed is the biggest challenge and most likely to alter your usual sense of style. so here it is…

what to wear when you’re expecting

calivintage - what to wear when you're expecting
the jumpsuit

when i was pregnant the first time around, i was terribly afraid of wearing jumpsuits or overalls. in hindsight, i have absolutely no idea why. these days, i can’t seem to get enough of them. they look great on pretty much everyone, and i always seemed to get a lot of compliments when i wore the twilight jumpsuit from hatch collection. my only word of caution is that this might not be for you if you’re suffering from incontinence because it will take a bit of effort to get off in a bathroom emergency. otherwise, jumpsuits are a really nice alternative to just wearing dresses, and give you just as many styling options. bonus because the button-front means you can wear it while breastfeeding after baby is born, too. here, i’m wearing the hatch twighlight jumpsuit with a brookes boswell straw hat, and sandgrens clogs.

 

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the jersey dress

this versatile storq maternity t-shirt dress is perfect because it is incredibly soft and stretchy, while also being thick and comfortable. you can wear it alone on a hot day, or paired with any number of different tops, jackets, and accessories during the spring, summer, and fall. i wore this to the hospital the day edith was born, and threw it back on for my first walk around the maternity ward. worn here paired with an elizabeth suzann linn tee, born sandals, clare v. handbag, and avenue boutique espanola hat.

 

calivintage - what to wear when you're expecting
maternity jeans

ok, i’m kinda cheating because these are vintage levis that i found at the thrift store and converted to maternity jeans using a belly band. i didn’t put together a diy for them, but a quick google search comes up with tons of tutorials. you basically cut off the top part of the pants and sew on some stretchy spandex. pants are the most challenging thing to wear during pregnancy (unless we’re talking sweatpants or leggings), so it was especially nice for me to be able to pull on a pair of jeans toward the end when all i wanted to do was feel normal. if you don’t want to diy a pair like i did, you can buy any pair of bootcut maternity jeans and just cut the hems to get a similar look. seen here wearing a vintage men’s button-up, vintage levi’s that i converted to maternity jeans, marais usa jardin heels, clare v handbag, and brookes boswell straw hat.

 

calivintage - what to wear when you're expecting

the caftan

or pretty much anything from maternity-wear brand fillyboo, including this dress. i often refer to the third trimester as the caftan phase. you’re gonna be feeling huge and uncomfortable, and there’s just something about wearing a cool, floaty dress while pregnant. i thought it was too cliche to dress-up like this during my first pregnancy, but now i don’t know how i ever managed! a huge pregnant belly is just screaming to be swathed in a luxurious caftan. it just feels so right. this one is especially awesome because it’s actually a duster. you can completely unbutton the front and throw it on over pretty much anything. above, wearing the fillyboo “bojangles” button-through maternity dusteravenue boutique espanola hat, and swedish hasbeens clog sandals.

 

and a few extras:

socks and low heels

you already know about my obsession with clogs. i find that they’re a really practical choice during pregnancy if you get them with a low heel. a very low 1-2″ heel helps to alleviate some of the lower back pain that you’ll experience from carrying all that weight in the front. i know it sounds counterproductive, but it actually helps to balance out the weight a little better.

cake maternity black rock candy bra

i am speaking for the very full-busted among us, so you can disregard this if you can fit into traditional a-d cup sizes. but as someone who typically wears a 32ddd and up to a 32i during pregnancy and nursing, i have had a lot of challenges when it comes to finding a bra that will fit and be comfortable. after the first trimester, it becomes incredibly painful for me to wear an underwire because it starts to put pressure on the top of my belly and restricts my airflow. this bra, while not as supportive as a traditional underwire, will help you to breathe a little better and actually comes in larger cup sizes. it will also come in handy right after the baby is born.

granny panties

much like a bra, this really does come down to personal preference, but don’t shy away from granny panties if that’s what is most comfortable for you! i found that super high rise granny panties and shorts were the most comfortable for me. regular underwear would roll down off my belly, so i’d be awkwardly pulling them up all day long.

belly bandit upsie belly

at some point in the second or third trimester, you will start to feel the pain of that heavy belly pulling you down. this simple back brace made a huge difference for me. i didn’t wear it all day long, but i definitely threw it on if i knew i was going to be on my feet for a long time.

maternity pillow

this might seem silly, but wait until you get into the third trimester. even if it seems pricey, the leachco snoogle was totally worth the 80 bucks. i didn’t get one when i was pregnant with adam, but i really wish that i had. in the third trimester, it becomes a painful undertaking to just turn from one side to the other. you will appreciate this pillow. trust me.

self care

i’m talking luxurious lotions, scrubs and face masks, bath soaks, scented candles, and massages. whatever your budget, i highly recommend you do anything you can to pamper yourself at least every now and then. there is no reason to suffer through pain when something as simple as a soak in the tub can help! when i was pregnant the first time around, i really didn’t take care of myself as well as i should have, and i think i suffered for it. i know not everyone can afford a spa day, but hopefully you can find some time to at least chill out and take care of yourself. you’re making a baby, you deserve it!!

 

want more maternity-wear ideas? click-through my maternity archive for a few more of the looks i’ve worn throughout my pregnancy.

maternity style: see comfort differently with born x zappos

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i’m in the home stretch with only two weeks left of this pregnancy! in fact, this might be the last look i post before the bebe is born. and when it comes to getting dressed, i would have to say that this is the hardest part. fitted clothes are no longer an option, so i’ve been wearing lots of flowy dresses. and while i’m not experiencing nearly as much swelling with this pregnancy, i’ve still been opting for comfortable, breathable sandals most of the time. so i was especially excited when my friends at zappos asked if i would be interested in trying out a brand new pair of born sandals. believe it or not, i’ve actually never owned a pair of borns, despite the fact that i’ve only heard good things about them. i guess i hadn’t considered that a “comfort” shoe would equate with something fashionable. but once i started browsing through the selection, i realized that they really do cover all the bases in terms of style. these super minimal sandals are surprisingly comfy thanks to a cushioned footbed, which is especially helpful while i’m carrying all of this extra weight. and i know they’re going to come in handy once the baby is here, since i know i’ll be walking a ton.

and as always, zappos is a breeze when it comes to ordering shoes. they offer free shipping that almost always comes even quicker than expected, they have a 365 day return policy, and their customer service is top notch!

also wearing: fillyboo wild at heart maternity nursing dress, guatemalan straw hat, academy jewelry time zone necklace

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maternity style: esby apparel $300 giveaway!

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you may remember a couple of weeks back, i shared a few images from the spring 2016 lookbook of austin-based designer esby apparel. well, today i am excited to announce that i’ve teamed up with the brand to offer you a chance to win $300 towards anything in their online shop! i’m particularly enamored with my new allison cropped jumpsuit, though i will admit that i’m more excited to wear it when i’m not 33 weeks pregnant! still, i love the fact that i’m able to wear it when most of the things in my closet don’t fit anymore! and i know that it’s going to get a ton of wear this spring and summer after baby is born. bonus points because you can wear it with the wrap in front or back, making it particularly appealing for those first few months of breastfeeding. but enough about me, let’s talk about esby! the brand was founded in 2014 by designer stephanie beard and is proudly made in the usa using high quality fabrics with an emphasis on comfort and wearability. this season features lots of beautiful linen and cotton dresses, jumpsuits, and separates that seamlessly fit into any wardrobe. you can enter the giveaway below!

win $300 to esby apparel!

wearing:
esby apparel allison cropped jumpsuit
vintage denim jacket
maguba barcelona clogs in brown nubuck on a natural wedge sole
clare vivier kenya bag
brookes boswell wakefield hat in panama

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maternity style: jumpsuit

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while it’s certainly been a lot easier getting dressed for this pregnancy, i gotta say, i feel like i may be losing steam now that i’m 29 weeks along. it’s the dreaded third trimester. my belly is growing, my clothes are getting more snug by the moment, and i’m just uncomfortable a lot of the time. i know it’s not like that for everyone, but pregnancy has never been particularly easy for me. this may be partially due to the fact that i make very large babies. when adam was born, everyone in the delivery gasped when they saw his size: 9lbs. 14oz. and 22.5″ long. no wonder i was so uncomfortable those last couple of months! anyway, it’s getting harder, but i’ve got my eye on the prize. i’ll be holding my baby in my hands in about 2 months, and that’s all that really matters.

and even though i’m starting to feel kinda crappy, i’m still making an effort to wear cute, comfortable clothes. i became obsessed with this rachel comey jumpsuit when it first came out a couple of seasons ago, and finally got my hands on it from a shop in the uk. turns out, the oversized fit is perfect to wear during pregnancy. and it will come in handy after the baby is born, too!

wearing:
rachel comey jumpsuit
maryam nassir zadeh roberta heels
clare vivier petit kenya bag
illesteva leonard sunglasses

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maternity style: elizabeth suzann

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things are moving along pretty swiftly over here! just last night, i found out that the baby will be born on april 26. i can’t believe that i’ll be holding my little girl in my arms in only two and a half months! it’s weird to know her exact birthday ahead of time, but i didn’t have the option to try for a vbac. even though it’s a little stressful knowing that i have to go through major surgery once again, i’m much more concerned about having a healthy baby. and on the bright side, at least we won’t have to deal with the stress of waking up the whole family in the middle of the night!

but for now, i’m focusing on these last several weeks, getting the house and nursery prepped, and dealing with this crazy southern california heat wave! just when i was getting used to cold weather clothes, things are heating up! but i still got a chance to wear these beautiful pieces by one of my favorite designers, elizabeth suzann. i’ve been following her since the very beginning and this dress is one of her classics that she’s had from the start. it’s a simple, versatile silk dress that is beautiful alone or layered up any number of different ways. on this particular day, i paired it with a cropped sweater from the fall collection. simple dresses and crop tops like this are such an easy formula these days. especially when they are thoughtfully handmade in the usa by such an awesome designer!

wearing:
elizabeth suzann arlo sweater
elizabeth suzann vera slip dress
vintage clogs
clyde wide brim pinch hat
market backpack from mur lifestyle

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maternity style: overalls

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this time around, i’m having a lot more fun getting dressed than when i was pregnant with adam. i think that having gone through the experience before, has given me a lot more confidence going forward. i’m generally less plagued with worries and fears, and i’m a lot less concerned about changing my style or losing my identity. the first time around, i really didn’t want to let go of my style, so i resisted making any changes. it wasn’t a huge deal, but in retrospect, i would have been a lot more comfortable if i had opted to wear pants or longer hemlines at least some of the time. in fact, i distinctly remember being horrified by the idea of wearing overalls, even though they are super cute to wear while pregnant! i picked these up at the rose bowl flea market a few weeks ago, and i love them. they won’t make it until the very end of my pregnancy, but i’ll definitely pull them out again post-partum. denim overalls are your best friend when you’ve got a baby and a toddler to look after. and they’re surprisingly resilient against baby puke and dirty toddler hands.

wearing:
three dots essential short sleeve crew tee
vintage overalls
apc trench coat
maryam nassir zadeh roberta heels
j.w. hulme legacy handbag
shinola runwell watch

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james fox co.

with baby due in april, we’re pretty much in the home stretch over here. i’m in the dreaded third trimester, which means it will feel like an eternity, but the reality is that i have less than three months to get ready! the nursery is moving along well, but i also need to make sure i pack my hospital bag for the big day. as with a lot of births, my last experience did not go as expected. one thing that was surprisingly hard was to be stuck in a hospital bed wearing two threadbare hospital gowns as doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, and family members came in an out of the room at all hours of the day and night. nurses would pull open my shirt and poke my boobs to see if i was engorged, the doctor would lift up my gown to check on my healing cesarean scar, a very sweet woman came in with a warm squirt bottle and accompanied me to the bathroom to make sure that i peed…. it’s a tough experience to be in a hospital, so it’s really nice to be able to feel as normal as possible while it’s all happening.

perhaps because so much of my expression of self comes from the clothes i choose to wear, i feel best wearing something of my own. i begged them to let me wear my own nightgown, but they told me i couldn’t because they wouldn’t be able to juggle the iv or rush me to the icu if something were to go wrong. i totally get it. but this time, i’m so happy to know about james fox co. hospital gowns! they currently have a beautiful purple ikat or this minimalist crema gown in hand woven cotton. and one nice perk? a portion of the proceeds go towards providing maama kits to help women in uganda to deliver their babies safely.

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outfit: only child

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it’s been a minute since i’ve shared an outfit post, and partly because it has been extremely hard to find the motivation now that i’m just about 6 months pregnant! my wardrobe has been really simple, and most days i don’t feel much like myself, which isn’t exactly inspiring when it comes to mustering up the courage to pose for pictures. but i definitely made the exception for this beautiful silk dress by oakland-based designer only child. the one-size-fits-most style has been very accommodating to my growing waistline, and is the perfect base for layering on any number of different accessories. so if i want, i can totally get away with wearing it every day of the week, just swapping out for a different bag, a new pair of shoes, a swipe of lipstick, or an easy updo. it’s such a no-brainer that it really helps me to get on with my day, even when i’m not feeling 100 percent.

i also love that the brand is completely hand-made in small batches by self-taught designer haley tucker. you can tell that she really takes the time to come up with thoughtful designs, and that each piece has been made with a focus on solid craftsmanship. i also love that i know exactly where my money is going when i make a purchase from a small, local designer such as this.

wearing:
dora silk blend dress courtesy of only child
vintage wool scarf
clare vivier messenger tote
clyde angora pinch hat
martiniano glove slipper

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