♥ Grey striped dress: Old Navy Maternity ♥ Red cardigan: H&M ♥ Red flats: M&S ♥ Pocket watch pendant: Lulu*s ♥
@34WeeksΞFinally I’m busting out this cute little dress I picked up at Old Navy in February while visiting the US. I tried wearing at different stages, but I think it only looks cute now that I have a proper (and huge) bump to show off. There’s a stage you’ll hit where trying to disguise your bump just doesn’t make sense. Highlighting and accentuating the silly shape with the varying widths of the stripes in this dress show off my curves in all the right ways.
I added my favourite (and old!) bright red cardigan for a punch of colour and with the cute little quasi-deck shoes have managed to make another nautical look. I think this is the theme of the 3rd trimester. This really is the prefect dress for the 3rd trimester in the dog days of summer. It is light and loose and has an adjustable rope tie belt. Look for dresses that have a waist that can move up or down as you get closer to the end of pregnancy as your uterus becomes very high and hard around your bra line, then drops around 2 inches when the baby gets into position. As you may have noticed, my little guy is still riding high!
I’m thinking this dress could be a perfect coming home from the hospital dress. Can’t believe I’m thinking of that already!
Tags:3rd Trimester·horizontal stripes·old naby maternity·what to wear when you're expecting
I am a girl who loves her handbags, and I have very particular requirements about what makes a good bag. Certainly it is one of the most essential accessories. The wrong bag can kill an outfit. If you’re like me, being uncoordinated or uncomfortable is the prefect way to send your day spiraling into the blues.
As a gal that puts (probably) thought into her bags, the task of finding a changing bag for our soon-to-be boy has been a daunting one. This bag has to tick a few boxes for me. It has to be long lasting, have an optional shoulder strap for my dodgy shoulders, be uni-sex (so that I can get the hubby to carry it) and look relatively cute. I also really like organisation, so pockets and lots of ‘em would be great. Oh, and it must not be expensive. I’m still reeling from the price of our pram. So after much internet research here are some of my favourite bags…
Skip Hop Via Messenger. Ticks all the boxes and is only £59 on Amazon though it is normal retails for $/€79. It’s not really cute, but it is nicer looking than a lot of utility bags out there. Green is nice. There are 18 pockets in this bad boy and special clips for the pram, so function may just beat out function.
The Stork Sak Jess Red Label in Natural. If I wasn’t concerned with getting a bag that was also dad-friendly, I’d snatch this up. It looks durable and practical and not at all a changing bag. There are loads of pockets inside to keep things under control and I could easily use it as after the baby is out of nappies. It is £85 on the Stork Sak site or a belt-tightening $158 on Amazon.
The Little Lifestyles Hepburn Shoulder Bag. Audrey or Katherine could have been proud to carry this lovely white bag, a steal at only £50 on Amazon. The doctor-style popup is very practical for on the go changing. But the hubby wouldn’t be too keen on carrying it and no shoulder strap, so it ticks very few boxes. Alas a gal can dream, right?
Danzo Retro Baby Bag. This bag is super cute and functional with customizable velcro labels for interior pockets and a ducky changing mat. It looks adorable and that’s all that matters, right? Wrong. At $285 on Amazon, there’s no way is this ever happening.
Tags:changing bags·danzo·little lifestyle·skip hop·stork sak
♥ Electric blue cotton top: Old Navy Maternity ♥ Black pencil skirt: Mothercare ♥ Black leggings: Gap ♥ Flats: Rocket Dog ♥ Black sash: From thrifted PLRG top ♥ Vintage windmill earrings: A Box for My Treasure ♥
@32WeeksΞ It can be difficult to balance work appropriate, weather appropriate and bump appropriate wear once you hit the 3rd trimester–especially in the summer. The pencil skirt and blue top have been great investments. They both have adjustments to suit your bump so that your wardrobe can grow along with you. That’s really the key to maternity dressing.
Also important–accessories and making the most of your silhouette. Although this top has a thin blue tie, I wanted to make sure that what’s left of my waist stands out. I added the sash to break up the blue and keep it looking sleek, not tentlike. But I’ll be honest, everything really revolves around these fantastic earrings from A Box for My Treasure. I picked them up a few months ago at the Crafty Market have worn them tons. I love the blue windmill print (just like my toile curtains). They really pop against my dark hair and I always get compliments when I wear them!
You may have noticed that I’m exclusively wearing leggings these days. I stopped wearing maternity tights a while ago because they were too uncomfortable and hot. Leggings can get a little hot when it’s roasting, but I’ve noticed that my legs tend to have less swelling and aches when I wear them. Nothing scientific about my research, but well worth a try if you’re struggling in the (lovely) summer heat.
PS: The lovely, lovely jewels from a Box for My Treasure can be found at markets around Dublin or on Etsy!
Now gather your things and head to the car. Do you worry, I won’t be far. Open the trunk and shut your eyes. If you peak at what I’m packing, you’ll ruin the surprise!
Tags:a box for my treasure·thrid trimester·what to wear when you're expecting
♥ Red cardigan: H&M ♥ Sea gull and sail boats tank: Penneys ♥ Black jersey pencil skirt: Mothercare ♥ Red deck shoes: M&S ♥ Shades: A|Wear ♥ Vintage pin: Tiny antique store in Dingle ♥
@33WeeksΞ Well, I am most definitely in the 3rd trimester and most definitely showing! Especially with this tight figure hugging outfit. Surprisingly, it doesn’t make my bus mates any more keen to give up a seat! I’ve felt quite nautical lately with this outrageously sunny weather. This top has little sea gulls and sailboats and is not maternity. I have a suspicion that its a really tacky tank dress, but the stretch jersey makes it perfect for my bump.
Along with the nautical top, I added my lovely little antique store in Dingle (just before we hopped aboard a boat to visit Fungi the Dolphin). I love collecting little pins or scarves on my holidays that remind me special moments.
Now, just a note and apology for the lack of posts recently. But the 3rd trimester is exhausting! Not only am I ridiculously round, but there’s a million things to do at work (only one week left though!) and so much left to buy for the baby. And this hot weather does nothing for my style as I’m generally hot and puffy as I get home from work, neglecting my photo and blog duties. I’ll have a few more cute outfits to come once I start my leave.
Tags:3rd Trimester·H&M·M&S·maternity style·mothercare·nautical·Penneys·what to wear when you're expecting
♥ Bright orange tank dress: H&M ♥ Oatmeal drape sweater: Penneys ♥ Skinny brown belt: Dunnes ♥ Brown leggings: H&M Maternity ♥ Tan peeptoe wedges: Schuh ♥ Avacado beads: Vintage, thrifted and found at Dublin Flea ♥
@31 WeeksΞ This summer has been outstanding so far. Sometimes you just have to wear bright colours to honour the sun! This great little dress has been a recent summer staple–great for slipping on post yoga or styling up for work. Its a super simple jersey tank dress with an elasticated waist and pockets–and can be yours for €6 at H&M. I’m impressed that well into the 3rd trimester, this dress from the normal section of H&M fit! So naturally, I also bought it in light grey and aqua.
I’ve worn it several different ways, but have neglected photographing it until now. You wouldn’t think such a bright colour would be versatile, but it’s summer so I think of it as my Little Orange Dress. On this occasion I paired it with my great vintage 1970s beads found at last month’s Dublin Flea for €4. I just love these avacado green, huge beads. 
Now, you may not be able to tell…but I am completely blissed out after getting a great maternity massage and mini pedi from The Buff Day Spa. If you’re looking for a fantastic spa in the heart of City Centre, Buff Day Spa on Stephen’s Green is the place for you. Everyone is super friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing. Lynn does a great job using the yummy Mama Mio products to help take all the stain and aches and pains from the 3rd trimester away.
It also helps if your hubby meets you post massage with a Malteesers and chocolate syrup milkshake from Dublin’s first milkshake bar, Shakes. I’m in awe of this place and would like to try a million combinations! Mine was delish, but his was outstanding–who knew Bourbon Creams made terrific milkshake fodder. At some point I might just be bold enough to try Wheatabix (and some sort of chocolate of course!) Shakes is open on Dame Street and is awesome.
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♥ Cream embroidered cotton tunic: H&M ♥ Khaki shorts: H&M Maternity ♥ Luxor Desert Flower Embellished Bag: Courtesy of Accessorize ♥ Tan peep-toe wedges: Schuh ♥ Brass disk earrings: Instant Vintage, Bath ♥ Shades: Aldo ♥
@30WeeksΞI’ve looked all over the maternity aisles for a light cream or white tunic for summer. All are ridiculously big on me. This is where I start to get annoyed that all maternity clothes are made for DD women. They do grow, but some of us are starting from a barely A cup and are never going to get that large–so please maternity designers, make clothes that fit smaller frames….anyway…I was super discouraged and walking out of H&M when I spotted this sweet tunic in the normal people section. It’s meant to be long and loose, and fits both my slim shoulders and round tummy.
Now I can stop wishing for better maternity fashion. The trick is to stay out of the maternity section!
Obviously, there are some essentials that you must get in the maternity section. These shorts from H&M are great for sunny days–unlike a lot of other trousers, the bump piece is stretchy, light coloured fabric to keep you relatively cool. On this particular scorcher of a Sunday, the hubby took me out to Bushy Park for the first time. It is absolutely lovely and reminds me of parks around our old house in Somerville, MA. Really looking forward to bringing the baby here–and since this top is non-maternity, I can keep it in my park play-date repertoire
If you look closely, you can see a bit of a sunburn on my legs. Pregnant gals take note: Sunscreen is essential. You thought your legs were sore and your skin itchy now, just wait till you slap a sunburn on top of that. Take care of your skin and don’t get carried away reading fantastic books in your sunny backyard!
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I was feeling a wee bit homesick the other day and found this awesome shirt from the 70s/80s on Etsy expressing the same sentiment I feel for my hometown–San Antonio, Texas. I totally didn’t appreciate SA when I was growing up, but now I realise just how much the South Texas culture has influenced me. I’m stoked to bring my little guy home for summer holidays with visits to Kiddie Park, Schlitterbahn (the hottest coolest time in Texas), tubing on the Guadalupe and to taste the best food in the world!
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♥ White cropped cardigan: Penneys ♥ Brown tank: Mothercare ♥ Jean skirt: M&S Maternity ♥ Brown leggings: H&M Maternity ♥ Brown and blue pointy toe slipons: Keds ♥ Light cotton scarf: H&M ♥ Pink aviators: A|Wear ♥
@32WeeksΞMy husband planned a lovely day out on Dollymount Stand on the bank holiday, but true to Irish form, the sunny weather disapeared and we got a wicked windy and wet day. It didn’t really matter to me. The sea is the sea and I love long walks on the beach, rain or shine. By the way, in the top photo I am pointing out a seagull–because you know, you never see them at the beach!
There’s not much to say about this outfit except that it is very comfortable for a day of mixed weather conditions. I love these Keds so much. They were slightly too big, but now that my feet have swelled they fit like a charm. So now I’m trying to build as many outfits around them as possible. 
How fantastic are the old bathing shelters at the far end of Dollymount Strand? I really wish I could go back in time to see the beach in it’s heyday.
Tags:3rd Trimester·dollymount strand·H&M·keds·M&S·mothercare·Penneys·what to wear when you're expecting
♥ Dotty fluttery dress: Mamas&Papas ♥ Brown tank: Mother care ♥ Brown satchel: Dublin Flea ♥ Brass disk earings: Instant Vintage, Bath ♥ Tan peep-toe wedges: Schuh ♥ Shades: Aldo ♥
@31WeeksΞ I bought this cute dotty dress early on in my pregnancy to save for the third trimester (because it was on sale). I really like it and it’s a great light dress for summer that I can also wear to work. The one problem is that the crossover top opens up much more than I’d like it to. Although it comes with a separate slip, it is still a bit too much cleavage for work. But I don’t think you notice the additional tank too much.
This was one of the first days I’ve worn bare legs to work. And I must admit, I felt very self conscious. I think not knowing my body shape as well as I used to has made me feel less secure about hem lines and breezes. But looking back, it is a completely acceptable length especially for the warmer days (and they are even hotter for a pregnant gal!)
On this occasion, I had a date to the see The Importance of Being Earnest at the Gaiety. First hubby and I wandered a bit around Dublin (this is the Mansion House) before heading to Trocadero for a fantastic meal in a fabulous environment. For those of you that haven’t been to Trocadero, it’s everything you could dream a long established, theatre themed restaurant should be–plush burgundy booths,candle light, lots of mirrors, framed autographed photos of famous folks that ate there. It’s a little bit of old school Broadway in City Centre. The staff are amazingly nice and the food aint half bad either!
We also visited the special Steiff exhibit on the top floor of Stephen’s Green shopping centre. I don’t know if it was wonderful or tragic. What I do know is that in an empty shop front, lots of little (expensive) German stuffed animals are living Arabian Nights. I was charmed and found the whole thing pretty hilarious.
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♥ Black bubble hem dress with satin bow: gift from friend ♥ Leggings: Gap ♥ Leopard print pumps: M&S ♥ New haircut: Whetstone Aveda ♥
@30WeeksΞThere is noting better than getting a great haircut! I really enjoyed my total haircut experience more than usual, I think because I’m learning to appreciate the quiet moments of relaxation a bit more–something everyone, not just expectant mothers need to learn! My hair looks so fab blown out, I wish I had the patience (and a few more hands) to tame my waves on a daily basis. Luckily, Damien at Whetstone Aveda in Temple Bar understands my hair and always makes it gorgeous…at least until I wash it again.
I’m playing around with outfit ideas for my husband’s school reunion. Note: I did NOT wear these shoes to work. While they are pretty comfortable, I’m not sure my pregnant feet could take a full day. I think they could work for the reunion though, and much like my wedding date outfit, dig the all black outfit with a touch of the wild side on the tootsies.
It’s amazing how slimming the pointed toe, long legging and bubble hem dress can be. If you didn’t know better, you may not notice I was preggo in this outfit. Of course, you and I both know the dress doesn’t bubble out as much as it cradles me and the baby bump!
Tags:3rd Trimester·what to wear when you're expecting·whetstone aveda
♥ Navy and white striped dress: Mothercare ♥ White cropped leggings: H&M Maternity ♥ Black cardi: Penneys ♥ Golden knot chain: Dorothy Perkins ♥ Peep toes: H&M ♥
@30WeeksΞI’m so glad I finally got something stripped in my maternity wardrobe. I’ve wanted bretton stripes from the beginning because I go crazy for anything gamine or nautical in the spring/early summer. But the bump through a spanner in my normal wardrobe routine.
It is very easy to wear with a draped neckline and capped sleeves. What I like most about this dress is that it was a gift from by hubby, so sweet! It’s a nice little boost to my maternity wardrobe, that was getting a bit stale. This has a nice length–not too short so that it begins to rise round the tummy and is nice and cool on the odd hot Dublin day.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about white leggings for awhile, but my black leggings can actually get hot around here lately. I thought I’d play up the nauticalness of the stripes by adding a big knotted gold chain. I only wish I had some deck shoes!
In other news, how stunning are these flowers in my garden. We had no idea that the giant bush would burst with purple, that our tree was pink or that we had 2 ft tall poppy plants in the yard. I’m absolutely falling back in love with Dublin and getting over the rough spell that was last winter.
Tags:3rd Trimester·mother care·nautical·stripes·what to wear when you're expecting
♥ Coral croped cardigan: Old Navy Maternity ♥ Embroidered white cotton top: Penneys ♥ Gathered white tank: Target ♥ Black trousers: GapMaternity ♥ Lovely turquoise flower and blow necklace: A Box for my Treasure ♥ Shoes: Rocketdog ♥
@28WeeksΞ Not the most exciting outfit, but suitable for work and bright enough for pay tribute to the (sometimes) lovely Dublin days of late. I have gotten a lot of great use of this shirt from Penney’s that I found over a year ago. It has really lovely embroidery and looks like it’s much more dear than the few euros I paid for it. Mostly, it creates a great frame for my adorable necklace from A Box for My Treasure.
Look how much that turquoise pops in the long shot! It’s such a sweet necklace with a delicate little bow and I adore coral and turquoise together. What I don’t love so much are my maternity trousers. However, a gal needs a pair of black trousers in the business world today (especially with AM doctor’s appointments when easy tummy access is needed). I wish they were a tad bit more exciting. While elastic waist trousers are quite comfortable, they tend to get baggy towards the end of the day…and it’s quite unladylike to be pulling at your stretchy waistband throughout the day.
Back to things I like: baking simple treats in my dotty apron from Dunnes Stores (bought maybe 5 years ago on a trip to visit my then boyfriend-now husband) I had a sudden burst of energy during the evening and decided to bake 2 dozen ANZAC biscuits. Don’t know what they are? Well here’s the recipe…and don’t call them cookies!
100g Oats ♥ 150g flour ♥ 100g brown sugar ♥ 100g chocolate chips ♥ 50g desiccated coconut ♥ 115g butter ♥ 2tbsp golden syrup ♥ 1tbsp hot water ♥ 1/2tsp baking soda
♥Preheat the oven to 190°C and line baking sheet
♥Mix dry ingredients in large bowl
♥Heat butter and golden syrup until butter is melted
♥In a small bowl, mix the water and baking soda. Add to heated butter mixture and pour into dry ingredients.
♥Stir mixture. Spoon a tablespoon of mixture onto baking sheet and flatten. Leave space between them to spread.
♥Bake for 10 minutes and let cool for 5 minutes before attempting to move. They’ll crisp up outside of the oven.
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♥ Black & White checked button up: American Apparel, stolen from hubby ♥ LBD: Gap ♥ Leggings: Gap ♥ Pocket watch necklace: Lulu*s ♥ Shoes: Rocket Dog ♥
@29WeeksΞ Check me out in my totally non maternity dress! Okay, so the pleated bell shape is forgiving around my bump and it would be way too short without leggings–but it still fits and that’s pretty exciting. I haven’t worn it for a few months, but you might remember it from here and here.
I really love this tiny check shirt from American Apparel. It’s the hubby’s (and he hardly recognized it on me!) But true confession, I could only button the first couple of buttons before the tummy took over. I really like this combo and will be resuming it post maternity as well (if my hubby doesn’t mind me stealing his duds again)
PS: How pretty are those white flowers spilling over the fence. Thanks neighbours!
Tags:American Apparel·black and white·check·gap·lbd
♥ Purple and black dress: Mamas&Papas ♥ Gold ruffle cardigan: A|Wear ♥ Leggings: Gap ♥ Shoes: Rocket Dog ♥
@28weeksΞ This dress has been a great investment (found on sale for around €30). I picked it up at around 18 weeks and have been able to wear it since 20 weeks, though it fits the best now. M&P had different size bumps to try on in the dressing room, which was great to see how the dress would stretch. But my real bump has turned out much different than the artificial. On these bright sunny Dublin days, I just couldn’t bear to wear lots of black so I through on my bright gold cardigan. I really like the purple and gold together, very regal.
This dress is very, very simple. There’s no waist, just a sash and a gathered collar line, lending it to lots of growth. If I were to wear it post-maternity, I might add some darts and shorten it a bit. The crepe fabric is a refreshing change from jersey and feels much more refined for business meetings. Why isn’t there more on the maternity racks?
Tags:3rd Trimester·gold·mamas & papas·purple·what to wear when you're expecting
Yesterday was an amazing day in Dublin–bright, sunny and perfect for hitting up the Dublin Flea Market. The market is really becoming an event and a great place to meet up with friends for lunch, a chat and a browse around the many goodies. I’m really loving the outdoor stalls that tended to have more treasures at much cheaper prices than the professional sellers inside. There were loads of lovely clothes stalls, but I kept my cool since nothing could possibly fit me in my state. Instead, here’s what I found:
♥ Genuine chocolate leather satchel in perfect condition €5 ♥ Airplane silk scarf €5 ♥ Vintage 1970s avacado green beaded necklace €4♥ 1980s Moscow Olypics pin (gift from my hubby, and affordable too at €3) ♥
♥ For the baby: Set of 1960s story books including Dick Whittington and his Cat and Beauty and the Beast (where the Beast is a monkey) all for €5 ♥
♥ For the Baby: Dino Records T-Rex Clock €12 ♥
The summer is a perfect time for Dublin Flea. Don’t you dare miss it, especially if the weather is nice! Dublin Flea is the last Sunday of every month at Newmarket. www.DublinFlea.ie
Tags:dublin flea
