@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!

♥ Stripped T: H&M ♥ Snood: A|Wear ♥ Skirt: American Apparel ♥  ♥ Boots: New Look ♥

♥ Sweater: Express ♥

It was really cold out, so I added a sweater for the commute. This cropped grey cashmere sweater from Express is one of my favourite pieces. I found it on sale for $19 about 7 years ago and it has definitely been worth every penny. The cropped sleeves and tight fit let the stripes shine through and doesn’t add too much bulk (and helps counter the horizontal stripe effect)

♥ Boots: New Look ♥

And these are my new grey boots (purchased in the North because they were cheaper). I really wanted some flat grey boots and these were the first I saw that I liked. I know that being cheep they probably won’t last too long, but they are actually made pretty well and are very comfortable.

♥ Skirt: American Apparel, Cali Vintage (€54) ♥ Top: Penneys/DIY (€6) ♥ Bag: Vintage, Howth Book Sale (€10) ♥ Shoes: M&S (€54) ♥

The top is a stretch jersey scoop neck and back top from Penneys (€6). It’s long and form fitting, making it pair nicely with the full high waisted skirt. To make the very modern top feel new, I stitched on some vintage crocheted remnants scored at the Dublin flea for €0.50 (and I still have tons left over)

This was a very romantic outfit, perfect for a very romantic picnic* in a field overlooking the River Boyne.

*Although I learned that heels and a white skirt are not the best for muddy, grassy treks to romantic vistas. The husband will just have to learn to deal.

Sweet little ensemble of some newly acquired duds. I was trying to soak every last sun ray from summer by pairing this vintage white linen pleated skirt with a cute calico cotton top. The skirt came from American Apparel’s vintage section (on the mezzanine of the Dublin store) They have some great finds at incredible reasonable prices. This was €22 and is in great condition. I got the top from Enable Ireland, Georges Street for €5. My favourite new piece is my ring from the Dublin Designer Market on Cows Lane. It was a steal for €18!

Skirt: American Apparel, Vintage Collection

Top: Enable Ireland

Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Ring: Cows Lane Designer Market

Scarf: Long Cotton Blue and White Striped Tottenham Hotspur Scar, White Hart Lane Merch Shop

Skirt: Melange Jersey Pocket Skirt in Melange Midnight, American Apparel

Tank: White Scoop Neck (with birdie cut-out in back), New Look

Cardi: Long Oatmeal Cotton Boyfriend Cardigan, Penneys

Bracelets: White Pukka Shell, gift from Jamaica and Blue Lapis Beads, gift from Bath Christmas Market

The total cost for this outfit was around €50

American Apparel, the LA based retailers with a penchant for provocative advertising, will open the doors of its first Irish store in March. The 114 Grafton Street location, formerly a TSB Bank, will now house stocks of jersey knit basics that have made the brand an international icon.

North of the Liffey, the uber-trendy River Island will open a fifth Dublin store in the revamped Ilac Centre. A mere kilometre from the Grafton Street superstore, this will become the largest single retailer on Henry Street, booting out several small shops along the way. There’s no word yet on when the new superstore will open.