@36WeeksΞTo celebrate the beginning of the end and to thank my hubby for all the amazing support he’s given me during this pregnancy, I arranged a super surprise weekend for him including a scavenger hunt, lunch at the Farmleigh Boat House (delicious!) and a weekend of swimming and picnics at our favourite hotel in Ireland–Bellinter House, Co. Meath (seriously, go there sometime!) This outfit was perfect for sweet scheming and wouldn’t give away where we were headed next. I’ve loved this precious white top from Mothercare and wear it all the time as the bump grows. The clean, white cotton feels so fresh and feminine in the dog days of summer and helps me feel like I’m glowing as a pregnant woman should.

There comes a time in every gal’s pregnancy when you start to feel a bit puffy and rings may not fit. My hands are only really swollen on humid days, but since this is Dublin in the summer–that’s almost every day. To save any tight-ringed drama, I’ve decided to start wearing my rings close to my heart. ♥

@23 WeeksΞ Isn’t this cardigan amazing. I found it at Dublin Flea for only €11. Remember? I’m really feeling bright colours lately, maybe it’s wishful thinking for bright days outside. I really like how the all black outfit makes the coral pop. I also love how figure hugging this outfit is to really show off the bump.

I had a meeting on this day, so I wanted to wear my glasses to smarten me up. Just kidding, there was something about the silhouette that called for my hair slicked back with glasses. I’m also wearing one of my favourite necklaces given to me by my former colleagues in Boston. It’s a tiny reminder of a great place to work, I like to wear it when I’m about to embark on a particularly challenging day.

I should add that my lippy is my very most favourite (and matching) Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Ambrosia.

@21 Weeks Ξ This shirt dress was a steal at only €5 on sale at H&M. So far I’m not terribly thrilled with the selection of maternity wear at the Stephen’s Green location (but then, I’m not thrilled with the selection of affordable maternity clothes anywhere. I may be pregnant, but I’m in my 20s and can still follow trends). Anyway, I digress. This dress is an affordable exception. I’m mad about buffalo plaid and the super light cotton means it will be wearable for multiple seasons–a real plus when you’re trying to stretch your maternity wardrobe.

These pics aren’t the best, but I’m sure I’ll be wearing this outfit again soon with better snaps. It’s a nice alternative to last summer’s buffalo bargain I can’t get enough of tomato red and buffalo plaid.  I think this dress will last me in my non maternity days too–it’s slightly longer and has a higher waist than a regular tunic might, but that suits me because I’m long waisted)

♥ Ruffled, elastic high waisted sheer top: Penneys ♥ Crocheted belt: Penneys ♥ Red cardigan: H&M ♥ Navy tank: American Eagle ♥ Jeggings: Dunnes ♥ Boots: Clarkes ♥ Lovely ‘Love’ necklace: Courtesy of Accessorize ♥

@12 weeks ≡ I wore this to a little get together with friends to make our big announcement. Jeggings, as I’ve said before, are a must! They’re much more comfortable than trousers with buttons and zippers and help show off those gams. Ruffled, flouncy shirts will be your best friend in maternity dressing. Pulling a wide belt along the elasticated waist help cinch you in where you’re tiniest. You still won’t need to buy new things yet, but if you must consider getting a size or two bigger than you normally wear (but not so big it swallows you). Long cardigans will also be a necessity as that elastic waist starts getting tighter and tighter.

There is a tiny bump there, but you’d never notice. Of course, it’s going to be getting a lot bigger!

I LOVE this necklace that I got courtesy of Accessorize. I thought it was appropriate for sharing our big news.

Navy Peacoat: Bitten ♥ Striped Scarf: Tottenham Merch Shop ♥ ‘D’ pin: Gap ♥ Belt: Dunnes ♥ Red Sweater: H&M ♥ Floral Top: Thrifted, Enable Ireland Grafton Street ♥ Jeans: Express ♥ Shoes: Marks & Spencer ♥ Yellow Bag: Cambridge Satchel Company

This outfit accomplished three things: a) comfort and layers for the movie theatre, b) bright colours for a bright day, c) big bag for carrying movie related essentials like 3D glasses and tons of tissues! Here’s a warmer-weather version of it.

In the last fleeting days of summer we took a drive up through the Wicklow Mountains, a perfect spot for some heather filled style shots. Isn’t the background gorgeous -  a perfect setting for the bubble gum pink, spring green and navy chevron stripe dress that i scored at a Monsoon sale for €25.

Total look €87…Wicklow Mountains setting, priceless

Dress: Monsoon €25

Cardigan: Penneys €7

Shoes: Schu €50

Shades: Aldo (DTX, $5)