@35WeeksΞ This is one of the most comfy outfits for my late maternity wear and I throw on this tunic all the time! Light cotton is great for the warm, rainy days of summer–and the plaid brings me back to my country roots. At first I had some misgivings about the tunic. I do wish it was either longer and had a straight hem, making it a dress…or was a bit shorter, making it a longer top that could be worn with shorts. But right now, anything that is remotely cute and covers the bump is good enough for me. With only a few weeks to go at my maximum width, it’s not time to start shopping. I think I might consider altering it for post-maternity because I love the colour combo (also the main colours in the little guy’s nursery)

@31 WeeksΞHappy August Bank Holiday! Here’s hoping the weather is a little better than the June Bank Holiday. Despite the massive downpour, the hubby and I had a great time on a surprise trip to Dublin’s north coast. We were determined have fun–even in the rain. Foul weather essentials included my maternity trench (the best investment of this pregnancy) and a trusty umbrella. I’m not sure if I would go with the white leggings again, they were a last minute addition when I realised my legs were going to get soaked. After our walk, the leggings and trench came off and were replaced by sandals and a cropped cardigan.

I thought the dress was missing something up-top and couldn’t find any accessories that I liked, so I added a halter top under the dress to give the illusion that the dress was a halter and not strapless.

At the end of a wet day, nothing is nicer than sitting in a cozy chair in an old castle with a cup of tea and a biscuit or two!

@37WeeksΞFinally, maternity leave. If anyone thinks that maternity leave is a time to relax and chill out before baby, think again. You suddenly realize how much you have left to do…and how little time you have to do it. On my first day, I made the fantastic decision to reorganise and redecorate our home office. Boy was my husband pleased to come home to find the contents of the office in the baby room with plans, drawings and long lists of things to buy at B&Q. Several trips to the shops, a new drill and two weeks later the room was completed and looks great! Anyhow, this outfit is all about comfort and looking cute while cleaning.

These light denim trousers from M&P sit below the bump, which is much more comfortable to me now (any pressure taken off the area is a relief) but the do tend to fall down a bit. They might be slightly too big, but I wouldn’t admit to buying the wrong size, ever.

@24 WeeksΞ On one of those rare sunny, warm Irish days we dropped all our plans and headed over to a friends for a BBQ. It was essential that I change from post-yoga sweats into something cool, comfy and bright. You never know when you can bust out a sleeveless dress in Dublin, so I take every chance I can to soak up that vitamin D!

These shots were quick as we headed out the door (after making a yummy salad full of fresh veg from the Ranelagh Village Market), but you get the idea. I got this dress during my San Francisco trip at Old Navy for $15. It’s perfect maternity style to give you room to grow your bump–elasticated empire waist, lots of gathering and jersey. I wish we had a shop like Old Navy here to supply good, cheap, basic maternity items. Prices at some Irish shops make me sad. So American mamas-to-be (or gals with US connections), be sure to check out your local ON for summer essentials.

♥ Beaded vintage cardigan: Antique shop in Corpus Christi, TX (over 10 years ago) ♥ Grey v-neck tee: Old Navy Maternity ♥ Jeans: Gap Maternity ♥Raspberry Chucks: Converse, Urban Outfitters Harvard Sq Bargain Basement ♥ Teacup necklace: Courtesy of Accessorize ♥

@22 WeeksΞ In jeans yet again (blame it on a cold, rainy day). I’m again trying to keep the focus on my top half with a cropped cardigan, left open to let the belly peak through.  This is one of my favourite pieces–a vintage beaded cardigan found in an antique store in Corpus Christi, TX over 10 years ago (for a pretty steep $40). Shockingly, this is the first time I’ve EVER worn the sweater!

This sweater is so pretty and has amazing beading details. All the beads are actually pearly white, but the string gives the design some colour. I know its a shame I’ve waited so long to bust it out, but I never had the right top to go under it. I really liked the soft grey t-shirt with this (and the jeans and Chucks combo keep it from being prissy). Sadly, this might be the only time I wear it…

I have a terrible wool allergy and this cardi actually caused scratches on my poor suffering arms. I don’t think I could part with it though, not after all these years. I have dreams of a pretty little sewing room some day with this hanging up in the corner or draped over a dress stand.

@20 WeeksΞ Proof positive that you don’t always need to wear maternity clothes when you’re pregnant. Of course, it all depends on your own personal body shape. I’m pretty small up top and have super narrow shoulders so must of my looser and longer tops still fit through the 5th month. In fact, this top is a child’s! (Here I am wearing it last summer)

This is one of my favourite outfits because it reminds me of home and has lovely bright colours. It’s probably pretty cheesy, but I wore it to my 20 week scan because I’m definitely going to raise this little guy to love his Tex-Mex roots–one delicious taco at a time!

Now a quick note about maternity jeans. They are great and really help your maternity wardrobe expand. As you’re buying things focus on basics and make fair use of everything you have that still fits. I recommend getting jeans with the large over-belly panel. They are ultimately more comfortable and will last longer as you grow and grow. The only downside is that you’ll see the dark panel under light tops, so make sure you invest in some tanks to wear under everything.

If you like this look but won’t be in Market Square anytime soon, there’s a cute embroidered tunic at H&M in the garden collection for €9.95 and keep your eye out for the obligatory hippie festival wear coming out soon.