Marianne: Maternity Shoppy.

I have been in denial. I really don't want to buy any more maternity clothes, but when I tried on all of my spring/summer options this weekend (most of them generously loaned or handed down), I realized that a lot of what I have either doesn't fit or is looking a bit long in the tooth. I have some work-related appearances to make and I need a few new tops to get me through the last couple of months of being pregnant. Help me please?

Let's start with Old Navy. What do we think about this chevron-stripe top?


This embroidered-yoke top from Old Navy is kind of summery and nice and the color is Superhero Blue, which makes me laugh because I am 30+ weeks pregnant and the opposite of a superhero. OR AM I?

Maternity Embroidered-Yoke Tops

I like the idea of this Old Navy maternity maxi skirt, but maybe I am getting ridiculous with the stripes at this point? Or maybe I would love this and wear it all summer after the baby comes.

Maternity Jersey Maxi Skirts

On to the Gap! I do not need more dresses but oh, I think the print on this A-Line Drape Front maternity dress is just so cute:

Drape front A-line dress

But anyway, tops, I need tops. I think Gap is kind of overpriced for what you get, but that said I would happily wear either of these pretty printed tops. Which do you like more, the tie-front tunic or the printed pintuck top?

Diamond tie-front tunic

Printed pintuck top

Moving on! Target? I never even look at Target any more, I find their stuff ill-fitting in general. After looking and looking I found exactly one top I kind of like, this Merona Lace-Sleeved deal:

Merona® Maternity Short-Sleeve Lace Top  - Assorted Colors

Eh. Whatever.

Last stop, Asos. I've had good luck there so far and I think they have the best prices for the quality. I may just have to buy this double scallop top:

ASOS Maternity Top With Double Scallop

I think I'd look ridiculous in this check print t-shirt, but the print is adorable, isn't it?

ASOS Maternity Exclusive T-shirt In Check

Bird prints are kind of done to death, and yet I like this graphic swallow print top:

ASOS Maternity Exclusive T-Shirt with Swallow Print

Lastly, I like the idea of lace sleeves. My arms are feeling meaty lately and this would give me the coverage I crave without making me roast come June:

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Top With Lace Sleeve

What do you guys think? I know maternity shopping is not really appealing to everyone, but help a girl out, would you?

Marianne: Spring, Kind Of.

It's finally, FINALLY Spring. I think. At least it is this week. Warm enough to expose my toes to the world. I had to get a pedicure because reaching my toes to paint them myself left me breathless and no thank you.

I bought this (non-maternity) The Addison Story (obnoxious brand name alert) maxi dress from anthropologie at the end of last summer and it's so comfortable. And obviously stretchy because...yeah:

Oof. Happy Monday, y'all.

dress: The Addison Story (similar here and for just $25 here)

cardigan: Forever 21 (nice similar here and on sale here)

belt: Amazon (similar on major sale here and under $4 here)

shoes: Ann Taylor (similar here and under $30 here)

A PIG IN A BUSHEL.

A: Why is Jon Hamm so bent out of shape about people talking about his, er, shape?

M: If he wants to hide his light under a bushel, he should....hide it. His light. By light I mean shape. By shape I mean I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE METAPHOR.

A: I think what you're saying is that a pig in a poke is better than a two in the bush? Wait.

M: Don't count your chickens before they hatch IN YOUR PANTS, HAMM.

A: Shall we move on to the photo portion of this entry?

M: Look at his expression. He's knows what we're looking at.

M: She's looking pretty smug too.

A: As so she should because damn.

M: Slow clap.

A: You want it over here?

M: The man is shameless.

A: He knows exactly what he's doing. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

M: He's humble bragging, pouting about all the attention he's getting.

A: STOP TALKING ABOUT MY MOST OBVIOUS AWESOME FEATURE.

M: QUIT LOOKING AT IT!

A: IT'S RIGHT HERE PLEASE LOOK AWAY.

M: SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN TO POKE YOU WITH IT. CARRY ON.

A: I'M LEAVING.

M: We will just sit here watching you walk away. Take your time.

A: Best part of my day, right here.

Adrien: Spring Cardigan Update.

So, I posted that whole thing about my hunt for new v-neck cardigans and, in a move that should surprise no one, I bought this one which is obviously crewneck. But you guys! It's so good. It's thick and well made, the color is really saturated and I love the flat beading detail (which we shall pray stays sewn on because it didn't come with a spare. WTF, Banana?) I've worn it three times since I bought it and it dresses up anything I throw it over. This is pretty much a win when it comes to cardigans. What do you say?

sassy arm!

See? Saturated.

Chieeeeees.

cardigan: Banana Republic double bead cardigan
blouse: Pippa/Tegan (similar)
skirt: Ann Taylor colorblock ponte skirt (inexpensive similar)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar) (and these are cute!)
bag: Andrea Brueckner (pricey similar) (inexpensive similar)

Act Now.

M: My friend Lili just sent me this:

Even though it spoils the surprise, I found what I'm getting you for your birthday. Price is no object.

Chanel Waist Pouch

M: Do you remember Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret? This is kind of what I imagined sanitary napkin belts to look like.

A: Well! That is just the thing for discreetly carrying around some OB tampons. YOU NEVER KNOW.

M: So practical!

A: I'm really not sure how I've lived this long without it, to be honest.

M: It's truly one of a kind.

A: Basically a bargain at $1,540. I mean, you could only buy, like, nine pairs of really fancy jeans with that.

M: And none of those jeans would be mistaken for an antiquated sanitary napkin belt, so.

A: Exactly! That is a really important detail.

A: Wait. Why do I want an antiquated sanitary napkin belt again?

M: Because it's Chanel?

A: Right! This is my favorite part:

NOTE: This is an authentic vintage bag. Gentle wear reinforces the piece's authenticity.

M: Don't get crazy now. Gentle.

A: But, but, how does "gentle wear" translate to obviously authentic?

M: Better question: how do they have TWO of these treasures?

A: One for each of us! But seriously. TWO people were dumb enough to buy this thing new?

M: TWO! It's like finding two unicorns.

A: Two very unattractive, overpriced, unicorns.

M: That hold tampons.

A: But only the kind without applicators!

M: Environmental!

A: No thank you!

Sandals Are Hurting Me.

A: Will you help me pick some black heeled sandals to replace my Frye Iris? 

M: Of course. You want a heel or a wedge?

A: Heel, but something walkable. Like maybe these:

Miz Mooz Calypso

M: Well those are cute. I like these but I don't know if I'd call them walkable. Cute, though:

Splendid Davenport Sandals

A: Oh, I'd bust my ass in those. I'm also tempted by something like this even though I know they'd tear my tender flower feet all to pieces:

Lotta From Stockholm Torpatoffeln Swedish Clogs

M: Those are total Swedish Hasbeen knockoffs. They do require breaking in but they are the kind of shoes you'll have for 20 years once you do.

A: Yeah, but will I want to wear them in 20 years? 

M: You might! Man, everything I'm finding is either dumpy or way way too high.

A: Thank you, right? There is such a fine line between dowdy and wearable-cute. 

M: They get so close and then something goes terribly wrong:

Cobb Hill Cameron

A: I can't even put my finger on what's terrible about those but they are terrible.

M: Awful, right? 

A: They are making me SAD. 

M: Are these cute? I don't even know any more:

Pink & Pepper Circuit

A: Two words: Synthetic leather.

M: Well I'm SORRY. I like these a lot, but too high. 

A: I'm just saying! Those are cute, but I would fall and fall. Maybe these?

Coclico Lotus

A: I mean, I know they're a wedge and also bright blue, but I KNOW I like them. 

M: Okay, now you are changing the parameters.

A: Ignore the blue wedges! I can't afford them anyway.

M: Wait, you can stop searching because I have found The Ones.

A: Shit. Go for it.

M: I don't think you're ready.

A: I'M SO READY.

M: 

Dr. Martens Tara Lace Sandal

A: You are a bad friend.

M: Heeee.

A: ....

M: Oh stop pouting.

A: .....

M: You big baby:

Coupleof Tux T-straps

A: Fine, those are acceptable.

M: I also love these. I pinned them over a year ago and still love them:

Madewell Andie

A: Oh, those are really cool but definitely more you than me. 

M: Also tall. Who are these people wearing 6 inch heels everywhere?

A: I saw one of them teetering grimly across a parking lot the other day. It looked hard. 

M: I am good at walking in heels, but I have crap to DO. I can't be mincing around like a newborn fawn.

A: I'm okay at walking in heels but there are heels and there are heels. 

A: Hold the phone. The one place I didn't check? FRYE. I'm so dumb. Check these out: 

Frye Skyler Seam

Nice, right? And even better in metallic:

Frye Skyler Seam

M: Oooh, yes. Yes yes. Oui.

A: But damn it. Why are they priced like boots? I need to lie down. 

M: Shopping is haaaaaarrrrd.

A: TOTERLY IS.

Marianne: See My Vest?

Ah yes. I've been threatening to get a vest for a while, and it finally happened. I went with this Hooded Utility Vest from Forever 21 because hello, it's super reasonably priced. I removed the hood immediately, though.

While taking this picture it started to rain.

I have to say, I've been wearing the hell out of this vest. It is a bit less slouchy than my go-to field jacket and provides a nice layer without a lot of added bulk (being pregnant, I have bulk covered). I like it with dresses, too.

 

vest: Forever 21 Hooded Utility Vest (similar here and here)

top: Asos Maternity Breton Stripe Top (non-maternity similar here and super cheap here)

jeans: Paige Union Maternity Jeggings--on sale! (non-maternity version here)

locket: House of Harlow (similar for $6 here)

bag: Su-Shi Old Skool Mini Satchel (pricey similar here and affordable similar here)

shoes: French Sole FS/NY Sloop (similar on sale for $15 here)