DIY: Maternity to Fishtail Dress Refashion

I originally made this sack dress to accommodate my pregnant belly last summer.  Airy and lightweight,  it kept the super-heated me relatively cool.  Fast forward to hot and humid today (95 degrees in May - gah!).  Now is the perfect time to re-wear this frock with a quick refashioning of the hem from maxi to fishtail.

To do this, I simply folded the dress in half (front center on one side and back center on other), cut out the "S" shape, and then hand-sewed the hem.

DIY Maternity Dress to Fishtail Dress

Speaking of maternity, I got to meet the lovely and glowing Sydney from PetiteLittleGirl (now transitioning to Sydney's Fashion Diary) last week.  I've never had the pleasure of meeting another blogger before so this was absolutely delightful.  My toddler son, in particular, had fun and kept talking afterwards about the "pretty girl at lunch" for the rest of the day.  What a little flirt!  :) 

Would you re-wear your maternity garb?

On a personal note, Hubby and I celebrate 6 years of marriage today!  Adding our years of dating, that means we've been together for 11 years now  <3 <3  If we had known 6 years ago that we'd be relaxing on the couch with our 2 children in a toy-strewn house, I think our happy day would have been even happier :)

The Story of Baby Girl

Playing the waiting game towards the end of my pregnancy seemed like it dragged on forever but now that it's over - it seems like it all happened so fast!  The fastest part was actually my labor.  Late in the afternoon on 9/15, I felt a hard kick similar to what happened right before my water broke with my son.  I called my husband to come home just in case and he took me to the hospital.  Baby Girl must have known that we had arrived because before we could even get to labor and delivery, she was born right in the hospital elevator!  I'm glad my instincts kicked in to tell me to "catch" my own baby because it took another 5-10 minutes afterwards to get medical assistance.  All of this happened during the course of 1 hour!!  For reference, labor with my son was 8 hours so I was thinking Baby Girl would take 4-5 hours (typically half the time of your first pregnancy).

Aside from a little jaundice and being a bit cold, my little peanut was nice and healthy - weighing in at 6 lbs, 15 oz and measuring 19.5" long.  She is now a little over 2 weeks old and I got to break confinement briefly yesterday to get some newborn portraits taken.  Here are 2 of my favorites:

Thanks again to everyone for all the kind comments!  I've been trying to sneak in some blog loving time here and there so I'm still sporadic but I love seeing everyone's posts :)

Baby Girl is Here!

As you've probably figured out, the lack of posts has been because Baby Girl arrived on Thursday!  Details to follow (like how I delivered my own baby - but not graphic details!) but we're back home from the hospital and everyone is doing well.  I have a couple of posts that I never had a chance to schedule that will get published.  Meanwhile, as I get settled in with our new arrival, please bear with me as I go on maternity hiatus :)

Much love to everyone and will return soon!

Preggy Chronicles Vol. 4: Dressing for Every Trimester

I'm in the home stretch!  I'm full term and pretty much ready to go whenever Baby Girl would like.  I know some of you have been with me since the beginning but I wanted to do one big post on what you can wear for your entire pregnancy with tips for every trimester.

I'll first say that everyone is different.  I started to develop a baby bump VERY early on (partially because I went on a food free-for-all the moment I found out I was pregnant) and needed to hide it (see belly-hiding tips here) from my coworkers until I was ready to announce my news.  After that, I was able to flaunt my bump :)  Despite this baby bumpitude, I was able to primarily wear normal non-maternity wear except maternity pants in the 3rd trimester.  Underneath every picture is a description of what worked for me plus a link to the original post so you can see the outfit details.

1st Trimester:
1.  Loose wovens mask bellies with volume.  Wear skinny bottoms to offset the flowiness.
2.  Dresses that cinch the natural waist and then flare out also work.
3 & 5.  Tucking a blouse helps define your figure while the fluffing hides any tummy pouches.
4.  Placing your skirt waist directly on the most protrusive part of your bump helps smooth it out.

1. Loose Woven  Top (link)	2. Cinched Waist  w/ Flared Skirt (link)	3. Tucked /  Fluffed Blouse + Blazer (link)	4. Strategic Skirt Placement (link)	5. Tucked / Fluffed  Blouse + Blazer (link)

2nd Trimester:
6.  Once your tummy is officially ready to make its debut - start flaunting it with belting at the empire waist.
7.  Make use of your normal pants by pairing it with a Bella Band (essentially keep your pants undone and the stretchy band will keep it up!) and of course voluminous tops still work.
8.  Elastic-waist skirts are your best friend and you can wear them in every trimester either above, on top of, or beneath your bump.
9 & 10.  Stretchy dresses are super comfortable and allow your belly full freedom :)  Add a belt for more figure definition.

6. Empire Belting (link)	7. Bella Band +  Flowy Top (link)	8. Elastic-Waist Skirt (link)	9. Stretchy Dress  + Empire Belting (link)	10. Stretchy Dress (link)

3rd Trimester:
11.  Maxi dresses are PERFECT for pregnancy.  Most are built with an empire waist so feel free to buy your normal pre-pregnancy size and rock them both during your pregnancy and afterwards too.  Need I say more about belting?  :)
12 & 13.  Stretchy tops + maternity bottoms make for an easy way to wear separates if you are more a pants-type of gal.
14.  Stretchy top + elastic-waist skirt.  Get some mileage out of your existing normal clothes!
15.  Stretchy dress - same kind of deal here :)

11. Belted Maxi (link)	12. Stretchy  Top +  Maternity Pants (link)	13. Stretchy  Top + Blazer +  Maternity Pants (link)	14. Stretchy Top +  Elastic-Waist  Skirt (link)	15. Stretchy Dress (link)

Shoes:  Starting in the 2nd / 3rd trimester, I tended to favor comfy shoes over cute shoes (though I still took photos with the cute ones!).  Flats are probably the shoe of choice since they are both work appropriate and comfortable.  I also love my sandals (particularly shorter platforms since they allow me to stay balanced and don't pitch my weight forward) because they never feel tight on my sometimes swollen feet.  I will add here that I primarily work at my desk and do not need to move around very much.  When I do, I have a pair of extra shoes in my desk to slip on.

All Other Accessories:  Go bold and have fun here!  You have absolutely no restrictions.

Whether or not you decide to go with maternity wear, just be comfortable!  There are no rules so make your own as you go.  I hope this post was helpful :)

See previous Preggy Chronicles here:

• Volume 1:  Hiding the Bump
• Volume 2:  The "Push" Present
• Volume 3:  Preparations for Baby

Of course, can't have a post today without pausing in remembrance of 9/11...

DIY Colorblocked Maxi Dress OOTD

Remember my t-shirt to colorblocked maxi dress tutorial a little while ago?  Some of you asked to see what it looked like on me and of course I had to oblige :)

Dress:  DIY Striped Colorblock Maxi Dress

Necklace:  DIY Looped Rope Necklace

Belt:  Lands End Nautical Rope Belt

Shoes:  THE comfiest sandals in the world!  I bought these ~15 years ago and have been wearing them every single summer.  They are so old that I can't even tell what brand or size they are anymore.

Sunnies:  Gucci

 The perfect thing about a t-shirt dress is the ability to either look "normal" or s-t-r-e-t-c-h to accommodate my baby bump :) 

45 Min. Colorblocked T-Shirt Dress DIY Tutorial

After seeing this Petit Bateau t-shirt dress in the pages of In Style, I became inspired to do a variation of my colorblocked maxi dress.  And this one went by much quicker, only 45 minutes from beginning to end!  The great thing about this is that you don't have to do any hemming / making sleeves / finishing the collar because you're using all pre-existing materials that come with these components finished!

Petit Bateau Short-Sleeved Tee Dress (currently sold out, but see link here)	My DIY version - Aqua, Pink Coral, and Black

See tutorial after the jump:

Preggy Chronicles Vol. 3: Preparations for Baby

Pregnancy check-in:

• Gestational Time:  28 weeks - 12 more to go!  (Only 8 more until maternity leave - woohoo!)
• Weight Gain:  22 lbs (I may have to be stricter with my diabetic diet bc I only gained 19 lbs total with our son)
• Added Inches: +11 at the tummy, + 6 at the "waist"
• Current Cravings:  Chicken Salad with Buffalo Sauce, Tamales, Carne Asada, Fried Pickles

Baby Names

We've actually had a baby girl name in mind since my first pregnancy and I think we are sticking to it.  When asked, we have a tendency to just say we don't have a name yet.  Hubby had a friend who wanted to name her baby "Savannah" and a well-meaning(?) person informed her that was the name of a porn star.  In order to prevent our bubble from being busted, we'll just stay tight-lipped until her arrival.  

A Chinese middle name was much more difficult to think of.  Both hubby and I immigrated to the US as infants so while familiar with Cantonese, are not what you would call proficient.  We've been bumbling around for the longest time but then came across this nifty website which allows you to input the English name, gender, date of birth, and desired meaning.  We chose one that means kindness and intelligence.  Mom thinks the characters are a bit funny for a girl but eh, what are you going to do?

Baby Purchases

• Coming Home Outfit:  Ruffles on the tush!  The one I ordered is actually pale pink with just one polo figure at the chest, but this is the only photo I could find online that showed the cute little butt ruffles

• Nursery Decor:  We are putting this on hold until our move next spring / summer but I'm planning on a lavender room with panda bears :)  (Gorgeous Etsy offering from Designed Designer - buy here)

• Misc. Clothes:  A bunch of little dresses, socks / tights, hair accessories :)  Plus, a little splash of Burberry doesn't hurt anyone!

• Neutral Hand Me Downs:  I saved some Gucci sneakers and a Burberry sweater from big brother too!  After Baby Girl, I'm going to have these framed into a shadow box keepsake.  In general, I didn't want to buy TOO many designer baby items since they grow so fast but I just couldn't resist buying a few pieces for family pics and for handing down.

To all those with siblings (both hubby and I are only children), any words of wisdom for welcoming #2 / making #1 still feel special?

P.S. - I'm still a bit behind on responding / commenting, but will catch up this weekend!!  

A DIY Tutu for Baby

I absolutely adore the idea of a tutu for Baby Girl so I found a no-sew tutorial and went to town :)  I wound up using tulle cut from a bolt rather than the individual tulle rolls because the bolts had better color selection.  I added some plum flowers and purple ribbon too.

I kind of wish I had a baby doll for a model.  I thought about using our son but my husband was very firmly against putting him girl's clothing :P  Teddy bear it is!

I am now 24 weeks pregnant, have gained 19 lbs and 8 inches to the tummy.  I CANNOT wait until we put Baby Girl in this and take bunches and bunches of pictures!!  Next, I'd like to sew her a little sailor-style dress :)

And We're Having a...

GIRL!!!

So I have to admit that I've been collecting Baby Girl items for an eternity (even before I was pregnant with my son).  And though I very badly wanted a girl, I was expecting another boy this time around because this pregnancy is SO similar to my 1st.  I gasped and started crying as soon as the ultrasound tech told me the news.  I cannot wait to start buying little headbands, bows, and outfits!!  Plus, now we can sew matching Mommy - Daughter ensembles (she won't even know to be embarrassed by that until way later LOL)!

Baby girl items I've already amassed - some CK dresses, a RL dress, and Burberry tights (cause Momma loves Burberry).

And the Guess Baby's Gender GIVEAWAY winner is CEE!  Congrats!!

I had 32 comments and 20 of them guessed GIRL.  You all must be psychic :D

And finally, (sheesh this is a jam-packed post) here's a photo of me on Mother's Day with my little guy and little gal :)

Note the cut off legs - this is a hubby photography trademark LOL.

Dress: DIY Cowl Neck 

Cardigan:  J. Crew Merino Chiffon-Placket Cardigan, Gold, XS

Necklace:  H&M Turquoise Statement Necklace

Bag:  Prada Nylon Messenger

Guess Baby's Gender GIVEAWAY

Monday, May 9th is the big ultrasound day and providing that baby cooperates, we will be able to find out his / her gender! We are soooo excited and absolutely can't wait!  So that everyone can share in the excitement, I'm holding a small little giveaway for a handcrafted Pearl Ribbon Necklace (see examples here).

All you have to do to enter: 

1. Be a public Follower of my blog (click "Follow" in my sidebar) 
2. Leave a comment with your baby gender guess below.  

A winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org from those who guess correctly.

I'll plan to post the winner on Monday evening (unless we don't know yet).  All the winner has to do is email me and we'll work out pearl and ribbon colors from what I have in my little arsenal of supplies.  Easy enough, right?  :)

 

Preggy Chronicles Vol. 2: The "Push" Present

Another one bites the dust...

Let me first start off by saying that hubby is a very considerate and thoughtful man, but he is not one to ever bear gifts.  He firmly believes that money should be spent on experiences like vacations / eating at fancy restaurants / encouraging me to take extended maternity leaves (a year per child).  He hemmed and hawed like crazy when I told him I wanted a bracelet for V-day.

BUT, he couldn't say no this time...  After all, I am delivering a total of 2 children for him in this lifetime (the first being a boy - he told me half-jokingly that I was "a good Chinese wife") sans Epidural (although this is my idea).  So when he brought up a "push" present, I didn't hesitate to request a handbag.

• Do I NEED this handbag?  No, but who really "needs" one :)
• Have I wanted this for years and years?  YES.  (I'm also blaming you bloggers for a push in this direction - you know who you are.  I hope you know I'm kidding ladies!  :D)
• Am I planning to keep this for a lifetime and give it to my daughter or daughter-in-law?  YES.  
• And do they keep raising their darn prices all the time?  YES - so now is the time to buy!

See, ultimately I can rationalize this LOL.

I really wanted a flap of some sort in Black Caviar leather with cross-body carrying capability.  To my knowledge, current models worn cross-body are WOCs and Jumbos.  A WOC is a tad too small (8 x 5 x 1") while a Jumbo is too big (12 x 8 x 3") so I did some research on vintage styles.  Lo and behold I found a series 3 Messenger (9.75 x 8 x 3.5") and absolutely fell in love.  Though an older style, the caviar leather has held up very well throughout the years (no scuffing / stains / scratches / discolorations) which makes me think it will continue to do so for me and perhaps future generations.  I don't typically name my bags but this one is so special to me!  Her name is Charlotte and I can't wait to to do an OOTD with her :)

What would you request as a "push" present?

To Sew a Vibrant Sundress & Color Brigade

Woohoo - it's 70 degrees outside AND it's Color Brigade Day (see Kileen of Cute and Little's awesome weekly blog feature here)!  What better way to revel in warm weather than a new dress project?  This dress uses McCall's M5654 View B and $1/yd fabric so this dress cost a whopping $2 to make!  The bold pattern of the fabric really drew me in and it has a little bit of a grosgrain ribbon feel with fine ribbings throughout that also allow it a bit of stretch.

The dress is originally intended to be flowy / tent-ish but I'd rather belt it for now and let it flow later on in the pregnancy.  How would you wear this?

 

Dress: Sundress DIY

Necklace: DIY Turquoise Chain

Belt: Old Navy

Shoes: Frye Joy Vintage Slide (buy here)

Warning!  Preggy bump up ahead :)  Also a closer up view of the DIY Turquoise Chain necklace.

 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here for a chance to win one of my handmade pearl ribbon necklaces!  3 winners will be drawn on the evening of March 24th!

Meet My Baby Bump + LOFT Fitting Room Reviews

I have a very interesting post for you today.  I went to LOFT both last week AND this week (I just can't stay away).  When comparing pictures, I noticed a massive change in baby bump-itude!  You may think it's odd that I'm still shopping for non-maternity wear.  During my 1st pregnancy, I mainly wore my normal sized clothing - now granted, they were mainly tops in the following categories: voluminous wovens, stretchy knits / jerseys, and cardigans / blazers (unbuttoned) but 1). this really helped my ego and 2). saved me lots of money.  The only maternity garb I invested in were pants and skirts.  I mistakenly bought a few maternity tops - BIG MISTAKE - they were all so muu muu-esque that it made me feel much bigger than I was (which I did not need).

First, pictures of me from last week:  (L: OOTD, R: LOFT Ruffle top - can't find link)

Second, pictures of me this week: holy baby bump!

 LOFT Assymetrical Neckline Drape Dress, XS (buy here - solid color only)

Sorry about the fuzzy pics - apparently being pregnant also makes my camera hand shake!  I HEART the colors / print of this dress sooooo much!  The soft jersey material also makes it maternity friendly (post-maternity, I can belt it and wear it with cardigans or blazers).  I was THISCLOSE to buying it but I decided to use my $25 savings card on 2 sweaters instead.  From a size point of view, this is going to be super loose on anyone smaller than me and unfortunately, I didn't see this in petites.

Verdict:  Will wait for sale

LOFT Wide Stripe Boat Neck Sweater, S (buy here)

Stripes?!?  Sign me up!  I tried this on in both S and XS - both actually fit the same with a roomy torso.  The main difference was length.  XS looked very cropped on me whereas S looked more like a normal sweater so I decided sizing up was better for me.  Fit is pretty loose (even with preggy tummy!) so I'm guessing this is intentional.  Smaller ladies may want to try before buying as it will be an oversized fit.

Verdict: Buy - can't resist stripes.  Plus they had the BOGO 50% off promo.

 LOFT Crop Sweater Jacket, XS (buy here)

You can't tell in the photos (sorry!) but this sweater has the cutest nautical details!  The collar and pockets are lined with a navy/cream striped pattern and the neck features cute rope ties.

Verdict: Buy (same reasons as above)

 LOFT Draped Shell, XS (can't find online)

I love the print and draped ruffle detail of this shell!  I think this would look gorgeous with some muted gold pearls or cameo pendant on a long necklace.

Verdict:  Buy - on sale for $20 and accommodates the belly

I think my New Year's Resolution to watch my shopping has gone out the window at least for the month of March.  Darn you LOFT and your super tempting sales!  Did you shop this weekend?  How are you doing with your resolutions?