My (Maternity) Style // Early Autumn Layers

The weather here over the past week has been quite chilly for September.  And for the first time in my life, I've actually enjoyed an early autumn drop in temperature.  I usually feel a little sad when things start to cool off, because I know that I will have to push my beloved summer dresses, skirts, and shorts to the back of my closet for a good 7-8 months.  This time, however, there are no tears.  Thanks to the fact that the vast majority of my cute summer clothing pieces are already in the back of my closet (because they simply do not fit this strangely changing pregnant body of mine), there are no sad goodbyes to be said to my warm weather wardrobe.  I have been living in short jersey dresses, over-sized tees, and leggings for the past few months, and the cooler weather brings with it the opportunity to take this pregnancy 'uniform' of mine and do one of my favorite things when it comes to fashion: layer.  And layer I did, with this outfit that I wore to a casual group dinner date the other night. 

First and foremost, let's talk about the fact that I am wearing glasses.  They are indeed prescriptions specs - as I've mentioned before, my eyesight is pretty terrible.  I actually went and got my eyes rechecked for the first time in years a few weeks ago, and found out that they'd gotten slightly worse.  Boooo.  Lucky for me though, the rad folks over at John Ruvin contacted me about trying out a pair from their hip, southern California designed frames, and I was all about it.  They have a ridiculous amount of super stylish choices, and I love that fact that every pair is handmade with care in factories that are committed to fair wages and ethical treatment of their employees.  That's pretty hard to find when it comes to prescription eyewear.   I ended up opting for the Homer style in Asphalt, because I really liked how the design was equally bold and timeless.  I had a hard time choosing just one, but I'm so glad I went with this style. I absolutely love them (and also love being able to see so well again!).

Aside from the specs, my other my favorite part of this outfit was the boots, which I just got in the mail a few days ago from Blowfish.  These boots, called the Alms, are my new best friends you guys.  I've worn them everyday since they arrived.  They are perfect with my trusty leggings (and would also look amazing with skinny jeans - if I could still fit into them).  I love all of the buckle and strap detailing and the perfectly worn-in look of the faux leather (they're vegan - woot!).  They're also incredibly comfortable - which is key when you're in the second half of a pregnancy.  Every now and then, you come across a piece of clothing, an accessory, or a pair of shoes that is just you.  The Alms are it.  They're perfectly my style.  I have a strong feeling I'll be wearing them all fall and winter long. 

In addition to the glasses, boots, and loose grey cardigan (which I scored for $14 at H&M last month), I threw on some old standby's that you've undoubtedly seen in several other outfit posts around here: a brown leather wrap bracelet and silver triangle necklace.  I also added a studded black wrap bracelet that's not actually a bracelet.  It's a belt - one that no longer even remotely fits around my waist.  And I wore my treasured arrow ring and a beautiful green malachite ring that my grandmother Maggo left for me when she passed away in July.  I adore it.  The hat was yet another Target score, and it's officially become the new favorite in my collection.

(I also have to add that I can't believe quickly the sun seems to be setting earlier and earlier as summer fades away.  I forgot how little daylight we had left when we took these photos.  By the end there was only a sliver of sun remaining - hence the deep orange hue and grain/blur factor in the shots below.)

Boots: c/o Blowfish  //  Glasses: c/o John Ruvin  //  Tunic: H&M   //   Hat: Target
Cardigan:  H&M  //  Leggings: Target  //  Bracelets: gifts + thrifted
Necklace: Gifts   //   Rings: Gifts + F21

I'm 24.5 weeks pregnant now, and aside from one top, I still haven't purchased any maternity clothing.  This isn't because I haven't gotten bigger or gained weight.  Because I have.  A lot.  It's because I plan to milk this oversize tee/jersey dress/leggings combo (I like to think of it as a blank canvas that leaves a lot of room for accessory fun) for as long as possible.  Now that layering is an option, I'm excited to add different sweaters and cardigans, scarves, hats, and boots.  I'm keeping my vow to be simultaneously comfortable and at least slightly stylish while rocking this baby bump.  We'll see what happens in the coming weeks as this little girl in my belly continues to grow by leaps and bounds.