My (Maternity) Style // Schoolhouse Rock

Earlier this week, Robbie and I had plans for a movie date (we saw Gravity at the IMAX 3D; it was rad), and decided to leave the house early and stop by an old pioneer schoolhouse in the area to take some pictures.  It was reaching the end of the 'magic hour' and light was fading fast, but it was one of those rare occasions lately where I actually put on makeup and brushed my hair.  So it just made sense that we take advantage of that and get some photos of this growing bump of mine, especially when we were already going to be in such a pretty location.

Those of you who are regular readers likely know by now that I have adopted what I call a 'pregnancy uniform.'  This daily outfit consists of some sort of jersey top (tunic/short dress/long tee), leggings (if I'm feeling fancy, a pair like these), comfy shoes (if I'm lucky, a pair that is actually stylish, like these booties from Minnetonka), and if it's on the chilly side, a long cardigan, kimono, or cover-up/wrap.  I did very recently finally break down and buy a pair of maternity jeans as a sort of third trimester present to myself, but nine times out of ten, you'll still find me in my trusty 'uniform.'  I've found that it's by far the most comfortable ensemble, can easily be dressed up or down with accessories, and still allows me to feel at least semi-chic during a time when I admittedly feel pretty frumpy.  

This particular outfit is probably my favorite of my pregnancy uniforms so far, thanks to the gorgeous Kimono Cardigan that my pals over at Jigsaw London sent me.  This little number is probably the most versatile piece of clothing I own, and will undoubtedly be a wardrobe staple long past my pregnancy.  It's super flattering, has the perfect drape, and can be worn over a dozen different ways (see for yourself in this video).  I also love the fact that it's part of Jigsaw's Green Label, and was made from re-purposed fabric that would have otherwise ended up in a landfall. 

My other favorite part of this outfit is the earrings, which I mentioned here last week when I introduced you guys to Noonday Collection.  The triangle shape and mixed metals are perfectly my style, but the biggest reason that I adore these earrings is the fact that they were handcrafted by an Ethiopian artisan from melted metals and bullets from former war conflicts in her country.  I can't even tell you how incredible this is to me.

Kimono: c/o Jigsaw London  //  Earrings: c/o Noonday Collection  //  Leggings: F21  //  Dress: Mountains of the Moon  //  Shoes: c/o Minnetonka  //  Bracelet/Watch: gifts  //  Key Necklace: F21

We had a great time taking pictures as the sun set around the pioneer schoolhouse and the forest preserve area that surrounds it.  I actually used this schoolhouse for a location for one of my lookbooks for my eco-clothing line about three years ago, but this was the first time I've been back since.  I really need to get out there more often.  As I enter my third trimester and get bigger and bigger (and more and more uncomfortable), I have a feeling outfit posts will become even fewer and farther between.  Who knows though - now that I have this great location to shoot, maybe I'll squeeze in just a few more before baby comes (just 12 weeks to go!).