What I Wore | Aqua Twirl

WhatIWore: Did you know it’s been over seven years since I posted my first Daily Outfit photo online? For some reason, I thought the anniversary was on May 22nd, but it was actually the 5th so this week or next I’m going to be putting together a post of my all time favorite outfits.  This skirt is something I’ve had since the beginning and today I was super happy to make it work with my ever changing shape.

When: May 22, 2014

What: 
Shades: Fred Flare (super old)
Necklace: Gift from Adam
Tee: Target, maternity
Scarf: My mom’s
Skirt: Vintage (get the look here)
Shoes: ShoeDazzle
Bag: Milly (similar)

Where: BBQ, visiting my friend’s new baby

The top button is undone and I folded the waistband down once, although there’s really no chance of it sliding down any further. I thought back mainly to this outfit (on the right, below) as my inspiration point. I tied one of my mom’s scarves around the waist to disguise the skirt McGyvering. I love how fresh the bright aqua looks with cobalt and white (see another example here). 

What I love MOST about this outfit is actually how it throws me back to what I lovingly call “old Jessica.” Before comments got snarky and when positive encouragement was flowing online, I tried so many fun new things and felt like I was really finding myself and my personal style (hey! I was 24 years old living in NYC too… a perfect time to break out of your old molds and become the woman you want to be).  I’m hoping that motherhood and pregnancy push me to embrace more of that fearlessness. Nothing like your own flesh and blood to prioritize what is/isn’t important (by this I mean it’s high time I stop caring so much if strangers on the internet approve of my outfits or not!). I saw something on Pinterest that I loved the other day along the lines of - “This isn’t a practice life, it’s your only life” - so why not live it up (even if it’s only with an aqua blue twirly skirt?) 

            

What I Wore | Classic

WhatIWore: Black dresses might not read as summery, but they’re (this!) mama’s best friend. I’ve been rotating my comfy black knits day in, day out and they make me feel so chic. To add a little polish, I went with my super cool tapestry flats, bright red lips, studded belt and a fedora I made last summer.  See more of my summer style picks here. 

When: May 21, 2014

What:
Hat: Self Made (similar)
Lips: Ilia in ‘Wild Child’ (more colors here)
Shades: Karen Walker 'Northern Lights’
Dress: ASOS maternity (on sale)
Belt: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Sole Society (similar)

Where: Breakfast Date

What I Wore | Garden Girl

WhatIWore: Where would a pregnant gal be without the help of her friends? Not only are they great listeners (especially mamas who’ve been through it before), but sharing their maternity wardrobes is so helpful.  This is a dress that came from one such friend (thanks Sonia!) and it really reminds me of a non-maternity version I used to love (not sure if I still have it! Hope so!) Because of the vivid print, I kept everything else pretty simple…

When: May 19, 2014

What:
Shades: Target
Necklace: Jess LC (sorta similar)
Dress: Destination Maternity (hand me down)
Belt: J.Crew Factory (similar)
Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini via DSW

Where: Doctor appointment, studio

Because the dress is pretty sweet (and bold) I went with a gold studded leather belt just to even things out a little. Accessory wise - again, more simplicity - a signature ‘Dream Big’ necklace, big round black sunnies and neutral shoes finish it all off.  

Oh! I kept asking around on dating my pregnancy and my friend (who is a doctor) said she always went by the 4 week = month idea. Doctors go by weeks, so that’s what I’m doing too! In that case, I’m nearly 6.5 months pregnant in these photos! Can you believe it?! 

Going for the Glow

WhatIWore: Ya know how they say pregnant women get a glow (and thicker hair and stronger nails)? I’m not feeling those effects so much yet and as I mentioned in Tuesday’s post, I’ve had some pretty big hills and valleys in the self esteem department. Right now though, I actually have something I’m pretty excited to talk about!

Remember my natural beauty post a month ago and how I raved about my bareMinerals powder foundation? Recently the brand reached out to let me know about their new liquid formula, bareSkin, and since I was nearing the end of my regular stash, I decided to buy the liquid instead (which also meant ponying up for a new brush too). I love the powder so much that I was skeptical if I’d like the liquid (plus I ordered online and didn’t have a chance to try it out at the makeup counter, which I’d recommend if you’re able!) 

Well, as of a week ago, I’ve tried it out and could. not. wait. to write a post about it. I’m not much of a makeup girl (I have a simple routine I rarely stray from), but I could rave about this all the live long day. I really love it. I chose a shade called Bare Natural 07 based on the guidelines shown on site - and it’s a great match! 

I’ve never had nice skin. Years (or decades?! Ugh!) of ache have left me with scars and dark spots. I just don’t feel pretty without putting on a little makeup before I leave the house - always some sort of foundation. After trying the bareSkin liquid foundation, my bruised self esteem just did a 180. I feel good about myself. I feel really pretty. 

This wasn’t intended to be a review post, but I’m going to go ahead and list out why I’m so happy with this purchase:

• Smooth, soft application (I really like the quality of the brush, so smooth and airy)
• Great coverage (I used about 4-5 drops for my entire face and I literally felt like I was erasing all of the discoloration and dark spots.
• Dewy Finish (I skipped my moisturizer and went straight to foundation after washing and drying my face). This is the pregnancy glow I was hoping for! 
• Product Contents (I like that there are no parabens, silicones, oils or fragrance). It’s also made with minimal ingredients.
• Non-chemical broad spectrum SPF 20. Hypoallergenic. Non-comedogenic.

Some of the best pregnancy advice I’ve received from other new moms is to pamper yourself. All of the physical changes and hormones bring on good and tough days and I’m a big advocate of doing things that help you feel good about yourself. For me, a new bottle of foundation really perked me up.  And you should all know, none of these photos have been retouched outside of adjusting the color and cropping!

I’d definitely recommend this product to other women - pregnant or not - especially if like nice coverage while still getting a natural look. You can find bareSkin at bareminerals.com, bareMinerals boutiques, QVC, Sephora, ULTA, Macy’s, and Dillard’s. 

Heads Up! As always, I’ve purchased the products featured in this post, which is a collaboration with bareMinerals. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make What I Wore possible.