What does one wear to a creative conference where you want to impress your peers with your good style, without looking like you’re trying to impress anyone with your good style. I’m thinking…. an outfit that’s simultaneously fun, interesting, but nothing that will really stand-out. Geez Louise! That’s a lot to think about. And so, I just grabbed my most comfortable and favorite maternity shirt, some simple black maternity pants, and a pair of comfortable shoes for walking around all weekend. Do I look like a designer? Because I sort of felt like a poser.

Most everyone else at Cleveland’s WMC Fest was wearing their graphic tees that they had either designed themselves or purchased from some mutually admired designer whom I probably should know about but don’t. My own little designer homage was the two little buttons from Tad Carpenter. Since when have I ever added flair to my ensembles? Well, since Tad started giving them away. And now is when I stop talking about Mr. Carpenter, before I start to appear all fangirlish. (Also, it doesn’t count as being fangirl when you tell your husband he would’ve liked meeting him too!)

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S :

shirt: Kamiann on Etsy | slacks: thrifted | bag: thrifted | shoes: thrifted
photos by Catherine Bules and myself

Before we found out I’m expecting a kiddo, I would occasionally wear an outfit and think hopefully, “Hey! I could totally wear this when I’m pregnant!” Except, now that I am pregnant, my body has changed in ways besides just my belly. And pretty much none of those items work with my new figure. Bummer. But guess what? Pretty much anything knit is working out so far! Stretch over my belly! Just if you try something like this with your own expanding belly someday, make sure you wear some shorty shorts underneath your dress. Sure, I can’t play volleyball this Summer, but at least I can put my volleyball shorts to use! Spandex, yeah! All is well.

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S :

dress: Sally Jane Vintage | scarf: Rag Refinery | belt: Dillards
tights: thrifted (deadstock Hue) | shoes: Clever Nettle

Being pregnant is exciting for lots of reasons, but being pregnant for the first time is simply the most! Everything is new, and things are constantly changing. Some of them are things you wish would go away, such as lower back pain and heartburn. But when your baby physically kicks your laptop an inch down your lap… things get real weird- and let’s be honest- real awesome! There’s a person inside!

As far as my growing belly goes, I’m finding stretchy knit skirts to be my best friend. They’re easy to find at the thrift store, though this particular one will stay with me through my entire pregnancy, as I purchased it specifically from the maternity section at ASOS. Works great with crop tops, tucked in blouses, and tied up shirts- a definite maternity-wear staple!