What I Wore: The Weekend Edit

I walked into my walk-in-wardrobe after 40 weeks and felt the dust that had gathered beneath my feet. I'm sure if I looked hard enough, mysterious and exotic findings would have been made. Post-pregnancy, I walked in with a spring to my step. It felt so good to be reunited with all my clothes again.

Reality check- not ALL- it will take some  time to fit back into everything... 

I spent the first few weeks post-partum wearing my SRC Recovery Shorts and gym gear (in and out of the house) and, after four weeks, decided it was time to bust back into some clothes from before the bump. 

It felt like reuniting with an old friend.

JUNE- THE WEEKEND EDIT  

Outfit Edit: Blazer from Zimmermann and Drop Pants from Cameo the Label

You can never go wrong with a blazer. In any colour. Be it white, black, pink...It just has to fit well. 

I purchased these drop pants mid-way through my pregnancy and loved how comfortable they were. Unfortunately, I only wore them once. Here, at three weeks post-partum & a leftover bump it just made sense to get some wear out of them before they literally dropped.

Boots from Zoe Wittner

Living in flats for almost 40 weeks drove me crazy.  

My colleagues at work knew I was pregnant almost straight away when I rocked up to work wearing flats.  There was no need for an announcement. My foot-wear was enough. 

I almost danced my way back into these boots.

I felt on top of the world.

 

Outfit Edit: Top by Cameo the Label, Skirt by Socialite & Boots by Zoe Wittner.

Mid-week dinner with the girls in winter and what do I decide to wear? A mini skirt, of course.  

If you're going to bare your legs the general rule is to be a tad bit more modest at the top. This top is sheer so I might be breaking my own rule. 

This feature wall is interesting. It reminds me of  something. 

I think breast feeding is driving me crazy.

 

Gatsby themed hens party called for some sparkly gold action. 

And a selfie. 

Outfit Edit: Headband by Mimco, Clutch by Events & Dress by Manning Cartell.

Gold. Sequins. Red lips. High heels.

It's Saturday night and I'm ready to party.

Actually, who am I kidding? 

I'm a new mummy to a baby boy (exactly one month as of 14.06.14 and when this photo was taken) and, like Cinderella, the party ends at 12am. There was no prince, no shiny shoe or magical carriage. Just a new mama who was still a tad bit awkward in high heels trying to sparkle and have some fun...

Underneath it all, I had the B (his name is Bradley) on my mind. I couldn't stop looking at my phone and my heart did a few cart wheels when my mother in law called. 

Just to tell me he was fine, feeding well and not missing me. 

I said I would be home at 12 am. 

I got home at 11.15pm.

It's Sunday morning and I need a coffee. In fact, as a new mama, I need a coffee every day, all day. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered that my coffee parties don't go down so well with my son. After he breast feeds, instead of sleeping, the B wants to party with hubby and I. 

So I have decided to tone down my caffeine intake to once a week. This one, unfortunately, was wasted on mediocre and watered-down coffee at Excelsior Jones in Ashfield. 

Not happy. 

Outfit Edit: Knit from Lolitta, pants from Cameo the Label & Boots from Zoe Wittner

My outfit, on the other hand, made me very happy. 

It was terribly cold today in Sydney(18 degrees, slightly wet and very grey) and wearing this knit felt like walking around in an oven.

Ring: House of Harlow

 

Baby Bump Fashion

BABY BUMP FASHION

Just some pictures of my pregnant self (some without the bump) and some very obvious bumpy ones... No particular weekly order, just whatever I could find on my phone.

The Early Days... 

Outfit Edit: Top by Manning Cartell, Skirt by Cameo The Label, Shoes by Tony Bianco and Bag by Alexander Wang.

This picture was taken at a hotel in Canberra for my cousins birthday (during Floriade). I was deathly sick but still managed a mirror shot. I realised the hard way that I was slightly overdressed for Canberra...so when the sun set and we ventured off to Floriade at night, I swapped the heels for thongs, the skirt for a pair of sexy pink trackies and the flimsy top for a nice over-size hooded jumper. Totally rocked the look.

Fell in love with this white skirt from Zara (purchased in Canberra). Almost cried when I saw the price tag (only $50!) This was the first (and last) time I wore it. It might be one of the first items I get back into once the baby weight comes off (if it ever does).

 

Outfit Edit: Prada bag, Shoes by Zara and Dress by Dion Lee.

Decided to wear this number out to dinner at Soyko (The Star) when I was roughly 21/22 weeks pregnant. Was fun salivating over all the delicious Japanese food...that I could not eat. I have already requested that hubby goes on a sushi run to my favourite Japanese restaurant (Fat Panda in Canley Heights) while I am hospital and bring back some sushi for me. Mmmmmm... Can I have a glass of wine with that???

Outfit Edit: Dress by Scanlan & Theodore

Here, at around 21/22 weeks pregnant. Baby bump starting to protrude. This dress was super comfortable and accommodated the growing bump wonderfully.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Sass & Bide

Got this dress made in Thailand roughly 2.5 years ago and was stoked to find it was bump-friendly for a wedding that I attended around 23 weeks pregnant. I'm not sure why I chose the colour yellow. Definitely not a colour I would usually buy, let alone request to get made in.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Staple the Label

Here's something more true to my style- a black dress. Love the plunging back. Love LOVE the price tag even more- a mere $30.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Uscari

Here, at around 27 weeks pregnant. I was craving the famous snapper pie from The Boathouse and thought I'd conveniently inform husband that I'd like to take him out for his 31st birthday. Of course, he saw right through it, but agreed to take me anyway! 

The great thing about gaining weight in pregnancy (yes, there's an upside!)is that you get to fit all the clothes you buy slightly too big and tell yourself you'll alter. Well, this dress falls into that category. I'm not sure I'll ever want to get back into this dress again though. While it looks super dreamy and comfortable, the reality is it was far from practical. I had to hold on to the bottom for dear life every time I got up to go the toilet (plenty of that). I'm pretty sure there were some onlookers inside the restaurant thinking "Stupid pregnant girl..."

Lesson learned. 

While I absolutely LOVE leggings, I am afraid I might never want to look at another one for a very, very long time after I give birth. I am currently living in a pair every second day or so. Not as fancy as these, but leggings nonetheless. SO OVER THEM.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Alice McCall

Off to dinner with my sisters around 29 weeks pregnant wearing this patterned Alice McCall dress.I have definitely found figure-hugging  dresses way more comfortable (obviously ones that stretch to your stomach and not ones you force yourself into). Mum is constantly on my back though, giving me an earful about how I should dress for comfort, that my dresses are too tight, who am I trying to impress...

She could go on forever (love her to bits though!)

Outfit Edit: Dress by Shakuhachi & Vintage clutch

Here, at the Intercontinental in the city on a relaxing weekend with my cousin Linda. She spoiled my pregnant self to two nights at the lavish hotel. Of course I couldn't go without a shot in the lift (when no one's there!) 

Outfit Edit: Dress by Alice McCall, Sunnies by D&G and Bag by A Wang

I had brunch in Bronte with my cousin and sister before we went on a hair trial for my sisters wedding. As we walked around I found this beautiful door and requested a photo. I really am a sucker for all things wrought iron. LOVE. 

This dress was one of my first purchases from Alice McCall. I fell in love with the print, which is funny as I don't consider myself much of a print person at all. I spent a frantic morning running around in my wardrobe trying to find a dress that could accommodate my 30/31 week belly. A massive sigh of relief when I put it on and it fit. YAY! Then I toyed with the idea of wearing kitten heels but decided to destroy this dress with a good ole pair of thongs.

Outfit Edit: Sass & Bide Jacket, Target leggings & Cotton On tank

It's nice to disappear in all black every now and again. Especially when you feel super pregnant. Here, at 33/34 weeks.

I know I look a bit like a sand stoned building here, but I don't mind. Another dress I rejoiced over whilst pregnant. It was always a tad bit awkward on me when I was bump-free (to belt or not to was a dilemma I had- third world problems, I know). 

Dress by Willow & Choker by Nicholas

   

Outfit Edit: Dress by Sass & Bide

If you haven't already noticed, I am a massive fan of Sass & Bide. I made a first purchase a few years back and I haven't looked back. It's definitely been a love affair (and an expensive one as well). I love original and crazy pieces, and this dress is no exception. The shoulder detail is to die for, though wearing it is somewhat tiring because everyone has something to say about it ("Whoah, what's that??" "You look dangerous!" "Does it hurt???") and of course, everyone wants to touch you.

Here it is, my  echidna-like shoulder detail. 

My baby bump at 39 weeks and 3 days. I gave birth four days later!

Outfit Edit: Dress by Nicola Finetti

Here, at around 38 weeks looking super glam (not). I was trying on dresses for my sisters wedding. This one was the winner. Please ignore the clutter. 

P.S. Cocoa Butter did not work on me. My battle scars (stretch marks) appeared overnight (happy days!) 

Up close of my dress. 

So there it is. The more glamorous side of my pregnancy. Believe me when I say those days were VERY rare. I lived in leggings on most days and wore the same outfit for days in a row. If I could drape myself in a blanket and walk out of the door I would have. Unfortunately I never found a blanket that was stylish enough.

Ha ha!

Unless, money grew on trees and I could afford this bad boy... 

Please watch this space. Now that I'm home with bub and no longer wrestling morning sickness and crazy weird cravings, I will find time once a week to blog. Promise! 

whoYen
xox

What I Wore: Drop Pants

I spent most of 2013 buying skirts. It was definitely the year that saw the reinvention of the skirt. So many different styles to choose from- all very edgy and unique. I won't even tell you how many purchases were made...but I can tell you, I can't get into any, not even one. So, welcome 2014, I decided to take some fashion inspiration from Justin Bieber himself and jump on to the drop-pant bandwagon. Only, unlike the Biebs, I have an excuse. 

 

The bump. 

 

Outfit Edit: Top by Willow, Pants by Cameo The Label, Shoes by Tony Bianco & Bag by Alexander Wang

These were expressed right to my door from Cameo The Label and I almost cried when I put them on. If I could do cartwheels, I would have. Super comfy and so bump-friendly.

I really am loving all things Cameo- definitely my go to brand for almost everything. Affordable, right on trend and the sales are out of this world. These were so cheap I purchased them in nude as well. The hubby did say I could go maternity shopping, didn't he?

whoYen

xox

Why I've Been M.I.A

So I told myself when I started blogging that I would be ever so dedicated, opting for a time once a week to write and share with you all a little piece of my world. 

Obviously, that hasn't quite happened. 

I wish I could tell you I've been traveling to exotic locales, eating fancy food I can't quite pronounce and surrounded myself in such remoteness I've had no internet access. The truth is, my reality for the past few months is anything BUT exotic. Try camping by the toilet bowl, holding a spit cup for six weeks straight, barely being able to shower due to extreme exhaustion...

I also wish I could tell you my wardrobe has doubled in size, that I've been right on trend and paraded around like life was one big fat catwalk. If you saw the state of my walk-in, you'd know my reality. I've taken to closing the door (a clear sign of my denial).

What I can tell you is that I am back. Hopefully, this time for a little bit longer than the last. Here's a little snapshot of my life since I've been M.I.A...

LIFEASMEWHOYEN Catch Up...

The Big Announcement

On Christmas Day, at our halfway mark, hubby and I decided to announce our pregnancy. It was truly the first time in my entire pregnancy I felt well enough to shout to the world our amazing news. The "When you reach 12 weeks you will be feeling great" did not happen to me. From week 7 (the exact date), I was down and out. One day I was bouncing, hoping for a sign of morning sickness to make my pregnancy feel real (terrible, I know), and the next... I was literally bed-ridden. Fortunately it was the beginning of my school holidays so I had the luxury of lying around."Luxury" is no way to describe it. It was a truly debilitating experience. I literally found it hard to walk, so I was in bed for almost the entire day, only getting up to go to the bathroom (and my, plenty of that in early pregnancy!).

At the beginning, I thought I was like any other pregnant woman going through the morning sickness blues. As time progressed, I realised my situation was indeed unique. It soon occurred to me I was experiencing a rare form of MS- hypermesis gravaridum. The same condition that sent Kate Middleton to hospital and only affects 3-5% of expectant mums. At least I can tell people I have something in common with the future Queen! ha ha! 

Some 'Bumpy' Photos...

Outfit Edit: Dress from ASOS Maternity. My bump at 22 weeks & 2 days.

I finally did it. I could no longer deny the fact that my bump was indeed growing and that I needed to find clothes to accommodate it. While I have no problem spending money on clothes (much to the dismay of the hubby), going shopping for maternity clothes did not tempt me one tiny bit. "I'll just wear all my maxi dresses..." only got me so far. After hubby struggled zipping things up for me, he suggested that I go maternity shopping (now, that's a first!). That night I befriended the maternity section of ASOS and did a tiny bit of damage. I may, or may not have ventured into other parts... (you know, for 'after' the pregnancy).

Hubby and I decided to escape to Kiama for a few nights to celebrate our pregnancy. We had a lovely escape doing absolutely nothing. It was nice and refreshing to finally enjoy the sunshine, to go on a walk-a-bout (only so far) and to have meals cooked for us.

Bed & Breakfast at Bed & Views Kiama

Communal breakfast area at Bed & Views Kiama

Bed & Breakfast at Bed & Views Kiama

Outfit Edit: Maxi Dress by Sass & Bide & Clutch by Seafolly.

Maxi dresses are so overrated. That is, when you're pregnant. You see, I had this image in my mind that I would be parading around in maxi world with my growing bump. I soon realised this would just be an image, and not quite a reality. Not only do maxi dresses make me feel frumpy, the extra material at the bottom makes tripping all the more possible. I wore this one to dinner on our first night in Kiama because I knew it would be hassle-free. In the car, out the car, sit down, eat, go home.

There is something magical and nostalgic about a set of swings. Perhaps it's the way we let ourselves go, or that care-free feeling when our feet leaves the ground. It has the ability to take us back to a time when we were young, careless and vulnerable. When we beckoned our parents to push us, and ignored their exasperation when they no longer could. It also allows us to reflect. In my reflection, I was overwhelmed by a growing love for a growing baby within me. Even though the journey has been wrought with some difficulties, I am so grateful and overcome by the miracle and gift of life. One day soon, it will be my son on the swings, with hubby and I pushing and cheering from behind.

whoYen

xox