Black top: BCBG (last seen here) | Skirt: Helmut Lang (last featured here) | Blazer: Theory | Sunglasses: Cole Haan | Shoes: Aerosoles | Earrings: ODD clothing store (164 Ludlow Street) | Bag: Skunkfunk (last seen here) |
Asymmetrical Bra Top: Helmut Lang
Last weekend, hubs and I attended the bridal
shower/engagement party of my friend, the Hsu Closet. I'm glad that I’m still active and mobile
enough to attend major social events (though that will likely change very
soon!). Plus, you know that I’ve been
very much interested in all things bridal these days.
For the occasion, I wanted to go with something monochromatic
and chic (recall my last style post on complementing the ideal black ensemble
with a white blazer that pops).
In truth, I had actually envisioned something all black
(very New York!), but decided last minute to opt for some contrast instead. So glad I did – as the white jacket paired much better with
my friend’s contemporary & cool garden-themed shower, wouldn’t you say?
How cool are these earrings from ODD (164 Ludlow Street)? A recent find in my hood!
The garden-themed party was held on the outdoor terrace of Bobo in the West Village, and the weather couldn't have been more accommodating!
White button-down shirt: Helmut Lang | Black, paint-splattered tee: Alexander McQueen | Denim Leggings: Top Shop Maternity | Bag: Timi & Leslie Charlie Bag in mustard c/o (last seen here) | Necklace: Zara | Sunglasses: Michael Kors | Flats: Aldo
We’re getting very close! “It could be any day now,” said my doctor in his usual, monotone voice during our weekly check-up this Wednesday. Why, I’ve even started texting my doula on a regular basis, something I certainly haven’t done up until now.
That said, I feel like there’s still so much to do. Life certainly doesn’t stop! As long as I’m mobile and not going into labor… I figured, why not make the most of the next few days?
These photos were taken late last week en route to the office. This is a pretty simple look but still sleek and fitting for work. Again, I’m rocking my Timi & Leslie bag (full feature here), which did wonders for transporting tons of my files and docs home (a working mommy needs to stay versatile, right?).
I’m also holding my go-to morning brew (a pregnancy staple: tall decaf cinnamon dolce latte w/no foam and no whip). Although lately I’ve been sneaking in more caffeine here and there for that extra boost of energy – a little bit certainly can’t hurt at this stage!
Tues (7/23/13), technically still week 36 – Dress: American Vintage | Trench: Isabella Oliver trench (last seen here). Very apropos given the same-day debut of the royal baby!
Over the weekend, I had commented on how I was going to a “What I wore” series for Week 37 – simply because I felt like that was the week when I truly found my maternity style “groove,” if you will – when it comes to all things bump-dressing (the baby had dropped and I felt lighter!). I still stand by that statement, and it was handy too that I managed to capture each one of my office looks.
Very briefly, my top-three musts for maternity-chic:
1) Structure jackets (thanks to Isabella Oliver and my recent Helmut Lang/Theory sample sale score!)
2) A print-dress or a patterned top is always handy – I certainly have some go-to’s now that I wear religiously
3) When in doubt, an all-black ensemble, contrasted with a classic white blazer (see 7/31/13 outfit), is simple, sleek, and stylish! I wore this when I had to give a presentation that day.
Wed (7/24/13): Top and skirt: Asos | Jacket: Helmut Lang (last seen here)
Thurs (7/25/13), officially full-term! Aka week 37 – Top: A Pea in the Pod | Jacket: Theory | Leggings: David Lerner | Necklace: From Selfridges (London)
Fri (7/26/13): Dress: 7 for All Menkind | Jacket: Theory
Mon (7/29/13) Stayed Casual that Day – Top: Nanette Lepore (last worn in Rio) | Leggings: David Lerner
Technically the little one is ready for the world now… though for the time being he’ll still be tucked up inside (of me).
As anxious as I am to meet my Nukie, I must admit that I don’t mind the extra cushion of time before he arrives – given how much remains on my plate (i.e., finishing up the nursery, preparing my hospital go-bag, wrapping up work projects, meeting up with friends, setting up post-babycare logistics, the list goes on and on).
These photos were taken last weekend, when hubby and I frantically ran around interviewing prospective baby nurses (interspersed with a brief brunch break at ABC Cocina). We finally locked down somebody yesterday – much to my relief.
These days, the weather has been mercifully cooler, which does wonders for my disposition overall. I’m still having fun dressing up (a recent Theory/Helmut Lang sample sale didn’t hurt either). In fact, style-wise I feel like my 37th week has been my best one thus far! (I’ll have to share with you some additional shots taken during this week). I don’t know what it is, but I’ve just been feeling GOOD overall (my complexion, hair, everything).
Now, let’s just hope that everything will come together in due time!
The baby has officially dropped! (Aka "the lightening" process... maybe that explains why I feel a bit more mobile).
Even though I didn’t get a chance to do a
full shoot while in Chicago, I did manage to capture a couple of nice shots
last Monday, when my friend and I took a nice stroll over the riverwalk (he was
a gentlemen and ended up with all of my bags!
Though in my defense it was a HOT day).
This was one of my favorite preggy outfits
that I packed for the trip. I am loving
the Sugar Cropped Helmut Lang jacket that I scored at a recent sample sale (I
even wore it to my recent baby shower!).
It’s cunningly fitted and slimming and goes with practically everything. I actually bought this brown and green Free People dress
back in 2010, thinking that it would be a perfect cover-up for the beach. As
it turns out, it’s actually also a genius layering piece – even for my maternity
wardrobe. I credit the asymmetrical
pattern divide in the front!
Nothing beats the beautiful Chicago riverwalk on a sunny Summer day!
Finally! After a long walk, we rewarded ourselves with a nice cold drink on the rooftop of the Dana Hotel and Spa, where I was staying. More on that later!
Breaking for lunch at the W City Center. The in-house restaurant, IPO, serves up some yummy contemporary American cuisine!
One more look of my 30th week before I kick off the eighth month! This one from our recent excursion to Muir Woods, which we did with the excellent folks at Extranomical Tours. (For some additional vignettes of our quick jaunt to San Francisco, find me on Instagram, @rockshic!).
We were flipping through “The Pregnancy Journal” tonight, and I can’t believe that as of tomorrow, we only have 69 days to go! (Doesn’t sound like very much when you break it down in terms of days, does it).
Of course, the first thing hubby said to me when I donned this ensemble was, “are you sure you want to wear a white blazer?”
Yes, yes, and yes!
At this stage in my pregnancy – I’m beginning to think that perhaps separates are the way to go. It is almost as if I went full circle since my first trimester. This Helmut Lang number is a new acquisition from the recent Clothingline Sample Sale (now is a particularly dangerous time for sample sales!), and I am in LOVE. See my collection of Helmut Lang maternity blazers here.
I am also digging my maternity tribal-print leggings from Asos. It’s a bit much for the office, but perfect for a day-trip to the forest!
Dress: Brooklyn Industries | Vapor Jacket: Helmut Lang (last featured here) | Clutch: Ted
Baker | Shoes: Calvin Klein | Sunglasses: Cole Haan | Bracelet: From
Barcelona
Happy Friday! As I
type, we are making our way up to Boston for my college reunion (thank goodness
for MIFI!). I’ve started my 29th
week this Thursday, but I wanted to sneak in at least one post for my 28th
week. 28th week!!! Officially the start
of the seventh month and the beginning of the third (and final!) trimester.
I’ve been feeling the pregnancy bow look recently. Particularly something in a contrasting color
(I love this little red belt so much I’m even pairing it with some of my other
dresses). The other day, a colleague of
mine, who’s due at the end of June, remarked, “at this stage, you’re far better
to wear something fitted, rather than anything too baggy and loose.” I think she may just have a point there!
Recently, I even went ahead and invested in a few pairs of
shoes one size up (yes, the swelling does get that bad!). Believe me when I say that it’s a very
necessary luxury.
Jacket: White Era Suit Blazer (Helmut Lang) | Top: From Anemone (Nolita) | Sunglasses: Kate Spade |
Leggings: Secretly Fit Belly c/o | Shoes: BCBG | Bag: Asos,
from Lucky Shops New York (last featured here) | Necklace: Redeem (DC), last featured here | Black leather bracelet: Franni de Montfalcon,
from The Market NYC Pop-up (159 Bleecker Street) | Ring: Belljar (San Francisco)
My last post for week 26!
(By all accounts it’s already Week 27, but who’s counting).
I wanted to sneeze in one of my quintessential go-to looks
for the work-week. Structured blazer,
slim-fit pants (e.g., leggings), heels, and flowy top. Although admittedly, the “flowiness” is dissipating
by the day! On other days, I would
rotate this look with a billowy shift dress and some tights, but overall – you get
the picture.
The accessories, I jazzed up for the occasion (pining for
something edgier to go with my jacket – who could resist the black leather
collar detail?). It was the perfect mix
for a night out with friends. Of course,
were I in the office I would definitely tone it down! (Maybe skip the ring… as much as I love it. Can you believe that I actually had trouble
with airport security at SFO because of this little thing? Nuts).
My nukie is kicking now more than ever, and his papa has
been enjoying feeling him kick as well.
Apart from shopping for baby basics, we’re also scoping out pediatricians
(a must for the little guy, both at the hospital and beyond). We’re leaning towards Soho Pediatrics on 552 Broadway,
but still need to do some more further digging and research – the key is to
have somebody close by, preferably within walking distance. We also met with our doula this week for the
second time to go over logistics. Now I
just need to come up with my very own birth plan! That’s right, birth plan!!! On my to-do – create a playlist for the
hospital, procure packing essentials (outfit change?), yummy snacks to boost
morale (Percy Pigs a must!), and oh yes – per the advice of the NYU hospital
folks, a bottle of bubbly for the tired mamma!
Another week has gone by and tomorrow we kick off Week 26! It has certainly been a busy one since my return from Portugal. Work has been super busy, I’m putting
together more and more lookbooks for clients, I hosted yet another event at the
Harvard Club (this time focusing on topic of Personal Branding and the art of bespoke
luxury women’s wear, courtesy of Gurjot New York designs). On top of that,
our social calendar has been crazy active.
My little wiggleworm (aka “The Nuke,” aka “Nukie” aka “Nukester”)
has been super active these days too – possibly to keep up with mum. This week, hubby felt (and even saw!) the baby
move for the first time. Our previous
attempts have been a bit hit and miss, since the baby doesn’t always perform to
you calling. However, since Nukie’s been
moving so much lately, it’s hard not to catch him on the go. It was quite an amazing expression on hubby’s
face when he saw the baby move… a look of sheer joy and surprise. I can’t wait for hubs to meet the little guy!
As for maternity-wear, well – I think I’ve definitely found
my groove when it comes to dressing pregnant-chic, and am getting better versed
with the process. (For one thing, I no
longer fret the night before, and can even improvise on my feet when in a
rush). Recently, I got a couple of staples from Topshop's Maternity Line, including the denim leggings I’m sporting here. Hubby could have brought them over from
Scotland, but for some reason decided that he wasn't a fan (reason
#101 why we don’t always agree). I’ve also
been getting a lot of mileage out of this billowy Calypso blouse, which I
originally bought for Miami. Oh, and did
I mention that those cute and comfy Steve Maddens are from my Saturday clothing swap party? Win!
My only complaint? So
far, apart from maybe once or twice, I have yet to witness people giving up their
seats for me on the subway! Therefore, I believe it’s
time to step up my bump game and dress more “aggressively pregnant,” as hubby dubs
it. Stay tuned.
Time sure does fly! I’ve
been in San Francisco now for the past three days (arrived Thursday), and it is
already Sunday. I always like visiting the
Bay Area… every time I come here (and this marks the 9th time), I
always discover something new (or perhaps re-discover?), and reminisce about
something old.
This particular boutique called Belljar, tucked in the
Mission (3187 16th street, San Francisco), is my newest
obsession. It is at once eccentric and stylish, sprinkled with a little bit of shabby chic and vintage, a perfect blend of what I define as "San Francisco aesthetic." My girlfriend had introduced
it to me last year when I was here in May.
“They have the cutest little things on display,” she winked. Sure enough, I fell instantly in love, and quickly
snapped away some photos on Hipstamatic.
Fast-forward nearly a year later, I found myself returning to the same
boutique with another girlfriend, this time picking up a few pretty little
trinkets (these days shopping for clothes can get vastly tricky!), while also
lusting after this vintage stroller in the store. Of course, not practical by any means, but
still quite pretty to look at!
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
