Maternity Capsule Wardrobe: Week 3

I decided to do this capsule wardrobe thing for a couple reasons... but primarily just to see if I could do it. I have always enjoyed the process of shopping and styling my outfits, although I've certainly been through phases of the closet blahs, where I just wasn't really finding a groove with my look. I like to think that after about 15 years of shopping for myself, I've finally found the styles and fits that work for my body type and personality. However, pregnancy throws a bit of a curve ball into that mix. Having gone through one pregnancy before, I had a bit of an idea of what to expect as far as how my size and fit would change over 9 months. Choosing the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy to develop a capsule wardrobe is really a bit of a no-brainer... because there's just not as much that fits anyway! SO, this has been a great experience thus far in proving two things:

1. I can do a capsule wardrobe!
2. I still love to shop!

Case in point: I had a haircut yesterday and there happens to be a pretty hip consignment store near my hair salon. Having finished my trim a bit earlier than expected, I popped into the nearby store just to check out the selection (there's nothing better than getting a deal on gently-used brand name items). Wellllll, of course I found some pieces that I liked. And once you hit the dressing room, there's no turning back. So, how did I justify my purchases? Post-baby capsule wardrobe, of course! ;) Truth be told, I have been looking for cute pieces to incorporate into my closet to accommodate the weeks and months post-delivery in which my shape will be shifting again, and I'll also be nursing. I plan on posting more about my new mom/nursing wardrobe later, but here's the teaser: yoga pants/leggings and open cardigans! Comfort and style can work together.

All that being said, I'll share some of my outfits from the past week using my current capsule wardrobe. I'm still loving the wintry palette of black, cream, and burgundy/wine, although I'll admit I'm beginning to feel a little stumped on varying the combinations of items I gave myself to work with. Shown are the two new tops I bought last weekend, plus a maternity sweater that I traded in when the other gray marled sweater stopped fitting (oops).

Burgundy Stripe Tunic + Skinny Jeans + Booties

Blue & Black Striped Sweater Tunic + Black Leggings + Black Heeled Boots
(Baby Shower)

 

Marled Gray Sweater* + Skinny Jeans + Black Flat Boots

Burgundy Shirt 3 Ways

This set of outfits features a super comfy tee that was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. It's actually not a maternity cut top, but it is long enough to fit now and will be a nice longer top post-pregnancy as well. Believe it or not, it's from Victoria's Secret!

Style 1: Church / Business Casual: + marled gray skirt + statement necklace + tights & heels

 

Style 2: Work from home / Running errands: + patterned infinity scarf + fav flats

 

Style 3: Dressy casual / date night: + vest + statement necklace + wedge heels

 

 What I'm actually wearing right now!

Cozy Sunday afternoon: Burgundy Tee + Skinny Jeans + UGG Slippers (another great Christmas gift)

How Pregnancy is Different (and the Same) the Second Time Around...

I'm giving myself credit for writing this post at all because, honestly, being pregnant the second time around means there's just not as much time as there was with the first pregnancy! Keeping up with a toddler and freelance work keeps me on my toes pretty much every day of the week. It's a wonder we found time to conceive a second child... TMI? Just checking to see who's reading. ;)

It has been a very difference experience this time around: we're no longer living in Chicago, I'm not working a full-time job and, of course, we have been through this once before. Not to say that makes me a pro (by no means!) but I do feel a lot more comfortable with the physical, emotional and mental changes that come with pregnancy. I can't say I feel the same level of comfort about parenting two children... but we'll get to that eventually, I guess (I hope!).

What's Been Different...

1. The Test: With my first pregnancy, I took a pregnancy test at home, early on a Saturday morning. I was pretty surprised at the results, to be honest, and had to let it sink in for an hour or so before notifying hubby of the impending addition to our family. With this second pregnancy, I was at Target with Cormac and had a sneaking suspicion... so I picked up a test and took it right away in the Target bathroom (classy, right?). The results were instant and I called DH right away. :)
2. The Beginning: First trimester was horrible. With McBaby #1, I had mild queasiness, in the morning, that was usually gone by the time I got to the office. With McBaby #2, it was all-day, non-stop nausea. Eating didn't help, not eating didn't help... it was no fun at all. Not enough to make me lose my lunch, but just enough to be a constant reminder that something was up (in an encouraging "there's-a-baby-in-there but please-make-it-stop sort of way). This was also my first clue that Baby #2 might be of a different gender...
3. The Reveal: With my first pregnancy, the timing worked out so that we decided to let both families know on Mother's Day. It happened to be the Sunday after my brother-in-law's wedding, so we were with lots of family on one side and got to make the announcement in person. For my family in Georgia, I sent a special book about being a grandmother to my mother and waited expectantly for the call when she realized what the gift meant. It was a really happy moment. :) This time around, we were able to announce to both families in person. First, during my father's birthday dinner at our annual family reunion in Georgia. Can't say there was the same surprise as with the first announcement, but it was still fun/amusing to see the looks on their faces. When we got back from Georgia, we bought Cormac a cute "Big Brother" t-shirt to wear at our 4th of July party in Indiana a few days later... it was funny how long it took the family to realize that this meant another little McBaby was on the way!
4. Time flies! As I sit here writing this, I am 36 weeks pregnant. And can't believe that in approximately 3-4 weeks (hopefully not more!) we'll be welcoming this little baby into the world. The weeks and months really have flown by. With my first pregnancy, each week was agonizing, especially early on, worrying about how the baby was doing and feeling anxious over the impending life changes. Of course, I still have concern for the welfare of baby #2, but the anxieties associated with a first-time pregnancy just don't seem to have as much impact the second time around. You know what to expect with labor & delivery (for the most part) and you can anticipate the time and energy required to care for a newborn, and so on. I have some new concerns about what it will be like to care for TWO children rather than just one... but I'm pretty sure taking it one day at a time will get us through. :)
5. Wardrobe: The first time around, I was working full-time in a corporate office environment and my wardrobe reflected that: suit pants, blazers, dressier tops, etc. I don't know how much I spent expanding my clothing options to accommodate my maternity size, but I was glad to be able to feel comfortable and work-appropriate in the clothes I purchased. This time around, I'm at home most of the time and, with the exception of client meetings and church, I don't have as much occasion to "dress up". I've been trying to create a more minimalist wardrobe that really suits my day-to-day activities and clean out pieces that I may have had for years but just don't suit my lifestyle anymore. This process will definitely continue after the baby is born and I return to my pre-pregnancy clothes.
6. Cravings: I wouldn't exactly call them "cravings" in the traditional sense, but I have certainly had different eating tendencies this time around than with Cormac. My first pregnancy spanned more over the warmer months and I ate a LOT of fresh fruit. Perhaps by the pound. This time around, I have been pregnant over the holidays and that has definitely made a difference. Lots more cookies! I've also wanted more protein-heavy items (meat, cheese, etc.) and potatoes... french fries, anyone? Hopefully this baby doesn't come out a total butterball!

What's Been The Same... 

1. Good times! I enjoy being pregnant! Except for the first several weeks of morning sickness (which seemed to drag on and on), I have generally enjoyed this pregnancy as much as the first one. The sense of anticipation is slightly different, tempered by the busyness of every day life with a toddler and working from home, but it is still such an exciting and hopeful time. Aside from a few bouts of illness and tiredness (which is generally resolved by going to bed early), I've experienced a sense of energy and creativity in both of my pregnancies so far that have made it a very pleasant experience. I wish women would talk more about all the happy and positive aspects of pregnancy, rather than waxing poetic over the not-so-enjoyable parts. But, I suppose that' s human nature. Either way, I'm here to tell you that being pregnant ain't half bad! :)
2. Medical Care: As with my first pregnancy, I decided to see a midwife group this time around. I am so grateful that we live within a short driving distance of a highly reputable midwife practice and birth center. Although we had a midwife with Cormac and the experience was everything I could have hoped for, I delivered in a hospital environment (Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago). This time around, we'll be at a birth center for a more "homey" experience. But the quality and type of care I've had with the midwives has been on par with my previous pregnancy and I'm so grateful that this has been available to me in both pregnancies thus far!
3. Carrying "small": I don't exactly feel small at the moment, but I continue to get comments on carrying "low", and not looking "big enough" to be almost ready to give birth! It may have to do with that fact that I have a longer torso (and shorter legs), but it seems that the baby has plenty of room to hang out in the lower pelvic cavity, so I don't really get as large higher up. I feel as though I'm carrying the same as I did with Cormac (plus maybe a few extra pounds), so it's nice that there hasn't been much variance between carrying a girl vs. boy!
   
4. Labor/Delivery: Well, I'll have to give you an updated on this later... but I do hope my labor/delivery experience is as good this time as it was the first time! I remember having some anxiety about what to expect the first time (who wouldn't?!?), but I also remember feeling at peace that whatever happened was in God's hands, and it would all work out for the best. While I do have one L/D experience under my belt this time around, there are still a million different things that could happen... the same or different. But, as before, I'm putting it in God's hands and trust that He will keep me and baby healthy and happy before, during and after delivery.

All in all, pregnancy has been such a fun and positive experience for me and for that I am extremely grateful. It is such a short time-frame in comparison to the task of parenting, and this is what makes it such a special phase. As much as I look forward to meeting baby girl McCarthy, I'm happy to say I'll also be enjoying these last few weeks of pregnancy... just a little while longer that we're a family of three!

Maternity Capsule Wardrobe: Weeks 1 & 2

I'm a little over a week in to my 30-day Capsule Wardrobe Challenge, and wanted to share how it's going! The true challenge here is all about fit -- I've already had to trade in/out a couple pieces that I thought would work for the next few weeks. But the funny thing about pregnancy (especially the latter stages) is that your shape changes almost daily! Shirts that fit two weeks ago are suddenly not quite as flattering (or covering).  For example, the black and white plaid flannel that was so comfy and worked great over leggings during my second trimester is now a tad too snug/short to really work. Same with the gray/maroon striped tee. It's important to note that neither of these are maternity items, so it would make sense that the fit is not quite right at this stage of the game. At least that's what I tell myself.

So, I had no choice but to go shopping, right? ;) Although the point of the capsule wardrobe was to work with what I already had in my closet, I tried to find new pieces that would work both before and after baby arrives. What I ended up purchasing were two tops that work as tunics now and will fit more like dresses later (hopefully). As it turns out, stripes are totally acceptable (even with over a large pregnant belly) and not quite as unflattering as one would think.

I love the contrasting pockets on this top -- it coordinates perfectly with my cognac boots. These black fleece-lined leggings were a steal from Ross ($6!) and have been a staple in my maternity wardrobe this winter. Ideal for cold snowy days, especially when I don't leave the house. ;) The other piece I purchased is this super soft striped sweater dress (Jules Boutique) that also looks great with leggings or skinny jeans.

This black v-neck top by CaBi (not maternity) has been an ideal piece for the capsule wardrobe. Not only is it a longer length with plenty of stretch, but the cross v-neck will work perfectly for my post-baby/nursing wardrobe. The vest was a $20 find at Ross, although I have since discovered (via a local thrift store) that Loft sold the exact same piece a couple seasons ago (for $75!). It is definitely an ideal topper piece, and I'm wearing it again today over the long-sleeve gray maternity tee (from Old Navy). Paired with maternity bootcut jeans from Gap (an eBay purchase from my first pregnancy) and my fav suede booties (a birthday $$ purchase).

The black v-neck made another appearance for church, paired with the marled gray (maternity) skirt and a wine/burgundy open cardigan that was not in the initial line-up but I think is a worthwhile addition for layering over solid tees. So, with the "exchange" of the two new tops and the addition of that cardigan, I'm up to 21 pieces for 30 outfits. Still not a bad equation and I'm having fun figuring out different ways to pair these pieces. It's extremely helpful to have free reign over my shoes and accessories, as these can really make an outfit feel different.

So, are you inspired to try a capsule wardrobe yet?

30-Day Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: Maternity Style

I have been pinning and reading about capsule wardrobes for a couple years, enjoying watching others plan and style looks from a limited number of clothing items. And now, in keeping with my New Year's focus on stewardship -- as well as the necessity of late pregnancy in which fewer and fewer of my standard wardrobe items actually fit -- I am embarking on a 30-day challenge to create daily outfits from no more than 20 items... with no outfit repeats!

There are many different ways to create a capsule wardrobe. Just visit Pinterest! Some of my favorite reference points have been Putting Me Together, Andrea Dekker, Greater Than Rubies, The Small Things and Anne in Residence. Although I didn't follow their formula exactly, this article by the Stylebook app was also helpful in considering how to get started: http://www.stylebookapp.com/stories/work_capsule.html


So here are the guidelines I came up with for my Winter Maternity Capsule Wardrobe:

Choose a Palette

This is a pretty limited palette, but working with neutrals like black and white makes for easier pairing with other colors, so I kept it simple. I've been loving anything in wine/red/burgundy lately, so that was an easy pick. The other colors fell into place as I started sorting through the items already in my closet.

Set a Limit

I don't think the number is going to be the same for everyone, but the concept of a capsule wardrobe means mixing and matching a limited number of clothing items to create a variety of outfits. To be honest, I set out with a limit of 18 items... and found I needed to increase to 20 to accommodate  comfort and variety over the next few weeks. I think I can manage with 20, but we'll see how it goes...


20 Clothing Items

• 9 shirt/blouses
• 2 open cardigans
• 1 sweater
• 1 jacket
• 1 vest
• 1 dress
• 1 skirt
• 4 pairs pants/jeans

Not included in the count (i.e. unlimited...)

• Underwear: Camisoles! I wear my favorite maternity camis from Target all the time, and these can double as "shirts" under cardigans
• Accessories: Jewelry, scarves, hats, etc... these are sometimes what makes the outfit.
• Shoes: I will probably be wearing my favorite boots for most of the next few weeks, with the occasional flat or heel thrown in, but I didn't want to limit myself on options here as shoes can really make the different in an outfit as well. Especially during boot season!
• Outerwear: It is winter, after all... Plus, I only have about 2 heavy coats that still zip/button at this point (both are non-maternity)

It's the middle of winter in Indiana but, in these latter weeks of pregnancy, I find myself warm more often than not, so I didn't feel it necessary to include a lot of bulky sweaters or other items. Rather, I plan on layering pieces to accommodate the variance in temperatures. So, my selections tended toward pieces that can be worn open (cardigans, vests, etc.) which accommodates not only the baby bump, but also layer more easily.

Get Creative! 

This is the fun part! Thinking outside of the box to figure out new and different ways to wear a piece I've had for a while is a refreshing challenge. I was scolded once for pairing items on a hanger in my closet (e.g. this top goes with this cardigan) and have been very careful to avoid that practice ever since. Items that seem boring or standard are really the all-important basis for a unique new look. A white shirt, for example, can be worn so many ways! Adding interest with accessories like scarves, jewelry, or shoes is much more effective and wallet-friendly than purchasing several new tops.

So, here are all my pieces...

*Items with asterisk are maternity

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I post outfit photos and include more details about how I'm doing with my first attempt at a capsule wardrobe!

2016 Word of the Year

In lieu of any resolutions or checklists for 2016, I'm taking a cue from one of my favorite bloggers over at The Small Things and choosing a special word to focus on for this year -- a theme, of sorts, that will inspire and inform my thoughts as we launch into a new year of exciting adventures.

So, without further adieu, the word for 2016 is...

"the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care" Merriam-Webster

Stewardship is not necessarily a word that is used in common conversation these days, but it covers a multitude of positive character traits and seemed like the best way to describe my intent for the year. In reflecting on 2015 (and really the past several years), the overwhelming conclusion is that we have been blessed. Very blessed. With jobs, homes, family, friends, and so much more. We have accepted new jobs, and succeeded in them; we have settled into new living environments with little difficulty; grown our family with a son and soon a daughter; we are surrounded by a loving community of family -- both biological and spiritual. In recognizing all that the Lord has given us, I can't help but be humbled and struck by an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

But gratitude is not where it ends. The old adage goes "To whom much is given, much is required." And this is where 2016 brings me. Having been given much, there is much expected of me. As a wife and mother, as a daughter of Christ, as a member of my local community -- there are so many ways I am called to steward these blessings and use them to build God's kingdom. So, in this coming year, I want to focus on that calling. Particularly, in the following three areas...

Family & Friends

It is obvious to me that my first priorities are to my family. First as a wife, then as a parent.  These are both hugely important roles with significant bearing on the lives of at least 3 people around me... with a ripple effect that will impact several more. It is easy to lose track of how pivotal these roles are in the day-to-day challenges of life. In 2016, I want to truly focus on acting as a steward of the precious family I have been given and work to ensure that I am giving them my best.

Although friendship relationships come second to family, they are extremely important as well and must be similarly nurtured. I've never had a very wide social circle of friends -- and probably even less so at this stage of my life when I spend most of my time at home -- but the friendships I've been given are the kind that last. And I want to make sure they stay that way!

Time & Talent

I feel very blessed to have been given a skill set and talent for a career that enables me to work from home, doing what I enjoy. Freelance graphic/web design is a wonderful fit for my creative abilities and time allowance at this stage of motherhood. I enjoy it so much that sometimes I have a hard time tearing myself away from work! It has been a struggle for my over the last two years to find a balance in parenting and working from home. Although I truly believe I've been given the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, I want to make sure that I'm not shortchanging my family with a preference for work. At the same time, in the work that I do, I want to ensure that I am giving it my all and providing the best results for my clients. This also applies to cultivating other talents and predilections like painting and drawing -- creating art is something I've enjoyed since a young age -- but only in the sense that it promotes rather than detracts from the aforementioned priorities.

Health & Wealth

These two are paired often idiomatically and, though they seem to represent two separate concepts, they are really rather closely related. Health can quickly become worn down by a rabid pursuit of materialism, and no amount of money can buy you the blessings of good health. Conversely, an inordinate obsession with "health" (appearance, fitness, etc.) still cannot provide the satisfaction of the true Life found only in Christ. With those provisions being granted, these are still two areas of life that are pretty unavoidable. We all have bodies that need to be provided for. And it is to the benefit of the preceding goals that I be a good steward of the health and material possessions God has seen fit to bestow at this time of my life.

I'll be elaborating on these points in future posts, but these concepts encompass a lot of what it means to be a homemaker: providing healthy meals for my family; creating a positive, wholesome home environment; spending and saving conscientiously; and encouraging these habits in those around me. Stewardship of the home is the very heart of any society and it is my focus this year to learn, grow, and serve as a steward of the blessings I've been given.

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 14:23

2015 In Review

It's been almost two years since we moved to Indiana, and I can honestly say that it really feels like "home". Even more so than Chicago ever did. I'm not sure if that has more to do with the fact that we have purchased an actual house here and have spent most of Cormac's life so far here (since he was 5 months old... and he's now two), or maybe just the fact that I am more a country girl than a city girl. Living in Chicago was always fun -- the fast pace was exciting and we definitely stayed busy with work and other cool stuff around the city. But here in Indiana, I feel more settled. More myself, and certainly more attuned to my vocation which, right now, involves motherhood, freelance design work, and homemaking. All things that I love and enjoy. :)

2015 has been a year of adjusting, finding routine, learning, wondering, enjoying, and rejoicing. We are truly blessed and, as we begin this new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on all my favorites from the previous year...

Best Trips

• Ormond Beach, Florida to visit McCarthy family
• Atlanta, Georgia for my youngest sister's wedding
• Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA) for our annual family reunion
• South Haven, Michigan for sister-in-laws bachelorette party
• Boca Grande, Florida for my sister-in-law's wedding
• Canton, Georgia for Thanksgiving

This was definitely a year of wedding travel for us, with the farthest destination being Boca Grande, Florida (far south, near the Keys, on the Gulf side) and a couple trips to Georgia for special occasions and holidays. I love that we are able to travel to see family and celebrate special times with them, although we are quickly learning that traveling with children is a very different experience than sans-children. Keeping to a routine is so important for young ones, and this is very easily disrupted during the travel experience. We had a few sleepless nights during (and after) all of our trips in 2015 and I expect that this will come heavily into consideration when planning travel in the future, especially once baby #2 arrives!

Best Books 

• Anything by Grace Livingston Hill
• The Little White Horse, Elizabeth Goudge
• North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell
• The Seventh World Trilogy, Rachel Starr Thompson

As in 2014, one of my favorite authors--Grace Livingston Hill--played a large part in my recreational reading this year. Her prolific authorship means that I started reading her books in 2012 and have yet to finish all of them 3 years later! Her books are encouraging Christian "romance" stories (not like the cheap romance novels you can buy at the grocery store... there are about true Romance) that I find engrossing and easy to get through, even if I'm just reading 5 minutes at a time. I also re-read a favorite: St. Elmo by Augusta Jane Evans.

Best Recipes

• Apple Cake
• Pumpkin Bread
• Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (Blue Apron)
• Homemade Pizza (ingredients vary!)

Big Achievements 

• Featured Artist in the September 2015 Elkhart ArtWalk and getting back into painting with several classes at the Elkhart Art League
• Completing a whole year of monthly Desktop Calendars...sometimes a little late
• Successfully surviving another year as a freelance graphic designer -- self-employment is no easy task!
• Participating on two local nonprofit boards (Elkhart Art League, Premier Arts) and one social/philanthropic group
• Planning, coordinating and successfully pulling off two art shows with the Elkhart Art League
• Taking on a new project that involved traveling to both Boston and Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the project didn't end as well as I hoped, but it was a good learning experience.

Big Events/Happenings

• Baby #2 is on the way! Although we discovered a second baby was on the way in June, we held off on announcing until we found out in September that we will be welcoming a baby GIRL come February.
• As mentioned above, plenty of family and friend weddings to celebrate, both near and far
• Cormac turned 2, got his first haircut (by yours truly) and transitioned to his "big boy" room