Travelling to Mexico … with a baby. The list looks very different from the usual. ‘Remember,’ says my mom, ‘It’s not a fashion show… people dress super casual in Nuevo Vallarta.’
Paring down will be key. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
For tops and bottoms, everything has to go with everything and it needs to enable nursing. In addition to a few mix and match pieces, I’ll be bringing some dresses.
Inspired by easy access to the boobs, these are the outfits that are in rotation right now – as a newly-nursing mama.Â
I made a point of sectioning off my closet, moving conducive items to the front of drawers (I fold Marie Kondo style, like library books in my drawers, spine up), and in the closets I have a section just for items that ‘fit’ as nursing wear.
What I like best about all these pieces is that many are items I already own. Others, I will be able to keep wearing them long after my little one has graduated to solids… which is, I think, a solid investment.Â
Here is my fall line-up of nursing-approved, affordable fall-into-winter items. I mostly haven’t purchased anything new (either for maternity or breast-feeding), but here are the five items I’ve added to my rotation.
Not really a fan of uniform dressing, but this tunic/dress is going to save my life. I made the mistake of going out for lunch at a nice place, once already, in a dress that required a whole half top/sleeve removal to allow feeding access. This Old Navy Swing Dress is cheap and cheerful (about $40 but with a bonus 40% off and free shipping).
I got it in three colours. Layered over pants, open over another top, or with leggings and over the knee boots, this is going to be a go-to piece for all my nursing days when I’m out of the house.
 
Next up, also from Old Navy, and also on sale (!) the Chambray utility onesie…
With summery shoes this will be perfect in Mexico when we head for a winter getaway, but also for fall with rolled cuffs, a slubby scarf and some lace up combat boots. Open to the waist with a tank, or with a contrasting, or embellished belt – this piece is pretty versatile. Today I wore it with a half-up topknot and this teddy bear coat from Chance and Fate. So comfy. Paired it with pineapple embroidered velvet slides… No big deal.
My goal is to buy as little ‘new’ stuff as possible – this might be it. As my sister-in-law (also breast feeding) said: “oh, yay… (not) another cross front top.” When maternity options are underwhelming, I’m going to try to be inspired by what’s already in my closet. Challenge accepted.
Let’s be honest; I had no idea how motherhood would impact my fashion choices… but it’s fair to say that unless we are expecting company (10 days into our journey with a newborn) I’m wearing the same thing he’s wearing: a diaper and no top.
So, here is a roundup of my favourite layering pieces for fall and the transition into winter!
Plaid Print Blazer $148 . OAK + FORT … not the warmest, but the plaid layer is still going strong! Alternately, try this beauty…
These may be our last photos as a duo. Bring on the newest member of our crew!!!
This vest was a fabulous steal, picked up for $9 at Anthropologie. It is a bit tricky to match, as it doesn’t really go with white – but it’s comfortable and creates a great bump profile.
Still rolling along with little one on slow cook. Fall temperatures have brought some relief, but Summer seems to be making a comeback with some warm and sunny weather. This far along, dresses are my best friend.
Lots of dresses in my life, from top left, Anthropologie navy with white dots, Winners red and black mod flowers, psychedelic silky tunic from a clothing swap, and an oversized black and white spotted Zara dress shirt with peplum. All worn with some variation of black leggings and boots or jeans and boots. Never skip a chance to wear your res lipstick (if you’re into that sort of thing).
Count it out! Just a few weeks to go and I’m not running out of ideas yet. But I’m ready, physically, for this to be done!
Left to right, top to bottom:
Thyme Maternity floral bump dress, I borrowed from a friend, worn with brown ankle boots, navy blue leggings, and a mask coloured duster jacket and gold geometric earrings.
Fab fit fun multicolour wrap scarf in orange fuchsia and purple, worn over a Zara XL purple V-neck tunic. With jeans and cute flats.
Black and gray 90s vintage dress, from my mother’s closet! This Maxi is stretch cotton and paired with a simple black necklace and slick ponytail, I looked way to pull together for someone who is basically wearing what feels like a nightgown.
Bottom row: Hoibo (local Toronto designer) black sleeveless swing dress, midi length, with matching nail polish and subtle purple gloss, paired with H&M tassel earrings, and a seven-year-old H&M lace top in aubergine, tucked up to accommodate the belly.
Mendocino sleeveless waffle turtleneck, tunic length, over dark denim with a feather pendant necklace and burgundy lips. Fall booties are a must, with low stack heel.
Next, from left to right:
Red and navy striped dress from market in the UK, layered over a white T-shirt with simple gold jewellery and flip-flops.
Kalijana designer dress, handed down from a friend’s neighbour, with asymmetrical hem and pockets. Necklace from The Likely General – worm with striped Espadrilles.
Bottom row: H&M blue and white printed dress with tie waist.
Colamoon blue tank dress with Stevie-inspired fringes maxi vest. Tassel necklace from H&M, With my new Fab Fit Fun faux leather carryall.
Striped Zara High low hem tunic with ruffled bottom. Necklace by White Feather Designs. Paired with dark denim.
Oversized embroidered tunic and lip stain.
Striped go-to dress with geometric jewellery.
Black slip dress with wood accessories.
Linen striped summer dress – easy choice.
Spent an awesome day at the theatre with my lady – saw a production of The Orchard, after Chekhov, a great post-colonial piece. And also enjoyed Grand Hotel and Of Men and Marriage ( all part of the Shaw Festival’s 2018 season).
Rocking heatwave approved palazzo pants and tank (H&M), hat (Lack of Colour), striped layering piece (Mendocino) and shoes from Call It Spring (5 seasons ago). Allia on the other hand looked smashing, and/but was literally wearing an entire outfit identical to a 60 year old man also in attendance. And I love her for that. She is my own personal #manrepeller
Hats off to end of Summer Style! Yet, the heatwave persists.
StyleSaVie 