Holidays with a Newborn

Love, style

I’ve been noticeably busy. Lol

I am planning a post about what to wear while caring for and feeding an infant. Planning. Everything takes longer and best laid plans get complicated and deterred.

Then comes the holiday season. The holiday show must go on. And we made merry like it was no big deal. We are getting the hang of things.

Our son is now two months old and we are smitten. From tree-side selfies to family party snaps … I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Dabbing his way through the holiday.

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All about the bust

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Inspired by easy access to the boobs, these are the outfits that are in rotation right now – as a newly-nursing mama. 

First up, ASOS; they have an amazing selection of basics, as well as nursing/maternity dresses and tops, so cute that they don’t even look like nursing specific garments.

ASOS DESIGN Maternity Nursing Cami With Clips 2 Pack SAVE
C$52.60


Zara is a treasure trove of items that aren’t nursing specific, but sure do fit the bill. 

I can’t wait to wear this in Mexico when we head off with our little one in tow. 


Zara checked dress
Draped checked blouse, riding the plaid trend from fall into winter.
Zara dress
Oversized patchwork shirt – Zara
Bird satin tunic – Zara



The basics already in your closet can also find their way into nursing-friendly outfits. 

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. 

The penchant for sleepleisure is perfect for moms (or anyone, really). A cool relaxed pant and pajama-style top are easy, breezy, with full front access. 
This screams chic, while maintaining the comfort needed to plunk down on the floor, change a quick diaper or feed a writing child. 
Chicnico is on to something with this mustard-hued sweater. Wear anytime, anywhere. Almost. https://www.chicnico.com/collections/cardigans/products/chicnico-stylish-open-collar-oversize-casual-solid-color-cardigan-3?lshst=collection

From a site that boasts ‘sexy but modest’ clothing… this is definitely a wear-on-repeat idea. I have a Halston Heritage-inspired vintage silk dress, handed down from my mother, that looks pleasingly similar to this one! https://www.sexymodest.com/products/brigitte-button-down-maxi-dress

More great cardigans from Lauren McBride. Versatile and cozy. https://www.laurenmcbrideblog.com/2018/08/feel-nice-with-qvc/

Rounding out the on-trend items on deck, we have a jumpsuit, onesie, or romper. I have a gorgeous crush velvet version in navy blue from Aerie/American Eagle. It’s surprisingly easy to wear and layered over a cropped t-shirt it actually functions like a nursing outfit, but also looks amazing and feels like a playsuit. Velvet is in demand this season, but has staying power since it keeps cropping up when the temperatures drop. https://www.stitchfix.com/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pinterestschedule

An easy, ‘yes.’ Who doesn’t have a patterned longline blazer or cardigan? Wear it over lingerie or a bedroom inspired tank. Double yes. https://www.chicnico.com/collections/cardigans?utm_source=zucardiganpin-3&utm_medium=zucardiganpin-3&utm_campaign=zucardiganpin-3&pp=0&epik=v%3D1%26u%3DvG1DZXtTbiXVFlycJY74k91QGpu-nsuv%26n%3DdfRx8Pk_e0HpPQERQArRtw%3D%3D

Basic, in the best possible way; buttons, waffle knit, loose and versatile. This even has snaps instead of buttons. I couldn’t ask for more. 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnwgFpDHN6V/

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. 

39 weeks

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OOTD – while the due date approaches,… it has been a tough few days. I’ve been having some anxiety. Bad dreams. But pushing through.

I’m dressing like Phoebe from the 90s. Vintage patterned dress, oversized cardigan and knee high socks. Black silky top with bold silver statement necklace from Shannon Passero. Throw on a muppet-inspired navy faux fur coat from Zara for the eve of legalization party at The Drake. Spend a cozy day in a classic sweater dress in camel and navy stripes.

Week 38 Bump OOTD

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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).

Week 37 Bump OOTD

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My last week at work flew by and I can hardly believe it’s maternity leave, starting today. I’m feeling bigger than ever, but I’ve definitely got the hang of planning outfits that still make me feel like I’ve got some personal style, as well as being comfortable – to whatever degree you can be comfortable when your bump is this big.

From top left-

1- I got this tiny floral print pink and tangerine blouse from a clothing swap, layered over a tank and paired with fall lips and nails. Simple gold jewelry.

2- This is a pre-pregnancy favorite: a gray and black striped oversize sweater, with a wide, long torso and fitted sleeves. Black jeans and a glass and silver necklace from Toronto designer Biko.

Bottom-

3- One of my very favourite sweaters, in a blanket print, maxi length with a hood and bell sleeves, from Free People. This necklace, a gift from my friend, who picked it up at H&M for a song, really takes things up a notch when layered with my summer slip dress in slate gray.

4- My wife is a fan of two things, the colour blush, and oversized, drapey tops. Fortunately this is perfect for third trimester. This blush tank is super soft and works as a base layer, under a floral kimono, with my everyday nameplate necklace from Seven Reasons and some swapped earrings.

5- This is my witchy outfit- A broad brimmed black hat, soft T-shirt style black sweater tunic, black leggings, black Blundstones, and a maxi length lace and fringe vest… Also black. I almost feel ‘not pregnant’ in this.

Maybe now that I’m on that leave, I will abandon all efforts to look pulled together. But probably not 😉

35 and 36 weeks

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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.

A Week of Bump Style

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Clockwise from top left:

H&M tunic with tassels, bright lip and hoop earrings – over maternity jeans.

Zara rust coloured XL dress with ankle boots and chunky necklace.

Maternity tank with cutoff denim button up and gunmetal necklace, quirky bracelet found at a market and striped maxi skirt (Grey).

60s-inspired polkadot Zara dress with a vintage necklace from my mother, over black Nulu leggings with black ankle boots and a red lip, with topknot.

Coming to the end of 34 weeks! Keep your fingers crossed.

Zara Dresses for Now and Then

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I went on a spree a while back and feel VERY happy that I did, since each item was selected in the hopes that it would fit now (then, several months back) and later (now, now).

One fave feature of Zara’s website is that you can search the sale section by size. Nothing was over $30 and every item can be tried on at home, returned in store – no questions asked, and you can source all the stock in one place (way better than going to several stores for hit-and-miss sizing).

Knowing a baby was in progress, I selected a few great, stretchy pieces. Thanks Zara!

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What is your go-to online shopping destination? Why is it your favourite? Any sites that you have tried and now avoid? How did you get burned?