August 30, 2013

Another Kate Spade Shirtdress


The new term has started and I feel like I barely had a summer break. I held it hostage with dissertation work and the conclusion of my doctoral degree. But I have no regrets. I just wish there were a few more days of down time... For those of you in academia, good luck with the beginnings of the fall term!!

I bought this Kate Spade dress as a birthday present to myself last April. I don't know the style name but know that it was offered in the above print and an adorable tiny owl one (in a bright goldenrod yellow). I found it on ebay, new with tags and it seemed like it had the potential to be cut similarly to one of my old favorites that still fits my postpartum, breastfeeding bustline. When I got it, it was indeed cut similarly. But to my disappointment it was made of a different kind of silk fabric. I was hoping that the silk of this dress would have the same matte finish and a tiny bit of give (which as been key to ensuring I don't need to always pin buttons closed to prevent "boob gap") like my old favorite. As a person who is otherwise clueless about textiles, I will say that this dress is the standard silky silk that is pretty but stretch-less and too delicate to pin. I solve the issue with a cardigan when I'm in the classroom.


As an aside, I am bummed that so few Kate Spade dress offerings of late have been sleeved shirt dresses. Not that I would ever buy full price but I do enjoy stalking sales. I'm relegated to ebay if I want something from this brand.  Relatedly, I feel so in the habit of dressing to breastfeed these days that I'm still on the hunt for many button front "dresses that got away." They include a few from Anthropologie like the Dagmar Shirt Dress and the Tiny Windows Dress. If you have either in a 10 and want to part with them, let me know!

I also wanted to give a heads up to anyone who found this blog by searching "pregnant and Anthropologie," that a very stylish Anthrophile, Kristin of Lovely Adipae is in the family way and it suits her beautifully! She is sporting a lot of Anthropologie and looks fantastic while doing so. Check it out!

Outfit details:
Kate Spade dress (old)
Gap factory cardigan
Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats
Simply Vera tote bag pictured in final photo

August 19, 2013

Keep or Return: Boden Dresses



As my return to campus for the fall term creeps closer, I feel the usual "back to school" shopping itch. I had a Boden credit and saw some things on clearance so I decided to make an order. Previously, my only Boden shopping was for Emilia (mini Boden is so cute!). But I liked both of these dresses on the website and wanted to try them out. Neither are made from natural fibers so I do not think they would be worth full price. But the sale prices were reasonable enough. The quality does seem to be there. I'm just not sure about the fits. The shirt dress definitely needs to be hemmed if I do keep it. I don't have a lot of time to decide about either because the return policy for sale stuff so let me know what you think. Note that I would wear a better bra with both and squeezy tights with the shirt dress in particular but am not here.

I'm also happy to do some fit reviews if they will be helpful to anyone. I just wanted input on whether to keep or return first.

In other news, if anyone is looking for some maternity style inspiration, check out Sharon of If Grandma Wore J Crew. I've loved her pre-pregnancy style for a long time and am excited to see how she's maintaining it with her (adorable!) bump! 

Also, please feel free to check out the skincare giveaway below! 

August 17, 2013

Postpartum Skincare and a Giveaway!



I have had acne-prone, oily skin my entire adult life and have mostly avoided products that my dermatologist hasn't green-lit. Because of this, soon after I found out I was pregnant last year, I scheduled two appointments: 1. to establish care with a midwives group in the local women's hospital and 2. to check in with my dermatologist about pregnancy skincare. While visiting with my derm, I decided to get a Clarisonic to compensate for the prescription medications I couldn't safely use. And I am still using mine. But my postpartum skin has suffered from hormonal fluctuations, stress, and sleep deprivation. So when a representative from Bioque asked me if I would host a giveaway and review their line, I was excited.

I used the products for the last few weeks and have noticed my skin seems hydrated, bright, and (mostly) clear. I had a positive experience with each of the products but really love the Serum XL. The C-Plus cream is incredibly rich which would be great for dryer skin but feels a bit thick for me in summertime. Sometimes when I used new products they sting or cause my skin to react unfavorably (hence my relying on mostly derm-recommended items) but these haven't given me any problems.

And now you can win your own trio of Bioque products! One lucky winner (US entrants, only) will receive the Gentle Purifying Skin Cleanser, the C-Plus Moisturizing Cream, and the Serum XL from Bioque. There are many ways to win. See below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 14, 2013

What I wore to freshman orientation


I just want to reiterate my thanks to those of you who contacted me with kind congratulations about my defense! I think I'm still processing that this chapter of my life is finished. I don't want to get too comfortable because I need to stay on pace to submit a book proposal this fall.

Anyway, I mentioned a backlog of outfits and the above is one of them. During the summer, faculty representatives on my campus attend orientation events for incoming students so that students and parents can begin to make connections with the campus community. On this particular day, I was there to represent the major and offer advice regarding the curriculum and a first semester schedule.

I met some lovely students that I hope to have in my classes this school year! And I wore a button front, cotton Anthropologie dress that allowed me to stay cool as I ran from building to building and  easily pump in between meetings.

Details:
Anila Shirtdress from Anthro
Kors watch
Rumina nursingwear tank underneath (c/o)
MBMJ Mouse flats

I know I keep saying this but I swear I am posting the giveaway tomorrow. It is ready to go. I just have been dotting i's and crossing t's and running a million errands to wrap up my doctorate.

August 08, 2013

"Dr. Jesspgh"







My defense was on Monday and it was wonderful, albeit draining. I usually feel pretty confident in my oral presentation skills and I also have learned to trust my ability to think on the fly. But lately I've been sleep deprived. Emilia's teething and going through some developmental leaps that have made her more wakeful the last few weeks. And because I've needed every spare minute of revision and prep time, I've regularly been up of my own volition until 2am or later. So I was nervous about my brain's ability to perform in the moment. That said, I'm sure I would have been nervous no matter what. Thankfully my worries were for nothing. After all (and as I kept reassuring myself), I was the only person in the room who studied the topic with the amount of detail required to write a dissertation!

My family, including my parents, siblings, two parents-in-law, husband, and daughter attended! I wasn't sure whether I would want them there but my advisor encouraged me, saying it would be nice to have them be a part of what he felt was going to be a positive, memorable day. He was right and I'm glad I listened to him! I will always remember taking a deep breath before I began my presentation, and pausing to feel my throat tighten with emotion, knowing that the day was even more special because the room was full of those who rooted for me all along. Afterwards, Chris called me "Dr. Jesspgh" on twitter and many friends have repeated the joke since.

I wore an outfit that ... fit (Kate Spade dress, J. Crew cardigan). Years ago when I envisioned my defense, I had very specific ideas about what I wanted to wear. But when it came down to it, all the ideas suited cold weather (something wool to convey a professional vibe but still interesting, like this blazer but in an army green color), without the constraints of breastfeeding (that said, it is rare that I need to nurse Emilia when we're out and about... she's easily distracted and I had a bottle of pumped milk so my sister could feed her in the hallway if she fussed). So I went with what is familiar and comfortable and special enough. It didn't occur to me to snap a full outfit shot. But it's a repeat anyway. The day was special enough without a new outfit.

I am wrapping up a few minor revisions so that my document suits the (surprisingly draconian) requirements for ETD, then I have a huge backlog of reviews, outfits, and a sweet skincare giveaway to post. I'd like to get the giveaway up this weekend, if all goes well. Stay tuned!

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