*Image via.
Q: Guest bedroom — queen bed frame (under $600).
A: I would probably do something like this in the blue linen upholstery option and then punch it up with fun bed linens. The Company Store has great options and I’ve been impressed with quality (mini has this set in her new girl bed and our upstairs guest room bunks have these) and I feel like they’re always running sales — this would be pretty with the blue.
Q: Fall photo dress for a 24 week bump.
A: This ByTimo, this Frances Hart, this Mirth, this Cara Cara, or this Anna Cate. Or go with a knit dress like this layered beneath a cape. If you live somewhere warmer, I like the way this Marea dress could be accented with suede to accommodate a coastal setting but establish the season.
Q: Stylish Chelsea boots for a reasonable price.
A: This season, I’m drawn to the ones that have a thicker or lug sole — I’ve had the tab for these Freda Salvadors open for awhile. Similar vibes for less: these Madewells or this Kensies.
Q: Formal events/weddings this fall/winter, 5’2, 3rd trimester, no torso. Willing to splurge!
A: This Taller Marmo — wowza! This one is also fab and in this season’s it color. Or this Anna October! This Mme Mink has a very martinis-at-the-Carlyle vibe to me. A total steal, but this under-$100 dress would also be gorgeous in the chocolate brown with some fun bling.
Q: Long but light coats for autumn – nothing bulky.
A: Something like this would be chic and interesting to mix with fall patterns. I also love a coatigan moment like this.
Q: Cute carpool pick up outfits.
A: A fun blouse like this, this, this, this, or this; a statement coat over a tee; a striped turtleneck sweater or crewneck sweater. Pair any of these with your favorite jeans and clogs, fun sneaks, or Vibis.
Q: Black mini skirt.
A: I love everything about this faux leather one from J. Crew and this pleated tweed from Sandro.
Q: Birthday gift for a best friend who lives in another city — $100-$150 range.
A: This initial necklace comes in right around $150 if you sign up for emails — so sweet. Other options: Byredo perfume set, statement scarf, an Alice Walk pullover, Lele Sadoughi heart earrings, Oribe hair care set.
Q: Blazers please.
A: I’m obsessed with this corduroy one and this Veronica Beard. Or, major splurge, one of the epic ones from Blaze Milano. I shared more cropped/tweed blazers here, and oversized styles here.
Q: Christmas dress for a 28 week bump.
A: Congratulations, mama! This or this would be absolutely perfect.
Q: A workhorse belt.
A: Refine has the most beautiful everyday styles. Other options: I love this croc belt in either the black or brown, and the brand B-Low the Belt has a lot of great options. This one feels like it was meant to go with all of the floaty florals we’re wearing these days, and this one is ladylike. Finally, I just discovered the belt brand Cesoli (local to DC!) which makes gorgeous reversible (!) belts that you can then accent with statement buckles to change up the look.
Q: Outfit for a 90s theme party.
A: Love. I would pay loose (or explicit) homage to Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. Feather pen, plaid mini skirt, lug sole loafers, smooth straight hair, white button down (I might diverge here and pair with a more contemporary blouse like this). Alternately, HHH literally named a dress after her. Layer this dress over a white button down. Bring this as a hostess gift! Enjoy!
Question for your next edition: looking for some warm but chic headwear for a November visit to Helsinki. I’m thinking Nordic Noir…
Will add to my WYSF list, but my gut reaction was a cool beanie from Acne for street cred —
https://bit.ly/3eDN17s
xx
In the cute carpool outfit response you linked a shirt by Rochelle Behrens. Wow, I had never heard of the brand and now I have 3 items in my cart! I’d been looking for patterned blouses, but everything I liked was upwards of $300, which is not in my current price range. Her designs are unique – I’m not going to see them on everyone – and exactly what I’d been looking for. Thank you!
Yay!! I’m so glad. I agree, she has a good pricepoint given how high-end/detailed the pieces are in style. I am lusting after a few, too. Let me know what you end up with!
xx
For the affordable guest bed, I would consider a metal frame with something like this (https://standardtextilehome.com/products/circa-bed-wrap?variant=39299447685233) to make it look like a platform bed. I think in lieu of a headboard, you can do some really cool custom wall treatments either with wood trim or peel & stick wallpaper.
This will allow her to change up bedding/design as she wishes and invest money into the mattress, which is the most important part!
Such a clever idea! Thanks for sharing this, Melinda!
Regarding the X-mas with a bump q, I’m wondering if you think the Hill House “Caroline” would accommodate a third trimester bump. I have so many (too many) Ellie’s but I have my eye on this upcoming black watch release. The Louisa is tempting, too, but I’m mixed about the neckline. Would love your thoughts!
Hi Susie! I absolutely think so — it’s cut very generously. I own two of that style and think it could accommodate a full bump even in your true size. I share your hesitation on the Louisa neckline (prefer straight) but have heard from several girlfriends that this is the most flattering fit / style they’ve ever released, and those girls have all different body shapes. So I would give it a try if I were you. I think it would be my pick over the Caroline for a Christmas dinner type setting. I’ve seen people rock the Caroline out and about but I really think the cut is better suited to hanging at home. But maybe that’s what you had in mind – quiet, pregnant Christmas morning at home!
Sorry if this does not clarify things — ha. I am also very excited about this plaid launch. Every time I say I don’t need any more nap dresses…
xx
Thank you!! Definitely helpful for sizing and thinking about setting. But now I just think I want both
My perennial dilemma with their launches…
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