My newest obsession, thanks to a girl's weekend filled with gabbing, boozing (at least for most) and all kinds of other girliness, is the very brilliant idea of accessorizing the bump with a necklace.
Becky, who you might remember as our model for a few of our winter inspiration outfits here and here, is currently a Stella and Dot stylist…and brought the entire line of jewelry on our girl's weekend. Which was the impetus for most of our girliness. And which caused J to casually remark, "this necklace would look cool as a belt."
I. Was. Hooked. I've always believed that pregnant bellies look better when accentuated, and what better way to adorn the bump than with something a little sparkly?
Since then, I've been wearing necklaces-as-over-the-belly-belts everywhere – to the zoo, out on the town, date night, work, etc. Here's how to do it:
In the pic above, I'm wearing Gap's long racerback dress, J.Crew's ribbon necklace and leather & nylon tote, turquoise bracelets purchased long ago at Macy's, and Salt sunglasses. Raines is wearing Oakkies shorts and a t-shirt from Gypsy 05.
Use the Necklace to Reign in Voluminous Dresses and Tops
You know the swingy dresses or tops that start to make a pregnant woman look like a tent? A little ribbon-tied necklace is the perfect way to reign in all of that volume.
In the pic at left, I'm using the Stella and Dot Claire Necklace, $49, to pull in my usually swingy (and tent-like when pregnant) LBD for date night. This necklace, however, could just as easily be worn with any swingy or voluminous top to give yourself more shape. Adds a bit of sex appeal, no?
In this pic, I'm wearing an old LBD from Clu, Gladiator Sandals from Target, a J.Crew sparkle headband, and Stella & Dot's Claire Necklace.
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Use the Necklace to Adorn an Empire Waist
The pic at right is the outfit that started it all. After J's brainstorm, we quickly draped the Claire necklace around the empire-waistline of the dress. It added just enough sparkle to make a ho-hum empire waist more interesting.
Where's my tiara? A store clerk in Aspen gasped when she saw me: "You look like a modern-day princess!" Which is how, I think, pregnant women are entitled to look. Or at least feel…considering that most of the time I, like Lane, feel fat.
This trick works equally well with any empire-waist top or maternity top.
In this pic, I'm wearing Forever 21's Tie-Dye Maxi Dress, a J.Crew Sparkle headband, Stella & Dot Claire necklace, Stella & Dot Jill CZ Earrings, and a Chan Luu wrap bracelet.
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Liven Up a Fitted Tank or Tee
Now fully a necklace-as-belt convert, I'm finding easy ways to incorporate this idea into casual outfits.
The Clair necklace looks just as cute with a simple tank and trousers (I wore this outfit to work topped with a blazer, leaving just a peek of bling), and have also styled this necklace over simple hubby-beater tanks and destroyed boyfriend jeans.
In this pic, I'm wearing an Isabella Oliver cami, trousers by Bump Couture, Salt sunglasses, a Nixon watch and Stella & Dot's Clair necklace.
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So…what kinds of necklaces work?
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Look For: A Long, Adjustable, Single-Strand Necklace Big Enough To Stand Out
In addition to the Claire necklace, Stella and Dot also make this gorgeous Chloe Necklace in chocolate and gold tones, $49, pictured above left. This necklace's long ribbon ties ensure a perfect fit, and the size of the gems are perfect: big enough to be seen between an ample bosom and huge belly…but small enough to be tasteful.
I also think Stella and Dot's Ava Necklace, $44, (pictured above center), would be a fun way to add just a wee leetle bit of sparkle above the belly. And with 16" of ribbon on either side…it'll tie nicely in the back.
Lastly, you don't have to stick to ribbon ties if you can find a truly adjustable necklace. And Stella and Dot's Brigette Bauble Necklace, $69, pictured above on the right, would be perfect for over-the-bump. I also love the dangly baubles, which would give your look a gypsy-princess vibe.
I've highlighted my favorites from Stella and Dot, but any single strand necklace with ribbon ties, or a long chain with larger links would work for this look.
For those of you that don't have a favorite Stella and Dot stylist, feel free to contact Becky McBride. She is well-versed in which of their styles work as over-the-belly belts! You can find her contact info here.
So J & Beck – thank you, thank you, thank you. Your amazing idea has breathed new life into this girl's maternity wardrobe. And once the new babe is out…Voila! Cute new necklaces.
xo,
S
