Sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective
I’m not one of those people who just adores being pregnant. I appreciate it, sure. It certainly is novel, and I celebrate all that it represents. And both times I’ve felt extremely grateful to be in a position to carry a kiddo with my very own body. (This second time, especially, since I wasn’t sure I’d be capable of doing so post-chemo without intervention.)
What I do love about being pregnant is that it’s a sort of catalyst for reevaluating all the things. And since I’m pretty practically minded when it comes to investing in fashion, it also means a solid 10 months where I get even more intentional about my clothing purchases.
dress (s) | sweater (xs) | flats | bag | sunglasses
In fact, for the sake of longevity, the few things I’ve bought this pregnancy have almost all been non-maternity-specific. As you’ll see from these pictures, I’ve almost got a non-maternity maternity capsule wardrobe of sorts going. But that’s for another post (coming soon, I promise). This post is all about the fashion genre I don’t shy away from embracing when I’m pregnant (or ever, really).
Accessories.
So, below, I’m talking about five accessories I’m wearing now that I’m excited to reach for again and again as we head into spring. Unsurprisingly, I found them all from our longtime love Nordstrom.
I know I might be preaching to the choir here for the most part, but Nordstrom really does make shopping — both in-store and online — about as user-freaking-friendly as possible. Excellent selection. A super-intuitive website that’s really enjoyable to browse. (So much so that I do it with farrrrrr too much regularity.) Regular price-matching on many of the whole team’s go-to brands.
And perhaps best of all (especially as you’re dressing an expanding belly), a return policy that couldn’t be more accomodating. Their curbside returns are game-changing, friends. I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than three minutes max in my car awaiting the sales associate — and the credit is processed even more quickly than returns by mail. Sometimes the same day. So easy.
It’s no wonder the extremely selective gang of us here at The Mom Edit has a real sweet spot for Nordstrom. But you already knew that.
Keeping It Classy: Timeless Accessories Key To My Style, Pregnant Or Not
So — let’s dig into these five fun fashion finds that will see me through the end of this pregnancy and right on into spring and summer, because they’re all right up my timeless, no-regrets, alley. Affordable, too.
dress (s) | sweater (xs) | sneakers (size down 1/2) | bag | sunglasses
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | sunglasses | bag
As I mentioned above, everything I’m wearing in these photos fits into a quasi-intentional maternity capsule wardrobe I’ve more or less adopted over the past few months (there’s definitely a “neutral” theme at work here), so keep an eye out for a deeper dive into both the maternity and non-maternity specific wardrobe pieces I adopted into my routine this time around. (It’s also, shocker, all from Nordstrom.)
For now, however, these five accessories are breathing fresh life into my existing wardrobe — and are elevating everything easy, casual and comfy that I want to be wearing as we approach spring.
Oh. And everything here is under $130. (Yep, even that structured handle bag.)
1. A pair of on-trend ballet flats that couldn’t feel more classic (or comfy)
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | leggings (xs) | flats (tts) | bag
I’ve long loved a ballet flat (blame it on my not-so-subtle high school obsession with Audrey Hepburn), so when I started seeing peeps of them coming back as a trend for spring, I was…well, sprung. This current round of ballet flats is even more studio-inspired — think actual ballet slippers versus a slightly more structured round-toe flat — and the effect is really charming, if a little less preppy.
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | leggings (xs) | flats (tts) | bag | sunglasses
These Aerosoles Rina Flats definitely stay true to the ballet slipper look and feel — buttery leather, and in true Aerosoles fashion, an immediate, slipper-like level of comfort, too. The elastic stays put but doesn’t rub, and the sole is super flexible. Right now I’m wearing them with maternity leggings and this Michael Stars dress that seems to fit and flatter just about everyone (Scotti loves it, too), but I can’t wait to pair them with my 501s in the future. The slightly boxy toe is different from the rounder flats I’d usually go for, but at the same time, it’s what makes them feel ever-so-slightly fashion. I’m all for anything that adds an air of daintiness to a body that feels anything but. I was truly tempted by the gunmetal leather, too. True to size (wearing an 8).
2. The most *gasp* colorful, fun hiking boots — no break-in period needed
sweater (xs) | leggings (xs) | boots (tts) | bag | sunglasses
I stopped mid-scroll when I saw these Timberland Euro Waterproof Hiker Boots on the Nordstrom website. I even kinda closed my eyes and turned my head away as I right-clicked open in new tab just assuming that when I looked back it would show that they were already super-low in stock. I mean…how could they not be!? At the time, they were happily fully stocked.
And now, of course, they’re…not. UGH.
But the good news is, this is but one colorway, and the Wheat Nubuck, which still offers classic hiker retro vibes (in a color scheme that is admittedly even a little more retro-classic) are still available — as is the all black, which you know I’m always partial to. (If you’re really holding out for this color, I feel like a restock could be possible, too. Seems like this is a style Nordstrom would be remiss not to bring back.)
And the reviews are great. It sounds split on people who bought them for more trailwear and people who bought them for street style. In both cases, the reviews are glowing (which explains why I was quick to add to cart!) and sing the praises of comfort and quality. And I can attest: these were comfy right outta the box, no break-in period. I haven’t hiked aggressively in them yet, but walking around the neighborhood and town, I didn’t identify any hot spots. Easy sizing (my 8 fits just like an 8!) makes them an easy win, too.
Which brings me to my one small complaint: the topmost laces are actually loops, not hooks (on closer inspection, this is pretty obvious from the website, so maybe I just expected them to be hooks and didn’t look closely enough…) — which means they require a little more time and effort to get cinched up. But keep in mind my tolerance for bending over for any kind of laces is real low right now, so this could be a total non-issue for the not-extremely-pregnant.
3. Good ol’ Stan Smiths
jacket (xs) | sweater (xs) | leggings (xs) | sneakers (size down 1/2) | bag | sunglasses
Admittedly, it’s almost time I retire these for a fresh pair (they’re at least five years old and very well-worn), but every year when the trails around our neighborhood dry up, my trusty Stan Smiths resume their position by the front door, easily my most-worn sneaker all spring and summer.
Sizewise, I wear Stan Smiths a half-size down from my usual in adult sizing (I’m usually an 8 and wear a 7.5 in these) — or if you can swing it, you can usually save about $10 if you can squeeze into a youth size. That’s actually what I did with this exact pair, so I’m rocking a youth (“big kid”) size 6 here. And squeeze is the wrong word. The youth 6 fits perfectly (and the features are the same).
4. A little black crossbody bag in the softest leather
bag | dress (s) | sweater (xs)
How I don’t already have a bag like this in my closet is beyond me, but it goes with all the things. I’ve been really impressed with the quality of Topshop genuine leather bags in the past. In fact, one of my most-worn pieces is still the silver metallic camera bag from this post. So when I saw this one, with the soft leather pleats, I had really high hopes. Happily, it’s a blazing good purchase at $56 and as classic as it gets. The leather is supple, the strap length is perfect for wearing on the shoulder or as a shorter crossbody, which seems to be the going trend (unfortunately, it’s not adjustable). Little zippered compartment inside for stashing cash or cards securely.
In this era of the world, it’s the ideal size for what I’m carrying along any time I’m solo: credit cards, sunnies, mask(s), lip gloss, phone, hand sanitizer, keys (and I remain one of those people with, like, a lot of keys on my keychain…not sure how that happened…). And the matte black pleating with the minimal, moto-inspired silver hardware is my favorite combo of sweet and tough.
5. A structured black handle bag for feigning that whole oh hi, I have my crap together vibe
(The price point on this one can’t be beat.)
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | leggings (xs) | flats (tts) | bag | sunglasses
I’m convinced that the trick to feeling like you strutted right offa Pinterest while basically wearing jammies is to top all the things with a camel coat of some sort and a structured black bag. The rest of the outfit matters very little. Keep it simple (all black everything is easy, but you could easily mix in just about any denim cut and a graphic tee/muscle tank/sweatshirt/half-zip something) and it’ll come together every time.
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | leggings (xs) | sneakers (size down 1/2) | bag
As much as I’d love to invest in a designer bag with this same structure and shape, now’s probably not the time. Baby #2 on the way means this will likely become an on-the-fly diaper bag of sorts, soon to be chock fulla milk stains and cereal crumbs. That said, this Aldo Dulacca Tote Bag is by no means a disposable purchase. The pebbled faux leather is a nicer touch, and the tonal hardware keeps it feeling super modern. Plenty roomy, three pockets inside, a zip-top closure — and I love the subtlety of the embossed logo versus a flashy piece of hardware. Just about the only feature I wish it offered were feet, but for a bag that won’t be treated especially preciously, not at all a deal-breaker. And friends, it’s $65.
(Looking for a handle bag that makes more of a statement with a big shot of color? For some reason I can’t stop thinking about this one.)
Bonus: My Beloved Le Spec Sunglasses
Oh, and for a little bonus shoutout, you better believe this mid-winter sunshine means my beloved Le Spec Air Heart Sunglasses have practically set up permanent residence on my face. Still one of the best fashion buys I’ve ever made based on the quality and heft. And — personal pet peeve here — no pesky logos on the lenses!
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | bag | sunglasses
Five weeks to go!
Cheers, friends.
xo,
Em
Big thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post. To say I’m an avid Nordstrom shopper is a huge understatement, so it’s always exciting and humbling when we have the chance to work together. Truly one of my favorite retail experiences, both online and in-store. And thank you, as always, for reading along and supporting the brand partners that keep us doing our thing here at The Mom Edit. We appreciate it so much!
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Photos by Carolyn Stockman Photography.
