It is a truth universally acknowledged that the year you buy an air conditioner is the year you'll get a ridiculously mild summer. To anyone out there in Chicago that's reading this: you're welcome. Remember that one week of 90+ degree heat and humidity in early June? Yeah, that ended the day before we had our ACs installed.
That being said, I really can't complain that it's been so much more livable this summer. For one thing, I completely lose the ability to do anything when it's hot, from basic household tasks (laundry, cooking, putting things away after I use them) to wearing things that make me happy. For another thing, the relatively mild heat we've had this summer has made it possible to enjoy some of my favorite things about summer, like my work trips with the interns to the Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum, as well as the babymoon Jeff and I took in June. I'd always heard that being pregnant makes you even less heat-tolerant, and now that I'm well into my seventh month, I can tell you this is definitely true.
Speaking of being in my seventh month of pregnancy, I've found my wardrobe options narrowing considerably in the past couple of weeks. Some mornings, it feels like my belly's grown overnight! I'm determined to avoid some of the more traditional maternity-wear pieces, like babydoll tunics and shapeless dresses, so I've had to get a bit creative at times. I've bought things one size up, picked up more dresses with elastic smocking at the back in the past couple of months than I'd ever expected to own, and started making purchases with an eye to how nursing-friendly they are.
One thing that continues to amaze me, though, is how versatile my Effie's Heart dresses are. All of my pre-pregnancy dresses from Effie's Heart still fit well at 30 weeks and counting, which I honestly didn't think was possible. As a result, I've found myself reaching for them even more than I did before.
This particular dress is the Rachel, and I've been meaning to put it on the blog for close to a year! It's a simple, abstract pattern in red and white, but I swear it's the perfect fit-and-flare jersey dress: it's eminently twirlable, work-appropriate, and has pockets! I'm waiting for them to put this dress out in another print that I love, but in the meantime, I'm wearing the bejesus out of this one, and feeling quite thankful that it hasn't been too hot for dresses with sleeves!
Now, I'm quite aware that as soon as I hit publish on this post, the temperature will spike fifteen degrees and I'll go back to laying on the couch in my default summer-slug position. But in the meantime, I'll keep reveling in the mild 80-degree heat and long sunny days of a perfect Chicago summer, and I'll keep stalking Effie's Heart's site for new prints in this style!
That being said, I really can't complain that it's been so much more livable this summer. For one thing, I completely lose the ability to do anything when it's hot, from basic household tasks (laundry, cooking, putting things away after I use them) to wearing things that make me happy. For another thing, the relatively mild heat we've had this summer has made it possible to enjoy some of my favorite things about summer, like my work trips with the interns to the Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum, as well as the babymoon Jeff and I took in June. I'd always heard that being pregnant makes you even less heat-tolerant, and now that I'm well into my seventh month, I can tell you this is definitely true.
Speaking of being in my seventh month of pregnancy, I've found my wardrobe options narrowing considerably in the past couple of weeks. Some mornings, it feels like my belly's grown overnight! I'm determined to avoid some of the more traditional maternity-wear pieces, like babydoll tunics and shapeless dresses, so I've had to get a bit creative at times. I've bought things one size up, picked up more dresses with elastic smocking at the back in the past couple of months than I'd ever expected to own, and started making purchases with an eye to how nursing-friendly they are.
This particular dress is the Rachel, and I've been meaning to put it on the blog for close to a year! It's a simple, abstract pattern in red and white, but I swear it's the perfect fit-and-flare jersey dress: it's eminently twirlable, work-appropriate, and has pockets! I'm waiting for them to put this dress out in another print that I love, but in the meantime, I'm wearing the bejesus out of this one, and feeling quite thankful that it hasn't been too hot for dresses with sleeves!
Dress: Effie's Heart
Brooch and earrings: Atomic Lucite
Belt: Hollister, from college
Shoes: Zulily
Now, I'm quite aware that as soon as I hit publish on this post, the temperature will spike fifteen degrees and I'll go back to laying on the couch in my default summer-slug position. But in the meantime, I'll keep reveling in the mild 80-degree heat and long sunny days of a perfect Chicago summer, and I'll keep stalking Effie's Heart's site for new prints in this style!
So there you have it: two of my secrets to staying comfy and stylish in your third trimester during the summer. (Yes, I realize that we can't bank on unseasonably cool days, but I'll take what luck gives me! Though I suppose you might say my tips are 'wear fun jersey dresses' and 'for heaven's sake, buy an air-conditioner!') I'm considering writing a more comprehensive guide to staying stylish while pregnant. Would anyone be interested in reading it? Let me know in the comments!
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What a lovely dress, not only is it gorgeous but it's so good that it's perfect for this time of pregnancy but also it will last for a good amount of time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, you look gorgeous in all the shots <3
sophieannetaylor.com
Thank you, Sophie! I'm such a fan of Effie's Heart, and have been eyeing a couple of dresses on their site for a while now. It might be time to stock up on some more versatile dresses, since I have no idea what size I'll be after the baby!
DeleteYour dress is so pretty! I would wear it too! 💖
ReplyDelete:) Thank you so much!
DeleteGosh that's Sod's Law that that would happen! I happened to buy a desk fan on the very last day of hot weather, and now it's so cold that I'm living in my jeans and sweaters. I want the sun to come back already!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's been 7 months now, and I had no idea that you'll become less tolerant of the heat when you're pregnant... Hopefully it'll stay cool for you for the rest of summer.
Loving this dress on you! It's so inspiring to see you wearing such pretty dresses during pregnancy... It gives me a bit of hope for when my time comes (hopefully not anytime soon, though!)
Lizzie Bee // Hello Lizzie Bee
I've heard you've been having positively autumnal weather in the UK, and it really is Sod's Law that it would cool down right after you bought a fan! But on the bright side, summer will be back eventually, right?
DeleteThe weather has been fairly nice for the past week or so, which has helped a lot. I'm not sure why you get so warm during pregnancy but as I was already rather heat-intolerant, it's been a challenge! And thank you -- I'm sure you'll be the cutest, most stylish pregnant lady in the world someday!
Hahahahaha I love the first sentence!! SO true and I adore a Jane Austen reference! (I was in a Jane Austen webseries...thinking you might like it...let me know if you'd want a link!) You should DEF write a comprehensive guide to staying stylish while pregnant - you're so good at it and look as fab as ever! Not just staying stylish but money saving too if these dresses fit as well as they did pre-bump!! Can't believe you're in 3rd trimester already, good luck staying cool and comfy through the final stretch!!!
ReplyDeleteMary Lane @NewYorkCliche
http://newyorkcliche.com
A Jane Austen webseries, you say?!? Link me, please! I'm totally obsessed with her low-key snark and amazing social commentary! I'm definitely going to write a post about maternity style once intern season ends and I can breathe again!
DeleteSuch a lovely print and it's functionable too - I wish more dresses had pockets! I can totally relate to inability to function in heat, here in the UK we don't get much blazing hot weather but when we do it's like we all come to a standstill haha, Thanks for sharing! x
ReplyDeleteRumaanah // https://ruminvte.wordpress.com/
Pockets are the absolute best feature in any dress -- I've basically started deciding whether to buy dresses based on whether or not they have pockets. And I've heard that you don't really have air conditioners at home in the UK, so it makes sense that everyone would lose it in the heat!
DeleteLovely girl! I can totally relate to you. Once it hits 80, I'm done! Nope. Not functioning at all. I have no heat tolerance. I love that you're determined to stick to your style through your pregnancy. Work it! ✨
ReplyDeleteBreanna Catharina
toocuteforlife.com
AGREED. Temperatures above 80 should be illegal. It's too hot to look cute, go outside, or do much of anything besides wish it was cooler! And thank you! I couldn't stand the thought of wearing bland maternity-wear for 9 months.
DeleteGorgeous dress. You look amazing too who needs maternity wear?! X
ReplyDeleteAw, that is so sweet -- thank you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress! Also how fast has everything gone I can't believe that you're in your third trimester already 😃 I bet you're so excited to meet your little one 💖
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I can hardly think of anything besides holding this baby at last! My poor husband gets an earful of talk about the baby just about every day ;).
DeleteLoving the pattern; and a dress with pockets always gets my vote of confidence! (Although, saying that, I don't own a dress with pockets; I need to rely on a jacket or satchel these days!) I'm with you on the temperature; during my exams, there was a heat wave, and it was hideous! Luckily that's all over now :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad the weather has cooled off in the UK -- I heard from my friend in Wales that it was absolutely unliveable outside during that heat wave. Are you relaxing more now that exams are over?
DeleteWe've had a weird summer as well. I mean, I know British weather is a bit odd at the best of times but we had a couple of weeks of absolutely scorching weather (well, scorching by our standards), and now it won't stop flipping raining. I don't know what to wear anymore! I feel like I need to go out with a scuba dive and flippers but also a bikini as it's warm but rainy. Yuck.
ReplyDeleteThe dress on this post is in my top 5 of your dresses I think. Possibly even top 3! :D
I've heard the UK is getting really unusual weather, and it's so annoying when you have to cart around a second outfit just in case the weather changes dramatically while you're out and about! Now that they've fixed the air conditioner in my office, I feel like I need to practically bring my winter gear to work again! And I basically live with an umbrella in my purse, since our weather is so unpredictable here.
DeleteThank you so much! I <3 Effie's Heart and this might be my fave dress from them!
You look incredible in this! And it's so perfect and figure hugging!
ReplyDeleteYou're looking absolutely glowing in your pregnancy! Thankfully in NI we don't have to worry about the heat too much or I'd be melting!
PaleGirlRambling xo
Thank you so much -- that's a real lift for my confidence right there! It's been so odd to watch my baby bump pop in the past month or so, but at least I still have some cute things to wear, right? And I'm glad you don't have to deal with scorching temperatures -- they would flatten me under the best of circumstances!
DeleteYou always pick dresses that are so vibrant and have the coolest, most unique patterns - love it!
ReplyDeleteCarla x
https://makemeupinside.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much! I like to brighten up my day with my outfits :).
DeleteLooking stunning as always! Such a great dress for the weather! UK summer is meh, but when it's hot, it's yuck haha
ReplyDeleteJessica & James | www.foodandbaker.co.uk / www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
Thank you so much! And I've heard you've had quite the hot summer this year, though not recently...UK weather makes Chicago's look predictable in comparison!
DeleteThe the style of the dress! The fact that it has sleeves and that it has pockets! :)
ReplyDeleteKirsty
www.corinneandkirsty.com
Sleeves are a must-have for fall/winter here in Chicago, and since winter lasts an age, this dress gets lots of wear with tights and boots!
DeleteYou look absolutely stunning in this dress, it suits you so much and is such a lovely colour! I also really love the thick belt too x
ReplyDeleteKayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com
Thank you so much! I just adore red. And the belt is actually super old -- I hadn't worn it in ages, but thought it would be a fun touch!
DeleteWow - talk about yummy mummy that dress is gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're making me blush <3!
DeleteYour photos are so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI love your retro style - & I cant believe you've only got two months left!
Fab post & fingers crossed the dress comes in another print.
Charlotte xx
https://theporcelaindollblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much! I enjoy going out for a photoshoot (unless it's 90 degrees and humid, haha!) I can't wait to meet this baby!
DeleteEmily, you look absolutely stunning in these maternity wear dresses, it suits you so much and it is such a lovely color! Really in these modern maternity clothes, you look like the hottest mama...
ReplyDelete