Ultimate Panel Trouser Maternity Jean

Well!

It's been awhile!

I fully admit that vanity played heavily into my hiatus.  Ye ol' uterus squatter has been doing a number on my energy, skin, and mid-section... not to mention my wardrobe.  1,983% worth it, of course, but I'd be lying if I said I've been hung-ho about my appearance these past few months.  

But.... ahhhh... there it is... Second Trimester!  My energy's {mostly} back which means I've become reacquainted with my hairdryer and mascara.  And, this week {#14, if anyone's keeping track}, I swallowed my pride and fully embraced maternity pants!  And they feel delicious! 

For the most part, my tops and dresses still work, but, since the BellaBand and I never got along, my bottoms are ready for a stretchy-waistband-type-makeover.  

And so here we are. 

Apologies for starting this new phase in ITPitB with such a boring ensemble, but that's just how the cookie crumbles... But! I am really thrilled to review GAP's new Ultimate Panel Trouser Maternity Jeans**... 

Black "Bra Friendly" Tank - SNUG Camisoles

Eggplant "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands End Canvas

Ultimate Panel Trouser Jeans - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott 

With their super dark wash and wide trouser leg, these jeans are perfect for casual workdays.  GAP's new "ultimate panel" is higher in the back and lower in the front.  I'm told this provides support for back and {my currently "squint-or-you'll-miss-it"} belly.

WHATEVER "TECHNOLOGY" I'M JUST PSYCHED I CAN BREATHE NOW.

{Sizing Note: These are my regular GAP denim size in the Long length.} 

I bought two of these SNUG camisoles** when they were on sale at Zulily.  I should have bought every color - these things are amazing.  They are not maternity wear, but are a super stretchy, super long, one-size-fits-all {sizes 0-24} tank so they work great for those with or without buns in zee oven.  They do not bunch or ride up up... a rarity!  Also, they are thin, but not too thin - I feel like I can wear them with an unbuttoned cardigan and not look as if I'm walking around in my underwear in public.  Good stuff all around.  {Although, WARNING: their website could use a revamp... quite amateurish and, sometimes, like an online retailer for strippers.}  

Mamas or mamas-to-be: What are some of your favorite maternity brands?  

**As a GAP Brand Ambassador, I was given a pair of these jeans by GAP as a gift.  I was not asked, nor do I feel obligated, to review them... But I like them so much that I wanted to share with y'all!  The SNUG camisole was not a freebie... Just another product I'm excited to have discovered. 

tuckered out

The latest of my Tucker tunics {all purchased via Gilt Groupe}... I love these suckers!  I think we're up to four now...

Silk "The Blouse" Tunic - Tucker

Black Shift Dress - GAP

Blush Metallic Pumps - J.Crew

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Skinny Blush Metallic Belt - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

basketcase

Not sure why I look so forlorn in this photo... it was the end of a long day, I suppose!  I love this top.  I think I bought it my second year of law school to go under sutis... something slightly more interesting than your typical silk shell.  I have since discovered it also looks great with white jeans for a casual summer night out.

Orange Basket-Weave Neckline Shell - Banana Republic {2007}

Sterling "Jackie" Cardigan - J.Crew

Black Boy-Fit Pants - GAP

Silver Metallic Peep-Toe Wedges - Tory Burch

Gold Floral Earrings - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Double Time

Yesterday's outfit....

Black Shift - GAP

Citron "Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Gold & Black Pom Flats - GAP

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

... and today's! 

Silk Tunic - Tucker

Gray Tank - LEC

Black Boy-Fit Pants - GAP

Metallic Silver Peep-Toe Wedges - Tory Burch

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Orange + Purple

There's a lot going on here today... what with the platypus-face and the giant, fuzzy wedge growing out of my thorax  {do people even have thoraxes, or only bugs?  perhaps I'm completely wrong and the wedge is growing out of my abdomen. hmmmm}.

ToMAYto, toMAHto.

Royal Purple Dress - GAP

Orange "Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Silver Wedges - Tory Burch

Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

purple + citron

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again... This dress {Banana Republic... 2 years ago, maybe?} is ridiculously comfortable... plus it allows for Granny-Underpants.  {Yes, I said "underpants"... Sometimes when I'm feeling dainty, I say "underpinnings"... I loathe the P Word. Blahrg!}  GAP currently has a similar frock in stock... you better believe I snapped that sucker up as well!  

Purple Dress - Banana Republic

Citron "Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Nude Patent "Happy" Pumps - Ann Klein via Piperlime {2009}

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Reader Question Answered:  My exact watch can be found here!  It is the Fossil Women's CE1004 White Ceramic & Gold Bracelet White Analog Multi-Function Watch.  Phew!  That's a mouthful!  

casual friday

While blue jeans aren't kosher on Casual Fridays in my office {only for attorneys...THE INJUSTICE!}, it seems I can get away with white trouser jeans... Perhaps they've been mistaken for linen pants, seeing as my Ironing Skillz are about nil?  And I suppose the long tank helps with the camouflage. 

Either / or... I'm not telling! 

Marigold "Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Striped Ruffle-Neck Racerback Tank - LEC

White Trouser Jeans - GAP

Gold Reva Flats - Tory Burch

{Faux} Pearl & Diamond Studs - Banana Republic

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Gold Bangle - Coach

Tunic Time: Redux

This time, there was Pinot Grigio. {Well, Sauv Blanc.  Close enough.}  And Miller Lite.  And a sushi roll called the F Bomb that I'm still dreaming about.  

I was feeling all easy, breezy, cute in my white jeans and my tunic with all the cool kids and the Bravo film crew at Lemonbar... Then I peed next to a twenty-year old in a sequined mini and a fedora while the bar blasted Like a G6.  And I realized... 

I'm so glad I'm too old for sequined miniskirts.  

Tunic - Tucker

White Tank - GAP

"Long & Lean" White Jeans - GAP

Silver Sandals {not pictured} - street vendor in Greece

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Tunic Time. Like Turtle Time. With Less Pinot Grigio.

I'm a Tunic Freak.

Tunic 12 Step Program?  Sign me up.

Or maybe... Don't.  I would have 'nary a thing to wear.

Tunic Top - Tucker

Gray Tank - Lands' End Canvas

Black "Boyfit" Pants - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch via Neiman Marcus

xxoo

Happy Heart Day!

Pink "Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Orange Lattice Neck Silk Shell - Banana

Black Boy Fit Pants - GAP

Blush Crinkle Metallic Shoes - J.Crew

Gold Headband - Target

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Vegas: Moth Woman

Printed "Moth" Top - local boutique {"Mine"... I think}

Black Tank - Forever 21

Always Skinny Jeans - GAP

Silver Metallic Peep-toe Wedges - Tory Burch

Earrings - Anthropologie

Big Gold Bangle - Coach

Sparkly Bangle - Banana

mellow yellow

Worn for Birthday Dinner at Hibiscus.

Sunny Safari Blouse - Girls from Savoy / Anthropologie

White Tank - Nordstrom Intimates

Always Skinny Jeans - GAP

Silver Metallic Peep-Toe Wedges - Tory Burch

Earrings - Amrita Singh

K Stamped Necklace - Sonya Renee

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Sparkle Bangle - Banana Republic

Gold Bangle - Coach

sunday brunch

New iPhone makes things rather yellow... huh

Plum "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Royal Blue Silk Rosette Tank - Banana

Always Skinny Jeans - GAP

Gray & Black Quilted/Patent Flats - Delman

Gold C Necklace - Coach

alpaca, alpaca

The Evster is super excited about my Alpaca Vest.  

As am I.  With fickle Texas temperatures throughout the winter months, vests are always a good bet. They can be worn over sweaters, long-sleeve tees, blousy tunices - even dresses.  

This one is quite cuddly... me encanta! 

Cranberry Silk Sweater - Banana Republic

Alpaca Vest - GAP*

Black Jeggings - GAP

Gray OTK "Hero" Boots - Banana Republic

Faux Pearl Earrings... not a clue

*in stores now, but can't find the link online

Cheeky-Pinky

It's the Hairy Chest Shell!  {Not to be confused with the Hairy Chest Jacket!} This one works best with a little something to reign in the ruffle-fest... like a skinny belt!  

PS: Does my mirror need a major 409-ing or what? 

Slim-Crops from GAP, obvs.  And the shoes...I'm in love!  (Oddly, these don't appear to be online... but I bought them in-store 2 weeks ago for $40 - total steal!)

My dad is going to be tickled that so many people ask about my medallion coin necklace!  Read all about it here.  And please forgive my chesticle-mole... the iPhone makes it looks completely creepy.

Pint "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Blush Ruffle Shell - Ann Taylor Loft

Black "Slim Cropped" Pants - GAP

Gold & Black Pom-Pom Flats - GAP

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy Seller Bridal Emunique

K-Stamp Necklace - Sonya Renee

Gold Medallion Coin Necklace - gift

Metallic Blush Skinny Belt - J.Crew

  

cozy cardigans

Been running a little late the past few mornings... not enough time to snap photos and post before work!  But here's yesterday's outfit.... I'm so glad it's finally getting and staying cooler during the day!  

This nubby black wrap cardigan is a favorite winter purchase from two years ago - it's the perfect layering piece!  I love that it's short-sleeved but thick - I can throw it over light fall and spring items for when there's just a slight chill in the air, or pop it over other sweaters for mega-warmth! 

Chunky Wrap Cardigan Sweater - Banana Republic

Peacock Silk T-Shirt Dress - Banana Republic

Black Tights - Merona via Target

Gray OKC Boots - Banana Republic

Gold Cuff - Coach

And here's todays... only slightly worse for the wrinkles!  The "bold sun" is definitely my favorite of my Heritage Cardigan obsession collection - I think it's a perfect example of a shade of yellow that works well for most skin tones and hair colors!  Blonds can wear yellow!  

And, um, I really can't gush about these GAP Boy Fit trousers enough... Peppermint Bliss spoke to my soul today, describing her quest for the perfect, casual, boyfriend-jeans-centered look... I look like a frumptastic sausage person in boyfriend jeans... and I've tried on muchos.  BUT!  These pants are a bit like the work version of the boyfriend jean... and they are actually flattering (although, I'm not sure the photos depict that so much... hmmmm... hopefully I'm not just delusional) - L-O-V-E, LOVE! 

Bold Sun "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Polkadot Shell - J.Crew

Black "Boy Fit" Trousers - GAP

Patent Loafer Pumps - Cold Haan

two-fer

Thursday's Ensemble...

Dress - Milly

Belt - Banana Republic

Black Tights - Merona via Target

Boots - Banana Republic

Flower Earrings - Banana Republic

Friday's Ensemble...

Another fabulous pair of black GAP pants!  These are the Real Skinnies in Tall.  And I'm adoring my Belted Sweater Vest (also a la GAP).. I plan on living in this thing for winter!  

Belted Sweater Vest - GAP

White Fitted Tee - Old Navy

Black "Real Skinny" Pants - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott 

turtle time

No.  I'm not starting off my morning with a heavy dose of Pinot Grigio (if only).  But I did bust out my new turtleneck from Lands' End Canvas {the Women's Softest Turtleneck Sweater}.  I'm feeling a little under the weather (hence the frowny faces), so the workday requires something soft and cozy. 

Turtleneck Fit Review: Like many LEC items, this runs a bit big.  I ordered my normal size but could have sized down.  I like the blousier fit for work but might order a black one in the smaller size for layering and weekends.  The material is very, very soft, but it is thin - perfect for Texas, but not really a "sweater" - more of a knit.  

Softest Turtleneck Sweater in Maplewood - Lands' End Canvas

Boy Fit Trousers - GAP

Tomato Patent "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Layered Necklace - Francesca's Collections

Pants Galore

I've worn pants 3x this week.  That's has to be some kind of record.  Thankfully, I've still managed to work a cardigan into the program thrice as well... otherwise my coworkers might start to wonder.

Today's Pant Selection: also courtesy of GAP... the Slim Cropped style.  Note: I always wear a "tall" in GAP pants, so these hit a bit lower on the ankle on me than they appear on the model.  

Chevron Tunic - Tucker via Gilt Groupe

Slip Cropped Black Pant - GAP

Patent Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Amethyst & Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott

My Pants are Not Pleated. Pinky-Swear.

Um.  I now realize it appears as if my new Boy Fit GAP Pants are pleated.  I can assure you, they are not.  They are actually rather awesome in a relaxed-yet-still-professional kind of way.  I'm mildly obsessed.  And this is coming from a Generally Anti-Pants Girl.  

Slouchy... 

...sans Jerry Curl. 

Lagoon "Heritage" Cardigan - Land's End Canvas

Turquoise Silk Shell - Banana Republic

Black Boy Fit Pants - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch