Grapes and Frost {Some Mamma-Friendly Style Inspiration}

In my book, Embracing Beauty, I have a whole chapter on styles that work great for the ever-changing mamma figure. One of my favorites in this category is the wrap dress.

{My 6 year old was my photographer for this series of photographs. I had him stand on my bed to get the right angle of me in front of the only wall in the house that provided a clean background. He still managed to capture for all the world to see that pile of stuff that’s been in the corner of my bedroom for 6 months. Oh. Well. I still think he did a great job ;)}

The wrap dress rocks because you’ve usually got several inches of play in the waistline so it will love you through several dress sizes. And while it’s at it, the wrap dress can be quite flattering, with it’s v-neck and fitted styling that will accent whatever waist you’ve got that month. I’ve also had pretty good luck nursing in wrap dresses, if I layer a tank underneath them. (though, for the curious, I’m not currently nursing lol)

I double-love my new thrift store find because it’s a cotton with some stretch to it so I don’t have to iron it (wooo-hooo!) and it has these awesome panels in the sides of the bodice, underneath the arms, that are a knit fabric that perfectly matches the rest of the dress and provide some extra give for comfort and for when I’m having a thicker day. (you know about those, right?)

Although it’s a fairly light-weight dress, I was able to rock it in February with this deliciously long, wool blend sweater that I found the same day at the thrift store (it was a jackpot day, as my mother calls it)

This outfit was completely and totally inspired by a visit to one of my new friend’s  blogs–Good Girl Style. Natalie paired a lovely dress with a heavy sweater and boots and that’s what told me to wear the sweater and dress together. (No, I don’t have an inner stylist who tells me exactly what to wear…I’m just a really good copy cat!) Natalie also names her outfits, which I find a delicious way to add even more beauty to the art of getting dressed, so I’m copying her in that, too.

Photo shoots with 6 year olds can be so much fun.

I must mention my hair. This is not a new, trendy style I saw on Pinterest and tried (although I’ve been having fun with hair tutorials lately!). No, this is a loose pinback I figured out worked for my hair about 10 years ago, and I’ve worn it regularly ever since. I think it’s important not to get so caught up in what’s trending or popular that you throw out the personal styles you’ve found are perfect for the hair and face God gave you. Just sayin’.

The purple wool felt flower pin was the perfect accessory for this outfit. Sometimes I have trouble figuring out finishing touches. This one was a no-brainer.

Rings are my all-time favorite piece of jewelry. Smooth polish stones are what I’m attracted to, as well as abstract silver creations. The amethyst on my right hand is my absolute favorite ring…sadly, it’s not as flexible as my wrap dress and I can only wear it on very skinny days. LOL

What’s your favorite jewelry zone? Earrings, rings, necklace, bracelets, or…?

Find more style inspiration just for mom’s in my book, Embracing Beauty!

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