The ruffled little black dress

off shoulder black cocktail dress houston tx

Soprano dress xs, Bristols 6 nippies covers (the best!), similar sandals, Baublebar earrings, Cult Gaia bag c/o, Celine sunglasses

If you’re looking for an affordable cocktail dress, this one fits like a glove (with lots of stretch) and would work nicely for parties, engagement photos, or even a medium-dressy wedding! Some of the reviews refer to the unlined white version (which could be iffy), but I can attest to the black being very slimming. From the front view, you can hardly make out a month 4 belly! Soprano dresses tend to run a little small and fit me snugly pre-pregnancy as well – see their ruffled bodycon dress on me in this older post. Here’s the measurements on this dress for more accurate size reference:

Dress in XS: 12″ across waist, 14″ across hips, 12″ across underarms, 14″ across shoulders, 34″ length.

first trimester maternity dress extra petite
On the topic of special occasions, I’m partnering with Nordstrom today to share some gifting ideas for all sorts of occasions. Their free shipping & returns make for convenient gifting, and I’ve also relied on their e-gift cards for several last-minute needs! Below, I’ve rounded up some tried & true gifts that I’ve either given or received:


For the bride to be: Kate Spade ring dishes – beautiful and functional for keeping next to the bathroom sink or bed.

For a friend in need of pampering: A pretty pajama set (this cropped style is great for petites!) perhaps paired with one of your favorite face masks. I love gifting Fresh value kits like this Rose Hydration Set or this Grapefruit Bodycare Set – they smell so good, it’s hard to resist hoarding one for yourself!

P.S. I’m not sure which retailer Nordstrom is price matching right now, but there are TONS of name brand makeup & skincare products currently “price matched” at 15% off. Fresh is not included, but I saw MAC (bought backups for my favorite everyday lipstick in Velvet Teddy), NARS, Laura Mercier, Kiehl’s, SK-II, Lancome, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, etc included in this price match.

For the home: Did you guys see that Anthropologie home is now online at Nordstrom? No more paying high shipping & returns fees on Anthro’s website … now if only their apparel will follow suit! Their kitchenware can easily be mixed and matched for a custom housewarming gift (I loved receiving pretty Anthro oven mitts and towels, along with mugs and a rolling pin)!

For the sweet tooth’ed: Even though Sugarfina has become ubiquitous, every single little box I receive is always happily devoured! They also come in fun sets ranging from “will you be my bridesmaid,” to thank you, and even green juice gummies for your health-conscious friend to indulge in.

 

little black dress wedding guest maternity style
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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22 Comments

  1. Maily wrote:

    This looks like the Islamic center in the Market Square area in north downtown Houston! Cute little pocket of town that reminds me of New Orleans. Good find for a photo op, Jean!

    Posted 4.1.18 Reply
  2. Lisa Schryburt wrote:

    Wow! This dress is perfection on you! So classy and sexy. Love it.

    Posted 3.28.18 Reply
  3. Katya wrote:

    Love that gorgeous black dress! You are rockin it!

    StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

    Posted 3.26.18 Reply
  4. Maureen wrote:

    Gorgeous dress! Love that it is simple and yet very pretty. The sleeves ruffles add a bit of fun! You are glowing and love the little bump! You are a beautiful mama to be!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Posted 3.25.18 Reply
  5. Jandrew wrote:

    This black dress is just about perfect for an LBD on high rotation. Looks fit for many occasions.
    Jandrew
    Dress The Part
    http://www.jandrewspeaks.com

    Posted 3.24.18 Reply
  6. Deasy @ Rose Gold Rhyme wrote:

    This dress is darling. It has a neckline that is so feminine and yet modest. Looking forward to seeing more baby bumps ^_^

    http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com

    Posted 3.24.18 Reply
  7. Jenny Yang wrote:

    Your little bump is the cutest in this dress!
    xx jen
    http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/

    Posted 3.24.18 Reply
  8. Petite Teacher wrote:

    Dear Jean. You look very pretty and proud in this cute LBD. I especially love the photo from the side where you proudly show us your baby belly and share a shy proud smile with us too. So sweet! Love, Lieske

    Posted 3.24.18 Reply
  9. Dee wrote:

    Jean, I love the dress. You’re always so elegant! I’ve been following your blog since it was under the previous name lol. I love it.

    I was wondering, what do you think of the Hunter By Target rainboots? Your thoughts would be appreciated!

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  10. Antri C. | Beauty Blogger & Reviewer wrote:

    I like your blog a lot! I need to make save some to my pinterest boards ASAP! xoxo

    http://hiddeninbeauty.com

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  11. Lauren Lewow wrote:

    Hi Jean – I’ve got a black tie event coming up and want something that feels like spring instead of the usual. Any recommendations about brands to check out and their sizing?

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  12. May wrote:

    You look so pretty in that dress! LBDs are always a winner. Also, can’t believe you are on month 4 already! Hope you are enjoying every moment of it 😀

    May || http://themoderness.com/

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  13. Kelcy wrote:

    Very cute and most of all simple.

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  14. Jenn B. wrote:

    Oh my goodness, your cute little bump! You always look fantastic, but pregnancy has been your best look yet. Go mama!

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  15. Shelby wrote:

    You look great and congratulations on your pregnancy! I was just at Nordstrom’s looking at cocktail dresses for an upcoming event and had a question. I noticed that you are wearing beige sandals with a black dress – what are the fashion rules about wearing beige sandals rather than black? I bought a black dress and a pair of black Jimmy Choo patent leather sandals but I’m wondering if I should have gotten the beige ones instead. This is an evening event. Thanks!

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  16. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    Your black dress is beautiful Jean! I love the ruffles, it looks amazing!

    Happy Friyay!!
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  17. Butterbiscuits wrote:

    Love the dress! Are you using a strapless maternity bra? I’m 5’0 and usually wear xs but during pregnancy I just had to retire all my strapless bras because the underwire was uncomfortable and I needed the extra support. I wore mine for ages as I ended up breastfeeding (and loved it!) but literally never wore strapless outfits for well over a year. Please do a post on strapless bras for pregnancy I’d love to read your suggestions. Congratulations on your pregnancy, enjoy every moment it’s such a beautiful time and passes very quickly! xx

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  18. Marjorie wrote:

    This Little black dress is stunning and I love your bag too.
    It’s so beautiful!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  19. Tracy Oskolkoff wrote:

    I absolutely love the dress! You look amazing! Dying to buy one. Thank you for your style as I often am given a hard time for dressing up daily and I struggle to feel comfortable in casual.

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  20. Elizabeth wrote:

    This dress is sooo beautiful <3 🙂 I love the sleeve details! And ohh thank you so much for sharing these great tips for

    XO, Elizabeth
    http://clothestoyouuu.com/

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  21. Jessica wrote:

    ❤️ That you included a baby bump profile peek for us 😊. All your followers are so happy for you and Nick! And thanks for the tip on Anthro Home at Nordstrom– definitely love the free shipping!

    Posted 3.23.18 Reply
  22. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    Oh, so cute and girly, but at the same time sophisticated! Love the form-fitting shape, so good for us petite girls. 🙂

    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 3.22.18 Reply

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