On Nick – J.Crew 484 pants, J.Crew oxford shirt, Tod’s moccasins
This lace dress (comes in 3 colors) is one of my random finds from a small overseas brand that I typically wouldn’t risk ordering from. However, certain colors and sizes in this are currently Amazon Prime eligible (look for the “Prime” icon with free 2-day shipping & returns), so I had nothing to lose trying it on. I was pleasantly surprised – although the quality is not standout (but fair for the price) and I did make some alterations, the dress is overall a very pretty piece that has garnered tons of compliments!
Cut-wise, this dress is not maternity but has a slightly higher waistband that can accommodate a growing bump. I’ve heard from several of you who were happy with it for either wedding guest wear, engagement photos, or for a bridal shower outfit! The length is intended to be “midi,” so works on shorter ladies without hemming needed. There is a side zipper entry, and the outer is an embroidered sheer mesh overlay with an attached nude lining that ends at the knees. Unfortunately sizing only starts in S and above, so will be wide on very petite ladies without alterations.
Size S measures: 15″ across shoulders, 17″ across underarms, 15″ across waistband, 13″ from the top of shoulders to top of waistband, 52″ total length, 22.5″ sleeve length. I got sz S and had the sleeves slimmed and slightly shortened via the armholes. Both the lining and mesh outer fabric have some stretch, except for at the waistband.
For our maternity photos we hired Lace & Luce, a lovely Italian-Canadian couple who were a treat to work with. Jen & Salvatore actually found romance by chance – Jen was vacationing in Italy and got a flat tire, Sal came to the rescue of the damsel in distress, and the rest was history! We did both a sunrise and sunset session with them in two different towns. This set of photos is from sunset in Ravello, which has the most stunning, sweeping views! Jen & Sal took us on a walking tour around town, hitting up several of these charming little nooks and vignettes. They also referred us to Kuts Flowers, a sweet florist who rents her vintage Fiat 500 car for photos. As I mentioned before, we adored our few hours in Ravello and would definitely want to spend a night or two there if we go back!
Hi Jean,
I liked this dress so much that I bought one for my maternity shoot. However I have the same problem as you have. Sleeves are long and loose at the armpits. I took to a tailor and she refused to alter and mentioned it will ruin the dress. Wondering how did you get this alter? At the shoulders? And did the tailor cut the extra piece off or did they just tuck it under the shoulder and stitched it? Looking for some ideas so I can pitch those to my new tailor. Thanks much.
Everything about your blog is 😍!
Been a follower of your blog for years and I have never commented on any blog post. Not sure why but know that your content is refreshing, inspiring and beautiful! Such a pleasure knowing you virtually.
How sweet are your maternity photos!!! I’m absolutely in love with seeing your love captured this way. Lovely location and you both look stunning.I absolutely love your outfit. You and your husband look so happy together. Thank you so much for sharing this over here.
Stunning, Jean! You look incredible. What a perfect place to do maternity photos.
Stunning photos!
PS: I’m sure people have taken your photos everywhere to resell clothing and whatnot, but figured I would bring this listing to your attention anyway in case it wasn’t approved!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142848906198
How sweet are your maternity photos!!! I’m absolutely in love with seeing your love captured this way. Lovely location and you both look stunning. <3 Miss you both and hope the pregnancy is going swimmingly!
Dear Jean. I am totally into floral dresses this season, so I absolutely love your outfit! The photos, dress and location are a super match. It all radiates romance! Love, Lieske
OMG Jean! You look absolutely gorgeous in these photos. The dress is amazing on you and your bump. Everything about this is perfect!
May || http://themoderness.com/
The pics are gorgeous! Love the hair, dress, everything!
One question unrelated to the shoot – what makes the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale infamous?
Thank you, Jenn!
And haha – I say infamous because every blogger posts about this sale, so some shoppers tend to get sick of it before it even begins.
Jean, you look absolutely stunning in these photos! Your bump is just darling. 🙂
That dress is absolutely breathtaking + these photos are just precious. What an amazing way to celebrate before your little one arrives! I bet you’ll cherish these forever. You look radiant.
xx, Laurelle
Your photos are stunning! I am in Boston as well! Can you share where you get your garments tailored? It would be an enormous help for a fellow preggers petite 🙂
Hi Allison – congrats!! I go to Tailor Cai in Chinatown on Knapp Street. He doesn’t speak English but has a lot of non-Chinese customers whom he communicates with just using gestures. If you go to Knapp st (very short street) you’ll see a hair salon and then a sign that says alterations.
Gorgeous, just put this in my Amazon shopping cart! I was recently watching some of your old bun videos. Do you prefer to use a Japanese bump it or a claw clip to give you volume in the front? Is it still possible to buy those Japanese bump its online? They look pretty awesome. Thanks so much!
Hi Daphna – I’ve completely graduated from the bumpit and prefer to use some texturizing spray (like Oribe) and then just tease the hair out a bit with my fingers. The bumpit can snag your pair when you try to take it out.
These photos are so beautiful! X
Wow! So beautiful – the photos, setting, your dress and you guys! Gosh, now it kinda makes me kick myself for not taking maternity photos when I was preggo with my son! Lol Your dress suits you well Jean. The color is very pretty and the print is amazing! Love love these photos!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Beautiful photos Jean! Your dress looks absolutely gorgeous!
I hope you’re having a great Tuesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
What a beautiful location for maternity photos! You and your husband look so happy together. x
http://www.yzwears.com
Your floral maxi dress is adorable and I’m in love with all the wonderful pictures!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Beautiful pictures!
These photos are soo dreamy and beautiful! I love how serene both you and Nick look! <3 🙂 And that dress looks lovely on you!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
So pretty! Maternity photos are always the best, so pretty!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Absolutely breathtaking views and photos. Your pictures look like poster for a movie 😊. Love that maxi dress on you as well.
Aw thank you, Mimi!!
So exciting that you hired a photographer duo that is based out of my hometown, Ottawa! I wish I had chosen to work with Lace & Luce for my wedding! Their photos are incredible!
I seem to keep having good luck with Canadian-based photographers! ; )
Just the sweetest and most romantic love photos of the two of you … love ♥️it! 🌷👍🏻🌷
What a beautiful set of photos, stunning location too! ❤️❤️ You both look so happy and the photos capture it so well! Beyond cute! 🙂
http://charmainenyw.com
Jaw… meet floor!!! I can’t quite put into words the feeling that picture of the two of you with Ravello in the background creates. It’s like showing how small two people are in the immensity of the world, and yet how precious. Far beyond “cute pic / cute dress,” I am just agog at the power of that image and really happy for the two of you. (And cute dress too!! lol)
Thank you so much, Dee! That shot is one of my favorites for the reasons that you so eloquently put into words ; )