I’ve been dressing very simply the past few months, but putting on a pretty piece every once in a while has been such a mental pick-me-up! I’m partnering with Nordstrom to also share a few sale picks below at steep discounts, plus their 15% off beauty promo on many popular brands (Update: deal just ended).
I was drawn to this romantic dress for its adjustable and forgiving features, such as ribbon tie shoulder straps and a very stretchy smocked bodice. The fabric is lightweight with embroidered dots and layers of flowy skirt ruffles. The bust area is lined, and the skirt is lined down to the mid thigh area. I tried on both XS and S, and found XS to fit as described like a 00 / 0 and should work on ladies similar to my pre-pregnancy size. XS was actually stretchy enough to fit me in my late second trimester (thanks to the fully smocked midsection), but I sized up for room to grow into, since I can always alter it down in the future!
Measurements of sz S: 14.5″ across the bust, smocked torso is 12.75″ across stretching easily to ~15″ across. Midi length works as a maxi on me with flats (5′ tall)!
Stylish Deals on Pieces I Own or Tried
- Halogen petite floral dress at 40% off, still available in xxs petite. I tried this on and it didn’t fit my pregnancy figure, but I thought it was TTS and a great work-to-weekend piece!
- Topshop jeans at 50% off! Note waists are fitted & run 1 size small, also I find their petite denim lengths to be pretty short.
- White Jamie jeans in petite & regular for $35 (originally $70)!
- Raw hem Jamie jeans in petite & regular for $40
- Lighter summer weight cardigans
- 60% off Nic & Zoe 4-way cardigan in black or white. See petite P on me in a different fabric
- 60% off Halogen linen cardigan. I have & love an older, longer version of this cardigan in the same fabric and same “tan cobblestone” color. See the longer one on me here & here.
- Vince Camuto ankle booties for 60% off!! Very flattering & versatile – See on me here.
15% off Beauty Sale
I’m not sure when this promo ends (Update: deal just ended unfortunately), but it includes tons of brands such as Laura Mercier, Clinique, Shiseido, Kiehl’s, Armani, Lancome and more!
- Products that I use daily, including these from my 10-minute makeup video:
- Stila liquid eyeliner in black
- MAC lipstick in “velvet teddy”
- Shiseido eyelash curler great for almond eye shapes
- Anastasia Brow wiz + mini brow gel set for quick brows on-the-go (I use “Ebony”)
- Jo Malone products including their wood, sage & sea salt scent
Hi Jean, Clearly you’re a very intelligent person (and a darn good writer). So I’ve been confused by your promotion of certain linked sites in your recent post about racism. Some of the writing on those sites seems little more than a call to revolution and civil war. Does that thinking really reflect your personal viewpoint?
Today, as the daughter of a World War II veteran, I was saddened to read that various World War II memorials in this country are now defaced. The one in Charlotte now has a hammer and sickle.
Many of the business properties destroyed by the rioting and looting were that of minority-owned businesses. Does ‘black Lives matter’ matter to those responsible for this chaos? Or is “the revolution” more important to them? The BLM movement–originally about racial equality–has been hijacked. The current members, many of whom know little to nothing about history, are full of hatred and will not stop. Along with the group Antifa, they want anarchy, revolution, and civil war leading to a communist regime instead of the representative republic we now have. Week by week, this sad fact becomes that much more clear.
I can no longer follow your site because it just makes me sad, but I felt compelled to write one last time today. I wish you and your family the very best and will miss keeping up with your stuff. Your website and great clothing ideas have meant so much to me over the last few years of my weight-loss journey. (At 5’2″, I went from 138 pounds down to 112 while caring for my elderly parents; I ended up replacing most of the clothes in my walk-in closet, which was such fun!)
Take care and God bless.
What a beautiful dress!
Mireia from TGL
I love spotted/dotted pieces, and this dress is both beautiful and fun! It looks great on you. Belated congratulations on your second pregnancy!
Hi Jean, I have been a follower for a long time and have watched you and your family grow. I am grateful that you are taking us along on your journey and look forward to seeing what the future brings. I was looking back at some of the older posts and noticed that there are few piece that you use often. If you had to pick 21 items to create a timeless wardrobe with a reliable selection of essential items with what is in your closet, that could easily stand alone, transition from season to season and make day-to-day dressing infinitely easier, what would those items be?
Hi Ursula, thank you for taking the time to leave your kind comment and suggestion. I don’t know about 21, but I’ve been thinking about maybe the top 10 items of essentials (that are ideally still available or similar) for a future post!
Jean, I love the picture of you and Nori!! You have such grace and style. Your blog is great! Lots of love and best wishes to your growing family’
Thank you so much, Michelle! So kind of you, best wishes to you and your family. xx
Loving your beauty finds!
Briana
Dear Jean,
I am a long time follower of your blog. You look beautiful, as always. I’m so happy for you and your beautiful family. Best of luck with your second pregnancy and the new place. Thank you for sharing your beauty, fashion, cooking ideas, and your personal stories. Love reading them! God bless!
Hi there – thank you so much for your sweet and uplifting message! I truly appreciate it. Wishing all the best to you and your family xx