alltumbledown

Florida

2013-06-17T11:40:00.002-04:00

{shirt: Pink Rose via Loehmann's // skirt: Loft // shoes: Mattiko via DSW // jacket: Calvin Klein Denim via Century 21 // lace earrings: gift from hubs }

Usual disclaimer: I started off way less wrinkled than these pictures would indicate. A few weeks ago a kosher pop-up BBQ truck visited our 'hood, and we ate our fill of applewood smoked brisket sandwiches before heading home for the bub's bedtime. I wore my new button down blouse, which makes me feel like a 70-something retiree in South Florida. In a good way.

In other news, I finally uploaded pictures from my too-fancy-for-me camera to the computer. Here is a 4-month beauty shot, 3 weeks late. Now that his naps have gotten a bit longer and more regular, it is back to the grindstone for me. I'm hoping to churn out a paper this week and then another over the next month, getting back in mental shape for school to start up again. Maybe he'll even sleep through the night by then! Hey, a girl can dream.

Save it for a Rainy Day

2013-06-05T18:29:00.003-04:00

{cardigan: J. Crew Outlet // striped tee: UO // jean skirt: Loft // rainbooties: Melissa // necklace: Filene's }

Oh hi there. We've hit 4 months postpartum and baby boy is belly laughing, rolling and squawking up a storm. I'm losing hair by the handful (gah), so got my first haircut in nearly a year with some volumizing all-over layers and side bangs to make me feel like I have a style on bun days (yknow, every day). I'm still getting dressed but finding time to take semi-decent shots lacking. On the above day, despite the general drizzly gloom, I got a blissful 3 hours of nap. Hello, outfit pictures (and laundry. The neverending laundry.)

Transitioning

2013-05-13T10:33:00.002-04:00

{sweater: J. Crew Factory // skirt: Max Studio Jeans // booties: Bamboo // earrings: craft fair in Tel Aviv }

My life right now consists of a lot of floor time, giggling and cooing with our nearly 4-month-old bub. I think I need to just accept wrinkles as an occupational hazard. We're still transitioning to warm weather here, hence the sweater + booties + bare legs (!) combination.

And here you have my favorite hair-do of late. I often shower at night after baby is asleep, and wake up with crazy hair that needs taming. This look has been my salvation: french-braid and pin back the front, pull out a strand or two, and stick the rest of it in a bun. Takes about 30 seconds, stays all day, and I don't look like I stuck my finger in an electric socket. Win.

Spring. Maybe.

2013-05-02T09:37:00.004-04:00

{striped dress: BCBG via Ross // sandals: Lucky Brand // jacket: Calvin Klein Jeans // necklace: Banana Republic via hubs }

Yesterday certainly felt like spring, but I've been fooled several times now over the past month. Holding my horses over here. I've been loving the maxi dress now that btd is playing on the floor, and this stripey number actually has sleeves long enough to wear on its own. Since it was still a bit chilly I paired it with the jean jacket (not my first choice, but I couldn't find the one I wanted to wear. It was on the couch. My brain and I need to have a little chat).

Wearing this dress felt like celebrating the body I currently have, flabby bits and all. No hiding behind stiff fabric or a smoothing tank top, just me and the softly flowing jersey. Coming to terms with my postpartum figure, with its wider hips, larger bust and doughy stomach is taking time, but it felt rather freeing to embrace it in this body-conscious look. My body has done some pretty fantastic things over the past year and I'm learning to embrace it.

Behind the Camera: Or, Ode to a Chambray Shirt

2013-05-01T08:43:00.000-04:00

These days, I find myself behind the lens far more frequently than in front of it. Lots of outfits worn, few documented. So here are a few shots of what I've been wearing from Instagram, because taking a shot in a mirror is about what I'm capable of at the mo.

{Old Navy star chambray shirt // American Apparel skirt // French Connection sweater // Corso Como boots}

An oldie but this was one of my first solo jaunts with babytumbledown, and my first wear of what has become a closet staple, the Old Navy star print chambray. I've been wearing button-down tops nonstop while breastfeeding, but most of mine just.wouldn't.close over my impressive new bust. Yup, I currently rock a size that I didn't even know existed prior. Thanks to Old Navy, I have a few inexpensive button downs that do indeed button (ok, I sewed a snap in between a few buttons for extra coverage). The fit on the rest of me isn't the best, but with a sweater and rolled up sleeves nobody is the wiser.

{F21 chambray // J. Crew pencil skirt // Hue tights // Target booties // baby}

Bring baby to work (school) day, as I prepared for my second-year meeting with the members of my orals committee. The above was taken after I successfully located the lactation room on campus AND a bathroom with a changing table (and, yknow, wrote a progress report and filed my first-year thesis in my portfolio). Felt rather accomplished that day.

{F21 chambray shirt // grey H&M grandpa cardigan // J Crew Outlet pencil skirt}

Continuing the theme of chambray skirt + colored pencil skirt above, I wore this to coffee with friends and out to pick up some more baby socks (where do they go?!? Actually, I know the answer to that question: inside all the other items in the laundry. Discovered this when I got dressed the other day and found a baby sock inside my sleeve.) I was considerably less wrinkled when I got dressed.

So, in a word: chambray.

Leopard Stripe

2013-04-18T21:49:00.002-04:00

{striped tee: Target // jean jacket: Calvin Klein Denim // skirt: American Apparel // tights: Hue // leopard booties: Target // scarf: Filene's}

We're almost at 3 months postpartum here, folks, and I have finally laid my maternity clothes to rest. Except for one item-- my much-worn denim pencil skirt, because I don't have one in my wardrobe and I just love it to pieces. Wearing it now, however, entails doing the hike-up dance every few feet if I walk too far, a pretty good reminder that it should be in the box with the rest of its compatriots.

The outfit above was hopefully the last tights day of the season. I do love jean jacket weather, which seems to last but a moment each spring/fall, so I'm not complaining about the temps any time soon. 68 and sunny, bring it on.

Leather Pencil

2013-03-21T14:22:00.003-04:00

{purple leather pencil skirt: DKNY via ebay // cream blouse: Lohemann's // grey cardigan: H&M // black tights: Hue // black flats: Nine West }

Our first Saturday back in synagogue with the baby, and out to lunch at friends afterward. It has been so nice to settle back into our social life with baby in tow! He loves crowds, and is generally well-behaved (and super sleepy) when we're out. I may just need to invite 30 people every night at bedtime.

Drape

2013-03-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

{rust tunic: via Ross // grey cardigan: Express // navy pencil skirt: via Ross // navy sweater tights: Hue // silver sparkley loafers: Nine West via Marshall's // spectacles necklace: F21 }

Not only did I get dressed today, but I actually took outfit shots. Thank heaven for a baby who for the first time this week decided to nap somewhere other than my arms (we're dealing with a bit of colic here and holding him seems to be the only way he'll sleep during the day instead of screaming). Thankfully, he is pretty much perfect at night-- sleeps for 5-6 hours, feeds once, and heads back to sleep for another 3-4, so I'm relatively well-rested and equipped to deal with the daytime fussiness.

The above has been pretty standard for an actual getting-dressed outfit. There have been plenty of days when a nursing tank, zipup and yoga pants sufficed, but I'm trying to get out at least once a day now and find myself reaching for drapey tops that can be easily lifted for nursing, pencil skirts because I have a waist for the first time in nearly a year, and fun shoes to keep it all from being too dull. And of course, the topknot, because some days, washing my hair is simply out of the question.

My favorite recent shot of the bub (those cheeks. I die.):

Weeks 37-39

2013-02-20T11:06:00.001-05:00

A few last licks of pregnancy before venturing into the scary waters of postpartum style blogging.

{camel pullover: Old Navy Maternity // jean skirt: maternity basement boutique // sweater tights: Hue // caramel booties: Bamboo via Marshall's // flower earrings: F21 }

{emerald sweater: H&M // leopard skirt: Asos Maternity // black tights: H&M // caramel booties: Bamboo // cameo necklace: gift from Mom }

and finally, the day before going into labor (3.5 days before the baby was born. Yep, I was in labor for two and a half days. Fun!)

{striped tee: H&M Maternity // skirt: Daffy's (RIP) // sweater tights: Hue // booties: Bamboo // heart locket necklace: Urban Outfitters // scarf: Israel // beanie: H&M }

Welcome, babytumbledown.

2013-01-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

He's here! Born 12:38 AM on Thursday, January 24th.

We're smitten.

Invested

2013-01-10T18:47:00.004-05:00

{striped tee: Old Navy maternity // grey sweater vest: Urban Outfitters // black pencil skirt: MeMois maternity // cream sweater tights: via Daffy's // caramel boots: Corso Como // belt: H&M // earrings: dollar store // gold headband: F21 }

An outfit of neturals, spiced up with some accessories (headband, dangly earrings, belt). While I usually reserve belting right under my bustline for skinny belts, this sturdier number seemed to fit the bill for 9 months-pregnant sweater wrangling in a way something thinner simply couldn't. One benefit to the giant stomach? My chest has never looked smaller/more unobtrusive. Who knew?

Giant Sweater Land

2013-01-05T22:16:00.002-05:00

{sweater: via Daffy's // tee: Old Navy maternity // skirt: MeMois maternity // leggings: Forever 21 // socks: via Ross // booties: Target // necklace: Loft }

If you're looking for me, I plan on hanging out in giant sweater land until this baby is born. Because, let's be honest, why would I wear anything else? Other than my snuggie, that is.

T-3 weeks and counting 'til my due date. 1 paper left to write. An entire second freezer (thank you, Mom!) to stock so I won't be stuck eating pasta for the next 3 months. Oh, and one husband currently on a nightfloat (7 PM- 7 AM) rotation in the ICU. Bring it on.

Warm and Sequined

2012-12-18T10:30:00.001-05:00

{sparkle dress: Sweet Romeo via Loehmann's // white stretchy tee: H&M // grey sweater vest: Urban Outfitters // black tights: MeMoi maternity // booties: Bamboo via Marshall's // belt: Goodwill Outlet // earrings: craft fair in Tel Aviv }

This outfit was the result of looking through my closet and wondering: "Hey, does __ still fit?" Thankfully, the answer was (mostly) yes, at least for this outfit. I chose the glitz for a day at the library, but it turned out that I had forgotten about the history department's holiday party that evening, so I was appropriately (if unexpectedly) dressed for the occasion. Say hello to my new booties: they were $10, will most likely fall apart soon, and I love them. I guess all good things must come to an end at some point, so don't be alarmed if you catch me wearing the heck out of these while they last.

Mustard

2012-12-13T21:11:00.001-05:00

{tank: Old Navy maternity // sweatshirt: Old Navy maternity // skirt: basement maternity boutique // tights: Daffy's (bd'e) // booties: Target // necklace: gift from Mom }

This drapey wrap sweatshirt is perfect for days when I want to be wrapped up in something comfortable and warm without looking like I'm wearing hubs' clothes. Yknow, like everyday. I decided to pair it with these crazy tights and basics for a mullet-like effect. Bet you didn't see those bright, metallic, patterned tights coming on the scrolldown.

Date Night

2012-12-10T14:54:00.001-05:00

{sweater: Old Navy maternity // jean jacket: Calvin Klein Jeans via Century 21 // patterned pencil skirt: Asos maternity // boots: Corso Como via Nordstrom Rack // earrings: gifted by hubs }

Over the past few weeks we've been trying to maximize our together-time, which, given hubs' internship schedule, is pretty minimal (he's working 14 days straight starting today. Boo.) This outfit was worn on a Sunday two weeks ago when we went out for a lovely dinner and then to our most romantic spot, the grocery store. He treated me to a pomegranate. A swoon-worthy gift, indeed.

Speaking of gifts, happy Chanukkah, my dear readers! May your latkes be crispy, your candles be bright, and your chocolate gelt come only in milk variety (nothing worse than dusty dark chocolate coins in my book). We're planning a little soiree for my cohort/hubs' co-interns this week, so my frantic paperwriting will simply have to take a backseat to doughnut-making and latke-frying. While my fingers will surely protest after peeling all those potatoes (20 lbs white and 10 lbs sweet currently hanging out on my counters), my brain will hopefully say thanks.

Final note: we're looking to upgrade our photography equipment before babytumbledown arrives. Thoughts on DSLRs vs. the new interchangable lens compact cameras for not-too-technical amateur photogs? Do you have a camera that you particularly LOVE?

Grecian Urn

2012-12-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

{maxi: Olian Maternity via basement boutique // cardigan: Target Maternity // scarf: gifted by cousin // booties: Target // earrings: gift from hubs // necklace: Loft}

This might just be the most comfortable outfit I've ever worn. Call it a glorified nightgown, but this jersey dress is so soft that I may just continue wearing it after babytumbledown graces us with his/her arrival.

Ode to Stripes

2012-12-03T17:58:00.001-05:00

{blazer: H&M // striped tee: H&M maternity // boots: Corso Como // scarf: gift from cousin // bag: Michael Kors }

Oh, stripes. How do I love thee? Thou art sweeter than a summer's day, and all that jazz. While you look pretty neat normally, I've especially been loving you all bendy-like across my burgeoning midsection. Paired with a bright blazer, my everpresent denim skirt and a pair of riding boots, this outfit took me from a shopping trip to the library to dinner with friends.

What to Wear When You're Expecting

2012-11-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm well into my third trimester I thought I'd share a few of my recent staples, which combine both maternity basics and items I owned previously. I've tried to use images of the actual items when possible.

Maternity Tops by alltumbledown featuring madewell

{1. drapey maternity pullover // 2. chunky maternity wrap sweater // 3. maternity tee // 4. striped maternity tank // 5. chiffony-blouse // 6. cameo earrings // 7. colored blazer // 8. jean jacket // 9. cotton cardigan // 10. infinity scarf // 11. statement necklace //}

Fitted maternity tanks, drapey sweaters and cardigans, blazers to keep everything streamlined and large accessories to balance my changing body have been my go-tos of late. Tees, tanks and pullovers tend to be maternity, while blazers and cardigans are standard sizes. Throwing on a chunky scarf to keep warm without adding too much bulk is a near-daily occurrence.

Skirts, Dresses and Shoes by alltumbledown featuring a knee length pencil skirt

{1. lace cocktail dress // 2. jersey cotton tank dress // 3. jersey midi dress with sleeves // 4. embellished loafers // 5. black riding boots // 6. jean pencil skirt // 7. patterned pencil skirt // 8. black pencil skirt // 8. brightly colored pencil skirt // 9. brown booties //}

Since I wear skirts 99% of the time, I decided not to buy any maternity pants. I've been rocking the pencil skirt in various iterations: patterned, black, brightly-colored and the ultimate everyday staple, denim. Dresses layered with cardigans and blazers have served me well-- a maxi for comfort, jersey midi dress for day or night (aka synagogue, my standard dress-up site), and one banging cocktail option for special occasions. I've been making the most of my flats/boots and standard sized sweater tights (no uncomfortable elastic digging into my midsection!), though I do have a few pairs of maternity stockings in the rotation.

Cowl

2012-11-26T07:41:00.002-05:00

{cowlneck sweater: H&M // jean skirt: basement maternity boutique // tights: MeMoi Maternity // booties: Target // earrings: gift from oldest sister }

A few weeks ago I hit up the local mall with a newly-pregnant friend looking for some good transition pieces to get her past the too big for regular/too small for maternity phase, and managed to find a few items for myself in standard sized shops. Like this sweater, which I purchased in the pictured emerald green and a blindingly bright orange at H&M, which was having 2-for-1 sweater deal. Something tells me the loose fit (currently filled by my 8-month belly) will be a godsend in the 4th trimester.

Snuggled

2012-11-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

{white tee: Old Navy Maternity // camel sweater: Joe Fresh // leopard skirt: Asos Maternity // tights: Hue // booties: Target // cowl: Gap // necklace: Target }

Creative layering for the win. In the absence of too many sweater options, I've discovered the short-sleeved sweater + long-sleeved tee combo, which works surprisingly well at keeping me warm. Drapey on top and sleek on the bottom, this outfit felt like a current translation of my pre-maternity style.

Responding to Criticism

2012-11-18T10:28:00.001-05:00

Last week I shared a bit about Jewish modesty and my experiences with it on Clothed Much, a style blog written by a fellow preggo, the always-stylish Elaine Hearn. While most of the comments it garnered were positive, one really stuck in my craw, and I've decided to respond to it publicly:

Anonymous

November 13, 2012 1:02 PM

Nina is misrepresenting jewish modesty. It's not only about the clothing you wear, its also about how you carry yourself and how you represent the jewish faith.
By publicly writing that you decided that hair covering is "not for you", you are basically admitting that you are a hypocrite.
Either you follow the jewish laws of modesty or you don't. You don't pick and choose what you decide you can do.

My thoughts:

As I've said repeatedly on this blog, I don't claim to represent Jewish modesty at large here. I couldn't possibly do that, with so many differing interpretations of every aspect of dress and comportment. I merely represent myself and my personal interaction with the modesty restrictions-- some of which I follow to a T, some of which I don't. Judaism, as with any belief system manifesting itself in practical behavior, is not a monolith: you will find Jewish communities where hair-covering, to take the example pointed at above, is enacted through routine shaving of the head, covering with a short synthetic wig and then a hat. You will also find plenty of communities where hair is not covered-- and that doesn't make the adherents any less Jewish. You see, in this post-modern age without a unified religious leadership and a multiplicity of interpretations of ancient texts and more recent law codes, "picking and choosing" is part of the game. You can choose to adhere to a strict, Satmar Hasidic interpretation of Jewish law, which in some sense takes away personal agency and replaces it with surety of practice, or to interpret most laws metaphorically/historically, keeping the message without the actual ritual. Both are Jewish, and nobody-- not me, not a rabbi, not the anonymous commenter above-- has the right to take that away from you.

The legality of not covering my hair notwithstanding (if you are interested in some source analysis that suggests it might not be required, click over here), I adamantly object to the commenter above claiming that one particular interpretation of Jewish law is singularly true. This type of self-righteousness is divisive, non-productive and completely ignorant of the many historical forces that have led to today's normative practice, some of which would utterly shock many of the more traditionally observant who often retroject their current practice onto the past. Varying levels of practice may align the individual with different communities, but the claim of misrepresenting "the Jewish faith" is grossly offensive.

So to my anonymous interlocutor: I will continue to use this space to explore modesty in its various iterations: usually, through my personal style posts, though sometimes branching out into other faith communities and traditions. I will continue to "pick and choose," as will you, and as we all do. And I will continue to assert that I am no less Jewish than the Hasid or member of the Reform community doing the very same.

Floral Pencil

2012-11-16T15:18:00.001-05:00

{floral pencil skirt: Asos Maternity // tank: Target // cardigan: F21 // shoes: Miz Mooz // necklace: DIY'd from old earring }

In a riff on what seems to be my theme lately, here we have yet another pencil skirt-tank-cardigan combo, this time from before the cold truly hit (Exhibit A: bare legs. See you again in April). This funky print has proven itself to be decidedly versatile, a must in my maternity wardrobe, since one-off pieces won't really help stretch my sartorial budget as far as possible. In fact, looking at these pictures has inspired me to wear it again tomorrow, cold-weather style (I'm thinking of my new velvet tuxedo blazer with some sort of crewneck sweater underneath, tights and heeled black boots. Then again, the best plans sometimes fall apart minutes before heading out the door to synagogue, so we'll see what I actually end up wearing).

Laced Up

2012-11-12T18:02:00.000-05:00

{lace dress: Ripe Maternity via ebay // peeptoes: Seychelles via ebay // watch and necklace: gifts from Dad}

'Twas the day before the hurricane, and two daredevil Philadelphians braved the New Jersey Turnpike in a state of emergency to make a wedding. Thankfully it was called for noon, or we might have been stuck there!

When searching for a maternity cocktail dress, I knew I wanted something that would work with me throughout multiple stages of pregnancy, be comfortable, and fit in with my normal, pre-gestating-a-child look. When I found this dress on ebay, I pounced! Ebay has certainly been a friend to me recently, as many women sell barely-used maternity duds for a fraction of the original price after their babies are born. Paired with another ebay find, these suede peeptoes with metallic heel accent, I was a veritable testament to the online auction site.

Rawr

2012-11-10T19:35:00.000-05:00

Say hello to my tiredface.

{tank: Old Navy // cardigan: Target //skirt: Asos Maternity // tights: Hue // boots: Amazon // necklace: F21 }

A few weeks ago, back when the bump was quite a bit smaller. My new rainboots have certainly come in handy with the rainy weather we've been having lately. And nothing says classy like a leopard maternity skirt.

Leopard Sequins

2012-10-29T19:28:00.002-04:00

{black dress: Motherhood Maternity // tank: Target // sequined blazer: Antik Batik via Loehmann's // stockings: Berkshire maternity // boots: Corso Como via Nordstrom Rack // leopard belt: Target }

Last week we hopped in the car right after Shabbat ended and hightailed it to New York for my cousin's engagement party. Without many options of fancyish clothing, I wrangled up this combination, which utilized a basic maternity piece-- the ruched black dress-- and a few non-maternity loves, including the leopard belt and sequined blazer. Topped (bottomed?) it all off with my new boots, which kept me comfortable and the outfit from being too formal. Pictures had to wait until after the party at 1 AM, hence the slightly bedraggled look you see above.

We're hunkered down here for the hurricane (by we I do mean me, since hubs just left for an overnight shift at the hospital). I have flashlights, candles, apple pumpkin spice muffins and seasons upon seasons of Alias to keep me company. Let's just hope the power stays on, and good luck to all of you!