I wrote this for my newly pregnant friends who asked me if there was anything valuable I learned during my recent pregnancy. If you’re a mama-to-be (or the spouse of one), this might help you, too!

Eating eggs can reduce morning sickness.

I discovered this by accident. I had been feeling nauseous for most of my first trimester, until Mr. Wonderful and I went on vacation and stayed at a bed and breakfast. The wonderful hosts made us eggs every morning, and I happily noticed that by coincidence my nausea had disappeared. Until we were served French toast one morning. Turns out there were something about eggs that just made me feel better (and it wasn’t the protein, because when I tried to sub the eggs with chicken one day, I still felt sick).

Prenatal yoga took away most of my aches and pains.

Before I was pregnant, I tried yoga twice and hated it. I’m one of the most inflexible people I know, and felt self-conscious about my limited abilities while everyone else was bending into pretzels. But I was already feeling some achy pain in my first trimester, so when a local studio offered some free introductory classes, I thought, why not? After the first week, I felt an immediate improvement. I ended up committing to prenatal yoga twice a week, but noticed the aches would return if I skipped more than a couple of classes in a row. (Bonus: I also had a relatively easy delivery, although there’s no proof that was from the yoga.)

Probiotics can help relieve constipation.

If first trimester was about nausea, then second trimester was about dealing with constipation. My OB advised prunes and stool softeners which provided some relief, but not entirely. It wasn’t until my sister (who is a practicing dietician) suggested I start taking probiotics for overall health improvement that I happily discovered it helped with regularity, too.

Salad can make you sick.

Raw seafood and cold meats may be the notorious foods to avoid while you’re pregnant, but don’t overlook salad which can also have listeria. I had a wretched food poisoning experience due to a salad I ate at a local, mid-range restaurant. Having previously worked at a fine dining restaurant, I know that greens don’t always get properly washed and should have known better.

Life is a miracle.

It really is. I know this is an odd one to throw in the list, but it’s also the most valuable thing I learned. I absolutely hated being pregnant during my first trimester, and wondered why anybody would want to do it more than once. But when I felt Little V starting to kick towards the end of my second trimester, I realized I knew the answer. Life is a miracle, and it’s an amazing process to experience a little being growing inside of you.

For my mama readers – what are some valuable things you learned while you were pregnant?

This was the last dress I wore before I delivered Little V. My body was big, different and uncomfortable, but I remember loving how my bump looked and how the dress flowed and felt on me. There was still a sense of feeling attractive in a womanly way, as I carried a new life.

I write this post-partum as I’m wearing a pair of Depends.

It’s amazing what sorts of thoughts run through your head even when your new priority is keeping a baby alive. Your sleep-deprived self is functioning on 1-hour sleep increments and still you have time to think about how your gut is now a deflated tire, how ungracefully you waddle to the bathroom as you grimace from the stitches, and how you hate the hot chick that walked by your car on the way home from the hospital.

Oh, I know the weight usually comes off eventually. Watch what you eat, breastfeed, get some exercise, etc. I get it. But this isn’t about body-envy. It’s about feeling insecure even in the midst of a beautiful thing that just happened in your life. It’s about reading how (insert celebrity name) bounced back from her pregnancy in a matter of weeks in time to wear a bikini for the next runway show. It’s about catching up with your fashion blog reading and feeling a keen sense of personal ugliness.

“Be gentle with yourself,” a friend tells me recently. Tears well up in my eyes and suddenly I’m sobbing, but it feels good. I let myself cry. I had not been doing that.

I think of my daughter, who I have the great responsibility to raise, and pray that I can one day remember to tell her the same. To be gentle with herself. That it’s ok to cry, to let yourself feel, no matter how silly it may seem. That she will always, always be beautiful to me.

Nha Khanh Molly dress (rent it here), Kate Spade Cami crossbody bag (on sale here!)

It might be Valentine’s Day weekend, but Mr. Wonderful and I are opting to celebrate by lounging and relaxing at home. If you also want to relax and unwind, you may consider trying some cbd vape products from Everyday Delta. Every spare day is becoming precious, with the knowledge in the back of our minds it could possibly be our last one together with just the two of us. Discover the new PG Slot เว็บใหม่ and explore an upgraded gaming experience like never before.

Though Banana Republic launched its Sunday Sunday lounge collection a little over a year ago, I only discovered it a few months back. This cozy mint sweater has accommodated my growing stomach nicely, and is the perfect layer to throw on over a fitted shirt. It’s been one of my go-to pieces, but only recently did I realize I never took a photo of it for my blog!

Dragging a grumbling Mr. Wonderful off the couch, he took a few quick shots so I could share it here. I’m so appreciative of him. Many people don’t realize that behind most fashion blogs is a significant other who is unpaid and would rather be doing something (anything) else other than taking photos of their girl making comical poses as strangers walk by. But they do it because they want to support us. They believe in us.

Now that’s love.

How will you be spending Valentine’s Day?

Banana Republic sweater (similar style), H&M MAMA jersey top in dark blue/striped, Banana Republic jeans (similar)

I had long taken what was maternity-friendly out of my closet and hung them onto a clothing rack for simplification purposes. Opening my closet door and staring at my complete wardrobe again felt like a foreign act, though it was only a mere six months ago that I was still able to wear most of these clothes. Old friends, I thought, will any of you take me back?

I spent the next hour trying on every top I remembered as being big and blousy on me before. Most of them barely covered half of my ever-growing belly, except for this old leopard silk piece from Joe Fresh. Bingo. The second to last button pulled just the teeniest bit, but it worked. Something about it just made me feel a little more put together, even when paired with ripped jeans and a pair of Keds.

This blouse will probably only fit me for a couple more weeks, but until then, it feels good to wear something old again. Really good.

Is there a beloved piece in your closet you haven’t worn in awhile?

Joe Fresh leopard blouse (similar, this one is 80% off!), Aritzia Diderot sweater, Banana Republic jeans (similar), Urban Outfitters mini reversible tote bag, Keds x Kate Spade glitter shoes

Linking with The Fashion Canvas and Walking in Memphis

In the world of black dresses, a red one is extremely hard to find. Mr. Wonderful loves it when I wear red (and who doesn’t remember Julia Roberts’ fantastic version in Pretty Woman? Or Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face?), but even in pre-pregnancy I only owned a few pieces.

First, it has to be the right shade for your skin tone. The spectrum of red ranges from an orangey tomato to cherry to a burgundy hue, and despite fashion magazines telling me that all Asian women should wear red in orange-based tones, I know I look best in cherry red (maybe because I’m ridiculously pale).

Then once you finally find the right color, there are the usual issues of fabric, style and fit. So imagine my curiosity when I came across a brand at Nordstrom called Tees by Tina. Their red dress seemed to be just the right color, but there was only one size available. As in, “One-Size-Fits-Most.”

Huh?

The claim made me think of those stretchy, ruched tops you sometimes see vendors selling in beach towns. Does anyone actually buy them? How is it possible that a size 2 can wear the same piece as a size 10? Or that a dress can look equally flattering on a slim woman as a full-term pregnant one? But this was Nordstrom, not a street vendor. And after doing a quick search, it seemed that other bloggers of all shapes and sizes were fans of this brand. So I decided to give it a try.

Despite my disbelief, the dress is actually flattering. Pregnant belly and all. And really, really comfortable. Mr. Wonderful liked it and was curious if it would fit HIS body (I’ll stop there), and approved of the purchase despite the higher price. With my baby shower, birthday, and Valentine’s Day clustered within weeks of each other, I figured I’d get in at least a few wears before the baby comes. Hoping this dress will work post-pregnancy, too!

Have you tried Tees by Tina? What do you think of the one-size-fits-most concept?

Tees by Tina Crinkle Dress (other colors), Magaschoni poncho, Loeffler Randall heels (also like these)

It’s hard to believe I’m already in my third trimester, and that in less than two months my life will be unalterably changed. Will she be born with wispy hair and the same boyish looks as I had? Will she take after Mr. Wonderful and have the same triple chin he had as an infant?

Pregnancy has given me added respect to every woman who has gone through this before me. Especially those who have jobs where they stand on their feet all day, or already have other kids to chase. As I prop up my sausage-like swollen feet and legs in front of me while I work at my computer, I wonder, how did you all do it?

I didn’t believe anyone when they told me, but it’s true – first trimester is now a distant memory. I vaguely remember my body being physically miserable and mentally challenged, but I wouldn’t be able to describe it to you anymore.

Are you kidding?? Mr Wonderful burst out, It was the WORST! I had to do everything because you were so sick…” His voice trailed off as I shot him a dirty look.

The nausea eventually wore off. I resumed walking everywhere around the city, started yoga, ate hamburgers again, could get through a workday with a clear head. Aside from my ever-growing belly, I felt fine. No, I felt GREAT.

And then this little person started kicking one day. First it felt like bubbles, and now she’s constantly turning, hiccuping and elbowing my stomach as if to say, “Hey! I’m here. Get ready for me!” And despite the swelling, the ungraceful waddling, the charley horses that wake me up nearly every night, I’m actually getting a little excited. What will she be like?

Two more months.

J.Crew Cambridge cable turtleneck sweater, Nordstrom Halogen twill cape, H&M suede leggings, Coach purse

Asos is one of those websites I’ve always wanted to love (Cute, affordable clothes from Europe! Free shipping! Free returns!) but for one reason or another, it never quite works out. Either the regular sizing is too large, or the petites section is too short. The material tends to feel thin and after two gentle washes, the top I’m wearing here developed not one, not two, but six little holes. Poor quality always makes me feel like I wasted my money no matter how cheap it was. Not a good feeling.

However, I was pleased with the two maternity skirts I recently ordered from them. Both had a much thicker fabric (no underwear lines!) and have held up so far. I never thought horizontal stripes would look flattering on a pregnant frame, but they do, especially when the piece is fitted. Balance it with a drapey swing tee, and you’re good to go!

Have you purchased anything from Asos? What has your experience been like?

Asos Drapey Top (similar), Asos Maternity mini skirt (solid black)

 Photography thanks to Ping!

Happy New Year!

With each passing month comes new weather and unaccustomed weight gain, forcing my pregnant self to figure out (quickly) what I can and can no longer wear. I usually end up with a few outfits that I wear on rotation, though the frequency with which I wear them makes me wonder if my friends think I never wash my clothes.

Case in point: this French Connection gray and black leopard print sweater dress I scored for $20 last month at Marshalls. Scrolling through my Facebook feed recently, I realized that I wore this dress to nearly every casual holiday get together and mini-reunion last month. I wore it during a Marching Band reunion (yes I was a bando). I wore it to the baby shower my sister-in-law threw for me over Christmas. I even wore it on a recent road trip I took with Mr. Wonderful, when I fulfilled my wish of visiting all 50 states in America. Pretty sure my cost per wear is nearing $1 or less!

Do you have any items that you wear so often it feels almost embarrassing?

French Connection dress (similar), Express denim jacket (similar, sale), J.Crew mini Tartine satchel

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the middle of December and thrust into holiday festivities! Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to fit into my usual semi-formal dresses this Christmas season, I recently popped into a Forever 21 store hoping to find an affordable option that would tide me over.

My pre-pregnancy body has always had a hard time finding clothes that fit properly at Forever 21. Either their dresses are too short and too tight (it’s where teenage girls go to find clubbing clothes, after all), or their sweaters and jackets are too baggy and long on my petite frame. Plus the older I get, the less patience I have to shop for something that will only last through a few wears.

I promised my sister (and less enthusiastic shopping partner) I’d do a quick 15-minute walk through the store, and leave if I didn’t see anything. My eyes immediately fell on this dress. Initially it looked like it would be too tight, but after feeling the fabric I decided to give it a try. The shimmery gold knit was decently thick and stretchy, and when the rest of the store didn’t seem to have any other viable options, I headed to the dressing room. I knew it had passed the test when my little sister nodded in approval.

At $25, this dress is a steal. It’s more comfortable than some expensive dresses I own, and hits the right notes between flirty and conservative. Plus I was surprised to find it’s made in Korea! I’ve already worn it to several events this week, washed it three times, and there are no signs of loose threads, fading, or rips. I’m impressed. I’ve warned Mr. Wonderful he’ll probably be seeing me in this dress 6 or 7 times this month, and he just grinned. I don’t think he minds.

What are you wearing to holiday parties this year?

Forever 21 metallic-flecked bodycon dress, Christian Louboutin gold pumps (similar)

The beauty of fashion is that you never have to commit to anything, unlike a lot of other areas in your life. There can be seasons of reinvention, like the time I was in fifth grade and realized blue was a safer color to wear if you wanted to disappear from a bully. Or when I was in middle school and was consumed with the idea of wearing a creamy, lacy chiffon dress for my graduation ceremony.

With my first job out of college, I was barely making enough to pay my monthly rent and daily commute. Shopping was limited to the sales rack at Gap and Old Navy, and I got good at finding $10 jeans and $3 tops. Unfortunately, I also found people don’t take you as seriously when you’re wearing clothes that are obviously from the children’s section (it doesn’t help when you’re petite). I learned classic pieces were often worth the investment, and fitted, tailored clothing can make all the difference.

But being pregnant has brought upon a new season, where another little human being demands to have room to grow in your belly. Gaining a pound a week made me realize I was rapidly losing my waistline. Before I could wear my favorite pencil skirts “one last time,” I had to find new clothing, and with it, a new style.

I’ve never gravitated towards the boho look, but perusing Pinterest soon taught me that loose swing dresses made for chic maternity outfits without requiring the purchase of maternity-specific clothing. This dress from Urban Outfitters allowed me to test drive this style, and now I find myself wearing it once or twice (okay, three times) a week. I love that it’s something I’ll be able to wear not just during or post-pregnancy, but long afterwards, too. Until I fit into my beloved skirts again, that is.

Do you like boho styles? What is your opinion on swing dresses?

Urban Outfitters t-shirt dress (sale), Anthropologie Temesa cardigan (Ebay), Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack (other versions)