nursing in style // the shirt dress

shirt dresses are such a fantastic thing to have in your closet.  they can be dressed up or down, and re-styled in so many ways just by changing your shoes, jewelry or adding a cardigan.

here are three different styles that are definitely closet staples: denim, bright, and black

a girlfriend pointed out that the only downside to full button down style is her sweet babe learned how to pop the buttons. #thingsonlyamamawouldthinkabout

personally, i prefer the styles that come with a cinced waist, but it's so easy to add a belt to the  straight styles, it's hard to complain.  

this is also a fun way to change things up, add a gold belt one day and a red belt the next.  and as i've mentioned a million times before, i'm the cardigans biggest fan.  

why it works // the buttons in the front make nursing really easy to maneuver under your nursing cover, and the lose style of the skirt is forgiving and easy to move in.  i prefer to wear a pair of shorts underneath, mostly because baby movements don't always allow time to channel lady like movements. #honestandtrue 

polka dotted peplum // nursing in style

i'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but i have a strong love for polka dots.  i try to keep my addiction as "mature" as possible. i avoid lime green sometimes and try and pair them with other items that won't embarrass bub-hub, or my children in the future. :)

i have had this shirt for a few years. i actually wore it in my engagement photos. #totesadorbs and now, it's back again.

i have a pretty defined waist, so this style works for me.  i really don't need any extra help in the hip-department, so i like that this peplum lays flat. 

why this works // this is a wrap style shirt, the pattern and peplum make it a little more fun than your standard wrap shirt.  this style makes it really easy to maneuver without having to lift up your entire shirt. and of course, my favorite nursing tanks, always and forever. and the stretchy shorts. winner winner. 

j-crew factory // sheer pink jacquard shorts, polka dot wrap shirt (from a past season)
target // white nursing tank

bohemian market // necklace, similar here

tassels and elastic waist bands // nursing in style

introducing: the outfit i'm going to be wearing anytime i need to look put together this summer. 

honestly though, this entire outfit is so comfy, i'd wear it even when i'm staying in.
ehhhhh,,,maybe,,,but yoga pants are pretty unbeatable. 

i know i've said it before, but i can't get enough of these elastic waist band shorts. i love being able to look cute while still getting my fro-yo fix. these shorts are from j-crew factory and come in poppy (dark-red-pink-ish) and black as well.  i'm hoping to add those to my collection. :)

i'm also obsessed with this tassel necklace.  sweet brittany is the most stylish mama i know, and I'm just obsessed with her little shop! it's so light weight, i can wear it all day and forget it's there.  it's also a built in entertainment piece.  #winnerwinner who ever thought that would be on my list of jewelry criteria?

oh, and fabulous sandals are a must. these vintage beauties were inherited from my sweet nana.  i'm incredibly thankful to have had a nana with fabulous taste.  that inheritance may or may not have also included a large collection of colorful keds.  #tswifthasnothingonnana

why this works // these shorts provide a flattering tailored fit while still being comfortable.  they also allow for "wiggle-room", which is perfect for mamas who are feeling a little less-than-confident with their new post-baby-bodies.

(un)fortunately, i wore out and stretched out my sandals last summer when i was pregs, so this year, i'm on the hunt for a few new pairs. any suggestions for must haves?

p.s. let's be insta-friends! // @sarahgracechastain

p.s.s: do you have an outfit idea?  email me at sarahgracechastain[at]gmail.com

logs & lace // white and gray tassel necklace 
j-crew factory // chambray button down, sheer pink jacquard shorts 
target // white nursing tank
michael kors // vintage, leather sandals 

lilac is the new black // nursing in style

you might be catching on, but i have a few faithfuls in my closet: cardigans, camisoles, toothpick jeans and kendras.   #winnerwinner

j-crew factory (yes, the outlet!) toothpick jeans are my go to because i have midget legs, and they are the only jeans i can buy at ankle length without having to hem. #honestandlazy  they look great with a shirt, tunics, or dressed up with heels.  when your budget is stretched and your fun-money-funds are a little scarce, it's important to find key pieces that fit well and make you feel fantastic in all scenarios. 

why this works // button downs are an obvious go to for nursing, but the flat front is super slimming and flows well.  these camisoles are lined, which is fantastic for avoiding extra layers in warm weather.  you could also pair with shorts and sandals or tucked into a maxi!

jcrew factory // camisole, jeans (similar), cardigan
target // shoes (from way too long ago)

what do you think mamas?

nursing in style // spring time and mama-jorts

it's spring here in texas, which means, it's 80 degrees.  the first few weeks of warm weather is always a little awkward for me.  going from layers and sweaters and leggings and boots to shorts and sandals overnight is the best way to realize you're lacking in the vitamin D department.  time for backyard playdates asap. 

this weekend, we are hoping to spend time outside, hopefully the weather will stay sunny and we can get some time in on the bucket swings.  or maybe snow cones. or hopefully both. 

i'm a big fan of these 4 inch inseam shorts from j-crew factory.  they are the perfect length for my little midget legs, but i don't think they look like mom-jorts...and if they do, please don't tell me.

why this works //  this cream shirt is really loose fitting and has stretch to it, which makes it comfortable and really easy to move in.  i layered it with a nursing tank (gilligan & o'malley always wins), comfy shorts and fun sandals.  layers are key to helping make your "normal" clothes function as nursing friendly ones.  oh, and did you know bangles also double as teethers? #prettyandpractical-ish.

so mamas, what are you spring favorites?

bangles and tank // target
shirt, jorts // jcrew factory

shoes // dsw

nursing in style // caramel and denim

my mom calls me the cardigan queen. cool right? #youknowyouwanttobemyfriend

recently, i've been trying to break out of cardigan comfort zone and branch out...to longer sweaters. i know. look out world.

i found this caramel colored open faced sweater at target.  it's super cozy and neutral which means it can be worn with practically anything. i layered it with a tank here, but it would also look great with button down, or even a t-shirts or v-neck. 

as far as tanks go, i'm obsessed with the gilligan & o'malley nursing tanks. 5 days post-partem, my mother-in-law asked if i needed anything from target, and i said, "yes! a few more nursing tanks please!" because i had a baby with acid reflux and laundry wasn't exactly at the top of my priority list.  the gilligan & o'malley nursing tanks are my favorite because they look normal, they fit well, and they, let's be real...they wash well. :)   

also, let's be honest, i'm barely out of my maternity jeans.  after wearing stretchy yoga-maternity-jeans for 7 months, it's pretty ridiculous to expect anyone to squeeze into anything that buttons.

jewelry is always hit or miss.  luckily EG usually ignores my kendra's, so i'll always make the attempt.

why this works // nursing tanks are always a winning choice, but i think the sweater and fun shoes make it look like any other cami.  i think shoes are the best way to add something fun to your outfit, and the baby can't take that away from you! :)

sweater, shoes and tank // target
earrings // kendra scott
jeans // jcrew factory

so mamas, what do you think?

nursing in style // casual chambray and black

time for some honesty.

throughout my pregnancy, the "will you won't you breastfeed" question was kinda overwhelming to me.  and this is pretty selfish, but after 7ish month of maternity clothes and stretchy striped everything, thought of not being able to wear anything cute or feel like myself for another extended period of time wasn't exactly encouraging.  i remember sitting on the couch, browsing the fantastic selection of nursing tanks and wrap shirts and thinking about how adorable my sweet friends were were going to be in their cute summer outfits. ehhhh no thank you. but baby trumps fashion and selfishness.  

eight months in, i wouldn't necessarily consider myself an expert, but i do feel like i've gained a bit of confidence and am learning to branch out a little.   i've enjoyed getting to wear and shop for normal clothes again, even if i have to think things through a little bit differently.  and let's be real, feeling cute makes a big impact when trying to fend off the baby blues. gotta love those post-partem hormones. 

and thus, nursing in style was born. :)  this is my attempt to encourage nursing newbies through the tough times and help build a little of that confidence.  nursing is hard enough as it is...there's no need to feel frumpy on top of that! 

this outfit is fun because it's super simple, and easy to change up with different sandals or jewelry.  EG finds this neckless pretty entertaining, so that's good and bad...sometimes it ends up in my purse. 

and these shorts...so comfy.  i'm going to get all the colors. and even better, they seem like they'd be maternity friendly!

why this works // button downs are a staple for nursing mamas and stretchy shorts are forgiving when you're learning how to dress the new you. this pair is also flowy which looks great when you're standing, or sitting on the floor with your babe. :)

shorts // target

shirt // j-crew factory

shoes // carlos via dsw

necklace // target, similar 

so mamas...what do you think?