Dressing My Postpartum Self | Giveaway

How long can I use that term postpartum? Baker turned three months old yesterday (gasp!) and I’m still trying to figure out comfort in my skin. I know this comfort level looks different on everyone, but three kids later I have grown to appreciate my body for what it is.  My pregnancy with Baker was very similar to my pregnancy with the twins, but for whatever reason postpartum has been w i l d, foooor real.  I didn’t have the stretch marks or loose skin after the twins like one would expect and I bypassed the stretch marks again even though my skin had been stretched to the max for the second time, but you guys.. I have just come to accept the fact that I’ll always be tucking my loose skin into my pants when I sit down.  
Real talk.
I knew my body wouldn’t be the same after pregnancy, but it was a reality check after the twins, and once again after Baker was born.  It is funny how much we forget about pregnancy and postpartum.. 
Over the weekend I finally, finally, finally put away my maternity clothes into their proper bins and found their place in the attic (until next time!).  While I was at it, I purged just about everything I hadn’t worn in 3 years since we moved into our home. I was hanging onto things that I wore in high school and college.  I needed fresh motivation to move completely out of my maternity clothes and into ‘real’ clothes again – and all those ‘older clothes’ were getting in my way.  
When I looked at those clothes, all I could think was.. ‘I don’t have anything to wear because nothing fits me!’
What I need are a few staple pieces in my wardrobe – not a ton of things that I only like a little and fit me ‘just okay’. 
bag c/o lily jade // riding boots / carlos santana 

scarf (last season) / loft (similar) // tunic c/o white plum // high waisted leggings c/o white plum 

Since Baker was born, I have fallen in love with looser fitted tops, long tunics and leggings of every shape and form.  Gradually I pushed those tighter fitting clothes to the back of my closet.  I started seeking comfort not only in my reflection in the mirror, but also comfort in still being able to get on the floor with my babes and do a puzzle or pick up a sippy cup thats been flung from the heights of the high chair for the bazillionth time.  Its taken some getting used to but two pregnancies and two gigantic bellies later I’ve finally figured out how to dress myself and feel good about it.  I used to think leggings weren’t for me, really because I didn’t know how to wear them, but after getting a pair that fit me properly, I was sold!  There are still some that put on and quickly realize ‘no.way.’ just simply because the fit is off..  After reading White Plum’s Leggings Guide it brought a whole new meaning to how to wear them for our body types.  ‘Are they pants?’  No.  So.. cover your bum, girls.. ‘What shoes do I wear with them?’, ‘How do I manage a fun print?
tunic (similar) + leggings c/o white plum  

The answers are all there!  I recently tried out their high-waisted fleece leggings and they are ugh-maaazing.  They come in just two sizes and stretch and hold their shape and do.not.sag.
Also. the whole high-waisted cover up my loose skin belly thing is pretty darn amazing.

Can we side track for juuuust a second to talk about Lily Jade and their newest addition(s) to their handbag family.  They Shaylee (above) and the Meggan are bigger and perfect for us mamas with multiple babies.  While I would love to be able to carry just the essentials for Baker, I am also responsible for extra panties (just in case), sippy cups, and eight different kinds of snacks because Lord knows the girls won’t ever eat the same – so I am always prepared.  Not to mention the plethora of knick knack things that end up in there, too.  Because who knows when Parker decides she wants her tiny giraffe figurine and Jolie needs not only her white pair of sunnies, but her purpurrr (purple) pair, as well!
We just need (more) space.
The fantastic creators behind Lily Jade listened:)
top c/o white plum // jeans / loft // bag c/o lily jade // wedges (old) / nordstrom (similar)

 This top .. It just screams fall to me!  I ordered a size up from my normal for a more relaxed fit and a little longer in length and I’m glad I did!  I did want to mention that these jeans are technically leggings and I ordered my regular size.  I am always a little weary of pants that claim to be leggings but still have a button and zipper – are they true to size?  These are for sure.
Buttons and zippers in general make me wish for my buttonless maternity pants all over again.
Trendy Mom.  I feel like a trendy mom.
That can wipe a snotty nose and kiss a skinned up knee.
That definitely doesn’t have it all together allllll the time and totally hides the extra baby weight around her midsection with long flowy tops and high waisted leggings.
No matter your size, shape, age, or gender, what you feel brings out the best YOU is what you should wear.
 
After sharing my love for leggings last month, I was equally impressed with your legging love, too! Everything I own from White Plum has become a go-to staple in my closet- mainly because they remain pretty classic and relativity affordable.  I continue to go back to styling them over and over again because its just easy and comfortable.  Theres that word again.. Comfortable. 
I especially love their random and amazing sales – like over the weekend I got an email that this sweater was on super sale from $40 to $15- serious perks of being on their mailing list! They don’t always announce these discount codes. A girlfriend of mine and I were texting back and forth in contemplation of what colors to buy – because you know we could basically buy three for the price of one! 

I’ve teamed up with White Plum again to offer one lucky winner $100 to White Plum towards anything they wish!  I know you mamas out there could use some of these staple pieces I speak of, and $100 to kick off a fresh start to this season’s fall wardrobe?  Yes, please!!    
Enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter giveaway below and in the meantime, you can do a little shopping of your own using code PBJ25OFF for 25% off entire purchase until 10/20! 
I already have some things in my cart waiting to be discounted.. like this tee and this plaid shirt (because who doesn’t love plaid for this time of year??)
GOOD LUCK:)
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BIG thank you to b faith photography for snapping these photos and to White Plum + Lily Jade for their amazing sponsorship of this post.  
All opinions expressed are my own.

October 12, 2015

  1. Cassie says:

    Just had my little one 5 weeks ago, and I definitely am struggling with wearing sweats every day. Plus I LOVE White Plum!

  2. Laura says:

    Thank you so much for this post! I love your honesty! I just had twins this June, and the struggle of learning to dress my once size 0 body has been real. Love your cute outfit ideas! ?
    PS- Your blog is amazing, and my absolute lifeline during my pregnancy! Your twin pregnancy posts were better than What to Expect when it came to reassurance for a new twin mama! ?

  3. Kristina says:

    love love that top in the last few pics! This will be my first fall/winter postpartum and I am NOT looking forward to trying to dressing my body and trying to stay warm. So much easier to be PP in the summer! Leggings and loose tops will def be the go-to! So glad you posted this! And that bag…. ??

  4. You look great! I haven't quite perfected the legging look yet, but I really want to! On a side note, how do you get your hair to look so cute? My curls never turn out like that! 🙂

  5. Morgan E says:

    I have been a fan of high waisted anything and blouse longer shirts for that very reason after Fin. Plus…who doesn't love comfort? You look amazing and I can't wait to check out White Plum!

  6. Golden Hill says:

    Every look is so so cute!! I Just love it! Entered the giveaway! 🙂 Hope I did it right! Lol.

  7. Dying over those LOFT legging jeans. Wishing they came in maternity! Adorable as always friend.

  8. ooh that is the bag you talked about! it looks like a great size. Entered the giveaway and I might need to shop 🙂

  9. Would the White Plum leggings work for maternity wear? Not sure what the band on them looks like 🙂

  10. amber says:

    Hannah- I wore their leggings throughout my entire pregnancy! its a thick band on the fleece leggings. Hope that helps!

  11. Jen~!* says:

    Thank you for this! I have two little boys (2 1/2yrs & 8months). I have been desperately searching for a way to feel cute & comfy with my postpartum body. After reading this I purchased some leggings and two of the Swoop Back Tunics you are wearing from White Plum! I can't wait. Thank you for the discount code too!