ASOS Maternity Line

During my pregnancy, I was on the search for maternity clothes that had personality, style and affordability. Feel free to browse through all my maternity looks.

I discovered that ASOS, an online brand I already loved, had a maternity line. Hurray! They make quality clothes at a great price for all shapes and sizes! It almost makes me wish I was 7 months pregnant right now so I could rock these looks. Almost...my swollen ankle memories aren't that far out of mind yet.

Today, I'm partnering with ASOS to share some of my favorite pieces currently for sale. Stay tuned for the end - we have a giveaway in progress!

Here is what I'm spying and recommending...

Gorgeous dresses:

Wide-strap maxis: I tried to pull of non-maternity maxis when I was pregnant, but always found that thin straps became a major issue. When you are holding onto some extra weight in the bust, wide straps will make a self-conscious mama feel much more at ease.

Crepe midi-dress: If you don't like clingy fabrics on your bump, crepe is a nice compromise. It hangs and flows beautifully and makes a dress look much more expensive than most maternity dresses in jersey stretch. I would wear this dress to work because of the high neckline and long length to feel completely stylish and appropriate.

Shirt dress: This dress caught my eye because the floral feels very on trend and the sleeves give maximum coverage while still being flirty. It strikes me as very vintage inspired.

The Essentials:

Long sleeve tees: There is little more timeless than a long sleeved Breton striped tee. I'm not one to subscribe to the idea of avoiding stripes when pregnant. I find stripes to be a compliment to a pregnant belly. You've got it there for all the world to see - flaunt it!

Leggings: They might seem like the lazy way out, but a quality pair of thick leggings can be a staple in your styling. Long tees and tunics work well with leggings. Basic black is slimming, comfortable and if paired with boots, they are your new favorite pants.

Nursing tanks: I lived in my nursing tanks after my son was born to the point where they felt like they became part of my body. Next time around, I'm running to pick this tank up. The longer length is great for women of average to tall height or just for those looking for a little extra coverage as your body settles back into place post-partum.

My personal style:

Rocker tee: I would wear this shirt this coming weekend if I had it in my size. Rock it, mama.

Distressed maternity skinny jeans: I lived in boots at the end of my pregnancy because of terrible edema. A cool pair of skinnies would get a lot of wear in my house.

Black pencil skirt: Staying work appropriate and stylish is a challenge. This black pencil skirt could be paired with any variety of blouses for office attire. It is on my list for #2!

ASOS is offering three - that's right, THREE winners - 20% off coupon codes. The codes are good for the entire ASOS site, so you don't have to be pregnant to get a good deal. All you have to do to enter is:

1.  Visit ASOS and share your favorite maternity piece in the comments.

Bonus entries (leave one comment for each action taken):

2. Follow Teal In Motion on Facebook, Twitter, Google Friend Connect (see sidebar) and/or Pinterest. Just comment and let me know!

Winners will be announced February 5th. Good luck!

What To Wear: Late Summer Sun

Casual Jackets
Sandals

It is attributed to Mark Twain that he once said, "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco." In September and October in San Francisco, something magic happens. The fog parts and the sun comes out...and stays out. We are treated to a rise in temperatures and a reprieve from the cold. While the rest of the country is preparing for fall by throwing on scarves and jackets, we in San Francisco are getting our last wear out of sandals and tank tops. However, this city can be a fickle little lady and the cold can sneak right back at you without a moment's notice. Above is my ideal September outfit - just enough layering to peel off and beat the heat and a few pieces thrown in that could transition nicely into fall.

And of course, as I type this, the fog is rolling ominously by my window. Stupid Mother Nature. Where's my sun?

What to Wear: Late Summer Wedding, via Boutine

Recently, I was invited to try a new social commerce site, Boutine. They partner with emerging designers from around the world. What I like best about Boutine is their design tools. It is easy to browse around and create virtual styling. You can create collections and share your style.

I've been daydreaming about what to wear to an upcoming late summer/early fall wedding and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try out Boutine and create a collection. I love the design of this maxi, employing bright and burnt colors into one place for the seasonal transition. A few gold accessories dresses up the look. And don't get me started on all the ways I would wear that bag.

If you'd like to join Boutine, you are invited!

Choosing The Right Running Shoe

Shoes: Asics Women's Gel Evolution 6

You might find it odd to learn that someone who runs a personal style blog hates shoe shopping. There are a variety of reasons for this. Primarily it is because I wear a size 11 shoe.  It is a tough size to find available. Shopping for heels and flats takes lots of strategic planning to find the stores that might deem to create something that doesn't look like a nursing shoe or that even bothered to make shoes in that size at all. I always end up frustrated.  A store clerk once told me that in a bad economy, size 11 shoes are the first to diminish because no one wants to spend the extra money to produce a shoe size that so few people wear. Let's hope that times don't get any tougher because I will end up walking around barefoot, leaving giant footprints behind.

With dress shoes, I usually end up taking what is available or trying to stuff my foot into a size 10. This inevitably leads me to giving my brand new, unworn shoes to my best girl friend, much to her glee. However, when it comes to running shoes, I put in a lot of thought.

I'm running my third half marathon in September. You may ask, Teal, how do you find time to train? The answer is that I don't. Fitting in 5 miles is a luxury and a major event these days. I'm winging it, hoping that the glory days of my runner's past will carry me through. And if that fails, I need good shoes to support me while I limp to the finish line.

When looking for a running shoe that will work for your foot, consider the following:

1) Your pronation - this refers to where your stride hits on the bottom of your foot. I'm a severe over pronator. My feet are as flat as the pavement they hit. If you saw my footprints, you'd wonder what kind of duck-human hybrid just passed by. It is important that I have strong arch support and I buy shoes that work with my weakness.

2) Your width - This is an important consideration. If you have the wrong shoe width, you will be that much more prone to blisters. If your feet are wide, look for shoes in D width or even consider men's shoes, which tend to run wider. Adding to the reasons I hate my feet, not only are they flat, but they are pencil narrow. I wish I could buy easily accessible men's shoes, but my narrow little sticks would just slide right out of them. Seriously, it's a feet freak show over here.

3) Shoe length - Go up a half a size. You want to have that half-inch of room at the end of your toe to make way for your gait. If you stick with your normal size, you risk your toes banging into the top repeatedly. Let me tell you - getting a pedicure over a lost toenail is NOT pretty.

4)  Every day wear-ability - While I may take pictures of myself in colorful heels, you will most often find me in running shoes after work. If you wear them as often as I do, you want versatility. That is why I purchased the gray Asics pictured above. Their neutral coloring will go with everything. 

Asics are my go to shoes, but every foot is different. What do you look for in a great running shoe?

What To Wear: Mother's Day Brunch

Day Dresses
Sandals

I ventured into The Limited about a month ago and tried on the dress shown above. I'm now experiencing buyer's remorse because it would be the perfect little dress to wear to brunch on Mother's Day. Shoulda, woulda, coulda....good thing it is still available online.

What are you doing to celebrate Mother's Day this year?

One Style, Two Ways

 

I find that once I wear an outfit I really like, I want to wear it over and over again.  Such is the case with the first picture. The combination of bold black and white stripes against mustard worked for me. However, while I have no problem wearing the same pair of yoga pants two days in a row on the weekend (don't judge me), I will chide myself when repeating the exact same combination within a few days later. 

Above is my re-interpretation of a recent favorite outfit. The stripes are extended through a dress and tights take the place of jeans. Throw on a big belt for some shape and voila - a new outfit is born.

1st outfit: see here

2nd outfit:

Cardigan: LOFT

Dress: Old Navy

Belt: Macy's

Tights: Macy's

Sunglasses: H&M

Wedges: Payless

What To Wear - The Sports Fan

Flare Denim by Paige
Watches by Nine West

News flash about me: I'm a sports fan. It's not something I blog about much, but sports are a major part of my world. I've been known to cancel a flight in order to stay in a sports bar to celebrate a big playoff win. Since my dad raised me to be a die-hard Lakers fan (sorry, Warriors), I have an extensive collection of vintage Lakers tee. My husband is an encyclopedia of sports knowledge. Sports Center is a constant fixture on the TV at home and while living in Seattle, we paid out the nose to get all the DirecTV sports packages just so we could watch Bay Area sports. Now that we are back in San Francisco, it is only fitting that the 49ers are vying for the NFC championship this Sunday. It's almost like a welcome home present, just for us.

Since our entire weekend revolves around plunking down on the couch for the big game with giant sandwiches, chips and ice-cold Diet Cokes, I might as well plan out my super-fan outfit as well. I'm keeping it casual - vintage-style tee, hoodie to snuggle up in, comfy jeans and Chuck Taylors. I tossed the watch into the mix because I spotted it, loved the TV shaped-face and I'm now obsessed with it.

Go Niners!

P.S.....have you entered the Shabby Apple giveaway yet? 

What To Wear: Christmas Tree Hunting!

Skinny Denim by Joe's Jeans
Boots by C Label

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Well, not yet in my house. Right now, it looks like a bundle of boxes from Amazon and Diapers.com exploded in my living room. Online shopping has been the only way to go this year. But I have aspirations of taking all those boxes out to our recycling bin and replacing them with Christmas decorations this weekend!

Since this is Keagan's first Christmas, getting our Christmas tree will be a huge deal, complete with tons of picture snapping and photo ops. This means I'm already thinking about clothes. I bought a fantastic snowman sweater from Gymboree for Keagan - now it's my turn to outfit plan. This is my ideal winter wonderland, tree-farm, shopping excursion outfit. Stay tuned for a future post to see how it all turns out!

Is anyone else getting their tree this weekend?

What To Wear: Thanksgiving

Flare Denim by J Brand
Wedges by Urban Outfitters

Who else is already thinking about what they will wear next week on Turkey Day? It can't be just me. Above is an approximation of what I would like to wear on Thanksgiving. There are specific reasons I'm already planning things out. Allow me to share:

1. I have a pair of Rock and Republic corduroy flares that I've worn very few times. I bought them well over three years ago on sale at Nordstrom Rack and after sitting lonesome in my closet, I just knew they'd come back in style. And that day has come. Flares and cords are having their day in the sun and mine will have theirs as well next Thursday...that is, if it doesn't rain.
2. Everyone needs an excuse to shop for a new sweater. Especially for one that has a lot of forgiving room after I inhale my husband's specialty sweet potatoes.
3. Infinity scarves - your best friend for dressing up an outfit in the fall/winter.
4. Stud earrings are all I can manage these days. A curious, grabby 10-month-old could quickly send me to the emergency room with one yank if I wear anything dangling.
5. A giant hobo allows me to toss everything I need into one bag - wipes, diapers, distracting toys.
6. I'm in desperate need of some brown wedge heels. I love these oxford-style wedges for the perfect work-to-weekend transition.

What are all of you planning on wearing next Thursday? Did I get your wheels turning?

Featured on Lindsay Living

Expecting Chic is being featured today with a Q&A with the stylish and lovely Lindsay at Lindsay Living for her Seattle Style series.  It's been so fantastic to link up with many other Seattle bloggers in recent months to swap ideas and blog-related stories.  Lindsay has been leading the charge in getting us all organized to meet up for drinks and dinner in the near future.  Be sure to check out all my answers here and follow along with her series to learn about some other blogger babes as well.

Maternity Inspiration

True. I'm not pregnant any more and don't plan to be for another year, at least (hear me knocking on wood right now?).  I was recently looking through some of my preggo pictures and marveling that it was just a few short months ago.  The picture above is one of my favorites and that tee shirt is going straight in the storage bin for next baby go-around. I don't want to lose the original focus of this blog so I thought I'd share some of my maternity-focused favorites and recent maternity blog discoveries.

It all started when every mom blogger I know started pitching for votes on Circle of Moms, a site I had never heard of before the Top 25 Style Moms with Style contest began.  Since I'm a total sheep, I joined the flock (and you can totally vote for me here) and began browsing some of the other entries.  Here are some new ones I found on this list and through other various Google-enhanced introductions:

Domesticated Sophisticate: Nic just had her baby, but she has a ton of back posts from her maternity days.  I'd describe her style as a fantastic mix of urban and trendy and she looked stunning the whole way through.

Academchic: Super cute academic ladies doing maternity on an affordable and adorable level. Being academics, they have smartly organized the blog to find the posts you need.  I could take a lesson here.

Dear Baby: Melissa is a glowing little vision with her second child on the way.

Adored Austin: Indiana had her beautiful baby boy already, but she has graciously labeled her maternity posts for you to peruse.  She was a big source of maternity inspiration for me and I frequent her blog quite often.

Jen Loves Kev: She currently posts fantastic outfits and pictures of her sweet baby girl, but she also did a wonderful job of dressing herself in her exact same personal style throughout her pregnancy.

Are there other inspirational sources out there that I am missing? Feel free to share them in the comments!

What To Wear: Spring Wedding

I recently had a reader email me with a question:

"I'm going to a wedding - indoor church ceremony and an indoor reception.  What should I wear for a spring wedding?"

Spring is tough, depending on where you live in the country and what kind of weather you encounter.  There are so many new styles in stores and most of them cater to warm weather ambitions.  Here are some of my suggestions for spring weddings in both regular and maternity styles:

LBD - Little BLUE dress:

Blue is the new black, right?  That's what I'm seeing everywhere I go, anyway. Mix things up with a little blue dress instead of your basic black.  Try navy or even a cobalt blue to keep the formality in tact.  I like the following options from Calvin Klein and ASOS, respectively:



For the pregnant mamas out there, I'd recommend this dress from ASOS.  I actually bought this dress when I was pregnant, but in the wrong size.


Floral prints:

You don't have to be going to a garden party to surround yourself with flowers.  Floral dresses are everywhere right now.  Pick a floral in a darker shade to make that transition from winter to spring. I'm partial to the combination of lace and floral in this dress from White House Black Market:


And here is a maternity option from A Pea In The Pod (on sale!) for those brave enough to go strapless:


Pop of Color:

I talk about pops of color a lot.  It really is the easiest way to dress up a dull outfit.  Dig out that little black dress and add jewelry, a belt or shoes in a bright color to make a statement. Just don't combine all of them at once. Choose one or two pieces with color and leave the rest neutral to avoid looking too matchy-matchy.

Black Dresses by White House
Pumps by BCBG MAX AZRIA

Evening Shoes by Chinese Laundry
Clutches by Poppie Jones