Style by Joanie

a few gorgeous fall things

J.Crew

J.Crew

H&M

Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant

Lisa Yang

Sam Edelman

J.Crew

Madewell

Reformation

J.Crew

Madewell

In April I announced to my sister-in-law that this summer was going to be be my summer of structured pieces. I’d be wearing mod mini-skirts, shift dresses and fitted cropped pants with fitted tops. A couple weeks later, I found out I was pregnant and all of that went out the window! My summer wardrobe quickly turned into the summer of flow-y dresses and breezy linen everything. Being pregnant is an interesting experience (on every level) but also on a style level. It requires ultimate flexibility, something might look great one week and then you can’t even get it half zipped two weeks later. You can’t buy a dress for a wedding you have next month because you have no idea what will fit you. Your favorite go-to pieces are off limits and you kiss denim good bye for the foreseeable future. It’s a good practice in releasing control which is the ultimate lesson of parenthood (or so I’m told), very little control over very few things. (Editor’s note: this is a guest post by my sister Joanie! All links are affiliate.)

Being pregnant teaches you to view your body with a degree of separation, to let it do its own thing without over analyzing every ache and pain. To take a step back from the hyper-vigilance with which we view our bodies for most of our lives, trusting the process and letting it grow and expand as it pleases.  My appreciation for style and good clothes is still very much present. I’ve taken to texting links to my sisters and friends of things I would have bought but now they should. I’m one of the many that’s happily watching J.Crew return to form with their new creative director and jumping at things that I think might work on my 22+ week pregnant self.
We’re still in the mega sale area. First it happened because of Covid and retailers trying to boost sales and now it’s the economy and consumer spending on the decline that’s causing price cuts left and right. Whatever it is, the buying is good right now and even in my pregnant state, I haven’t forgotten about all your style needs!

J.Crew

J.Crew

H&M

I love this sweater and you can’t go wrong with any of the colors but I’m going to give my top pick the the ivory one. And judging from the comments, size down!

This one is very much giving me the same vibes as the overpriced Jenni Kayne sweaters that people seem to love to drop $300 on. It’s under $50 with the sale right now!

We’re going to be seeing a lot of ribbed, fitted dresses this fall which I fully support. Make sure to order the right size, you don’t want it to be so fitted that it’s see-through when you bend down. I love this one.

Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant

Lisa Yang

By now you all know how I feel about a colorful jacket for fall or winter. And with the current sale climate, now is your time to strike! Love the deep pink on this one. I recognize that I’m linking a $700 coat but it’s Max Mara which is a life coat and if you ever wanted to sell it, they really hold their value.

Two neutral options if those colors scared you. I saw someone wearing a version of this last year and it was such a fun look. Also love love this! Those lines and that slightly cropped sleeve!

Sam Edelman

J.Crew

Madewell

Have we talked about loafers being the shoe you need for fall? I can’t remember but it’s true. It’s going to be a loafer heavy autumn out on the streets. I know Rachael just bought these, which I love, as her fall shoes. Also down with the preppy penny loafer and I think they can be worn in many different ways, and also these Gucci look alike as a sleek option. Woven leather is typically more of a summer shoe but I like them worn into fall. These feel very elegant (recommend in the cognac color).

Reformation

J.Crew

Madewell

And what about pants? You know I’ve been preaching the pleat front pant for awhile now and I’m not stopping anytime soon. It’s time to break away from your denim and try some trousers. There is an abundance of good options. A big YES to these. If I wasn’t pregnant I’d already own these, they’re so good.

We’re moving away from dainty jewelry and fully embracing big earrings and lots of necklaces. Pearls are having a big moment and this pair is great. And I have no idea how this is still in stock, at this price.

Thanks Joanie! If anyone has a autumn birthday coming up, I think some of these would really make lovely gifts

7 Comments

  • Elizabeth

    Joanie,
    Congratulations on your pregnancy!! Happy news!

    I am happy to hear your comments on JCrew getting back to it’s roots. I hope GAP does the same!!!

    • Joanie

      I think Gap is trying! Their styling has gotten SO miuch better. I’ll see their ads on instagram and actually want to click on them. I bought this jacket a couple of months ago and have been wearing it non-stop over summer dresses (size down, it rungs big!): https://bit.ly/3PzKCXV

  • Susie

    First, I’m so glad to hear the news of your pregnancy, Joanie! Second, thank you for continuing to put these style posts together. I am six years into my mothering journey and am just now putting more energy into getting dressed in styled and thoughtful outfits (working to move from my newborn and toddler mentality of just getting through days – often wearing pajamas and athletic attire and not ever getting properly dressed–or at least what for me feels more put-together) even as I’m home most days. I often scroll back through these posts for inspiration. Thank you! -Susie

    • Joanie

      I feel you on this! I keep pushing myself to get dressed everyday even though it’s hot and I’m pregnant and I work from home, etc, etc. I feel like if I start wearing leggings now I won’t get out of them for the next 18 weeks and I know that won’t be good for my mental health. I also like the seperation in the day of being like, these are waking hours and I’m wearing a dress and then I can put on sweats after dinner and relax on the couch. It feels good on those days when you might not leave the house that much to have a ritual in place. Xx

  • Bridget

    First, Joanie! Congrats congrats!!! I’m so happy for you!

    Second, those wide leg pleat pants from Madewell are in my cart now.

  • Erika

    Thank you for these posts! I *always* find something to add to my wardrobe and it is just the right cadence so I have one fun piece every so often to keep things fresh. And congrats again!

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