One of the great things about working so many different temporary assignments is the chance to experience new companies with their very different populations and cultures. Sometimes this is reflected in the style of dress allowed and also what is subtly encouraged to wear. The company I blogged about as Company C was a startup and very casual, I mostly wore T shirts over jeans and even my below the knee shorts were typical of what a lot of people wore. At my current office assignment, an office in a large company, while pants for the dress up days, Monday through Thursday, most women wear dresses and skirts. Two weeks ago Candy and I went shopping for my baby shower dress, after which, I shopped at the mall at The Gap Outlet for a few more dresses I could wear professionally and continue wearing after the baby is born. Not only did I have a Gap gift card, there was also a huge sale going on.
I really love the fabric of the striped jersey dress, one of two I bought at the Gap Outlet. I’ve never had a dress before with side cut outs for the arm, and it’s a fun style with a youthful feel. I didn’t even realize at first that the dress had pockets, which I love. I did learn they pockets weren’t the most reliable as my phone fell out at one point (and did not sustain damage due to a screen saver) as did my wallet, onto my car seat, which I didn’t realize for hours later. Luckily, very small items fit well without falling out.
Candy was a huge fan of this navy butterfly dress, reminding me that butterflies are a symbol of new life. I paired it with my navy blazer that I interviewed in as it had spaghetti straps and was therefore not good for an office wear without something covering up a bit. I could also see myself wearing a white or light colored cardigan.
This last dress was bought earlier the same day at a thrift store. I like it both with and without the black blazer, and it also could be worn with a cardigan over it. I also love the somewhat see through straps, which required a nude bra underneath, and how the dress is lower in the front than the back, and has an adorable spin to it when I wear it.
Although these dresses fit and have room to grow, none of them are maternity dresses. I can see myself wearing them soon after the birth and even getting them altered as needed to wear for a long time after.
This last photo isn’t about wearing dressy clothes, though I did have to push my the striped dress up to capture it. I was reclining on the couch before driving to work, when I noticed something in baby, most likely a foot, was lifting up part of my stomach higher than the rest.
I only had a few seconds to take it, and with the focal point off it’s blurry, but still a treasured new pregnancy memory is preserved.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 