back to school - classroom look

so, the baby is due very soon, and while the school year won't start as soon for me as for most, i keep thinking about cute work clothes (mostly because i live in soft clothes right now and also because i'm dreaming of a time when this weight is gone.)

last year, i officially fell in love with the j. crew no. 2 pencil skirt, so i plan to add many more of these to my wardrobe.  my goal for the 2012/2013 school year (fashionwise only) is to incorporate blazers into my wardrobe.  they just look so darned put together.  i struggle with finding a blazer that doesn't make me look like a linebacker though, so it'll be a challenge.

here's an idea of the kind of teacher look i envision.  thoughts?  suggestions?  help?

until next time, cheers!

back to school - classroom by jnorthenor featuring kate spade bangle

Tie shirt
topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins linen jacket
$61 - dorothyperkins.com

J Crew long cotton skirt
jcrew.com

Tory Burch leather tote
cusp.com

Kate Spade cream jewelry
endless.com

Kate Spade black stud earrings
nordstrom.com

Kate Spade knot jewelry
endless.com

Kate spade bangle
couture.zappos.com

Maternity Looks

Maternity Looks by jnorthenor featuring isabella oliver maternity

So, as I'm getting into being more pregnant, I'm kind of exploring some looks I like in maternity clothes.  Here are my thoughts.

5 - skinny pants - 

There's nothing more flattering, especially if you're wanting to show that that's a bump and not all over weight gain.  I'm hoping they still look flattering as I keep growing!

4 - horizontal stripes -

This is the only time that horizontal stripes are celebrated because you should be growing, so why not show it off some?

3 - maxi skirts and dresses - 

They look good and feel good, what could be better?

2 - lightweight and wrap dresses - 

As the temps go up, I'm sure I'll be spending much more time in dresses bc they're lightweight.  I look for anything lightweight for day wear, but wrap dresses particularly transition well from casual to more dressy events.

1 - use what you have - 

jewelry is key to dressing up or down maternity outfits to get your wear out of them.  plus, what's better than accessorizing?  also, your old cardigans might not close now, but you can certainly keep using them with a fitted tank or maternity tank.

Do you have any more ideas about essentials for dressing with a baby on board?  Please let me know!  Until next time, cheers!

coral and leopard

coral and leopard by jnorthenor featuring a pencil skirt

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel knit cardigan
£125 - flannelsfashion.com

James Perse long black shirt
$107 - my-wardrobe.com

Reed Krakoff pencil skirt
$680 - net-a-porter.com

Rebecca Minkoff stilettos pumps
$295 - rebeccaminkoff.com

Vivienne Westwood yellow gold jewelry
$145 - viviennewestwood.co.uk

Noemi Klein butterfly stud earrings
£85 - farfetch.com



 I came up with this magical combo while looking at laundry on the ground.  My coral j crew pencil skirt (significantly cheaper than the $680 one here) was on top of my gray leopard bra.  I was really digging the combo, so I came up with this combo.  Also, when I'm wearing a bold pattern, I like to keep the jewelry pretty simple.  I loved these rock studs, and I always love a pendant necklace.  So, this is what I came up with.

Cheers!