In Spades

Style... in abundance

Why You Need a Utility Jacket for Spring

Utility Jacket Utility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility Jacket Utility JacketUtility Jacket Zara utility jacket (similar here and here) // Vintage tee
Mother denim (non-maternity version here and here)
Zara boots (similar here and here) // Le Specs sunglasses 

With half the country covered in snow, I thought I’d change up my spring dress routine and feature a more transitional OOTD.  Most spring days start off cool, warm up and then cool down again at night.  Chic layers and jackets are essential, and one of my favorite spring go-to’s is the utility jacket.

In between a denim jacket and a trench coat, the utility jacket is edgy and functional.  They lean more masculine, which allows for some amazing styling options.  Pair them with jeans and boots as I’ve done here for a casual, cool look or jump to the other end of the spectrum and pair them with super feminine dresses for amazing juxtaposition.

Two features I love about utility jackets that set them apart from trench coats or denim jackets is that most come with a hood and feature a double closure (i.e. buttons/snaps and a zipper).  This functionality allows for the best layering, changing weather conditions and styling options.

Festival bound?  Definitely invest in a utility jacket.  They look amazing with denim shorts, have tons of pockets to keep you hands-free and will be your savior when it cools down at night.

Live somewhere with seasons?  Keep a utility jacket in your car so you always have a stylish, functional option on hand.

Shop my top utility jacket picks below

As I near the end of my pregnancy, I’m thinking a lot about legacy.  What are the lessons, traditions and memories my parents bestowed upon me?  What can I draw from those experiences to pass on to Baby P?

When my sister came out for my baby shower, she brought a t-shirt my Dad always used to wear.  It features a picture of my first dog, Zachariah, on the back.  A brindle Great Dane, he looked like a tiger.  I used to ride him.  My parents would put me on a blanket in our front yard while they worked in the garden.  Every time someone walked by our lot, Zack used to stand up in front of me until they passed.

He was a great dog.  One in a million.

Lola, our Chocolate Lab, will be that dog for Baby P.  I think I better get a t-shirt made.  What do you think?

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Not Just Another Maternity Line

Matron Saint Queen V-Back DressMatron Saint Queen V-Back DressMatron Saint Queen V-Back DressMatron Saint Queen V-Back Dress Matron Saint Queen V-Back DressMatron Saint Queen V-Back DressMatron Saint Queen V-Back dress c/o (non-maternity option here)
Sunset & Sprint faux leather jacket (similar here)
Nordstrom sunglasses // Rebecca Minkoff ankle boots (similar here)

Well, we’re in the home stretch.  Only 5 more weeks of pregnancy to go before I reach full-term.  I’ve been incredibly lucky to feel great throughout this pregnancy.  One aspect of feeling great is looking great, and finding comfortable clothes that fit is essential with a growing bump.

I’ve talked before about my aversion to maternity clothes and was thrilled when Matron Saint reached out to me.  Their philosophy is to encourage women to rock their personal style, baby bump or not.  Being pregnant doesn’t mean sacrificing what you love to wear or conforming to a societal “mom uniform”.  Their clothes are designed to be worn post-partum too, allowing you to mix and match accessories and layers as your body changes.

This long sleeved dress is so comfy I could sleep in it.  I love the deep “V” detail in the back and the soft grey is perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.

To play up the arrival of spring, I paired it with white accessories.  These sunglasses come in three colors and are only $14!

I first acquired these white booties prior to NYFW September 2017, and they haven’t let me down since.  There are so many fabulous white boot options out there right now – I’m loving the slouchy look, the knife boot silhouette and the kitten heel (all linked below).

As I near closer and closer to my due date, I’ll be sharing more pregnancy style tips and thoughts.  If there’s anything specific you want to hear about, let me know in the comments!

Stay tuned for a post on my new diaper bag.  If you follow me on Instagram, you know it’s a stunner!

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