It's darn hard to find cool maternity wear! Below are some of my top finds from around the web...

Liz Lange for Target Maxi dress, $34.99. I am most definitely envisioning this with a thin vintage brown belt or possibly snake skin.

L-O-V-E!!  Scuba blue Merona maternity sleeveless halter maxi from TARGET (comes in two other colors!) Currently out of stock on line (sniff, sniff) but could be available in store.

Another Target find by Merona, kind of Helmut Lang or Jil Sander inspired and only $29.99 (also comes in that fantastic scuba blue color above!)

Not in the maternity category but still doable, this strapless wrap front chiffon maxi is only $69.99! Heavenly color!

What I love about this one is that it can be worn as a Strapless Dress OR a Maxi Skirt! Target, $24.99.

This striped contour dress would look killer with a cheetah or floral scarf or even a green army shirt or denim jacket layered over it.  Lots of possibilities! Only $27.99 at Target!

Technically these ARE pajama pants but that's what the whole "pajama dressing" trend right now is all about.  I can see these with a thin black and white striped tank (see the below) and heels with a chambray shirt. On sale for $12.56 at the Gap!

Comes in assorted colors on sale now at the Gap for $15.96!

I love stripes...(sigh)...Gap again $39.95

 I love how sexy this pointelle tunic is, it screams "night on the town!" Usually one doesn't equate sexiness with pregnancy but why not? A pregnant body is one of the most beautiful bodies in my eyes. TopShop $80.00.

Sorry for the absolute tininess of this one! The bright tribal print is so FUN and would be killer with a worn in/beat up vintage brown belt, lose that hideous black tie! ;) From JC Penny for only $25.00!

This lovely polka dot J. Crew dress could also be an option with it's tie front, $148.00 J. Crew.com

Maternity Spot Lattice dress $76.00, Topshop.

Scallop Hem tee from TopShop $96.00

Pleat bow shirt also from TopShop, $56.00

Vintage looking maternity Floral Tee dress for $92.00 at Topshop.

Would love this Kimono style Maternity top from Target with the below striped skirt! $19.99! (This one appears to be out of stock currently but if you search "vintage Kimono style blouse" you can find awesome authentic vintage tops in great patterns!

Great striped Maxi skirt from Old Navy and only $27.50 would be great paired with...

Maternity Drop-Back shirt $60.00, Topshop and...

A Old Navy cropped Maternity denim jacket on sale for $25.00! This would look amazing with all of the above dresses too.

I love the idea of this soft shimmer tank with a vintage army green button-up, or wear alone! The back is phenomenal!  TopShop, $68.00 

A great layering piece, Old Navy Slub-Knit vest on sale for $19.50.

PS- I didn't even know J-Brand made maternity jeans! $196.00 from Piperlime.

One last item? Fun Ray-Bans!! :) Nordstom, $160.00.

Those are some of my top pics! Remember, a pair of Alaia flats and a YSL handbag can make any $30.00 Target maternity dress look like $300.00. Good thing Heather likes Barney's as much as I do! ;)  

Tints and shades of a singular color ALWAYS look great together. It's monochromatic but the hue variance is a bit more FUN! Throw in all of those textures, and I am literally dying!! Leather, knit, fur, hammered jewelry, it's all Heaven! I can just hardly stand it!  Coral I got a crush on you. Sheesh. (Don't tell Peter...)

Skirt: Pop-o-orange leather pencil skirt from Goodwill, Columbus OH.

Shirt: Vintage 1950's peach knit shell from Salvation Army, Columbus OH.

Jacket: Vintage 1960's cropped coral box jacket from Vintage Vogue, Independence MO.

Silver fox fur: Salvation Army, Columbus OH.

Shoes: Gucci

Tights: Donna Karan from Nordstrom, Columbus OH.

Jewelry: 30mm hammered brass ball necklace from Vintage Vogue, Independence MO.  Bracelets from friends and thrift stores!

You may have guessed it (hopefully) by now. I like things that don't seemingly go together, but go together. It doesn't make sense, or does it..? It does! Because in the end it's all about the simple rule of balance.  God bless balance!  A few months ago I found this amazing hammered metallic lame top at the thrift store, the sad aspect was that it had been a dress that someone had hacked apart at the waist.  I actually like it better this way, it feels fresher cropped.  I love it with high waist denim and fringe.  I could almost say the fringe makes it. Almost. (Why almost? Because I am forgetting about the metallic gold Keds...)  All unlikely pieces but when combined together make some magic. 

Top: Salvation Army, Columbus OH.

Jewelry: Wow. Big assortment of 5 layered pieces one being made by me.

Jacket: Vintage fringe leather jacket from Volunteers of America, Columbus, OH.

Pants: Vintage dead stock (I cut the tags off from the 70's to take this picture!) from Boomerang Vintage Warehouse in KCMO.  I get ALL of my vintage high waist pants from the owner Ken, have been these past 10 years...

Shoes: Vintage metallic gold Keds from Ohio Thrift, Columbus, OH.

Clutch: Vintage 1930's black plastic pyrmaid clutch. My favorite, favorite, favorite of all time and wildly versatile.

I am kooky in a lot of ways. If you know me personally, well, you know I'm not fibbing about this! I am incredibly happy that I have friends who indulge my kookiness with fashion.  I have Kate who thrifts with me every Wednesday for half-off day at the Salvation Army while I deliberate over strangely embellished sweat shirts, and I have Erin (my eye angel!) who indulges my weird/strange/wonderful whims in eye wear. (Thank Heaven!!!) I contacted Erin a few months ago when I was looking for the Givenchy cat frames from their Fall '11 show and sadly had no luck tracing them in the states.  Brilliant ideas are born from loss so I soldiered on intrepidly until I had that "aha!" moment! That moment arrived as I was perusing the sunglasses section at Nordstrom and spied the Prada Baroque sunglasses from Spring '11. They were big! They were woooooonnnderful! They would make ideal prescription glasses with transition lenses so they could delicately straddle those two worlds between practical (I need glasses to see) and fun (I get to have super large amazing sunglasses TOO! Bonus! BTW, transition lenses have come a LONG way...) My dear friend Dr. Erin hooked me up.  The vision became a reality (pun intended) and now I am one step closer to resembling my idol Iris Arpel or maybe in another 60 years. ;) 

Glasses/Sunglasses: Prada courtesy of Dr. Erin Eye Doctors of Lawrence Ks. If you live in the Lawrence area and need a creative, kind, caring, fashion adoring eye doctor then I couldn't more highly recommend anyone else.

Dress: Crazy patchwork vintage dress Salvation Army Columbus OH, purchased on half off day (Of course!)

Coat: Literally a patchwork quilt jacket! Purchased from River Market Antique Mall in Kansas City Mo.

Vest: Hounds tooth fitted vintage vest Salvation Army Columbus OH.

Necklace: Vintage tube and cord from Ohio Thrift, Columbus OH.

Tights: Nordstrom

Suede booties: Marc Jacobs collection from Neiman Marcus

Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupte #12

Lately I've been busy creating a party of happiness for my neck and wrists. A confetti, glitter bedecked explosion of joy, wonder and bright eyed wearable excitement. Finding myself outside of NYC and the jewelry district there, I am forced to use the materials at my ready disposal.  Where I once sought out bead and precious stone vendors on 48th St. now I visit Michaels and Hobby Lobby at a strip mall.  Creativity is all about what you make of it and I have seriously enjoyed using the materials of the masses to create items so "un-mass" like.  I do admit the vintage chain and findings are from my last NYC visit in September but the main body and inspiration of my work are those kid friendly plastic iron beads with a dash of glitter, can you believe it? Happiness and creativity truly come from the unexpected.  Party on.

I am fresh off of my Columbus "Photoshopped" 2-day weekend class done by the fabulous, talented, and sorceress of all things Adobe related...Ms. Robin Oatts of Genre Creative.  I cloned, I stamped, I retouched my way across 14 hours of intense editing lessons (all done while eating fresh waffles, mixed berries, popcorn, gourmet sandwiches, movie candy, Starbucks coffee, wine and gouda!) I was well fed and now I am well versed in my new favorite program. ohhhh snap!

Lately my obsession has been animal sweaters, Panda bears exclusively.  I leaped in my seat when Robin mentioned our portraits for today and I excitedly thought to myself, "Tomorrow! The panda sweater!" I could hardly wait (not sure I slept)! I topped off the look with Nars lipstick in Schiap and my clear Oliver Peoples frames. Panda love all around.

Sweater: Salvation Army Columbus, OH

Necklace: Ohio Thrift Columbus, OH. The pattern and glitter on this metal collar remind me of Miu Miu Fall '11 which is my hands down favorite Miu Miu collection yet.

Portrait: Robin Oatts Genre Creative check her out! Give my girl a shout.

Retouching: Moi! 

Tux pants that are afraid of the daytime need not apply (No vampire tux pants. Please.)  I need tux pants that like to be worn in the sun! To work! To coffee! To dinner too! Your basic black tux pant is uber versatile and night time is the time most people might think to wear them. Lo and behold (and contrary to popular lore) they can be pulled off for day with much splash and aplomb! With a flat men's brogue they would be super brilliant too (sigh). I worked mine with a native American edge and added the Marc Jacobs Collection handbag to ground it with some serious lux.

Vintage pj style blouse: Liz Claiborne from the Salvation Army. The subtle blush/pink/nude color is sort of to die for, and how about that white piping and tiny peter pan collar?! eek!

High waist Tux pants: Definitely quite a find for me! I picked these up at Savers Thrift in Olathe KS on a visit home and I hid them in the Men's Bathrobes until they went half price the next day.  I had them tailored to fit and also had the hem taken up to be just a tad short a la Thom Browne.  Sadly the matching jacket (which could not be squeezed into my carry on) had to be mailed to me and got last in the mail!

Coat: Army green double breasted with mink collar from Volunteers of America.  The color is killing me and I can't wait to wear this more! The girl in line behind me at the thrift store was like, "where did you find that?!" I love it when people are envious of my razor sharp eye. ;)

Shoes: Vintage Keds with tiny gardening embroidery! What amazes me is that I get no compliments on these in Ohio but when I wore them in NYC a month and a half ago people on the subway were complimenting them and my hair dresser LOVED them! Go figure.

Handbag: Marc Jacobs Collection from Neiman Marcus

Necklaces: Vintage bolo tie was my Papa's and I picked up the beaded necklace and brass necklace this week at the Salvation Army and Volunteers of America respectively. Things always look better in odd numbers, 1's, 3's and 5's. 

Let me pose this question. Do we need a reason/excuse/purpose to dress up? As Americans I think that answer could be "yes." It's hard to get out of our comfy pants with the elastic bands or heaven forbid shed our Ugg boots (I detest those boots) for a chicer more stylish form of flat footwear.  Living in Ohio now instead of NYC even I can get in the comfy rut (especially in Winter).  I think, "but no one else will be dressed up and I don't want to stick out!" I LOVE clothes though and am tired of seeing my beautiful finds hanging in my closet room patiently waiting for a stroll about Columbus.  They make me happy! They take my breath away! So what if I wear sequins to the grocery?! The only person feeling uncomfortable now might be the woman in elastic pants...not me. ;) With this new thought pattern firmly in place I decided to wear my (ahem) vintage 1950's couture sequin and wool cardi to a totally informal dinner at a friends house.  This might not appear to be dressed up, but in Ohio I guarantee you it is.  I had a great time and most importantly I felt great.  I urge you to take out some pieces from your wardrobe that you don't get around to wearing very often and pair them with something more casual and unexpected. Do it for you! When you feel good, you look good. Carpe diem ladies. Carpe diem.

Sweater: "I swoon! I swoon for you dear sweeeeater!!!" I sang that love song on the spot when I found this gem at the Salvation Army a few months ago.  They don't make sweaters like this any more.  The bead work, covered buttons and hook and eye closure, it's enough to make me sing a prequel. <3

Tank top: I have to mix my elements. It's truly all about the mix.  This funny little tank that has a picture of a rock saying, "I rock out" fills my hole of quirkiness.  It takes the look from being too precious and too put together.  If I'm not having fun or if it's not tongue and cheek then why should I wear it? 

Jeans: Genetic denim

Scarf: Vintage minks that my friend kate named "The Furbottoms".  I love their tiny faces, feet and tails.  Meet Rudy, Austin, Melvin and Furbottom Furbottom. Quirky, I know. These are from Ohio Thrift.

Boots: Salvation Army

Snake cuff: Another custom piece I made myself.

Rings: Vintage 1960's vending machine jewelry, I have a whole collection! This is from Ebay.

Handbag: Vintage Italian tote from Eclectiques Columbus, OH.

Ah I miss you Renee! Texas has stolen you deep into it's bosom and I fear you may never return! Shucks, I guess it's just another reason for me to love Texas even more than I already do...(sigh).

Ok, I am sort-of-kind-of mildly obsessed with this letter jacket. Here are the dets on it: bought the jacket in May from my all time hands down favorite vintage store Vintage Vogue in Independence, MO.  I then clipped the "Jaymie" from my own junior high letter jacket and sewed it onto this one.  After that I added some much needed quirkiness in the form of vintage Cracker Jack charms from E bay, but only sewed them to one pocket. (Gotta love asymmetry!)  Did I mention how obsessed I am with it?! Oh yeah, I did. Can you truly blame me?  I wear it everywhere.

Jacket: no need to rehash the info!

Hanes v-neck vintage t-shirt: Goodwill Columbus, OH. BTW, I love how thin and soft the old t-shirts become, tiny holes never bother me, they only add character.

Pants: Vintage high waist from Re-Runs Vintage Warehouse KCMO

Belt: Reversible Vintage Gucci from Goodwill Columbus, OH

Shoes: From Nordstrom Columbus, OH

Socks with cherries!: Nordstrom Columbus, OH

Vintage Italian leather tote bag: Eclectiques Antique Mall Columbus, OH

Bracelets: Menagerie from vintage stores, Indian trading posts and the Nordstrom kid's department!

#1 Cheetah and Stripe (with a splash of color because you know I couldn't help myself, I never can...)

Stripe shirt: Limited Brand from Volunteers of America Columbus, OH

Vintage mustard color sweater: Salvation Army Olathe, KS

Knit hat: Nordstrom brand from Nordstrom Columbus, OH

Vintage woven chiffon drawstring handbag: Volunteers of America Columbus, OH

60's mod boots: Vintage Vogue Independence, MO

Necklace: Made by me after my recent NYC trip to acquire some stellar materials!

#2 Cheetah with a Pop-of-Color:

Tie neck blouse: Vintage St. John Salvation Army Olathe, KS

Blue Velour short sleeve shirt: Salvation Army Columbus, OH

1960's cropped mink coat: Salvation Army Olathe, KS

Handbag: Structured Vintage Eitenne Aigner from Ohio thrift Columbus, OH

Blue enamel cuffs: Ohio Thrift, Columbus OH

1960's white loafers: Salvation Army Columbus OH

#3 Cheetah with pattern (YES, pattern AND a statement necklace! Stay with me! HA!)

1970's pattern cowl neck shirt: Salvation Army Columbus, OH

1980's cropped leather jacket: Goodwill Shawnee, KS

Amazing wooden animal necklace with beads: Grandview Mercantile Columbus, OH

Vintage suede handbag (check out the gold framing!): Eclectiques Antique mall Columbus, OH

Vintage men's leather belt: Goodwill Columbus, OH

Vintage sunglasses: Ohio Thrift, Columbus OH

Shoes: Pierre Hardy Barney's NY

#4 Cheetah and Cheetah (aka NOT for the faint of heart! PS-it's imperative and more interesting when the cheetah prints do not match)

Prepare to be amazed as this tooled leather handbag changes from light vegetable tanned to dark brown. It still gets me every time.  Possibly my best find ever. Or almost ever. ;)

1960's cheetah coat: Volunteers of America Columbus, OH

Silk cheetah blouse (under sweater): Salvation Army Columbus, OH

Neiman Marcus cashmere cheetah sweater: Gift from co-worker

Vintage brooch (pinned at top of silk cheetah blouse): My great, great grandmothers

Turquoise and sterling silver belt: Ebay

Vintage reversible tooled leather clutch: Volunteers of America Columbus, OH

Vintage cheetah heels: Vintage Vogue, Independence MO

Are you convinced now? :)