I wasn't originally going to post this because the photo quality is not so great, but there was a request to show the outfit, and I suppose you can get the idea well enough. Ironically, OTKs turn out to be great maternity shoes because you don't have to bend over much to get them on

1.) Inspiration--this cardigan has a light metallic silver sheen that doesn't show so well in the photos.

2.) Interpretation--I wanted to wear a column of black. I chose a dress because I was going to a couple of daytime parties. For the second party I wanted to change into something more dressy (lace pencil skirt, fine knit maroon top, and sharp black blazer), but due to time constraints it wasn't possible. This is just a simple maternity T-dress from H&M with some rusching on the sides. Frankly I don't have many options at the moment and don't want to spend much money on things now. I felt really good in this, though. I think the photo doesn't do it justice.

3.) the components, since you can't see them that well. I used to only wear fine jewelry, but have been experimenting with costume jewelry, especially chunkier pieces like the bracelet since pregnancy.

An aside: at the first party I was seated next to a gal who was also expecting only two weeks later than I am. When I saw her come in the door, my heart sank because I thought she looked like a total snob--lovely, but designer everything with effete husband in tow (and beautiful toddler). She turned out to be a sweetheart, though, and now I am left to question why I was so judgmental. I was thinking is this what people mean when they want to look "approachable", something Angie has mentioned is a concern of many of her clients. Ironically I judged this woman for carrying a Miu Miu bag, even though my boots are Miu Miu (they just don't say so). In general I don't own designer things, but for a couple of items I have my reasons. Why should I make assumptions about other people? Then I have to question if in other circumstances people make these assumptions about me. Anyway.

ETA: Thinking more about this now and reading your comments, I think there were a couple of things going on. One was, before I saw this woman I was looking forward to meeting her because I thought we would have a lot in common based on what the hostess had told me. Then when I saw her, I think she strongly reminded me of a certain social circle I knew from college--think really spoiled Gossip Girl types, even though to be totally fair about that, plenty of those people were perfectly nice, just not the one I had to live with once--and then I was really disappointed. Also, let be known, I have nothing against Miu Miu bags. I would love to have one, personally. I just meant it was like a little thing that fit in with my overall first negative impression of her, but was kind of an odd thing for me to focus on. Anyway, thanks for your generosity with me about being so judgmental. You are right, the main thing is to keep an open mind even if you are having an instinctive reaction to someone and to wait it out. I am sure I have been on both sides of this equation. Haven't we all.