How to Wear Layers in the Summer + First Trimester Update

How to wear layers in the summer? And why? Well, if you are anything like me, once you actually get inside, most places are freezing! My work being a primary example. Doctor’s offices, movie theaters, church, I could go on and on. But you also don’t want to be dying when you are outside in the heat. My go-to formula of how to wear layers in the summer is a tank (or sleeveless dress) with a lighter top layer. It’s easy to take off the outer layer if needed, and when you have something like this pink lightweight cardigan (only $45), you’re never too hot. I love the duster length of this cardi too. Other great layering options are a summer fabric blazer or utility jacket. I added distressed denim, a go-with-anything necklace, and flatforms. I wore this to dinner one night and also to work on a casual Friday with different jeans.

PSA: the adorable little white dress I shared last week is on a flash 50% off sale! Snag it now. Also, all the sale items at Shopbop are currently an additional 25% off! Whoa. My favorite blush midi dress is just one of the things on major sale.

How to Wear Layers in the Summer

Duster Cardigan c/o Goodnight Macaroon // Cami: Express // Jeans: Blank c/o Shopbop // Necklace c/o Kendra Scott // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop // Flatforms c/o Sole Society // Sunglasses: Karen Walker

I thought it would be fun to do a little first trimester update. I love it when life affords me the opportunity to share more about who I am with you all, and pregnancy seems like a natural way to do that. In case you missed it, you can read about our infertility journey here and the pregnancy announcement and continuation of our story here. If you’re not into the baby stuff, there is plenty of fashion around here.

How Far Along: 13 weeks today! I cannot believe it.

Gender: Russ and I do not plan to find out the baby’s gender. I never thought I would be a person who would wait because I am a planner by nature. However, we had several friends who waited, and even from an outsider perspective, it was so much fun. It already feels like it is going to be the best surprise of my life (outside of when Russ proposed). I get emotional just thinking about the moment in the hospital. Hello hormones.

Name: Because we aren’t finding out the gender, we are going to keep these to ourselves. We have several we like with a strong boy and girl contender. It feels like such a monumental decision!

How I am feeling emotionally: Hormonal. Just kidding, kind of. Honestly, I am so excited and thankful. Those are my two overriding emotions. Announcing our pregnancy was a really special time for me. Going through infertility really became a communal thing, so the joy Russ and I feel over this little life also feels communal. With you, with our close friends and family, with our church. I have days where I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness. I also have days where I am tired of feeling bad and am irrational. Just keeping it real.

How I’m feeling physically: I have been incredibly lucky to have a great first trimester. I was nauseous, but never threw up. I have been pretty tired and not sleeping too well, but I think that is to be expected. As an IVF patient, I have been on progesterone shots/supplements the whole time. I’m really excited to end those both because I am ready to be done with shots and medication but also because it means we have a healthy baby!

Physical changes: This has been another surprise for me. While I knew I was growing a human (hello) and a bump and weight gain were part of this, seeing the scale go up rapidly has been somewhat difficult for me. I’m not overly concerned about the number, but I do want to have a healthy pregnancy. I’m just so glad I am able to be pregnant and carry a child. Most of my jeans are high rise (my personal preference) and got tight quickly. I have some low rise and boyfriend pairs that still fit as evidenced by today’s post. For the most part, the majority of my pants are just uncomfortable and not worth it. I tried the belly band and rubber band tricks but just ended up annoyed every time I went to the restroom, which is often. I have a couple maternity options I am trying and will keep you posted. My dresses and skirts have been my best friends.

Cravings/Aversions: I have been shocked at how hungry I have been! Eating has helped the nausea, so I have tried to eat smaller, healthy options throughout the day. I won’t lie, I’ve had my fair share of hamburgers and fries. I’d say in general I have craved protein and carbs more than anything and haven’t had any major aversions.

Nursery: I have always wanted a more neutral nursery which is great since we aren’t finding out the gender. We actually have the crib and dresser/changing table already. It turns out wanting a baby for over two years makes you stupid excited and you do things like take professional announcement photos and order furniture at 8 weeks.

Highlight: We have been lucky enough to have ultrasounds at 8, 10, and 12 weeks with another one tomorrow. They have all been so special. Hearing the heartbeat at 8 weeks was like nothing I could have ever imagined. At 10 weeks, our little baby was moving and you could see its arms and legs. At 12 weeks, he/she had grown so much. Each time, I am amazed at the miracle of life and reminded what all this is about.