3 STYLE STAPLES EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN NEEDS

Expecting? You’re in luck. Rachel Zoe's exclusive maternity collection for A Pea in the Pod just launched, and it’s filled with staple pieces you’re going to live in from your first trimester right through the end of your pregnancy (and likely for a few months after too). Here, three key items in the spring collection—an edgy jacket, flowy maxi and black leggings—and how to wear them now and later. 

#DressTheBump

Key Piece: The Edgy Jacket

Pregnancy has a way of making you feel a little less than cutting-edge. That's where the moto jacket comes in.

Rachel Zoe x A Pea in the Pod $138

The Edgy Jacket: First Trimester

Accentuate your barely there bump with a body-con, horizontal-striped dress.

The Edgy Jacket: Third Trimester

Comfy cotton separates and cool-girl flats are maternity must-owns.

Key Piece: Flowy Maxi

With spring weddings and garden parties on the horizon, you need an elegant dress that keeps you comfortable in the sun.

Rachel Zoe x A Pea in the Pod $158

The Flowy Maxi: First Trimester

Stacked sandals and glam accessories give the look a boho feel.

The Flowy Maxi: Third Trimester

If you're seeking a more modest look, a beautiful cardigan is a classic piece that keeps you covered.

Key Piece: The Black Legging

Maternity jeans are great and all, but you're going to need some simple black pants too.

Rachel Zoe x A Pea in the Pod $98

The Black Legging: First Trimester

A graphic tee and simple accessories look fresh and fashionable, pregnant or not.

The Black Legging: Third Trimester

For a movie date or casual dinner keep your outfit simple and sleek—add interest via bold accessories.

3 NIGHTTIME LOOKS THAT PUT THE LBD TO SHAME

Deciding what to wear for a night out can be just as puzzling as figuring out where to go. Following the mountain of clothes that ensues on the bedroom floor, we’re all guilty of resorting to the oh-so-familar little black dress (you know, the one you wore last weekend?). It's chic-factor for dinner, drinks and dancing is undeniable, but let’s face it: no one wants to look like every other girl at the party. Enter three unexpected hero pieces that’ll up your evening outfit game for spring, transforming an easily cliché look into something more elevated, chic and alluring. Warning: you may never put on a body-con dress again.

Hero Piece: The Sexy Jumpsuit

If you can't seem to part with an all-black look, ditch your usual LBD and tights combo for a classic jumpsuit with a sexy neckline. Finish the look with some smudged eyeliner, pointy pumps and gold accessories.

Hero Piece: The Bright Maxi Skirt

A long skirt for a night out? I am all about it. Pair the new nighttime staple with an off-the-shoulder top to show a little skin then add glamour with an edgy clutch, drop earrings and strappy sandals.

Hero Piece: The Culotte Suit

Defy the norm and stand out in the sea of mini skirts and frocks with chic culottes and a matching blazer. Add metallic pumps and a cheeky clutch for a fabulous finish.

3 WAYS TO GET TAYLOR SWIFT’S LEGGY LOOK

Since the promise of warm spring weather in the near future means it will soon be time to break out the gams, I decided to get inspired by Taylor Swift’s street style (rumor has it, her legs are insured for $40 million dollars). Here, 3 leggy looks I can’t wait to rock once the temps begin to rise.

Chic Tailored Separates

Playful Romper

Romantic Shift Dress

Best Dressed Guest

Wedding season dress code: My tips to help you make your way through the spring social calendar

#1 

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Make a statement in a bold mini dress (shorter hems are better for commanding the dance floor!), and plenty of shine, like an ornate necklace and statement heels.

#2

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Formal doesn't have to mean resorting to your usual BBD (Boring Black Dress). Show your party personality with cute cutouts, luxe accessories and eye-catching heels.

#3

DESTINATION WEDDING

Seaside nuptials are meant to feel easy-going and carefree so have a little fun in a breezy maxi, festive accessories and flat shoes (to navigate the sand).

The Chicest Way to Style a Bandeau Top

When Cara Delevingne stepped out for Stella McCartney’s Fall 2015 show in Paris, she effortlessly showcased how to make a bandeau top appropriate for daytime. If you’ve been wanting to give the super-cropped trend a try but are weary of showing too much skin, look no further than a tuxedo-inspired topper. Cara opted for a button-embellished jacket and trousers, but this look can be achieved with a vest, dress or blazer. A little bit sexy and a whole lot of chic, allow these outfit pairings to inspire you to take the plunge.

Striped

Inspired by Cara's striped top, try a variation of her look by belting it underneath a long vest that double as a dress.

Bustier-Style

Give the look a major rock 'n' roll feel with a bustier-style top and embellished blazer.

Lace

Balance the coquettish vibes of a lace bralette with a longline vest in a romantic pastel hue.

Bright

Add a fun pop with a brightly colored bandeau, then top with a tailored blazer to ensure the look remains sharp.

Ribbed

Because comfy can be chic—pair a softly ribbed bandeau with a buttoned vest in a similar hue for a monochromatic effect.

How to Wear White Day to Night

White Out This Spring

There’s no doubt about it, white is an important part of a woman’s wardrobe. It brings fresh, effortless quality to an outfit and works for any season or event (well, except a wedding). This spring I’ve got three white must-buys on myshopping list: a boyfriend-style denim jacket, a flirty cotton dress, and a pair of desk-to-dinner culottes. Here, I will show you how to wear these staple pieces for day and night.

The Denim Jacket: Day

Double denim looks undeniably chic in optic white.

The Denim Jacket: Night

A white jacket adds just the right amount of pop to an all-black look.

The Feminine Dress: Day

Keep things super simple with tan accessories for daytime dates and hangouts.

The Feminine Dress: Night

Add edge with a proper leather jacket and modern accessories.

The Wide-Leg Pants: Day

Master the art of laid-back cool with a denim shirt, strappy slides, and retro shades.

The Wide-Leg Pants: Night

Bring the staple to the next level with a double-breasted blazer and some badass extras.

How to Look Stunning at Brunch

It’s Saturday morning at 11am and you’re heading to your local cafe to get brunch with friends. Do you a.) wear the same T-shirt you slept in b.) slip into your workout gear to give the false impression you have your life together or c.) put on an actual polished outfit and turn heads? According to Karl Lagerfeld, the answer should always be c). The set of his Fall 2015 collection for Chanel was a Parisian brasserie, and the girls wore all manner of inspiring, brunch-appropriate ensembles. Here, tips for making a sartorial statement this weekend.

Chanel Fall 2015

1. Don a statement jacket

Trade in your denim jacket for a high-impact bomber. Extra points for pairing it with daytime sequins.

2. Dress up your denim

Jeans are allowed, just make sure to pair them with luxe fabrics and flashy accessories like velvet and a chain belt.

3. Tame your bedhead

Spritz dry shampoo at the roots and then tease hair into a messy chignon. Finish with a black headband.

5. Don't overlook eveningwear

Just because it looks great in a ballroom doesn't mean it can't be worn with a grandpa sweater for brunch. #versatility

6. Style yourself creatively

Breathe new life into a sweater dress by layering it under a printed, knee-length skirt.

7. Stack your bracelets

All the better for getting the waiter's attention.

8. Mix textures

A jacquard midi-skirt looks gorgeous with a nubby tweed cardigan.

Steal The Style

Two-Tone Cap-Toe Pumps, Miu Miu $550

Gingham Cotton Cardigan, Carven $490

Belt Plate Bag, Topshop $52

Layered Coin Pendant Necklace, Forever 21 $10

Jaquard Midi Pencil Skirt, Maurizio Pecoraro $713

 

7. Stack your bracelets

All the better for getting the waiter's attention.

 

8. Mix textures

A jacquard midi-skirt looks gorgeous with a nubby tweed cardigan.

 

Steal The Style

• Two-Tone Cap-Toe Pumps, Miu Miu $550
• Gingham Cotton Cardigan, Carven $490