Happy Friday! As a heads up on something different this year, the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalogue is now available online! The catalogue is not yet complete, but it’s a pretty good preview until the sale starts next month. If you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, you can start shopping up to 2 weeks before public access begins on August 19th. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing Nsale reviews over the coming weeks including on baby gear (one of the best value buys in my opinion during this event)!
Affordable Dresses (that are also bump & nursing friendly)
For today’s post I wanted to share 3 dress finds that are all in regular sizing (so not maternity-specific), but each happen to be bump AND nursing friendly! And all sizes are in stock at the the time I’m publishing this post : ) I’ve reached the stage in my 3rd trimester where the majority of clothes are now dreadfully unflattering, yet I don’t want to buy something maternity that will only get worn for another month. These dresses were definitely a happy pick me up – the first two are my favorite, and were easy keepers knowing that they will get plenty of wear after pregnancy too!
Bra-wise, when not nursing I swear by these Bristosl 6 adhesive covers – so much more comfortable and lightweight than fidgeting with a strapless bra for me. When nursing, if I’m not wearing a nursing cami then I usually tuck reusable nursing pads inside fitted tops and dresses, and use the adhesive nursing pads inside clothes that aren’t fitted.
1. Flutter Sleeve Navy Dress ($49; similar in white)
I got this recently and have already worn it several days just while at home, because it’s just that comfy and cool in the summer heat. The stretchy bust area is smocked with a lining in the front, so I can happily go without a bra. If you need to wear a bra for support, I put on a regular skin-toned bra in the below photo to show how the dress does a fairly good job of covering the majority of the bra straps. The flutter sleeves have a small adjustable length portion in the back, and the skirt is lightweight in a good length for petite ladies, even with flat shoes.
The same brand also has two smocked dresses in white that I’d expect to be equally stretchy: the ruffle strap midi dress ($49) and embroidered eyelet sundress ($59).
Measurements of sz XS when lying flat and unstretched (note torso is very stretchy & straps are adjustable): 14″ across the top of smocked bust, 12.75″ across the bottom of smocked bust, 13″ from top of shoulder to bottom of smocked bust on the shortest strap setting, 45″ total length on shortest shoulder strap setting.
2. Only Tie Strap Dress ($49)
I was drawn to the flirty tie shoulders (which functionally help a lot with fit, whether you’re petite or tall!) and the lovely rust color that will transition smoothly into Fall. The bodice is smocked all around, so is super stretchy and forgiving. Material is unlined 100% cotton with a cotton poplin fabric feel to it, and needed a steaming out of the package but has been fairly low maintenance after that!
Measurements of sz XS when lying flat and unstretched (note torso is very stretchy): 13.5″ across the top of bodice, 13″ across waist, 38″ dress length not including the tie straps.
And here’s how it looks belted in a dimmer indoor lighting:
3. One floral off the shoulder dress ($50)
I read the poor review saying this dress was too narrow, so I ordered one size up and thought it was plenty flowy! Of course if you are 8 months pregnant it will be less so (as pictured below on me), but for someone who is not expecting or in their early pregnancy, the skirt has a nice swing to it and the color is a true tomato red. My indoor lighting below makes it look a little dull, but in person it’s actually a little more vibrant and fresh!
The middle is a very stretchy blouson style waistline, which you can wear as-is or add a belt for more waist definition. The top of the shoulder is smocked all around so you can pull it higher or lower as desired, and easily bring it down for nursing. The skirt is lined partially down the knees, and there is a small ruffled tier at the bottom of the sleeves and along the skirt hems.
Measurements of sz Small when lying flat and unstretched (note shoulder and waist are very stretchy): 16.5″ across the shoulder band, 12″ across the waist, 40″ length.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post. Which of the three is your favorite?
