And another time - you asked, I searched!
Tanks, Jeans, Lip Balms, Tunics, & Non-Maternity Maternity Wear
Tank Tops
1. Gap, $20
Tank! Tops! Tank! Tops! Did you know I used to not wear tank tops because I didn’t like my arms? So then I covered them in tattoos and said who fucking cares when it’s hot out let’s wear a motherfucking TAAANK TOP!
I like this one from Gap because it’s basic as hell. And comfy, and the straps are wide enough to cover bra straps. It’s very much an essential and not overly expensive - a very solid tank.
2. Rawson, $25
The ones I wear on a daily basis are from this Etsy shop I love, Rawson. They mainly sell military (US and European) vintage and deadstock, and this tank (deadstock) is so good. I love the neckline, and the cut - it’s just perfect.
I wear a tank like this most days instead of a bra and this one holds its shape if you wear it all day, sleep in it, and then….find yourself wearing it again the next day.
3. Rawson, $35
Another Rawson tank I’ve bought in multiples. The piping (or I don’t know what you’d call it) along the straps is really cute, but still masculine.
4. Parade, $38
This body suit is so good and so soft and it comes in sizes up to 3XL. I don’t have a chest, so I can’t speak to the real level of support but I’d think if you were like a C cup or smaller you could probably wear this without a bra - it does offer some support.
Also, since it’s a bodysuit, it stays “tucked in” and gives that really clean look.
5. Skims, $36
And Skims, of course. I love the ribbing on this one, and it’s super soft. I don’t wear crop tops, but it would look nice with a high waisted skirt or pants or if you do wear crop tops then as a crop top would also be nice! AND, it comes up to 4XL.
6. Vince, $65
Ok, expensive? Yes. But it is very high quality. Insanely soft, and nicely ribbed, it holds its shape, and the neckline is really nice.
7. Rosette, $68
A very, very sweet little printed pointelle version! There are a handful of different prints this one comes in, and you can also get matching undies and a matching cardigan to make it all a very cutie pie little set. Awwww!
Ok and now - the ultimate, ultimate - I have this in black and I was terrified to wash it because it’s so soft and the shape is so perfect - I never thought this kind of cut would be good on someone with broader shoulders and muscle-y arms, but it DOES and I’m obsessed with this tank. And it still looked perfect after being washed. We carry these at ByGeorge, but not online, call call call!
Lip Balms for very very dry lips
I’ve tried a TON of lip balms - I LOVE them. LOVE trying a new fancy one, LOVE the idea of pillowy not scratchy lips, HATE the feeling of chapped lips!
This one is excellent. Slather it on, and let it soak in overnight. Try rubbing your lips with a warm, wet washcloth before putting this on for extra smoooooothness.
2. Skinfix, $15
I love all of Skinfix’s products, and this one I really enjoy. It helps repair your lips’ barrier function to keep moisture in.
A true delight. Luxury! No scent! However, it does leave a slight white cast if you layer on too much.
The queen of lips KNC! Truly plumping and softening, this one also smells really nice.
This is my favorite going on, like, 14 years. I use it for everything, and have a little pot of it in every bag, every bathroom, everywhere, in my car, you get it. It always does the thing for my lips, but also my cuticles, elbows, any dry patch - I also use it on my kids.
Sometimes I ALSO dab it on my eyelids and the tops of my cheekbones for glossy lids and highlight.
The truest luxury! This one never fails to heal my lips. It feels amazing on, to the point where I often rub it all around my lips, and even sometimes under my nose if I’ve been blowing my nose a lot.
Non Maternity Maternity essentials
This is a lot of stuff, these were all things I relied heavily upon while I was pregnant. The first was this henley popover from Old Navy. I got a chambray one and wore it all the time while pregnant, and then for years again after. I love this shirt.
2. Hatch, $48
My favorite pregnancy & nursing bra. When I was pregnant I couldn’t stand to not have a bra on, especially while sleeping, and this one was so comfy. Then it was also great for nursing.
Comfiest shoes ever! My feet were so swollen and sore, and my back killed me all while pregnant. I loved these (and still do) because they help my feet & back, but also look great.
The! Best! Pregnancy! Leggings! Soft and thin, god, they are so comfortable. I found my belly so itchy while pregnant, and this didn’t make it itch, and when layered under other things prevented my skin from getting irritated.
5. COS, $135
Ok, so this dress also comes in black (and bright blue) and I’m not saying lime is the way (it is very Balenciaga though!) but you can see the detail better here. It’s very fitted in the arms, chest, high neck, long, and swingy, but the ruching on the side is very nice on a belly. It’s sexy! And flattering on a pregnant lady! Then, you’ll wear it again after the baby.
Ditto here. I lived in a ribbed knitted dress & riding boots while pregnant both times. I never was a fitted dress kinda gal, but while pregnant, I found fitted things the most comfortable. Here’s a less expensive version too.
This sweater! I still live in it, but especially then. I was so hot while I was pregnant that I wore this often without a coat, but then kind of snuggled into it when I was indoors. It was very much a security blanket. I have it in a large, and it was great over my belly.
My favorite pregnancy thing. They’re stupid expensive for leggings, but god, they looked so good and were so comfortable and it was really nice having something so fancy when the rest of the available options felt so not me. Here’s a less expensive pair.
And lastly, a robe coat. I wanted something polished and classic, especially on days when all I could stand to wear was leggings and a sweatshirt. A robe coat made me feel pulled together, and also belted over my belly so I could close it without dealing with buttons. Again, here’s a less expensive (really, really beautiful) version.
Jeans
Jeans are hard. Everyone likes something specific, and I like non-stretch, straight leg with no distressing. So here are my picks.
The first are my go-to Wrangler’s. I wear these almost every day. I love them.
A great straight leg option, though I think these have a little stretch. They also go up to a size 15Plus.
3. J Crew, $198
J.Crew just released a little capsule of denim inspired by pieces they found at a vintage fair. Or something. If I were in the market for denim, I would get these.
But I am not in the market, because I just got these! I LOVE them. I love the dark wash, I love the slight flare, the high waist. Everything. Again! We have them at ByGeorge! But not online. Call!
I have these in black and I love them. They have a great weight, no stretch, and are a really great shape.
6. Feel, $425
Ok, so I don’t own these, but I have heard they are the perfect jeans. They come in this light blue wash, black, and white and are reported to have the same look/feel as vintage 501’s.
Tunic to wear over leggings or jeans
And lastly, a very specific request, but one up my alley! I love a long tunic over jeans or those Row leggings I linked to above. My friend Danielle is also dressed like that a lot when I go see her and she always looks great. Anyway, this first one is on sale, and is so beautiful. I’d slink all around in it.
2. COS, $135
This is technically a dress, but would look great over cropped flared leggings or cropped jeans, or even actually if you’re really tall maybe baggy ripped jeans.
My! All time! Favorite! I wear this over everything and then in the summer on its own as a very very short dress. I love it.
4. Joseph, $275
The material and cut of this are gorgeous. Very luxe!
This one is sheer - so pretty over a bra and leggings, unbuttoned high from the bottom up, and with the sleeves scrunched up.
Fancy fancy, this has really nice crochet details that give it a little extra spice.
And there we are! I’m still working through requests, so another one coming soon.
Love, your friend,
Laurel
*PS, some of these are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase I might earn a commission. Which is nice!
Non-maternity maternity cross over to your last newsletter... the COS merino turtleneck are very stretchy. I went for a size L and I’m wearing it thru month 8 under button downs, cardigans, everything. A not too hot layer that adds dimensions to my other non-maternity basics
that strawberry pointelle wowowoowwwww T_T !!!!