I’ve had to take a bit of a hiatus from Style Tutor this year because of some other things I’ve got cooking — namely, a growing baby bump. Juggling the demands of work and school and baby planning, not to mention the fact that my energy is seriously on the decline here in the last few weeks, I just haven’t had time to blog. And, if I’m being honest, I haven’t felt particularly stylish lately, either. But I had to make them time to talk about the frustrating topic of maternity clothes now that I’m headed into the home stretch.

It’s true what they say … maternity clothes are mostly pretty terrible. But they don’t have to be, and I think when you know where to look and what to look for you don’t have to throw in the style towel until after the baby comes. So I’ve put together a few tips and suggestions for the expectant mothers out there to help you save some money and feel good about yourself while you’re lugging around a basketball (or two) underneath your shirt.

Tip #1: Don’t go overboard on the maternity clothes.  You may be tempted to run out and stock up on stretchy pants and tops at the first sign of a bump. But if you’re keeping your weight gain in check, resist the urge. Maternity clothes are not cheap, so I suggest you make your regular clothes work as long as possible. I bought a few items here and there during months 4-6 — mostly Old Navy maternity tanks (see #5 below) to extend the length of my regular shirts — and invested in a Bella Band (#8) to help keep my regular pants up after long after I’d stopped being able to button them (another trick that really does work: looping a rubberband through your button hole to keep your pants lying somewhat flat around your belly). I found the Bella Band to be a real life-saver — in fact, I’m still using it with a couple pairs of pants and shorts I can still squeeze into with only six weeks to go. But it wasn’t until I was into my sixth month that I found I really needed to buy maternity clothes. At that point, because it was winter, I bought a few pairs of skinny cords, one pair of skinny jeans and one pair of bootcut jeans from the Gap and Old Navy (see #s 1 and 4 below). The skinny cut works best f0r me, as it emphasizes the fact that I’m still mostly my normal size, except for in the mid-region. My one pair of bootcuts are a little more roomy, so I wear those on my more casual days. As far as tops go, I’ve been sticking mostly with regular cardigan sweaters or blazers over Old Navy or Gap tanks and tees.

(more tips after the image)

Style Notes: Old Navy Pop-Color Rockstar Jeggings $39.94 / Gap Printed Drape-Front Dress $64.95 / Destination Maternity 3/4-Sleeve Striped Maternity Tunic $34.98 / Gap 1969 Demi Panel Always Skinny Jeans $33.99 (sale price) / Old Navy Scoop Rib-Knit Tank $12.94 / Old Navy Tank Maxi Dress $28 / Old Navy Low-Rise Leggings $14.94 / Ingrid and Isabel BellaBand Everday $28 / Gap Eversoft Skinny Cardigan $41.99 (sale price) / Rebecca Minkoff Safety Pin Earrings via Piperlime $48

Tip #2: Buy a few items a size up before you head into the maternity section. As I mentioned before, especially in the first half of the pregnancy, you won’t really need actual maternity clothes. In fact, they may just make you feel a lot bigger than you are. Instead, I recommend you buy a few cardigans and basic tops in a size or two up from your normal size. These can grow with you for quite a while (especially with a tank or Bella Band underneath), and you can still wear them post-baby. While a splurge, one of my favorite purchases during my pregnancy has been a pair of AG Stevie Ankle Jeans in a size bigger than I typically wear. They are the softest, most comfortable jeans — and the best part is I can still wear them, albeit with a little rigging. I know they will continue to be a go-to for months after the pregnancy.

Tip #3: Raid your friends’ closets. Chances are, you have some friends who have been down this road and still have some maternity clothes taking up space in their closets. Hit them up to help add to your wardrobe. Thanks to my very fashionable friends, I’ve inherited a pair of Seven For All Mankind maternity jeans, as well as several cute dresses, skirts and tops that I would not likely buy for myself. Much like the sisterhood of the traveling pants, I will pay these clothes, along with the ones I purchased, forward to the next mom-to-be in need.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to show off the bump. As much as I don’t love maternity clothes, I actually think it was a lot harder to get dressed at the beginning of my pregnancy when I wasn’t really showing but my clothes were starting to get tight. At that point I was trying to keep the pregnancy under wraps, and coming up with ways to wrap myself up (especially during a hotter-than-normal fall) was pretty tough. Once I “popped” around 22 weeks, I just had to go for it and embrace that belly. And while I still feel very self-conscious walking around with a giant basketball attached to my front, trust me when I say it’s a lot better than hiding it in some garment that will inevitably make you look like a tent and have people do the “is she or isn’t she?” thing. Everyone’s pregnancy is different — some are “all belly” and others gain weight all over — so how you show off your attributes has got to be an individual decision. But take advantage of the growing bustline (to a certain degree; an excessive amount of cleavage is never a good idea — pregnant or not) and the bump. Nothing is more freeing than wearing a form-fitting dress (see #2 above) or top and not having to worry about sucking in your tummy. And for those who want a little more protection under those bump-revealing outfits, Spanx makes a line of maternity body shapers.

I really hoped to get into the whole tunic/leggings look, which I think is cute on a lot of pregnant women, but it hasn’t worked out so well for me. My long torso and the fact that I’m carrying very low makes me look strangely disproportionate. But for those ladies with perfectly round bellies, I think it can be a very cute look (#3 and #7 above).

Tip #5: Balance comfort and style. It’s tempting to live every day in a pair of yoga pants. When I am not in public, I’m almost exclusively wearing my Old Navy roll-panel yoga pants because that is how I feel most comfortable. I fully expect my husband in the not-so-distant future. But I resist the urge (and it is strong) to wear them anywhere other than walking the dog around the neighborhood because it’s important for me to feel as much like my “normal” self as possible. And that means putting myself together each day before I head out into public. But it’s a compromise. I’ll admit to wearing my hair in a ponytail much more often than I normally do — a hot blow dryer on my already too-hot body is not something I can handle every day. I’ve also ditched all but the shortest heels and  have definitely dressed down my work look to more of a casual-Friday style. But I’m working hard to put my best fashion foot forward by embracing maternity dresses and making up for wearing jeans to work by emphasizing the accessories. As the fingers get too big for your favorite rings, turn to drop earrings — they add some sparkle and will draw attention upward to your already glowing complexion. (How cute are the earrings in#10 above? They remind me of blinged-out diaper pins.) So the moral is, go with what’s comfortable while still maintaining your pre-maternity style. You’ll be glad you did when people compliment you on how great you look. Trust me when I say you will eat up those compliments.

So if you’re in the market for some clothes that will grow with you, fear not. While I’ve stuck almost exclusively to the Gap and Old Navy because I’m familiar with their sizing, and their frequent discounts make the clothes more affordable, there are several other places you can turn to. Destination Maternity is the grandmommy of all maternity stores, featuring three separate stores at different price points under one roof (or online). The selection is pretty vast, and while it does skew to the pricier side, frequent sales and coupon offers help. Amazon has quite a good selection of maternity clothes from established and boutique designers. And while I haven’t bought anything from this site myself (but am constantly checking it for bargains) several friends have raved about flash-sale site Gilt, which features maternity clothes along with great deals on baby and kid gear. I’ve seen lots of great deals on fashionable maternity work clothes. While shopping online is a bit of  gamble because you can’t try things on, Amazon has an excellent return policy and Gilt will return most items for a credit.

I hope these tips will help you navigate the world of maternity wear — I suspect my next post will tackle another frustrating fashion topic: post-baby transitional clothes.

In addition to leisurely mornings spent perusing our favorite blogs and watching HGTV, one of the best parts of the weekend is the sales that seem to abound these days, both online and in stores. This week, we’re bringing you some of our favorite finds from three retailers who are offering special weekend deals: LOFT, Gap and Old Navy. LOFT’s sale includes 30% off all new arrivals online (use code NOW30) and in stores through Sunday. LOFT has also discounted its winter sale items by up to 80% — a perfect time to pick up on some winter staples for those who are still battling winter temperatures. Both Gap and Old Navy are running online offers for today (Saturday, Feb. 2) only — Gap is offering 25% off select tops, while Old Navy is offering 25% all purchases (use code GAMEDAY –  some restrictions apply). Both sales offer plenty of fun choices for spring. Enjoy your weekend, and happy shopping!

Style Notes: (all prices listed are sale prices – see above for more sale details) LOFT Marisa Side Zip Ankle Pants in Scribble Print $48.65 / Old Navy Lightweight Graphic Sweater $24.94 / LOFT Placed Floral Print Dress $55.65 / LOFT 3/4 Sleeve Lace Top $34.65 / Gap Striped French Terry Funnel-Neck Top $33.71  / Old Navy Sueded Ballet Flats $22.94 / LOFT Floral Drapey Crepe Blazer $68.60 / Gap NYC Postcard T $22.46

In one week my life is going to change dramatically. After nine years of teaching high school, I will once again become a student. I’m beginning a doctoral program and will also be teaching a couple classes at the university. This new path will alter just about everything in my life — my career, my budget, my sleep patterns, even my wardrobe.

In the past, my teacher look was mostly business: tailored trousers, dresses and skirts (except for the newspaper and yearbook club t-shirts for Spirit Fridays). I wore a lot of heels, mostly because adding a few inches to my 5-foot-4 frame made me feel a little more authoritative. But now that my days will largely be spent sitting in class as a student or studying, I need to rethink my style to something a bit more practical. Nothing sounds more uncomfortable than sitting in a three-hour class in a pencil skirt or traipsing a half-mile across campus in patent leather pumps. But because I will still be teaching, I can’t totally turn to jeans and a t-shirt. So I’ve begun to focus on acquiring pieces that are appropriate for both roles, which means mostly skinny cords and ankle-length pants I can wear with flats. And if I want to get a little more formal when I’m teaching, I’ll opt for comfortable shift dresses and a shorter heel. I also plan to grow my collection of blazers to add a bit of bookish sophistication to all my outfits. Speaking of classroom chic, no look would be complete without my new Warby Parker Fitz eyeglasses. I upgraded my prescription just in time to tackle the hundreds of pages I’ll be reading each week!

I won’t exactly be a starving student, but my shopping budget will have take a considerable hit in my new life. Fortunately, several kindhearted retailers offer discounts to students (and teachers) that I can take advantage of. I will also continue to watch for special email and Facebook offers and sale opportunities from my favorite stores. These cash-saving tips should help me build a sensible and stylish wardrobe that will take me from student to teacher and back again with ease.

Style Notes:  Pim+Larkin The Brigid Dress via Piperlime $62.50 (fall sale price) / LOFT Leopard Print Belt $39.50 / LOFT Animal Print Faye Bow Heels $79.50 / Warby Parker Fitz Eyeglasses $95 /Michael Kors Large Layton Chronograph Watch $250 / Madewell Silk Peplum Top $98 /  J. Crew Toothpick Cord in Cabernet $98 / Madewell Artdot Blazer $138 / Capwell+Co Rose Gold Collar Necklace $68 / Madewell Suede Sidewalk Skimmer $98

At the beginning of the summer, Jennifer and I created wishlists and set budgets for our summer shopping.  Now that’s it’s already August (!), it’s time to see how we fared in our July shopping. I’m sharing my update today, and be sure to check back later this week to see how Jennifer did.

After a whirlwind of a June, things slowed down considerably in July. I focused on indoor activities to attempt to beat the heat, but tried not to go overboard on the shopping, after blowing my budget last month. How did I do? I’ll break down my July spending right after this reminder of my wishlist items…

After picking up several items on my list in June (and a whole lot more), I crossed off a few more in July. My purchase of some new sunglasses was prompted by one of the great tragedies of the summer — my beloved Ray-Ban aviators were left behind at the game lodge in South Africa. I wasn’t ready to replace them with another expensive pair, so I jumped on a functional pair from LOFT that cost me $13 during an all-store 50% off sale. It was during that same fantastic sale that I picked up another pair of shorts and a couple short-sleeved sweaters (click on the picture below for details).  Although the sweaters weren’t on my wishlist, they have already proven to be great purchases, and will continue to feature prominently in my wardrobe throughout the fall.

The Madewell Private Shopping Party we hosted in July was not only a great opportunity for us to help our friends pick out some fun styles (Madewell is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop), but it also allowed us to do some shopping for ourselves. Thanks to a great sale, I picked up two woven belts and a striped tank top for about $60.

Instead of the statement earrings on my list, I was moved to buy a statement ring when I visited the adorable local boutique Frances. The beaded turquoise stunner is now permanently attached to my hand. I also picked up a sweet Peter Pan collar blouse that is lightweight for summer but will be a great layering piece come fall. And thanks to a Local First Arizona promotion, these items were 20% off.

My one summer shoe purchase didn’t exactly fit the parameters I’d set, but they were too cute — and from too surprising of a retailer — to pass up. I stopped in Talbot’s for the first time, well, maybe ever, to buy a birthday gift for my grandma. I happened to visit them in the middle of a huge sale, so I thought I’d look around. Much to my surprise, the store had some pretty cute items. I was drawn to the fun zebra print on the linen peep-toe wedges, and the price ($65.99, after a 50% off discount) was nice. This is another summer purchase that will take me well into the fall.

Finally, I picked up a pair of white jeans at J. Crew that were 40% off. While the fashion etiquette books might say to pack away your whites after Labor Day, here in Arizona, white denim remains a workhorse well into October (hey, it’s still over 100 degrees outside!). They weren’t on my list, but I knew I’d get a lot of wear out of them.

I’m pleased with my July purchases, and with my summer haul overall. I picked up five of the items from my wishlist (seven if you accept the ring as a replacement to the earrings and the wedges in place of the sandals) and took advantage of several amazing summer sales. But I’m most pleased with the fact that many of the items I bought this summer have served me well under the blistering Arizona sun and will continue to be go-to items throughout the fall. To me, that’s what strategic shopping is all about.

So did all my great July loot fit in my July budget? It did … almost. My grand total was $354. I’ll take that as a victory, considering the diversity and longevity of my purchases. I think I can sacrifice one trip to the coffee shop to make up for the overage!

While most people choose the spring for their annual life de-cluttering cleaning spree, as a teacher I have always chosen the summer. With a lot of extra time on my hands, and the temperature north of 100 degrees making it impossible to go outside, it’s the perfect time for me to tackle the junk drawers, kitchen cabinets and, of course, the closets.

My closet itself is average; it’s a decent size, with some built in cabinet space, and has nice light. It’s certainly no Carrie Bradshaw affair, but it will do. I typically rotate some of the items in my closet twice a year — I have unsightly vacuum-sealed space saver bags to keep my sweaters and beachwear safe in the off-season — but I do one major overhaul in the summer. This is when I sort, organize and evaluate the pieces in my wardrobe to determine what stays, what goes, what’s on the fence and what pieces I want to build upon when I do my back-to-school shopping. It’s an all-day process, one that leaves me with a satisfying feeling of order and control. I feel so much better about my closet after I’ve spent this time, not only because it looks infinitely better, but also because I’ve rediscovered items that have been buried in the back and I’ve rid the closet rods of items past their prime. Here’s a few of my best tips to help you get organized:

Should it stay or should it go?
My first step in organizing my closet is to go through each piece to identify the ones I’m ready to say goodbye to. This includes anything that’s looking tired or faded and items that no longer fit. This process can take some time, as it requires actually trying on the clothes. I make a pile of those items I’m getting rid of for later in the process (see below), and then turn to the items I’m not yet sure what to do with. My rule of thumb with these pieces is to put them near the front of my closet in an area of high visibility. If I haven’t worn them in six months (or if I do and it just doesn’t go very well), I bid them adieu.

I understand how easy it is to become attached to certain items in your closet, whether it’s something that holds fond memories or that you hope to fit into again one day. But trust me when I say it’s better for everyone — especially if you share a closet — if you eliminate those pieces you don’t wear because they are only taking up space. Plus, it gives you a reason to go shopping to replace them with newer and better pieces!

Best-laid plans
I have a very particular organizational layout for my closet: Clothes are first separated by type (blazers, sweaters, pants, skirts, etc.), then by function (work vs. play, with crossover items in the middle). Within each category, I put like colors together, from dark to light. This system works for me, but it may not for you. Pick a system that works for your wardrobe and stick with it. You’ll love knowing exactly how many black sweaters you have (and if you’re like me, that number is entirely too high) and just where to find them. And the best part is that taking a quick spin through a well-organized closet before you go shopping can prevent you from buying items like ones you already own.

Put your best foot forward
I handle shoes a little differently, since they tend to have a longer shelf-life than many of the items in my closet. I keep my best pairs in their boxes to extend their lifespan. The others go either in a hanging shoe rack or a drawer reserved for little-worn shoes, like the Tevas I only wear once every three years when I engage in water sports. I evaluate each pair of shoes for style and wear. Although I love shoes, I don’t buy them as often as I do other items; I tend to work shoes to death. I usually won’t give up a pair of shoes unless I have another to serve the same function. For instance, when it’s time for me to finally put to bed the pair of black ballet flats I’ve worn on four continents in the past two years, I need to know I have a suitable replacement. So unless a pair of shoes is in really bad shape, I typically set the ones near death aside and add those styles to my shopping list.

*Important note about extending the life of your shoes: If you’ve paid big bucks for a pair of shoes (or even scored a pair of high-end shoes at a discount price), don’t be so quick to toss them out. A quality pair of shoes will stay in style for years — or will make its way back into fashion after a few seasons off. If yours are looking a little ragged, take them to your local cobbler. For a fraction of what it would cost to replace them, the cobbler can polish, resole, dye or mend just about anything.

Paying it forward
You have two main options when it comes time to eliminating the unwanted items from your closet: donating or reselling them. Each has their own benefits. I give away most of my clothes, either to Goodwill or to students, friends or family. For professional clothing, I prefer to donate to an organization like Arizona Women’s Education and Employment or WHEAT’s Clothes Silo, which provide clothing at no cost to women seeking employment. You may choose to give your clothes to your church or another local nonprofit organization. It’s a good idea to get a receipt, as you can write off the donation on your taxes.

I’ll admit I’m far too lazy to attempt to resell my clothes, but if you are motivated, there are certainly plenty of consignment/resell shops in the Phoenix area to which you can sell your old clothes and gain credit for new clothes. Old standbys such as Buffalo Exchange and My Sister’s Closet will accept clothing that is still in good condition; visit their sites for guidelines on what to sell and what you’ll get in return. Poor Little Rich Girl in Phoenix is newer to the scene and offers another venue to resell higher-end items in good condition. Klury.com is a Phoenix-based online resell shop that allows you to quickly get a quote for your high-end designer items and send them off at no cost. You’ll be paid for your items within 48 hours — how’s that for service? And co-founder Mandy Russell is the cutest thing ever. Finally, if you’re really into DIY, you can go the eBay route. While it may prove to be the most profitable for some items, it’s also the most risky and time-consuming.

So there you have it — my guide to getting your closet fit for the summer. You’ll find items you forgot you even owned, put together new outfit ideas and eliminate that off-the-shoulder sweater you thought channeled a cool retro Flashdance vibe but really just makes you look like a bit of a floozy. When it’s time to go shopping for the fall, you’ll have an informed idea of what items you REALLY need for your closet, which is sure to save you loads of time and money. Happy summer cleaning!

On Tuesday,Jennifer updated us on the purchases she has made from her summer must-have list. As usual, she hit all the right marks and did so in an amazingly cost-effective manner. My June shopping list (and budget) went in a different direction. Here’s the scoop:

June was an exciting month for me because it took me South Africa, England and the United Arab Emirates. To say that it was a significant item to cross off my bucket list would be a major understatement. But it also meant that most of my June shopping was for the trip. And because it is winter in South Africa (and most days feel like winter in foggy London town), I was “summer” shopping for sweaters, jackets and scarves. So while I didn’t make too much progress on my summer wishlist, I did pick up a few items that will be invaluable to me in seasons — and, I hope, holidays — to come.

Admiring a tree sculpture outside the gorgeous Tokara Winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Click on the items for details.

I have to admit, I did a pretty fantastic job of packing for this trip. How do you pack 15 days’ worth of winter clothes into one small bag? By choosing versatile pieces like the Madewell Spotshadow Jacket ($104, with 20% off card). It proved to be a great layering piece, working on its own on a sunny day of wine tasting, but still light enough to wear under my heavy jacket at night. The Dooney & Bourke Nylon Crossbody Bag ($58) is the perfect travel bag. It fits all the necessities and works well with any outfit. I also like that it’s flat so I can wear it under a jacket when I think that safety may be an issue.

View from the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Click on the items for details.

The Broken-In Khakis from Gap ($30, with 40% discount) are a versatile choice for just about any occasion. I wore this pair hiking, on game drives, even paired with ballet flats for an evening out. The lightweight North Face hoodie ($35, on sale) accompanied me everywhere — the perfect layering piece.

Staying warm in my Madewell Ombre Circle Scarf and REI jacket at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. Click on the jacket for details.

I love this Madewell Ombre Circle Scarf (apparently so did everywhere else, as it’s sold out — click here for similar style). It will no doubt be a permanent fixture in my fall wardrobe, just as it was on the trip. But I really hit the jackpot with the REI Revelcloud Jacket ($149). It is surprisingly warm, given how lightweight it is. I love the slim fit that is still generous enough to accommodate multiple layers without looking too bulky. The best part: you can roll it up and stuff it in a little accompanying drawstring bag! It took up virtually no space in my bag. I will be wearing this jacket all winter as I navigate the Phoenix public transit system, and it will no doubt join me on future visits to cold-weather climates.

Making new friends at Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa.

I’ve had the Lucy beanie for years, but the Gap Woven-Striped Scarf was a purchase for the trip. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without this scarf — it kept me warm on the early morning game drives. The style I bought is sold out; click here for a similar style.

In addition to my trip necessities, I actually did buy a few things that were on my must-have list:
- The perfect lightweight movie theatre cardigan: J. Crew Linen Cable-Knight Cardigan in Heirloom Pink ($68, 15% off with the J. Crew educator discount).
- Sophisticated shorts: I love the higher waist and slim cut of these Madewell Double-Dutch Shorts (now on sale for $39.99). I can wear them on a day of errand-running or dress them up for dinner with friends.
- The any-occasion maxi dress: I brought the J. Crew Raj Paisley Midsummer Maxi Dress ($119.99)  dress on my trip to wear in Dubai. I love the fun print. It worked perfectly for a fancy evening out (paired with the aforementioned cardigan), and it’s also a great go-to for weekend brunch.

Total Spent: $686

So in the end, I didn’t make too much progress on my must-have list, and I went way over budget..yikes. But it was the best June ever.