Last year I did an individual outfit post for every single outfit, and it stressed me out wayyyy too much. Planning the outfits and wearing them was fun! I was doing that anyway! Taking the outfit photos was a little more stress, but I’ve gotten pretty fast with my tripod, or pretty convincing/good at bribing The Beard to snap my pics for me. But the longer process was uploading the pics, editing them if I felt like it, and writing/posting each individual look. NOT WORTH. So this year I decided to have a few guest posters take some slots on the blog, share all of my outfits on Instagram, and then do a few outfit roundup posts. It’s been much more fun and much less stressful.

I’m doing this new thing where I’m trying to not make myself do all these arbitrary expectations. For example, this last week I was dead set on getting all the presents wrapped and under the tree, making & delivering my neighbor/friend gifts, and staying on top of our advent calendars/activities. The week was incredibly busy with many last minute developments that I’d normally try to just soldier on around. Instead I just said “you know? those can wait.”

Yesterday I had plans for 4 different errands and then meeting up with family to visit Santa! Someone who shall remain nameless refused to sleep on her own, instead restlessly sleeping with her head on me all night long and waking with a low fever and congestion. Part of me was like “power through! still gotta get the shiz done!” and part of me was like “zzzzzzzz” so we compromised. We did ONE errand (rewarded with McDonalds), a little work while we cuddled on the couch, and then Christmas episodes of our favorite TV shows. This scaling back thing isn’t so bad, actually.

Anyway. Here’s some outfits!!!

#1 – Ugly Sweater Party!

I wore this to my friend Katie’s Craft Exchange. Huge, cheap ugly sweater from Walmart, fits over my bump, donezo. Reese looks much better in her fly Target Swag.

#2 – Holiday Shopping

When you’re dragging your toddler around several stores & malls around the state, comfort is key. Matching is optional, but definitely helps morale. I have been eyeing this jacquard cardi coat from Old Navy (so are the leggings and tunic tee, and Reese’s top and pants lol lol) since I first saw it like 2 months ago. When the 50% off sale hit Black Friday I just had to pull the trigger. I’ve already planned it with several other outfits in my head because it’s just so comfy and cute. Paired with a tunic, leggings, and ankle boots made for a really comfortable and warm outfit for getting in and out of the car 5x.

#3 – Christmas Concert

Every year we go to the Lower Lights Christmas Concert with our best friends and it’s one of our very favorite traditions. It also was the perfect excuse to bust out this impulse buy – a black crepe maternity jumpsuit from ASOS! Originally I planned to pair it with these red heels – I think you kind of have to add some glam to a jumpsuit or it can look like a janitor! But pregnant + my husband in a baseball hat + not sure about our parking/walking situation meant the heels were photo-op only. I switched to flats for the actual outing. I’m living a lie. Also this coat was my bday present to myself that I’ve been wanting for a literal calendar year and I love it so so much.

#4 – Work Christmas Party

I bought this Pink Blush Maternity glitter dress when I was pregnant with Reese, and intended to wear it for maternity pics but it just felt a little too glitzy. I actually wore it last year to the Lower Lights Concert ~not pregnant lol. Turns out when I’m pregnant it is not very flattering to my backside & hips. I’m at the stage in pregnancy where it’s helpful to emphasize the bump, but mask the scary back hemisphere – so jackets, vests, and cardigans are doing me serious favors. And I’d like to take a second to publicly declare my love for H&M maternity tights. Usually tights make me feel about 30000 pounds but these are comfy and warm.

#5 – Church

After two back to back nights of partying I was feeling and looking ROUGH for church on Sunday. I needed something comfy. I also love plaid and gold for the holiday season, so it was easy to incorporate. My favorite plaid (Cotton On) doesn’t fit over my bump, so I tied it up above the bump instead over my favorite black maternity maxi (Old Navy). Reese is the real star of the show here, of course. Red tights (H&M) and cheetah flats (Old Navy) because I would 10/10 wear this outfit.

That’s a wrap! My girl Jessica will be here Friday sharing two stellar holiday outfits, and then I’ll be back next week with another roundup. Follow along on Insta and share your holiday looks with #12OutfitsofChristmas!