Our newest Makeover Story has a fun twist! Jen, a friend of mine from high school, asked me to take some maternity photos of her. She wanted to experiment with vintage styles. What better way to experiment with new vintage styles than to be featured in Makeover Story! I'm so happy she loved the idea because we had a super fun afternoon together trying new looks!
If you aren't familiar with Makeover Story, it's a feature I started this year that introduces women to the vintage lifestyle! I look for different types of women with one thing in common: They love the idea of vintage but haven't yet incorporated it into their wardrobe. They get two outfits from Red Velvet to keep, a styling session and a photo shoot modeling their new looks. You can see my previous Makeover Stories Here, 1.2.3.4. ♥
Before the makeover, Jen was wearing a weekly rotation of repeat maternity outfits. She's a natural penny pincher and didn't want to spend a fortune on maternity clothing that she was only going to wear for a short time. One of the reasons that vintage appealed to her was that the dresses she wore were not actually maternity clothing and can still be worn post-pregnancy! Many 1970s styles, like maxi dresses, are naturally roomy and can be belted differently to make room for the baby bump. Since Jen is a bargain shopper, vintage is a great option for collecting a larger variety of dresses on a budget.
When we styled Look One, I wanted Jen to feel pretty and feminine. We made a daisy hair clip for her. Another important styling request was to create quick looks that she could style at home in 10 minutes. Since being pregnant, Jen treasures her extra sleep and doesn't want to wake up too early to get ready in the morning. We tried some simple hair styles with a little extra curl on the ends.
During pregnancy stretchy belts are a great vintage piece to collect. We used one in each of Jen's looks. Belts worn high are the perfect accessory for expecting ladies. (I learned this from Rachel.)
With this look, Jen is wearing an elemental ojo by Lune, available at Red Velvet.
Look Two is breezy and light. Jen looked amazing in a peachy 70s vintage dress with layers of necklaces and a stretchy gold belt. My favorite thing about this look was the way the sheer pleats framed her baby bump. I also love this tiny journal necklace by Moorea Seal that she wore. I'm very fond of the peach and gold color combination this season!
Jen told me that her makeover made her feel pretty and that she tried some things that she wouldn't have normally tried, and liked them! She was surprised that (non-maternity) vintage dresses could be such a perfect fit. I had such a wonderful time working on this story. It's amazing to see women fall in love with vintage! At 33 weeks, I have to say, Jen was absolutely glowing and beautiful!
Thanks for taking a peek at our newest Makeover Story! Have a lovely day.... Elsie
Wanna look at our past Makeover Stories? Here you go.....
Emma's 1970s Inspired Look
Kelsie's Vegan Friendly Look
Sarah's Sporty 1960s Inspired Makeover
Meg's Colorful and Confident Makeover Story
I loooove these makeover posts you do! I'd love to do one with you...and make you over into a goth! I think you'de be an awesome gothic lady for a day :). Hearts, Janna Lynn
Posted by: Janna Lynn | April 18, 2011 at 04:19 PM
She looks fabulous!! I love these makeover stories so much! They are so inspiring! xx
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | April 18, 2011 at 04:23 PM
Jen looks beautiful! the colour of the second look really suits her. very pretty post x
Posted by: Ani | April 18, 2011 at 04:24 PM
Eee!! I LOVE THIS! Being 33 weeks pregnant, it can be hard to dress up but I find it a fun challenge (when I'm not at home in my pajamas). I regularly have dress up sessions and re-think all the pre-pregnancy clothes in my closet. Vintage dresses and belts are the way to go and it's SO QUICK!
Love love love this makeover story.
♥
Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Talia Christine | April 18, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Janna, that's hilarious... one of my funniest blog comments ever!
Thanks everyone!! We had so much fun! XO, elsie
Posted by: elsie | April 18, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Love, love this one Elsie...she looks absolutely gorgeous! She's all tummy, what a lucky girl! You definitely know how to make someone feel pretty and confident...i know you did that for me and inspire me every weekend when i'm chosing my outfits! You did an amazing job!
xoxo~meg
Posted by: Meg | April 18, 2011 at 04:33 PM
i think it's really great that you're doing this and I think it's even GREATER that you're doing it for pregnant women! when i try stuff on at thrift stores and they don't fit i always think "but this would look perfect if i was pregnant!" :)
Posted by: Whitney J | April 18, 2011 at 04:45 PM
Absolutely stunning! Such great looks! You are a talented stylist!
Have you ever considered doing a makeover for a college girl? I mean, not myself of course...haha...just a suggestion. ;-) I've always wanted to incorporate vintage into my wardrobe, but I don't really know where to begin. I also need to start making an "adult" wardrobe for when I graduate. I'll just keep checking out these posts for inspiration I guess! :-)
Posted by: Meredith | April 18, 2011 at 04:47 PM
She looks wonderful! Good work Elsie!
Posted by: Gaby | April 18, 2011 at 05:14 PM
These outfits look SO great on her!! The high belts really highlight the pregnant tummy in a positive way. They just all say "I'm pregnant and proud!" =) She looks beautiful x
Posted by: nikki joy | April 18, 2011 at 05:24 PM
aww so cute! she looks amazing!
Posted by: Lo | April 18, 2011 at 05:25 PM
Hey Girls, Jen is really wonderfull! Its delicious to see a pregnent woman so charming like that! Congrats :)
Posted by: Madame Dessert | April 18, 2011 at 05:35 PM
This is such a cute post, love your blog!
Love Tweet
xx
Posted by: Clare | April 18, 2011 at 05:40 PM
This is a wonderful makeover story! I hope I can look as good when I'm expecting.
XOXO
Posted by: AnnaBananaCupcake | April 18, 2011 at 05:43 PM
totally cute Elsie :)
I loved seeing my book necklace with that adorable peach dress! My favorite accent color for spring is peach and I'm obsessed with gold bling :)
xo Moorea
Posted by: Moorea Seal | April 18, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I love the makeover! The looks are so fresh and romantic on her and the colors complement her pregnancy perfectly.
Posted by: Trou | April 18, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Such pretty dresses! She looks great!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds
Posted by: Gina Michele | April 18, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Absolutely beautiful! It's so nice to see someone not only maintaining their style during pregnancy, but continuing to develop it.
I'm totally in love with the peach/gold combo too - it's so warm and pretty for spring!
Posted by: Alli (One Pearl Button) | April 18, 2011 at 06:59 PM
I <3 <3 <3 your makeover stories! (wish i lived even remotely close so I could put my hand up for one!) Jen looks gorgeous, I love the peach dress especially...wants me want to be pregnant again (vintage style lol). Tatum xx
Posted by: Tatum | April 18, 2011 at 07:07 PM
I think it's very very cool you did this with her that far along! It was interesting to see the transformation, for sure!
My fave is the first dress, absolutely adorable with that dark brown belt. :)
xx
Posted by: Breanna | April 18, 2011 at 07:47 PM