Welcome toStyle Diaries, a new series where we research the physical manifestations of our closet tours IRL. We're asking friends and tastemakers to show us what they're *actually* wearing during the week and to provide a little insight into their thoughts on the current state of fashion. This week we are speaking with E News host, style expert, and founder of The LV GuideLilliana Vazquez. Nine months pregnant, Vazquez is experimenting with ways to infuse her sleek yet feminine personal style with extra notes of comfort.
What does your style *actually* look like right now?
"I would describe my style as modern and sleek, yet feminine—surprisingly, it looks a lot like before I was pregnant! I've tried to incorporate the pieces, cuts, and silhouettes that made me feel confident pre-pregnancy as a way to feel more like myself, as my body has dramatically changed over each trimester."
Day 1:
"Ah, bike shorts, my fashion BFF. I have been living in these since last summer and I'm so happy they're back. They work with an oversized t-shirt, sweatshirt, men's button-down, crop top—you name it. They are my go-to when I don't feel like getting dressed but still want an element of style in my more relaxed look. A coordinating/matching crop top just brings the look to the next level, and then I added my husband's Billy Reid button-down to give me a little more coverage post-Pilates! Throwing on an oversized or men's white shirt with anything gives your outfit so much life—it's so easy, yet there's something so sexy about it. And yes, even though I wanted a very relaxed, off-duty look, there's no reason I couldn't up the fashion with my favorite CHANEL cork slides. They were a total investment, so I need to keep that CPW (cost per wear) in check. Slides have been heaven-sent, as my feet swell to epic proportions between this heat and pregnancy!"
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Do you have a go-to outfit formula, or do you prefer to switch it up when getting dressed?
"As a petite woman (I'm only 5'0"), I always dress to elongate my frame. That formula usually means something shorter or cropped on top and/or body-conscious knits. I also lean towards anything that lengthens me from the waist down—that could mean maxis, minis, nude sandals, or more delicate strap heels."
Day 2:
"I knew I would be outdoors most of the day, so I needed to focus on comfort first! These NB sneakers are like walking on clouds, but they're very white, so I wanted to add a lot of color to my look with a fun retro-print dress! I found this dress on Amazon, and I still can't get over the price. I thought it would feel like sandpaper, but the knit is strong, soft, and almost feels like it's holding me in (in the best way possible). I also love the length—it's perfect for petites! Since the Cali sun can get really strong, I rarely do anything outdoors without a hat—bucket hats have been my signature hat all season long. There's something so fun and effortless about them, and I love that they can hide a bad hair day, too! This look gave me major nostalgia and made me feel like the high-school version of myself—if high-school me had better taste in the '90s!"
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What energy are you bringing to your ensembles this summer? What are you looking forward to wearing?
"I'm bringing lots of bold and unexpected vibes to your more traditional maternity looks! I call it 'baby-bump swag.' The last thing I want to do is hide my bump under a tent, so I'm sticking to non-maternity clothes (just shopping them one or two sizes bigger) and favoring things that feel on-trend and fashion-forward. Bring on the brights, bike shorts, cutouts, bucket hats, and all things '90s."
Day 3:
"I'd been seeing this cutout dress on some of my favorite influencers and finally decided to take the plunge and try it with my nine-month belly. Not so surprisingly, it worked! The knit draped beautifully over my belly, and the placement of the cutouts couldn't be more flattering on my body. (I think you can see a tiny oblique if you look closely enough.) I did end up wearing Cult Gaia heels, which are normally so comfortable, but quickly regretted the decision when I had to walk some extra blocks to the restaurant. They have these beautifully delicate straps and the most exquisitely shaped heel! I also opted for a clutch from Bottega Veneta to make the look feel more elegant for evening. This look made me feel super sexy for a rare date night (it's hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you're just a few weeks from giving birth), and my husband requested that I wear this dress post-baby, so I'd say the look was a hit!"
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In terms of beauty, what does your go-to hair and makeup routine look like, and how does that change based on what you're wearing?
"I keep my hair and beauty routine pretty consistent and easy—especially in the summer! I air-dry my hair with a few twists of a GHD wand to tame and shape my face-framing layers. I definitely lean into the lived-in, French girl hair! For makeup, I opt for golden, luminous skin with a fluffy brow, and I love to play with color on my lips! I will change my lip color multiple times a day and will try everything from a '90s nude to a bold coral. Right now I'm loving a demi-matte—it's the best of both worlds!"
Photos: Courtesy of Lilliana Vazquez
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