One Hot Mama

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15

If your first reaction is, “Oh killjoy! Baby banter… just what I need to start my Monday,” then I suggest you ignore this post and inhale one of THESE and you’ll be well on your way to hogfreakinheaven (at least that’s the opinion of me and bubsie).

Now for the rest of you’s who wanted the skinny, low down, 9 months of bumpitville town… this one’s for you! (I’m in a weird mood. Just let me relish in it without asking questions, please).

Today we’re talking pregnancy wardrobe essentials. For what it’s worth I think the key to feeling cute during baby manufacturing is a combination of choosing the right type of non-maternity items mixed with a few (belly-button hiding slash freakishly-high waistband) maternity pieces.

Welcome to motherhood.

Let’s get started…

TOPS

T’s & Tanks: maternity or non-maternity (in extra long lengths). You’ll wear them under everything

Tunics: non-maternity in your regular size and one size up. They’re super cute when cinched-in at the empire waist (just above the bump) using skinny belts.

Sweaters & Cardigans: non-maternity and long (hit below the hip). Cardigans paired with jeggings/leggings are the key to feeling slim as your bump continues to grow.

BOTTOMS

Jeggings: non-maternity, low-rise, with extra stretch. Perfect with flats, wedges, or boots. You’ll still feel your same pre-prego self without sacrificing comfort.

Leggings: non-maternity, high-quality, and black. I use them for dolling up tunics and shorter dresses, prenatal yoga workouts, lounging, or a quick run to the store with Husby’s sweatshirt on top.

Designer Jeans: maternity. Invest in one good pair of designer maternity jeans. Yes, they’re expensive but they’re WELL worth it and will last for multiple pregnancies. Guaranteed people will ask, “Are you still wearing your REGULAR jeans? I HATE you!” You decide if you want to tell them your secret. AND you can wear them post pregnancy (for the recovery weeks) and still feel semi put together.

OTHER

Shoes: Invest in one good pair of comfortable flats and wedges. Did I just say, wedges? Yes, yes, I did. You see, wedges are safer than pumps (unless you’re going to GaGa heights) and they’re more comfortable. They’ll also help you feel slimmer when wearing your bootcut designer jeans, jeggings, and dresses.

Belts: Skinny ones (cinching over clothing will become routine).

Belly Bands: maternity. don’t overpay for the actual “belly band” brand. F21 and target make them and they work exactly the same. They’ll help you feel supported during your 3rd trimester and cover a popping belly button.

Sweatsuit: non-maternity and flattering. I LOVE me some Juicy tracksuits and feel justified in paying a bit more resting assured they last years and stay looking new! For the 1st tri, beginning of 2nd, and post pregnancy recovery… suits are lifesavers.

Dresses: non-maternity maxi dresses (thank heavens are still considered fashionable) will be your saving grace. You can layer them with a jean jacket or cardi and some flats. If you’re going shorter dresses, I’d suggest maternity styles to avoid awkward hemlines.

Accessories: select one piece that has some sort of significance to your pregnancy. With my first, I found angel wings strung on an extra long necklace. I still wear them and relive 1st pregnancy memories. A little FYI… the Italian horn (pictured) is said to guard, protect, and ward off infertility. Kinda fitting, right?

Belly Balm: slather this goodness on like it’s frosting on your bumpcake.

A few sites I’ve found helpful…
Forever 21 (perfect for oversized sweaters, cardis, tunics, and maxis)
ASOS (dresses, tunics, and basics)
Downeast Basics (extra long basics)