my pregnancy wardrobe

pregnancy is a funny thing.  one day you are huge and out there, and by out there i mean there is an awkward protrusion of the belly where you run into things and feel like being naked all day.  and then other days where you just look a little pregnant.  it's weird.  and you can't control it.  so don't even think about trying.  

and then there is the story of cankles but that's more of a sad song, so i will not lull you with it.  but just know that your ankles will swell and your thighs will gain a few stretch marks.  it will happen.  but then again basically anything is worth bringing a beautiful baby into this world, so you go with it and just keep on eating ice cream. 

so what does my pregnancy wardrobe consist of nowadays?  well, funny you should ask.  you might be surprised to know that i have really only bought about 5 or so pieces of honest to goodness maternity clothing.  like with the rubber band waste and all.  NO, not the one that covers my belly because i cannot stand that.  but the kind with a low waist line as to allow bloat and baby to be comfortable.  that kind.  everything else in my maternity closet has been adjusted of sorts.  

the skirt section at thrift stores has been my saving grace.  if i am lucky enough to find a skirt with an elastic waist well then glory be!  but usually i just buy a pencil skirt in a larger size, say 10 or 12, and rock it for as long as i can.  with this pregnancy i've gotten about five.  i wear my skirts over my bump, and if need be secure it with a belt or fabric rope.  i never pay more than a few dollars for a good skirt and neither should you.  why pay $50 for one when you can get chipotle for lunch five days in a row AND get a good skirt for a few bones?  i mean, that's the logic i use.  it does time some time to scour the racks for that perfect skirt.  i always try them on in the store before buying, too.  the nice thing about thrifting clothing is that you don't need to feel bad if you grow out of it quicker than expected. with more expensive items it feels more of a burden, ya know? 

and as for tops, i have bought two from gap maternity that i adore.  one is long sleeved with tea cups on it and the other is a basic stretchy navy and white striped tank.  otherwise, i wear my usual tops and tie the bottom in a knot right above my ribcage.  i gather two pieces and make a simple knot.  i love this look because it has kept my pocketbook (and coincidentally my husband) happy by using what i already have and love.  i have gotten a lot of use out of my non-preggo t-shirts that are much too short to wear over my bump.  knots are the solution. 

i have found that it does not make much sense to buy a whole new wardrobe for only a few months.  when our sweet boy comes in october, i will surely still wear some of these thrifted items but if i don't there will be no buyers remorse.  no one needs guilt.  especially when there is a darling baby to be snuggled! 

my jade green j. crew ballet flats, yellow saltwaters, and target sandals are my go-to shoes this summer.  when i know i will be walking a great distance, i prefer my suede flats because they have great support.  these shoes were a on the spendy side, but are the most comfortable shoe i own.  by far.  

my rather petit chest has gotten a little bigger, too.  yippee!  and by bigger i mean it has gone from a smaller A to a bigger A.  ha!  but if you are small chested then you too know the excitement in going up a bra size, even if that means the letter didn't change.  instead of buying a new regular bra, i recently bought this one that will allow me to breastfeed after having our little guy.  i opted for the one with a little lace to make me feel purdy.  target has some great options for only $20 bucks a pop.  this one in particular has been very comfortable and goes well with sheer fabrics.   

as for the maternity pants/shorts i've bought.  my cuffed jean shorts are from gap and my skinny jeans are from motherhood.  yeah, yeah i went to motherhood.  go ahead, roll those eyes.  i admit it.  but i love these jeans.  i do have to wear a larger or maternity top with them but they are a great item to have on hand.  to keep them looking summery, i've rolled the bottom.  

a few items i've bought that are not from the maternity section but do work well for a transitioning body are my anthropology overalls (my favorite and most comfortable clothing item to date!) and a some new/bigger/lacy panties.  the adjustable straps on the overalls have been pretty wonderful as i grow.  did i mention that pregnancy makes your hips wider!  well it does.  and there is nothing worse than tight panties when it's hot out, let me tell you.  so i got myself some new girly undies.  

so there you have it.  my pregnancy wardrobe.  if you have any questions about where i got something or how something fits or just a little note to say hooray for lace undergarments, just let me know.  :)