Dressing the bump.

Maternity-wear. The words made me want to cringe pre-pregnancy and I still get those feelings every now and then when my husband and I pass by a Motherhood or Pea in a Pod. Though I must admit, we've come a long way since the earlier decades when our mothers used to wear shapeless dresses that were wide enough to pitch a tent, and not to mention the hideous maternity overalls...

I think that more than anything, it's the stigma attached to these stores that cause them to be unappealing to me. I know that I should give them a chance, but the price- tags definitely don't make it any easier. Now that stores such as Forever 21 and H&M also carry maternity-wear, they are becoming a bit less expensive and more "hip-" but the thought of purchasing clothing just to wear for the duration of my pregnancy feels like a waste of money.  

Of course in the end, there are more important things to worry about such as eating a healthy diet, staying positive emotionally, preparing for the day of labor and of course, taking care of bebe. But on a superficial note, how you look can sometimes determine how you feel. 

So for those who would like to know, or are curious as to how one can take short-cuts towards maximizing their wardrobe for this 9-month (or less if you're lucky!) occasion, here are some tips and tricks I've learned...

• Rather than paying $30 for a belly-band, purchase a wide bandeau tube top to wear over your pants/shorts instead, it's the same concept minus the hefty price tag. I found one for $3.99.
• Purchase clothing one (or two) sizes up, and ask yourself if you would wear them again post-pregnancy
• Spandex shorts (they are back from the 80s) and leggings are your best friends- wear them frequently and creatively
• Drapey, shapeless and long tops (enough to cover your bum) are perfect for your growing bump and you can pair them with leggings without worrying about exposing too much.
• Hold a shapeless dress down with a skinny belt worn above the bump
• There are many high-waisted tops and dresses out there, but be weary of ones that appear to be too babydoll-like 
• If you must wear heels, opt for a low wedge, which is sturdier than a heel in itself
• Don't be afraid of color and prints! Wearing black is slimming, but just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to dress for a funeral.
• Scour thrift stores for fun tops without having to spend much.
• Accessorize. Buying accessories is always a pick-me-upper because you can always fit into them (with the exception of rings if bloating is an issue).
• Smile - no one likes to be around an irritated and hormonal pregnant lady, so flash those pearly whites!
• Embrace your bump and wear it with pride!

Clothes for bebe!

        Preppy styles from Janie & Jack 

       Classic basics at Makié Clothing 

  Fun options from Baby Gap

I'm not sure if I had already mentioned it, but we are (at least according to the ultrasounds) expecting a baby boy! The moment we found out we were having a boy, the whole idea of having a baby started to become more real. As a stylist, I cannot help but to start daydreaming clothing options for the little guy before he is old enough to give me opposition. : )

The challenge most mommies of baby boys say they face are the limited options they see in most stores (I honestly think I would gag if I saw any more baby blue onesies). As grown-up men do tend to have fewer clothing choices and styles than women, the same applies with little boys (my husband is constantly griping about that!). However, there are many children's clothing stores out there that seem to get it and have come up with a greater variety than what you would typically find at your local Babies R' Us, Gymboree and so forth - the only problem is that some of these companies require a bigger budget, which is sometimes hard to justify for something they may only wear once or twice!

Perhaps it's time I start making my own baby clothes, but that is all wishful thinking...