‘Clothes aren’t going to change the world, the women who wear them will’ – Anne Klein
Week 10 and I don’t fit in my clothes anymore!!
Time to go shopping it seems but I have never worn pregnancy things what to buy?? Where to buy?? Is it even normal not to fit in my clothes so early?
Based on extensive blogging research, it seems there is no normal time to start showing. Therefore I declare myself normal!
So to the more important questions of what and where to shop. To add insult to injury, not only do I no longer fit in my normal wardrobe but suddenly upon shopping it appears that pregnant women are all expected to spend the next 7 months sitting around the house in jogging bottoms with egg on…
No thank you!! So here is my super tried and tested maternity shopping list for the glamorous professional lady. If like me you are Internet ordering challenged due to one too many hem height/colour / fabric type disaster, now is the time to change! Internet shopping is the best way of acquiring a dignified maternity wardrobe especially if walking any distance leaves you in the abyss of sciatica pains.
Best luxury wear – a few smart sale items saw me through the depressingly sober party season in incredible style and comfort! I found the formal trousers strange shapes on so stuck with dresses and skirts.
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/uk
Best fashion pieces – never short of a bargain piece that is bang on trend, my winter sun wardrobe got the Asos maternity treatment. I did not bother with maternity bikini as truthfully I still fit in standard bikinis as long as I didn’t break into a sprint on the beach…..very unlikely!!
The bikinis were much better value for the same brands than fig leaves!
http://www.asos.com/search/maternity?q=maternity&SearchSuggestUsed=true
Stylish staples – fantastically good value staple pieces for the office and every day life were sourced from Mothercare mostly and a few stylish wrap tops and warm wrap cardigans were from JoJo Maman Bebe. Mothercare’s range had the best and cheapest jeans I found (I loved the over bump rather than the under bump ones)
http://www.mothercare.com/maternity/cat_maternity,default,sc.html
http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/pu+maternity+clothes+1
Big Jugs! I spent my teenage years yearning for a bigger cup size and ta’da 15 years later wish granted. A small side effect of my changing body shape was that I want to continue to feel super sexy so stocked up on some fabulous bras at Victoria’s Secret. Those were not specialist. House of Fraser however do a great selection of attractive maternity and nursing bras.
Other fab items! I got very evangelical with a few added fashion statements. Got a fabulous (non pregnancy) coat from Ted Baker, which will work post pregnancy. On account of it being quite a mild winter in Kent, I did not get belly frostbite and I can re-use my coat next year!
River Island and other high street shops do some nice statement pieces that are not necessarily maternity but a wider fit or cascade jackets.
Last and foremost; Shoes! I am afraid I ignored all advice and will continue to do so until my ankles refuse to play ball! Every woman needs a fantastic shoe that makes her feel fabulous. This is never truer than when you feel larger than normal and are struggling with clothe choices.
I do however carry a larger bag where the heels live while I am commuting in some super comfy moccasins.
In conclusion, Pregnant needn’t mean drab and dowdy, and can be done on a mix of budgets although much to my husband’s despair I did go a little overboard mostly out of an overzealous commitment to my new motto “pregnant AND fabulous” primarily in the office as off duty items were a lot easier and fewer. Enjoy the shop ladies!
Partner footnote: Support your wife’s endeavour in this area or weep!
Baking a Baby 