Fall maternity trend: Sweater dress and boots
November 4, 2009
Are you looking for a stylish, flattering look this fall? Sweater dresses are a hot look this season — and there is no better way to show off your pregnancy curves than with this cool trend.
Whether you go for a solid colored sweater dress or one with prints (pictured is the Bailey 44 3/4 Sleeve Striped Maternity Dress from A Pea in the Pod), this look is at the top of my list of fall maternity must-haves.
Pair your sweater dress with knee-high boots or booties for a hip look.
What else is hot for fall?
Skinny Jeans
Tunic tops
Leggings
Cardigan wrap
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 3rd trimester tips
November 2, 2009
You have made it — the third trimester! Find out how to stretch your maternity clothes dollar without stretching yourself thin!
If you followed our maternity clothes budgeting tips for Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, hopefully you have clothes that will fit you until the baby is born. If not, here are some suggestions:
Long layering tanks: If you have found your belly growing out of your tops, pick up a couple solid long layering tanks or camis (Old Navy has a good selection). Layer these tops under your too-short tops to extend the wear and keep your baby bump from peeking through.
Maxi dresses: Maxi dresses look great in your third trimester and — bonus! — can be worn after baby is born.
Long skirts: Pairing long skirts with a stretchy waistband and bump-hugging tops are a great way to look stylish and stay confortable on a budget.
Pictured is the Maternity Fold-Over Skirt ($16.50) from OldNavy.com.
Wrap tops and dresses: Wrap tops and/or dresses are a great choice in our third trimester because they show off you baby bump, are the perfect choice for your baby shower and can be worn in the first few months post-baby as well.
What should you wear after baby is born? Find out here: Post-baby fashion tips: What to wear
Third trimester feel-good fashions
Third trimester maternity clothes shopping do’s and don’ts
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 2nd trimester tips
November 2, 2009
As you enter your second trimester, most women find they are outgrowing some of their pre-pregnancy clothes. Find out how you can look stylish without blowing your budget during this fun “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy.
Splurge on basics: Shop for clothes that well-made and will flatter your body throughout your pregnancy. Basics worth splurging on include jeans, work pants and blazer, basic (but versatile) dress, solid tops and a wrap dress that can be worn to your baby shower or other special event.
Find out what maternity clothes designer Liz Lange recommends for maternity basics.
But save on trendy items: Love that graphic tee or leopard-print tunic top? What about that ultra-cool sweater dress? Have fun with your baby bump, but shop sales or consignment stores for those maternity clothes that are trendy are seasonal.
Buy expandable clothes: Maternity clothes that contain tie backs, adjustable buttons, wraps or shirring will grow with you to ensure a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy.
Belt your bump: A look that is hip and stylish for the pregnant and non-pregnant set is to belt a loose fitting top or dress. A loose flowing dress or long tunic top can sometimes give you the “tent” look as your belly grows, but cinch a belt under your bump to give your body form for a stylish look
Pictured is actress Maya Rudolph, who paired a leather belt above her bump with her pretty floral dress.
Read more: Celebrity maternity style on a budget
Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Halle Berry have said they often wear non-maternity clothes while pregnant. Get tips on how to wear non-maternity clothes while pregnant.
For more, read Second trimester clothes shopping Do’s and Don’ts
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 1st trimester tips
November 2, 2009
Congratulations! If you are like most women, the moment your pregnancy test confirms the good news you are ready to run out and stock up on maternity clothes. But should you? Take our advice on how to stretch your maternity clothes budget in your 1st trimester.
Assess your current wardrobe: Do you already own drawstring pants? Maxi dress? Tunic tops or longer shirts? These pre-pregnancy items can easily take you through your 1st trimester.
Don’t buy all at once: Instead of buying your entire maternity wardrobe in your first trimester, buy items as you need them. Most women won’t know how their body will change and it is hard to guess the correct size. But the staples, such as maternity jeans, versatile dress, basic tops in your early second trimester and fill in the gaps as you need them.
Buy clothes that will grow with you: Look for maternity clothes that will grow with you. Details like tie-backs, adjustable side buttons on jeans, shirring and material with stretch and give will all accommodate your changing body.
Bella Band: This stretchy band goes around your baby bump allowing you to extend the wear of your regular jeans and shorter tops. They come in a variety of colors to blend and coordinate everything. Bonus — wear them after baby is born while you are working toward fitting back into your pre-pregnant jeans!
Budget shop: If this is your first pregnancy and you plan for more children, if might make financial sense to splurge on a fabulous pair of maternity jeans, work outfit or dress knowing you will wear it again. Otherwise, shop sales, eBay, consignment shops and your friends closets for maternity clothes that won’t break the bank.
Pictured: Victoria’s Secret model Adrina Lima shows off growing baby bump.
For more 1st trimester tips:
First trimester: Maternity fashion tips
Hide your baby bump like pregnant Gisele Bundchen
Found! Cozy maternity wrap maternity cardigan
October 13, 2009
If you are looking for an ultra-soft and flattering maternity cardigan, we have found the perfect one for hip mamas.
Made of a soft wide rib knit, the Wrap Cardigan ($175) from Isabella Oliver (www.isabellaoliver.com) drapes around your pregnancy curves to help keep you feeling warm while looking fabulous.
This versatile cardigan can be paired with jeans, dress or work attire. After baby is born, use this as a nursing cover while breastfeeding baby.
A budget-friendly option is the Maternity Wrap Gemma Striped Slub Cardigan by Momzee ($68) available at DueMaternity.com.
For more fall fashions:
Fun fall maternity style: Sweater tunic
Liz Lange maternity dresses: Our top picks!
Maternity fashion rules for newly pregnant moms
Ella Moss maternity line
October 9, 2009
Ella Moss is known for soft fabrics and a fabulous fit, and the maternity line is no exception.
Although this line is on the more expensive side, you can expect these investment pieces to wash and wear well throughout your pregnancy — and subsequent pregnancies.
The Ella Moss 3/4 Sleeve Colorblock Maternity Dress (pictured, on sale for $119 at apeainthepod.com) is perfect for work or a special occasion.The flowing fabric flows beautifully over your pregnancy curves. Details such as the v-neckline, color blocking and ruched design compliments your changing body.
A maxi dress is an essential in every pregnant mamas wardrobe. The Ella Moss Short Sleeve must-have basic maternity dress, also from apeainthepod.com, in black can be dressed up or dressed down. The cut and fabric will flatter your figure throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
For more pregnancy fashion:
Liz Lange maternity dresses: Our top picks!
Maternity fashion rules for newly pregnant moms
Fun fall maternity style: Sweater tunic
October 5, 2009
There is no better way to show off your baby bump while embracing the new fall trends than in this Cowl neck sweater tunic.
How do you wear it? Layer it over your favorite distressed jeans and black booties for a casual look, or pair it with black leggings and boots (pictured).
The cowl neckline flatters your face and balances out your body, while the long cut shows off your beautiful curves!
Want more hot fall maternity looks?
Maternity fall fashions on a budget
5 Tips for looking great at your baby shower
Heidi Klum’s favorite maternity jeans
Summer maternity trend: Roll up jeans
How to buy plus size maternity jackets
October 2, 2009
Are you looking for a stylish plus size maternity jacket to get you through the cold winter months? Follow these tips on finding a jacket that will flatter your pregnancy curves.
Length: Look for a jacket that is cut long in length (around mid-thigh) to keep you covered as your tummy grows. A longer jacket is also more flattering to plus-size women than a shorter jacket.
Color: Forgo the prints and stick to solid-colored basics for a timeless and flattering look.
Material: Buy a jacket with material that has some stretch for a better fit throughout your pregnancy. This Plus Size Long Sleeve Button Front Maternity Sweater Coat ($39.99) from MOtherhood.com is made of stretchy cable knit.
Buttons or trench coat: You can find stylish plus-size maternity jackets in both designs.
Buy non-maternity: If you don’t want to spend money on a maternity jacket, buy a non-maternity version and just be prepared to leave the front open as your belly grows.
More plus size pregnancy fashion tips:
Finding stylish plus size maternity clothes
How to buy plus size maternity jeans
Plus size maternity fashion tips
Liz Lange maternity dresses: Our top picks!
October 1, 2009
Maternity clothes designer Liz Lange is known for designing clothes that flatter and fit a woman’s pregnant curves. Here are our top picks of Liz Lange maternity dresses.
I love Liz Lange’s high end maternity clothes line (available at LizLange.com), however in this economy it is hard to beat the style and the price of her line at Target.
The Liz Lange Knit Dress in blue ($29.99) is perfect dressed up for work or dressed down for casual occassions. From the scoop neckline and bell short sleeve sleeves to the back tie closure, this is one dress you will reach for time and time again!
If you are looking for the perfect little black dress, look no further than the Liz Lange for Target Wrap Dress ($24.99). This v-neckline dress features a banded collar and elbow sleeves.
Thanks to celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Richie, the maxi dress is one maternity trend that is not going away. You will not here any complaints from me — the figure-friendly cut makes this dress perfect for pregnancy and beyond. Check out the Liz L Twisted Strap in Raspberry ($49.99).
The Boho trend is hot this year, and the Liz Lange Boho Print Dress in Brown (pictured, $29.99) would make the perfect addition to your maternity wardrobe.
All dresses can be purchased online at Target.com.
For more pregnancy fashion:
Maternity fashion rules for newly pregnant moms
Liz Lange’s six maternity essentials
Shabby Apple launches fall line of maternity dresses
September 23, 2009
Shabby Apple, an online dress boutique, has just launched their Mama Apple Fall line of maternity dresses that feature beautiful rich colors and pregnancy-friendly features such as empire waists, bell-cut sleeves, wrap belts and ruching.
The new fall line features seven dresses with whimsical names such as Alice’s Adventure, All Wrapped Up, Aphrodite (pictured), Mama Mia, Odyssey, Sicily and Wonderland. They are all machine washable (yeah!) and average $80 in price.
“The Mama Apple line is feminine, flattering and easy-to-wear; essential for pregnancy,” Emily McCormick, owner of Shabby Apple said. “The dresses have simple cuts and are made of comfortable fabrics, so there is no tugging and pulling trying to make something work. They’re designed in such a way that they are flattering from when you’re barely showing, up until the last day of your pregnancy.”
These versatile dresses would be perfect for a baby shower, work or paired with flats for a casual look.
Check out their entire line at www.shabbyapple.com.
For more pregnancy fashion tips:
Maternity fall fashions on a budget
Heidi Klum’s maternity babydoll dress
