Basics of a Maternity Wardrobe …

Are you into your third month of pregnancy and starting to feel the pinch on your pants? Have no clue what to buy to help you through the next few months?

Here are some ideas for some practical must-haves, with some fun extras thrown in to help spice up your maternity wardrobe. Look great; and feel great. These tips will help make shopping fun, and allow you to show off that baby bump without breaking the bank!

Essentials (Must-haves; can’t live without!):

*Maternity Underwear – Comfort is key. I for one like to feel comfy down there. Depending on the style, you can also get away with regular underwear but going one or two sizes up.
*Maternity/Nursing Bras – Your breasts can and will grow, sometimes up to a full cup size larger during pregnancy. Save money and pick up ones that double as nursing bras as well.
*Comfortable Shoes – Put aside those high heels and opt for lower-heeled shoes or flats. Your feet and back will thank you when you are well into your pregnancy.
*A Great Pair of Jeans – A good quality pair of jeans is a must. I recommend picking up two pairs; one in a dark wash and a second in a lighter wash.
*The Little Black Dress – Who says you can’t look beautiful and sexy while pregnant? Invest in a cute little black dress. It’s stylish and sophisticated; and is great for all occasions.
*Flattering Slacks – Comfortable and stylish pants are a staple for any expecting woman. The stretchy kind is good. Many options available … real waist, belly bands, etc. Pick one up in black or grey; and a second pair in brown or tan.
*Stretchy White Button-Down Shirt – It’s simple, comfortable, goes with anything, and it will stretch to accommodate your belly. You can’t go wrong with a couple of these.
*Yoga/Casual Pants – A total life-saver. I lived in these pre and post natal while hanging out at home or out running errands. Pick up a few pairs.

Recommended (To pad your maternity closet and give you options):

*Stretchy Tops – Long stretchy tees are also another maternity wardrobe staple … tanks, long sleeves, turtlenecks. Very flattering to the figure. They can be dressed up or down, and can be layered or worn on its own depending on the season and the occasion. Stock up on a variety of colours. Six to eight tees will allow you to mix and match.
*Cardigans – Can be worn year round. Keeps chills away in an office or supermarket. Stick to plain, neutral colours (black, grey, brown, or tan). Ones that tie are ideal since they will grow with your expanding belly.
*Drawstring Pants – These are great because you can “adjust” these as your tummy grows. Good for postpartum as well since you will still be sporting that post-baby bump. Good idea to grab a couple of pairs.
*Elastic-Waist Skirt – Can last you throughout your pregnancy. Stick with dark colours but spice it up with a design or floral pattern. Keeping it knee-length will make it more versatile.
*Black Dressy Pants – The perfect addition to any expecting mom’s wardrobe. They are sleek and sophisticated. Pick up a couple of pairs to mix & match with any top.
*Black Jacket/Blazer – Goes with just about anything. Can dress up or dress down.
*Empire-Waist Tops/Blouses – Depending on your work environment, you may need something dressier for the office. Something that ties at the waist look great. Punch it up with some colour or simple designs. Will match up well with solid colour pants, cardigan or jacket. Two or three should give you some variety.

Niceties (Girls just want to have fun …):

*Fun Printed Shirts – Have some fun and go for interesting prints, designs or embroidery on your t-shirts. Be bold with the colours.
*Wraps – Very versatile; can be worn in different ways. Stick with neutral colours.
*Designer Jeans – Be a little sinful and indulge yourself with a pair of expensive hot looking designer jeans. They not only look utterly fantastic, but are so extremely comfortable as well.
*Stylish Accessories – Use what you already have, and have some fun with your clothes. Scarves, bracelets, necklaces, hair ties … they all help put that little extra sparkle to your wardrobe.

How do you know what size to wear? The general rule of thumb is to purchase in your pre-pregnancy size. Maternity clothes are made to grow with you.

So now you may ask where do you go to find the perfect maternity wardrobe? Well, look no further than Second Peek Maternity Boutique (www.secondpeekmaternity.com), an easy online maternity shopping experience designed to keep pregnant women feeling pretty and stylish without the price tag of other upscale boutiques. Their virtual racks feature trendy, gently used, high-quality maternity wear and nursing apparel at up to 90% off retail price.

Shopping secondhand makes perfect sense. You don’t have to spend a fortune on clothes that you only wear for such a short period of time. It also allows you to do some extra retail therapy by buying all the fun extras and niceties. Being pregnant does not mean that you have to give up your sense of style.

I launched Second Peek Maternity Boutique in late 2009 with budget-conscious expecting moms in mind. It is a one-stop shop. We offer a complete maternity wardrobe to last you through your nine months of pregnancy and beyond. No matter what your shape or figure, we have something for everyone. Shop online … shop Second Peek Maternity Boutique (http://www.secondpeekmaternity.com) for your everyday favourite store brands and designer maternity fashions.

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