First, let me say that you all sure know how to make a regular girl feel special about her prego-ness and inability to duplicate model hands. You guys are awesome. Thank you.
I already showed you how I use high-waisted dresses to my advantage when dressing the baby bump. Today I’m moving onto jackets and cardigans. These pieces can be left wide open in the front {with a shirt underneath of course} to let my belly breathe and, once again, they are totally adaptable post-baby. I’m into the hot flash stage of pregnancy now that I’m well into my second trimester, so I’ll layer a jacket or cardigan over a light cotton shirt or sleeveless blouse to keep from overheating.
Of note: I ventured out onto our apartment’s balcony to capture this set of photos. The lighting is better but I apologize for the parking lot in the background. It was barely above freezing and had just stopped flurrying so I couldn’t talk myself into dragging my ear-infected three-year-old out to a local park just for better scenery.
Who says pregos can’t wear horizontal stripes? Not me. It helps when you sport narrower stripes and let them play peekaboo under a sweater or jacket.
With my first two pregnancies, I thought I had to buy maternity jeans just because I was pregnant. This time around I’m happily discovering that many of the stretchy skinny jeans I already have are lasting further into my pregnancy because the waistlines are so low and sit well below my bump. Skinny jeans weren’t as prevalent during my past pregnancies or I would have tried ’em then too.
I do have one of those elastic belly bands on loan from a formerly pregnant friend for when I’m not able to button my pants anymore. I’ve also purchased one pair of below-the-belly elastic waist jeans that I wear when I know I’ll be sitting for a long period of time {i.e. watching my kids’ gymnastics classes} because the buttoned skinny jeans can start to dig in after a while. Otherwise, the skinny jeans are fine as-is for running errands, working around the house and chasing the kids.
Normally I don’t wear open toes in snowy weather. Brrrr. But I really wanted to show them to you. They’re flexible and comfy and I love the little pop of color they add. I’ve had them for at least 5 years and they still look like new.
THE OUTFIT:
- jacket: FREE on loan from a friend {Motherhood Maternity but you could easily substitute a regular jacket}
- black and white striped long sleeve tee: $8 {on clearance at Target}
- jeans: $30 {Mossimo at Target}
- red flats: $60 {MIA Bridget from Zappos.com}
- patterned canvas tote: $15 {local shop in Daytona, FL}
The only item I’ve purchased for this outfit during my pregnancy is the striped tee. All other items I already had minus the black jacket which a girlfriend has kindly loaned to me while I’m pregnant.
Another easy maternity option is a cardigan or button-up sweater. They can be purchased in the regular women’s section of nearly any clothing store.
I layered mine over a sleeveless champagne silk blouse I already had in my closet. Either piece will be wearable after baby is born.
I added a wooden bead necklace, taupe flats and a teal leather purse to the ensemble.
Now these flats…I would absolutely wear them in wintry weather…well, flurries…maybe not a foot of snow. I bought them a few months ago while on the hunt for dressy yet comfortable work shoes. An average work day requires me to stand in the same 2’x2′ square area for 10-12 hours at a time. I have crazy high arches that make cheap, flat flats unbearable at work. My work shoes must be supportive and comfortable. These shoes fit the bill with no ‘wear in’ period necessary. They’re Naturalizers and I felt old buying them just because up until now I’ve always associated Naturalizer with orthopedic shoes and nylon stockings. But the brand has younger, hipper styles available and they’re the most comfortable flats I’ve ever owned. I might be a convert. I highly recommend them.
THE OUTFIT:
- white sweater cardigan: $17 {Target}
- silk blouse: $14 {Target}
- jeans: $30 {Mossimo at Target}
- taupe flats: $40 {Naturalizer at DSW}
- teal purse: FREE {gift from my mom years ago}
- wood bead necklace: $2 {estate sale}
The sweater is the one item I’ve purchased since finding out I was pregnant.
There you have it. More ideas for making non-maternity items work during and after pregnancy: jackets and cardigans.
How did I do with my hands this time? I contemplated spirit fingers and/or jazz hands. ;) I was a little less sweaty this time. The snow and freezing temps helped.
FYI – I was not compensated in any way for mentioning the above items. I just love sharing good stuff!
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
DIY, inspiration