Maternity Fashion

Getting dressed during 9 months of pregnancy with an ever changing body can be challenging to say the least.  In the beginning stages, it's convenient when your're still able to wear those larger pairs of jeans that you keep on hand for "those days".  Also some of your longer tops still fit, which helps.

While it's nice to pass the point of looking like you ate too much pizza and finally look pregnant, that point also tends to lead to a trip to the maternity section of your favorite store.  Remember this from earlier in the week?

Yes, this is the stage I'm in.  None of my clothes fit over the bump anymore, and I've pulled out the leggings/jeggings/elastic pants for everyday wear.  I'm not one that enjoys spending money on items that I won't be wearing very long, but the need to buy some maternity clothes won't go away just because I ignore it.  I've gotten some basic tanks and tees, that I can wear after I give birth but I am now needing some inspiration for practical items I should get now to get me through the next 4 1/2 months (and let's be honest, to wear for months after delivery too).  

I scrolled through Pinterest to find some maternity fashion inspiration, and here are some of the outfits I liked.

MATERNITY LOOKS:  PANTS 

 Being a busy mom of 2, this look totally fits my everyday lifestyle.  It's comfortable enough for outings to the park, the store, or just chasing my kids around.  A colorful pair of shoes is a fun way to bring your personal style to this simple outfit.

I like stripes, especially black and white, so this outfit was right up my alley.  Plus, leggings and boots are items already in the closet which makes the outfit that much easier to recreate!

This pretty maternity cardigan is so feminine and really adds style to this simple white top and jeans combo.  It's long enough to cover everything, and light enough for the summer months.

This girl's blog is a few years old, but she has some really cute maternity outfits!  I really love this outfit, especially the bright pants.

MATERNITY LOOKS:  SHORTS

Because I live in Southern California and walk around in 80 degree weather even in March, I decided to throw in an outfit with shorts.  I love the bold red and the all around casual feel.  This girl looks ready for some fun in the sun and the bump won't stop her.

MATERNITY LOOKS: DRESSES

I really love this basic maternity dress.  It just looks so comfortable, and perfect for warm weather.  I'd want it in every color too even though I don't think that's actually available.  This dress comes from Pink Blush Maternity, which is a site that pops up all over Pinterest if you're looking for maternity fashion.  

If you desire something a little more stylish, this dress is super cute, comfortable and roomy.  I can see it being an outfit for date night!

And of course the maxi dress with denim jacket combo is pretty much a staple in any pregnant woman's wardrobe.  Maxi dresses are great as they hide everything.  Instead of the jacket, I usually like to go with the chambray shirt option though, which is lighter to wear and easier to move around in. 

Finally, here are a couple of my favorite celebrity moms with two totally different styles and body types.  They both wore pregnancy well and embraced maternity fashion.  

BLAKE LIVELY
Blake Lively's maternity style is very NYC with a lot of layers and ponchos, which is unrealistic for a southern California gal like myself heading into the warm summer months.  But I am still obsessed with how amazing this woman looked pregnant.  She rocked her stiletto booties everywhere!  I can barely walk comfortably in flats with this bump...  If I ever move to the big city, (and grow to 5'10"), I would totally want her style.

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN

Kourtney Kardashian doesn't have a model body, in fact she is only 5'0" but her height doesn't stop her from having great style.  Plus, she just loves being pregnant, which shows.  If anyone has the pregnancy glow mastered, it's Kourtney.  I like these outfits because they're all casual, yet stylish.

Hmmm...maybe it is time to go shopping after all!

xoxo,
Carly

Aaaand....We're Back!

Hi friends!  Whew, it's been awhile!  The last time I got a post up, we were prepping for the holiday season - the deck the halls/ ho ho ho season to be exact.  It seems like a lifetime ago.  So what have I been up to these last few months?  Well, I'm happy to say that the little "project" that has been taking up all my time and energy is due at the end of July, and is...baby #3!  

Shaylin had been asking for a baby sister even before I got pregnant so to say she was excited when she found out it's a girl is an understatement.  She has even affectionately named her sister "Flower".  Hubby and I both come from big families so there was never really a question that we would try for a third.  We are so thankful that our little bundle of joy is on her way, and pray for a continued healthy pregnancy, and delivery.    

While I have been blessed with healthy pregnancies, the beginning months have always been pretty rough.  I spent most of December and January in hibernation as I tried to deal with all day nausea, extreme exhaustion, and two VERY active toddlers at home with me.  Getting up off the couch to get my kids a snack seemed about as exhausting as running a marathon.  All things blog or anything else remotely work related abruptly came to a stop, and the holiday season quietly flew by.  Hubby was an amazing super dad, doing all the grocery shopping, cooking, even Christmas tree decorating when I wasn't able to lift a finger.  Now that my "pregnancy leave" has ended, and I'm at the halfway point at 20 weeks, I am definitely happy to have my life somewhat back to normal (even though I still can't make it through the day without an afternoon nap!).

And if you're wondering if this blog will now turn into all things maternity, it won't!  I have too many other interests to ramble on about, but it does seem fitting that my next post will focus on something pregnancy related, right? Maternity fashion, you're up next!  And boy does this busy mom need help.

  

Have a fantastic week!

xo,

Carly