Maternity style tips by trimester!

A reader recently posed the question on Facebook to cover a few maternity style tips here on the blog! So I thought I would lay out my simple maternity tips by trimester... every ladies' style is different and every pregnancy is different, but these are some general style tips for each trimester of your pregnancy.

1st trimester

get the look above: leggings, tunic, denim jacket, sandals, bracelet

styling tips:

• stretchy pieces and layers are key, especially if you are waiting a few months to announce your pregnancy.
• reach for the items in your closet that were perhaps a touch too big for your before you were pregnant - this is the time to take advantage of the extra room.
• leggings, tunics, maxi skirts and flowing tops are ideal.
• layering a simple blazer or denim jacket with the buttons left open can really mask a growing tummy area - you would be surprised!
• lastly, grab a few of your boldest accessories to draw the eyes away from your mid section.  Earrings, bracelets and necklaces do a great job at this!
• use the rubber band on the jeans trick... this one seriously works so great!

2nd trimester

get the look above: necklace, jeans, top, flats, nail polish

styling tips:

• this is the time to move to maternity clothes, especially bottoms. I loved the Gap maternity jeans with the low band... these are great post-partum as well. (not that you want to hear it now, but you will likely need to wear maternity clothes for a few weeks after you give birth as well).
• tops you may still be able to avoid maternity (where selection is slim) by sizing up on pieces that have generous or flowing cuts.
• sensible shoes are a must - but they can still be cute!, no use putting yourself through the misery of heels when you are trying to carry and balance more weight than you usually carry.
• your nails will likely be growing like crazy these days from all the hormones and vitamins.  Treat yourself to regular manis and pedis... you deserve it!

3rd trimester

get the look above: dress, scarf, cardigan, sandals, earrings

styling tips:

• the end is near... but you still have some growing to do!  Maxi dresses, maxi skirts, leggings and maternity pieces are absolute musts at this stage in your pregnancy!
• black is slimming and that is the golden rule of maternity fashion! It is also versatile as well.
• dress up basic black pieces with fun scarves, layers like cardigans and jackets (left unbuttoned) and fun jewelry pieces like necklaces and earrings.  
• have fun with accessories as you will likely will begin to bore of your very slim wardrobe choices.  Accessories fit any size!

see you around...

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maternity style!

(first off, NO I am not expecting! hopefully I didn't get your hopes up!)

A few readers have emailed in the past couple months wanting maternity style tips... waaaay back when I used to feature this on the blog (found in the archives, here) and then I switched it over to the kids blog (those can be found here).  So it's been a while since I've revisited this topic and I thought it would be fun to touch on today!

The styles have changed a lot since I was expecting (that was like 6 years ago... whoa, where does the time go?)... but I think it's the usual suspects.  You want to feel good with a few key pieces and then just mostly feel comfortable and not constricted.

I personally always thought that the pants or jeans were key and had to fit amazing. I lived in Gap Maternity Denim, but there are a lot of options available now and I would definitely suggest leggings too.  Very stretchy = very nice.  And don't forget that items like scarves, jewelry, jackets (worn un-buttoned) can get through pretty much your whole pregnancy and don't have to be "new" or "maternity".  Shoes can be iffy... I know my feet swelled a ton and grew a half size after my second child - so that you will have to determine for yourself. But if you feel your feet growing/swelling - buy a pair of shoes that fits and is comfortable. You just don't want pinched feet on top of everything else.

Here are two really simple and cute maternity outfits. I would totally rock either of these looks!

(above: clutch, leggings, blouse, jacket, earrings, bracelet, boots)

(above: sunglasses, boyfriend jeans, sweater, necklace, crossbody bag, flats)

Are you expecting? What are some of your MUST-haves for looking cute?

If we haven't already... let's get social!

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what to wear: maternity!

And so it goes... I have a slew of girlfriends that just had babies and now a new "crop" of pregnant ladies are entering into my life again. Including some readers that have emailed me to let me know they are expecting! So I thought I would round up some simple but sophisticated maternity outfits up... I chose all "mall" stores, so these items are quite accessible and not too expensive. Because we all want to look great while pregnant, but of course without spending a fortune on clothes that we won't wear in a year or so.

First up... from Forever 21's new maternity line. They have mostly just "the basics"... but that is often what you need the most of. I love this simple, simple, simple outfit. Very chic and comfortable at the same time!

Flats by Forever 21
Necklaces by Forever 21

Next up, Old Navy... I wore a lot of Old Navy maternity through both of my pregnancies. I loved the prices (and the sales!) and for most part I loved that their pieces were a little more trendy. It's fun to go with a little extra trend when pregnant... I felt like it added the extra spark to an outfit that I was craving. Distraction, maybe?

Maternity Jeans by Old Navy
Sandals by Old Navy

Since Gap launched their maternity several years ago I have always loved it. It is classic and high quality. I highly recommend their maternity denim. I wore two pairs non-stop with my second and they were no worse for the wear. This is a fun layered look. I just love these throw-back Keds in modern finishes. I saw them in person in the store last week and they are even more cute in person. I don't know about you, but my teens were chock full of Keds... nothing like a new pair!

Maternity Jeans by Gap
Totes by Gap

Happy maternity trails!

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, Gretchen!

I have a super fun good LOOK for less EXPRESS today! It's Gretchen... I'll let her tell you about herself:

At the end of April my husband and I are taking a little break from our 2 year old to enjoy some alone time lounging on the beach in Cancun before baby number 2 comes in July! Do you have any fun beach maternity suggestions? I'll be 7 months pregnant when we take our little trip. We will also be doing a little touring to some ruins and shops, etc.

I just LOVE doing maternity outfits! In part because it makes me reminisce about my own pregnancy, which I actually didn't really love all that much, but it was still such a special time of life. Taking a "baby-moon" before you give birth is a great way to unwind and reconnect with your spouse before madness hits. My husband and I did it before my daughter was born and it was a really fabulous trip!

But back to Gretchen, I wanted to pull some really simple looks that were easy to wear in the heat (which can be challenging while pregnant) - but still have her looking resort ready!

Let's be honest, the first thing that comes to mind for a pregnant lady is eating. Right?!? Here's a great day dress that will also double for a dressier number for dinner for two! I just added a few simple accessories and comfy flip flops (in gold, they look dressier!) and you are all set!

For a day of shopping or sightseeing I selected some lightweight clothing, a large tote (for snacks and water) and comfortable walking shoes. The best way to pull together an outfit while pregnant is with great accessories. They know no size!

And let's not forget lounging at the beach or pool. A stylish but practical suit (in sliming black!) and a little cover-up for trips to the bathroom or for refreshments!

Enjoy your trip Gretchen!

~~~

Traveling is big this spring... right now I am working on consults for Vegas, Paris and Spain! Do you need help with your travel wardrobe for an upcoming trip? Or just a spruce up on your spring wardrobe? Here's details about my wardrobe consultation services or email me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail (dot) com!

what to wear: Maternity!

I know quite a few pregnant ladies these days and have heard from my readers as well that they would love more maternity outfits featured here. So here are a few!

For a night on the town - maybe your last date night for a while - or a perfect outfit to wear to your own baby shower! (And for all you non-preggo women out there... swap your own little black dress with this one and this outfit is perfect for you too!) Accessories are KEY when you are pregnant and want to look fashionable and the best part is... they will still fit you after the baby arrives!

For a casual day shopping for the finishing touches on the nursery or even a more casual shower to attend, this outfit is chic and simple. A little "splurge" may be in order with this handbag... especially before all your money starts going to diapers!

Happy weekend guys and gals!