Baby on Board Chic Week: J’adore

VINCE legging // MOSSIMO maxi dress // FOREVER21 printed legging // SPLENDID maxi dress // HALOGEN scarf // LINEA PELLE belt

So you just found out you are pregnant, and you are excited, but nervous. Or possibly even terrified. Questions and concerns are running through your mind as fast as the hormones rushing through your body.

One of these concerns is inevitably, what will happen to my body and what will I wear?? Fear not, we have well priced,chic solutions for you.

And not to say I am completely an expert on maternity dressing… But, I have been pregnant three times, in addition to styling some pregger mommies. So I do know a tip or nine. 🙂

Here’s are my tips to being “Baby on Board” Chic:

1. Comfort.
And this truly is number one. Yet, as I always say being comfortable does not mean being frumpy. So let’s avoid old baggy t-shirts (unless the are trés retro cool) and ratty pj’s. There are too many comfy, chic and budget-friendly options out there to justify cruising around town looking like you just rolled out of bed.

2. Wear clothes that fit.
We have all seen the person pregnant (or not) that is in clothes that are too tight and it isn’t pretty. So don’t use pregnancy as an excuse to try and squeeze into your normal clothes. At a certain point your jeans and most tops are not going to fit. So rather than donning a 3 month belly that looks more like a muffin too, accept that this is very normal and something to embrace.

3. Leggings for the winter.
I know many pregnant women still like to wear jeans and there are wonderful options in maternity jeans and belly bands, but I am just not one of them. I prefer leggings or dresses seeing as comfort is number one. So during colder months I tend to wear a lot of black leggings with chic boots (low and high, a flowy blouse or soft sweater. I will usually accessorize with a scarf. This look is a great go-to pregnant or not. Depending on your weight gain you may be able to wear the same legging during and after. My favorite classic leggings are by Vince. I have them in a few different colors. When looking for fun patterns I like Forever21. Chances are you get tired of the pattern after a few wears so better not too spend a lot.

Clockwise from top left: Wearing Vince leggings, Splendid dress/top, and Chanel boots; Jessica in Lanvin for the shower; Wearing Zara sweater dress in Ojai

4. The maxi dress.
An obvious “go-to” especially in summer time. When they are cotton I prefer them to be a less flowy so the belly is visible or to have a band under the boobies. Believe it or not I have found several great black maxi dresses at Target by Mossimo brand. Again it depends on your weight gain, but buying maternity isn’t always necessary. Just go up in size as needed. I also like the dresses by Splendid and T-bags Los Angeles. And maxis don’t need to be just for summer. They look super chic in winter as well. Pair with a short coat like a trench, motto jacket or blazer, boots and a scarf.

5. Calf length or long skirt.
It should be cottons or have an elastic waist. Put the waist band below the belly and pair with seasonal appropriate top, shoes and accessories. In my last pregnancy I found cute comfy options by Ella Moss and Express.

6. Tops.
I have only purchased one so called “maternity” top and it was the Heidi Klum collection for A Pea in the Pod. It was black and versatile so I was able to get a lot of use out of it. However, I usually stick to buying less expensive tops from trendy stores. Obviously I have to buy larger sizes and they don’t usually fit after I am longer postpartum. This isn’t a problem though since these tops are well priced and in my experience nobody really wants to wear their pregger tops. Some places I have shopped in the past for myself and clients include Zara, Brass Plum in Nordstrom, No Rest for Bridget and ASOS. I also love Gapand Gap Body t-shirts. It’s especially great if you catch a Gap sales and can buy in various sizes because what is perfect at 5 months may not be at 8 months.

LISA FREEDE cuff // 8 OTHER REASONS necklace // ZARA top // H&M skirt // ELLA MOSS skirt // ASOS top // GAP tee // GAP BODY tee // GENTLE SOULS sandal // AQUAZZURA flat // TOP SECRET bra

7. Taking care of the little (or big) ladies.
For many women boobies can be an area of concern. They hurt, they are larger (not always a bad thing) and your nipples are darker- ugh! In my first pregnancy I wore mostly underwire bras in a larger size, but in my second two I preferred bra tops. My two favorite brands are Studio 56 & Top Secret. They are great for nursing as well if your boobs are not too large which is always the case for me. 🙂

8. Shoes.
On this one it completely varies based on the woman. Some women can rock 4 inch stilettos while others have to be in flats. For some women their feet grow while others stay the same. I do have a few words of advice: buy yourself a new pair of shoes or two. The way I see it, I buy other clothing items much more frugally than usual so a little splurge on my shoes always does the pregger good.

9. Accessories.
Have fun with this. Yes, your belly is growing, but most of jewels (rings can be tough at the end), scarves, bags and hats still fit. Belts are also a great way to show off your best accessory – the belly, of course! Remember even if you don’t feel cute other women think you are. 🙂

So there it is – a very brief guide to being “Baby on Board” chic… I could spend days. 🙂

Other mommies, please share your tips or post your questions. We are more than happy to hear from you. And trust me when I say other mommies; first timers (especially) appreciate it! xx

with love,
MCbJ