I’m all for maternity clothing….when maternity clothing is needed.  As I’ve mentioned, I am all about the maternity jeans and pants this pregnancy.

Comfort. Comfort. Comfort.

But I also fully recognize the fact that you often pay close to double for a piece of clothing when the word “maternity” is slapped in the description.  And that?  Is just silly.

One piece of clothing that is a staple in my wardrobe this summer is the maxi dress, and the key to the perfect maxi dress is finding one that will grow with your bump and also be flattering to wear after the bump is gone.  Or sort of gone.  The key is finding the dress that is flattering when maybe you don’t feel the most confident about your postpartum body.  

I was smitten when I stumbled upon the online shop, White Plum.  They describe their style as Affordable, Vintage Styled Clothing with a Modern Touch, and I don’t think that could be more accurate.  I loved taking one of their not-made-for-a-bump maxi dress and styling with the current baby-boy bump that I’m sporting.

They want to spoil all of your with 20% off your entire purchase when you use the coupon code COCONUT20 until 6/27/14.   And….they might be giving something away if you keep reading!

I definitely have days where I feel like I am totally rocking the bump and days when I feel like I’m trying to squeeze into some of Harlow’s clothes.  I wanted to share a few tips on finding and styling clothing items that not only work with a bump but are flattering as well!

The first thing you want to do is make sure the fabric allows for growth and stretch where you need it.  A dress with an accentuated seam at the waist might not be the best option for these nine months, but an empire waist is perfect! (I adore that green lace dress by the way, but I start laughing thinking about trying to squeeze into it while pregnant!)  I look for dresses made from a jersey fabric or with a full skirt — giving you extra fabric to essential “grow” with your bump.

You also want to be aware of the dress length.  As your bump grows, the length of the dress will change as well.  If you need to add length, I have a quick tutorial here!  Another way to accommodate for a maxi dress that is hitting at an awkward length is to shorten it to a midi length or right above the need.  I don’t typically like dresses that hit right above the knee, but I’ve fallen in love with them this time around!  Especially if I pair them with a slight heel — I don’t have to worry about it being too short and I’m not tripping over a long maxi!

I tend to wear more flats while pregnant, but sometimes a girl just needs a little bit of a heel to feel a little more feminine — or to keep your dress from dragging on the ground!  When on the hunt for a heel, there are a few things to remember.

1. You’re carrying extra weight, so make sure those heels are comfortable.  Wedges are great for comfort and support!
2. Check for potential tripping hazards.  I love that these wedges have an open sandal look, but the toe is closed.  I don’t have to worry about my foot slipping out while I’m walking because of the ankle strap as well.
3. Be cautious of the super high heel.  Now’s not the time for the 6 inch platforms, in my opinion.  If you can rock them confidently, go for it!  But as I’m either holding a toddler’s hand…or holding a toddler, so I need to keep the height reasonable.

I think it’s safe to say that whether pregnant or not, we women have things about our bodies that we love and things that we are less confident about.  I love finding unique pieces of clothing that have those wow-details, but are also timeless.  There is such a difference in my mind between trendy unique details and timeless unique details.  I’m embarrassed to say how old some of my favorite pieces of clothing are, but in some ways, I love that I still love them years and years later!

When you are looking for these wow-details, pay attention to where they are placed.  Will it draw attention to an area you are self-conscious about?  Will it make you more confident knowing that your “problem” areas may be hidden by details elsewhere?

And really, we should just take a moment to talk about the crochet detail on the back of this dress!  I loved it even more when it arrived — and then I didn’t want to take it off after trying it on!  I know I keep joking about comfort being my mantra this pregnancy, but this dress feels weightless and fits in the right places.  It doesn’t cling, and it’s a thick (not sheer in the least bit!) jersey fabric: both characteristics I find very important!

Bonus?  The neckline of this dress is super nursing-friendly.  Not only the v-neck, but the cross over of the fabric is a feature to look for if nursing is something you are considering!  

dress | c/o White Plum // shoes | c/o White Plum

Want to see a few other items I’m totally loving from White Plum?

Bump Friendly

I’m loving this dress during the early months.  This dress looks so comfortable and cool for the summer!  This would make an adorable tunic over leggings.

Just loving!

I love these bright colors.  This neckline is absolutely stunning.  I’m not sure I can pull these off, but I like them!

I know White Plum will be a favorite of mine for a while.  I love the aesthetic and the price-point is perfect!

And they want to give one of you $75 to spend!  (Don’t forget to use your coupon COCONUT20 for 20% off through 6/27/14!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo

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