Oh, the ever-growing pregnancy bump….and the sad reality that I can’t just walk around in my birthday suit in this heat.
Just kidding.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I ruined a lot of clothes when I was pregnant with Harlow due to stretching them beyond where they should be stretched…. oops. I guess you can look at what you’d rather spend on: a few maternity items… or new tops after you’ve stretched them silly during pregnancy.
This time around, I decided to pack away clothes almost immediately. I have really trimmed down my closet to hold only clothes that I’m wearing regularly and love, so I didn’t want to chance wearing them too long and stretching them out. Instead, I’ve subscribed to a few stores that I know run great deals and discounts, and I’ve watched like a hawk for items in my wishlists to hit the sale lists. I also bought and started wearing maternity clothes almost immediately — why not?! I’ve found that I feel so much better at the end of the day, because I’m not trying to squeeze into pants or tops that are squishing on that belly all day. It’s almost funny to look back at my pregnancy with Harlow — I could have been so much more comfortable if I had just moved on to maternity stuff earlier on.
Well…. I also forget that my abs weren’t totally shot when I was pregnant with her….so it took a bit longer for this bump to start actually being anything of a bump! Yay for broken abs. ;)
Okay! So today I wanted to share a few of the places I’ve found to be great places to find your maternity basics, awesome sales and even some fun and more unique statement pieces! None of this information is earth-shattering, but I hope it helps you feel more confident in finding a few great pieces to get you through your 40 weeks! (And after! Maternity clothes are so post-partum friendly!)
I also love finding tops and dresses that are nursing friendly — I’ll try to point out necklines and other things to look for if you think that might be important for you as well!
GAP
I don’t shop at Gap much sans-bump, but their basics have quickly become a pregnancy favorite. Also? I want to scream this sale from the rooftops: They keep adding more items….and the prices keep dropping! It’s sort of insane. I’d hurry though, stuff is going quickly.
The line is my absolute go-to for maternity basics. They often go on sale, and I bought the few I have (tshirts and a tank) for less than $10 a piece.
I also love that Gap has a section for as well!
Sales and Deals: Gap runs sales pretty regularly — both in store and online. I’m kind of a I-would-like-everything-shipped-to-my-house person, but thankfully all returns can be made at your local Gap. It takes the fear out of ordering maternity clothing online — you can just return them if needed.
TARGET
I have a few staples that I think Target hits out of the park for maternity: tank tops and maxi dresses. Want to know a secret? Shop the maternity maxi dress section even if you’re not pregnant. :) I’ve learned that they are a few inches longer andthey seem to be made of a higher quality fabric. I haven’t struggled with the see-through-showing-off-what-you-don’t-want-to-show-off problem I’ve had with other dresses I’ve purchased from Target.
are an absolute must in my maternity fashion book. I still wear the one I bought when I was pregnant with Harlow, because the fabric doesn’t stretch out permanently! It just bounces right back to where you need it to be. They are so forgiving on postpartum bodies as well.
Target is also a great place to buy , if you want to give those a try. I borrowed one when I was pregnant with Harlow, and I’m so happy I didn’t buy one: I was not a fan. I felt like I was constantly adjusting my jeans and always worried that my pants were going to fall down or something was being revealed that I was not intending. Blah. Just not for me!
, but I’ve found that if you shop in the store, the selection is incredibly varied and often pretty picked over depending on how quickly they sell maternity. They also aren’t my favorite shirts or tops — keep reading and I’ll share my favorites. I keep meaning to…but opening the Target debit card for 5% off and free shipping might be a good idea…. you can always return at the store, which is super convenient.
Sales and Deals: There are a few ways to save a few dollars at Target. Opening a debit card will save you an automatic 5%. There is almost always a sale rack in the maternity section, and you can usually find some basic tshirts there. I’ve also seen a few coupons via the Target Cartwheel app every once in a while as well.
I’ve found that with summer clothes, I need to be picky with my purchases from Old Navy. If it’s 90+ degrees, the last thing I want to wear is a top so thin that I need to wear another layer underneath. The price point is definitely less than Gap — and usually Target, since Target doesn’t do regular sales — but I find that I wear the nicer pieces I was able to snatch on sale at Gap a lot more than the tank tops I bought from Old Navy. But every body is different, and you may find you like how Old Navy fits better!
Sales and Deals: Old Navy runs sales pretty regularly! I’m a big “empty the inbox of all sale emails” advocate, but using a service like Unroll.me allows you to see all those emails that clutter your inbox via one daily email. You can unsubscribe/resubscribe from it as well. I like to keep an eye on certain items and wait until they run a sale — Old Navy will run a sale… promise.
ASOS
ASOS top ()
I must have been hiding under a rock, but I only learned about ASOS at the end of last year! I had noticed it popping up on Pinterest and honestly I assumed it was some high-end-expensive-break-the-bank brand. Um… opposite. Their price point is pretty extreme — from very inexpensive to high end. And they are almost always running sales!
I made my first purchase during a maternity sale — I was a little nervous, but their free shipping and free returns made my worries fly out the window.
They have really affordable maternity swimsuits and I love their selection of dresses, unique tops and colored shorts and skinnies. It is a great place to find a dress for a baby shower, wedding — or just a fun statement piece to add to your basics collection.
Sales and Deals: ASOS sends out a lot of emails — and they run a lot of sales! Add it to your daily email from Unroll..you’ll thank me later. :)
H&M
I can’t speak personally for how well H&M maternity clothes fit or hold up, but I’m so pleasantly surprised by their prices. I’m not sure why I’m surprised, as I think they are usually well priced, but often when you slap “Maternity” in front, the prices double! Right now they have a great sale going on as well! Anyone have thoughts on maternity from H&M? I mean, I guess I should probably buy this or this or this, so I can let you all know what I think, right? ;o)
And there you have it! Some of my favorite places to snag some great deals for maternity clothes. I know I’ve said it before, but buy a few items early on! You’ll get more bang for your buck, you won’t potentially ruin your non-maternity clothes….and comfort. comfort. comfort.
I know, I sound like a broken record, but it’s true!
What are some of your favorite places to find maternity deals? I’d love to hear!
For this fix, I told my stylist about the weekend trip to New York City I had planned for the weekend to surprise Andy! She sent the greatest items — from ones that were more safe to ones that really push my comfort level! It was a to try on!
I’m honestly shocked that these pieces aren’t maternity clothes — they fit and flatter so well, it’s sort of crazy! And I’m super excited about wearing them all post-baby bump too! I have a few more thoughts on specific items and what to ask for as I share what I received this time around. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Let’s get to it!
Sepp Belted Maxi Dress
The first piece I tried on was this Sepp Belted Maxi Dress. I wasn’t sure if I’d like the bold pattern as I took it out from my Fix box, but it was absolute perfection when I put it on.
I actually didn’t realize it came with the belt at first…
And I loved it then too. But after putting on the belt, there was no way I could send this one back! The length is perfect, and I’m not typically a fan of slits in dresses or skirts, but it makes this dress even more wearable for walks and hot summer days.
Bonus: this dress is the perfect nursing dress because of it’s cross-over bodice neckline.
What do you think? Fan of the red, variegated stripes? Too bold?
Illina Crochet Detail Dress
I knew I wanted to love this Illina Crochet Detail dress the instant I saw the color. Coral? Yes. Yes. Yes. Please!!
I love how chic and sophisticated this dress is — the length isn’t one I usually find flattering on me, but because of the lace at the bottom it somehow works. I want to play with different belts to wear with it while pregnant, and I’m excited to see how it fits post baby bump.
worn with the belt from my Sepp Maxi Dress
sans belt
worn with a skinny, patent mint belt
Bellatrix Embroidered Detail Maxi Dress
This Bellatrix Embroidered Detail Maxi Dress isn’t one that I would readily grab and bring to a fitting room. It’s that boho look that I adore on other people, but so rarely find flattering on myself.
I love that my stylist pushes my comfort level a bit by sending items that fit characteristics I love —unique details, long maxi dresses– but pushes me in areas I probably wouldn’t venture myself —think the entire Free People collection. I always want to pull off those looks, I just never feel like I can!
I love the back on this dress, the embroidery in the front and the sheer bottom of the long, outer skirt. This dress is so comfortable!
Rana Racerback Cotton Dress
I told my stylist that I would love to wear something for our Saturday evening in the city that I wouldn’t typically wear, and boy did she answer that request! I adore wearing navy and this was not only comfortable, but the perfect dress to pack. This Rana Racerback Cotton Dress is made of jersey, so it didn’t wrinkle at all. I take that back, it’s honestly as thick as a sweatshirt — it’s so awesome. And the ruching on the sides make it work with a bump….I’m really curious to see how this fits me post bump!
Violette Embroidered Detail Dress
This Violette Embroidered Detail Dress is definitely the most outside my comfort zone — but it’s growing on me. It’s made of super light cotton, so it’s perfect for hot summers.
The only problem? It’s….um…. a littttttle bit short. Like probably-not-appropriate-to-wear-as-a-dress-right-now, short. I’ve shared how I lengthened a jersey maxi dress, but maybe I need to tackle lengthening a dress like this one, because I do really love how it looks as a dress! It’s especially flattering over a baby bump!
With leggings or skinny jeans, it’s perfect!
But then it’s not so wearable as a cool, summer dress. hmph.
So what do you think? Anyone else while sporting a baby bump?
how would you style these pieces?
which pieces do you love? hate? meh?
if you had to pick only one from this Fix to keep…which would you pick?
Leave a comment if you have a link to a recent Fix you received! I love seeing what other people are receiving in their Fixes and how they are styling them!
xo
And back by popular demand — images below with the dress names, in case you want to pin to a Stitch Fix Pinterest board for your stylist!
Goodness, it’s been a while since I shared a with you, and it is because it’s been a while since the mailman has brought one to my door! It’s not exactly the first I’ve received while pregnant….. remember this one? Rachel actually thought I maybe looked a little bit too pregnant, so she edited a few to make sure. I was so paranoid someone would notice if I swapped them out, so I left them the way they were.
So I’m curious! Did anyone have an inkling after seeing the tops that I kept that maybe it was a little more than bloat or too many donuts for breakfast?
I am still loving those tops I got in that last fix! They fit really well, but I’m probably going to retire them somewhat soon — I ruined a few tops when I was pregnant with Harlow. I guess I thought after being stretched to the max for 3ish months they would go right back to normal…. eh. Maybe not, Kac. So this time around I’ve packed away some of the tops that I know I want to enjoy wearing in their original state after September rolls around. I knew if I had them hanging in my closet that I would be tempted to stretch them over this growing bump!
But back to this . I have a few tips on what I did to best communicate my bump-needs to my stylist! I have to say: this is one of my absolute favorites to date!
Go up a size. This tip was my immediate change to my style profile after receiving my last Fix in March. Even thought I might have been able to stretch some tops or dress in the current size I’d requested, I knew that length would be a factor. I’m so happy I went up a size!
Explain how many weeks you will be. Are you not really showing, but wanting items that can be worn during your entire pregnancy? Are you nearing the homestretch?
Tell your stylist what you’re comfortable in. This tip should be something you communicate whether you are pregnant or not, but be sure to let your stylist know if you’ve changed the way you’re dressing. No more short dresses, only jersey shirts/material, etc.
Be creative! When I first tried on a few items from this fix, I really didn’t like them! Then as I paired them with various accessories and styled them differently, my opinion began to change! The jury is still out on a few of them, so let’s get to it!! I need your help!!
Devon Crochet Back Maxi Dress
The first piece I tried on was the . Let’s just say there was a bit of love at first sight when I pulled it out of the box. A dramatic, “oh my goodness this dress” might have come out of my mouth for no one to hear but baby boy and me.
I love it.
The jersey is extremely soft. The crochet detail is open, yet hits in a spot that feels sophisticated — I don’t feel like I’m showing off too much skin. I do think I might chop it a little shorter, however. I am going to wear it a few times long to see what I think, but I want it to be about 2″ longer….so my answer to that might be to chop it shorter. I know, that reasoning doesn’t make sense at all. I love the idea of it hitting just a bit above my knee.
What do you think? Keep? Am I delirious for loving it so much? Chop it short? Keep it long?
Calapsia Spacedye Twisted Seams Tank
The next piece I tried on was the . Meh. It’s crazy soft, but I just don’t think the shape is flattering at all on me.
I took it off about as quickly as I put it on, but I’d love to hear what you think!
Gabriel Floral Print Cross-Front Top
I love when I pull an item from my box and think, “eh, no thanks” only to be pleasantly surprised when I try it on! This top–the Gabriel Floral Print Cross-Front Top–was one of those scenarios for me. It almost feels like it is a maternity top–I’m curious to see it not worn on a bump!–and I love the high-low shape of it too. It’s not too drastic, and it’s not too short in the front. I’m just not sure if it’s me enough or not.
Yay? Nay?
Jo Maxi Skirt
I am still working out my feelings about maxi skirts and pregnancy bumps. Maxi dresses? yes please. Maxi skirts…. still deciding.
I can’t figure out what is flattering and what just looks awkward! Blerg. This is soft, it’s comfortable — and oh, did you notice it’s bright? I’m a little nervy about that fact for sure. My hair already turns neon-blonde in the summer, so I’m not sure I need another thing screaming, “here comes Kacia!!” when we are walking around the city or heading to the park.
But it’s comfortable. And right now? I like comfortable.
Rylee Waist Twisted Maxi Skirt
Another maxi! More confusion!
I am a difficult customer… I know that about myself! I’m ridiculously picky, so my average pick count is definitely one item. Maybe two. Maybe.
I like unique, but I like timeless. I like classic, but I like to be on trend too. See? You would hate being my stylist.
The caught my eye immediately because of the gorgeous twist detail in the front. I should have snapped a photo of it, but it also has a short skirt/lining as well! I often find maxi skirts are jussssst a little too sheer and adding layers or wearing a slip in the hot summer is just dumb.
So back to this skirt. I put it on and immediately picked up my style cards: was it a dress? A skirt? is it made for giants? The skirt is crazy long. Like a good 6″ too long if I wear it on my “natural” waist. I’d love to see how people are styling this skirt sans bump!
I sadly almost gave up — it was so unflattering worn this way that I thought for sure it was a send-back. But then my crazy pregnancy brain said, “a dress! Make it a dress!”
So I hiked it on up and tried it as a strapless dress and also a maxi skirt worn above the bump.
Now I’m kind of swooning over it.
But still confused. Because that’s how I roll. Lots of confusion. Lots of love/hate when it comes to styling this bump.
Meh? or high kicks? happy dance?
So seriously.
Help a girl out! I need to send it back tomorrow, so my wishywashy mind needs to be made up. Whenever I post after I send stuff back, you all make me wish I’d kept different items! You are wise, so don’t be afraid to share your opinions!
Have you tried ? See more of my past fixes and tips here! Have you had a Fix with a bump? I’d love to see what you received and how you styled it — any tips to add?
Happy Monday, y’all! This giveaway was going to be up before the sun came up this am, but I spent all day yesterday with a terrible stomach bug.
Not fun.
Thankfully now, I’m keeping ice chips down and laying in bed with my laptop. Not exactly how I had planned to spend my Sunday!
But I have something fun for y’all today! You know how much I love Lily Jade — their designer diaper bags combine style and functionality in a whole new way.
One of their greatest features just doesn’t get enough love, so I want to share about my “ah ha!” moment I had while using my bag! It’s their Baby Bag — and it’s a removable and washable organizing insert that accompanies their gorgeous bags.
At first, I didn’t quite understand how to best use it. It snaps on each side of the interior of your bag, and creates a “new” interior that has more compartments and is removable — and washable. I wanted to still utilize the compartments on the actual interior of my bag, but once I ignored those and used the compartments on the BabyBag — voila! It all made sense to me!
The other thing I love is that this bag transitions from designer diaper bag to designer awesome bag. Since I’m not toting around diapers and bottles right now, I have found that removing the Baby Bag allows me to more easily carry bigger things I want to tote around — books, my DSLR, packed lunch and a picnic blanket.
It’s like the bag grows up with you… or something. :) It just gets better with time!
Lily Jade has some exciting things happening in the next few weeks! Next month, new bags will be available in new designs and styles for a lower price point. These bags won’t be leather, but I’ve seen some sneak peeks…and they are gorgeous.
If you have been eyeing a Madeline or Caroline bag, now is the time to buy it! They are on sale right now, but the sale will end as soon as the new bags are made available!
Now how would you feel about the chance to win a Lily Jade Diaper bag? Pretty awesome for a Monday, eh?? :)
Giveaway Details:
Lily Jade giveaway will run from 3/24/14 through midnight EST, 3/27/14.
Winner will receive a Caroline or Madeline bag of their choosing! Provided by Lily Jade.
How to Enter! /// this giveaway is now closed.
1|| Like Lily Jade on Facebook— one entry, leave comment!
2 || Follow Lily Jade on Instagram — one entry, leave comment!
3|| Follow Coconut Robot on Bloglovin — one entry, leave comment!
4|| Follow Coconut Robot on Instagram — one entry, leave comment!
5|| Share about the giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram — leave comment with link for 2 entries!
6|| Leave a comment below sharing your favorite Lily Jade bag and color! — one entry
Entries will be manually counted and a winner will be chosen at random! *If you submitted one comment with a list of your entries, no worries! We’ll track those too! :)*
I am ridiculously picky about the length of certain clothing items. Shirts can’t be too long, but they need to hit at a just-above-hip length, depending on the style, of course.
I think it’s probably safe to say we all have specific lengths and fits that make us say, “yes! This one is perfect.”
When it comes to maxi dresses, however, I am uber picky.
It needs to be longer than my ankles.
It needs to not drag on the floor.
It needs to brush the tops of my feet.
And goodness I sound super high maintenance. Eeks.
I promise I’m not, I just know how I like my maxi dresses to fit!
This maxi is one of my absolute favorites. Its thick material isn’t see-through, it’s a flattering fit, and when do I not love navy? The only problem is that it is just too short. I tried to put off washing it as long as possible, but well, I didn’t want people to start smelling me before they saw me, if you know what I mean. Even after letting it hang to dry and stretch a bit, I still found it hitting such an awkward length.
Sadness. Sadness. Sadness.
This problem can be easily fixed, so I thought I’d show you a quick and easy way to lengthen that maxi hanging in your closet because of the dang length.
*My maxi is a jersey fabric throughout, so I chose a light blue jersey for a color blocked look for my dress. You can choose to stay consistent with your dress fabric –choosing jersey with jersey, cotton weave with cotton weave– or you can mix and match. I thought about adding a patterned navy cotton fabric to the bottom of this dress, but opted for this light blue jersey I had on hand instead.
1|| Measure and cut the lengthening fabric. Be sure to add about 1.5-2″ extra for your seams and hem. Measure the bottom circumference of your dress, being careful not to stretch it as you measure. My dress was wider at the bottom than the width of my fabric, so I ended up needing an additional 8 inch panel.
2|| Seam together your lengthening fabric to match circumferences, and pin right sides together.
*You can choose to let out the hem of your dress, if you’d like. I opted to leave mine in for a couple of reasons: 1) in case I give this dress to someone who needs the shorter length–it’ll be a quick fix, 2) I wanted the additional weight that the gives. I guess I should have added that to my list of maxi dress requirements…I love when a dress has a night weight to the bottom hem, so it moves well as I walk.*
It’s the little things.
3|| Sew the bottom seam with at least a 5/8″ seam allowance — I opted to do about a 1″ seam allowance. We will be top stitching the seam to give it more of a professional and finished look, so we want our seam allowance to be large enough to catch.
4|| Press your seams towards the bottom of your dress, and top stitch around circumference. I chose to use a contrasting thread –navy — for this step, but you can choose a coordinating thread if you’d like!
5|| This step might require a little bit of help, as it’s difficult to measure the correct length needed while also wearing your maxi dress! Put your dress on and mark where you will hem for the new maxi dress length. Measure and pin. Sew hem.
I used jersey, which doesn’t fray much, so I didn’t worry about finishing that interior edge. To give your dress an even more polished look, fold and press a 1/4″ hem and sew. Now fold over and press again to your desired length. Sew hem.
*I used a contrasting thread for this hem as well, but if I was doing it again, I would coordinate the thread, so that this seam doesn’t show much. I might rip it up and sew it again…I’ll let you know!*
6|| Finally get that dress out of retirement, and start wearing it! I’ll share photos of it soon — the weather hasn’t exactly been cooperating for photos of this spring maxi dress, but I am loving the new length!
Andy and Harlow surprised me at the airport last night to pick me up, so I didn’t have to take a cab home. Goodness, she grew up like crazy, it seems, and I was only gone for 4 days!
Happy last day of Winter!! Think Spring will get the memo that it’s finally time to show up!?
xo
I was sent the Brother Designio DZ3000 to test and review and was compensated for this tutorial post. All opinions, ideas, and projects are my own.
Goodness! It’s been a while since sharing some keeps with you all! Even though I’ve been a terrible StitchFix-sharer, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been loving them lately! As the weather finally starts warming up — is it ever going to feel like spring!? — I probably be sharing a few more of them with you.
iPhone selfies on dreary winter days get old — photos outside in the sun are just so much more fun!
{style: Priya || designer: Pomelo}
{style: Alessandra || designer: 41 Hawthorne}
I have to say this Alessandra top justmiiiightbe my new pinch-hitter — my new favorite from …ever. Well, until a new favorite comes along, right?
The colors are incredible, the length is perfect, and it is beyond comfortable.
The Priya top I actually didn’t like when I pulled it out of the box! These types of pieces are my favorite to receive — I love a great surprise love when I try on a piece I expect to not be a huge fan of. This top is a perfect example of that happening!
Psst! The Alessandra also is the most perfect compliment to my new Lily Jade bag! They have made some amazing updates, and I’m excited to share the details with you soon! {in the mean time, you can enter to win one here from Tori Spelling here!}
Have you tried ? Check out my other fixes here, here and here. There are more, but those are some of my favorites. :) What have you been keeping lately? What trends are you loving? I’m obsessed with the bold back panel colors each of these tops have! If you’ve posted about your recent fixes, leave a link! I can’t wait to see!
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