Top 5 Maternity Items For Cold Weather

Yeah yeah, I know many of you are probably thinking of your adorable, sparkly holiday outfits and not anything even remotely maternity-esque. But for those who are pregnant or are looking to become so, I've rounded up my top five must-haves* for those ladies incubating a little one during a chilly season.

*And yes, I am completely sick of said items, but they've become tried and true over the past few months!

1. Leggings: Sure, this may seem obvious, but it's tough to strike the balance of affordable and non-transparent leggings when it comes to maternity wear. I personally prefer Gap's crop maternity version but it looks like they stopped selling that length in the fall. I have no doubt that their full length version is just as comfy and flattering. I think I have at least five pairs of said leggings on rotation. While I love designer denim, at the very late stages of pregnancy I have little interest in pulling on anything that isn't 100% stretch.

Supersoft leggings

2. Winter coat: This was a tough one. I didn't want to really test the limits of my pricey North Face fleece so around the 28-30 week mark I started looking for a warm and non-offensive coat that I could actually button/zip/snap around my bump. Of all places, guess where I found a total winner? Walmart. Yes. Walmart.

No, I didn't venture in store because apparently many Walmarts do not carry many maternity goods. I bought this maternity puffer jacket (in black) online for $21 plus $.97 shipping. It has been worth every single penny. It's comfortable, fits nicely and is damn warm - it even hosts a fleece lining and a hood. It looks like the version I grabbed currently out of stock online, but either check back or take a peek at the regular sized Faded Glory puffer coats in a size or two up. I've also seen a few cute, really affordable options at Old Navy.

3. Seamless tanks: When your belly starts a bustin' out, you'll want something smooth and comfy to sport keep things under wraps beneath sweaters and cardigans. Some of my favorite seamless tanks are from the BeMaternity line at Target in addition to a handful I purchased at Pea In the Pod.

Be Maternity Seamless Ruched Tank - Assorted Colors

4. Awesome, flat boots: Take your pick, friends. I'm sure you figured, but sporting super high heels while very pregnant is not the smartest thing. Your back already aches, so adding additional pressure probably isn't the best idea. To go along with all of those rockin' leggings, go ahead and indulge in some great flat - 1.5" heeled boots. A few of my picks are below - just make sure that your boots have proper tread on the bottom! Otherwise you could pull a Coley and totally bite it on the mall floor when your soles are a little wet. Impressive, I know.

Boots
Boots

5. Open cardigans, sweaters and jackets: Look, if you can buy things that you can wear now and possibly later, all the better. I've found a ton of really cute open sweaters and jackets that are non-maternity so I don't feel like I'm blowing my cash on maternity specific goods. Pair said topper with a seamless tank or fitted sweater and you're good to go. Here are a few options...

Blazers
Cardigans

Have a great Monday, all!

When you're with child...

As in incubating a tiny human, your style changes a bit. I'm not insinuating that your intended style and preferences change. No no, what you can physically wear changes. And it changes pretty early on.

I'm by no means an expert on maternity fashion. I've only been with child for 4-5 months now. But, in the early-ish weeks of pregnancy (6-15 weeks) many women will deal with a host of baby related bodily goodies. This can range from morning sickness, to a substantial amount of bloat, to an early showing of a baby bump. Your jeans may be tight.  You may feel like anything even remotely constricting your belly will make you toss your cookies. You may look you have a muffin top...or shall I rename it a baby top? Whatever. You have to adjust now and for the next number of months before the kid makes its official arrival.

Now that we're all caught up to speed, if you know of someone who is pregnant, looking to become pregnant or simply has a soft spot for those who are, feel free to peruse my take on helpful early-pregnancy fashion. For the rest of you, don't fret, this blog will not morph into one that is solely maternity and baby focused. Shopping, fashion cravings and product reviews are here to stay.

Some critical items for early-ish pregnancy (for many, this means the 1st trimester):

• Vests: Yep. Something you can actually wear now and later as it's not constricting! Add some color and flavor to your ensemble.
• Button down shirts: You may want to buy up on size because of your impending bump. I've been loving on GAP's chambray snap button shirt as of late. I'll wear this item until I can't snap it anymore and then start wearing it open with skinny jeans, etc.
• Scarves: When your belly is at the crossroads of "perceived beer gut" and "little baby bump", scarves are your BFF. Wrap and drape at will.
• Low rise anything: Leggings, workout shorts, jeggings, and more. If said bottom can fit under the blossoming belly, it's a winner. I had to nix my awesome, 70s inspired mid-rise flare jeans pretty early on.
• Belly band: An item that can be found at many a maternity store, Target, etc. This snazzy belly bandeau keep your jeans or shorts up (and the fasteners down) when you can properly button every button or zip every zipper.
• Comfortable bras: Whether you buy a coobie, a soft sports bra or go for a sweet microfiber nursing bra, you'll want comfort for your sisters. At all times. When you sleep, when you walk around your house, when you go out to dinner. Yes, you will likely want to go wire free.
   

Shortsleeve Tops
Boots

Here's to many fashionable and comfortable months ahead, ladies!