After three pregnancies spanning several years and all four seasons, I don’t even want to start thinking about what I’ve spent on items that fit for roughly three months a go. As a new-mom-to-be in 2007, I was a total rookie, but ANMJ reader Julia, who’s glowingly prego with her first, is taking a more pragmatic (and fabulous!) approach to her maternity wardrobe. . .
Can someone please explain to me why maternity clothes cost so freaking much more than regular clothes?! Yes, I understand that a bit more material is needed but seriously?! Is it really an extra $40 or $50 worth…um, no!! I couldn’t even convince myself to splurge on the pair of maternity 7’s and went with GAP instead thanks to your denim post!
This is my first pregnancy (Yay!) and I’ve decided that I’m going to rock “normal” clothes as long as I can and so far it’s working out magnificently! I very quickly learned that maternity clothes very rarely go on sale more than 20-30% off which, when they’re priced so much higher than normal, really isn’t very helpful! So I scour all of the usual websites (Tobi, Piperlime, ShopBop, etc…) for sales and for flattering cuts that will work post-pregnancy as well! Per usual, Splendid, Velvet, C&C California and Vince are by far my favorite brands!
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for your many inspiring blogs and to let all the other pregg-os out there: Don’t confine yourself to the maternity stores/sections just because you’re expecting!
Julia makes an excellent point. Yes, maternity wear (especially items from higher end chain retailers) is quite a bit more expensive than non-maternity wear, presumably because a.) they believe they have the market cornered and b.) because they’re counting on new-mom-to-be hormones and excitement trumping all common sense (as in my case).
(Wearing: James Perse Long Racerback Tank, Splendid Chunky Slub Cowl Pullover Sweater - on sale at Piperlime, GAP 1969 full panel long & lean jeans, Cole Haan Suede booties)
However, smart mamas such as Ms. Julia can capitalize on current non-maternity trends like flowy/drapey tops paired with cute maternity denim (which has, without a doubt, finally gotten current). These pieces will look great as your bump grows, may even go the distance to delivery, and will get you through those early transitional postpartum months. Also, affordable, on-trend maternity wear is a lot easier to come by with overseas competitors like ASOS and Topshop (my third pregnancy favs) entering the market. Check out our ASOS/Topshop maternity round up from last week.
Julia, gestating a human being totally becomes you. You’re rockin’ it mama style at 25 weeks (more than half way there and you look amazing!). Thank you for writing in and best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
- M.
