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wiw - maternity style

bella

(website)

Veteran

So, last week was not a very good week. I am at 16 weeks, I kind of popped all of a sudden around week 13, and then promptly went on to put on about 4 pounds, so last week, I literally had zero bottoms that fit. This is one of those times when a small, well-curated wardrobe fails you. I went to try a few maternity outfits, but they are either super matronly, very expensive or both. I really don't want to spend a lot of money on maternity clothes, unless I absolutely have to. Besides, I am not big enough to fit into maternity clothes, yet, so I'm really in that awkward stage. I got a pair of pants, and a skirt, shown below. It doesn't help that I kept comparing myself to super cute and fashionable preggers outfit bloggers. Arggh! All in all, it was a very upsetting and frustrating week.

In order to give myself a morale boost, I decided to photograph my outfits.(And I stopped googling maternity wear!|) Besides, these will provide me with FFB options in the upcoming weeks, when I am feeling too tired to think of new combinations.

What do you think? I think they are ok (modern classic), but not particularly trendy, so that's probably why I'm feeling a bit out of sorts.

Thanks for looking!

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37 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

You look lovely! I think your new pieces will work well for you.

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow! I think you look fab. I never looked this good when I was pregnant! You look put together and nothing looks ill fitting. I think that's a win in my book. I can't pick a fave in fact. Congrats

greycat6

Veteran

Absolutely fabulous! Very chic pregnancy style!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the way you kept your siganture Bella-Style. xo

carambola

Veteran

You look beautiful. Especially love the white dress with coral and turquoise accents.

Do you have a bella band (no pun intended)? I passed mine on to a friend, but found it extremely useful for extending my non-maternity wardrobe.

Ingrid & Isabel® 'Everyday' Maternity BellaBand®

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Mona

Veteran

these are all wonderful outfits. you can mix and match all of these which will give you more variety.

Neel

Veteran

What do I think ... Hmm ... I think I am going to copy :). Your outfits are so comfy and chic. Love them all with special preference for 1 because its summery fabness.

How I wish I looked half as good during my pregnancy days!

Anonymous

I think all three outfits are fab! Very chic.

Beth Ann

Veteran

These make me so happy! I'm glad you have this fashion obstacle to work around!

These are all extremely flattering and pretty. They are terrific just as they are. If you want to add a bit of trend, I could see a strong cuff bracelet in #1, and perhaps a loose, modern vest. The vest might be nice when you're post partum, too -- as a lightweight 3rd layer while the body readjusts. You could also swap out the nude pumps for black or metallic cage sandals or peep toe booties.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, how very kind you all are. And thanks for all the suggestions!

Re: bella band - I've seen those sold around here. Unfortunately it's already too warm here, I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable even with the extra fabric around my belly of the maternity clothes, I think the band would be unbearable. ditto on the vest. Even the scarf in #1 is pushing it.

Inge

(website)

I'm sorry to hear you weren't feeling fab, Bella, but the pictures certainly don't show that. I am echoing what Angie said: you look wonderful in your signature Bella style, all three outfits are lovely. And here's to FFB outfits when we need them, excellent plan

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh my! Bella, I am sorry to hear you aren't feeling your fashionable self, but wow oh wow, you sure look amazing! I love each and every one of these outfits. Ladylike, fresh, and also -- they look comfortable and practical. I love the fun sandals in #2. That spells summer to me. Plus the scarf in #1. And you always shine in black or navy and white.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh my gosh, I'd never know you were struggling to look at the pictures. You look wonderful in each and every one. Maybe not trendy, but certainly current enough!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

These are more than just OK bella. I love how elegant you look and you definitely have three great FFBOs.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Honestly I think you look lovely! This stage is very hard, style-wise, but I think you are coping very well. No one will notice if you repeat outfits for a while. Soon enough you will fit into real maternity clothes. Do you have any friends who have been pregnant in the last year? Maybe you could borrow some items and expand the possibilities in your closet. I did that for one of my pregnancies and it was hugely helpful to have more variety without buying more stuff.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Do you still have your Bella Remixes blog? I used to love your blog. You could update it for a Bella Maternity Remix blog, I think there would be many grateful readers. Your outfits are THAT good.

Please rest assured that you look fantastic, although I know it's hard given the hormones and everything happening to your body.

amiable

Veteran

I'm sorry you don't feel great - be assured that you do indeed look really terrific!

Anonymous

Bella, that first outfit with rolled khakis and high/low shirt is certainly on trend as are white dresses. And a black pencil skirt with fluid black and white top? You look gorgeous.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Denise is so right about your blog. (She is always right )

bella

(website)

Veteran

(I am feeling a bit guilty about reviving this thread, but it is kind of inevitable because of time difference.)
Thank you once again.
Re: blog. It is no longer active, because I don't have time to update it. Thanks for suggesting that my outfits are blog-worthy.
I don't really have any friends who can pass along maternity wear, the same goes for baby stuff as well. I am planning to raid my sister's closet though, she wears about 2 sizes larger than me and some of her skirts might fit.
I think part of it might be the heat. Combined with a huge belly, that leaves out all trendy things like rolled hems on pants, faux tuck, belts, and crisp things I normally like button down shirts, and scarves.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well due to the time lack of difference or something I am just seeing this now and you look fantastic Bella - great pregnancy or anytime style!

Anonymous

You look chic, fun, and summery in all of these! Great outfits, period, not just great maternity outfits.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Don't feel guilty (says the one from almost your time zone :-D).

Maternity style is difficult and I can so hear you about not having 'natural' sources of clothes for this period.

If it makes you feel any better, I've spent my entire maternity period in 2 (t-w-o) pars of pants: jeans and dressy black ones. Finding long pants is always an issue for me and the right maternity clothes were a nightmare, and I was so happy to have those. I remember I wore a few stretchy turtlenecks and cardigans and that's about it. This was in my pre-YLF days, but don't think I'd be much different had I known about YLF at the time. I'd maybe like a nice black dress that I'd accessorise in different ways.

The heat makes it more difficult for you, which is why I think putting your focus on comfort is essential and these outfits serve that purpose brilliantly. Plus, search Sara L.'s threads, she had great black dress during her pregnancy, I loved seeing all WIWs in which she made the most of it.

Anonymous

Look for threads by Patience for her maternity looks and comments and she lives in the heat of Texas. I think I wore dresses most when pregnant and had very few things. I made some tops, my last attempt at sewing. Those tops were dreadful! Toward the end, nothing covered my huge bump ( 10 month baby) and the dresses became too short.

Debbie

Veteran

I wish I had your style when I was pregnant. You look great!

Tanya

Veteran

You look gorgeous Bella, simply radiant! Love them all, especially the first one.

catgirl

Veteran

Welll, you look fantastic! Srsly.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Well I like all three of these outfits (especially #1 and #2) and I think they're all super cute and trendy!

Renee

I'm at 28 weeks now, but during the time you are in I found I could wear loose tops that I had (or are readily available) with slim bottoms. Then I only needed a Bella Band or maternity bottoms. You will wear the second trimester clothing again in the fourth trimeter, so money spent on some clothes now are not wasted.

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