No joke. Forever 21 now has a maternity line- Love 21. And I am pumped about it. What’s better than cheap maternity clothes? I think it’s genius because I personally would like to buy some trendy things for my pregnant belly (no I’m not pregnant right now) and not have to save them for the next pregnancy if they go out of style. Absolutely genius. I hope they get lots of stuff in!!! What do you think?

I love coral, although I usually refer to it as “salmon pink” because my husband has a rad thrift store shirt that is very clearly pink but he calls it salmon. Anyway, this is a great spring color. I love it paired with gray, tiffany blue, or with red in a monochromatic look.  I’m a little obsessed with that wrap cardigan at the bottom, and I’m A LOT obsessed with Emersonmade’s crazy awesome flowers.  Maybe the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  What’s your favorite?

swimsuit, maternity dress, wrap dress, scoop-neck dress, thong sandals, wedge sandals, cardigan wrap, sunglasses, scarf, espadrilles, swimsuit, wrap cardigan, boyfriend cardigan, necklace, printed heels, blazer, ruffled jacket, flats, flower pin

Hey all! By popular demand, we have added a way to search Maternity and Family Photos. On the Right hand side of this page under “Shop By Type” there are now links to Maternity (including nursing wear) and Family Photos (includes our advice as well as the many family photos that have been submitted.) I went through all our past posts, which is A LOT and tried to find them all, I know I’m missing some, but hey. it’s a start! Please enjoy, and sorry this is just now being done!

(Also, when you search under Outfit, that is where you can find a lot of the emails we have answered)

I think this skirt is pretty dang cute… especially for being maternity!

At Old Navy for $19.50.

Okay, so this outfit is SO cute! I was in WA last week and Ashley and I went to a wedding and this is what she wore! I was about to die because of how cute it was. Her outfit was with a dress just like this one, but with a denim colored skirt to it, and white button up underneath and a green cardigan, cowboy boots, and a headband in her hair. It was adorable. Anyways, the link to this dress was sent to me by Jessica, and I thought that I should show you how cute it could be! (oh yeah and it was even cuter on Ashley because she is 6 months pregnant… oh man that girl knows how to dress!)

Regina Chambray Dress at Delias for $39.50, 36 inches long.

Pintucked Flannel Shirt at Forever 21 for $17.80

Cropped Cardigan at Charlotte Russe for $18.99

With these boots.

I officially added this to my christmas list. I love it, especially with those rainboots!!!

Find it at Shabby Apple for $68.00.

Another great maternity dress from Gap!

This one is also online only for $59.50.

I am pregnant! We will be welcoming our second little boy into our family in April! I am currently 20 weeks and starting to show. I’m going to be posting some of my favorite maternity finds, along with clothes that work while your pregnant… even if their not ‘maternity.’

I absolutely love this little black dress from Gap! It is available online only for $69.50.

Okay, so I think this dress is super cute… but I think it would look even ’super cuter’ (hehe) if someone who was 4 or 5 months pregnant was wearing it. It is made out of stretch cotton so it would hug your little baby so perfectly! Call me crazy… but I think that would be CUTE!

At Shabby Apple for $72.00

Here’s a fun email from our reader “Jennifer”:
I am from Utah and my friends and I always check your website out! I need help, really bad…. I am 8 weeks pregnant with my second and feel like I am starting to show a lot already! I don’t want to break the news until I am about 12 weeks either. I have a fun girlfriend get together coming up and don’t want to look pregnant yet, but want to look cute!! I would love some outfit ideas that won’t make me look more pregnant, but I could add to my maternity wardrobe, at least for the first few months. I am 5′4”, normally a size 2-4, would LOVE your help! Oh and if you do publish this post … could you change my name since all my friends read this? Don’t want them knowing quite yet
THANKS!!!
-”Jennifer” N.

Hi Jennifer!  Congratulations on the baby!  Very exciting.  I understand, though, that sometimes you’re just not ready to share the news with everyone.  Especially at the very beginning.  I’ve found a few looks for you that are stylish, comfortable, should be able to get you through the first half of the pregnancy at least, and will help you keep your fun secret.  I think the goal here is to keep things loose, and to distract the eye with things like ruffles.  The blue shirt with the ruffles down the front is fabulous.  I just bought this shirt in the two colors they have (at this very moment I’m wearing this shirt in the watermelon color) and I LOVE this shirt.  It’s your basic t-shirt, with a little something extra.  That something extra is going to help distract people from your growing tummy.  Plus, it’s so comfortable it’s almost wrong.  I would stay away from anything with an empire-ish type waist.  It can make even non-pregnant girls look like they’re expecting, so it’s definitely a no until you’re showing more and ready to share the news.  I like the idea of tunic-type tops (now is a great time to try the big checkered shirt trend!, and check out the tops from this post) and a scarf on top will help distract from that tummy area.  I love the ones from DownEast, they’re like a t-shirt material and come in 8 different colors.  Love them.  The jacket and sweater will get you months of wear since they aren’t tight or fitted, and will look great as we go into fall.  Lastly, check out the tiered ruffle top from Fossil.  Man, it would be perfect for you.  Any extra tummy fullness would just look like it’s part of the shirt, and you can wear it belted or not, just put it with a cardigan and you’re set.  Love it.

For bottoms, you’re still early enough in the pregnancy to get by with your favorite jeans and skirts.  But, if you don’t have one already from your first pregnancy, you NEE – HEE - HEED to get a Bella Band.  I wore mine to death during both of my pregnancies.  In the early stages it just keeps everything a little firmer and helps you feel more comfortable in your regular clothes (like a really comfortable girdle).  Later, when your regular jeans still fit but you can quite button them, use the Bella Band to hold up your unzipped jeans.  Then, when you’re in full on maternity pants, the Bella Band will be a lifesaver in keeping those darn elastic waist pants up.  I promise you’ll love it.
Have a great time with your girlfriends!  Nothing quite like being out with the girls, eh?
Love, Emily

blue ruffled shirt, purple high neck top, green scoopneck tee, purple tunic, checkered shirt, pink scarf, white scarf, yellow sweater, orange jacket, white and patterned tiered ruffle tanks

Our reader Kristen S. from CA wrote:

I love your website – thank you so much for doing such a fantastic thing.
I am due with baby #2 in a few weeks – or basically any time now.  I plan on nursing this baby and need to find tops, and dresses that will work easily for that, even comfortable bottoms that can shrink with me (I hope the shrinking part does come eventually).  I am fairly average/petite at 5′5 – and my pre-pregnancy size was a small to medium or 4/6 – but, with this ever changing bust and hips, you never know!
I especially need things to wear to church and other dress nicer events.  Baby #1 is only 13 months old so washes well and comfortable for lots of running around is a must.

Thank you so much,

Kristen S.
California

Hi Kristen! SO. I totally know what you mean! I am currently a nursing mother and let me tell you. I hate having things in my wardrobe that I know I can’t wear right now… unless I want to wear it for a total of about 2-3 hours… lame. So I put together these outfits for you. I’m not sure how well these items wash, however, with the exception of the Shabby Apple dresses, everything is under $25.00, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you got a stain on them. Button down blouses are the best way to nurse, and dress up an outfit from the regular t-shirt and jeans. And, just because you are nursing doesn’t mean you can’t wear a dress! You just have to find one that buttons down in front. And the two I put up from Shabby Apple are just darling! Also… all three blouses are great for hiding the after baby tummy… and the high waisted skirts can go with all of them (to view the two I put skirts with click on the links below…) and will also help with tummy coverage.(oh yeah, and all the blouses would also look cute with a pair of jeans… even cut off shorts would look cute!) Oh, and Bella Bands are awesome for allowing your jeans to grow and shrink with you! Enjoy and have fun with your little ones! -Natalie

Pleated Tie Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99

Ruched Pencil Skirt at Charlotte Russe for $22.99, 23.5 inches long

Pleated Ruffle Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99

Button Tab Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99

Dotted Swing Skirt at Forever 21 for $19.80, 20 inches long

Madison Ave dress from Shabby Apple for $78.00

Jackie O dress from Shabby Apple for $89.99

from mom-to-be, reader Cynthia:

“How about some maternity stuff?  Better yet, I have my shower approaching and need something to wear to that.  Preferably something not sleeveless.  Help!”

Dear Cynthia,

Yay!  You’re about to have a baby!  I love babies!  Congratulations on your impending zombie-like state of sheer exhaustion and perfect love.  Do you all read c jane enjoy it?, of course you do.  I love how she talks about wanting to eat her child.  Not really eat eat.  Like you would eat a twinkie or something. (do people actually eat twinkies?)  But babies are just so delicious, you’ll want to nibble on your little one all day.  Go read c jane, she says it better than I do. (oh, and while you’re there, notice how hot those purple Steve Madden shoes are that I put in the high school reunion post.  I totally put those in my outfit because of how slammin’ they look on c jane.  Seriously, don’t we all need some hot shoes?)

Anyway, a shower is always a fun event, especially when it’s for you!  Maternity clothes, for a pretty frugal girl like me, are tricky because you want to be cute and stylish, but it’s hard spending any decent amount of money for clothes with a short lifespan.  So I’ve found cute dresses in a wide range of prices, and you pick what works best for you.  I think any of them would make for a very stylish guest of honor at a baby shower.  Enjoy your day!

Love, Emily

1. Kimono Wrap Dress, Isabella Oliver, $240 (I love this dress and the color.  The whole site is full of gorgeous clothes.)

2. Cap Wrap Dress, Isabella Oliver, $93.00 (This dress would be so comfortable!)

3. The Monaco Dress, Isabella Oliver, $148.00 (So chic.  It’s amazing that a woman that pregnant could look that chic.)

4. Chiarakruza Manon Dress, Twilite Moon, $178.00 (When I was pregnant with my first, I got a catalog for this store in my mailbox one day, and it’s full of delightful things.  Check out their site, it’s all so stylish.)

5. Pintuck Dress, Twilite Moon, $96.00 (I think the detailing on the bodice of this dress is so cute.  I would wear this with a cute pair of red flats.  Or yellow.)

6. Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri Dress, Shabby Apple, $62 (I LOVE this dress, I love how they styled it, and I love the name.  Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri?  For a maternity dress?  Funny.)

7. Chocolate Craving Dress, Shabby Apple, $62.00 (So cute, and so comfortable.)

8. Smocked-Waist Dress, Old Navy, $24.50 (I bet this would be crazy comfortable, and while it doesn’t have sleeves, it would look great styled with #9.)

9. Jersey Wrap Cardigan, Old Navy, $19.50 (I love cardigans, and this one looks like a comfy one.  I wore a lot of cardigans when I was pregnant.  Plus, Old Navy has a ton of cute scarves to complete the look.)

10. Chiffon Cross-front Dress, Old Navy, $36.50 (I think this may be my favorite.  I love the teal color and the patterned plum color.  It may need a deep scoopneck slim tee underneath.  The jewelry I picked out is for this dress.)

11. Peacock Teardrop Earrings, Forever 21, $3.80 (These would look great with the teal dress, very fun.)

12. Tropical Flower Ring, Forever 21, $5.80 (A fun way for color and accessories.  My thoughts on accessories: I wouldn’t wear lots of bracelets or a big necklace or anything.  While I’m usually a big fan of big bracelets and big necklaces, I think pregnancy is a time to pare down on accessories and let that motherly glow shine.  A fun cocktail ring and some dangly earrings would be enough.)

Oh, Amanda.  You came to the right place.  I know exactly what you’re talking about.  I have a 2 year old son and twin baby boys, and my stomach looks quite like a waterbed (too gross?), and Natalie and I share your frustration of a big chest that gets even bigger when nursing.

So, I have some cute options for you, but first some advice.  With my older son, he was about 8 or 9 months old before I one day decided to pump on Saturday so that I could have a bottle to bring to church on Sunday.  I don’t want to oversell this…but, it changed my life.  Prior to that, I would spend half of my time at church in the mother’s lounge and every week I would have to wear a top and a skirt even though I had cute dresses that I was dying to wear.  New mom-ness isn’t very glamorous sometimes, especially when you’re nursing and your boobs are ginormous.  It made a big difference for me to have Sunday as my day.  My day to wear a cute dress and squeeze close to my husband, enjoy our sweet little baby, and actually be able to worship at church.  Plus, it gives your husband a chance to feed and snuggle baby, or you could share the wealth of cute baby-ness and let a sweet lady in your church have a turn at feeding baby.  Totally just my opinion and experience, but see if it works for you.  It made all the difference for me.

And now, to the clothes!

Here’s the thing about a big chest, it’s extra difficult to be modest and appropriate because even when you aren’t trying to, a well-endowed lady can look she’s trying to put her chest on display.  Isn’t that frustrating?  One of my favorite solutions for that is a slim tee (I love DownEast’s Wonder Tee!) or camisole underneath dresses or tops that would show too much cleavage.  Another favorite trick is wearing a belt.  Oh, how I love belts.  It holds in all of my waterbed tummy-ness and gives me more of a structure.

I have a lot of cute dress options for you, as well as cute tops to pair with skirts for church or with jeans for everyday.  Old Navy has a cute pencil skirt and flowy skirt, as well.  Good basics.

New moms don’t have a lot of opportunities to dress up and feel fabulous, so make Sunday your day!  I hope this helps, and congratulations on your sweet new baby!

Love, Emily

1. Leatherock Covered Buckle Belt, Nordstrom, $31.90 (comes in a few colors, available in XL, I love this belt!  Wouldn’t it be so cute in the teal and purple, too?)

2. Patent Leather Belt, Nordstrom, $23.90 (it’s on sale, so not all sizes seem to be available anymore, but the look of the sweater with the belt on top is perfect for those of us with squishy tummy business.)

3. Open Front SS Top, Forever 21, $17.80 (this is a must-buy!  Light enough for summer, and just floats over the tummy area.  Plus, looks great wrapped around with a belt on top.  Do I talk too much about belts?  Have I told you that I love them?)

4. Box Pleat Skirt, Nordstrom, $33.90 (a great price on a smart looking skirt.  I love the pleats, and this would look great with #6, #10, #8…well, just about anything.)

5. Sheer Frill Neck Top, Forever 21, $19.80 (I love how the frill de-emphasizes the chest and the tummy.  And it’s lovely.)

6. Belted Snap Button Shirt, Forever 21, $19.80 (I love this shirt to a million.  Get it in both colors, you’ll be glad to have them.)

7. Janine Woven Top, Forever 21, $15.80 (the gathers at the chest will help to make sure the buttons don’t gape open.  Don’t you hate that!?)

8. Two Pocket Grid Shirt, Forever 21, $15.80 (so summery and cute.  Plus, come fall time, this would look great under a sweater and with some trousers.  Bonus.)

9. Floral Printed Sheer Top, Forever 21, $19.80 (would look perfect with either of the Old Navy skirts I mentioned above, or with jeans and heels for a date out with the husband)

10. Dolman Sweater Knit Top, Forever 21, $24.80 (I love Dolman sleeves.  Like, LOVE them.  Can I marry them?  Buy the jade one and wear it with the pleated skirt (#4).  Lovely.  Oh, and I love how the banded bottom on the top kind of holds it all in.)

11. Border Print Dress, Nordstrom, $148.00 (I love how the border on the sleeves and hem keep your eye moving.  It’s like you don’t even notice she has a tummy.  This one may need a camisole.)

12. Faux-Wrap Dress, Nordstrom, $98.00 (these Nordstrom dresses get a bit pricey, but you’ll love the wrap dresses.  I went to a wedding when the twins were 2 months old, and my black wrap dress saved me.)

13. Silk Chiffon Dress, Nordstrom, $178.00 (Okay, so this is expensive and dry-clean only…not very practical for new moms.  But it’s sure cute.)

14. Faux-Wrap Dress 2, Nordstrom, $108 (Another option.  I love options.  These wrap dresses probably need a wonder tee or a camisole.)

15. Jersey Dress, Nordstrom, $98.00 (This dress is perfection.  The neckline isn’t too low, and the buckle detail makes a nice shape.  Definitely get this one, it’s a workhorse of a dress but put some fun accessories with it and it can be a show horse, too!)

16. Lincoln Center Dress, Shabby Apple, $76.00 (made in a substantial canvas sateen, it’ll keep squishy areas on their best behavior.  Don’t you love that Shabby Apple has Plus-size, too?)

17. Broadway Dress, Shabby Apple, $74.00 (cotton poplin with a little bit of stretch, plus it has pockets!  I love dresses with pockets.  Perfect for some chapstick, gum, and a pacifier.)

18. Red Knit Dress, Shabby Apple, $62.00 (this is now on my wish-list.  I love the color, the wrap at the top, and…imagine it with a belt!)

Whew.  I sure talk (uh…type…) a lot.

What do you ladies think?  Do you have any suggestions for Amanda, and for all of the rest of us with big chest issues or a little squish in the tummy?  Plus, any new mom style advice?