I have been in search of the perfect pair of maternity tights.  I want the thick knitted ones, not just thick nylons.  I know it has been 3 ½ years since I was last pregnant, has it really been that long?  I have been sorely disappointed at the maternity sections in the stores.  A few big name department stores didn’t even have one.  One had the tiny section that was as big as both of my couches scooted together.  We have been having problems with our internet lately so going online wasn’t really an option.  Is maternity wear not very profitable for these big guys?  I remember with my last baby, I had no problems finding anything maternity related.  I just went online and one huge department store brings up a big ‘ol 0 items found when I typed in maternity as the keyword.  WHAT?!  I thought this was an up and coming industry.  I thought the demand for stylin’ maternity wear was increasing.  It seems the only place to really get clothes is online.  That’s okay most of the times, but what happens when you need something and your local Motherhood Maternity is a ways away?  You look up the local boutiques, but they are usually a little spendier and you don’t want an investment piece.  What’s a mama with a belly to do?  I wish I could give you a magic answer; however, I am still trying to figure that one out.  I still want my tights; however think I may have to settle for just thicker pantyhose.  Besides whipping out the sewing machine (for tights, I’m not sure if that is even an option) and fighting off my kids, do you have any suggestions?

Are you afraid if you are cheap with maternity clothes, you may feel frumpy (or does second hand freak you out)?  Oh, no no, my dear.  Kiki’s Fashions carries some pretty cute stuff!  Did you know they have a $10 and under section?  I know what you are thinking.  Ten bucks will get me what, a belly band?  I was pleasantly surprised when I went browsing.  There is some pretty great tops!  Some of them are sleeveless.  However, you can practice one of the cardinal rules for dressing a pregnant belly.  Layers, layers, layers.  You can either purchase, or keep using those cardigans.  With all of my pregnancies, the cardigan was a staple.  If you don’t mind not being able to button up, you can just keep on using the ones you have in your closet.  Purchase some of these adorable tops for $10 a piece, and you will be the yummy mummy all will be jealous of!

When shopping for breastfeeding wear, I am usually pretty disappointed by the options. Why can’t there be pretty bras?  Womama has the cutest and sexiest nursing bras. They also carry the only organic birthing wrap in the world. It is incredible! You can wear it during pregnancy as a wrap, then wear it while giving birth. You can even wear it after as a nightie or a wrap after the baby is born. This would be such a great gift for the pregnant mama who isn’t all that excited about wearing the very chic hospital gowns.  I might have to get one for my next baby so i can be the chicest mama in the maternity ward.  Womama also has nursing singlets.  These are tank tops which unhook at the strap.  You can still be modestly covered while the baby is feeding.  No one has to see that post baby belly we are usually really concious of.  It is certainly for that mama who wants some ingenious, fun, and funky maternity/breastfeeding wear. Womama has so many really cool products, you really need to just go to their site and check it out!

i believe women are gifted with the ability to multitask while men, well, a few are lucky enough to have this super gene. We all like to be sexy and strive to ’save the planet’, right? You CAN look like a hot mama and help our planet at the same time! With the purchase of Pure T by Unbuttoned Maternity, a tree will be planted for you. The t-shirt color is ‘marshland’. It is made with 100% organic supima cotton, and eco-friendly vegetable dyes. The shirt says “We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.”

You can help the planet just by shopping and buying a fabulous top!

Is there a woman or gay man out there who doesn’t like Project Runway?  Last season, we came to love and be completely annoyed with Christian Siriano.  Although he could be like a little chihuahua, he is obviously gifted!  Hold onto your hats ladies (sorry gay men)!  In spring of ‘09 he is will be launching a maternity line!  Siriano is teaming up with Marta Abrams and Elise Rosemarin, founders of Moody Mamas maternity clothes. According to a rep for Moody Mamas, Siriano “thought it would be great for a gay man to team up with two women who’ve never had a baby to do maternity clothes.”  The initial sketches look like comfy maternity wear with the attitude we love from him.  i really hope i am pregnant by then (i will start saving my pennies now)

Do you want to be the friend with a stand out present at the baby shower?  i have found the cutest newborn outfit that is sure to get a laugh and be used….newborn baby scrubs.  They are just as comfy as the grown up version.  The shirt pocket has the perfect place to write down the “specs”.  It would be really cute to have your hospital visitors write a word they want to speak into the new little one, and sign their name with the included permanent pen.  It is large enough to fit a newborn up to 10 pounds (if the baby is that big, my hat goes off to the mama!!!)  The scrubs come in surgical blue or baby pink and arrive in a gift envelope with a display window.

We all want to be hot mamas, right?  When we are growing a child, we still need to feel great about ourselves.  What better time to show off our sexy curves!  Really, what other time can we gain weight and be called cute or sexy?  Our sense of style shouldn’t be left to the wayside during this time, but celebrated.  Basics and accessories can carry you through without much sacrifice.  The most basic of basic, a pair of jeans.  Awhile back i found this great store, called Time of My Life.  Now that your belly is growing you want to trade in your designer jeans for their baby friendly counter part.  Time of My Lifehas the best variety of designers like Citizens of Humanity, Rock and Republic, Seven, and quite a few more.  The best part, everything is maternity wear.  If you want to save a few bucks and still look magnificent, check them out and buy your most worn basic without the sacrifice.