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!

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)

i have this pair of jeans which get me many compliments.  Want to know how much i paid for them?  Proudly, $15.00!  My hubby and i were out last year after Thanksgiving checking out the sales.  We were next to a Walmart and i said i wanted to pop in to check out their jeans.  i needed a new around the house pair.  Being a stay at home mommy, i don’t want to invest much in clothes that have snot and food on them by the end of the day.  i ended up finding this great pair i love and look amazing on me.  Who knew!  At Walmart!  i love them so much i had to get another pair for around the house.

Pants and jeans are usually investment pieces.  We get some, have them tailored (ok, maybe just me because i am so short), and are confident every time we put them on.  What happens when your pregnant belly starts to not fit in those pants?  The first thought, get some maternity pants, DUH!  You want to be a sexy mama and not spend the money on designer maternity jeans when the ones you have are amazing.  Say hello to the b-buckles (after you click on it then you can give it a “heelloo hot mama”).

b-buckles has a variety of different designs and even plain colors as well.  Not only are they handy but they can also make a fabulous fashion statement.  They even boast an A-list clientele!  If your belly is beginning to expand (or already has and you want more variety), buy some hot b-buckles.

Coco Chanel “invented” the little back dress back in 1926. Ever since it has been a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. If you have a baby growing in your belly, that is no excuse. When i was pregnant with my first, i had an event that required me to hit the streets looking for a little black dress. i found one that i loved and looked amazing on me. It was even marked down quite a bit…score!! This dress has seen me through all three pregnancies with ease. Talk about a serious staple!

The dress is from Kiki’s Fashions.  It has a low V shaped back.  The detail on the front is rhinestones.  it is 95% Cotton 5% Polyester which makes it comfortable to wear and more versatile from night to day.  i think maternity clothes should always be versatile because they aren’t worn for too long of a time so you want all the bang for your buck.

On the right side is more the evening look.  A low kitten heel is perfect for the pregnant mama that doesn’t want to give up her heels but still in the safe range.  Your center of gravity shifts and we don’t want you in the ER because you HAD to wear heels and feel over.  Aren’t the bracelets great?  i saw them and want them!!  The ones with faces are from Nina Valkhoff (most of the site is another language although there is a small English portion).  The red one (which i want also!) is from My Prestigium.  Top off the outfit with some nice chandelier earrings.  A little classy and a little attitude.  Just some advice, you might want to pull on your favorite black shawl.  One of the first rules to dressing a pregnant body, layers, layers layers.

For day time, pair it with some fun ballet slippers, a cute pair of earrings (these are from Claire’s), and a cardigan.  Whahlaa!  Day to evening and evening to day.

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.