Houston we have lift off!!!! Okay, here it goes. My husband and I decided two years ago to have another baby. After a long road that included two miscarriages, we have been blessed with another pregnancy. I feel very confident and am experiencing many changes. Most of which I had forgotten all about, including the need to unbotton my tight fitting and most uncomfortable clothing. It's been over nine years since my last full term experience, so all the maternity clothes I once had are long gone after sharing with family members, not to mention they are way outta style now;) There have been far too many new options that are available now, so I would love to hear from all the mammas out there how they would suggest that I go about purchasing my maternity clothes.
Just as an FYI, I am a full time working mom that has a tendancy to be most comfortable with her hair in a pony tail. So, in an effort to maintain my positive outlook on life, I would like to make sure that I don't end up settling for my husbands tees and that one pair of shorts. I would like to know where I can get nice comfortable clothes that can be both business casual for work, but can also be worn on the weekends. I am on a strict budget as it is, so I am not really looking for the specialty stores (unless they are having an amazing sale). So, any and all suggestions will be most appreciated!
I look forward to hearing from you all! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite maternity clothes (I was working full-time at a bank but needed clothes that could go for work or play) were from Target or Old Navy. They were always cute! I would get my swimsuits from Motherhood, and you can find great sales at all three places!
When I was pregnant, I wasn't on a budget, but just CHEAP! :) My favorite places to shop were in resale shops. There are several children's resale shops that also carry maternity clothes that are reasonably priced. Also Goodwill can have some gems sometimes. Or you can try eBay, though once you factor in shipping costs, sometimes it's just not worth it. I never found Penneys or Motherhood to have anything cheap enough for my tastes. You may also find a seamstress that may have reasonable rates. If you time it right, you can get patterns for 99 cents a piece and fabric for only a few dollars a yard. Plus a seamstress can make your clothes to actually fit you.
I just had my second 5 weeks ago and I got a lot of my stuff at Old Navy (you have to check to see if the one in your area has maternity clothes or buy online), Target and Motherhood Maternity. Motherhood obviously has a lot to choose from, but some of it can get expensive. They usually have something on sale though, so just keep checking back. Congratulations and happy shopping! I hope you can find what you're looking for.
I got some nice, not too costly things from JCPenneys. They were really comfortable and appropriate for work too. Good luck with your shopping and CONGRATS on your pregnancy!
If you don't mind second hand you can find some good deals on Craigslist or ebay.
I just gave all my old maternity clothes to our church for their garage sale this weekend....sat June 28th at St. Catherines of Sienna here in Sienna Plantation. Also, Target has a great line of casual and business.
Congrats!
With my first I bought a huge box of clothes for $100 from a coworker. She had work/dress clothes, leisure clothes, swimsuit, ect. They were all Motherhood and very nice (but I learned not to put them in the dryer...)
I gained a lot of weight while on bedrest in the hospital so they didn't fit me with the second pregnancy. That time I bought some very nice stuff at Burlington Coat Factory, which has a big selection. I wouldn't say they are QUALITY as in they might not hold up after four pregnancies, but since I wasn't planning to have anymore babies they were WONDERFUL for the money. I also bought a few things at Ross that were lovely and well made but not a big selection there and a little more then I wanted to spend.
I found when I finally broke down and went to Motherhood the third pregnancy that they are actually super cheap! Even when I'm not pregnant I'll buy clearanced clothing from them. They were cheaper then Target's regular prices with a bigger selection.
I do love my Target brand black knit pants though.
The best place on a budget is Target. You can also try Old Navy. Since they don't specialize their prices are a little more reasonable. Also, Motherhood Maternity stores are not bad and they usually have some good sales going on. Stay away from A Pea in the Pod - way, way too expensive.
Another option, if you are willing, is thrift stores or consignment shops (consignment shops will be better quality, but more expensive). These shops have used maternity clothes.
Both Kohl's and Target have GREAT maternity sections. It's been several years since I've shopped.. but was at Kohl's the other day and passed by the section, it's got up to date clothing, and you know they have great sales! I was one not to spend a whole lot either, so going to those two places kept me on my budget, and outfitted for the entire pregnancy! Good luck!
Go on ebay. I got hooked on ebay 2 years ago and it's where I buy everything. When you do a "search", type in maternity, it will guide you to specify what you are looking for. Also, you can specify that the items for sale be listed in order of "lowest price including shipping". That way the best deals will be listed first. Also, if you want them new, just type in "new maternity" or "NWT maternity". There's a lot of new items for sale on ebay.
And for baby items, it's the best. You can get tons of baby stuff for next to nothing. The sellers have to be very specific on the quality and condition because they are rated. You can look at a sellers feedback profile so you can see how their experience with buyers has been in the past.
I bought my clothes at Target, Ross (not a huge selection, but cute and affordable), and online at Old Navy. My children were 6 years apart and like you I had given all of my maternity clothes away. I found some cute outfits for work and home and they are comfortable and affordable.
