In the Know With 365FR - Pretty in Pregnancy

So, you're pregnant. Oh no, wait, that's me. But maybe you are, too, or have been thinking about someday entering the world of motherhood. As this is my second time with a baby bump I thought I would share with you a few words of wisdom when it comes to shopping for the right maternity clothes. Since we all can't have the wardrobe (or figure) of a celebrity mama-to-be (think Gwen Stefani or Heidi Klum) I have come up with a few tricks for looking your best without spending a fortune.

1. MOST IMPORTANT: Always buy maternity clothes in your pre-pregnancy size. If you were a small before your bump than you are a small now. I made the mistake of buying clothes that were too big for me the first time around, and I ended up looking and feeling bigger than I actually was.

2. Depending on your lifestyle, spend a little more on the pieces that you will be wearing on a daily basis. A proper fitting pant goes a long way. Work in an office? A great maternity pencil skirt and black trousers are a must. (Also consider buying a BellaBand, it allows you to sport your non-maternity pants into your 2nd trimester by covering your button-popped waistband, and it keeps your pants from sliding off your hips). Go for cheap on items that you don't wear as often such as evening wear and bathing suits. (Sidenote: If you've got the body, skip the tankini and sport the bikini, please!)

More A Pea in the Pod...

3. Don't buy something just because it has an empire waist. Often they are billowy and can make your tummy and hips appear much bigger than they are. Opt for form-fitting tanks and tops with ruching on the side, they are the most flattering styles. Show off that belly! (See above) Also, there is no need to buy maternity specific cardigans and blazers, save your money by wearing your current ones leaving them unbuttoned.

4. Your bra size will go up, so please invest in new bras accordingly. Nobody wants to see your boobs spilling out of your shirt and the more support you have now, the less sag you'll have later. Also consider bra extenders. If your cup size isn't changing but your rib cage is expanding, they are a very economical way to get the right fit.

5. Buy neutrals and then accessorize with pieces that you can wear pregnant or not. Most of my tops fall in the grey/black/white department but then I add my favorite chunky necklace or stackable bracelets to complete the look. Also play up your makeup and revel in your glowing skin!

Love, A

P.S. (The biggest, yet most necessary, P.S. ever!) Here are a few other things I wish I would have known the first time I got pregnant. I don't want to dampen anyone's spirit but I would be lying if I said the whole thing was a piece of cake.

1. The pregnancy weight just doesn't melt off because you are breastfeeding

2. After having the baby you will still look pregnant for quite some time (horrifying)

3. It is much easier looking after the baby when she's inside of you than parenting her when she comes out (you may want to stop wishing for that baby to come at 35 weeks!)

4. With breastfeeding comes a whole other slew of wardrobe issues (you need nursing tops, bras and even sleepwear, and dresses are incredibly hard to wear - unless you want to pull them up over your head to feed your baby exposing your hipster briefs, as it will also be quite some time before you don a thong again)

5. And finally, don't be fooled by anything you see on TV. Or in the movies. Or in magazines. Motherhood is beautiful but just not in the way it is portrayed. Behind every closed nursery door there is mama (celebrity or not) who has faced leaky breasts, colicky babies, and sleepless nights. But somehow we get through it, and then we are crazy enough to do it all over again.