Dressing the bump, Parts I and II

Today is the first day that I have worn a maternity top.  Not because I no longer fit under some of my other options, but because I actually got one over the weekend that I liked enough to wear either way (thanks, Sandi!)  Wearing it didn't quite strike me the way the over-the-top, why-doesn't-everyone-wear-these comfort of wearing well fitting maternity jeans hit me, but it is quite comfy.

One fun fact about me in case you didn't know: I can be quite cheap when it comes to spending money on myself, especially clothes.  I can't remember the last time I paid full retail for something, or spent more than $30 on a single item that wasn't a winter coat.  This certainly didn't change when I realized I would have to dress my body in an entirely new way for at least a few months, so I have had to be creative.  I figured I would share what I have learned from talking to friends, reading books/blogs, and just being my cheap self.  I'm sure I'll break down and buy something at full retail before the end, but for now, here's how I have been surviving.  I am proud to say that I haven't spent more than $10 on any one item so far, and I have quite a selection!

The first category I will cover is non-maternity tops that I bought in anticipation of needing to hide a bump.  All are flowy or straight from the collar to the hips and can be worn post-partum, which is how I justified buying them from TJ Maxx and Marshall's instead of consignment stores.  The white sparkly one on the bottom left was a Goodwill find.  I wore these on a continuous cycle in the first three months, along with my normal pants, either buttoned up (if they were a six instead of a four, which I bought for the length) or with a rubberband through the button hole (if they were twos or fours and just wouldn't button).  I also employed flowy cardigans to hide my profile if I could justify it in the current weather.

Total money spent: $53

The second category are shirts I already owned, bought before expanding my waist line was even a possibility.  I avoided them in the first trimester because they are form fitting and would have given me away, but now I can be out and proud!  They are all made of a relaxed or stretchy material, and most seem to have a wide band at the hips that keeps them from riding up.  All of the shirts I own are long because of my freakishly long torso, so it just works out that the bump is still small enough that they are the perfect length!

Total money spent: $0 (because they were already in my closet)

The next category is still non-maternity, but bought only because I need the extra room.  Because I am so tall, dresses can work like long tops on me.  For now I can pair these with leggings, but later I think I will have to employ real pants.  Believe it or not I got all of these from consignment stores, mostly Goodwill, but the Bargain Box and My Secret Closet also contributed.  I love using dresses for tops because they have a reasonable chance of being long enough until the end and they are lined more than most blouses.  If you dig you can find good brands too, below I have Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, and Express, along with a couple Forever 21 and Old Navy.  Since they are all non-maternity, there is a good chance I will be able to wear them post baby too!

Total money spent: $8 (!!)

Next I have real maternity clothes bought from consignment stores.  I was shocked to learn that very few of the places I regularly shop have exclusive maternity sections, but luckily Goodwill does, and so do some children's consignment stores.  So far I have only gotten three pairs of pants and one dress, but I will keep searching as we move along.  Still on the hunt for the elusive long sizes ;-).

Total money spent: $23

And finally, the greatest haul of them all, a generous donation from a good friend/new mom!  Sandi was kind enough to gift me with everything you see here (except for the stack of jeans on the top left), including two awesome dresses, two sweaters, leggings, an extra belly band, a skirt, and eight new tops!  All for nothing!  She also contributed the super cute top I am wearing today, and it is just too cute :-).

Total money spent: $0 (yay!)

As a quick sample of my daily choices when it comes to maternity wear, I present today's outfit.  Maternity top free from Sandi and non-maternity pants I already owned.

God bless the belly band, making it possible for me to still wear my favorite pants!

For now, I feel pretty good.  All that's left on my list is a pair of maternity black pants, maternity/nursing pjs, and undergarments (when I need them, so far I'm still rocking what I had).  We'll see if I break down and hit some sales at Motherhood Maternity, but today I feel good about my spending history.

Bargains or Bust!