Well, I never got around to creating an inventory and cost total for my maternity wardrobe -- it's something about having two toddlers and family life that got in the way, plus while I admire organized people, I'm not always one of them..... so, I'm sorry to say that didn't get done.
But I think I owe at least an update of how the maternity wardrobe is working for me. Overall, I think I've achieved my goal of having a small yet functional wardrobe. Here's the notes:
-- I needed to go out and get more maternity shorts. It got HOT. I picked up 2 or 3 pairs at Target for $20 each. As much as I *love* my Gap walking shorts, I needed shorts *now* and Target is closer than the mall. Bought a few, tried them on at home, returned what didn't work on my near-weekly Target runs.
-- The black secret fit pants from Motherhood have been my best friends for work wear. I've worn them the most of any maternity item.
-- All the cute, colorful short sleeve blouses I got for work wear are not getting used. They have been worn once, and are now sitting in my closet, laundered but un-ironed and wrinkly. This is not good. I have realized that I'm not an ironer, and it's not gonna happen unless I haul them to the dry cleaner for pressing, which should be on today's to-do list if I want to get these babies worn again (and I do, they're cute!) Definitely factor into your shopping whether you iron or not when considering very cute cotton blouses.
-- With 2 months left to go -- my wonderful clothes are getting TIGHT. Dang! Those wonderful Gap walking shorts -- too tight. Some other bottoms are on the cusp of being too tight. I'm right between a size Large and Extra Large on bottom, and it's frustrating because I have several XL things shared with me by friends that slide off and I'm hiking them up (yeah, attractive), or my clothes that still fit are getting snug. I think I should cut out the soda. That said, this is probably a normal pregnancy thing and I may have been a little optimistic buying those L pants when I was firmly in XL pants my second pregnancy. Anyway -- the lesson learned (for any readers) is to save a little money to get a few larger things later in pregnancy if you should need it. I'm sure I'll figure something out here, don't worry!
-- Accessories are so important during pregnancy. I have felt cute by getting more and more wear out of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and shoes... not so much for everyday (the kids pull on jewelry) but for special times like work or when I'm out by myself.
That's the update! I was delighted to read that Allie at
My Wardrobe Today is expecting her first -- and she looks fab as usual. Check out her site for lots more maternity wear outfit examples!
I've found a nursing breast pad that I like - Johnson & Johnson. They are contoured and packaged without folding, unlike Lansinoh pads, which are folded and individually packaged in plastic. The downside of Lansinoh breast pads is that they have an unfortunate crease and are not contoured, they have looked lumpy through my bra, whereas Johnson & Johnson pads are much more natural looking. I found mine at Wal-Mart, and I think they were less expensive too. They are also available at Amazon: Johnsons Nursing Pads - 60 ea
