This is the most common question I get in the store? Let’s face it, if your pants are unbuttoned by lunchtime, or you find yourself buying bigger “regular” clothes, well then it is time to make that leap into maternity clothes. You will usually find that you will need maternity bottoms before tops. If you are growing in the bust area, and you are used to wearing tailored tops, well then you will probably need to go ahead and buy some tops as well.
First of all, just going in and buying a larger size is a blow to your self-esteem. You will feel “fat”, even though there really is a good reason why you are gaining weight. Buying a larger size, may fit where your bump is, but I bet the shoulders will be too big, and there will be extra material where you really don’t need it. Once you start to wear maternity clothes, you will mentally feel pregnant. Now, some of you are in denial. I understand. You are not ready for the unknown. Mainly the physical unknown. It will get better, and when you are mentally ready, you are ready to shop!! Remember, good maternity clothes will look like your non-pregnancy wardrobe, but cleverly designed to grow with your expanding waistline and bust!
My advice would be for you to go into an independent maternity store in your area, and get that one-on-one customer service. Honestly, you will feel like you are with a personal shopper, because you will usually get the owner or an employee who is knowledgable and sensitive to your needs. They are familiar with the fit, the style, and will look at your body type to know what will be most flattering.
When you walk into an independent maternity store, you will usually get asked a bunch of questions. Trust me, I am not trying to be nosy, I am just being helpful. I ask how far along are you? Have you started wearing maternity clothes. If the answer is yes, then we jump into what you need type of questions. If it is the first time you have stepped into a maternity store, then I will educate you about all your different maternity options. It can be overhelming, and so I want to make the shopping experience stress free. If you work, I will ask about your work environment, and do you have a dress code? What colors do you like to wear? Are you a pants person or dress/skirt person? What is your go to outfit for an evening out? Do you live in jeans? Do you have any special events coming up? What size did you wear pre-pregnancy?
Whew….I know, a lot of questions. But really, I am just trying to find out your style, getting to know you, and your needs. Once the background is established, then I will pick out some “investment” pieces, or if you are looking for something specific I will point out some options. Investment items that you will wear over and over and over again. If you find a great pair of black pants, see if there are other colors as well. I usually stock khaki and chocolate brown, as well as black in my best selling pants. There is a good reason why it is a best seller!
As for tops, I always put in the dressing room a couple of tops that you normally would not pick for yourself. This usually has to do with the pattern. Do not be afraid of pattern. Some patterned tops just feel so sexy and sassy to wear. Why not draw attention to yourself. I loved wearing pattern when I was pregnant. Though now, I would not wear it. Yes, I love wearing black, but when you are pregnant you can take more chances and have fun with your wardrobe. Also, wearing a fitted maternity top will accent your blossoming belly, and make you feel sexy with your new curves.
To show those curves, a Michael Stars tee is awesome. If you have not tried a maternity Michael Stars tee, you have to try these tops! They are one size fits most. They are stretchy. They have shine if you choose. You can put them in the dryer and they will not shrink. And Michael Stars tees are the perfect tee to wear after your baby has arrived. They are just long enough to cover your post baby belly (just in case your girlfriend did not tell you, you will look about 5-6 months pregnant after you leave the hospital), yet they look and feel like a normal top. You will be one hip mama!
I try to take a girlfriend approach when I help you. That is my personality. If you like it great. If you don’t, well I will sit back while you do your own shopping and be there if you need a personal opinion. And yes, I do give honest opinions. But after 4 years running a maternity boutique, I think I am doing something right.
If I can help you in anyway, you can always call the store 919-484-0333 or email me at tina@bellyblossom.com
Cheers to your blossoming belly!
