Q. I'm a frequent visitor to your website, and I always find great tips. I just found out that I'm expecting my first child in the fall, and I'm already starting to think about maternity clothes, but it's pretty overwhelming. Do you have any store recommendations? Do you have any style tips? I'm short and small framed, but with a larger chest - which will only get larger - and I don't want to look like a walking tomato in six months!
-Forward Thinking Tummy
A. Congratulations! There are so many brands to choose from for your growing belly. Check for sales on sites before you shell out bucks for outfits you’ll only wear a few times. Look for pieces than can translate with an accessory change from day to evening. Try wearing items from your own wardrobe (like babydoll styles) mixed with maternity pieces and even consider buying large sizes of non-maternity clothing, which at times will fit better depending on how your body changes. Some of my favorite maternity sites include: cadeau.com , japaneseweekend.com , bellydancematernity.com , mimimaternity.com , apeainthepod.com , nordstrom.com and babystyle.com (great for sales). Plus there are the basics that work like collections from oldnavy.com , target.com and jcpenney.com .
You’ll also need new bras that give good support as your breasts grow larger. We love the choices on bareneccessities.com and figleaves.com .
Here are a few flattering pieces you'll get a lot of mileage from:
left to right: Belly Basics Maternity Double Cowl Neck Dress (also in black), $88 at nordstrom.com ; Belly Basics Maternity Wrap Tunic (also in black), $78 at nordstrom.com ; Ruched-Waist Skirts (many colors), $16.50 at oldnavy.com
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