When I was pregnant with Audriana, it was through the months of November-August. Granted, I didn't really start showing until the fifth or sixth month, so I guess you could say my physical pregnancy stage wasn't happening until around spring and summer. With that said, it's easy to get away non-maternity apparel during that time; long or short maxi dresses, flowing tank tops, or in my case a bathing suit by the pool everyday - then indoors for a nice few hour nap. My what a life...
This time around I don't have that kind of luxury. 1) my house does not come with a pool and 2) I'd look a bit ridiculous in a bathing outdoors in 60 degree weather. Not to mention those things called naps? I remember Audriana took one when she was a toddler, but then quickly decided she'd outgrown them. Therefore, no nap for child = no nap for mommy. Pity.
Annnyyyhhooo. With fall now arriving, and the weather being consistently kind and cool, I've discovered that I may no longer be able to get away with half zipped, unbuttoned jeans these last 4 months. Yes, I was indeed able to rock them out for awhile, given my legs rarely fluctuate with my weight gain. So the other day I searched for some inspiration on the helpful little web, and found a few maternity styles I'd be happy to flaunt this fall/winter.
I'm a real sucker for any outfit accompanied with a blazer. That's always been my go-to style. This time, though I have to be mindful of my little growing abdomen, and find things that compliment one another as well.
You can never go wrong with light stripes, especially when paired with bold all around. I found these two styles, and immediately gravitated to them given they both offer the same look; except one being more casual, while the other a bit more sophisticated. I wouldn't mind adding these to my maternity Fall/Winter selection. Too cute!!
While in the mode, I began searching for sites that offered specific maternity apparel. I knew they existed, but I never needed them in the past so I had no idea what there would be to offer. Clearly, I was in the dark. I came across - my new absolute favorite - website
A Pea In The Pod. First thing I began searching for were jeans. I knew I needed them, so that was where my mouse began clicking away. All styles of jeans you can think of; skinny, bootleg, denim, colored, you name it. I was excited! But not so excited about the price. Wowsers. Yes, I need a pair of jeans, and I know they are made specifically and comfortably to fit my extending body, but I only need them for 4 more months! I've paid a substantial amount of money on a pair of jeans before, but they have also lasted me a couple years. I just could not bring myself to even
consider purchasing these for that price, for only a few months wear. Hmm. Now I was sad...
I immediately exited the site, not to linger on my saddness of over-priced maternity denim, and began searching sites I knew would surely have as much to offer - for much much less. Sure enough,
Old Navy came through. I found a similar pair of jeans, for less than almost triple the price. Chaaaching!!!!! Here's a comparison view of my discoveries.
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On the left:
Skinny jean dark wash denim.
Old Navy, $30.
On the right:
Skinny jean dark wash denim.
A Pea In the Pod, $180.
My bargain discoveries didn't stop there. I was also in search for a cropped jean jacket, suitable for fall. I stumbled upon the same jacket, from both sites and was again astounded by the similarities, yet price difference. I know that's everywhere, but for it to happen to me twice in the same day was a miracle!! Here's the two jackets in comparison to one another.
On the left:
A Pea In The Pod, $128
On the right:
Old Navy, $35
Not only did I luck out having found both items I needed along with the exceptional price cut, but Old Navy was also offering a 25% online promo code for it being their birthday. It was like the retail angel was shining down on me that day. Needless to say, a few clicks later they were on their way to my house!!! My husband was pretty proud of me... trust me, bargaining does not come easy for this girl. My usual bad habit is, I see it, I buy it. But I've gotten better. ;)
Now, let's keep the good vibes rolling with one of my all time favorite classics:
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