Is that Leopard Print? Rawr.

Hey Guys!!! 

So I am working on composing a part 4 for my "What to Expect" series, but, because it's going to be all about dressing a huge prego belly, I figure I should get a little bit more experience with that before I share my infinite wisdom with you all (yes, that whole "infinite wisdom" thing was sarcastic).

While I'm off growing a huge belly and getting frustrated beyond belief trying to clothe myself, I wanted to document some of the maternity outfits that have (and have not) worked for me. Unless otherwise noted, I am not wearing maternity clothing. I have made it a goal to get through this pregnancy without buying an entire closetful of maternity clothing.

I'm doing this in the hopes that I can help myself and others find ways to still look halfway decent while feeling like a beached whale without spending hundreds of dollars on stretchy shirts and granny jeans.

If there's a piece that I've worn on the blog pre-pregnancy, I will have a link to that post to show how versatile different items in your closet can be.

So without further ado... Here's outfit numero uno (worn at 26 weeks, six days).
shirt TJ Maxx cardigan ?? skirt&belt F21 (also worn pre-pregnancy here) shoes four star bag Gordman's
It's pretty obvious that this is not an "I'm going to go run errands all day" outfit; instead, it's something nice to wear to work or church.

Pros: The fact that my skirt is pulled up above my bump hides the fact that my shirt is too small to cover my belly. If you have "flowy" skirts with elastic waistbands, use them to your advantage! Pull those puppies up to your boobs, slap on a belt, and call it good - it accentuates your bump and hides the fact that your normal clothes are too small. WIN.

Cons: After being on my feet for a couple of hours, I was done with those shoes. I wouldn't mind wearing them if I was just going to sit all day, but I would definitely take a pass on the four inch heels if you're going to be standing for more than an hour or two (can I get a DUH from all you ladies out there? thanks).

The Verdict: I'd wear this again... and again... and again. This outfit was extremely comfortable - I didn't feel restricted in my own movement at all and baby had plenty of room to move around. I felt a little less like a beached whale and a little more like a hot mama-to-be.

**linking up here.

31 comments:

Nikkiana said...

I'm not even pregnant and I'd totally rock that outfit. :)

Rima said...

adorableeeeeeee.

i will refrain from preggo clothes... whenever that happens. haha.

T&S said...

...and you look gorgeous. as always. I kind of hate you far that. not really. we all know I heart you :)

XO Lourdes

Unknown said...

I love that outfit on you. I must say all your funny posts on pregnancy do keep me entertained.

Jess said...

You look great - both versions!

Alex, Speaking Denglish said...

approve! you're the prettiest preg lady ever!

Greta said...

You look so gorg! Love the outfit!!! I need to try to be more fashionable while preggo...

Katie said...

you are beautiful!! I am 18 weeks pregnant and have been looking for flowy skirts so I could wear them like that! so far I have none!!

Rosie said...

You look gorgeous! I don't have the sass for the leopard skin.

Rosie xo

Jenn @ WLB said...

This outfit looks great and your bump is the cutest!
http://www.sugaranddots.com/2013/02/what-i-whipped-up-wednesday.html

Sarah Shumate said...

Def a hot momma! You look fantastic!

Breenah said...

It's such a cute outfit, but I'm betting it's not gonna work so well the closer you get to 40 weeks. Luckily I didn't have to work my last two months and I LIVED in maternity leggings from Target (regular leggings didn't hit the right spot) and long tank tops (Target again, maternity and non are fab). I'm giving you props for wearing the heels though.

Why Girls Are Weird said...

I've always wondered if it was possible to get through pregnancy without dropping a ton of money on new clothes. I mean, being pregnant and having a baby is already expensive, why add clothing expenses to the list?

meet.make.laugh. said...

Love this post. And you look adorable! ~Stephanie

meet.make.laugh. said...

Love this post. And you look adorable! ~Stephanie

Genna said...

Gaaah you're so cute.

Kassi said...

Love the outfit! That's my hope too... Go as long as I can with as little maternity options as possible. My friend did just loan me all of her maternity tops and capris though... That will help a TON!

Sarah said...

Cute! I was lucky (besides the sweltering heat) to finish up my pregnancy in the summer, so I lived in maxi dresses. I did buy a few maternity shirts and 4 pairs of shorts/pants. Almost 6 months out, I'm still wearing a couple of the shirts because they don't scream "bun in the oven"! The prices at Babies R Us aren't that bad and there are always a couple sale racks, so when you get further along I recommend shopping there!

Anonymous said...

you look adorbs, girl!!!

pregnancy looks good on you :)

Whitney said...

you look so cute! Love that leopard print!

Unknown said...

I have to say, I never minded wearing maternity clothes. Heck, I am about 14 weeks pregnant and GLADLY wearing maternity pants. I must be crazy, but I MUCH prefer them over normal jeans. Why deal with buttons and zippers? I still wear my old jeans to, but I LOVE maternity jeans.
I mean with my first pregnancy, my mom bought a lot of clothes- and most of it was from like target or Kohls- so we get sales and didn't splurge on expensive maternity stores. I can still wear some of those shirts. I never felt huge either.
But the one thing that I did notice after giving birth and after my belly deflated, is that some shirts stretched. Not horrible, but to the point that a few months later I threw them away- because then I felt like a whale. So, just something to think about!

RadiantKristen said...

You are an absolute hot-mama in the making. And go you for making do with what you've got! That is an awesome skill.

Chelsea said...

You look fantastic in that outfit!

Sara Louise said...

Look at you rocking the leopard print and the bump you glowy, gorgeous girl! :)

Katrin said...

You look so beautiful and adorable, Alyx!

Kym said...

You are one hot mama-in-the-making, Alyx! I'm loving the leopard print over the bump. You look gorgeous!

xo
Kym

Amanda G. said...

Aw, you look lovely!! And preggers. In a lovely way. :)

Robin said...

I love this outfit! It's casual and simple up top and then you dressed it up with a pair of AWESOME heels!

You look beautiful!

http://flyingfarandfree.blogspot.com/

Vapid Vixen said...

You look adorably gorgeous.

Simply Evani said...

You are such a beautiful prego! :)

Unknown said...

That skirt...and the whole outfit...are adorable!!