maternity wear basics

I remember the days when I longed to be pregnant, gleaming at every pregnant woman I saw and imagining myself in cute, stylish maternity clothes.  And then I became pregnant, and was stuck in this in-between stage for quite a while.  You look like you just ate a big burrito, your pants are starting to feel snug but they still zip, but wearing a fitted top didn't feel quite right.  Fortunately for me, this in-between stage was during the summer time where I lived in dresses, maxi skirts, and workout clothes.  I knew that I would have to break down and buy maternity clothes, especially with the beginning of the school year right around the corner.  

So, at 23 weeks I embarked on the maternity clothes journey....

We had a budget, and I had to plan on buying clothes within that budget that would carry me through fall and the beginning of winter when it was still 100 degrees out.  I was pretty saddened at everything I saw.  Lots of items seemed either over priced or not my style.  Then I walked into H&M and just started grabbing everything I liked and waltzed into the dressing room.  About half of the items I found worked, and I was very pleased with all of the prices.  

H&M Finds:  

sweater// jeans// leggings// top

Motherhood Maternity was the next stop and I was definitely pretty stingy.  This lace top is one of my favorites!  It has been perfect for this time of year when it is boiling hot outside still.  Paired with a pair of slacks and heels and I'm done!  Layer with cardigans and blazers when it starts cooling off!  And these henley tops are ridiculously comfortable!  

Motherhood Finds: 

solids// stripes// lace top// tunic

With the beginning of the school year I'm definitely tried to stretch many of my pre-pregnancy dresses.  Let me just say that empire waists are my saving grace!  I spotted this adorable blazer at Target for on sale for $30 and knew I had to get it!  It is definitely my go-to piece in my closet.  Layered with the Liz Lange tanks from Target (most amazing things ever) and I'm done!  

dress// maxi skirt// tank// blazer 

Now I know that you're seeing a pattern with all of these clothes...there's lots of gray and there's lots of black.  I didn't want to buy anything patterned so that I could mix and match more often, and my plan is to use pops of color in the form of scarves, shoes, and necklaces.  

Currently I'm on the lookout for a pair of red skinny jeans without breaking to bank, so any suggestions would be great!  

And just for fun here are some outfits as of late...