Stork Chic
This week, Chic on a Shoestring looks at trendy maternity clothes, with the help of Stacy Morrison, editor-in-chief of Redbook magazine. You can absolutely look attractive and save money when you are expecting a baby.
Maternity fashions have come a long way. Gone are the big bows and tent dresses. Maternity fashions now focus on helping a woman retain her personality and style, while being comfortable. And maternity clothes are being designed at all price points.
Our first look is all about khaki. Khaki pants are very "in" this season. Match it with a bright pink, and it creates a polished look that's very much in tune with the season of spring. When it comes to shows, wedges are also very popular for this spring and summer when it comes to shoes.
Steal:
Pink polo shirt: Old Navy, $14.50
Cropped khakis with scarf belt: Old Navy $32.50
Wedge espadrilles: Casual Corner, $49
GRAND TOTAL = $96
Splurge:
Pink polo shirt: Lilly Pulitzer at Pea In the Pod, $95
Cropped khakis with scarf belt: Pea in the Pod, $145
Wedge espadrilles: Kors, Michael Kors, $150
GRAND TOTAL = $390
What's the difference? Both polos are a stretch cotton, although the designer polo is constructed from a better quality cotton pique. While the designer cropped khakis come with a pretty silk scarf belt, you can achieve the same punchy look with the lower-end version, which has a cotton scarf belt.
During your pregnancy, you will need clothes that do double duty, especially because pregnancy clothes are worn for a limited period of time. You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe. A few key pieces are perfect, like a feminine floral flowing dress that is great for any occasion and can be easily dressed up or down.
Steal:
Feminine floral flowing dress: Motherhood Maternity, $21.98
Pink floral kitten heel mules: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $19.99
GRAND TOTAL = $41.97
Splurge:
Feminine floral flowing dress: Liz Lange The Collection $275
Pink floral suede mules: Talbots, $88
GRAND TOTAL = $363
It's not always easy to feel sexy when you're carrying a child. But with this look, you can look sexy, and you can do it without being uncomfortable.
Steal:
Silky black cami: Old Navy, $24.50
Jeans: Liz Lange for Target, $26.99
Strappy metallic heels: Colin Stuart at Victoria's Secret Catalog, $58
GRAND TOTAL = $109.49
Splurge:
Silky black cami: Me & B, $108
Jeans: Liz Lange The Collection, $175
Strappy metallic heels: Stuart Weitzman, $195
GRAND TOTAL = $478
What's the difference? To achieve this sexy look, both the designer and the low-end offer great options. The investment in the high end is, again, from the quality of the silk and the denim, which you can see in the fit. It will still be great post-baby as well.