Whimsical Mama Style

Ok Mama's out there, this one is for you.  Especially if you insist on remaining true to your style roots even while pregnant, with a growing belly (among other growing things) and all.  When I blogged for Love Fox Vintage (my previous vintage shop's little blog), I began weekly style posts on styling non-maternity clothing during pregnancy.  You can check out a few of those posts here and here.  

It was a fun challenge to see what I could come up with without spending money on maternity clothes that I would only wear for a couple of months.  Well, I'm still pregnant and still the same old Benicia who loves fashion and way too many accessories!  And if you are also pregnant and love to look stylish, chic, on trend or simply cute-I have some tips for you & a fun look to inspire your bulging belly dress up days!  Hooray!  

Who said you have to wear maternity clothes while you are pregnant?!  Not I!  First of all, they can get quite pricey & you won't wear them forever-something about that combination drives my recycling/frugal self crazy!  The solution?  First, look in your closet-you may be surprised to find some forgiving shapes & fabrics that can accommodate your growing bump for a while.  I found vintage shift dresses, empire waisted dresses & tunics, stretchy maxi dresses and anything flowy & hippie especially fitting.  Second, hit up the thrift stores and look for larger sizes (this one is fun too because you still get to shop but at way less the price tag).  I found lots of comfy, basic tees and dresses for a few dollars here and there.  Finally, do invest (moderately, of course) in a few great pairs of stretchy, trusty yoga pants and leggings-they will be your best friends!  And, if a rad friend gives you a couple pairs of those funky maternity jeans-take them!  Because lord knows, sometimes you just want to wear a pair of jeans, even if they are pull-up style.

This tip comes in handy when all you wanna do is wear the same comfy leggings everyday!  All you gotta do to take that "everyday" outfit to new heights, is accessorize!  This tip is true for all of life's fashion challenges, pregnant or not.  Adding a brightly printed scarf, a pair of leather & metal earrings, a bold statement necklace, chunky knee-high socks or a great pair of beat-up leather boots will bump your bump up so many levels!  Plus, it's cheaper to invest in on-trend accessories than the whole outfit-so you can still look foxy all 9 months.  I also tried my hand at fun hair styles, pretty lipstick and hats.

Here's my look, incorporating most of the little tips (minus the maternity jeans-yep, I am wearing a pair) above and going for a 70s vibe.  I had this pretty lace top already (a gift from my mom) and it's the perfect length to cover up my bum while wearing leggings & it just looks lovely peeking out.  The floral 1970s wrap top is one of my favorite pieces that I bought right before I knew I was pregnant, so I didn't get to wear it all that much.  Well, I decided to wear it anyway, tying it in the front since it won't wrap around my expanded waistline!  I love the sleeves on the blouse & the layers of pretty florals & lace.  And, I wore my hair in milk-braids with pieces of leather here and there-so cute!  A dangly pair of boho earrings and my moccasins and I am set!  All pieces found in my closet already-hooray for mama style!