Jan 21 2008
Maternity Wear Virgin
It sounds crazy to be shopping for maternity wear when I’m just over two weeks pregnant, but the combination of the hormones and the mandate to stay inactive until further notice has caused my belly to look more like I’m approaching the end of my first trimester. Some of my pants no longer fit comfortably, so I decided that it was time to take the plunge and buy a few articles of maternity wear.
Joyce and I went to Motherhood at the Waikele Premium Outlets on Saturday. Since Mars suggested the Bella Band, I decided to see if I could find that to prolong my ability to wear my pre-pregnancy wardrobe.
Motherhood has their own version of the Bella Band
Walking into a maternity store for the first time is a little daunting at first. The sizes went from S-3X, instead of the usual numbered sizes. I tried on two pairs of pants and decided to pick up one pair of black dress pants, size M. When I tried it on, it looked pretty nice — like they weren’t even made for maternity wear. However, I washed them today and they’re hanging on the line next to my other work slacks and they look strangely like parachute pants from the 80’s. I hope after I iron them, that they look a little less billowy. But heck, they sure are comfy — and I have a feeling that in the coming months, that’s all that will matter.
[tags]maternity wear, Motherhood Maternity, Tummy Sleeve, Bella Band, pregnancy[/tags]
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
“After all, it’s basically a tube top that you fit around your waist, so you can leave your pants unbuttoned (and unzipped, if necessary) and the band keeps everything smooth and in place.”
Um…what is “everything?” I’m kinda having difficulty understanding what the purpose is. Is it a girdle? Or is it like an undergarment that covers up what you don’t want to show, so you can walk around with your pants unbuttoned? * puzzled *
@mitchell: You leave your button and zipper undone and slip the Tummy Sleeve over it. So, it’s the latter of what you described. It’s not a girdle and doesn’t feel restrictive and tight like a girdle might. It holds your pants up and keeps the excess material from flapping around. I haven’t “field tested” them yet, so maybe I’ll write a little more later on about how they actually work out.
I have some things left over that would probably fit you! I’ll be visiting in April so let me know if you’re interested. Nothing too exciting, but some comfy jeans, a couple of cute tops and skirts. I know you’re not so much of a skirt person, but when you’re pregnant they are fantastic!
@Lisa: I’ll definitely take you up on it! I could use all the help I can get ~ especially if we find out we’re having more than one!
ooh yay! first maternity purchase. I hope the tummy sleeve works out for you. not sure if there is a difference with that and the bella band either. my friend went her entire pregnacy using the bellaband and never bought a single maternity item. i was a bit jealous. but elastic waistbands become your new best friend. =) Makana Mother & Baby is another store that has cute maternity stuff and the owner is super helpful…though soo far away in kahala. anyway, i love reading all your posts lately. i’m craving mabo tofu ramen now. =) any pregnancy cravings yet?
OOOOOOO! Maternity wear in the house! Lucky for you, maternity clothes have come a long way and finding your first maternity bikini should be fun!
@mars: I don’t think I’ll be able to stretch my pre-pregnancy wardrobe too much farther — since it’s not just my stomach that’s growing — it’s the rest of me, too! Aiyah!
No pregnancy cravings yet, when did your cravings start?
@April: Maternity bikini!? I haven’t owned a bikini since elementary school! I would not be caught dead in a bikini now! Might scare innocent bystanders!