Dressing your BUMP

Me Pregnant :)

Looks like another miserable day out there this morning. Let's hope we got some sunshine soon.

With this post it's all about dressing the bump. Firstly if your pregnant, congratulations. I have recently become a Mammy for the second time. So as you can imagine my house is a little bit crazy at the moment. I now have two little ladies to look after. I can totally relate to the struggle of feeling and looking good during pregnancy and it does get harder as the pregnancy develops.

I suffered from serve sickness it started at 7 weeks right up until birth. So for anyone who is suffering the same, I understand the daily struggle that comes with it. I was on medication to help with it and I was still very sick. Just getting out of bed in the morning can be extremely difficult. When I was stuck in bed I used to browse online and look at clothes, so if you are sick I really hope this post gives you a little pick me up. Sure treat yourself or get your Hubby / Partner to,so you have something nice to wear for the day when you are feeling good.

For my pregnancy wardrobe I tended to stick to Penneys, New Look and H&M. I also had some maternity wear from my first pregnancy,so I had some nice pieces from Asos and Elora Maternity. Some of my current wardrobe fitted me up to a certain point. After that I then went up a size when shopping in the likes of Penneys and New Look. In the vests tops from Penneys I would go from a size 12 to a 14/16,I would also wear a long vest under them with thin straps.
T-shirts that have a side split are a great buy just wear a longer vest under them. Penneys have loads of these in at the moment.

The dresses in the picture below are from Penneys. I bought these to wear post pregnancy and they are lovely on. They can be worn as maternity wear due to the stretch in them,the extra layer at the bust makes them very flattering to wear. This type of style would be perfect for when your bump begins to show. They can also be worn as a top,just pair with a cardigan or blazer for a more dressed up feel.

Keep in mind that sizing depends on the person,the bump and the shop,so you will know yourself what will fit.The general rule is to stay in your current size when purchasing maternity wear,I found this worked for me and If buying high street try a size up.

Some tips:

Material that has a good stretch to it like jersey. This will grow with you.
As you grow some dresses will turn into longer tops and these can be worn over maternity leggings and skinny jeans.
I also wore short and long kimono's, they are perfect for wearing over tops. They dress up an outfit and can be worn after pregnancy.
You do not always have to buy maternity. At the early stage buying from the normal range of clothes can work.
Buy when the sales are on, online there is always a bargain to be had. Asos and New Look are great for ongoing offers.
Buy about four pairs of maternity leggings, H&M do lovely ones they are a great fit
But Two pairs of good maternity jeans.
Invest in a couple of Maternity dresses, particularity if you have some special occasions coming up.
Stick to the style you had before pregnancy.
Add some statement jewelry to dress up a plain top or dress.
Get measured for your bra when you notice a change. Dunnes Stores, Mothercare and M&S offer this service.

I loved the fit and quality of the H&M maternity jeans. I always wear skinny jeans and did not want to change my style,so I was delighted with the ones I got. The only H&M I could purchase them from was in the Pavilions Swords.

I was really disappointed that their flagship store in Town did not stock maternity wear. I remember making the trek up from work and I was feeling really sick that day,only to be told "Sorry we do not stock here". I thought that was really bad as the shop is huge, a few rails of stock would do no harm. I could have cried seriously (that will be the hormones for you!!!) Ok rant over..... So here is the fun part some examples of casual and glam looks, for all the beautiful pregnant ladies out there.