Well, it wasn’t quite the Dressing Room Miracle of May ’07, but it came very very close.
Georgie was feeling bad for me and took me shopping – it really sucks that my sister is so far away because she is THE best shopping companion – but Georgie might just be inching ahead. The only thing bad about G is that he thinks I look beautiful in everything – he’s like your mother or MY mother wearing love blinders. (Or at least the way my mother was when I was young. Now, honestly, she’d probably tell me I looked fat.) Anyway, I FOUND PANTS!!! And not just one pair of pants – but FOUR PAIRS OF PANTS!
The first place we stopped was Kohl’s. The best thing I can say is that we were in a completely different area than where we live – maybe that’s why everything was better? Because I have a Kohl’s around the corner from my house and most everything I see there is crap. It may just be our store though. So I found the teenytiny maternity department – and wouldn’t you know it, they had a great pair of black pants and cords (I’m all about the cords for some reason. I really really wanted cords to wear while pregnant) and when I tried them on – THEY ALL FIT GREAT!!! Even with room in the belly! And while they don’t stay up perfectly, YET, they’re totally fine and comfortable and look like regular pants. For all you pregnant girls out there (and apparently there a lot of you! YAY!) here’s what I got – I bought two pairs of these cords, in both colors and I bought this pair of black pants. Absolutely PERFECT for work! I can’t wait to wear them tomorrow! TOTALLY COMFORTABLE! I was like dancing around the store I was so freaking happy. I tried on a couple of maternity tops at the store too – but they were a no go. There was this super cute hippie type prairie shirt that G really liked – but it had some piping that was supposed to go UNDER the boobs and then became ties that went around your back. Yeah. On me they cut RIGHT THROUGH the boobs. It would’ve been fine if it didn’t have the ties, but alas, no. By the way – has anyone else noticed that ALL the clothes these days look like Maternity wear? The new Vera Wang line at Kohl’s is unbelievably maternity. It’s crazy!
So then we left Kohl’s, or G walked out and I skipped, hopped and jumped like a madwoman, and right next door was a Lane Bryant! Hearing my sister (she gets credit for being the first to say LB) and all you other gals in my head I said SURE! Let’s go in! Ten minutes later I walked out with SIX long sleeve v-neck t-shirts (the absolute STAPLE of my wardrobe) that fit great in the boobs and have PLENTY of room for my growing belly. I bought one in every color except the white. PINK baby! (And more and more I’m realizing my husband has a thing for PURPLE. He’s always going for the purple. Make a mental note.) I also bought some underwear! YAY! (The woman at the store told me LB now has maternity too, but I think it would be too big for me, honestly. One hint though – she said DON’T order online, come into a store and order. She said it’s A LOT cheaper that way.)
DUDES! I WAS FLUSH!
The last stop we made last night was Target. I thought maybe a store pretty far from home might have a better selection? I was skeptical, but I tried. I FOUND JEANS! I bought a pair of Liz Lange maternity jeans that fit pretty darn good and AREN’T super low and the boot cut is tolerable and doesn’t look ridiculous. What was nice about these, too, is that my pre-pregnancy size actually fit. These pants are sized, rather than S, M & L. My final purchase of the day was totally frivolous and I may actually return it, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s a coat – RED – with a fantastic lining. It’s a corduroy material and it fits in the boobs and has plenty of room for belly growth. It’s kind of lightweight too so should take me far into the winter since I’m already hotter than hell. For some reason I can’t find a picture of it on the website – maybe I’ll have to model my new clothes. Or not.
I may hit up some other stores today. Now I want to wear cute maternity tops. With the v-necks, jeans and cords my wardrobe now looks EXACTLY the way it did last Fall when I WASN’T pregnant. Which is good, in a way, because these are the clothes I’m most comfortable in (even if they are pretty boring) but now I want to look CUTE. Cute in a way I can only pull off when I’m knocked up. You know?
The next big hurdle – bras. I desperately need bras and if you think pants shopping sucks, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
Thanks so much, everyone, for your great suggestions and fantastic support! YAY! Now if only it would actually get cold….
We want pictures! Pregnant ladies look so cute, no matter what they wear. And with your new goodies, you probably look uber spiffy.
Hooray! I’m glad the pants nightmare is over. Keep the coat- a great red jacket is always a good staple, plus- hey- new coat!
Lane Bryant for bras. I couldn’t find a bra to fit except there. And I got fancy strapless bras that fit well into the third trimester for those weddings I was in last year!
Yay! Pregnancy shopping is a long-ago memory for me, but I do recall it being awfully frustrating. Just remember, this too will pass…and the reward is well worth it.
BTW, I agree with Kelly—keep the coat!
Yay! I had just been thinking, “How can she not find any tops? Every thing I look at seems perfect for a pregnant woman, except that I am not!” But I have the same problem with those stupid seams that cut right across the boobs. Four pairs of pants is fabulous!
woohoo! and..keep that coat! sounds adorable!
Yay for small joys! I’m so glad that you were able to find clothes that you love! And totally keep the coat!
hooray! and yes on the vera wang and everything else looking like maternity wear this season. what’s that about!?
I’m convinced that the designers of maternity clothing are men who can’t get past the thought of giant boobs to think about how the clothes should actually fit! I’m glad the shopping was so successful.
Keep the red coat, it will be good in spring when you want to tuck the little one inside it.
Yay! for finding clothes to wear, while I have some clothes I still have some more to look for specifically pants, it is hard finding pants that fit. If you have to model one thing I would say do the coat, because I don’t know what to do about a coat for the winter. I will be 8 9 months in the dead of winter and my normal coats might not fit. Oy, what to do, what to do, buy a coat or not buy a coat………
Yay for you!! It must be a HUGE boost to finally have something exciting that doesn’t make you want to puke.
I’m only 43, but my babies are 16 and 10 and it’s truly exciting to be re-living some of my past through reading about your present. Thanks!
For the record…I too wanted to be cute and fell in love with jumpers (for work) and overalls (for home)…neither of which I wear today.
horray! glad to hear that you had some success! actually a lot of success! my advice is not the return the coat. good fitting maternity coats are hard to come by 🙂 even more so than jeans or pants!
I too am waiting for it to get cold. I find a nice crisp autumn day the perfect weather to wear some of my favourite clothes.
It seems like your shopping is turning around. It is logical to have trouble, isn’t it, when your body is changing so fast. I heard that pregnant women should wear the very latest fashions, because in a few weeks you won’t be the same size anyway and it is the perfect time to get something you might just tire of anyway in a couple of months, but think is really great now.. Strange how mat clothes are so “sensible” looking. If you want cute – go for it! Add a pair of your monkey socks and let’s have a photo.
By the way, I am sorry that you are still feeling nauseous.
Pregnant or not, the only thing that I hate worse than shopping for jeans is shopping for bras!! Sounds like you’re on a roll though, I’m sure that you’ll do fine.
Congratulations on finding clothes that fit and that you love! I had the worst time finding maternity clothes, of course Lane Bryant came out with their maternity line right after my son was born.
A warning, if you haven’t been told already – if you shop at Motherhood Maternity/Pea In A Pod/whatever other stores they own, don’t give them your name and address unless you want to be inundated with formula samples and baby-related junk mail. Also, their return and exchange policy is horrible.
Bras: avoid underwires, they restrict circulation (not just blood, but also in the lymph system). Goddess brand bras go up to something like triple J. As one who needs a size larger than most small cars, I was happy to find these. Stores may not carry the largest sizes, but you can find them online. Try them on in a store and extrapolate (=educated guess) as to what size would fit if the ones the store carries are too small.
Yay for feeling cute and great and having clothes that support that belief!
Don’t return the coat!! Seriously- you’ll be grateful when you are 7 months along, it’s 10 below, and you can button all the buttons. TRUST ME.
Congrats on finding clothes that fit!
As for bras, I wore nursing bras and tanks through most of my pregnancy, because they fit and they were really comfy. I’m a bit an the smaller side in that department, though, so a bigger person might have less luck. Anyways, I wish you the best!
Hey Cara, I didn’t need maternity bras when I was pregnant, but I had a terrible time looking for nursing bras. (You think maternity clothes are bad – try shopping for PLUS sized maternity. Sigh.) The secret NO ONE told me and I found out accidentally was the little gift shop by the maternity ward of my hospital. They had the biggest selection of maternity and nursing bras of any store in town, and I’m not even kidding. Maybe your local hospital(s) or maternity center has the same.
Gotta put in a plug for Bravado bras. I wore them all through pregnancy and nursing and loved them!
I’m so glad you finally found some stuff!! Never had a kid myself (yet), but as a larger-sized gal I can totally relate to the inability to find decent duds. Kohls has done well for me too, actaully, and if it weren’t for Lane Bryant I probably wouldn’t be able to leave the house–they are virtually the only source of cool, attractive stuff for plus size ladies. They always come through for me!!
As for shopping buddies, I heartily endorse bringing men with you! My husband and best male friend are the 2 best people I have ever gone shopping with. They like women, and they like looking at women, so that have a good eye for what makes me look my best. 🙂
I am so happy that you found good clothes! Have a great weekend. 🙂
Yippee!! So happy for you. Feeling cute & hot(in a good way) while pregnant is the best. So happy that you are feeling better and I agree DO NOT return the coat! And you can always have it taken in/altered when the time comes. Also I always found pregnancy a great excuse to shop for purses and jewelery- they always fit!
YAY! That’s awesome! If you’re anything like me you’ll outgrow them in a week. Talk about ticking you off… but now you know where to go back for more! 🙂
Bras… try Bravado’s or Yes (you can find it on Ebay). Or, there are more stores online. I have no idea what real stores might be in your area, but even in Seattle, there were zilch decent maternity bras. You might think the Bravado/Yes styles look funny, but after two pregnancies, they are all I’d wear while pregnant now. It’s not like you’re jumping around or anything…
Good luck!
Congrats on finding pants! For bras, I really like http://www.breakoutbras.com. I couldn’t buy maternity or nursing bras in regular stores because I wear an unusually large size. This website has free shipping and a repeat customer discount that I think will turn out useful.
Yay!!! So glad you found the Holy Grail, pants-wise. Best of luck with the tops. Being rather underendowed myself, I’ve never had that particular problem.
Keep the coat.
I liked Burlington Coat Factory for bras. I don’t know if you have one where you are…and I don’t remember the brand but let me tell you they wear like iron. I am thinking they were playtex…but they were nursing bras. i wore them all the way through the pregnancy, while I was nursing and…my ‘baby’ is four and has not nursed in quite a while…I just bought new regular bras to replace them. I have been wearing them all this time. They look like crap now, but they have been through a couple kids, a lot of nursing and a lot of regular wear. They have earned their keep. and I am big in the bust too normally. and they are not underwire. loved them. good luck.
I am SO glad you found pants!
Congrats on the pants!
For what it’s worth, I went straight to nursing bras, rather than spend the money on maternity bras. My favourites are the Bravados, which come in great colours and patterns, don’t have underwire, and come in a huge range of colours and sizes. Also, they have great stretch and support even within the same size, so that I was covered whether I was engorged or after nursing.
Cara-
Take a look at the “Bust Line” group in Ravelry. They have a great thread about where to buy bras for those us with a big bust. I’m with you – shopping for bras is the WORST!!
Yah! Glad you found some clothes that fit and are stylin’. Don’t know about bras….had the hardest time myself finding ones I liked.
I have to agree with the Bravado suggestion. They do look a little funny at first, but I could even *sleep* in them. They’re amazing.
Congratulations on finding new clothes. That’s the worst to me for shopping at any time, moreso for you when being pregnant. Good luck with the bra shopping!
Hurray for you! Sounds like one very successful day (I love Liz Claiborne too).
I think everyone is happy to see you happy!
I must say I found the largest selection of bras at Motherhood Maternity. They have all kinds of funky wierd sizes (which is what I needed). What they didn’t have was massive quantities of each size, but they can order them. I found it was really important to be able to try the bras on in the store.
I agree- try Lane Bryant for bras. It’s good to hear that you had clothing success!
I didn’t need maternity bras at all (although the girls were definitely bigger, they just filled out the cups better) but I did by an extender for the hooks. I found mine at JCPenney…it just hooks onto the hooks of your bra, adding more hooks so the band is larger. It was a lifesaver!
YAY for new clothes that fit!!
I’m ready for cooler weather, too!!!
Congratulations on your haul!!!
Speaking as someone who went from a 36D to a 36DDD (and then exploded into the E range while nursing – my boobs were seriously bigger than my head), you need nice, well fitted bras. You really need to be fitted. I had a really cute Bravada, but it ended up only being good to sleep in as it provided no support at all during the day. I wouldn’t bother with nursing bras now – just get something that works for you at this time. I bought two nursing bras before having the baby never imagining the enormousness that was to be and had to go buy a couple more to get me through the first 4 or 5 months.
Oh, and if you decide to nurse, I highly recommend the cloth nursing pads for your bra rather than the disposables. I didn’t want to bother with washing all that stuff, but the disposables scratched like no tomorrow.
Congrats on finding clothes that fit! I know what a problem I had when I was preggers, and that was mostly because I was already “plus sized” before I got knocked up! So I did a LOT of searching, a lot of cursing, and found that JC Penney had decent stuff in plus sized maternity – and GREAT nursing bras! But to hear that LB has maternity too? AWESOME! Now I just need to get preggers again!
Kohl’s stores are definitely different. The one in Mohegan Lake (Westchester, NY) is horrible–poor stock, clothes on the floor–it reminds me of Wal-Mart. The one in Mt. Kisco (also Westchester) is well-run and neat.
It is definitely tough finding bras during pregnancy. A store with a good fitter really helps. The bras need not be expensive, but the person helping you must know what she is doing.
Ya gotta get the Bravado bras. http://www.bravadodesigns.com/
They come in black and funky patterns and you will be so delighted to put on a leopard-print bra when nothing else fits and you feel like poo. Really. Well, I did…
YAAAAAYYYY!!!!
EVERYBODY gives Lane Bryant a bad rap. “The Fat Woman’s store” but their stuff has come a long way. They are quite stylish now and trendy, if so inclined. I’m glad that me and some other ladies mentioned Lane Bryant. Your sister too. I am thrilled that you had a wonderful shopping experience. Congrats!! Happy Blooming!!!
LOL! That’s so funny! I bought the same pants at Kohl’s two months ago! And I just got the same jeans 3 weeks ago at Target!
I guess I should’ve said something about those 2 stores earlier. Sorry. Everbody jumped in with great suggestions, so I didn’t think one more would be very helpful. My bad.
As for tops, I bought the Cherokee long sleeve tees at Target in a size larger than I normally wear for my maternity tops. They are a thicker cotton and cut a little wider at the bottom, giving me room for a growing belly. This way I can still wear them AFTER the baby’s born. 🙂
You know, yoga pants might work well if you are staying at home or just running to the store. They fit right under your belly and are nice and stretchy. Lane Bryant’s shirts are awesome! I buy some of those every season.
For bras, you are best going in and getting fitted. And for goodness sake, don’t send Georgie to buy it like I did the Flyer. A) it won’t work, B) you’ll just return it, and C) you’ll never live it down.
Did you ever get Bruce tickets? Please say yes.
Never been pregnant; but bravissimo.com are your women for whatever you want in bras if you can’t get them locally, and I can guarantee they’ll be unfazed, whatever your measurements or requirements! (This is coming from a woman who, at the age of 16 and 110 lbs, was the subject of a storewide tannoy in our largest local department store – ‘staff announcement; can a senior member of the lingerie department please report to address a serious sizing problem’; yes, strangely I remember every word. Apparently a 32GG breastage exploded their minds at that point…)
OMG! I just bought those same maternity jeans at Target & I love them! THey are the MOST comfy pants I own right now.
I’m so happy for you to find some great preggers clothes. I haven’t been that lucky yet, but I haven’t given up yet.
Oh, and I’ve enjoyed your pregnancy posts. (I would have even if I wasn’t also pregnant…) Your pregnancy is just as much a part of you as your knitting, so keep sharing, sistah!
That coat may take you further into winter than you imagine. I was never so warm as when I was pregnant. Your body temperature is higher and I felt warm all the time.
Cara;
First off, I do appreciate your maternity posts! Don’t feel like you have to stop at all. Second, I have a bra suggestion! My mom is a lactation consultant at our local hospital, so she’s an expert in boobs, one might say. I don’t know if this is typical of maternity floors, but theirs has a shop where you can get fitted for special bras for pregnant/nursing ladies. That may be more hassle than you want to go through, but I figured I’d put in my 2 cents!
Megan
I’m so happy for you! For bras, if you don’t mind coming into the city, try Town Shop on the UWS (Broadway and 82nd I think). They’re amazing and they’ll help you find your size, and they stock all the odd sizes that Victoria’s Secrets never heard of . . . I’m an odd size and this is the only store I go to now for bras, their selections is unbelievable.
I second the recommendation for Town Shop (it’s the only place I shop for bras. the women there are a hoot, they understand the changing nature of your boobs before, during and after pregnancy, and the selection is nuts).
I’m so glad you found pants! and as long as i’m offering my nickel’s worth of an opinion, i say keep the coat.
I second the recommendation for Town Shop (it’s the only place I shop for bras. the women there are a hoot, they understand the changing nature of your boobs before, during and after pregnancy, and the selection is nuts).
I’m so glad you found pants! and as long as i’m offering my nickel’s worth of an opinion, i say keep the coat.
Regular clothes are totally looking maternity lately! Everything is empire-waisted and then flowy. Not good for chunky women like me! I had a big problem with all the ties on cute maternity tops cutting across my breasts too. Annoying!
Lane Bryant has some great bras if you run large cup-size-wise. The band sizes go as low as 32/34 in some stores, and go WAY higher too. I love their bras, and I’m picky!
Glad to hear of your closet enhancements. Don’t know if you have Nordstrom’s out there, but they always have great bras, well fit, by a most discreet attendant, and yes, I never can find anything under $58 per bra there, but hey, if you are well-endowed, Target, Kohl’s and Macy’s just don’t cut it. Found some nice things at Lane Bryant too. Blue skies!
Hey I’m so happy you found all those clothes that you love! Keep the red coat! Aren’t I generous with your finances? 😉 Nothing feels nicer than finding something you like AND that fits just the way you like and you deserve it. 🙂
I am so happy for you! There is really something to feeling better if you’re looking hot, right?
Congrats on finding clothes that fit. I found when shopping for maternity clothes it was a complete crap shoot, and pants were the hardest. I’d be in one store and try all of the pants they had and none would fit, and then I would find several that fit in another store. Go figure!
Oh, and I wanted to tell you that I thought the commenter you posted about was way out of line: it’s your blog, you get to post about whatever the hell you want, it’s not like you promised anybody anything. The pregnancy thing is what’s occupying your life these days, it’s normal that you would post about that!
I’ve totally noticed the maternity-wannabe trend in clothes right now. I can’t go shopping without hearing the voice of this wonderful 80-something lady from my LYS saying “yeah, you can get it. But you’ll look pregnant!” in my head.
Hooray! It’s always really frustrating when you can’t find what you need esp if it’s clothes! Those tops w/ the straps, etc. aren’t really made for anyone w/ any sort of boobage. They just aren’t cut well enough for the lines to go where they should (under your boobs). I think they’re cute, but as I am fairly well endowed, they’re almost always a no go for me – same with all the dresses with the same shape top.
Regarding bras, I recently got refitted and couldn’t believe the difference both in comfort and support. I had been wearing a bra SIX SIZES too big thanks to Victoria’s Secret measuring (and since I’d been measured I thought I was in the right size). What I learned is this: measure under your boobs to get the band size (e.g. 34) and if you’re in a 36C now, but measuring shows you at 34, go to a 34D. So for each band size you go down, increase your cup size one and obviously more for your increased bosom.
Hope that makes sense and sorry to give advice, but the bra thing just shocked me and now I tell lots of people about my boobs.
The pregnancy/nursing bra boutique The Upper Breast Side has the best costumer service of any place I have ever dealt with. The owner will *mail* you several bras to try at home, accept back anything you don’t like and keep trying until you are satisfied. I only used her for the height of nursing, but I was able to learn what I *needed*, which, with all the body changes, is no small feat. She (all these years later I forgot her name) has a website and a store near the Museum of Natural History.
rosesmama
Hey Cara, been away for a few days. WHEW-what a sucky comment, I’m with you… don’t like it? then stop reading. Glad you finally found some clothes. Somehow I managed not to get maternity pants (don’t remember how…baggy loose stretchy things probably). But I do remember the BRA issue. At 34 DD when NOT pregnant, I quickly outgrew ALL the maternity AND nursing bras. I ended up at Decent Exposures (DOT com) and in a 34 I (can ya believe it? I just ignored all that and focused on the baby). They don’t fit like a regular bra, but what are you gonna do? The folks there were GREAT, they have sizes from something like a 24AAA to 52M. I tried on several, and sent a couple back for strap shortening. On the plus side, the bras were very comfy, and easy to nurse in… I popped the boob out of the bottom and nursed under a t shirt (a baggy t shirt) versus over the top of the bra. Which I thought was WAY easier than dealing with a traditional nursing bra where you have to fiddle with the snaps on the top of the cup. Good luck!
I’m with Liz and the others… if you have a good foundations store that specializes in nursing bras, by all means go get fitted and find something comfy that works for you (and this can easily include makes you feel attractive).
Yay!
Bras are the really stickler. As someone who’s lost 35# (soon to be 40#… so I’m heading in the opposite direction from you for the moment..) I have one word to say when it comes to buying well-fitted bras:
Nordstroms.
Nowhere but Nordstroms. Except for the tiny specialty bra shops, they have the best fitters you can find.
Now, the important question: With BlogHer coming to the east coast next year (likely fall… when the little one is at “showing off” age), any chance you’ll make it to a one day con??
Honey, Sweetie, Dahling, You’re wearing a Generator! You are in the business of nuclear fusion. The next time you will feel the need for a coat (Other than shear Style, dahling) you will be strollering Jr. around the park.
I’m so happy you found clothes! I love Motherhood, it’s almost all I wore during my pregnancy.
When I was pregnant, I lived in yoga pants…lucy.com has the most comfortable ones ever. I was able to stay in my normal size and just put the waistband under my belly.
Bravado bras are the absolute best….my daughter is 8 months now, and I have worn one every day of her little life.
I am so happy for you and love reading about your pregnancy. My son is 13 now and pregnancy and babyhood are a distant memory for me (although I do think that maternity clothes have gotten a little better in the last fourteen years), so it’s kind of fun to read about someone else’s experience. What an exciting time for you – thanks for sharing it.
Keep the coat. It sounds really nice and will cheer you up when the days get short in November & December.
running late today, so no time to read all 70 commenters before me. so if this is a repeat, feel free to disregard. for bras, Town Shop on Broadway between 81st and 82nd. you get a custom fitting. next time i come see my VIP in Philly, i have demanded to be taken there to shop, as i need a well-fitting bra in quite a desperate manner. i saw this shop on a program on the Discovery Channel last week. glad you found some cute clothes for the fall, hope the nausea eases up for you.
Cara, I am glad you found clothes that make you happy. You sound so much better. As for bras, I strongly suggest Decent Exposures (www.decentexposures.com). They are comfortable and wonderful for pregancy, though they are not just for pregnancy. I have ordered from them for years. They have wonderful customer service and a great product. Good luck with the search. You are doing great.
YAY!!! I’m so happy for you!!! 😀 best of luck on the bra shopping – that’s not even fun if you’re not preggers. 😛 hehehe
yay for new clothes!!! 😀
Red coats are the Best! Keep it – just to even look at and pet occasionally. So glad you found great clothes to wear and are starting to feel on the mend – somewhat. I imagine the puking all the time blows. Really. But seriously jealous here. Wanting baby #2 like a PMSing woman wants chocolate. (may be that is my problem…got to find chocolate.) Mother nature has a way of getting you to forget all of non-fun stuff in the long run. *I was a complete wench if I didn’t get a water when I wanted one – and I still boycot Jimmy Johns. Don’t even get me started with them!!! 🙂 Have a great one and enjoy the new clothes!!!
Yay pants!
MATERNITY BRAS = OLGA
Woo hoo for finding some clothes that fit!
Bravado Bras are the absolute best to wear when you are pregnant and even afterwards because they are extremely comfy and are a nursing bra to boot! I wore these babies out when I was pregnant. I believe you can google them and get to the site that sells them. WARNING: They are a bit expensive but they really are worth it and believe me I bought ALL different kinds of bras when I was pregnant and nursing and nothing compared to these.
I am so happy for you! I’m glad you found what you like and got lots.
I can’t resist adding my two cents about preggo lady clothing (well, post-preggo, really, as my son’s just four weeks old today!): Target nursing bras, if you’re thinking of breastfeeding your baby. Gillian O’Malley or whatever their lingerie/sleepwear line is called. They are cheap, come in many styles and sizes (and, OMG, if you think your boobs are big NOW…)and seem to be holding up really well. I like them better than the more expensive nursing bras I got. I know, it seems like forever until you’ll need them — and it is — but stash the advice away until six months hence… Ad good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Haven’t read all the comments so this may be repetitious, but go to a reputable lingerie store or to a hospital with a shop in the women’s center, and get fitted for a bra. It makes a difference, and most women are wearing the wrong size bra. And don’t let them make you buy an underwire bra if you don’t want one. Goddess and Glamorise both have great bras up to G and H cups and possibly further, and they make sports bras and other comfy soft cup versions. Also, Lane Bryant has a great bra made out of t-shirt material, soft cup, and very comfy. It doesn’t come in my size, but I wear it anyway because it’s so comfy. It takes a real feat of engineering to keep my girls locked and loaded and most of the time, I don’t feel like wearing the lingerie equivalent of a bullet proof vest. And some, if not most, of LBs do bra fittings. So to repeat, get fitted, and good luck! AND (advice for the future) get fitted again after you have the baby and have lost the boobage. A well fitting bra can take ten pounds off you!
Congrats on your shopping spree – I have been there at least twice in the last 8 months, so I hear your joy! As far as the bra situation – I HATE bra shopping, the last time I went (measured and tried on a ton) and bought a few that fit, a few weeks later they are starting to feel tight again 🙁 So I bought a package of bra extenders – they have helped and I can hold off on buying new bras.
Yay for finding pregnancy clothes! The bras, yes, they are difficult…my favorite were the Victoria’s Secret Ipex. The downside is, they aren’t practical for nursing and my cup size is pretty much back to normal. Which is sad, because I was hoping I’d be be chestier while nursing. 🙁
They were pretty comfy while I was pregnant, though!
I have not seen this comment, support while pregnant is so important. Because of all the gymnastics your muscles and skin and skeletal structure are doing, you need support. Look cute on the outside, but inch wide padded straps on the bra are your friend. Your shoulders and back will thank you while you are pregnant, and your post-pregnancy/post-nursing (personal decision for you, to do what is right for you…) boobs will thank you. Oh, and LOTS of oil for the skin.
Congratulations on the clothing. I know how much having clothing that fits properly helps you feel better about yourself (at least me and myself it helps!)
I know I’m late to the party, but congrats on the pregnancy! That’s wonderful news! Sorry it’s been a bit tough on the body. That part I’m not looking forward to either when I eventually try to have kids (clock’s a ticking, ugh!).
Oh, the bra shopping! The horrors! So far I’ve bought two, but I returned them. I swear they fit better in the store.
Thanks for the tip on ordering LB in the store. I was getting ready to order online from their maternity section.
Glad you found some pants!
I could not find pants when I was pregnant and wound up going with drawstring pants from the plus sizes section in Sears and Walmart. Sucks not being able to find cute stuff. Glad you managed to find some pants.
I have to mail my donation (Flock of Chicks – $20.00) to Heifer International since I do not own a credit card. How can I add that to your registry so it counts for you?
Having just undergone a huge bra-shopping (and crying) spree, I finally found happiness at the womans’ store “Avenue.” There are many here in Jersey, hope this helps.
when I found a pair of maternity jeans that fit like normal pants I called my sister from the dressing room, I was so excited. The BEST thing to have I got at one of the fancy maternity boutique stores (mimi?) and it’s a stretchy tube that fits around your waist. Keeps the maternity pants from falling down around your bum when you don’t have too much of a belly, and now that my belly is really big it provides vital coverage for the gap between the bottom of my shirt and the top of my pants…or in the rear, where things also seem to have gotten bigger. It also makes the one maternity dress I have look really smooth and good. I also bought “bra extenders” which make your bra straps longer. Mom always used to say that the proper foundation garment makes the outfit!
your blog is great! knitting, spinning, babies, whatever.
Oi, I tried to go bra shopping on Friday and it was a nightmare. Good luck.
Looks like it’s been a shopping couple of weeks. I did quite a bit of shopping recently as well.
I hate Bra shopping. BUT – i went to Town Shoppe on 81st and Columbus (or maybe it was Amsterdam?) in NYC. Go on a Sunday. Ask for Bella. She’s amazing. They’ll fit you, they’ll tell you if it fits, if you’re wearing the right size, etc. She’s amazing. It made bra shopping much less painful, and i’m a 36EE!
don’t buy underwire and do buy nursing bras if you’re going to nurse, it will save $$ in the end.
I have a good online bra source. The only place I could find my size – F…
Let me know if you want it.
Yay! I’m so glad you found clothes. There’s nothing that makes you feel better than having a successful shopping trip.