Thanks for all the comments and emails of support yesterday. Sorry for the mini hissy fit – usually I let the naysayers just roll off my back but I had just come home from clothes shopping and I was hungry and really? I think it was the suggestion that I start a NEW blog because the commenter was unhappy with the direction this one has taken lately. Like, does she think if I talk about all the peeing and puking on another blog the knitting is going to magically reappear on THIS blog? THERE IS NO KNITTING! I hate it. You hate it. But I’m sorry folks, what you see is what you get. God I hope it changes soon. But for now, DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT! And PLEASE – move along quietly. I’m in a fragile emotional state right now. Poor Vicki got my call at work yesterday where I started bawling like a baby. HORMONES ARE NOT PRETTY!
The worst part? (And I hesitate to say this but I’m going to because I’m pregnant goddammit and if you can’t say what you want when you’re pregnant and miserable, when are you going to get the opportunity?) The worst part is that I know who left the comment. IP addresses, it turns out, aren’t always that anonymous. I don’t know this person well at all, but she’s actually been a guest of mine and I feel that I’ve been generous with my time and energy and this is the payback I get? That was the worst part.
Okay, on to other miseries. I took the first fifteen commenter’s advice yesterday and after I dropped Georgie off at the train I headed over to Old Navy. Turns out the one closest to me has Maternity stuff. I’m really just looking for pants – I’m okay with shirts right now. I tried on like ten pairs of different pants in all kinds of styles and they ALL SUCKED! Practically all of them have that stupid low rise that I can’t wear – period! I don’t have that big of a belly yet and still they’re falling off and I have to constantly pull them up and blah blah blah. Then I went to the Destination Maternity outlet right by my house – where I bought the great shorts I’ve worn every day – and I tried on a million pants there. All freaking boot cut, but the big problem is that the mediums are WAY too tight (I look like I’m 7 months pregnant) and the larges fall off me – everywhere, not just the belly. My next try is going to be Ann Taylor Loft which now has maternity and Sears and JC Penney. And the Gap I guess but I’m not really optimistic about that. Oh and thanks for all the Bella Band suggestions – I tried one on a little while ago and I HATED it. I don’t like anything tight across my belly and I can’t see it being comfortable when you have open zippers and buttons digging into your belly. Plus that means I have to wear EXTREMELY long shirts to cover the thing. So no go on the Bella Band – I’m glad it worked for a lot of you, but it’s not for me.
I need ONE nice pair of pants – not SUPER nice (they could be black jeans for all I care) but they can’t be cargo and they can’t be sweats and they can’t be overalls and I’d prefer pockets – so I can work. This is my super busy season – I’m scheduled to work practically EVERY weekend through November and I need to feel comfortable, be able to move around a lot (it’s hard physical work photographing kids – you’re up you’re down you’re all around.) ONE pair. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask. Do you? Trust me, when I’m not working I’m living in sweats. Or shorts. Or my underwear honestly, but for work I need something more. I’ll let you know how it goes. Oh and I don’t sew.
ETA: Thanks for all the dress/skirt suggestions. Not really practical for work when I’m on the ground and running after kids. Plus, I was wearing a great long skirt and then I had some chafing issues. And a rash. Oh, is that too much information? Yeah. I want pants. 😉 And I have to find a different Target. The one closest to me had the worst maternity stuff last time I checked.
And just so I’m not leaving anything out – my craving of the moment is Jujyfruits. Or Dots. Or Skittles. But really Jujyfruits. And I ate some salad yesterday for the first time since I got pregnant. Which I consider a GREAT leap forward.
Thanks, as always, for reading. I appreciate it.
L, C
I did find skirts much better for middle and end of pregnancy (and I gained a tremendous amount of weight – 50 lbs.). Pants are a disaster, or so I found. I was lucky to have friends who passed on a lot of maternity clothes since I was the last to have a second child, and there was a pair of rayon jersey pants with a lot of drape that I found were good for the middle trimester. Basically, you can’t buy anything and expect to wear it the entire pregnancy and, in all honesty, by the time you hit the last couple of months, you don’t really care what you look like.
Of course, that’s coming from someone who gained a lot of weight (all gone now one year later), so take that for what it’s worth. Enjoy being the host of your future little one – it’s not forever. It only feels that way!
I’m so sorry about the asstrout remark you got – who needs that?
No advice on the pants but wanted to delurk and say hi 🙂
Hi there, I’m mostly a lurker but wanted to say: don’t stop posting! I love reading whatever you have to say, even if it isn’t about knitting (and I commiserate totally – I couldn’t knit until month 9 of my pregnancy but boy did I catch up then). As for the pants, I second the skirt suggestion. Also, if you have Lucy nearby, check that out. It isn’t a maternity store but the clothes are so comfy you could probably wear them anyway. I work from home so was able to stick to non-maternity yoga and other stretchy pants until pretty late in the game. Lucy might have some which are nice enough to wear for work. Good luck – it is so important to be comfortable!
Hey, it’s your blog. You say what you want. If preggers issues bother some people, they don’t have to read them.
Good luck on the pants.
Hello, not sure if you have H&M near you or if they sell maternity clothes but worth checking if they do. I lived in England when I was pregnant and they had the best, nicest looking maternity clothes. Even great dress/work clothes. Hope you feel better soon!
Hi Cara,
I’m with you on the whole first 5 months pants thing. It’s almost impossible. Have you seen the “Pregnancy Survival Kits” yet? They worked really well for me for both my pregnancies. You can read about them here http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/productreviews/gr/aaprsurvivalkit.htm
They are slightly pricey, but I lived in mine the first time through, lent them to two friends for their pregnancies, and then wore them again the second time around, so they last.
Good luck.
Hi Cara:
One more suggestion. Do you have a local Target? Liz Lange is at Target. I used to buy a lot of stuff from there when pregnant. There are a lot of comfy pants that will serve you well for work. I wish you continued good luck. Oh, and the Commenter that told you those things are not representative of all your readers. We are here to learn from each other. Good luck.
hey cara –
delurking: try a dress? they can tend to be more comfy, and more forgiving in fit. target also has liz lange maternity stuff. it’s hard b/c you’re in the weird stage now of just showing, but nothing fits. VERY frustrating! i’ve done it twice. it’s such a relief to just get really PREGNANT so the freaking clothes fit! is there a mimi maternity (pricey, but good stuff) or the lower tier version of it (the name of which escapes me…motherhood!) near you? if you feel like making the schlep, there’s a motherhood store on E 125 st in nyc. cheap! and somewhat decent stuff. good luck.
-sioux, nyc
I hate to tell you this, but practically every month, what fits you is going to change. So the pants that are awful today might be perfect next month. And what fits perfectly today…well, enjoy every hour that it fits perfectly, because soon enough, you’ll be hating it too.
Have you tried just going up a size in normal clothes? You’re at the stage where you look like you’ve let yourself go (oh, the glory!) so popping up one size in stretchy pants was often my solution at that stage.
Sorry to hear about that person who left you a retarded comment. And sorry to hear that you are having issues finding pants, but I might have a solution to your problem. I just had a baby 2 months ago and didn’t have to buy a single pair of maternity pants because I bought a couple bella bands, here is the link. http://www.ingridandisabel.com/ Hope this helps. I even wore it out of the hospital and during the first couple weeks after I had her. Good luck.
Have you tried Motherhood Maternity? It’s been awhile since I’d shopped there, but I always liked the selection and found them to be affordable.
What about a store that caters to larger-sized women? Sure, the clothing isn’t pregnancy specific, but there’s a lot more ease built into clothes that are made for women with curves, AND there’s bound to be more shapes of pants to suit a curvier style.
I’m super happy to hear that you know who posted the comment. I think that’s really cowardly to *try* to post something like that anonymously, if she wanted you to know cater to her needs so bad, she should have owned it.
That’s really terrible that you can’t find pants to fit. Our Old Navy had different types of waists, some low cut, some full belly panels and some middle of the road ones. I bet JcPenney’s would work because they have lots of different waist styles too. I couldn’t shop there because it was all catalog order around here, nothing in the stores, but hopefully you’ll find something soon!
Delurking to sympathise wholeheartedly about the difficulties of finding nice maternity clothes that fit. I’m in my second pregnancy, and need a tall inseam, so everything has to be bought online, unseen and untried. It’s a pain.
What about getting some favourite pre-pregnancy pants altered by a tailor? Fabric stores often sell maternity panels, and if you can’t find one, the tailor could presumably make one…? I did this myself during my first pregnancy, when I couldn’t find anything long enough locally, and it worked well.
Sorry about the not-so-anonymous commenter — who deserved to get caught out, imho. If s/he is still reading, perhaps this will be a lesson that anything you wouldn’t be willing to put your name to is best left unsaid.
Good luck shopping for jeans!! I feel your pain, I can’t find jeans that fit right at all..and I’m not pregnant..so I can only imagine if I was (actually, if I was pregnant right now, jeans would be the least of my problems, but that’s beside the point..) Good Luck!
Okay, I’m a total lurker, and a fairly new one at that (last six months or so). It takes a LOT to bring me out of the woodwork. I love your work, and I was thrilled to discover that you’re pregnant. My own blog is not focused on any one aspect of my life because I feel that all aspects of my life feed my creative life. You are doing some big time creating right now, Cara. Seriously. If readers don’t like the shift (that you’re clearly grieving…the lack of knitting, not the pregnancy) then move on quietly.
I think hiding behind an anonymous comment is the height of cowardice. But to learn that this asshat was actually once a friend and guest of yours absolutely FLOORED me. I’m absolutely shocked and totally disgusted. I’m just going to say, I’m so sorry. Better to know it now, that this person is no real friend to you.
xoxo, Lauren
p.s. Now that I’ve delurked, apparently you can’t stop me: from your 100 things, I’m 38 and my parents are divorcing too. You’re right. It sucks.
I am kind of a lurker, but may I suggest that you call a local seamstress??? You would pay a bit more for pants, BUT they would fit. Also, most fabric stores carry the dreaded elastic panel…..you could buy REGULAR pants you like and put the panel in. I am afraid you need to start thinking custom…..
hhmmm, well, i’m out of suggestions 🙂 the first 5 months i lived in my bella band with my old pants (i opened the zippers all the way and turned them down so that they wouldn’t poke into my belly.) with a long maternity shirt they look really cute. like you’re wearing layers. but i have to be honest. you may not find what you’re looking for. in order for the pants to stay up over your belly they have to be a little tight otherwise they’re going to fall down.. or you get the low rise stuff which stay under the belly but fall down your hips. there’s not really much else in the way of choice.
and regarding your last post, pregnancy for me wasn’t fun. at all. not one month out of 9 was a good time. i’m ok with this now that the peanut is here and i would totally do it again but i won’t sugar coat it either. it sucked but i just had to get past it and deal. hardest thing i’ve ever done.
I’m delurking too! Thank you so much for sharing such a life changing event! I can’t wait to hear more and see more belly shots! Nuff said there – moving on. I hated this body stage of pregnancy. Not big enough for maternity clothes but nothing fits! I also met with the harsh reality that I was growing in more areas than my belly. I did find some nice pants from JC Penny that had multiple stages of buttons across the tummy so they could be worn from the beginning to post-partum. Good luck!
Good Luck shopping. I had some success at Lane Bryant when I was pregnant. At the end of my pregnancy with my girls maternity clothes were too small, but I was able to find stretchy Lane Bryant pants that fit. I know you’re probably nowhere near that point yet but it might be worth a walk through.
As others have said, this stage of pregnancy is very awkward–for oh-so-many reasons! As for my 2 cents, I had excellent luck with JCPenny (ONLINE). Once upon a pregnancy, I could order the stuff, have it delivered, try it on and return it to the store! The store NEVER had anything, but catalog! Oh, wonders!
Hang in there. Seems there’s another bit of blog nasties blowing around. Hope you are feeling better. Nothing made it better for me except to puke and get it over with! I woul brush my teeth, get sick, brush my teeth again, eat, and brush my teeth a third time. That first trimester I used 2 tubes of toothpaste!
Have you tried Chicos? Their clothes are very stretchy and comfortable, especially their “Travelers” line. J.Jill has a similar line now too. Also, do any of your friends/relatives who have had kids still have their maternity clothes? Maybe they’d be willing to lend some to you? For the most part, my friends just pass their clothes around to the next person who gets pregnant.
for maternity clothes, i was going to suggest old navy, but it’s not working for you.
lands end has maternity online-don’t know if they have any retail stores with the line or not. i got a few things there during my second pregnancy and they were great.
also, one of the things that carried me through BOTH my preganncies was the pregnancy survival kit. i think i got mine at nordstrom (here’s the link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR?KeyWord=pregnancy+survival+kit&searchorigin=KeywordSearch) it comes with 4 pieces in one color: a dress, skirt (save for later?), leggings (now pants) and a tunic-y style shirt in stretch knit cotton. very very comfortable. i think they sell pieces individually too, but the kit was nice.
don’t know if that will help you out, but thought i’d throw it out there! hang in there-you’ll find something.
I just wanted to let you know that I read your blog because I like what you write about…whether it’s about knitting or not. You also take fantastic pictures.
You’ll eventually return to knitting and knitblogging, and you’ll find those pants too, it’ll just take time. Hand in there, and vent all you want on your own blog!
Eileen Fisher, Cara! Eileen Fisher. She has a pair of wider pants made out of a stretchy material with a large band that has fit me comfortably at pre-pregs at 130 pounds and 9 months preggers at 198 pounds. Also, you can get the “pregnancy survival kit with a black top, dress, and skirt” and wear the dress over a pair of Seven pregnancy jeans and dansko clogs. You’ll be stylin!
I like skirts with lycra shorts underneath, no chafing issues. Good luck finding pants. I wore the same things to death during my pregnancy.
I also find the sizing at Destination Maternity ridiculous. Do we really come in SMLXL? At least Target has real sizes, so I could buy one size up and have it be too big, but not unwearable too big, so I know my butt and belly will have some room to grow :). But Target pants aren’t dressy enough so I also had a bit of a hard time with that.
In Destination Maternity, if you’ll willing to look through the sales rack of the pricier sections (Mimi and A Pea in the Pod) you might have more luck with pants. Motherhood Maternity pants were awful for me.
JC Penney has some maternity pants described as “high waisted” — a friend who hates low-rise bought some of these. Not sure if she got them online or in the store…
I wanted to add another for Liz Lange…my sis in LA sent me some great shirts that were favorites for pregnancy…maybe their pants are good too? I also found that tiny specialty shops that are semi-higher end had much nicer stuff. (brand names “ripe” and other similar stuff)..hipper, fun things to wear. It is hard to fit in stuff mid pregnancy. But it does get better! I also found a few good things at Thyme Maternity (do you have that or is that Canadian?). In general, I found jeans with a high stretchy panel were better than any low rise crap.
Good luck!
I have not been, nor ever will be pregnant, so take what follows for what it is – an idiot suggestion, but was it you or Grumperina who did that whole perfect fit jeans thing? I think it was Cathy – but anyway – would they (the perfect fit jeans people)have anything for you in the way of jeans? I gather from your frustration level (which you’re probably only giving us the surface layer of) that maybe price, within reason, would not necessarily be the object here. And you do have several months to go…an idea, a mere thought…
Oh, I hate clothes shopping. I wish I had a solution to offer but I don’t. What about black tights and then a skirt, knee high or something… Just a suggestion. I know, now you look at me like my teenagers look at me, when they have clothing issues…
I will keep reading no matter what. Thank you for writing.
I was very frustrated by the boot leg style too. I wound up in overalls — I see you don’t want those. I got the pregnancy survival kit with some leggings. Those were very comfy, and under a short dress you may be able to move around without the chafing or revealing problems that dresses entail. Good luck.
I’m sorry you are having so much trouble. I understand, I really do. And pulling the pants up constantly thing, get used to it, I was ALWAYS pulling up my pants. A.L.W.A.Y.S. But this middle of pregnancy thing, trying to find clothes, it’s tough.
As for your blog. Love it. Keep it up.
Overalls! I think I got mine in Sears (Willowbrook Mall). They are not the most attractive, but they stay up and give your belly room.
I’m sad that so many readers have bailed on you or gotten angry because you’re talking about being pregnant and not talking about knitting. Talk about whatever you want and everyone who doesn’t like it can piss off.
Sorry, I just reread your post and I realized you said no overalls.
Dear Cara, it’s a little hard for me to remember being pregnant as it was 27 years ago (yikes! that’s a LONG time!!) but I do remember going into the ladies room at work and wondering what had come over me with the raging hormones and all. And talk about thin skin!!! For some reason clothes weren’t too much of a problem, but then, it was 1980… All I can remember is turtlenecks and jumpers. I wore pants at home but not to work (I was an administrator at a business school at the time and I guess it just wasn’t appropriate to wear pants??) What I’m really trying to say is I have absolutely NO advice about maternity clothes at this time!! Big help I am!!! Anyway, here’s a huge hug for you and your bundle! (((((((Cara)))))))
As for the misguided commentor, fef to her! Now what does fef mean? It’s more of a toss of the head, lift of the chin, and exhalation of the word. It’s attitude!! Hang in there sweetie! You have a lot of supporters out here who are ready and willing to hold you up when you need it. Alotta
Motherwear also has maternity clothing, and it would be a good introduction to their nursing styles….. my favorite pair of pants was a pair of maternity jeans from JCPenney. They actually looked like normal jeans from the back (I was always pregnant only in the front, like I was shoplifting a basketball). Also try resale shops…. at least for the chance to try on some different brands.
Keep the blog, it is about YOU, not your knitting. You are puking. So be it. I know the hormones are lousy to deal with and getting your feelings hurt feels so awful, but don’t be discouraged.
Heres another tactic that worked for me while I was pregnant–check out the plus size department at target. There are usually a decent variety of elastic waist pants there that will grow with you and your belly. You can wear them across the middle of your belly now while its not too be and either under or over as you grow.
It certainly isnt a dressy/work solution but for around town, it worked for me and they also proved wearable for those first few weeks/months after I had the baby and wasnt back to my normal size.
This is really the hardest stage of pregnant. Nothing fits but I promise it really does get easier. As your belly grows, all those pants that fall down now will fit perfectly because you’ll have the belly to help hold them up 🙂
Cara, I have to add my recommendation of the Pregnancy Survival Kit. I can’t remember the name of the company who makes it, but I bought other clothing from them and found that it was my most worn stuff through two pregnancies. I also have to recommend babystyle.com (There are also stores, but very few.) for comfy pants — plus I got more compliments about their maternity clothing when I was wearing it, so I would have to say it looks good, too.
2 things:
1. WTF, who are these people who think they can tell you what you should and should not write about? Screw them.
2. I’m not even pregnant and I CAN’T FIND PANTS THAT FIT. So I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. Thanks for sharing the REAL side of pregnancy though.
Hang in there. And get thee some JuJyFtuits!
Take Care!
For my first pregnancy someone lent me her entire pregnant wardrobe, so that was great. For my second one she had lent it to someone else, and I’m trying to remember what I did… I think I bought one pair of icky stretchy pants, but they were black so they looked reasonably OK, and a couple of big tops, and I just lived in those for several months. Oh, and I had a couple of pup tents dresses, and I wore those quite a lot too.
Clothes at places like Pea in a Pod are outrageously expensive IYAM, but if you could find one decent ever-expanding pair of pants it would be worth it. Oh, and around here there are scads of consignment shops, not that that’s much help if you can’t find anything good even at retail.
I’m not much help, am I? Oh… could you have some pants custom made, some sort of sash-and-elastic contraption? Again, costing an arm and a leg, but again, if you could wear them all the time, maybe worth it.
How about Sears or JC Penney? I also wore out my Pregnancy Emergency Kit–loved it. My jeans were from Motherhood, I think. I, too, shopped at Lane Bryant for the beginning months. And I wore my overalls so much my boss teases me to this day.
i would have said target. their maternity line is much bigger than it was when i was pregnant, so i don’t know how it fits, but it always looks cute when i walk past.
and i have to tell you, i love your knitting, i love your photography. but beyond that, over the months and months that i’ve been reading this blog, i’ve enjoyed you and your outlook on the world and on life. and i’m glad that you’re sharing this great ride with us.
happy shopping.
Um, crappy comment leaver:
Knitty is the place for all knitting all the time. Or Knitting Daily.
Personally, I like blogs that show the whole person. I just blogged about how my new husband leaves me a fresh towel outside the shower every morning to show me he loves me. And my alpacas, and my kids, and oh yes, my knitting.
The lady who said it will fit perfectly for an hour was so right…sad, but true. It’s preparation for your children outgrowing a perfectly good pair of shoes overnight…it’s that whole knee bone-thigh bone thing…it’s all connected! VBG. Blue skies!
Hi Cara, Big hugs to you first of all. I have absolutely no clue about where to steer you for maternity wear, but I have seen alot in Target… maybe give that a go?! Yum, I want candy now too! I just had a few brownies for breakfast, so awesome, huh!?
Hi Cara. I usually lurk but I have a suggestion for the chafing if it is still bothering you. When I was pregnant, it was during the summer and I gained 65 pounds and the chafing was a real problem. I bought a tube of Clearsil face wash and used it on the rash and it cleared up in a couple days. I also vote for clothes a size larger or so. You will be able to use them while you are losing the pregnancy weight also. Hang in there. It is all worth it in the end!
Just chiming in to say Good Luck in the maternity pants hunt!
With Target, there are certain stores that carry more than others. The one closest to me has 1 rack of maternity clothes, but one 20 minutes farther has a great selection.
Hi Cara,
I’ve never been pregnant but at least by reading your blog I know what to expect. This might be a really bad suggestion, but what about wearing skirt/dress with legging underneath? I have chaffing problem too but legging really helps.
Hang in there, girl!
i never comment but i just wanted to tell you: it really makes me furious the way that commenter snarkily told you she wouldn’t be needing your blogging services anymore kthnxbye. some readers out there really carry on as if you (the blogger in general) are doing them a favor by blogging just for their entertainment and how dare you (the blogger in general) stray from your box and talk about other facets of your life. only dooce makes a living from her blog and therefore has an audience paying for her thoughts. this is YOUR blog, and whether you talk about knitting, spinning, your pregnancy, the baby, springsteen, or anything else, i will remain a loyal fan.
and i’m sorry some people really are such jerks.
Have you tried Target’s stuff? I don’t know if it’s good or not for maternity, but they always seem to have cute stuff for everyone, so maybe?
As for the jackass who left you that comment, she/he can SUCK IT. I’m horrified to find out it’s someone you KNOW. That is just so. inappropriate.
If it helps, at work I’ve been getting regular emails from some asshole who likes to tell me what a talentless CUNT (his word, not mine) I am. He routinely tells me to shut up and just play music and calls me lovely names like loser and whore. ALWAYS MAKES MY DAY, I tell you!
Hi Cara,
I’m a long-time lurker, but the whole pregnancy pants thing (and lack of knitting time because of being pregnant) I can totally sympathize with! Bella band didn’t work for me. I wound up getting “The comfort pant” from Reitmans. They aren’t maternity pants, but the saleswoman suggested them, and they’re great. Nice high waist, stretchy enough to stay put.
Good luck. I’m still loving your blog, the knitting time will come back one of these days.
Hi Cara, I stop by occasionally just to see progress on your projects and get inspiration. I really love the way you organize your projects and spell that part out right away. Now that you are pregnant, I stop by to see how it is going. I had terrible “hyperemisis” my doctor called it…continual puking, and I could not tolerate anything with an odor. Even my poor husband had to watch what he ate because if it had any strong odor, I could smell it the minute he walked in the door, which would send me stumbling into the bathroom. Keep writing. It reminds other woman who have been there to offer lots of support and grace and encouragement. And the very second your baby is born, it all goes away! Other gross things happen, but nothing quite this bad. Keep up the good work.
Re: Pants. Have a look at Japanese Weekend – pricy but nice. May be something on sale… and I’ve heard great things about fit. http://www.japaneseweekend.com
Add me to the list of people who can’t believe how rude others can be. If you don’t like it don’t read it. As for me, I prefer the knitting content, but I will keep reading because listening to pregnant women bitch about being pregnant is THE best birth control ever! 🙂
I never liked pants that covered my belly when pregnant, so couldn’t ever get maternity pants. Try those yoga pants that have the wide, stretchy waistband you can fold down to whatever rise you like. They let you keep it high in back to cover your butt and will be comfortable scrunched up under your belly. Those were my staple when pregnant, way before there was such a thing as yoga pants 🙂 And they were great post-pregnancy too!
I’m glad your perpetual nausea has become intermittent.
I got these pair of fancy black pants at one of those super expensive maternity stores, not a chain, it had a very thin thin thin spandex peice that ran from your hip and it went up to my ribs, i wore that the first trimester and ADORED them, I kinda hated the pants because they had a super wide bottom but my lord they where so comfortable. How tall are you? I have a medium (I bought a small and medium) and I could send you the medium, I bet they would fit and be comfortable. I ask how tall you are because I had them hemmed.
Why don’t you try Lane Bryant? They have lovely clothes; very stylish and the changing seasons means extremely low priced clearance items that might suffice until you “bloom” into more maternity sized clothing. They even have a maternity but I have never seen it in the stores but online. Good Luck and poo poo the the negative person. They should get a life and not live thru yours. Hang in there, many of us love ya!!
Cara, I have to agree with everyone (and all the names they’ve used – picked up a few new ones actually) about the cowardly commenter – I thought it was totally out of bounds. As for pants, I’ve never been pregnant, but I was wondering, would those “gaucho” pants work? They are stretchy, with a belly-like band, the only issue is that they only go to a few inches below the knees, so I don’t know if that would work. Actually, they may be out of the stores, but maybe a friend has a pair, or good will? I had a friend that had a pair and after she hurt her *um* behind bad after a night of partying, they were the only thing she could wear comfortably, so they don’t bind…Good luck, like I said, never pregnant, but do understand the eternal clothing quest. And, remember, eventually, what goes around, comes around.
I can’t remember which blog I saw this on but someone had just gotten some of the fisherman pants from here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5105155 and they looked great and SO comfortable! I remember thinking “If I ever get pregnant…”
Found the post! They’re definitely casual but so cute! http://nikkishell.typepad.com/nikkishell/2007/09/farewell.html
Hang in there! It’s easier said than done, but it’s best just to ignore the haters out there. We can’t change them no matter how much we try.
Does your (not so terribly) anonymous commenter have children?
I am enjoying the blog, puking, whatever, knitting, beautiful pictures, and the progress of your pregnancy. How can we support each other if we don’t allow other women to express their feelings, huh? I once (after the second baby) totally peed my pants in Trader Joe’s and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. Nothing. I’m not afraid to tell that story here or on my own blog.
Everyone needs support during pregnancy and always. You can always count on me!
Or you could just wear sweatpants – that worked for me.
Belly Basics The Original Pregnancy Survival Kit was the best thing ever I love those pants… And I wore them thru 2 pregnancies and have lent them to 6 friends to wear too.
Totally off the maternity clothes topic… but I think it’s cool that you really, actually know these blogging folks that I have gotten to ‘know’ through links on your blog. Ahhh, my blog friends are REALLY friends.
Good luck with the clothes issue. Nothing is harder than finding clothes that fit, because they don’t. Ugh.
Cara, I wanted to point out (and forgot in my comment yesterday) that even traditionally cut maternity pants will slide down in the back. Especially in early pregnancy, it will feel uncomfortable. At least this is what I found during each of my pregnancies.
And as I said in my email… stop apologizing. You didn’t do anything wrong. Blog about whatever you want, its your blog. The pee, the puke, the knitting, the whatever. 99.999% of us are still going to be here, cheering you on.
Jeez, what a rotten comment. I’m so sorry you had to get something like that on a rough day.
Take a look at the Japanese Weekend luxe jersey flare pant, tech knit denim pant? I also remembered that I’d gotten a pair of pants I liked at babystyle, if that helps. One pair of pants is definitely not too much to ask, but as you know there’s so little in the way of standard sizing and fits. Good luck!
I’m Canadian and Thyme Maternity worked well for me (good thing, b/c that was my only option!), so I’m not much help, I know. Just wanted to send you big hugs!!! I never felt more vulnerable and out-of-control (and chronically terrified, but that’s another story, due to complications) than during my two pregnancies. Just focus on the people that love and nurture you and ignore the insensitive idiots.
Cara, when I was pregnant at your stage I found that wearing regular pants with an elastic waist was what worked best, and then they were fantastic after the baby came and I was still not fitting into my regular clothes, but could not stand to look at the maternity stuff for one more minute. You might try the 7-day pants at Lands End, either on-line or at Sears. They have pockets, come in different fabrics and colors, and are not boot cut. Elastic all the way around the waist, with a coil zipper and button in the front.
Good luck sweetie! It gets better.
Baby in my arms, so quick comment…
Khols. I hate Khols, but they have the best maternity clothes for super cheap. I found all of my fabulous maternity pants there.
Good luck!
skittles… HAHAHAHA…
dots… HAHAHAHA
jujyfruits… HAHAHAHA…
it’s a rainbow full of colours 🙂
like i’d expect anything less…
you know what? i like what I see which is a good thing since that’s what I get! and you can have a hissy fit any damn time you want to, but this one was especially justified. I have a disabled daughter and when I was pregnant w/ her little sister I fired all her nurses, the nurse supervisor, the service coordinator and 3 therapists. When I was pregnant the time after that the therapists decided to play a game of therapy survivor to see who would make it through THAT pregnancy. and 8 years later I can honestly say that every damn person I fired totally deserved it and it wasn’t a hissy fit, it was finally having a backbone.
while i don’t shop the gap, when i was pregnant i got all of my pants there. i had the same issue when pregnant. it’s evil. and i didn’t like ON either. good luck! it sucks alot to not have anything to wear and to have to look and look and look. grrr…. hang in there! you will find something!
Cara, have you thought about having some pants made? This may not be a bad option…Perhaps find some pants that look great everywhere else but don’t fit in the waist and have the tailor sew in a panel instead of the zipper? It’s a thought.
Hang in there missus!
Girl, you rock, you know it, & screw anyone who gives you any crap! I also suggest Kohl’s. I can’t wait for the day when us wimmenfolks can all support and respect each other. Hang in there!
I like what I see, I like what I get, and damn the torpedoes.
🙂
Phooey on the bad-mannered cowardly respondent.
Onto other matters – what about just buying larger sizes (plus), in a nice material. That worked well for me. I had no luck with “real” maternity pants. You’re getting lots of good suggestions – good luck.
I had great luck at Sears, I hope you find something suitable. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! oh, and, who cares what one crab apple thinks, I LOVE hearing about your pregnancy. It makes me want another one….really, I almost have my husband convinced (we have 4 kids already, but 5 would be even better!) that one more would be good…
I’m so sorry! That “guest” of yours owes you an apology but I don’t think you’ll get one from her so I’ll apologize instead. Not a nice way to make someone feel when they’re already feeling down!
I just saw both posts this morning, I’m sorry you had to deal with a nasty commenter (I thought I was the only one who got nasty comments!) I used to get upset with nasty comments and now I just laugh them off and move along!
Pumpkin Patch maternity jeans are pretty reasonable; I got some there at about 4 or 5 months pregnant with adjustable bands. Their baby and kid’s clothes are cute, too.
Shame on that person. I hope she reads this post and feels embarrassed.
Although I started reading your blog because of the knitting, I am enjoying the “fuller experience” of hearing about all the other stuff too. Yes, even the peeing and puking, because I will know what to expect if I ever have kids.
As for the pants, could you get some fishermen’s pants? You know, the Thai-style ones? Because they have that huge fold-over bit and are baggy, and you tie them at the waist (or hips or wherever you wear them).
Have you tried Baby Style? http://www.babystyle.com/content/maternity/main.asp I had really good luck with them, even though they are online. On another note- I don’t care WHAT you write about, I will read! Write about scrubbing the f’ing toilet and it will still be illuminating. Hugs to you & G. Oh and I think I forgot to wish you Happy New Year, so Happy New Year!
Not having been preggers myself, I cannot personally state the acclaim for ther following, but I am told that gaucho pants are the way to go. Cottony and stretchy for all stages of the belly. Easy to find at Target or Bloomingdales. And there’s varying degrees of roomy-ness in the leg department. (Though maybe not the MOST practical thing to wear in the winter…) I hope the search goes well!
I’m not too sure if you have them in the States(I’m in Canada) but Thyme Maternity was the ONLY place I could find maternity clothing that fit my weirdly proportioned body. Especially pants..I bought some beige dress pants (and black too) that had no belly panel, but they stretched perfectly throughout my entire pregnancy. The zipper was entirely encased in fabric inside and out so they didn’t dig into the belly They were absolutely not boot cut either. I actually still wear them cause they don’t look like maternity wear at all. Most favorite pair of pants EVER! Maybe they have a website..I’ll check.
Just a thought…would yoga wear suit your body at this point in your preggers state? It might be soft,flexible and relatively comfy…trying to think of things that look respectable but give you that comfort + flexibility…keep your chin up and your “stick on the ice” as they say in Canada…((((((((hugs)))))))))))
As a long-time lurker and having never been pregnant, I really just wanted to add one more voice to the chorus of “hang in there!” Your blog is very “real.” That’s why I keep reading. Thanks for continuing to share pieces of your life with us.
Cara,
First, I got all my basic black pants from JCPenny when I was pregnant. They were cheap, well-made, basic and comfortable. (And I washed those suckers every three days my entire pregnancy.) They come in all of the basic colors. Here’s the link to the pants I liked: http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=0&CatID=035322&Grptyp=SIZ&ItemId=1242ea2&CM_REF=http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C037797.jsp
Also, I read knitting blogs like yours because I like the PEOPLE not just their knitting. There are plenty of knitting blogs with great knitting content that don’t keep my interest because I do not connect with the knitter on a personal level. To expect only knitting content from a blogger seems rather selfish to me in the greater scheme of things.
Hi Cara – lots of hugs to you! I’m so sorry this clothes thing sucks so bad! I saw on babycenter.com (and I’m sure you could find it elsewhere) this sort of suspender thing to hold up your pants, but hooks to your bra, then clips to the pants on the side. Maybe that would help out with the pants that sorta fit but won’t stay up?? GOOD LUCK!!!
Girl, you rock, you know it, & screw anyone who gives you any crap! I also suggest Kohl’s. I can’t wait for the day when us wimmenfolks can all support and respect each other. Hang in there!
ps this is the corrected link.
The pregnancy trousers thing completely sucks, if you lived nearer I could sew you some.
I am sorry a commenter is giving you a hard time, I love that you share everything with us.
I’m another person chiming in to tell you to write what you want. Your blog, your choice. I just can’t believe that someone has the nerve to tell you what to do with your writing and your life. It’s my privilege to read your blog, not my right. Knit or puke, just please continue sharing with us!
Man! Can’t the world just cut you a break and get you a good pair of pants? Is that too much to ask? Hmmmm…I ask this of the world all the time when I’m shopping and I’m not even pregnant.
Anyhoo! Congrats on the pregnancy and talk about it all you want. This is your blog and you can talk about what you want.
PS Can we hear more about photographing kids? I think that would be fun to hear about.
Oh man, I skimmed through the first third of the comments, all the names and types of clothes were driving ME batty, and I’m not even in your situation!!! Jeans and bands and survival kits and Target, JCPenney, OldNavy, and some more Target……. I am positive you’re going insane!
Tell me – when did mumus go out of style? I would like to know why I can’t walk around in public in a mumu without getting stares. Screw fashion, screw bootcut jeans, screw stretchy bands, MUMUS FOREVA!
Well I love your blog. It is fine just the way you make it.
I had a similar problem with the whole pant thing during the middle of my pregnancies. I got the best pants at believe it or not H&M. Now I normally do not wear their clothes but i just happen to be in one Holiday shopping and saw maternity clothes. I bought all of my pants there. Good luck finding a pair!!
Screw the evil commenter – the fact that they were a guest in your house makes it even worse. I love your style of writing, it matters not to me if it’s about pregnancy or knitting. It’s YOU that keeps me coming here, not a specific topic.
My best friend had her baby in June, and I remember her going through the same thing until the baby really popped out. She swore by wearing bigger clothes (she had lost a serious amount of weight a couple of years prior to getting pregnant and had the foresight to keep her older, bigger sizes). Maybe buying non-maternity clothes in larger sizes would work for you, too?
I can’t believe I never thought of lycra shorts under skirts/dresses. That’s genius. Now, you know, with all this DANCING going on ’round here…
Darlin’, you can call me anytime. I take laughter as well as tears.
; )
I’m telling you again: japanese weekend makes the greatest maternity stuff! they have a directory of stores that carry their stuff, so maybe you want to take a peek?
Yes, the pregnancy candy. I can’t stop eating shitty fruit flavored candy. Skittles, Mamba, Now’n’Laters, LaffyTaffy, any weird mexican could-that-be-sour?-in-a-red-wrapper…
A friend pointed out that she always craves fruit when she’s thirsty.
The husband points out that they have finally done some conclusive studying and figured out that those weird chemical flavors and colors play a role in increasing hyperactive/attention deficit/etc problems.
When I’m being good, I’m eating mountains of grapes. Mountains.
Cara–
you might try pants in the “travel fabric” from travel smith. I wore mine almost straight through my pregnancy. And although stuff made from it for the most part doesn’t have pockets, it’s not tight, wears well, and (generally) doesn’t fall off. It certainly looks presentable for work.
Best of luck on your hunt.
Catie
Please don’t stop posting. I really like hearing about your pregnancy, even the gory details. We are trying to have another baby and your story (even with all the peeing and puking) gives me hope. I hope your knitting mojo will come back, but until it does keep on posting.
Sorry that you received such an insensitive & pointless comment!
Looks like you’re up-to-your-ears in clothing suggestions right now, but I second the suggestion for Chico’s Travellers line. I have several pairs of their pants, and they’re very comfortable. Nice drapey fabric, easy care (wash & dry), elastic wasteband, and you can dress them up or down.
Take care, and I hope that you find something that works!
Well, I wish you luck in the hunt for pants! I didn’t work when I was preggers, so I lived in yoga pants.
And hopefully no more asshats leave you snarky comments. That’s just wrong.
Hey, sorry to hear about the negative comments. There’s nothing wrong with sharing personal stuff on knitting blogs, it gives readers a greater sense of who the writer is. (my last post was of my first ultrasound, so you’re not the only knit blogger blogging about pregnancy… but I don’t have anybody reading my blog, so I don’t get complaints)
I was going to suggest Old Navy, also, but it looks like that’s not working. I have to say that I just got two pairs from there and only one stays up. The other one I have to keep pulling up. I do wish they’d have more styles than boot cut. What ever happened to wide leg or loose fit??
Good luck with the pants search.
Now that I think of it, I lived in a pair of maternity khakis from the Gap, the kid that have the wide band. I was able to wear them pretty early, 4 mos or so, I just wore them higher up then when I had the big belly they sat below it on my hips. Good luck – you’ll find something!
Please don’t let the odd idiot who doesn’t know when to shut up (as Mother always said: If you’ve got nothing nice to say, say nothing!) ruin it for the rest of us: we love to read your blog. And while the knitting brought us here, it’s your unique style that keeps us here. Whatever you’re writing about. We just love ya!
About the trousers / skirt debate? I would cut out the front of a pair of ordinary trousers that you like (that are just tight on the tum) and put in a panel of thick T-shirt material. Not sweaty elastic, just knitted cotton with some stretch. Like joggers are made of. If you really don’t sew a stitch, I bet you know a thousand women who would be happy to do this 5-minute job for you. Mums are usually a good start! Seems like everyone’s Mum has a sewing machine stashed away somewhere! shorts under skirts or dresses, by the way, are a fab idea. I never wear a skirt without. That chafing hurts!
Hate to tell you, but for almost my entire pregnancy I felt like I was eating. If I didn’t eat, I would puke. But what did work wonderfully and helped me get things under control was… when the alarm went off in the morning, I stayed lying down while my husband went downstairs to get me a cup of yogurt. I ate it in bed (the only time I have gotten breakfast in bed!) It seemed to eliminate those early morning puking sessions.
Mind you as soon as my daughter was born my husband stopped that wonderful trick.
Good luck
I am so sorry for the rudeness/insensitivity of that commenter. What is it with people?
When I was pregnant and “in between” like you are now (one size too small, next one up too big) I honestly just used a safety pin. I have no idea what a bella band is, but I can imagine wrapping anything snug around a belly that is more often than not, feeling yucky.
Good luck with the clothes hunt.
I didn’t wear a single dress or skirt when pregnant – they were all either huge tents for four adults or these skintight things with a small panel for belly. Maternity clothes were a nightmare.
One suggestion – my favorite pair of maternity pants were actually a pair of Levi’s that someone had put some stretchy cotton fabric into and then put a drawstring into at the top. I loved them so much, I took a pair of black jeans that fit my thighs and butt and had them made into maternity pants as well. It wasn’t super cheap, but since I wore one or the other pair every single damn day, I felt pretty happy with the result.
Best of luck.
I’m 22 weeks pregnant (love your blog BTW) and can only empathise. The morning sickness just sucks the big one, and I was absolutely miserable until it went away at 16 weeks. I also went through the pants not fitting thang.
I took up dresses. Worn with sandals in the heat, now with opaque tights and boots as it gets colder. I know it’s mega-expensive, but Isabella Oliver’s wrap dresses are excellent and I wear and wear them. http://Www.isabellaoliver.com
Hi Cara,
It sounds like your body type is very similar to mine. I have the worst time finding pants, especially jeans, that fit well. When I was pregnant, I had good luck with Motherhood Maternity and Mimi Maternity. I never did find jeans that worked, but those two stores had other pants and shorts that fit. I also ended up buying elastic waisted pants from J Jill that I could wear for a lot of my pregnancy and in those months afterwards.
One other thing… Are you taking prenatal vitamins in the morning? That always made me sick. When I switched to taking them with the evening meal, it helped a ton!
I am not above dressing like a dork for comfort and price. They aren’t strictly maternity pants, but your profile looks a lot like mine and I’m not pregnant (ahem). If there is one around, check out Macy’s JM “dress pant” collection. I don’t know if they make them with pockets anymore–All of mine are side-zip with no pockets, but they fit high up on the waist and have plenty of room without looking like gramma pants. They are polyester though…
Good luck.
Hey Cara – I can really sympathise with your attempts to find decent pants to wear at this stage of your pregnancy. I had exactly the same problem when I was pregnant with my daughter last year … too big for my normal stuff, too small for the maternity stuff. I had to resign myself to getting a couple of different styles of pants – a couple had buckles with long tabs that you could progressively let out, and the dreaded panel jeans for later on (that I ended up living in, they were fantastic!)
I felt completely lost trying to shop for maternity gear in a foreign country – I would have been fine at home in Australia, but I had no idea where to start here in the US. Most of my purchases ended up coming from Target (hooray for Liz Lange!) and Sears … but there seemed to be a dearth of offerings – I felt the shops seemed to cater for misses and women … but not the pregnant ones!! Wish I’d had all these suggestions about 18mo ago 😉
I hope the ears of your ‘guest’ commenter are burning … pretty cowardly to post to a public forum, and hide behind an anonymous tag. Keep writing whatever you damn well feel like, and if some days you don’t feel like knitting or writing … then so be it. We’ll still be here when you get back 😉
Hi Cara,
Don’t know if this tip would help ya out at all, but when I was pregnant, I used to wear my regular jeans and thread a ponytail elastic through the button whole and attach the loop end to the button itself. This worked excellent until I was about 6 months along, and I just wore baggie tees and nobody knew any different. 🙂
Just thought I’d throw in that suggestion!
Good luck!
Hi,
I have never been pregnant:( Believe it or not, I am actually envious when I read your blog, cause I would be happy to be pregnant. But it seems it is not meant to be.
After reading what you said about needing pants cause of chaffing, perhaps a combination of some black stretchpants type things with a skirt or shorter full/gathered/pleated dress? I have seen a few people who were not pregnant wearing that type of outfit, so it must be coming back into style. (Not that I know anything about style either!)
Hey, I still love you, Cara. (Just no puke pix like I said before.) I’m glad you told her to get stuffed. (UK euphemism.)
Ah, the good old days of being as big as a house and having nothing to wear. I’m not a floral and bunnies person, so all the maternity stuff availible thirteen years ago sucked big time.
I got very huge very fast, so what I did was go to the plus sized section, not the maternity. The sizes are scary because they’re bigger than what you’re used to, but worth it in comfort. Plus, you’ll need something loose when it’s time for baby to come home. Sadly, stomach muscles aren’t like a rubber band.
Oh my gosh. My computer goes down for a couple of days and I missed everything!
First, yay for not so much puking. Celebrate the little victories. The big ones might not get here in time.
Second, I remember your pain in the clothing department. I’m apparently close to a midget (5 1 3/4), and when I was carrying an enlarged belly, it was SOOOO very hard to find pants. I was lucky enough to wear dresses to work, but let me spare you the fun times I had trying to put on pantyhose. My husband would be in hysterics. I think it’s one of those things that you just have to be patient and keep looking until you find the store that fits your body right now. Just be prepared though, that in another 2 or 3 months, you may have to find another store. Everybody carries their baby a bit differently, and I think the manufacturers get a big kick out of making maternity clothes that fit a 78 lb waif holding a basketball in front of her. Hello! I had a belly, 2 hip shelves, huge boobs, and we won’t even talk about the rear view. So, hang in there, those pants exist, somewhere.
Third, um yeah, what everybody else said. It’s YOUR blog. It’s your time put into it. Pretty soon you’re going to have readers telling you what to knit too! Not the nice ones, but you know. This is getting ridiculous. I have suggestions too, but I figure that the bloggers I read are so great and wonderful the way they are, that’s why I started reading them, that my suggestions may well just ruin the whole effect. I guess I sort of view pregnancy in the same light as knitting anyway, you’re creating something, you’re not always in control of the process, it gives you illnesses, etc. So, I’ll read you even if you start talking about (please no) sports. It’ll probably be funny too.
So, knit what you want, puke what you want, wear what you damn well want, and write what you want. And we’ll read it if we want. So there, and I mean that with love.
Hi Cara, Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I found out I was pregnant the same week you made your labour day announcement. I haven’t told any of my friends yet, so I appreciate being able to read about how you’re doing, and being able to read all the tips that everyone leaves in the comment section. After all the sources for maternity clothes yesterday, I spent a ton of time looking up stores near me (I’m in rural Canada, so everything’s either going to mean a roadtrip, or online shopping, so I feel like I need to do some research). I’m glad to hear you’re starting to feel somewhat better. Take care!
Have you tried the perfect pants from Llbean? They are heavy tshirt material,they don’t look like sweats and they come in non-boot cut shapes too.They are not maternity but they work with a tunic as heavy leggings. Good luck with the pant search!
I had a great pair of black jeans from Japanese Weekend back when. I’m not sure they make them anymore. For that matter, it doesn’t look as though they have their own stores anymore, which they did then. I wore those quite a lot, and they fit me for most of my pregnancy, as I recall (and for a while after, before some of that excess of me went away – ahem). Super comfy, they were. Good luck!
I know this might sound weird but would you take some pants from your readers if they have a pair or two that would fit you? I know I don’t plan on having any more kids so I got rid of my maternity clothes at a tag sale. I have found like 3 pairs hanging out! I found this one pair that is like a kahki green and its a adjustable waist without the fabric panel. They are so comfortable. Honestly you could have them even though it is weird cause you dont know me. Don’t stop posting. I read when you were knitting and I read even now.
Hi Cara,
Didn’t you know??? We live in a consumer-driven culture where we over-privelaged people feel that not only is it our God-given right to be entertained, but that if we’re not being entertained we have a right to be pissed off. 🙂
Sorry about that crappy commenter, your blog is a great sourse of fun during a lot of people’s day (myself included). I’m sure your preggy posts are making a lot of other miserable mothers-to-be out there feel less alone, when all people seem to want to talk about is how beatific pregnancy is. As my grandma would say: Keep on keepin’ on!
you just discuss whatever you want!!! It is your blog!!!
Pregnancy is not too much fun BUT the pay off is so good, I did it 5 times and have 5 great kids. hang in there-you are going to be a great mama
Hi Cara,
You are brushing and flossing after eating that candy? Remember you’re coming to see me soon and I don’t want to find any cavities. Have you tried the maternity section at Macy’s? I think I bought a black pair of pants there that I lived in most of my 2nd half of pregnancy. Good Luck
Lisa
JCPenney had a Pregnancy Survival Kit that I used a lot- 1 dress, 1 tank, 1 long sleeve tee, 1 skirt, 1 pair of pants. All black, and thankfully available in Petite for me. Get their catalog and order from it. You can return anything that doesn’t fit to a local store. I think I got all my pregnancy clothes from JCP- nobody else had short pants for a 5’2″ woman. Sheesh.
Good luck!
I’m not even pregnant and that’s the way the clothes at Old Navy fit me! I know allot of people love their stuff, but I have never been able to find anything there that is cut to fit me. I enjoy your blog and appreciate the work you put into it—I *had* a blog, and after a few months, the well ran dry and I lost interest and ran out of stuff to post about. Good luck on your pants search—do you know someone that sews?
Have you ever tried Lands End – sport pant? i live in them – very very comfortable and they have three lengths – also they have some without pockets and their new yoga pants are also nice.
very washable too.
hang in there – ignore the turkeys
Have you ever tried Lands End – sport pant? i live in them – very very comfortable and they have three lengths – also they have some without pockets and their new yoga pants are also nice.
very washable too.
hang in there – ignore the turkeys
So the person who made the nasty comment had actually been a guest in your home? And had the gall to make such a nasty post? What goes around usually comes around, so may karma bite them in the ass when they least expect it!
As for maternity wear, bear in mind it’s been 19 years since I had to wear anything like that. That being said, I’m into classic clothing and my last pregnancy carried over through Christmas. I bought 3 pairs of overalls over the 9 months. The first pair weren’t even maternity wear, I bought plus size and they worked great. When I needed maternity sizes, I went for black twill and a pair in denim. They could be dressed up or down, depending on what I put under them and they had side panels where the buttons could be placed farther out as baby grew.
I bought a pair of my favourite dress pants (that had a side zip) one size up from what I normally wore, and put in one of those stretchy maternity panels (you could get a seamstress to do it if you don’t sew or aren’t comfortable cutting into expensive pants). Plus size worked for me a lot of times when it came to t-shirts and sweaters, because I wasn’t overly busty and so the extra fabric just seemed to work really well to cover the belly. I also looked at things I wouldn’t normally wear that were tunic length. Suddenly this style looked great on me!
I lucked out and found a couple of great dresses in stretchy fabric (one red, one black) with scoop necks that could be dressed up or down by adding a turtleneck underneath or adding a shawl or little cardi.
Accessories are the best and can also cheer you up when you feel like you’ve been pregnant forever.
One last thing, although it might seem an extravagance, buy yourself a new outfit for that last 4 to 6 weeks. By that time you’ll be tired of your old clothes and tired of being pregnant. The something new should be something cheerful and comfortable that you can also wear in that first 4 weeks after the baby when you still can’t fit into your regular clothes, and want to look nice when people come by (with presents!)
I don’t post here often, but I do subscribe to (and regularly read) your blog. Congratulations, Cara and all the best to you.
To quote from the Book of Power Puff Girls:
“Don’t let the door hitcha where the dog shoulda bit ya!”
That’s what you say to people who have to have a hissy fit before they take their leave. Good riddance! Here’s your hat what’s your hurry? Buh BYE!
xo Kay
My daughter just had a baby in july, found a lot of maternity clothes at ross’s fashion for less. For pants she used the knit ones at wally world that look like running pants but made out of tshirt material. When are people going to learn your blog you can say any damn thing you want? Don’t want to read it too bad go somewhere else and for pitty sake shut up about it, whine on your own blog thank you very much. lol
Here’s a thought. Do you have any nice secondhand stores near you? The nice consignment shops that I shop at in my area both have good maternity sections. And maybe there’s a chance the pants they would have could be styles from a couple of years ago (more flattering styles, perchance?)
I don’t know if you have a Motherhood Maternity in your mall, but that is where I got a bunch of maternity clothes. They had some of the pants with the adjustable waist so you could get them big and adjust them in and then let them out as you grow.
I know that this might sound crazy, but have you tried on any pants from the men’s department? I know that they are made a little different and might just fit you for now.
Also there is the option of somewhere like Lane Bryant. I am not sure how big you are, but I know that they have just come out with a new line in their jeans. They are made to fit different body shapes. It might be an idea.
What and the blue blazes is Knit and Bitch all about if it doesn’t allow you to moan and groan about what life has to offer. I was not lucky enough to ever have a baby, and if I did, I’m sure I would be one to tell anyone who would listen all about how I was feeling. And you have a great point, if you don’t want to read it, then here’s a big clue, DONT! Gosh. I have been a reader of your blog for a few months now and love your photography and your general outlook on life. Thanks for the blog knitting, puking and what ever else you have to offer
Hey, my us friend/neighbour used to order her maternity stuff online, she gained lots, so did I (her baby was born in January, mine is 5 weeks old today). I don’t know if you’ve got H&M in the states, but that’s where I got my stuff…
Also: the first 5 months suck. The last 4-8 weeks also suck. But the time in between is ok 😉
And yes, the time in between is also the time you’ll find clothes that fit. The last weeks you just want to wear a sheet or something.. I had one pair of pants and one dress..
Have you tried folding the stretchy belly stuff down when trying the pants on? That helped me a lot when the stretchy part was making the pants fall down.
Is there still a thing called Japanese Weekend brand? I wore a pair of black pants from them through my whole pregnancy and beyond. Very comfortable and presentable. Downside: the pair I had had no pockets, though I was being cheap and bought the cheapest pair. I was also handed down a couple of those Survival Kits, and they came in handy but were not as comfortable.
rosesmama, 6 years out from pregnancy
Have you considered trying scrub pants? They are not the nicest pants–but there is a variety (elastic band, tie, etc). You may be able to find something??
Good luck!
Delurking to say, I love your blog, and you should continue to say exactly what you want, and don’t care what other people say. As the saying goes “everyone’s a critic”.
I hope you don’t mind but I put a link in my blog to your response to the over-sensitive commenter. It just hit the right spot!
Good luck with the maternity wear. I’m long past that stage, but I do remember longing to be comfortable – I ended up wearing dresses as I am quite short and nothing ever fitted me.
I’m not going to say anything the others haven’t already said: It’s your blog, and you write whatever the hell you feel like and if someone doesn’t like it, they should unsubscribe and keep their mouth shut.
Pregnancy hormones suck. I never in my life would have predicted what they did to me. Somebody making snotty comments like that you do. Not. NEED!!!
Write what you want to write, feel what you need to feel, do what you need to do to make this baby. I for one appreciate all you share with us and I sincerely wish you comfort and ease for the rest of this pregnancy. And after that I wish you a baby who goes to sleep easily. 🙂
I actually like the baby blogging, personally. It’s nice to know all the little stuff abouta blogger’s life – i find that some bloggers are all about the knitting – thats why I like your blog. There’s some life thrown in!
First, it’s your blog and you should write whatever the heck you want.
Second, for chafing – take a tip from a runner and get some Body Glide. Available at running specialty stores, maybe sports stores or on line at http://www.roadrunnersports.com
You go girl! You’re creating life – no small task. You do it however it works for you!
Oh I’m trying to catch up on my blog reading again. Kids, you’ve got to love them, they take your time and energy but not to worry, you can still manage to get some me time in. It’s all a matter of management and it gets easier with time. At least I hope. 😉
Anyway, I’m now reading about your comment asshole and all I can say is that I’m sorry. I know how it is to be pregnant and how exciting it is, so write on. Tell us all. I’m reading and loving it because I’m here to read about you. Knitting just got me interested, you kept me reading!! I love to hear about everything that’s happening in your world and all you’re willing to tell us about-even if it is puking every few minutes. Oh by the way, it should cease soon but remember it will all be worth it when that cute little bundle is there in your arms and you can hug and snuggle him all day long. Trust me, I’ve been there twice. It’s later when they are older that you wish you were back puking your brains out or someone would poke you in the eye with a knitting needle which would sound like heaven comparitively. *wink*!
You know I want to know who it was. Aren’t I evil??
Big hugs (while I can still get my cyber arms around that belly) from your friend in Berlin!
Oh, jeez. Sorry someone left you that bitchy comment – someone you know, no less. As someone who completely lost all desire to knit while pregnant, I totally know where you’re coming from with that. I hope the sick part is over soon.
Try Lansinoh breast cream for the itchy nipples. It’s for breastfeeding, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t help while you’re pregnant as well – great stuff, it’s intended to ease discomfort and prevent cracking, etc., and it’s safe for baby while breastfeeding.