I have to admit, I didn't give much thought to maternity clothes until last spring, when my sister, Jessica, announced she was pregnant. Suddenly — just like Volvo station wagons seem to multiply on the road as soon as you buy one — it seemed that pregnant women were everywhere. But the thing that really caught my eye was their keen sense of style. I began to wonder, when did expectant moms become such, well, fashionistas?
Now seven months along, Jessica is sporting a perfect, basketball-ball shaped belly — and she's never looked so stylish. This is due, in part, to the fact that maternity wear has come a long way since the regimen of our mother's day: oversized sweater, husband's dress shirt, mumu-style dress, repeat. Nowadays, it's hip to embrace — even accentuate — your growing body. And after a little investigation, I found that there are plenty of retailers in the Seattle area who are happy to help you do just that.
[1] Heather rose turtleneck cable sweater ($29.98) by Motherhood Maternity.
MOTHERHOOD MATERNITY
Motherhood Maternity [2] is a good first stop. The store, a national chain with locations at many local major malls including Northgate Mall [2], Westlake Center [2], Bellevue Square [2] and more, is known for its bargain-barrel prices (tops start as low as $14.99) and nice selection of maternity staples. And, as proven on a recent visit, if you're looking for style, you'll find it here too.
According to the sales clerk I talked with, showing off a little skin is in. "It used to be about hiding everything," she says. "Now, it's about accentuating the belly." Motherhood's fall collection, for example, features several snug-fitting tops — some that even boast peak-a-boo belly views.
"Belts are hot this season too," she adds, but not for function — for fashion. My favorite Motherhood find? The gorgeous A-Line Embellished Border Print Skirt [3] ($39.98; available in-store or at www.motherhood.com [4].) As with all maternity clothing purchases, be sure to inquire about the return policy. At Motherhood, for example, all sale-rack purchases, along with lingerie and accessories, are final. Regular priced clothing may be returned within 10 days, but only for in-store credit.
VILLAGE MATERNITY
Bella Bands ($26), a one-size-fits-most accessory for expectant moms, come in several colors.
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece (think office Christmas party), try Village Maternity [4]. This friendly boutique in University Village [4] has been a mainstay in Seattle for more than 20 years. Here, you'll find everything from trendy diaper bags to cocktail dresses for the expectant mom. I have to admit, the little black dress by Mia ($100) caught my eye. With its unique (almost 1940s-inspired) cut and beaded neckline, I felt like asking the store manager, "Do you think I could pull that off, even if I'm not pregnant?"
Also a treat for any fashion-starved mom-to-be are the store's racks of two popular mainstream brands, specially tailored for the pregnant body, of course: Michael Stars T-shirts ($42-$67) and Earl Jeans (prices start around $154).
Village Maternity's store manager, Bing Chee, also recommends a new product called the Bella Band ($26) — sort of like a tube top, but for your belly. "It's great for all stages of pregnancy," she says, "especially if you're after the layered look." The bands can also help you wear your pre-pregnancy clothing a little longer, she says, by providing coverage in places where you need it. (Psst! Supermodel Heidi Klum was spotted wearing Bella Bands during her recent pregnancy.)
Tired? Thankfully, InSpa [4], just a few paces away, offers its signature "Mom to Be Massage" ($84), performed using special bolsters to maximum comfort and support.
A PEA IN THE POD
[5] This black and white flocked coat ($325) by A Pea in the Pod is cut for a pregnant body yet screams "high fashion."
The crème de la crème of maternity fashion? A Pea in the Pod [5]. You can easily drop $240 for a pair of pants and $165 for a sweater, but this retailer is worth a visit — if only to get some good ideas. Known for its designer lineup (from Diane von Furstenberg to Shoshanna), A Pea in the Pod has dressed celebrity moms-to-be for years, and the chain is happy to name drop: Britney Spears, Cynthia Nixon and Kelly Ripa, just to mention a few.
If you're in the mood to splurge, choose an incredible piece that you can wear and enjoy throughout your entire pregnancy, such as the beautifully constructed Quilted Jacket in black and white [6] ($325). Be sure to check the sale rack too, where you'll find dramatic discounts suitable for the non-celebrity budget.
ONLINE AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING
Though the downtown Seattle Gap [6] and Old Navy [6] stores carry maternity clothes, both companies offer convenient online shopping options too. Plus, their return policies are customer friendly. Buy something online that doesn't work out? Return it to any of their stores for a full refund.
It will come as no surprise that Gap's maternity line resembles its women's clothing counterpart to the letter. This season, corduroy blazers, floral skirts and tailored khakis top the retailer's list. The Gap's Web site [7] also features a maternity "starter kit" [8](prices vary), where you'll find the eight most popular shirts, sweaters, and pants — ideal for mixing and matching. And if you loved Old Navy before your pregnancy, you'll love it now. Think inexpensive tweed jackets ($29), low-rise jeans ($34.50), and dresses (less than $50).
While Nordstrom also sells maternity clothes, the company only offers the line through its Web site [9]. Here you'll find maternity versions of your faves such as gaucho pants and Juicy Couture velour sweat suits. And if St. Barts is on the horizon, pre-delivery, check Nordstrom's supply of maternity swimwear [10]. If your purchase doesn't fit, you've got to love Nordstrom's no-questions-asked return policy.
Perhaps the cardinal rule of maternity shopping is don't overbuy or overspend. Many women have discovered consignment stores that specialize in maternity clothes, such as The Pregnant Pause [10] in Madison Park. This tidy shop, bordering a neighborhood where plenty of fashionable moms push their strollers, is home to designer castoffs such as Japanese Weekend [11]and others. Look for "gently worn" clothing for your little one too.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
