Bun in oven, Little Miss Shopaholic

Buying maternity clothes

Alright, I’ll admit it. I caved. I am now wearing the very clothes that I had tried my darnest to avoid until I absolutely had to.

But seriously, at 22 weeks, I can’t put off the inevitable, especially when I am a full-time working mom-to-be who needs to be properly and formally dressed in school. If I were still in the agency, I could have gotten away with strappy maxi dresses and pre-pregnancy jeans with my trusty Bella band (purchased at a steal from AlleMom). Now that I am in a job that allows me to, uhhmm, MOULD YOUNG MINDS, I can hardly strop around in jeans and tank tops, can’t I?

Over the weekend, Mr Thick and I threw ourselves into the arduous task of shopping and let’s just say that my credit card had a good workout. SOBS. But I console myself with the fact that these basics will be with me until the nugget is born in March and beyond.

Spring Maternity
You can’t miss Spring Maternity. It’s everywhere. The Sista had passed me some basic spaghetti strap tops, a pair of jeans and pants from the brand, and they have been LIFESAVERS. But mostly for weekend wear though.

I’m not one for wearing ruffles, really, but I love the cheery green stripes of this top. Mr Thick commented that it made me look young, fresh and…OKAY LET’S PAY FOR IT NOW. The pants are super comfy! Immediately after I tried them on, I started devising ways in which I could incorporate them into my daily wardrobe AFTER my pregnancy. That’s how fab they are.

Le Bloomingchic
I feel a tad guilty about Le Bloomingchic, actually. When we were in there, the sales ladies were SO warm and friendly, they handed me a pile of things to try. When I emerged from the changing room, slightly dazed and confused, there was a MOUNTAIN of clothes on the floor and the hanging rod.

The shop is a bit of a hit and miss to me though. There were floral and frilly pieces that weren’t my style at all but boy, when they hit the mark, they REALLY hit the damn bullseye.

I got this pair of MUG+ jeans even though it felt a little pricey at $79. You have to understand that I am a cheap mom-to-be. I’d rather spend the money on preparing for my little man’s arrival than on clothes that I will wear for a few months, tops. But the jeans were oh so comfy and stretchy. The grey top is something that I will be able to wear post-delivery and its simplicity allows me to jazz it up however I want to.

The next two MUG+ tops are meant for nursing as well, which means that their shelf life extends beyond pregnancy. Score! They are very basic tops but that’s alright, I have plenty of ways to jazz up my wardrobe. I especially like the turquoise top with its cut-outs – adds something different to the look.

Marina Square #03-152
Tel: +65 6337 2537

Maternity Exchange
I had resisted stepping into Maternity Exchange because I had heard from mommy friends that their clothing tends to be on the expensive side. Remember: cheapie mommy here.

But Mr Thick’s discerning eye picked out a few items that he thought I would like from outside the store and he nudged me towards the shop.

It IS true, Maternity Exchange does have pieces that are pretty pricey. I particularly loved the Jules & Jim items but could not justify paying so much for them. I could rent them but they were so gorgeous that I could not imagine giving them back!

But Maternity Exchange does have some of the most gorgeous maternity outfits around, hands down. If I have an event or fancy dinner to attend, I would most definitely head over there to rent a pretty dress. Or two.

I ended up with two basic black dresses that would be able to last me till pregnancy and beyond.

This Ripe Maternity little black dress is actually a rental piece but other than looking a little washed, it’s almost as good as new. What I like about it is its flattering v-neck and swingy skirt. I could wear it post-pregnancy and even when nursing.

Don’t underestimate the simplicity of this Seraphine black dress. When I put it on, I felt like a gorgeous goddess. The comfortable jersey clings to my every curve (which I don’t have, frankly, many of) and accentuates the belly. It flows with my every move and the best thing is, the ruched waist has room for a growing baby belly. Wear it with pearls and a pair of sexy red heels and woot! I’ll be the most sexy momma out there.

I am totally going to slip this on even when the bun is out of the oven.

#03-108 Marina Square
Tel: +65 61003924

BONUS!!
For your patience in reading about my shopping exploits, here’s a bonus JUST FOR YOU. The best accessories a pregnant woman can have: the funniest husband in the world and a most unwilling cat!