Personal Shopper: A Maternity Starter Wardrobe for Tamara

Tamara writes: "I wish I could hire Outblush to be my personal shoppers for everything! Alas, I have to stick to this one major request *smile*. I found out a couple weeks ago that I'm pregnant (insert hoops and hollers, and daydreams of cute baby clothes here)! Unfortunately, at only 8 weeks pregnant, my mid section is already beginning to spread. I need to start my collection of fabulous mommy-to-be wear sooner than I planned, so I'd like to be smart about my purchases. Can you help me find a couple good pieces to start off my maternity wardrobe? I need a basic beginner's package that will take me from the office (doesn't have to be too dressy, slacks and blouses are what I typically wear), to a night out with my hubster, to the dress I can wear to church (maybe one of the night dresses can transfer over?). I wear a size 6, and I'm a curvy girl *smile*, so although tights are great, I'd like to make sure my bum is covered (also, I wear size 7.5 shoe). I'd also like to avoid the typical maternity clothes that ANNOUNCE to the world that i'm pregnant with overly flouncy silhouettes. Am I being too picky?? My budget for a beginner's wardrobe set is about $400-500. If you have to go a little above that, I'd certainly understand. I'm hoping this collection can take me a good ways into the pregnancy. Thanks so very much for your help! I hope you choose me :) You guys are super awesome!"

Congratulations Tamara! I, Found of You, have been pregnant, and I wore clothes most of the time when I was, so I will help you out.

First, I cannot stress enough the importance of accessories. I wore the same basic, solid color maternity clothes over and over again, but I changed it up with my non-maternity cardigans in different colors, lots of jewelry, scarves, shoes, you name it. I wore the same black dress to work for a whole week and no one noticed.

Speaking of black dresses, you need one (#11). Wear it to work with a cardigan (either non-maternity or #8), and you can switch shoes and add more jewelry when you go out with your husband. Another work-to-date-night option is basic slacks in black or grey (#6) with an embellished sleeveless top (#1,2 and 3). Wear a cardigan or jacket over the top for work, then take it off and add more jewelry to go out. For days when you aren't going out after work, a few basic button downs (#4, 5) will serve you well. For church, try wearing a knee length dress (#9, 10). You can wear a camisole (#7) underneath if they're too low cut. Both of these dresses would also be good for going from work to going out at night.

I hope this was helpful! Please don't hesitate to come back and ask for advice about dressing yourself while breastfeeding. I found that to be a much bigger challenge!

1 - Lavish by Heidi Klum Maternity Blouse ($60, on sale)
2 - A Pea in the Pod Sleeveless Maternity Shirt ($59)
3 - Motherhood Maternity Sash Belt Blouse ($25)
4 - Convertible Sleeve Maternity Tunic ($20)
5 - Button Front Maternity Blouse ($80, on sale)
6 - Secret Fit Belly Maternity Pants ($20, in black and grey)
7 - Seamless Maternity Cami ($16, in three colors)
8 - Long Sleeve Maternity Cardigan ($60, on sale)
9 - Olian Maternity Long Sleeved Dress ($50, in two colors)
10 - Isabella Oliver Capped Wrap Dress ($129, in three colors)
11 - Lavish By Heidi Klum Seamless Maternity Dress ($150)

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