LIKE I NEED AN EXCUSE TO SHOP
Pregnancy is an amazing and beautiful experience that brings so much joys to the entire family. At the same time it can be hard on the body and the vanity of us women.
I didn’t know how long it would take before I wouldn’t fit in my clothes. I assumed it would be soon after I found out I was pregnant. It didn’t happen that fast for me, it actually took a few months. I dreaded going maternity shopping. I kept seeing maternity clothing prices and those prices were scaring me. I just couldn’t justify spending that much on clothes that I will only wear a few months. Plus how do I fit this into my minimalist closet?
FASHION FRIDAY
So I went back to one of my hobbies/obsessions that I slowly gave up when I decided to have a minimalist closet, thrift/vintage shopping. If I’m only going to wear it for a few months and might be giving it up after, then I knew it had to be lower prices than regular maternity clothes.
This is the real reason Fashion Friday began. Although I was shopping on any day that I could find a sale. Fridays are always a slower day in our casita and I can write it down and photograph.
THE FIRST SHOPPING TRIP
The “official” first trip because the other items I had purchased based on pure need. First my little black dress that I purchased to go out of town. Then the dress I picked up to attend a beach wedding. I did give in and purchased a pair of maternity denim shorts at none other than Ross (I love it) for only $5. I just couldn’t pass that up knowing I would need them.
First thrifting day, I was excited. One because I had completely stopped this little happy hobby I had, been so long that I had done this. Second because I was finally going to start collecting clothes for my future growing belly.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THRIFTING FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES
I know some people don’t care for thrifting, then this post isn’t for you. Yet majority of the people I know do like thrifting and saving tons of money.
Right off the bat, I found so many cute tops. I kept my maternity shorts in mind. I still fit into most bottoms so I knew I could pair these tops with my existing closet.
NOT OFFICIAL MATERNITY CLOTHES
It’s not like the thrift stores have a maternity section or easy to find. So I just focused on stretchy clothing and slightly bigger sizes than I’m used to. It worked out for me and even if it wouldn’t have I was literally only spending $1-$2 on each item. I could always donate what and if it didn’t work out. But everything did work out.
CONCLUSION
If you want to splurge on an entire maternity wardrobe and you can afford it, then more power to you. I had a few mothers tell me to do it because you only go through this a few times, in our case this will be our only time. I just couldn’t when I knew all the expenses that were coming with delivery, baby and even after. Not to mention there were so many home projects we have scheduled before baby arrives that we have to pay for.
LET’S BE FRIENDS
Love the thrifting idea! I never purchased “official” maternity clothes when pregnant. I did like you and just bought a few sizes up!
I’ve always loved thrift/vintage shopping, I think it’s the artist in me but it was a perfect solution for maternity wear. Especially if the woman doesn’t get huge, buying bigger sizes works.