A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style-Part I

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in an expectant mother's life. However, with the growing excitement of soon welcoming a child into the world, can come many other anxieties, such as dealing with the numerous discomforts of a quickly changing body.

Recently, I myself experienced such changes, shortly after I, and my husband, Javier, found out we would be expecting our first child together. The two of us had been planning this pregnancy for some time, and although this is my first pregnancy, we do have two other children, which are Javi's biological children that he had prior to our marriage in September 2015.

In December of 2016, when my Husband, Javier, and I, found out that we were expecting a baby, we were both overjoyed at the prospect of adding a bundle of joy to our growing family. I was very surprised, that shortly after, by the time of only Week 6 of my pregnancy, many of my high waisted-skirts that I wore daily, no longer fit my growing waistline! Thankfully, I have several skirts with elastic waistbands, and a few empire waist dresses, that I could still wear comfortably, despite not having a noticeable "Baby Bump"... My waistline was definitely expanding, but my waist was still much too small for any type of maternity clothing.

I began to think about my wardrobe... I day-drempt of a stylish pregnancy... I sifted through my crowded closet, and moved items around, placing items that still fit me near the front, for easy access on work days, which hopefully would help to eliminate the frustration of choosing "the perfect outfit", only to put it on and not be able to pull the zipper all the way up. A few times, dead set on the outfit I had chosen, I forced the zipper up, only to pop it off of its tracks, or to squish my stomach causing an unbearable tightness of clothing. Of course, these outcomes led, regrettably, to changing my outfit anyway.

My closet: My Skirts, and my playful Fur Baby.

The first trimester of pregnancy can be challenging for most women, because a growing belly at this stage can feel like frumpy fat, not Baby. Existing clothes just don't fit right, but again, it is still to early for full on maternity garments. For myself, I tried to wear loose fitting, or stretchy clothing, that I already owned, that was as comfortable and as stylish as possible. 

Here I am at 13 weeks pregnant (three months) wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing that I already owned, that is still fashionable and fun. The loose fitting silhouette of this particular dress, made by Neiman Marcus, allowed me to wear it through my first 6 months of pregnancy. I did not feel frumpy in this outfit!

This is me, at three months pregnant, wearing Kate Spade sunglasses, a Neiman Marcus linen dress, Halogen sweater, and Nine West Wedges.

My Maternity Style!

Once I began approaching month six of my pregnancy, I no longer fit many of the dresses and skirts that I wore regularly prior to becoming pregnant. My feet began to swell, and I was forced to wear wider flats when I needed to maintain a professional appearance, and flip-flops on casual days. I also wanted to create a few new Maternity Dresses for myself, as opposed to purchasing already made garments online or at a clothing store. Often times, when browsing for new clothing, I find myself thinking, "I can make something like that!". I had hoped that I could arrange my time between unpacking, and redecorating our new home, and working, to sew a new dress or two for myself!

Now, here are a few examples of my Maternity Style!

Here I am at Five Months Pregnant, wearing an Empire Style Dress by Delia's, paired with a coral Halogen Sweater.

Here I am at 25 Weeks Pregnant, 5 1/2 months, wearing a stretch knit dress by BCBG, with a white sweater from GAP, and Leather Leopard Ballet flats from Tori Burch.

Here I am, pictured to the right, at 6 months pregnant, wearing a white empire style dress by Max Factor, with the gorgeous model, Lilibeth, at Oakland Fashion Week 2017.

Here I am, 6 months pregnant, wearing a Macy's Maternity Beach Wear dress, at the Opening Night of Oakland Fashion Week 2017.

Here I am, 6 months pregnant, with my husband, wearing my Neiman Marcus Dress, pictured earlier at 3 months pregnant. I styled the dress different on this occasion.

Here I am, at 7 Months Pregnant, wearing a Motherhood Maternity Shirt, with an Indian Full Skirt with elastic waistband, and my New Pram-Style Stroller (compliments of my Sister, Lea)!

At my first Baby Shower, I wore this lovely stretchy dress made by Anne Taylor LOFT.

My Maternity Creations!

In all honesty, I had dreams of creating several Maternity outfits. However, as I began to prepare for the arrival of our new baby, and as my body began to grow, I found I did not have as much energy to create numerous garments as I was hoping to! I ended up making only one dress!

​The Maternity Dress that I made, is this Lace and Jersey Knit Maternity Dress, that I wore to my second  Baby Shower. I loved the ease and comfort of the design! Check out a few pictures from that lovely day!

After my Baby Showers, it wasn't long after that it was time for labor and delivery! Nine months goes by fast in hind-sight!

After a few weeks of our baby being born, I began to fit into many of my prior- to-pregnancy clothing. But then came another dilemma: Nursing! I found myself only able to wear dresses that have center front buttons or closures, blouses that easily pull up, or neck lines that easily pull down! But the best thing was, after one month the swelling of my feet disappeared, and I can wear my heels again!

Our baby, SkyLynne Ellie Noir, and I! Here she is 5 weeks old! ​

Here is myself and my lovely 5 Week Old Baby Girl! I am wearing a Newport News Dress, with a Vintage Necklace, and Black Bongo Heels.

This is the beautiful Thank You Card, my husband drew and painted! He is so talented!

Thank you for reading my Blog Article about my pregnancy experience!
​Feel free to contact me if you would like me to create
custom clothing for any of your special occasions in life!

Related Links: 

A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style, Part II

A Fashionable Motherhood! Part 1- My Breastfeeding Friendly Wardrobe with Ease and In-Style

My Whirlwind Wedding Engagement: From The Cliff House to Las Vegas, in 4 Months, and 3 Dresses!