Where To Find Good Maternity Clothes!

If there's something I could change about the 10 months of being pregnant, it would be maternity fashion. Holy crap it's awful. I was under the false impression that every department store, designer and even low-end retailer had finally gotten with the program and created a simple yet fashionable line for us pregos, but that my friends is false.

I have been able to find some maternity wear that's acceptable, but it hasn't been without struggle--and I live in Los Angeles. I feel for these poor women living in places where they're forced to only wear Liz Lange for Target, and even worse...Old Navy. Before I totally bash the two aforementioned chains, I must admit I've gotten some pretty clutch staples from each of them. But that's about it--staples. There are only so many days in a row you can wear the same black maternity leggings and striped tunic. Sometimes even we pregos want to look "cute."

So to avoid turning this into a total bitch-fest about how slim the pickins really are for us, I'm breaking down where you can actually find some decent maternity clothes that won't make you look like you're the size of a house.

Forever 21

This was an obvious for me, seeing as though it's my favorite store when I'm not pregnant. Plus(again, a pro for living in a big city), mine has a decent maternity section filled with not only basics but on-trend pieces too.

What to buy: SKINNY JEANS! I wish I'd gotten more here. Unlike other maternity jeans with the massive attached belly band that slowly fall down throughout the day giving you saggy crotch syndrome, Forever's jeans have a cotton band that goes under your stomach, and the fit is better than the J Brands I spent 4 times as much on.

What to skip: Blousy tops. Flirty and feminine may be in right now, but these shirts tend to make me look bigger than I am--not really the look I'm going for these days.

Destination Maternity

This has been my ultimate go-to for tunic shirts. I love the ones by Pea In The Pod because they have ruching on the sides--an absolute must for a snug fit that shows off your actual shape while pregnant. Don't get me wrong, "Dest Mat" (as my bestie calls it) is chock full of horrendous other printed catastropies, but stick with their solid and striped tunics and pairing with leggings for a super cute day-t0-day look.

What to buy: Tops and maternity tights.

What to skip: The J Brand skinny jeans and the Pea In The Pod leggings they'll try and sell you on the minute you walk in. They're loose by the second wear, and more importantly, see-through!

Asos.com

I'd never actually ordered anything from this UK-based site until becoming pregnant. They have a more than decent maternity section, and they ship for free! I've wanted to order more from here, and the only reason I haven't is because they do have a lot of things I feel I could get here at a Target for way cheaper. So I've utilized this site for all my semi-formal to formal wear. You can order everything in US sizes, and the trick is to order the size you would in normal life!

What to buy: "Occasion dresses" for weddings, dates, and your baby shower! Here's one I just got!

What to skip: The striped tunic tops that you can get for the same price or cheaper at Target/Dest Mat and actually try on in person.

Target

I avoided Target's maternity section like the plague for months for obvious reasons, but finally succumbed one day after feeling the "Be Maternity" wear they carry. I'm borderline obsessed with the camis and leggings. But word to the wise, they're see-through, so don't make the mistake of pairing with anything but a long top that covers the bootie.

What to buy: Anything "Be Maternity" and the occasional striped top by Liz Lange.

What to skip: The completely unacceptable jeans and slacks in that department.

Old Navy

Here's another store that should be truly ashamed of their maternity section. I always pop in with high hopes they're might be something cute in there because hey--sometimes that store can surprise you. But no, it's been a huge NO every time.

What to buy: The long ribbed tank tops in their non-maternity section for working out. Go up at least one size. They fit great and are form-fitting so you don't look massive at pre-natal yoga.

What to skip: The entire maternity department.

lululemon

Like most workout addicts, I'm also addicted to lululemon. It's been the only workout clothes brand I buy for the past 4 years. Granted, I am a workout instructor, and they offer us a 15% discount. I have to say, with how progressive the company is, I'm pretty shocked they haven't cashed in on the pre-natal workout wear yet. As someone who lives in my lulus any time I'm not in real people clothes, I'd have happily invested in a couple maternity workout pants. BUT! The positive news is that you can get by with their normal pant styles by just folding them under your belly.

What to buy: The Astro pant. Unlike the slightly bulkier Wunder Under, the Astro hem is thin and smooth and you don't have to go up a size when you're pregnant. They fit amazing even with your growing belly. For tops, steer clear of styles like the Practice Freely Tank that'll make you look bigger, and opt for more form fitting styles like the Cool Racerback that you can pop right back into once you....well...pop!

What to skip: The fitted jackets. They don't look as cute with a belly especially because you can see the lining show through.

Hope you guys like my picks for looking your best while pregnant! It can get super frustrating at times, I know--especially when you're in your eighth month like I am. The key is try everything on and don't be afraid to show your body even as it gets bigger and bigger. You don't want to be one of those women people look at and say..."Is she pregnant...or just fat...."

Happy shopping, fellow preggers!