Stylish and Expecting... how to look and feel beautiful throughout your pregnancy!

Hollywood is buzzing with the latest news on "Who's Expecting" and "Stylish Celeb Moms." With all of the preggo celebrities, it's almost as if being pregnant is the latest trend (yes, I realize that pregnancy is NOT a trend - it has been happening since the beginning of man, I'm just saying'...).

It's fun to watch as our favorite celebrities build families and - and it's really fun to watch their style change over the course of their pregnancies. 

I'm sure that every mom wishes that they could have Angelina Jolie's budget for pregnancy clothes - but really, who wants to spend a ton of money on clothes that will last you - at most - nine months? 

While it doesn't seem practical to spend a great deal of money on maternity clothes, every woman has the right to look and feel beautiful during such a beautiful time in their lives. 

Here are some of my favorite celeb pregnancy stunners and some ways you can get more bang for your buck with great pregnancy clothes - both during and after your pregnancy!

Naomi Watts, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Gardner, and Nicole Richie all have great maternity style (of course there are several others that I love too, including Beyonce, Miranda Kerr, and Kate Hudson). They are proof that you don't have to sacrifice comfort for fashion (even during your pregnancy). 

As a stylist, I meet women everyday who have great style yet are frustrated with the lack of style in affordable maternity clothes. Things have absolutely gotten better in the past few years - especially with Heidi Klum and then Nicole Richie doing a line for "A Pea in the Pod" (although it can get a bit expensive). You can now go to some great maternity stores and find cute everyday ensembles to wear during your pregnancy. 

One of the obvious drawbacks is that many women don't want to spend an arm and a leg on maternity clothes when they know that they won't be wearing them for an extended period of time (even if they do save them for another pregnancy down the road). Women want to know how they can use what they have now to stay stylish, without having to go and buy an entirely new wardrobe. 

First off, I do think it is important that women do "splurge" on some fun maternity clothes - it's part of the FUN of being pregnant. 

Here are two of my favorite dresses from A Pea in the Pod:

The first is a velvet sleeveless maternity dress for $195 and the second is an elbow-sleeve wrap maternity dress for $119.50. 

I also love these tops - the first is a long sleeve baby doll maternity tunic for $69.50 and the second is a long sleeve crochet detailed maternity blouse for $145.

Having some "special" maternity pieces that make you feel GREAT is extremely important! Along with a special dress or two and some cute tops, I recommend having at least one pair of pants that you FEEL good in, even if you do spend a bit more money. Pregnancy is a time where it is important for you to really FEEL beautiful, especially with all of the other changes going on!

But you don't have to just shop in the maternity sections!

With all of the different styles available today, it's becoming easier for women to wear their "everyday" clothes throughout a wide portion of their pregnancy. Thanks to the bohemian style which allows for romantic and flowy outfits, this style can be worn comfortably throughout the duration of your pregnancy. 

Another fabulous "trend" is leggings/jeggings/skinny jeans (yes, I did say skinny jeans). 

The idea os to opt for stretchy bottoms - whether it be jeans or leggings. You can get great mileage out of a good pair of "stretchy" pants well into your pregnancy (and of course, they'll be great for after the pregnancy as well).  Seven for all Mankind and Citizens of Humanity have some great styles. (They do also make "designer maternity" jeans as well). 

You can also find that many clothing lines (including JAG jeans - www.jagjeans.com) that make jeans in a "pull-up" style - jeans that don't require a zipper and a button. They were even featured in Oprah Magazine. While these might not last you throughout your entire pregnancy, they will be great for the first few months and you will be so glad that you have them in the months following your pregnancy!

For the pants that you love but you just can't seem to button anymore, you don't have to fold them away until next year. Try waistband expander. 

There are several products like the one not the market today. This one on the left allows you to continue wearing your regular jeans, pants, skirts and shorts - even if they don't quite fit anymore by adding a "belt" in front of where the button would be, helping to keep you pants together, just expanded. 

You can find it at: http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/waistbandexpanders.aspx.

The second picture shows "The Perfect Fit Button." I have actually used this product before (not for pregnancy but for one particular skirt that I have that just didn't quite fit right). The top button pushes through the denim and then you screw the flat back onto the button on the inside. Then use that as your new button closure rather than the one that no longer fits. *This product is great because it will actually help AFTER pregnancy. You can use this product to TIGHTEN waist bands that are a little too big by moving the button outwards instead of inwards.*

Another style that looks beautiful during and after pregnancy is the dropped-waist dress or top. (See Naomi Watts). With a top that cinches below your belly, it helps you show off your baby bump, yet still flatters your feminine shape. These tops are in style this season and you can find them almost anywhere - you don't have to buy a specific "maternity" brand - just find one that you love at a price you can afford!

Layering is also a preggo style essential. Long and flowy cardigans are great way to add interest to your outfit without sacrificing any comfort and will most likely last you from the positive test result all the way to after the baby is born. (See the ways that the featured celebs chose to layer). I recommend purchasing a comfortable cardigan in black, white and in at least one fun color (if you don't already have these in your wardrobe!). 

To keep things simple (and to make a smaller wardrobe go further), stock up on accessories that you can't outgrow, such as statement necklaces (like Hilary Duff), scarves and hats (Nicole Richie), great bags and sunglasses (Ashlee Simpson), bracelets, and other pieces that can jump from outfit to outfit, pulling everything together. These don't have to be expensive. The BP (Brass Plum) department of Nordstrom has some FABULOUS spring scarves for around $18. (www.nordstrom.com). Adding an accessory to an otherwise "boring" outfit can make all the difference. I love to shop at the BP department of Nordstrom, Forever 21 (www.forever21.com), Macy's (www.macy.com), Aldo (www.aldo.com) and even Target (www.target.com) for great "costume" jewelry. 

(All of these great scarves can be found under $18 at the Nordstrom BP department). 

(All of these great items can be found at Aldo or Forever 21 for under $24).

Some other great ways to feel stylish during pregnancy: 

Have your nails done in a fun color - opt for a bright color. Having a polished set of nails will help you feel better about everything (pregnant or not)! 

Play with color. Colors can be a huge mood-booster and wearing great colors can add excitement and energy to your outfit and your day! I love yellows, reds and pinks as they are great for energy. I also love the idea of sticking with a solid black outfit and adding pops of color with accessories.  

Whether you are shopping at a maternity store or not, make sure that you aren't SETTLING because you feel like you don't have options. Being pregnant is such a beautiful time in your life and you deserve to look and FEEL beautiful through and through! Pregnant or not, we al know that the way we look impacts the way that we feel and what better time to feel beautiful than when you are bringing another life into the world! 

Happy Shopping and congrats to all those beautiful pregnant moms! 

Xo, Kristin @Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com