Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

Maternity Wear Find: InStyle Belly

I'm always on the lookout for useful shops and special pieces, and life for the pregnant woman is not easy. If you're a fan of second-hand items or just need a new boutique suggestion, here goes: InStyle Belly is pretty cool!

What It Is: InStyle Belly is an online boutique dedicated to the fashionable needs of pregnant moms. With companies like Diane von Furstenberg, Isabella Oliver, and Juicy Couture all expanding their collections to include maternity lines, it's a really good time to strike.

Krista Karo, the founder and CEO of InStyle Belly, says that “Maternity clothing for women has come a long way. There was a time when we had to hide our burgeoning bellies under shapeless and unflattering maternity clothing. Today’s woman, however, has many more options."

“Pregnant women are no longer condemned to wear oversize tunics and baggy tent-like maternity clothes," she continued for the press. "Instead, they can choose the latest fashions that flatter and emphasize their growing bumps. Just because you’re pregnant does not mean that you have to sacrifice your sense of style.”

Why We Need It Now: It's no secret that we're all looking for deals right now, with the dreaded r-word looming overhead and reminders around every bend. For new moms and busy moms too, it's hard to scrimp and save while still looking stylish-- usually that's the first thing that goes out the window!

That's why I'm already a huge fan of InStyle Belly: they offer good maternity brands at much lower prices. I took a look at the site, and it's true-- pieces are really high quality. If you find new items that you like, InStyle Belly will match any online prices and then give you a 5% discount on top of that, too.

Who's Behind It: I do love a strong momtrepeneur, and Krista Karo has a background in Fashion Merchandising, a family, and has already worked with notable brands during her career. The shop itself was launched in '09, so I'm definitely going to be watching the site.

Liz Lange for Target: Fabulous!

Stylish maternity wear is a must-have, and there are lots of reasons why: when your feet may be swelled just a bit, you're feeling fatigued, and you can barely peel yourself off the couch, you need something fancy to keep you looking good. Here's your chance to do it right, and for less! Target.com has a bunch of stylish Liz Lange pieces that are sensitive towards the tummy bump area and designed for your comfort, and you can save if you order over $50 (free shipping and $5 off).

(Liz Lange Wool Jacket)

This coat doesn't have a typical "maternity" shape, and that's really refreshing. Layer up in this cheery piece with an empire waistline that trims and tiny little clever pleats to release extra fullness over your midsection. These are the kind of details that make your maternity wear work so well! Plus, it's discount designer-for-Target wear, which makes it even better.

(Liz Lange Bow Sweater)

Sweaters are fantastic layering items for winter, and you can find plenty of lightweight pieces that won't leave you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. Try layering a sweater like this (in a great jewel tone, of course) over a long-line tank or tee in white or black for a classic look that works every day. Try it with wide-legged jeans for the weekend or a stretchy paneled pair of designer maternity jeans during the week.

(Sleeveless Tank)

Sleeveless tanks are just right for women who need to have a little bit of movement in their clothes, but need to dress up for a special event. One great look to try with this very stylish piece from Target is to throw on a stark white button-down and pair it with a chunky semi-precious stone bracelet or necklace to finish off the look. Flats are welcome with this look!

(Jeweled Cardigans)

Why a maternity cardigan? They are shaped perfectly for an expanding belly, and you won't need to stretch out your special non-pregnant ones. Black is a good buy because nobody will know that you are wearing the same one whenever you pick it (except you, of course!). Add a pin or brooch to switch things up if you feel like things are a little stale.

(Ruffle Dress in Black)

Black dresses are always a good buy, and this one has the right ruffles to keep you smiling up a storm. All you need to do is grab a pair of low kitten heels or delicious mules to make this lok work for you, and if you feel like you need it, a fabulous shawl will make it look great! Aim for one with a tiny touch of color or metallic.

(Empire Dress in Ebony)

Empire dresses are the way to go for maternity selections. No time for fittings? This is a perfect option with a colorful waist touch for fun, and lets you choose between either brown or black shoes!

For All the Expecting Ladies Out There: Maternity Wear!

I might not be pregnant, but I certainly know enough people who are. When I combine that with how many pregnant celebrities there are out there, I feel like I'm the maternity wear expert! While Nicole Richie was one of my very favorite pregnant ladies out there, many people cannot pull off those skinny jeans and tight tops she wore through her whole pregnancy. Let's find some "real" looks for women who have a family, a home, and a job, and still want to look good.

GAP: Amazing Jeans
Wow, what is going on with GAP these days? My very favorite pick in this whole section is the Polka Dot Maternity Jean. It has a dotted comfort band! How cute is that, and why didn't someone come up with it sooner? It's so clever, because now you don't have to worry about tucking the waistband away! Did I mention that I love polka dots? Heavenly.

My only wish is that these jeans would be available with lots of different brightly-colored bands, like in hot pink, lime, and white with black dots.

(Polka Dot Maternity City Fit Jeans)

(Hidden Panel White Trouser Jeans)

DRESSES: Target
I'm slightly obsessed with Target deals. These dresses are a gresat example, because they are slim and trim yet perfectly roomy for your belly. How do they do this, anyway? It's a mystery to me, but as long as I keep seeing amazing pieces like this black and white confection, I'll be happy. It's so refined! So elegant! So me! It's just too bad that I'm not pregnant for this one. :P

(Liz Lange for Target Colorblocked Dress)

(Liz Lange Shirtdress)

THE TOPS: Ann Taylor Loft
Are you sick of wearing stretchy t-shirts that, while fitting your body, are just plain boring? This will apply to you even if you aren't pregnant! These Ann Taylor pieces are like a new generation of maternity top, with ruffles and trim in all the right places. You can wear these patterns in the workplace and out to dinner at night without a worry.

(Anne Taylor Ruffle Front Top)

(Ann Taylor Loft Shadow Top)

THE ACCESSORIES: Bliss Living
I chose Bliss Living for these accessories because their pieces are very sweet and have a nice story behind them-- and the price is still right! It can be hard to find "mommy" charms that are flattering and not too "young," but these one do the trick nicely. Sterling silver.

(Mommy Tag Necklace)

(Triple Tiny Charms Name Necklace)

Maternity Finds & Getting the Right Fit

Some people wonder if maternity wear really is a necessity. You're lucky because while you will need to stock up (sorry!), maternity clothes are looking much more attractive and so much more tempting than they used to. Designer jeans with hidden panels, cool, casual hoodies, and cute work tops can all be yours when you're looking to add a little extra something for the "comfort factor."

Remember that Maternity Clothes Have Changed
It's essential that you head to shops that are as current as can be, or at least your usual tried-and-true types like Old Navy. Don't get sucked into the world of pegged trousers and frumpy, shapeless tops. There's no need to wear things that look anything like that.

Take a Look:

Maternity Tie Belt Shirt from Old Navy
Why It Works
This Maternity Tie-Belt Shirt is available in black and print, and I recommend you get two if you can! This affordable design dispenses with typical maternity silhouettes with a sashed effect, cap sleeves, and even covered buttons. My feeling is that this piece will look a lot pricier up close than your other tops of similar cost.

Zip Up Jacket from iMaternity
Why It Works
This Zip-Up Jacket is modern and very sophisticated. It makes the perfect topper for all of your longer, larger stretch tees and your leotards, too. Try it out with maternity yoga trousers or black leggings for basic appeal, or with a skirt when you're out on the weekend.

Green Love Organic Tee
Why It Works
Organic tees are hot! This one, priced under $20, has a vibrant logo and features classic tee styling. The best thing is that you can wear it under just about anything, including the zip-up sweatshirt above. You'll be wishing for this one after you've packed all of your maternity pieces back up.

Secret Fit Belly True Religion Joey Jean in Dark Pony from Pea in the Pod
Why It Works
If you invest in one piece for your four-month maternity-wearing period, buy a pair of designer maternity jeans. They'll stay comfortable, you won't have any grommets or findings popping off, and the wash will stay just as you bought it.

French Terry Cropped Pants from Pea in the Pod
Why It Works
Relaxation time just got a lot of comfortable and stylish! Slip into a pair of terry trousers, the ultimate in relaxation, and just go with the flow. That won't be a problem if you're wearing these. Time will just seem to slow down, and even if you gravitate towards the couch, you'll be doing it in a perfectly pretty way!

Knit Pantset from Mimi Maternity
Why It Works
It's chic and cool, and a perfect example of how black leggings can work so well. They may have gotten a bad reputation in the past, but they can look just right with a cool blousy top or a peasant-y piece.

Tips for Choosing Maternity Clothes

I've had babies on the brain lately. No, I'm not pregnant, but springtime means my neighborhood is abuzz with kids going to school and playing outside in the yard. Where there are kids, there are also pregnant women, and that means a lot of maternity clothes to look at, too.

When you're choosing maternity clothes for yourself or for a friend, consider these tips to find flattering separates:

Tops
This year is a great time to be shopping for maternity tops. Since the empire waist is in, you can easily find tops that will show off your shoulders and shapely figures in a babydoll style shirt. Bluefly.com has lots of babydoll tunics that can float around the tummy comfortably. Tops with a slightly higher neckline and thicker straps will accommodate special maternity undergarments.

Dresses
Maternity dresses can follow the same rule as tops. Finding a dress with a higher waistline is not only more comfortable, but this season, it's trendy, too. Jersey fabric or double-layer light mesh are two interesting fabrics to try this summer. They are stretchy for total comfort, and can be paired with lots of different accessories for a trendy effect.

Even if a maternity dress is the only option that still fits, it can be dressed up or down depending on what you choose for accessories. Try a light chiffon scarf, chain necklaces and bracelets, or chunky bangles to add '07 appeal. I've had a lot of luck finding affordable jewelry at Earring Planet and Macy's.

Trousers
Stick to stretchy if you want comfort and you don't want to have to update your look every few weeks as you grow bigger. Yoga pants, athletic gear, and casual weekend wear can all suit you when worn with a longer style tunic shirt or a lightweight dress. I saw comfortable trousers at Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Activa, just to name a few.

Shoes
Don't forget about the shoes! A lot of people overlook their feet when it comes to maternity clothes, but new shoes can be a savior when you're stuck in a pair of stretchy leggings for weeks on end in the third trimester. Slip-on flats can work well when you can't bend to tie your shoes, but there's no need for slipper styles. Try quilted flats in a fun summer shade like bright yellow, and add a cushioned liner inside the shoes if you need some added comfort.

Find more maternity styles for you and your friends today. Don't just stick to maternity websites. Have a look at all online outlets that cater to larger sizes and casual clothing, and don't forget to have fun and get creative!

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

The Best Excuse to Get a New Wardrobe…

You’ve just received the good news—you’re expecting. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the baby cribs and rattles and newborn PJs with feet (so cute!), there’s one item on your shopping list you might overlook.

Maternity clothes!

Like it or not, your current wardrobe simply won’t work after the havoc your newborn will wreak on your waistline. So what’s a newly expecting mother to do? Well, that depends largely on your budget…

If you’re pregnant, have a lot of expendable income, and also happen to be addicted to fashion, you’re in luck. There’s been a large push in the market recently for super trendy maternity clothes. (This means you’re no longer condemned to that same oversized poncho for nine months.)

Now there’s amazing empire waist dresses, flowing tops, stretchy halters, and more. While maternity clothes used to aim at hiding your growing bulge, the new mentality in pre-motherhood fashion is to show it off proudly with form fitting but comfortable dresses, tops, and denim.

The following are some websites for the mom-to-be with a few bucks to drop on her new look:

http://www.mimimaternity.com/
-This site pretty much has it all. You can find everything from work to casual to intimates. (There are also added goodies like stretch mark cream.) Find apparel for every season.

http://www.isabellaoliver.com/-This site is for the truly style conscious mom. If you want to look like you just stepped off a couture runway, this is the place to visit. The prices are definitely a bit higher than other sites, but if you’re desperately in need of a maternity friendly formal or a few classy but comfortable career outfits, this is the place to turn.
Available with both United States and United Kingdom site versions.

http://www.motherhood.com/-For your more practical, everyday wears, you can’t beat this site. You won’t find anything quite as fancy as the other sites, but the prices are a lot more reasonable. And there’s still a huge array of items to choose from—everything from work clothes to swimwear to dresses.

However for those of you who don’t have copious amounts of disposable income, there is one major alternative, and that comes in the form of http://www.ebay.com. The major benefit of ebay is that not only are the clothes much, much cheaper, but there are a huge number of posts containing multiple items. In fact, in many cases, you can buy an entire maternity wardrobe for the price of one item at some of the ritzier websites.

As is always the case with ebay, be careful that everything will fit you before you buy. Many sellers don’t allow returns, so even if it seems like a great deal, it’s still wasted money if you can’t wear anything!

So if you find your new little one is making your jeans impossible to wear, check out some of these websites for a wardrobe overhaul. (And you can always use your old wardrobe as a benchmark to determine when you’re back to pre-baby weight.)

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin