Admitting defeat...maternity shopping part one

Part one because I'm sure there will be a part two, three, four etc etc in the months leading up to August. As much as I love shopping and have been vastly enjoying my new found addiction (baby shopping, in case you were wondering!), maternity shopping has not massively appealed to me for a few reasons:

1) This would be an actual admittance of weight gain
2) Maternity clothes in my head do not seem massively exciting
3) I like my regular clothes. I want to spend money on regular clothing, not maternity.

Brushing my concerns aside, I conceded today that at 15 weeks, and with much in my wardrobe straining at the hip,waist,thigh, it was finally time to delve into the world of maternity. And actually, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I would start with work wear as my usual dresses are bordering on uncomfortable now. I visited a few stores that I knew did maternity clothing, as well as a couple that don't (Zara, are you listening - it's time to start making maternity wear). Zara's new collection proved a massive tease, although I was able to purchase a couple of items that had enough stretch/manoeuvrabilty to pass as maternity wear. I stupidly tried on a pair of jeans in an 8 though and almost cried when they would not do up. I considered buying them and stitching elastic into the hip, but then caught myself: A) I would never get round to doing this and B) This would still provide only a temporary solution. Jeans shopping is next on my list, but, (deep breathes), I'm putting this off further as every pair of maternity jeans I have seen scares the bejeesus out of me. It's the elastic I think. With only two pairs of jeans left that fit me though, this is a mission I'm not going to be able to put off for much longer...

Anyway, pushing those thoughts aside, and moving onto to more joyful things, my haul from today!

Today's outfit:
Long line white vest: Primark
Oversized boucle jumper: Primark
Lear print scarf: H & M
Khaki skinny jeans: Zara
Black biker boots: Dune
Leather double rivet bracelet: Mulberry
Postmans lock hobo: Mulberry

First stop: Zara
Black and white striped dress: £25.99. I thought this was be good for work, easy to wear with tights and flats or boots.

First stop : Zara
Draped linen t-shirt dress: 25.99. I really liked this as it is very much my usual style and can be worn with tights or with jeans and boots at pictured. Plenty of room for the growing bump too!

Next up: Topshop
It's a good job I liked and purchased this dress because I was severely disappointed with the changing rooms. Absolutely tiny and curtains that would not properly close. Seriously, how hard is it??! Anyway, another good dress for work, again with tights and flats, not jeans and boots as above! Maternity floral midi dress - £36.

Final stop: Blooming Marvellous at Mothercare
Note the much better changing room - spacious and lockable door! (Take note Topshop). I was really impressed with this range and will revisit as I need more bits and pieces. This dress had a really good fit and will be good for work as well as weekend wear. Stripe maternity dress - £22

Final stop: Blooming Marvellous at Mothecare
Another good work dress, this is a really nice fabric and will provide plenty of room for growth over the coming months. Black belted dress - £30

 

So that was it for the clothing haul, I also purchased a few more items of baby clothing (of course), some maternity tights and two new pieces of granny spandex... oh yes the maternity bra. To be fair, these do actually look like regular bras, which believe me, has been an absolute mission to find.

 

I am sure I will soon have more to share, it's the baby show on Friday and I cannot wait! I am not sure the husband shares my sentiment...