Maxi Dresses Galore

At 33 (ish) weeks pregnant, I am kind of done wearing pants.
Honestly, it's not that it's super difficult to get them on (it is), it's not that I don't want to purchase another pair in a larger (sigh) size...although both of these reasons definitely impact my opinion of being "done" with wearing pants, it's more the fact it is spring, and as I continue to get larger, I want to feel pretty.

So, I decided my new bff (best friend forever...and ever) are Maxi Dresses.
Point in case: When I wear jeans and a blouse, I feel schlumpy. When I wear a maxi dress and accessorize accordingly, I receive compliments galore. Every. Single. Person. In. The. World. should compliment a pregnant lady. I don't care if you mean it or not. You own a store? I guarantee you that pregnant chicky will buy something from you. You pass her on the street? You made her day. You work with her? She'll do something nice for you or help you a bit more than she may have before. I'm not even kidding. Anyways, I digress, after all, this is about my favorite piece of clothing, not how to treat pregnant ladies 101.

The thing I love about Maxi Dresses is if they're cut appropriately, you do not need to spend the extra money on "maternity" maxi dresses. However, if you find a crazy good deal on a maternity maxi dress, sure, go for it (I did,  as you will see below), but I'm telling you, you don't have to. Just buy a size or two (or three) up, make sure the cut is empire or flowy enough to flatter your new curves.

Not to mention, you'll likely be wearing some "maternity" wear after you deliver for a bit, so you may as well feel pretty as you are spending time with and learning about your new little one.

Here are some of my top picks for you to consider.

For a maternity score, I present to you this black bandeau maxi dress. I bought this from Asos Maternity (asos.com) on sale for $16.14. Yes. sixteen dollars. And you know what? I have gotten MORE compliments wearing this 16 dollar bargain than when I spent $80 on a maternity dress that I likely will try to consign.

This next number is from Accidentally in Love sold on Piperlime.com. This is not a maternity dress, however, I am wearing it and it is the most comfortable thing, ever. I pair it with a cream cardigan, my gold tory burch flip flops, and a long chain necklace. This one I purchased for about $35. I quote from store owner yesterday "Oh.My.God. You are so adorable I cannot even stand it." Yes. I bought something from her store. Two somethings (see below).

Bessie Blue in Belmont, MA is a cute boutique store that sells everything from designer duds to fun accessories. I originally went in there to purchase a birthday gift for my sister (done) and then came across this GLAM dress (but in black). When I tried it on, I knew it would work for the next few weeks, and well beyond. About $60.

Lastly, I present you the TART infinity dress. I purchased it in the dune color featured above. Thanks to Ideeli, I was able to score this normally +$200 for under $50. If you're not familiar, this dress can be worn multiple ways (http://www.tartcollections.com/infinity.html); so it's like 8 different dresses in one. And it can be worn while pregnant. And beyond!

Love the designer, Hate the price?

I am sure you've been hit by the "oh my gosh I must have this *insert designer name here* bug at one point or another.


Haven't we all...


Here are my top 5 sites for you to check out for less expensive swanky gear that won't empty your wallet-

1. Gilt Group Often still has extremely high end items (Why, hello Ms. Herrera, wonderful to see you here!), but I've scored a deal (or 100) on the site. Burberry shoes, Alice & Trixie frocks, and the lovable Fred Perry for the man in your life have all been shipped to my abode.
2. Rue La La  Of course. I love the La La. Boston based (which I may add is wicked awesome),  they score some great deals- I recently got a Valentino wool sweater for under $50. Insane! 
3. Hautelook Includes some less *well known designer* named brands, but also some really great deals. Glam dresses, Lorac makeup, Joie, and  the occasional Decadestwo sale which showcases your classic Chanel, Chloe, as well as other fancy types. Still can't afford it? Often they send coupon codes in the mail for $15 off, etc. 
4. TheOutnet This place is sick. I drool over the Louboutins on the site, but less frequently buy...UNTIL they have their extra 40% off sale... I scored an Armand Basi two piece for $20. Sign up for the emails and go to the site ASAP when this sale happens as the garb sells out quickly!
5. Ideeli Ideeli showcases the lesser known to the higher end designers, at various price points. Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, and (gasp) even Prabal Gurung (see below, PrabalGurung.com; Fall 2010...Love).

Additional tips: Most of these sites have super sale days...Sundays, Saturday Blow outs, or Wednesday nights. Many also have Final Sale...but make sure you know how Armani fits you, you cannot return it!