Frugal, Eco-Friendly Maternity Style
Photo by the hub
I take a certain perverse glee in the fact that I’m seven-and-a-half months into my pregnancy, but I’ve yet to buy a stitch of maternity clothing—although I have to admit that the Liz Lange for Target maternity coats my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas four years ago, thinking they were regular women’s jackets, are sure coming in handy these days.
My secret? A pair of Baby Be Mine’s belly bands, made from sustainably grown bamboo, which I alternate every few days, or sometimes every other week, since they’re naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and don’t get terribly dirty anyway. Because those stretchy pieces of fabric smoosh down unbuttoned flies so that no one’s the wiser, I’ve been able to extend the life of my “skinny” wardrobe, including pants and skirts.
My shirts and blouses have been riding up my belly due to its increasing girth, however, and, although I was able to pass off my look as the very-de-rigeur-for-fall “layered” style, it’s gotten to a point where I might have to break down and purchase a few maternity tops. In sticking with my cheapskate low-impact ethos, though, I’m going to check out a couple of consignment stores this weekend, including Jane’s Exchange in the East Village.
More economical, eco-friendly maternity-wear tips from the lovely Jill Fehrenbacher at Inhabitots.
I’m really, really, really tired, by the way, even though I haven’t done much all day besides read The Huffington Post and thinking what a douche John McCain is. Who knew growing an entire human being from scratch could be this exhausting?
Dustywheat said,
October 16, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I’m keeping some of my fat clothes, by which I mean shirts that I bought whilst I was 20lbs heavier. I figure they’ll come in handy. Also, from my previous purchases, I think any empire waist long shirt will work well, as many people asked me if I was preggers when I wore them.
Apparently they do hide the girth well, but they lead people to believe you’re hiding a another human being, not just fat.
Victoria Everman said,
October 16, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Nice find! Buying maternity clothes seems like such a waste of money.
P.S. John McCain is a douche. :)
Jean said,
October 31, 2008 at 3:32 am
Congratulations on the pregnancy. I got by during my two pregnancies by wearing the hub-unit’s tees and shirts most days.