Now that the weather is gorgeous, it’s even more obvious that wearing something cute can make you feel better. And if you’re pregnant, the spring/summer fashion spotlight can feel especially glaring. We consulted with Brooklyn mom Ali Sise about her thoughts and suggestions about pregnancy fashion. Even if you’re on your second or third, pregnancy can catch you off guard in the fashion department.
For nearly thirty years, I didn’t realize how good I had it in the fashion department. The past three years have been a bit of an education. From pregnancy to post-pregnancy, to working mom to stay-at-home mom, and now back to pregnancy (in the opposite season) I realize we’re an undeserved but growing market. Only 4% of women in the US are pregnant at any given time but that’s a near constant of 6.3 million across the country at all times – and it’s a very needy time!
While retailers like ASOS or H&M have some inexpensive and fashionable options, the quality and price combination can bring certain questions to mind about manufacturing processes. Whether it’s the quality, style or cut, I wish I had invested in a few more key pieces the first time around.
I stumbled upon Shop BURU , the self-described, “first and only online destination of thoughtfully curated ready-to-wear for the mom lifestyle.” While it began as a place to serve nursing mothers they now serve the full mom market, featuring pieces from top ‘non maternity’ designers including Ace & Jig, Derek Lam, Mara Hoffman, Milly and Rebecca Minkoff, among others. Their Before, During and After section is also brilliant!
I’ve traveled down the rabbit hole on their site during my son’s nap time and tabs like Chic Elastic Waist Pants will always get my vote.
They also highlight matching mother/daughter pieces which I’ve managed to resist for myself (so far) but have gone so far as to buy things for my nieces in this category for sheer desire to support designers who go for this.
In addition to the obvious needs of a growing body, I’m not sure anyone briefed me on the clothing needs of a nursing mom – particularly in those early days when it’s not all, “so natural.” I’ll never forget my first insanely awkward public nursing experience, just a week or two after delivering. I had to try on bridesmaids dresses in a body I didn’t recognize. While I had brought five diaper bags with me in preparation for any situation, I ended up sweating through lunch at The Plaza as I tried to hide my son under scarves and quiet his yelps.
I feel extremely grateful my most recent issue has been not fitting into my clothes and that it has brought me to these wonderful companies from entrepreneurial Mamas solving the problems of the women who came before them, and for the young ladies who will come after them.
Ali Sise lives in Cobble Hill with her two year-old son, husband, and rapidly growing belly. She worked in Marketing and Advertising before moving into corporate partnerships on the non-profit side. She is passionate about photography and seeking out the elusive matching outfits for herself and her son that are husband-approved.