As I roll into my 8th month or actually 9th, since technically you are pregnant for 10 months (unless of course you give birth early), I am happy to say as of today I have not purchased any maternity clothes besides my ever present ‘belly bra’. I have been on such a tight budget since I got sick that having to add a new (expensive) wardrobe to the mix would not be a good thing. I have stopped wearing pants that zip, although I can still button and zip my pre-pregnancy jeans which has my best friend noting, “It is more a testament to how inappropriately low you wear your jeans than anything else.”  Well, there’s that I suppose.  I have stopped wearing the jeans because when I sit my belly rubs against the buttons and that’s no fun for anyone.

I picked up a few items that I have been rotating that I think were well worth the meager investment.  I bought a couple pairs of faux leather leggings, I feel like they look a little more polished than a cotton legging, but they are equally as comfortable, the slight sheen is also very slimming (optical illusion). I didn’t know these had a name but I picked up some thin knit ‘cascading cardigans‘* in black, heather and camel (they didn’t have the ones I got on line but I linked to something similar), they are so versatile, you can dress them up or down, wear loose or belted, the flowy thin material is perfect for a growing bump and doesn’t add any extra bulk (at 8 months, no one wants/needs extra bulk). I already owned a few Splendid sheer tee’s (a fave) but I also picked some similar ones up at F21 (for a fraction of the price), which again have a nice flow and don’t add any bulk. Since I always wear my belly bra (I love it) under my clothes I don’t have to worry about the material being see-thru. Lastly, unless you are super tiny at this stage of the game (whatever), bending and tying your shoes is probably not happening.  I picked up these super cute riding boots with zippers for under $40!  They are not leather which means I can wear them out in the rain and because my feet are changing sizes (mostly to swollen ham hocks) I don’t need to feel too guilty for the purchase. I think they completely tie my outfit together keeping it from becoming too casual.  Granted, I am not going out often right now, mostly doctor appointments (thrilling I know) and the occasional business meeting, but I don’t want to show up in sweats, so I think this little capsule wardrobe has been good to me. Best part?  I can wear these pieces long after the baby arrives!  It pleases my multi-tasking, minimalist heart to no end. Heck, you don’t need to be preggers to take advantage of these steals and of course you don’t need to go all black, many of the items above have alternate color ways!

*The Cascading Cardi shown is from Rachel Zoe’s collection.

P.S. And the winner of Torrie’s stamp is… Mel!  Please email me with your shipping address so I can send your beautiful stamp out!