Affordable Maternity Wear for the Modern Mommy

I was a little annoyed this morning while reading the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Sunday paper.  Some little journalist wrote a fashion piece on maternity clothes for summer that even shocked my conscience!  Click here to read it: Mom's the Word. Her maternity recommendations were just WRONG.  Somehow, I doubt this chick has ever been pregnant because she would know that pregnant women are not going to spend $189 on denim leggings and $198 on a tunic top from the maternity store.  Most women are not foolish enough to spend $550 on a hippie luxe silk tunic from Neiman Marcus with $85 white jeans from Destination Maternity. These are not maternity outfits!  These are ridiculous!

Any woman who has been pregnant knows that maternity clothes are pretty terrible.  They never make you look skinny and they cost way to much for the 3-6 months you'll wear them.  And then when you get pregnant with baby number 2 during a completely different season of the year, you'll realize that your former maternity collection is useless.  Besides the fact that once you stretch maternity clothes in one direction, they don't regain their shape.  So if you're like me and you carry baby #1 in your hips and baby #2 in your stomach you really can't wear the same clothes!

Let's just say that if I were pregnant (and I'm not) that I would have been really put out and disappointed by Ms. Peters' article this morning.  She gives the impression that you have to have a trust fund to be able to afford cute clothes.  But she's wrong!  So to all my fabulous soon-to-be Mommies in my life, here are some fashions that you CAN rock for a price tag that will leave you with money to purchase diapers...

Forever 21 has some amazing maternity pieces for both online and in-store purchases.  This dress retails at $17.80 and would be perfect for church or a party during any time of the year.  Doesn't it look comfy too?

Old Navy has a nice selection of skirts and t-shirts designed for every stage of pregnancy.  They even have a post-pregnancy selection of nursing tops.  Just remember to hit up Old Navy on one of their big sale days and you can really cash in.  This skirt retails for $32.94.  In my opinion, a denim skirt is a girl's best friend when she's expecting.  Just throw on a pair of cowboy boots and you're set!

 GAP has some great options for work, lounging, or even going out.  I love the Gap website too, because other mommies have written reviews about their purchases that will help guide your decision-making.  And if you don't think you can afford GAP, just know that they have sales all the time.  Just last week, everything was 40% off.  And this cute dress is only $59.50.

If you're expecting a baby soon and you realize that it's time to shop, don't lose heart.  There are plenty of stores with great affordable options.  For some of my other favorite maternity collections visit Ann Taylor LOFT and Target.  You can look chic and pregnant without shopping at Neiman Marcus!  Good luck.  I can't wait to see all my Mommy friends soon!