A Pea in the XL Pod/ Maternity Chic for the plus size #3

Maternity Hack for Plus Size #3

MAKE SHAPES

Gabby wrote about this line that is from (GASP) Walmart the other day here.
I can count on my hand the times I have shopped at Walmart but the price and the the shape got me lusting after this shirt.
The Norma Kamali - Maternity Jersey Kimono Top seriously fits like a dream on me.
The above photos are not so great- I used a timer setting and am NO photog- but look at the shape! The shape is key.


Shape is very important to dressing your body.
Use beautiful shapes to show off your curves.
Balance out form fitting tops with looser skirts this hot summer season.
Don't try and take the focus off the big belly- FOCUS on it!
Form fitted is not scary! (Repeat several times)

COME ON! 14.00 dollars for this shirt!
It feels great and I cannot believe it is from the big W.
I know I am against buying much this time around (because it is the LAST)
BUT> I think I can wear this after the baby FOR REAL.
I spend 14.00 on useless crap every time I walk into Target. YO!


I am pairing it with a 2003 Target Liz Lange skirt and fun shoes for a day look and thinking about how I could make this look really chic for a evening wedding I have this month with a black skirt and heels. Versatile. Truly.

for more ideas:
#1 here
and
#2 here


Be Brave.
xo

A Pea in the XL Pod/ Maternity Chic for the plus size series #2

Maternity Hack for Plus Size #2

Take the focus off the BOOTY/lower region and show off those ta ta's and legs!

I have a couple night outs soon and I am thinking that the best way to disguise the growing ass is:

to practice long lean lines in one solid color
use a great heel to stretch you out more
leave that décolletage open and glowing
think about jewelry near the face

Again I am just recycling an old DKNY wrap dress from years ago and pairing it with some Liz Lange maternity leggings( 12 bucks). I like to keep volume on top when pregnant and the skinny leggings keep me feeling long and leaner. It is a more relaxed look but with great hair, make-up, and heels I can rock this out there in the nighttime world.

So:
Show off yr UP UP UP (boobs, arms, face)
and wrap up yr ass in some form fitted leggings or slim fit pants or skirts!
Dresses are good- (Wrap/A-Line/Empire) and you most likely have some of these in yr closet already! Wear what you have. It's so freaking Eco chic!


Be Brave.
xo

See last week's hack here

A Pea in the XL Pod/ Maternity Chic for the plus size

I would love to make a little series this year about plus size maternity.

I think one thing about being pregnant that is difficult for most moms (even if yr stick thin) is letting go of yr closet for a extended period of time. We live in our clothing and we seek shelter and comfort and routine in our wardrobes. I love fashion but I do not love maternity fashion as a plus size gal. I have found that it is expensive to dress chic while knocked up if you are above size 12. (I know there is Old Navy but I hate to look like everyone else)

This time around I am trying not to purchase many items (even though I gave away most of my maternity wardrobe from Finn and Blaise- whoops) and be more creative. I have asked a very fashionable pal to think of a post for me and have been hoping that anyone out there can leave a comment about what they would like to see or learn or share a tip? I think when I search for plus size maternity I am hoping that I will land on a mom like me somewhere hacking some maternity wear and sharing tips and tricks.
So I thought I will try and do that for others.

Maternity Hack for Plus Size #1

Think outside of maternity and beg and borrow.

My friend Kate lent me her maternity clothes bin the other day and while she is much smaller than me she does have a bit of a Beyonce booty (It's hot- she won't mind me saying that) so sometimes she would buy a size up in stretchy dresses, tunics, and pants and those are working for me now.

She had a simple sheath stretch dress from Target (in photo above) that is the Liz Lange collection and although that little dress is a large and I wear a XL or XXL in that line I was able to rock it as a tight little tunic that I pair with cargo pants or jeans. I dress it down and I ignore that fact that it was a dress for a smaller person.
It works for me.
I say:

Borrow from friends - YES- even the smaller ones!
Get thee to the thrift store and look for stretchy tunics and dresses!
Wear them as long shirts.

The problem with being plus sized is that it can take a bit longer for the belly to show. This is the honest shitty truth. My smaller friends pop out these perfect tiny round bellies quickly and I look frumpy and square for a while. It sucks.
But, this time around I am determined to do what I should have done last two times:

Wear clothing that fits!(Big clothes are not attractive on anyone.)
Wear clothing tighter against my curves and be proud! (Create smoothness with bella bands and hug the tummy with fabrics)

Be Brave.



So. There.
Does that help anyone out there?
Is there anyone out there?
Let's talk maternity and clothes and style once a month?
xo