If you’ve been readig my blog for a while, you know I’m a big believer that you don’t need much money to have style and live a creative life! Living in the Midwest, you hear a lot about hardwork and making ends meet, but it drives me up a wall when I hear people brag about how they don’t need nice things. I will be the first one to raise my hand and say, “I NEED NICE THINGS!” (Okay, so I don’t neeeed them, but I wither a little without them.) And I also don’t need much money. I promise you- my lack of funds is the biggest source of inspiration and creativity I have.

So, when listening to older moms reminisce with me about how they only had two or three maternity items to wear during their pregnancies, I felt a little pit growing in my stomach, and wondered how I was going to maintain my style as my belly grew. I started out by ambitiously purchasing a few vintage sewing patterns- the kind from the early ’60s with lots of style variations to them. Then, of course, I had to get some fabric and learn how to sew! This dress was made from a thrifted bed sheet that I scored for $1, and the dress was a simple pattern that a novice seamstress like me could easily fit together. And how cute is it? Cute and comfy.

I also made a top from this same pattern, with a variation on the neckline and shoulders. I’ll share soon, and show you what pattern I used.

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S :

dress: made by me from vintage pattern | socks: Hue
shoes: thrifted | hat: Secret Past (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)

Jumpers are a favorite wardrobe staple for me, due mainly to their versatility, but also for their little-girl vibe. I swear I’m more inspired by vintage children’s fashion than anything. That’ll make shopping for baby clothes a breeze, but maternity clothes? Yeah, not so much.

When I found this dress on clearance at ASOS, I knew I had to snatch it up right away. I bought it during my previous pregnancy, and even though that ended before I started showing, I knew this dress would be good for any season. Wear a blouse under it, a sweater or blazer over it, pair it with tights and boots, or go bare-legged with a pair of sandals. Jumpers are amazing.

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S

jumper/dress: ASOS Maternity | shirt: thrifted | socks: past of my high school uniform!
shoes: a now defunct Etsy shop | hat: Wear It Again Patty on Etsy

Feeling better, and feeling bigger! After spending two and a half weeks in Phil’s gym clothes, and literally being too sick to look at myself, I felt a bit like a caterpillar coming out of its cocoon when I finally was able to brush my own hair, focus on my reflection in the mirror, and put on a dress again. And a pregnant caterpillar at that! That baby did a lot of growing while I wasn’t looking.

I’ve been wearing maternity clothes a lot more often now, and sigh every morning when I look at a closet full of pretty clothes that don’t fit. But this morning I found this dress that I featured in a wardrobe post back in the Summer of ’09. Elastic waist, fuller skirt, and roomy bodice? All make for a good dress to wear while pregnant or not!

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S :

dress: Etsy (too long ago to know the shop) | belt: Dillards | shoes: thrifted
glasses: Etsy frames, prescription lenses