I think a lot of times when we talk about “going green” we think very lofty thoughts; loftier than need be. Going green, in my opinion, doesn’t require that all of our efforts be complicated and expensive endeavors. Simply consuming less is a HUGE part of being eco friendly.
You know the phrase: “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” There’s a reason “reduce” comes first.
It’s the reducing that I was concentrating on during the earlier part of my pregnancy, as I tried to stretch (literally) my regular wardrobe to fit my expanding belly. I took a number of photos of my efforts, but realized weeks later that my camera was on some weird setting that made most of the shots quite blurry… so, these are the ones we’re left with. (Click on any of the images for a larger view.)
The classic jeans and tshirt. Thankfully, I had two pairs of jeans that are usually just a little too big in my non-pregnant state. They faithfully saw me through that awkward phase when regular pants are too small but maternity pants are too big. Thankfully, too, I’ve completely bought into the bohemian Anthropologie-esque flowing tops, like this white tank. My mini gray cardi was an expensive purchase, but I’ve worn it so often in the years since that it’s more than earned its price. The necklace is a Target find that I get tons of compliments on every time I wear it. And that’s why I love Target.
See? There’s that mini gray cardi again, this time paired with a sleeveless empire waist dress, gray tights, and my squeaky black boots. This necklace by a local artist. I picked it up at Sweetie in West Seattle, but I’ve also seen the same artist now featured at Fireworks. The dress is Nordstrom BP, tights are Target, boots are… squeaky. Did I already mention that?
Long sweater from Target, black shirt from Antrhopologie, skinny jeans by Fossil (this is the other pair that’s a little too big in non-pregnant life), headband from Anthropologie, necklace from my dad who got it somewhere in Mexico, those same squeaky black boots.
This is an important outfit to have on hand when you want to look like a pregnant school girl. Headband from Cost Plus, mustard long sleeve shirt from Target, jumper from Sweetie in West Seattle, gray patterend tights from Target, boots by d’Arte.
Let’s take a closer look at those boots, shall we? These are another pricey purchase, but totally worth it for how often I’ve worn them. I’ve almost worn through them at this point, and it will be a sad day when I do.
All of the above outfits (and the many others I photographed, but screwed up) are made entirely of non-maternity clothes. Though I started sporting a pretty good bump at 3 1/2 months, today is the first time I’ve worn an actual maternity top (at 4 1/2 months).
I expect I’ll slowly transition into full-time maternity gear in the next month or so and, in preparation, I’ve been searching local consignment stores and eBay. I’m determined to buy as much 2nd hand as possible. Anything I purchase new, I’d like to be wearable after pregnancy as well.
So far, so good. I did buy two new pairs of maternity jeans from Target. Everything else I’ve picked up has been 2nd hand. Thanks primarily to eBaby, I’ve been able to buy about 30 maternity pieces for under $200, including shipping. I hadn’t really intended to buy so much, but one woman was selling her entire pregnancy wardrobe and I managed to pick it up for $35. I couldn’t resist. And, even better, several of the pieces will transition into post-pregnancy wear quite nicely. Naturally, I’ll pass on everything when I’m done with it, back to the consignment stores, thrift stores, and eBay.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Green Legume 