How Not to Feel Like a Frump When Pregnant
Pregnancy doesn't have to mean 9+ months of pure frumpery. It can be one of the most exciting and sexiest times of your life. Before I lose you - wait. I'm not saying that pregnancy is not the most major adjustment and transformation your body will ever make. I'm just saying it's possible to make it go more smoothly. All it takes is some strategic shopping and pampering, and a change in attitude. Here are my top tips to a sexy pregnancy:
1. Take good care of yourself. You can't look good if you feel awful. Unfortunately, nothing can eliminate morning sickness and other pregnancy ailments, but you can help alleviate any discomfort you feel by avoiding any nausea triggers and pampering yourself. Get a massage if your back aches (just make sure your therapist is licenced in prenatal massage!), take a bath, make a cup of tea - whatever it takes.
2. Celebrate your body. Oddly, by making a ritual of using belly butters and oils morning and night and focusing on my growing belly, I came to like and respect what was happening to my body a little bit more. I started to see it as beautiful, if not necessarily physically, then because of what it represented.
3. Surround yourself with positive people. Sounds trite, I know, but it's amazing how the attitudes of negative people can rub off on you. If you have girlfriends who have nothing good to say about being pregnant, change the subject. Who needs that?
4. Shop in regular stores. This is IMPORTANT! I have a very hip friend and boutique owner who never owned a single piece of maternity clothing. While this probably wouldn't work for most of us, it is possible for every woman to mix it up a little! During my most recent pregnancy, I only wore maternity clothes about 10% of the time. With all the empire, tunic and babydoll clothes in style right now, I didn't need to stick to maternity. Wearing normal clothes makes you feel like a normal person. You can buy current trends and talk sales with your girlfriends. And in a small town like mine, where maternity options are virtually nonexistent, it's a lifesaver. Shopping at regular stores for maternity-friendly styles opens up a whole world of options, and will save you a ton of money.
5. Splurge on a few great pieces. For example, the only maternity must-have, in my opinion, is a great pair of maternity designer jeans. You'll wear them again and again. Buy them early in your pregnancy to get the most mileage out of them, and buy a versatile boot leg style in a darker wash.
6. Make it a point to flaunt what you still love. During my first pregnancy, I bought a fabulous olive jersey dress with a flowy top and a miniskirt. After all, my legs hadn't changed, so I wanted to show them off. And people noticed. I swear that some college guys checked me out when I went to a college reunion event, and a few people actually stopped me and told me I was the prettiest pregnant woman they had seen. Why? It's because pregnant women rarely show any skin, and in some cases, any style. It shocks people, and is a real confidence booster for you. So whether it's a beautiful neck or slim arms or a pretty face, play up your assets!
7. Wear heels as long as you can. They will tell you not to. Ignore them. (Note: Do not pack them to wear home from the hospital after a c-section. Trust me on this. Not a good idea.)
8. Control what you can. Your body goes a little haywire during pregnancy, so take extra good care with the things under your control, like your makeup, hair, nails, etc. Make them as gorgeous as possible, and you'll feel more like yourself.
9. Remind yourself of all the celebrities that are currently pregnant, and take some fashion and beauty cues from them. Somehow, it made me feel like I was in glamorous company, even if I didn't look anything like Heidi Klum when I was pregnant.
10. Get out there and enjoy life! Take a "babymoon" with your husband, go out to dinner with your girlfriends, enroll in a fun class. Focus on doing everything now that you may not have time for later. You'll thank me for this!
1. Take good care of yourself. You can't look good if you feel awful. Unfortunately, nothing can eliminate morning sickness and other pregnancy ailments, but you can help alleviate any discomfort you feel by avoiding any nausea triggers and pampering yourself. Get a massage if your back aches (just make sure your therapist is licenced in prenatal massage!), take a bath, make a cup of tea - whatever it takes.
2. Celebrate your body. Oddly, by making a ritual of using belly butters and oils morning and night and focusing on my growing belly, I came to like and respect what was happening to my body a little bit more. I started to see it as beautiful, if not necessarily physically, then because of what it represented.
3. Surround yourself with positive people. Sounds trite, I know, but it's amazing how the attitudes of negative people can rub off on you. If you have girlfriends who have nothing good to say about being pregnant, change the subject. Who needs that?
4. Shop in regular stores. This is IMPORTANT! I have a very hip friend and boutique owner who never owned a single piece of maternity clothing. While this probably wouldn't work for most of us, it is possible for every woman to mix it up a little! During my most recent pregnancy, I only wore maternity clothes about 10% of the time. With all the empire, tunic and babydoll clothes in style right now, I didn't need to stick to maternity. Wearing normal clothes makes you feel like a normal person. You can buy current trends and talk sales with your girlfriends. And in a small town like mine, where maternity options are virtually nonexistent, it's a lifesaver. Shopping at regular stores for maternity-friendly styles opens up a whole world of options, and will save you a ton of money.
5. Splurge on a few great pieces. For example, the only maternity must-have, in my opinion, is a great pair of maternity designer jeans. You'll wear them again and again. Buy them early in your pregnancy to get the most mileage out of them, and buy a versatile boot leg style in a darker wash.
6. Make it a point to flaunt what you still love. During my first pregnancy, I bought a fabulous olive jersey dress with a flowy top and a miniskirt. After all, my legs hadn't changed, so I wanted to show them off. And people noticed. I swear that some college guys checked me out when I went to a college reunion event, and a few people actually stopped me and told me I was the prettiest pregnant woman they had seen. Why? It's because pregnant women rarely show any skin, and in some cases, any style. It shocks people, and is a real confidence booster for you. So whether it's a beautiful neck or slim arms or a pretty face, play up your assets!
7. Wear heels as long as you can. They will tell you not to. Ignore them. (Note: Do not pack them to wear home from the hospital after a c-section. Trust me on this. Not a good idea.)
8. Control what you can. Your body goes a little haywire during pregnancy, so take extra good care with the things under your control, like your makeup, hair, nails, etc. Make them as gorgeous as possible, and you'll feel more like yourself.
9. Remind yourself of all the celebrities that are currently pregnant, and take some fashion and beauty cues from them. Somehow, it made me feel like I was in glamorous company, even if I didn't look anything like Heidi Klum when I was pregnant.
10. Get out there and enjoy life! Take a "babymoon" with your husband, go out to dinner with your girlfriends, enroll in a fun class. Focus on doing everything now that you may not have time for later. You'll thank me for this!
posted by The Beauty Insider @ 7:52 PM
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