I’m so happy I was able to wear my own clothes for a long time using clever maternity items like Bella Bands, but somewhere around 20-21 weeks, my regular clothes just weren’t doing it for me and my growing belly anymore. Thankfully, back in October, I’d gone baby shopping with my friend Lisa. We were on St-Hubert street in Montreal where baby stores abound. Well, there was also an HKR Collections store (try to look passed their dated website). Lisa literally forced me to go in and boy am I glad she did. I’d shopped there before, a long time ago, but to be honest, at 21 weeks (I’m currently 27 weeks), I didn’t think I’d fit in ‘normal’ clothes anymore without looking frumpy or dumpy.

Source Snappy Casual

Already feeling increasingly self conscious about my size and shape, I didn’t have much hope but I triumphantly found a few pieces I could wear at work or dress down for casual-wear that were totally cute. In the fall and winter I tend to gravitate around knit cardis that have cool cuts to them and tops I can layer. HKR did not disappoint on this. And much to my even greater surprise, almost everything I picked up there were made in Canada! Imagine that. I had no idea they manufactured in Canada! The best part was that each piece was less than $30 too. Most being $15 (who says buying stylish locally-made apparel is too expensive?)

Comfort is so important when you’re pregnant. Up until that fateful day, I was already more comfortable in dresses than in pants. Knowing myself, I can guarantee that I’ll be wearing dresses far more than pants for the next 2 months, regardless of temperature. Plus, this year, knee high boots are all the rage too (they look so cute with calf length or above the knee dresses) so I was perfectly ok giving up my beloved platform pumps for a few months too.

Belzer boots by Report

Knee high flat healed boots by Browns

My favourite outfits these days consist of either a basic LBMD (Little Black Maternity Dress) I found on sale at Thyme Maternity or my LGMD (Little Grey Maternity Dress) by NOM – Naissance on Melrose that I got also on sale at Mama Mia which I’m happy to say is made in USA ;) with one of my new coloured made in Canada cardigans (in greys, browns, blues), tall boots, great accessories like hoop earrings and my Bola chime necklace that baby is starting to hear.

Sophie Dress by NOM - Naissance on Melrose

I went back to HKR yesterday to get a couple of cute peasant tops (yep, still made in Canada) to wear with maternity jeans I finally purchased. I’ll even be able to wear these tops long after baby is born too. Love that!

It’s funny, I actually like my maternity wardrobe more than my regular wardrobe…

So this is how I’ve been staying comfy when I’m not home. Being comfortable at home is a whole other story though… or er post. Stay tuned!