Joking with a pregnant friend the other day who happens to be a big firm attorney, I observed that it is difficult to look professional while very pregnant. Cute? Definitely. Glowing? Absolutely. Divinely Gorgeous? Hopefully. But professional is a stretch.
I understand that there are many women who are glad to have some increased, ahem, assets to show off–but not at the office. And just when you find something that doesn’t draw undue attention to your potential to feed your future offspring, the designers have to go and stick a giant bow on you.
So, I was incredibly excited when Ann Taylor Loft contacted me about their new line of chic maternity clothing. While I was teaching, I shopped so much at the Loft that my mother in law made a Loft Gift Certificate my yearly Christmas Gift. I always found outfits that were polished and chic and could take me from the classroom, to a parent meeting, to an after-work date. And best of all, many of the clothes are machine washable so I didn’t have to blow my salary on dry-cleaning.
Ann Taylor Loft’s Maternity Clothing is just as classic and appropriate as their fashion for our non-gestating sisters.
For the spring line, they’ve chosen a crisp black and white palette, with both solids and bold, graphic patterns for interest. Ideally maternity clothes match everything so you’ll only need a handful of pieces. The collection is accented with the very hip shades of turquoise and emerald green–perfect with some chunky silver jewelry. If you are feeling more funky, there are also a couple of items in a bold hot pink.
Most importantly, you’ll get a great fit. Both petite and fuller figured mamas will be happy to know that the maternity sizes run from 00-18 or XXS to XXL. I usually have difficulty with pants but was very pleased with the sizing. I chose my pre-pregnancy size (no, I’m not sharing) and got a perfect fit. The top was a flattering jersey fabric that looks great right now at 5 months’, but leaves plenty of room to grow.
I threw my outfit in the wash and it emerged as crisp and vivid as when it first arrived. Prices are in the same range as regular Loft prices (yay for not gouging pregnant women desperate for quality clothing!), with the outfit shown costing $123 and plenty of fabulous sales.
Overall, I am thrilled with this affordable, practical, and chic addition to maternity wear. Now, I just need somewhere to go in my new ensemble.
—
WANT IT: Visit Ann Taylor Loft Maternity. Use coupon code LOFT4MOM20 for 20% OFF any maternity purchase PLUS free shipping. (ends April 30) The code is case sensitive–use all caps!
