Part Two: Freaking Out.

Part Two: Freaking Out...
Okay, take a deep breath in. Now, breathe out. And reelllaaaaxxxx. Relax. These are NOT your mother's maternity clothes. Hear that again: these are NOT your mother's maternity clothes. Very likely, they're not even your older sister's maternity clothes. No matter how many older, well-meaning friends and relatives tell you that you'll need big, baggy clothes -- do not listen!

The maternity industry has come a long, long way -- even in the past few years. Many of the lines today are designed by women from your favorite fashion houses who were frustrated with their options during their own pregnancies. The result: clothes that look like your favorite designer pieces but fit your pregnant figure more appropriately and more comfortably than stretching out your existing wardrobe. In fact, many of the lines we carry at Cravings ARE designed by your favorite non-pregger designers.

Quality maternity clothing is designed to grow with you throughout the length of your pregnancy. The clothing is based on your pre-pregnancy size. People tend to outgrow maternity pieces if they experience significant "growth" in the bust line or the rear/thigh/hip line. Some things may run short at the end of your pregnancy if you carry very far forward, but we can cross that bridge if and when we come to it.

We suggest you avoid any line which advises it is designed for only specific trimesters. This is lazy design work and a waste of your money. There are so many other good-fitting options out there that DO work throughout your pregnancy. Let's focus on those.

As with regular clothing lines, some lines run bigger or smaller than others. Shopping in a good boutique will be a real advantage here, as your sales associate can advise you in size selection. As a general rule, unless you've noticed significant increases in the bust or rear, start with your regular size and possibly one size up when you head into the fitting room. We can always go up or down from there. If you are straddling the size line, always start with the bigger size. There is often not a huge difference between one size and the next; going up one size may give you a little more "wiggle" room for shrinkage in the wash or expansion in the bod.

A few do's and don'ts as you start dressing this new "baby and me" body...

• DON'T buy regular clothing in just bigger sizes. These are not proportioned for a maternity fit and you'll only feel fat and dumpy...and outgrow these too quickly.
  
• DON'T buy maternity clothes that are too big for you; fit the body you have now. See above.
  
• DO expect to find a flattering fit and look around until you find a store with lines that can offer you that.
• DO expect value for your money. Spending a little more on a good top or pair of pants, even tee shirts, will be most cost-effective in the long run. You'll be able to wash and wear those pieces over and over without them losing shape and color. Many good pieces will hold up through multiple pregnancies -- even you think you may not.
  
• DON'T get frustrated if you don't love everything you see the first time or two out. You'll get more accustomed to your changing shape as you go and the clothes will be an easier fit as you begin to show more.
• DO try things on. Maternity clothes look very, very different on a body than on a hanger -- nine out of ten times, that's vastly better ON you than hanging. Trust us on this one; you'll be surprised.
• DO ask around for recommendations. Ask your friends and co-workers where they shopped. Where did they have good experiences? Shoot, ask the girl in the grocery store where she got her cute top. She'll be flattered and you'll have a great new resource. Look online for reputable shops in your area that offer a knowledgeable sales team and outstanding service.

Cravings Cue: Cravings offers a full range of sizing, which generally runs as follows: XS (0-2), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12), & XL (14). Our designer jeans are sized like non-maternity designer jeans. We may be able to special order petite, long and plus sizes in a limited number of styles.

Part Three: Lean on Me...the Benefits of a Good Sales Associate