Leslie-Anne Ball, owner and designer of belli threads & little threads, completely understands the needs of expecting mothers.  Due with her second child on halloween, she is keenly aware of the need for expectant mothers to maintain their own sense of style during pregnancy. “Most women feel that they have to give up their own personal sense of style for nine months, and that is truly unfortunate.  You see women trying to squeeze into their regular jeans for as long as possible, even at the cost of being uncomfortable.” Leslie-Anne goes on to add “the cost and style of maternity clothing does not make it an appealing transition” and that “women are desperate to find non maternity clothing that they can make work”.  Of course there are the $300.00 maternity jeans that look great, but how many of us can afford that?  It’s no wonder celebrities look great when they are pregnant, price is not an issue!  Leslie-Anne wants every expecting mother to feel beautiful.  Whether she spends $50.00 or $300.00.

Leslie-Anne is planning on expanding her novelty maternity t-shirt line, to include affordable transitional pieces.  The focus will be on clothing that looks great when you are pregnant and when you are not.
Leslie-Anne adds “it is easier to make an investment in a piece of clothing, if it is going to serve you longer than nine months.”

As far as choosing the right pieces to best flatter that blossoming belly, Leslie-Anne has a few tips.

-If you are “all belly” definitely wear fitted clothing, especially tops.  Baggy clothing will only make you look bigger.
-If you have a full chest, stay away from wide ribbed knits and tops that tie under the chest.
-V-necks are much more flattering on a larger upper body than a crew neck. Also, look for detailing at the neck as it distracts the eye.

-Stay away from a pant that has a very slim leg.  You need a boot cut, to balance the middle.
-Don’t wear all black, all the time.  Colour makes you look younger and brighter.
-Do invest in a great maternity bra, especially if you are on the larger side.
-avoid a VPL (visible panty line) and go for a low rise thong, one size up from your usual size.
-All clothing looks better when you stand up straight!

There are some essentials that every expecting mother should have in her wardrobe. Of course these items will vary depending on the season and what type of dress you wear to work.  For now, let’s focus on a winter wardrobe.

-a pair of nice dress pants that are also VERY comfortable. Hint: Grey goes with everything!
-a couple of light weight sweaters.  (you will be running a little warmer!)
-a nice wrap or pashmina is indispensable as it fits around any sized belly and always looks polished.
-a couple of long sleeve tops that look great with jeans or dress pants.  Go for something with a little detail, like beading perhaps. Expectant women tend to go with boring black because it matches. However, there so many great colour combinations that are now available. For example, go ahead and pair chocolate with grey or a shade of pink or turquoise.
-comfortable but stylish shoes that are not too high. Trust me.
-a GREAT pair of jeans.  You may have to shop around to get the right fit.  Don’t do a denim with too much distressing, or you will limit yourself to casual.  A nice pair of jeans can easily be dressed up for a nice evening out.

-A great hand bag.  Don’t laugh!  It will always fit, no matter how much weight you gain and a great bag is what takes an outfit from OK to fabulous.

Leslie-Anne is quick to add what she says is the most important thing to remember during your pregnancy.  “Enjoy it!  Soak up the extra attention, and indulge in some clothing that makes you feel great.”  Nine months is a long time to compromise your style

      

To find out more about Leslie-Anne’s maternity line, infant and new dad gifts, as well as big sister and big brother tees, please follow the link below to view her listing in the KidsChannel Resource Guide. 
click here to view listing