With the opening of TK Maxx (rebranded Trade Secrets) and their amazing clearance section, I was able to nab amazing bargains, including this layered skirt! Although they say that you are getting a bargain, you’re only truly getting a bargain in the big red sections that say “clearance”. The rest of the store is the “bargains” will have the same discount you will get at any department store. I also love how they set it up by size so you can limit yourself to this section only.

Boohoo Maternity Top | TK Maxx Skirt

I can’t complain as I spent less than $20 on this top however, just like the layered black dress and the staple black dress, the top attracts lint like crazy! Especially with a bump on full show, it emphasises the area and screams “you need a lint removed, stat!”. On the downside, we have less than a month to go and we’ve lost the lint remover!

Boohoo added free shipping on top of their 50% off sale so this comfy dress was added to my cart with no hesitation.

The reason why I opt for a two-piece outfit (i.e. shirt with skirt) is because when I go for a midwife appointment, my midwife will ask me to show my belly to measure the size of the baby, feel the baby and listen to the baby with a Doppler. I have never been in a situation where I’ve had to lift a dress to show my belly with my underwear exposed. I’m assuming this is normal but I try to avoid this situation when I can.

Boohoo Dress

Unfortunately, if you splurge on cheap clothes, you also get material which isn’t top-notch. This material attracts literally everything and when you have a cat and dog, you’ve become a fuzz magnet! Similar to the cut-out shoulder top and the layered black dress, the material requires you to run a lint remover all over you before you leave the house. In addition to this, I do wish they put a split in this dress, getting in and out of the car has been a mission because you can only open your legs a certain width. Hey, on the the plus side, you will have no chance of flashing anyone!

While looking for maternity clothes, I was shocked to see how much companies were charging us pregnant mothers for clothes we could only wear for a few months. It’s abhorrent! I’m a huge believer of the “cost-per-wear” analysis and I am appalled companies who supply maternity clothes are taking us for a ride!

Bonbon Wedges | Saints + Secrets Lace Dress

While doing the “Style the Bump” series, I have learned that I need to be more diverse with my fashion choices. I was a huge believer in adopting a style you like and sticking to it. However, things change (like falling pregnant) and you realise you need to be much more flexible and open to new styles. It’s about embracing the changes in your life and it’s such a wonderful journey.

No amount of clothing can hide our baby’s strong kicks, punches and stretches. It’s amazing how active they can be inside your belly (and how much a foot and hand can protrude from your belly). It’s hauntingly beautiful watching your belly dance.

Agent NinetyNine Skirt | Senso Boots | Prada Lux Saffiano Tote

As a side note, I learned that you should always wait for your moisturiser to dry prior to putting clothes on. Since falling pregnant, I have been stuck in shirts, dresses, pants and skirts. I have literally had to call my husband over to help me after 10 minutes of attempting to get in and out of clothes. It’s been hilarious and also extremely embarrassing at the same time. And, sometimes we’ve had to consider getting out a pair of scissors to cut me out of the clothes. Lucky, we have not had to do this but these incidents have lead to me investing in a handful of maternity clothes. Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

Here’s my take of double denim during the first few days of winter. Pregnancy has kept me at a warm body temperature. I feel like an oven and have barely complained about the cold this winter. I commend all mothers who were pregnant during the Australian summer!

One Teaspoon Shorts | OASAP Denim Blouse | Adidas Stan Smith | Louis Vuitton Neverfull

It’s official, I have welcomed stretch marks and cellulite! I have learned that no amount of cocoa butter moisturiser can prevent this and I have mentally prepared myself to embrace my body as it grows this beautiful baby.

Here’s to hoping I can bounce back to pre-pregnancy size to wear these beautiful shorts this summer.

Overalls have become a staple piece when it comes to styling the bump backdating to the late 60s. I only have one pair I found at a thrift store a few years back in a children’s size 12. I bleached the denim and gave it some character with rips and holes (pre Kanye West adopting the style). I was willing to push how long I can wear this and I managed to get to 30 weeks before the bump decided I should no longer wear it.

Angelicare Overalls | H&M Cardigan | Adidas Stan Smith| Chanel Backpack

Hubby and I have been eagerly waiting for the arrival of our little one. We have been documenting this pregnancy in a series of weekly videos and every week I’m fascinated at how much of a miracle pregnancy is. Every scan has shown us a beautiful baby with a happy heartbeat, ten fingers, ten toes, two arms and two legs.

We are scared and excited at the same time.

My “Style the Bump” series is an attempt to transition from pre-pregnancy style to pregnancy style. Something that was extremely difficult to do as your priorities changed and you weigh up whether it’s worth investing in maternity-wear to wear over the next 4 months. Unfortunately, I had no idea my wardrobe was filled with waist-high, a-line skirts and dresses that did not agree with a pregnancy body. Shopping my closet deemed difficult but I managed to pull out a few gems to help me see through 28 weeks of pregnancy without having to wear maternity clothes.

Here’s my take on the white shirt and denim jeans at 25 weeks pregnant.

Dr Denim Jeans | Bonbon Wedges | Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Fast forward two weeks and I was no longer able to pull these pants over my thighs and my shirt buttons were busting at the seams. It’s so interesting how quickly your body can change in a couple of weeks. My pregnancy has been such a blessing.