Sunday, February 1, 2009

Philosophy and New Clothes


I thought that I would be pretty stocked for maternity clothes this time around. However, when I got all of my wares out of storage I discovered loads of pristine work clothes, and completely trashed "comfy clothes" (worn for months after Lydia was born. Most of them were still stained with spit-up) Unless I wanted to wear a black suit or silk trousers to the park, I was going to have to do some shopping. My old comfy clothes have be demoted to workout wear or to the trash.

I'm not a huge fan of the Gap or Old Navy. They are fine, but I think working at the Gap in college just left me a little bored. However, for Maternity clothes, you can't beat them. Good prices and good fit. I don't like to spend a lot on maternity clothes.

I subscribe to the "Price per Wear" philosophy. This states that the bargain of an item is not based on the actual price of the item, but the price per wear. For example: Lets say I buy a orange wrap blouse that is kind of cool, but at $9, I can't pass it up. During the next year I wear said blouse twice. That would make the price per wear - $4.50. Next, I find a pair of black pants that are incredible. Fit perfect, perfect length, make my butt look fabulous. They are $75. A bit of a splurge? Well, lets say you wear these once a week for a year. That makes the price per wear $1.44. Lastly you find a great pair of jeans like the ones I found here for $19.99. Perfect fitting dark rise jeans. (My personal staple.) I wear these jeans 2 times a week for a year. This makes the price per wear less than 20 cents! The jeans are an absolute steal, the black pants a good deal, the top - even though it is only $9- is the splurge.
It is because of the Price per Wear philosophy that I don't spend a lot on Lydia's clothes. She is growing out of them too fast. For her, I tend towards consignment sales. As for Shane, I buy him more expensive clothes to fit with his work needs. He might wear one pair of black wool pants once a week for three years. A few things that don't fit into this way of thinking is the wedding dress, formal attire and holiday wear.
So - back to the topic at hand. Since I don't wear maternity clothes for very long, I try to stick to well priced basics. I won't be wearing them long, but I will be wearing them a lot for about 4 months. So nothing too trendy. I just received my on-line order and these were my favorites....

This Old Navy Sweatshirt is crazy comfortable (I fell asleep in it last night), yet cute enough to wear out.


I am a huge fan of the full panel pants. They look old lady off the rack, but they are so comfortable and no ugly line on your bulging belly. When I put on these Old Navy Jeans I seriously started giggling. They made me look skinny! - Well, as skinny as I could look at 5 1/2 months pregnant...



This Gap tee is my new favorite top, maternity or not. So flattering, so comfy. I just wished it came in more colors. I try to stay away from white. Gap is having a great maternity sale right now. FYI.


This Old Navy Blouse was just a random purchase. I like to fill my on-line cart so that I don't have to pay shipping (With Gap and Old Navy free shipping for purchases over $150). Then I just send everything back that I don't love. (Free shipping on returns too). I was seriously shocked how cute this was top was once I got it on. I need at least one nice piece for Spring. For $15, you can't beat it.

I bought a swimsuit too. I haven't gotten the nerve to try it on yet. Anyone know where I can find maternity board shorts? Even at the gym, I am not confident enough to walk around all pasty and pregnant in just a swimsuit.

Now I just have to find a modest, maternity bridesmaids dress that hits below my calf. That should be fun....

5 comments:

Lisa B. said...

How neat!! I am going to subscribe to your "Price per Wear" philosophy. I'm sure this will save us money on future purchases.

Super smart choices on your clothing purchases. You have great taste!!


~Mom of 3 (boys) in Texas

About this blog said...

Love your sane philosophy on clothes purchase ... especially for kids clothes.

Try TJ Formal for pretty, well-priced maternity bridesmaid dresses. Right now you can save 20% on Beautiful Bari Jay Dresses with Free Shipping! They have a great selection of styles, including flattering calf-length dresses.

Are You Serious! said...

♥ Cute clothes! I love your price per wear philosophy!!! :)

Gilbert Family said...

Great finds! I have found that my favorite maternity shirts (this go around) are the Downeast LONG t-shirts. They have a maternity section but so far I have gotten away with the non-maternity styles. They are so great because they are fitted (not a balloon like most maternity shirts) but they are long enough to cover your bulging belly :) PERFECT! I love to wear them something cute to layer over them!

I am definelty going to get some of those Old Navy jeans!

Anonymous said...

I like the way you are thinking.!! I too found some well designed and comfortable maternity clothing at Lane Bryant.

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