Great Expectations

Great Expectations How to shop for thrifted maternity fashion.

In pregnancy, feeling and looking good is sometimes easier said than done. As your baby bump grows, your clothes no longer fit, but new maternity pieces can be expensive. For the mother-to-be, a Salvation Army thrift store is a great place to build a wardrobe that grows with you. Here’s how: Look for longer tops. Make sure they are a stretchy material that will expand with your belly. Go a size up. Clothes that are slightly bigger than your normal size are often large enough to accommodate a growing belly, while fitting properly in the arms and shoulders. Look at the jeans. Moms donate, too! Keep an eye out for jeans with an elastic waist or a maternity panel. Alter items to fit. If you find a larger size that works with the bump but is too big in another area, a simple alteration can be an easy fix. Don’t go overboard. Your body is

changing every day. Buy a few pieces that co-ordinate and work for the season. If you outgrow those, then invest in a few more items.

(left) Tijana Popovic is the frugalista behind A Plentiful Life, a lifestyle blog that shows readers how to live their best life on a budget. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.