Bun in the Oven: Prêt-à-Porter

Let's start with the fancy duds, since they're the most fun. At least, I assume they're fun, as I have no experience with pregnant-lady finery. I thought I'd sail through my pregnancy with effortless aplomb and grace, looking like Angelina Jolie or maybe Gwen Stefani; in retrospect, I have no idea where I got such a dorky idea because I was no clotheshorse before my gestation adventure began. But if I'd wanted to look all fat and sassy, I'd have headed over to somewhere like Mimi Maternity (Arboretum), Special Addition (N. Lamar at 38th), or Due Maternity (Davenport Village). The latter is where you can find items from Mommy-Go-Round, the work of local designer Beth Perkins.

The clothing at these places runs the gamut from unbelievably cute (who knew you could look cute and pregnant at the same time?) to remarkably professional (I'm particularly smitten with the tweed pants at Mimi). And, surprisingly, many of the prices aren't that bad. Nothing more than you'd pay for non-maternity wear, and sometimes even less if you get 'em on sale. The problem is -- and I just could not get past this -- you'll only wear the stuff for maybe four months. 'Cause, see, here's how it works. You get bigger and bigger and bigger (check that video again if you need reminding), and the clothes you wear during your first trimester ain't gonna fit in your third. If you've got bling to sling, knock yourself out, but there are also plenty of resources for the more budget-conscious among us.

First off, there's the big box of all big boxes, Target (locations all over town). Perhaps it's a cop out, but the ol' Tar-jhay has some mighty fine clothes. They carry the ultra-sensible-yet-classy Liz Lange line, which is wash-n-wear, looks nice, and isn't expensive. But if you're dedicated to buying local, it doesn't get more local than consignment, such as Between Friends (Mesa at Spicewood Springs) or Rock-a-bye Baby Kids (183 just S. of Braker). Lastly, you can resort to the dreaded mall, where the major retailers usually have a token maternity department, and the array of specialty shops often includes a Motherhood Maternity. I picked up some great fundamental pieces (black pants, gray pants) at Maternity at the start of my pregnancy, and I've worn them ragged.

However, even at non-designer prices, getting a decent variety of clothes when you have to literally rebuild your closet from scratch -- nothing you wore pre-PG will work once the growing and kicking starts -- can be bank-breaking. For me, the local thrift stores have been a life-saver. Just about every Goodwill and Salvation Army outlet (locations all over town) has a maternity rack. I scored several tops for about $4/per at the new, impressively-organized and clean Super Thrift (183 at McNeil). If you want to buy in bulk, hop on the internet and start searching. There are always plenty being posted on Craig's List. You can even take a stab at Austin Freecycle; in the month of August, there were four lots of maternity clothes offered. All were snatched up within hours, so this route is really for the quickest and most vigilant.

Last but not least, don't be shy about relying on the kindness of friends and acquaintances. I've received loads of hand-me-down maternity and baby clothing from my pals and family members. I can't even tally the new or used value of everything that's been given to me. People hang onto these things for only so long, and when they have a chance to give them directly to someone who will gratefully put them to good use, they're thrilled to clear space in their closets -- to the benefit of your suddenly scant wardrobe. Besides, in a mere 40 weeks, what are you going to do with your Sneetch-wear? Pass it on, pass it on, pass it on.

Addendum: In response to last week's column about adoption, I received a few off-line comments from readers. One came from Carla, an Austinite who has been in Guatemala for months working on the adoption of her daughter, Emma. Her story is a touching, fun read...all the more so because it's in real time. Plus she has started her own adoption group, Adopt Proud. Also, a birth mother pointed me to Adoption Knowledge Affiliates, a local organization for adopted people, birth parents, adoptive parents and others. With monthly meetings and more, they're a highly-recommended support and resource group. Thanks for the pointers!