Post-Pregnancy Body Shapers

In the news there has been a lot of talk about celbs using waist trainers or cinchers to shape their bodies.

 

 

 

Little did I know, similar type devices have been used by new moms to recover after child birth. Girdles are basically compression garments that work by drawing in stretched muscles to provide a 360° support structure around the torso, thus, reducing strain on ligaments and joints in the lower back, pelvis, and buttocks. By reducing any stress in these areas may enhance your body’s ability to return to its pre-pregnancy alignment, shape and to lose the post baby tummy faster.

 

Designed to support the stomach area, these are a little different than the cinchers which are considered dangerous and pose health risks.

 

Yes the hospital will provide you with a girdle, but I decided to buy two on of the most popular ones on the market, in hopes they will be more effective and more comfortable.

 

Here are the two I purchased...guess in a few weeks I'll be rocking one of these! I'll provide a review of them after trying them out.

 

Belly Bandit

 

First was the less expensive option, sold by major retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

 

 

 

Belly Bandit Original, $49.95

Sold at various department stores

HERE

 

(found new on Ebay for $27 including shipping)

Bellefit Girdle

 

The way more pricey option and only sold on the Bellefit website, although I found on Ebay and Amazon.  I decided to buy this one, as I think it maybe easier to wear under clothing and without riding up. 

 

Bellefit Girdle

$108 (sale)

Sold at www.bellefit.com

 

(Found new on Ebay for $70 with shipping, also saw on Amazon)

 

Wearable Palm Prints

Nothing says summer more than a fun tropical print, like these retro feeling palm prints.

Here are some different versions in different price points.

DRESSES

H&M, $12.95 HERE

Old Navy, $32 (on sale), HERE

Topshop at Nordstrom, $60, HERE

If a dress is too much print, opt for either a top or bottom paired with a solid color.

 

Sleeveless top, Forever 21, $15.90, HERE
 

Shorts, Old Navy, $22 (on sale) HERE
 

Tote, Society 6, $22, HERE

Cheap or Chic- Striped Dress

I was really surprised to find a dress similar to an expensive dress I saw at Nordstrom recently at Old Navy- which is where I have gotten some great and inexpensive maternity items!

 

Both dresses are white with a gray stripe pattern and both have a narrow neckline and fitted bust and flare bottom.

 

Both are on sale and even with the sales- the designer dress is about $230 MORE than the Old Navy.

 

Although I like the look of the expensive one much better, the Old Navy dress is a close comparison and is perfect for a dress you may only wear one time.

 

Striped Sheath, Old Navy, $26 (on sale from $36.94) HERE

'Magdalena' Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, Elizabeth and James at Nordstrom $254.98 (on sale from $425) HERE

Maternity Fashion Style- DRESSES!

I have a few posts now about maternity fashion, but now at 35 weeks I figured I would update on some of my favorites!

 

Tees by Tina Dress- the crosshatch style. I purchased from Nordstrom, it was $98 compared to $120 on the Tees By Tina site. Bought in both red and gray and wore each to a wedding. This one size fits all dress fits like a glove and rouching hides unsightly lines.

 

$98 each here

 

Once the warmer weather hit, I fell in love with the simple tank dress. My favorite is by Ingrid and Isabele and sold on their website and at Nordstrom. I bought the same dress in Aqua, Navy, and Red/Pink/Coral color.- they are available here and here. $88 each.

SHOPPING TIP: If you buy from Ingrid and Isabele their is a 15% off code for new customers with email sign up!

 

I wore the aqua to the baby Jackson's shower!

 

Next was a cheap find from Old Navy- simple tank dresses (thin and not as soft as the Ingrid and Isabel but good for everyday wear/ dressed down look). Purchased in both olive and salmon. HERE $29.95 each

 

SHOPPING TIP: Use a promo code! Saved 30% and got free shipping. They run big, so buy a size down.

Wearing the green olive colored one at Kenny Chesney concert at Merriweather!

I also got a few maxi dresses from Old Navy online as well- in both black and red. Both $32.94 each but with the code and sale you can pick up for around $20 each. HERE



Wearing the black maxi on my birthday :) Paired with BCBG cardigan (not maternity)

So buying maternity clothing can be a challenge since you pretty much can only find stuff online (ALL OF THE ABOVE WAS BOUGHT ONLINE!)

 

 There is definitely trial and error...below was a cute dress sold at both Nordstrom and Bella Blu Maternity by Olian Angela. Looked so cute in the pics but when I got it UGH HORRIBLE FIT! Made me look 50000000 lbs! Lesson learned- empire waist not for me- the tighter the better!

 

SHOPPING TIP: Bella Blu has many of the same brands as Nordstrom, but at a lower cost and also has promo codes for 10% off. So if you find a maternity dress at Nordstrom, make sure to check out Bella Blu first!