Monday, November 9, 2009

Maternity Wrap-Up, Part I: 34th Street Picks

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Below is a post she prepared before leave.

Here's a list of my must-hit spots on 34th Street for maternity:


  1. H&M Mama. Located on the second floor of H&M on 34th & 6th at Herald Square, this was my go-to maternity pick-me-up. It doesn't look like much at first, but stick around and browse seriously. Nothing is going to make you happier than finding trendy, stylish maternity items like skinny jeans, long leggings (must-have), and yes, even harem pants (left)! I was so ecstatic to find maternity on-trend that I found myself dropping by the store weekly. My maternity addiction. $
  2. JCPenney. Located on the two lower levels of Manhattan Mall, this department store's maternity section is tiny (look for it next to the plus size section), but is your resource for, yes, great maternity jeans at very easy-on-wallet prices ($40 right). The cut and comfort will be a pleasant surprise, especially if you've experienced some poorly designed and too-tight, belly-panel jeans. Also be sure to pick up their inexpensive and soft T-shirts. $
  3. A Pea in the Pod Maternity in Macy's Herald Square. If you can afford it, go. And if you can't, go anyway to browse their quality underpinnings and maternity accessories: belly bands, books, belly pillows - you must get a wedge - and even Belly Bars. This in-store boutique has a big selection of designer maternity wear, with brands like Seven for All Mankind, Joe's Jeans, ABS by Allen Schwartz, Splendid, Velvet, and Hanky Panky thongs. If it' s too pricey, I'd at least look into getting your quality underpinnings here. You're going to need the good stuff underneath. $$$
  4. GapMaternity. The 1969 maternity jeans are great, although I'd compare with JCPenney before spending $60+ at Gap. But for work dresses under $100, Gap can't be beat. You'll find plenty of office-appropriate styles. And I always spotted a good black dress on the sale rack that could usually work for an evening occasion. Be sure to also check the sales racks for t-shirts, pants, sweaters, and cute tunics (right). Gap consistently has maternity on sale, which is difficult to find elsewhere. $$
  5. Old Navy Maternity. I didn't shop here as much as I thought I would, as the maternity section was always a bit of a let-down. But I don't fit Old Navy well due to my height. If you're not tall, go here for workout clothes (I bought my sweats at H&M, plenty long). I did get some tanks on sale (left), and would pick up a t-shirt on occasion. And the midwife who did our hospital tour recommended filling the hospital bag with Old Navy. As she wisely pointed out, giving birth is messy, and these are good throw-away clothes for the hospital. $
H&M Mama @ H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
JCPenney, Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1& 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue
A Pea in the Pod Maternity
in Macy's Herald Square, 34th between Broadway & 7th

Gap
Herald Square, 60 W. 34th Street @ 6th Avenue

Old Navy,
150 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th

2 comments :

Make Do Style said...

Great maternity round up from one hot mama.

Elizabeth said...

One of the things I hear from women who are expecting is that the prices for maternity clothes are prohibitive. You've been able to nail down some great, inexpensive deals that actually look good! Nice!