I have a friend who posted her weekly bump pictures on Facebook and had the cutest outfits, so when I got pregnant I went to her first for tips on my pregnancy wardrobe. My first problem was with the word “MATERNITY” no one was allowed to use it around me, for some reason it made me very angry. 

So on a search I went to look for regular clothes I could wear throughout my pregnancy.  This solved many problems, for starters, it was way less expensive. I think that’s because when you are pregnant and at the mercy of the clothing retailers, maternity clothing manufacturers feel like they can charge you an arm and a leg for clothing. However, you can buy regular larger than your “normal” size clothes on sale, and not on sale for a lot less.  You also have more options, and personally, it made me feel a lot better to know I was wearing regular clothes.

On my quest for clothes I found the Portofino shirt. I bought it in 3 different colors during my pregnancy and an extra new color since I have had my son. I love these shirts! They work with so much! You can wear them with skinny jeans, shorts, skirts, leggings and they look fabulous! They are super easy, wash and wear, no ironing required! What more could you ask for! I get compliments every time I wear them and have suggested them to pregnant and non-pregnant friends.

What is so great about these shirts you may ask? Well for starters a story… I work as a teacher with children 5- 9 years old. I didn’t want to be asked every day when, or if I had the baby. (I tell you children have no concept of time when it comes to pregnancy, if you have or work with children you understand this, if you don’t, I kid you not, they will ask you every single day!) So… I waited till I was 7 months pregnant to tell my older ones and about 4 weeks from my due date to tell the younger ones. When I wore this shirt, my kids had no idea I was pregnant. One teacher who I rarely saw didn’t even realize I was pregnant a month out from my due date!

Other reasons I love these shirts…

-They come in a million colors and patterns, ok not a million but close.

– They wash and wear soooo easily; you never have to iron them!

– Easily accessorizable, (if that’s a word) dress them up or down.

-They look great pregnant and even better not pregnant!

– You can wear them buttoned up or open with a cami underneath.

– The possibilities are endless by wearing them with jeans, leggings, skirts, shorts….

You can find the Portofino shirt at Express stores or www.express.com  they range from 49.50 – $59.50 depending on color and pattern, but they periodically run specials for buy one and get a discount on the second as well as major deals for $$$$ off depending on how much you spend.  Do not miss out on this fabulous top, it will not disappoint.

http://www.express.com/clothing/Apparel/Portofino+Shirts/cat/cat1040025

*This post was originally featured on TheFancyPantsMom.com