Western Chic Maternity with Guest: Taylor Cornell

Hi Ladies!  When Candace asked me to share with you all about “maternity fashion,” my wheels started turning.  I immediately thought that I’m no pro at this (second time is the charm?)   Not to mention that at six months pregnant, very few women feel like bombshells!  BUT then it occurred to me… that’s why maternity fashion is so important!!! Pregnancy can be so rough on a woman’s body, but the ability to carry a little life inside of you is such a miraculous blessing that it really should be celebrated.  It’s also a well-known fact that when you are able to put in some effort to make yourself look stylish and beautiful, you feel more comfortable in your skin… even if your skin is all stretched out and marked up! Maternity clothing has come a very long way in the last several years, and there are certainly some staples that are worth the investment!  I have found (especially with my low baby boy bump this time around) that a few pair of solid colored maternity leggings are WELL worth the investment no matter the season!  They come in full-length or a shorter capri-length version.  I have both grey and black, “A Pea in the Pod,” brand and they are wonderful!  These leggings can be easily paired with a variety of options for very diverse looks.  Below, I styled them up with an Old Navy maternity tee, which is also another staple maternity item!  Get your basic colors and you won’t regret it!

Though maternity clothes can be awesome, especially towards the end of your pregnancy, those who know me well, know that I get a thrill from being thrifty!  As far as maternity fashion goes, thriftiness can mean buying second-hand, repurposing, or just buying non-maternity clothing items (which is most often the case) that can be worn throughout pregnancy as well as after giving birth.  Adorable non-maternity maxi skirts and palazzo pants are everywhere this time of year, and they’re PERFECT for sporting a bump.  I must own at least 5 of each!  The best style to opt for are those with the fold-over waistband- they can be worn folded, or pulled up over your tummy for extra support.  Non-maternity maxi dresses can also be great low-maintenance, one-piece options, especially if you’re on the shorter side.  I’m only 5’4" and maxi dresses are usually too long for me without a belly-bump, it is fun to be able to wear them!  Another absolute style staple for me, pregnant or not, are Bke ‘long & lean’ tank tops from The Buckle.  These tanks are long enough to wear all throughout pregnancy (without a belly slip situation), come in all colors, and are about $15!

I have put together a few of my favorite go-to maternity outfit styles for some inspiration!  I tried to create some diversity, but I would consider my style: laid back, easy, a little bohemian, and a little edgy with some western flare.  My daughter, Kinley and I believe you can better almost any outfit when you add some fringe and pile on the turquoise! Now, I love expression through style and I love, love my little “bean,” so I have also included some mommy-and-me outfit combos that were created with what Kinley and I already had in our closets.  It just feels right when you and your little one both look stylish and ready to conquer the day!

 Taylor1

Me: Black Maternity Leggings (Pea In The Pod), Minnetonka Moccasin Boots, White Maternity Tee (Old Navy), White Tank (Buckle), Native American Bib Necklace (Made By Me), Slouchy Boho Cover-Up (TJ Maxx).

Kinley:  White Lace Tee (Target), Black Leggings, Black Fringe T-Shirt Scarf (Made By Me), Metallic Bib Necklace (Made By Me), Leather Moccasin Boots (Made By Me).

Taylor2

 Me:  Non-Maternity Maxi Dress (Buckle), Short Grey Minnetonka Moccasins, Vintage Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace And Matching Earrings.

Kinley:  Simple White Sundress (Thrift Shop), Leather Moccasin Boots (Made By Me), 80’s Wooden Hand-Me-Down Necklace.

Taylor3

Me:  Worn Boyfriend Jeans (My Husband’s Closet) Worn With Belly Band, Black Maternity Tee (Old Navy), Tribal Vest (Buckle), Short Grey Minnetonka Moccasins, Vintage Turquoise Squash Blossom And Earrings.

Kinley: Black Tank (Old Navy), Relaxed Wrangler Toddler Jeans (Hand-Me-Downs), Moccasins (Bastien Hiawatha), Vintage Turquoise Necklaces.

I hope these tips and suggestions help to inspire some of you lovely pregnant ladies!

Thanks for having me, Cooped Up Cowboys Wives!!

Xoxo, Taylor

**A very special shout out to my photographer and friend Katie Sedlak, of Katie Sedlak Photography + Design! Check out her blog page: www.katiesedlak.org