7 Maternity Fashion Tips

It can be so frustrating to shop for clothing and now that you're pregnant it maybe even more of a chore! Embrace the changes your body will go thru to bring your beautiful bundle of joy into the world and keep these fashion tips in mind.

1. Try on clothes based on your pre-pregnancy clothing size.

2. Invest in a good pair of black pants & a black skirt, they go with everything.

3. Mix brights & neutrals in your wardrobe to avoid falling into a color rut.

4. Don’t buy everything at once. As your belly expands, so may other areas of your body.

5. Try on styles and colors you ordinarily wouldn’t wear.

6. Invest in good supportive bras, but also wait to buy a few more after the baby is born as your cup size will probably change.

7. For those days that you’re tired of your wardrobe, jazz it up with accessories.

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside...when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone ~Author Unknown

Walk around Saturday

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for Saturday? We got a bowl of cereal, sat down in front of the TV and watched cartoons. It was expected of us and we were happy to oblige! Casper and the Friendly Ghost was one of my favorites.

Those days are long gone and I have adult responsibilities (at least for today) and this Saturday began very early!!! It's flea market day. I've been slowly cleaning out the garage and selling things at rock bottom prices. So low that it sort of catches in my throat to confirm the prices on the tags. "3 basket all for 50cents?" "Ahhhhhh, yes that's right".

With all that angst I need to be comfortable so I've fallen back on pieces that I've already debuted. I've added a scarf for a bit of flair.
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Flirty Friday

Weather forecast: near 80 degrees.
Western Washington in September, that's cause for a celebration!

Ladies, I don't know about you but I love swing skirts. So forgiving and oh so flattering. Add a simple top, bare legs and strappy sandals (heels are not required). Include a light sweater and I do believe you're ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

- sweater by Jones New York 3/4 sleeve $5.00
- blouse by Vintage DCC sleeveless $1.00
both pieces were purchased at a Thrift Shop in San Francisco
skirt no brand name $7.00 at Sage inside Sanford & Son Antiques

Clothes that make you feel good is the beginning of a positive mindset.
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Running with the classics

Today's going to be a busy day, starting with a business meeting at 8am and ending with a ballgame that starts at 7pm.

I've put together a look based on Nina Garcia (Project Runway Judge)10 must haves.

- white oxford shirt Enro Casuals 100% combed cotton
- dark pair of denim Riders
Both pieces were part of a $5 everything that fits in a brown grocery bag sale at the Salvation Army Puyallup
- Van Heusen Vneck sweater $4.00

Nina's list:
1. camel coat
2. striped breton shirt (not sure what this is, so I'll look it up)
3. denim
4. black pumps
5. trench coat
6. white oxford shirt
7. tuxedo jacket
8. statement clutch
9. ballet flats
10. cardigan
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Classic Black with a twist

When in doubt wear black. Dress it up or down, it always works.

Today I've pulled out the stops and will wear a black knit top and a pair of black jeans. Both pieces have been a part of my clothing line for years. But the jacket? Outbrook 100% leather, as smooth as butter (not sure why we say that, but it's true), $11.00 from The Class Act on St. Helen's.

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Simply Saturday

It's a bit cool out and the sun's playing peek a boo. I'm going with something simple to take me thru the day.

Lee jeans $1.00, Thrift Shop on S. Tacoma Way and 72nd.
100% cotton t-shirt 50cents
Old Navy sweater jacket $3.00, Goodwill in Lakewood.
It's an even sweeter deal as the Old Navy shop tags were still attached!


So what's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Wrap Yourself in Style

I love wrap dresses! They hide a multitude of body sins that seem to come about as you reach "that age".

One piece, a bit of jewelry and you're ready to meet the day.

This dress is from Nine Lives Vintage Wear at Freighthouse Square
I.C.E. 95% rayon, 5% spandex great for traveling
No matter how I've tried, I can't remember the price. Just know it was a bargain!

The jacket is FU DA. Think I'll bring it along just in case it rains. The weatherman has forecast a chance of light showers and in Western Washington that's as good as done. Purchased at a church thrift shop while I was in Florida a few months ago.
$3.00

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Classic Jean Jacket $4.00

The temperature has dropped almost 20 degrees from yesterday. What I had so lovingly chosen last night for today is back on the hangers for another day.

I've decided to fallback on a piece of clothing that should be in every woman's closet - Jeans. A pair of jeans (although I don't know anyone who has just one pair of jean pants), a jacket and a skirt. The darker the color of the jean the easier it is to wear it from day to night.

Did you know? Denim refers to a type of cotton cloth called "Serge de Nimes". Which literally means "cloth from Nimes" a town in the south of France.

So for today you'll see me sporting:
Gap jean jacket $4.00 Value Village in Puyallup
Fred David blouse, $7.00 Nine Lives Vintage at Freighthouse Square
White Stag pants $1.00 The Thrift shop on 72nd


What's secondhand in your closet?
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Wednesday, 25 August...National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

At the beginning of the year a friend threw out a challenge, all clothing must be purchased secondhand. Why I never thought about this is beyond me, since I own a shop that sells 2nd hand maternity clothing. But back to her challenge, pretty simple right, since I absolutely love shopping secondhand, but all my clothing?

It's now almost the end of August and I realized I haven't bought ONE article of clothing that didn't come from a 2nd hand shop! Oh hold up, lingerie does not count! I'm not buying them secondhand, I'll go without first!! So in celebration of today, I'm going to start blogging about my wardrobe.

Today I'm wearing:
Studio 1 dress 100% polyester and it's lined, $5.00 from Value Village
Gap belt (leather) $1.00 from St. Vincent de Paul
So, what's in your secondhand wardrobe?
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Thursday, 1 April - International Fun at Work Day

I certainly have fun at work! I own my own shop, Anew Thyme. I'm one of over 20 independently owned shops inside Sanford & Son Antiques. I sell stylish, gently worn maternity clothes, handcrafted baby items and other gifts.

This past Monday, 29 March was National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day. A great celebration of what made America what it is today. How sad though that in the last few years, small businesses are struggling. How many of you know of a small shop with great customer service or the knack of having just the right item for that hard to buy for person? Do you tell others or keep it a secret? Keeping it a secret will cause that "cute shop" on the corner to close along with the cozy coffee shop next door!

Break that habit, celebrate what makes Tacoma unique! Believe me that's not WalMart, Target, WaldenBooks or any of those type of stores you see in any major city in America. What makes Tacoma who we are? Check out Cappy's Produce on 72nd and Portland, Nine Lives Vintage at Freighthouse Square, Vanity on 6th Ave, Millesime Designs on Broadway. These shops are just the very tip of what's offered in Tacoma. Support them and it all comes back to you and the City of Tacoma!
Tschuss

3 March - I want you to be Happy Day

I'm happy! Today I explored the 72nd/Portland St area.
My first stop - Thrift City,904 72nd St. E,the parking lot is filthy! What,you say, does that have to do with anything? We all know we shouldn't judge but first impressions? Life's an adventure so I'm going in! Oh boy, first glance inside, not filthy by any means but not too inviting. This shop is definitely for thrift shopper pros, ready to roll up their sleeves and wade in. Ladies, don't think about trying on anything in this store, the smallest, most dismal dressing room ever and it doesn't lock! Although the comments so far have been a bit negative, I found a 100%silk dress for $9, YES!

As I'm walking back to the car, I noticed a Taco Bus, Taqueria El Jacalito. I guess I was so fixated on the dirty parking lot that it didn't register on my brain - FOOD. I've already had lunch so I'll have to come back. A nice size menu, tacos listed at 99cents. The area around the Taco Bus is very clean.

Just down the street is Cappy's Produce,1232 72nd St.E. A farmer's market stand inside a converted store front. Fresh produce, great prices. I bought basil with roots attached, 2 for $2.99 and Yukon Gold Potatoes for 99cents lb. (these are the best potatoes, reminds me of the ones I ate while living in Germany).

Across the street is Goodwill. Today green tags were 99cents and purple was 50% off. I walked out with 3 wide belts, less than $3 and a beautiful maternity top that I'll take to my shop.

Time to go home!

I passed the Portland Street Nursery and it reminds me (again) that I need to start spring clean-up and set an appointment with the women of Serenity Gardens to give me some help with my yard. We can't know it all, so go to those that are experts in their field.
Tschuss