5 Must Haves for a Stylish Expecting Mama

Disclaimer: non-preggo readers: don't stop here... I swear the must haves from the girl you are about to meet are, crazy enough, MY must haves, too... and ladies: this mama is not expecting!

Meet Megan. She's another girl crush I have after getting to know her the past few months on twitter. She's a Florida gal with a sense of style as awesome as her personality (i.e. totally). I mean how can you not adore a woman who every day -- while pregnant! -- posts pics of herself in these fabulous, fashionable, creative outfits that usually include a pair of killer heels? I'm impressed!

Megan is the blogger of The Frugalista Diaries, which is totally on my google reader list so I can see her affordable outfits, fab fashion finds and a whole lot more. You can also find her on twitter at @meganfrugalista. Love that, like me, she didn't go out and buy a whole slew of maternity duds... she found versatile pieces that allow a little extra 'breathing room' for she and baby. And, since she was due earlier this week maybe this post will bring good baby wishes her way!

In her own words, here are Megan's 5 Must Haves for a Stylish Expecting Mama!
With my first pregnancy I assumed being fashionable while pregnant was going to be a big feat, so I whined and complained the whole nine months. This time, I made a special effort to prove that just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't look fabulous (and wear heels).

Here are my top 5 pieces that make expecting chic (on the cheap)!

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are the perfect maternity piece, whether it's been hanging in your closet for ages or you just snagged it off the rack, it's flowing and hangs well on a growing bump. I spent most of this pregnancy in pre-pregnancy pieces that easily made the transition, and maxi dresses were my absolute favorite. Remember to skip the zippers and make elastic your friend, and don't be afraid to play with color and prints.

Wedges

Heels during pregnancy are not entirely impossible, but everyone is different, for me they're more comfortable than flats and I've worn them the entire time. However, not everyone wears heels everyday therefore bringing in the need for wedges. Wedges are the ideal heel for any heel or non-heel gal, they're more sturdy and tend to give more support while giving you a bit of height. Plus, not only do they go with anything from dresses to shorts, they're spot on trend this season. Target's collaboration with Dolce Vita brought us stylish and reasonable wedges under $30 that are an instant hit.
TAGG tip: love that Megan has mentioned my obsession wedges; these are my top 5 closet items right now!

Pair of good fitting maternity jeans/pants

I fought maternity jeans/pants until my 6 or 7 month due to the belief that maternity jeans aren't very flattering, and if they are, they're extremely pricey. Since I didn't want to drop $200 on a pair of jeans that would only last me through my last trimester I listened to a few of my reader's suggestions and checked out Old Navy maternity jeans. After snagging a pair of skinny jeans for $14 I never looked back. Remember under the belly is sometimes more comfortable than the full belly panel because it can grow with you.

Little Black Dress

Little black dresses can be the chicest most versatile piece in your closet, and if you’re going to splurge on one thing during your pregnancy it should be on just that. LBD’s can be easily taken from day to night, from casual to elegant. For a night on the town pair with a statement necklace and heels, or for a casual brunch throw on a utility jacket with embellished flats. Fabric should always be taken into account when snagging a little black dress, jersey is extremely versatile and is more breathable than silk and polyester, which us ‘baking’ ladies need.
TAGG tip: I lived in a black maxi dress (non maternity) from Nordstrom, which was glammed up or down via jewels, cardys, etc!

Accessories, accessories, accessories

Accessories are the best way to distract and/or play up your growing bump, whether you’re in the mood for a brilliant colored scarf or a fabulous pair of print shoes, it completes a look and makes carrying a bump look a whole lot better. If you’re looking to distract from your little bump think statement earrings, necklaces, scarves, and shoes that bring attention away from your middle. Whereas belts are the perfect fit if you want to accentuate your new curves.

Trend: Bag it in White

No matter the season, I have a total adoration for the color white. Not cream, not ivory, just crisp killer-looking WHITE! From accessories to clothes, I'm just a monster huge fan. I love the way my white leather band on my Michael Kors watch brightens up any outfit, the way a basic, yet well fit, white tee with a pair of jeans is perfectly timeless and stunning in its simplicity, and how there's nothing better than white pants (or jeans) in the summer.

And, my other white j'adore? Handbags! With Spring approaching, you'll start to see more and more of these beauties in white. It's not so much a trend as much as a seasonal favorite. Try one of these looks to create a striking contrast with a black dress, or to complement a look where you have loads of colors piled on. Almost like color blocking with your accessories! You absolutely can never go wrong with it so if you find a classic style, invest. You'll have it for ages. White is the perfect neutral!

Michael Michael Kors Item Tote, $198.

Big Buddha Jamie, $84.95

New York & Co. Chic Bar Tab Satchel, $36.95

Anne Klein, Braidy Days Satchel, Sale, $65.99 (reg. $89.00)

Dakine, Christin, $59.00

Lulu Townsend Floral Pleated Clutch, Sale $19.95 (reg. $45.00)

Stay Stylish: 5 Musts for a Palm Beach Look

Gals: listen up. While you can don some pink, lime green and white to try to pass for a Palm Beacher, today's look is much more sophisticated and diverse. To find out the quintessential items necessary to transform any wardrobe into a stylish ensemble ready for dining at Cafe Boulud, cocktails at Nick & Johnnies or just browsing on Worth Avenue, we recruited Colleen Orrico from C. Orrico, a 25-year old institution for Lilly Pulitzer and all that is traditional Palm Beach culture and fashion.

C. Orrico was founded by Colleen and her two sisters, Kathie and Casey, and was one of the flagship stores when Lilly relaunched her brand in the '90s. As the sisters say, the store "sets the standard for style beyond fashion, surf chic, comfortable sophistication." And, it does. As soon as you walk in you're transported into this colorful, inspirational place with fabulously cool clothes, jewelry, accessories for women, men and the little ones.

According to Colleen, add the following to your wardrobe to give it an authentic Palm Beach vibe:

• Eyelet tunic dress, private label by C. Orrico ($125). Sold in black, pink, white, turquise... buy one in every color! Love these.
• Gold chain necklace/belt, Trina Turk ($198).
• Can't afford the real thing? Check out this similar $35 option by Etienne Aigner at Macy's. Steal!
• Steven Bonannos "Palm Beach" classic sandals in platinum ($95). Invest in the real thing. They're made of hand-crafted, real leather and last forever. If you want to go bold, there's a million color combinations... even school colors like my beloved orange and blue. Plus, C. Orrico will design anything your heart desires. Want to take an old LV bag and make it into sandals (though I'm not sure why!)? They say, done. As for Bonanno v. Jack Rogers (I have two pairs): personal preference. Just get at least one pair STAT.
• Lilly Pulitzer aviator sunglasses ($180). New styles have bamboo detail on the side of the frame (not yet on web sites).
• White jeans, Lilly Pulitzer ($138). A Palm Beach staple. Period.

And, one more because Colleen couldn't resist (and we adore the jewelry line... and the designer who we met briefly while in the store):

• Enameled magnolia pendant necklace with turquoise, Jordann Jewelry ($100). Must also share that Jordann has five pieces under $25 in her collection where 25% of the proceeds go to Locks of Love. Check it out on her web site.

What do you think? Will you feel ready for a day on Palm Beach with some of these must haves? Only one way to know! Check out C. Orrico, which by the way is starting a phenomenal sale through October to empty out all current clothes in time for season. The longer you wait, the better the sale... but will the item you want -- in your size -- be there??