dress me up

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Stuff | August 13, 2009

Chances are your maternity wardrobe is a mish-mash of hand-me-downs, regular clothes that don’t quite button up properly, a few new pieces and some second-hand finds. In the last year there’ve been some changes in the maternity store makeup around town, so here are our new favourite hot spots for stocking up:

For new we like the selection at Nima’ma Maternity on 4th Avenue. Owner (and mama) Teena Legris has curated a great collection of maternity must-haves from brands like Jules & Jim, Hatch and Ripe. She also stocks nursing clothing, accessories and lotions and potions just for you from Bug & Pickle, Baby Bellies and Natural Creation. Legris is also great at helping you make the right sartorial choices as you transition from regular clothes to maternity-wear. *update: we have just received word that Nima’ma is closing. Which means there’s not only egg on our face, but a gap on this list. We’ll be working to fill it with another store that sells fab, new maternity gear. We’ll keep you posted!*

When Belly & Beyond closed down their Main Street store they left a big gap in the second-hand maternity style market. But now Kiddo has taken up the mantel at King Edward & Main. You’ll also find consignment books and accessories, and for kids they carry consignment toys and clothes, as well as new clothes and accessories. But be warned, they prefer to only stock new goodies from BC companies, so you’ll find a selection of Red Fish Kids, Starshine Baby Couture and Philcos rock Tees.

Little Earth on East Hastings is another local spot to find consignment maternity fashion. You’ll also find nursing pumps and accessories from Medela, YOU Pillows, and Mama Goddess Birth Shop’s own line of maternity teas and more there. And that’s just for you. For babes they’ve got new and consignment clothes, toys and accessories. So you can stock up for yourself and your baby.

And with the launch of MonkeyBeans last spring mum and baby consignment has a bigger reach. They offer pre-loved and new clothes for kids, but they also have a well-stocked section of Mama Gear. Brought to you by associates from across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan you’re bound to find unique items to round out your wardrobe which is burgeoning, just like your belly.