I took a half day today to go shopping around Oxford street to hunt for those elusive maternity clothes. I'm down to one pair of work trousers that fit and office etiquette suggests that I will need to wear something else soon before my line manager has to have a private word about wearing fresh clothes to work...
I should point out that I'm rubbish shopping for trousers at the best of times.
Things got off to an auspicious start when I puked at the bus stop in frount of an audience. I thought morning sickness was supposed to disappear after the first trimester, but I digress...
First stop Topshop where I was horrified to find out they had moved the maternity range from that little side entrance on the left. It turns out that there was a big sign in lights saying maternity as soon as I went down the stairs so perhaps I was being a bit dramatic on first impression. The range has lots of skinny jean/legging things in pretty colours, lots of tops that may as well be in the normal sections and some black trousers. They also had some swim wear and pretty underwear as well as a maternity only changing room.
I got a pair of grey legging things (£20) a two 'maternity' vests in a nice red and blue (£6 each and £10 for two)
I then crossed the road into Argyll street into Mama and Papas. I then walked all the way through the shop to Regent's street. I hate that shop, I find it intimidating and the clothes looked boring.
I turned left and when to H&M. I shop was lovely with very Cos like designs, lots of good cheap clothes that aren't maternity but could be used anyway. I find H&M a bit hit and miss but this branch was a hit...until I went downstairs to the maternity section and it was closed! They had a small range in the Kids section at the back (on the left at the end). The one pair of trousers I liked didn't come in my size. Oh H&M you were so close. The prices were very competitive though.
I then got distracted and ended up in Cos. They didn't have a maternity range but a lot of the clothes they had were suitable for maternity. It would be worth a look if you worked somewhere where you had to look quite smart and also had the budget. I looked fondly at the clothes trying very hard to justify the cost and then then went back to the mission. It didn't fulfil the purpose of getting work trousers.
On to Debenhams with it's not-so-great selection of maternity bra sizes.I got two very boring bras at £18 and £20 and some mama mio stretch mark stuff (recommend by a pregnant friend) that was so expensive I am embarrassed to say how much. Walked past the Urban Decay counter and didn't buy naked 2 which was very good of me.
By the way Debenhams has a nice big clean Ladies on the third floor.
By this point I was getting a bit grumpy and tired and should have stopped for a bite to eat.
On to Gap, which was having a refit. I'm not sure if the maternity range was reduced but it was very small. Gap is a shop I always find a bit dull. I tried on their black trousers and found them horrid. Very synthetic and unflattering. They also had lots of T-shirt bras on display in the maternity section that I didn't think would have enough support with the little straps. Whilst in the changing room I put on my new debenhams bras. It was amazing, soo comfortable.
Last stop Dorthey Perkins next to Bond street station. I like DPs, they have nice colours and reasonably priced items. They even had maternity items on sale (yay).
I got my black trousers from there for £30. To be honest I would have also been happy with the Topshop pair but couldn't be bothered to walk back.
Went home, left half shopping on train and a kind man gave it back before it was too late.
I hope this has been useful