Conference moira::parenting_v3

    Sharon,
    
    Try T.J. Maxx, Marshall's and Loehman's and look for a style that has
    dropped sleeves and waist.  You may have better luck finding something
    at the discount places.  A solid color, dressed up with some nice
    jewellry should do the trick!
    
    
    Judi
    

    	I have a book called "Pregnant and Chic" and it offers the greatest
    ideas of how to brighten  up clothing when you are pregnant. (It was
    written by a fashion model). The author offers fantastic ideas on how
    to have a comfortable, good looking, maternity wardrobe for very little
    money.

	Anyway, I looked in the section on dressing up and the advice is
    very similar to the previous reply. Choose a solid colored dress (one
    that can be worn at many occasions) and then dress it up/down with the
    accessories. If I had a formal affair to attend, I would wear a scarf,
    matching earrings, bracelets, and even those attachable clips for your
    shoes. You are not going to be able to disguise the fact that you are
    pregnant, but you can put the focus off of your belly.

    			Wendy

    I agree with the previous replies...I'd go with a solid color 
    dress (navy, black, or a jewel-tone would be most formal) and
    dress it up with jewelry - gold or pearls.   I've always had
    good luck with Calverts in Olde Shrewbury Village (and elsewhere)
    for quality dresses at a reasonable price.   
    
    Carol

You're in luck!

There is a store in Cambridge called (I think) "From Here to Maternity", on 
Mass Ave (address should be something in the 1600's) that rents maternity
evening-wear.  

    
    I had to go to a fancy affair a few months ago and was at a loss as to
    what to do.  I went to Calvert's--but didn't find much there.  For some
    reason, my experience during this pregnancy is that the
    selection/quality for maternity at Calvert's has changed from when I
    was pregno with Hannah.  They don't seem to carry the Belle France
    dresses anymore, or anything of that kind of style and quality.
    
    My husband was at a conference at the Westin at Copley Place and I met
    him there for dinner one night.  I arrived early and walked around the
    mall.  I found a maternity store there called "Mimi Maternity" (used to
    be MotherWork) and they were having a sale.  Their maternity stuff far
    surpassed ANY other maternity store I've ever been in as far as style
    and selection goes.  And their prices--while not Calvert's prices (ie:
    no
    dresses for $20)--weren't bad at all.  The average piece of clothing
    was priced between $65-75--with a few $200 dresses thrown in.  I not
    only got a great dress--but I also got pants and a jumpsuit that I wash
    almost every night and live in almost every day!  
    
    Call them and see if their having a sale.  I got the feeling when I was
    there that the "sale" is constant--with business being so bad and all.
    
    Let us know how things turn out.
    
    Regards,
    Bonnie
    
    

    Hi,
    
    I too had a black tie affair to attend in my eighth month of pregnacy -
    I spent over $200 for the dress at Maternity LTD. I now live in Dallas, 
    but a friend who lives in Framingham is borrowing all of my maternity 
    clothes, including the formal dress. 
    
    Contact me off line - I'm sure we can work something out.
    
    My DTN is 483-4297, and my node is SCA.
    
    Leeann
    

    Do you sew?  I needed a gown when I was 7 months pregnant.  I purchased
    a deep jade green with a satin stripe in it (same color) and found a
    McCall's pattern that was pretty much a straight cut and had a drape
    that started at the shoulder and tapered starting at the midline
    accross the knee line.  After AJ was born I was able to alter it by
    putting darts in the back, and wear it with a wide belt.  If I needed
    to I could cut it to street length, but since I'm actively involved
    with a Fraternal group I need gowns frequently.  With the accent starting 
    at the shoulder, there were buttons and padded shoulders, the prodruding 
    belly wasn't as obvious.  
    
    The fabric was $9. per yard, it took 5 yards I think, and the pattern
    was 2.50, total cost was under $50 including the notions.
    
    I might also suggest two places; JC Penny has two catalog outlets one
    in the Billerica area and the other, which I think is better, is in
    Manchester CT, about a half hour south of Sturbridge Village. 
    
    The other place I know of is Jeannine's Dress and Bridal Boutique in
    Dracut (508 957-1855).  They are the recomended supplier of gowns for
    the group I belong to, on the State level. She can get gowns from 
    "tiny-tiny to Holy smokes sizes"! and most are reasonably priced.
    
    Lyn

    There are several used maternity dress shops in the Boston area,  one
    in Jamaica Plain, another in - I think - Brookline Village. You're
    likely to find a much greater assortment than in the maternity section
    of a department store -- and at a far better price than a good
    maternity shop, such as the excellent Mother's Works.
    
    My wife discovered them a bit too late -- but after three pregnancies
    and the need and desire to avoid the usual hideous maternity stuff,
    she has some wonderful stuff that may yet show up there. I particularly
    like what we named the "banker's suit" - grey pinstripe, double
    breasted -- and a blue-green knock-off copy that her mother made her. The
    best though, is a 19th century black satin and lace gown her mother
    found her! 
    
    Kit

    I would second the advice in .4.  I rented a dress from "From Here to
    Maternity" in Cambridge for Christmas affairs I had to go to 1 and 1/2 years
    ago.  I thought they had a great selection and the cost $40-50 was
    reasonable.  I've heard there is also a store in Newton Center that
    rents formal maternity wear, don't remember the name of it.
    
    I believe both stores will open evenings by appointment.  Have Fun!

    Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me.  I don't think this is an
    easy one, although I might be wrong.  The problem is maternity
    clothes.  
    
    Does anyone know of a Maternity Shop in the Manchester area
    that sells "pretty" clothing???  I've scoured Nashua, and I've
    come to the conclusion that once you become pregnant designers
    feel the need to cover you from head to foot.  Heaven forbid
    someone should see a little pregnant woman's skin!  I've got
    plenty of work clothes--granted I generally look like someone's
    great aunt, but for work I can live with it.
    
    However, what I really need is a maternity party dress for a
    wedding.  Something feminine, dare I say SEXY <-I KNOW, I know!!  
    No such thing!  But you know, I wouldn't mind showing off some 
    of my new found temporary cleavage.  Or maybe even something 
    with a drop back.  Some sequins.   All the decent dresses
    I've seen, are dresses that you would want to wear to work, not
    to a party.      
    
    I'm a halfway decent seamstress (I've done several home decorations,
    i.e., curtains, etc, but very few articles of clothing), however
    with this belly, lack of energy and patience, I just don't feel like
    taking on a new project.
    
    Well, I'm sure if you've been pregnant, you've been in the same boat 
    I am.  Please someone, tell me of a shop in Manchester/Concord that
    sells pretty maternity clothes!
    
    Just an FYI, I'm petite, 5'1" so shopping in the plus sizes doesn't
    help me.  I've tried.  Nothing fits my shoulders, arms, legs, etc.
    
    Looking forward to your suggestions,
    Pregnant and Fed Up
                                    

    I can't give you suggestions specific to Concord Manchester, but I can
    suggest the place I know of in Northern MA.
    
    I've had experiences with Jeannine's in Dracut, a bridal shop with tons
    of variety.  She also does he own alterations on site, and is open a
    few nights a week, sells dyable and metalic dress shoes, bags, hose,
    hair ornaments etc.
    
    How about a place like JC Penny's outlet, in Billerica, Burlington line, 
    they carry Maternity clothes normally, and if what I've seen in the CT
    store is representative you should be able to find something nice at a
    huge savings too.  Or how about, is it, Jordan Marsh's basement in that
    mall near the NH tollbooths on DW Highway?
    
    My aunt lives in North Reading and I can give you the name of the woman
    who sews and designs for her.  This woman sews for a Spanish Dance
    company and has made my aunt some gorgeous dresses, with beautiful
    detail.
    
    When I was pregnant I made a gown, but it was pretty simple, just a
    sheath style with a cape in the front that attached at the shoulder and
    sort of draped across the front, it seemed to hide the protruding
    belly, it went from a pattern and material to wearing it in one day 
    sewing session.
    
    Have fun shopping!!
    Lyn

    I know what you mean!  I had good luck with buying a plus-size cocktail
    dress, and having my mother alter the bodice section for me. You could
    try that and have a seamstress (if you don't know anyone who can sew)
    alter it for you.  All she needed to do was open it up at the seams and
    remove some of the material along the side, and shorten the shoulder 
    section. It really looked very nice.  A woman at the function I 
    attended had just found out she was pregnant, and offered me more $$ 
    than I paid for it.  I sold it, and gave my mom the profit!!
    

    There *used* to be a nice place in the TJ Maxx plaza, but the
    recession seems to have driven them out of business.  
    
    --bonnie

    You might also try Filene's Basement in Boston. I believe they have a
    Maternity Department (unlike the other outlets).
    
    Also, you might check out some of the children's clothes consignment
    shops. They might also have Maternity clothes.

    Marshall's sells maternity clothes, discounted like everything else
    there.
    
    L