Originally Posted by Cowhugger

Although I dream of an Isabella Oliver wardrobe, I prefer to spend my money on crazy things like food and shelter, so I have been scanning the shops for inexpensive but fab maternity wear and thought I would share a few good finds. Part of the problem of maternity wear is that as soon as you tack 'maternity' on anything the price doubles. Also most maternity clothes are hideous, as I am sure you are all aware.

Topshop do great maternity jeans and linen trousers- look for the buttons and elastic on the inside. I didn't know about them and for the first few weeks my trousers were falling down every time I was vertical. Their leggings last the longest without fading (in my humble opinion) but I learned the hard way that the 'maternity' leggings are enormous. They kept falling down, and believe me, I have a relatively big bump. So I just get the regular leggings one size up. Their flat shoes (especially the little black china doll ones) are great too, but don't rely on them for hours of walking- your feet will kill. Try Rocket Dog at Schuh for long walks.

I feel so lucky being pregnant right now considering smock tops, flat shoes and empire waisted everything are popular. I just got tons of tops from H&M and only one sweater is actually 'maternity'. Actually, nearly everything in H&M 'maternity' is hideous. But in the regular section, everything else is lovely and smocky, or those strapless elasticated-at-the-boobs dresses, etc. They have little stripey and leopard print ones in black and orange and purple. And they are so cheap.

By the way, in case anyone is interested in that fab zebra-print maxi dress Gwen Stefani was rocking a few weeks back, H&M have one nearly identical to it for under £20. But *warning* - it is very long- I am only 5'4" and it drags behind me and trips me in front by at least 4 inches.

New Look is supposed to be great, but I have found unless you live in London and go to the flagship shop, there isn't really anything about in the smaller ones up here in Manchester/Liverpool. They are still okay for leggings in a pinch.

Don't forget about TK Maxx- there usually isn't a lot of stuff, but you would be amazed at how cheap the clearance stuff can be.

M&S underwear baby, for shizzle. My arse is growing at an astronomical rate and boy shorts are the only thing that covers my cheeks.

Cafepress.com has tons of different types of 'hands off the bump' and anti-pregnancy-advice-from-strangers and anti-jerk tshirts as well- just go to the website and search for 'bump' and 'pregnant' etc. And they have specially cut t-shirts so you aren't just getting a frumpy, man t shirt.

My request- does anyone know of somewhere I can get a maternity swimsuit which is retro or retro-inspired, pushes up the boobs, and has a halter neck? No frills or anything fancy around the arse- that's my widest point (*sniff*). Actually any good maternity swimsuit recommendations would be great.

Thanks everyone!