In praise of the lowly skort...

So with only 7 more weeks to go before the big day and the weather turning quickly from spring to summer my maternity BFs and boot cut jeans make me sweat just thinking about putting them on. Where I live summer temps mean humid, sticky, stuck-to-the-couch kind of weather. So at least 1 or 2 pairs of maternity shorts are a must as my collection of dresses is small and does not provide a lot of variety.

Two weeks ago I went on an all out search for reasonably priced (cheap! - I admit it) shorts that would accommodate my belly (notice I did not say maternity).  Like most other things once you label an article of clothing as having some sort of specialty short-term function the price automatically increases by 100%. (Example: "wedding dress" and "maternity" anything) I searched high and low and ended up in the places I would normally shop, which I thought was hilarious since it goes completely against conventional wisdom. When shopping my normal haunts I simply looked for stretchy, comfy, no-fail, knit-jersey pieces in a much larger size. I also went with makers I knew provide generously cut sizes.

I was successfully rewarded with a combo I was NOT looking for or expecting -- A SKORT.  It's been so long since my last pair I barely remember them, nor was I aware that they still made them ;-) Anyway I found a pair in extra large white knit jersey with a draw string (perfect for a slightly smaller post-partum belly to finish out the summer).  What a perfect solution! So even if my shorts bunch in unflattering ways as I walk (as they did today) all anyone will see is a cute white skirt YAY!

I was also rewarded with a real skirt in black size XXL. Here are 2 quick pics of my finds. You'll probably see these a lot in the coming weeks.

Happy Monday!

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21 Comments

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Both look really fab!  I was astounded at how expensive maternity clothing could be when I was pregnant.  Retailers take advantage whenever they can.  You are looking amazing, how are you feeling?

  • greycat6 replied 10 years ago

    Great solution!

    I was actually looking for a skort this weekend. Eddie Bauer and Athleta both have a few. Very practical and a great solution for those who aren't comfortable in shorts.

  • SarahTheWhite replied 10 years ago

    Oh how cute are those?! What great finds... You look so great with your baby bump and stylish (as well as cool) clothes!!

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    Your outfits are adorable! And so fresh and cool.

    I have a skort (blushy face). I found it at Costco a couple of years ago. It is a navy jersey and I really like it--it survived my move-to-LA purge! I prefer to think of it as my golf skirt (no, I don't golf) :-D

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    I love your choices!

    I remember having a skirt when I was in elementary school - it was paisley orange and forest green (yuck, I know). I think it was a cast off from my mom.

  • Ornella replied 10 years ago

    Dear DV

    Your pregnancy style is fabulous. Simple as that. You put so much thought into what you wear, which clearly shows. And your hair - your best accessory!

    7 more weeks to go :-) Counting down with you.

  • Ledonna N. replied 10 years ago

    I enjoyed reading this post very much. You have a great style. Also they do bump up the prices for extended sizes but I'm glad you found something pretty and comfortable to wear.

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Thumbs up for the skort! Its like the best of both worlds. And great finds! You look radiant and lovely!

    Only 7 weeks left already?! Wow. Time flies!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Yes - these are a perfect choice, and will serve you well!  You look terrific (I hope you feel it :) )

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    I have a soft spot for skorts. :-) I think that's why I like the Zara sarong shorts so much -- they're definitely reminiscent of a skort.

    You look fantastic! I'm glad you found something that works so well. Here's hoping the next 7 weeks breeze by in good health and comfort!

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    You are.looking radiant and these new pieces look like summer workhorses. You are smart consider the post-partum possibilities. I hope that your summer doesn't heat up too fast. Those last weeks plus heat can be pretty tough. ( my first was born in Sept. and August heat was horrible)

  • RoRo replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful and stylish, as always... I bet your baby is gonna be one well dressed tot!!

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    Perfection! Great way to beat the heat! Enjoy the last 7 weeks - you look fab!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Totally, totally fabulous. xo

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    You look great!  It's nice that the skort and skirt will work for post-partum too.  It's easier to relax and let your body bounce back in it's own time when you're not stressed that nothing fits. I have a couple skorts and love them in the summer.  I can wear them for casual events with the kids and not worry about flashing someone.

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    You look so fresh and airy in #1 and so chic in #2.

    I wish I was as smart as you when I was preggers.  Instead I fell for the trap of maternity clothes.  

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    Love the skort! You look fab in both outfits. Seven weeks will fly by fast. So exciting!

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Deborah - I am feeling pretty good, bending is not the most comfortable activity for me ;-). I just discovered that I wasn't drinking nearly enough water, so I am up to 128 oz. daily. Which has eased a lot of discomforts. Thank you for asking!

    Adelfa
    - No need for the blushy face here, I think a skort is an excellent solution. I will admit I did not find it in the most fashion forward part of the store. However a skort is a comfortable, practical solution. It was breezy here a few days ago and I think I may have flashed a few people as I awkwardly bent over and reached into my car and the wind kicked up the hem of my skirt *blushy face!* I will not have that problem with the little white number in #1.

    Ladywone - yes, extended sizes also suffer as well with price markups. I have been purchasing my fair share of XXLs lately and you only get a deal at the END of  the season not during :-(.

    Janet - Sarong shorts - yes I think I had more than a few pairs and that's exactly what they were. I think that was nearly 20 years ago (maybe more?) I have not been shopping in Zara recently or else I would have remembered that tidbit.

    Joy - I'm with you. Last week temperatures were in the upper 60's as a high and I was in heaven. This week they're talking about humidity and day-time temps near 90! I'm stocking up on the popsicles and icecream and taking it very easy this week. Chilled water is also my best friend. 

    Sara L. Yep, I've already shared my flashing story with Adelfa which is why when I stumbled on the skort and thought it was an elegant solution.

    abc - the trap is real and subtly sprung. Everything is presented to you as "information" and steps to "make your life easier" not advertising. I think the only reason I avoided the trap is because I am on "team wear" and I just want to go to the store and wear it now. Most stores have a ridiculously small or picked over maternity section if they have one at all. (Even if I am impatient, I can't stand shopping in the middle of chaos). I also prefer a deal, so full price even at Target was not going to cut it. Both of these items (individually) turned out to cost less than one pair of maternity shorts from Target. For one impatience worked in my favor!

  • columbine(erin) replied 10 years ago

    Clever and cute! You're a stylish mama!

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    Another fan! 

    And I have a skort from Athleta that I love to wear. I call it a running skirt cause I just can't call it a skort! I like the kind that the shorts are just underneath and the skirt goes all the way around. A skirt with shorts under it, like I wore in elementary school...now that's fun! 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    DV, you have the BEST pregnancy style! I can hardly believe it is only 7 weeks to go, but wow, you look smashing in both these outfits. I love the flowing white with the floral top -- this hits all your feminine, polished notes. And the second outfit is pure ladylike prep -- you are polish personified! 

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