Being pregnant no longer means you have to sacrifice fashion. In fact, it means just the opposite. A few Maple Grove retailers, in particular, have extensive maternity sections to account for an expanding belly, both in-store and online. Treat yourself to a mini momma’s shopping tour, and you’ll be the most stylish woman in town for the next nine months—guaranteed!
Clothes Mentor
Open in Maple Grove since February 2008, Clothes Mentor is a resale shop solely for women. While they’re best known for having a variety of Coach purses and popular brand names, Clothes Mentor carries clothing for all women (sizes 0-26 plus petites and maternity) interested in purchasing gently used items.
Owners Mark and Barb Hoon say Motherhood Maternity brand attire has been a mainstay of the maternity section this summer, and the pair recommends stopping in weekly to check the latest purchases like shorts and capris. Frequent shoppers might even score a rare, coveted pair of Seven for All Mankind maternity jeans.
If you’re a new mom and looking to share your maternity clothing with other expectant mothers in need, the Hoons and other trained staff members will pay cash on the spot for all items they accept and put the clothing directly on the racks.
Be sure to take a look at Clothes Mentor’s clearance items, on sale now through early fall. –3641 Grove Drive; 763.494.4584
Kohl’s
Oh Baby, the aptly named maternity line exclusive to Kohl’s, is for women who don’t want their baby bump to cause much of a fuss. The in-store line is composed primarily of loungewear items, dresses and knit tops in neutral tones, and ensures a classy look throughout your pregnancy.
Looking to make more of a statement? Oh Baby’s online selection includes dresses and tops in floral prints and muted colors, and you’ll also find intimate apparel.
As the summer winds down, shoppers can score great deals on capris, jeans and sundresses both in-store and online. –8080 Wedgewood Ln. N.; 763.420.4919
Target
The maternity section at SuperTarget is the place to be for moms-to-be. “We’ve even noticed non-pregnant guests trying on maternity clothing,” says Annie Matheson, one of the store’s executive team leads. “Our department really bridges the style gap, and shows that you can still wear cute clothing even when you’re pregnant.”
The racks are filled year-round with all the basics, like tees and tanks, from the store’s exclusive line, Liz Lange for Target Maternity. The designer debuts a new collection four times each year so that expectant mothers can stay fashionable with the changing seasons. A variety of new and trendy items are received on a weekly basis.
The late summer selection includes long sundresses (some even have beaded and sequined embellishments!), blouses in bold prints and flattering swimwear. To transition comfortably from summer to fall, Matheson suggests layering with tanks, dresses and cardigans, which are always a huge hit with shoppers. –15300 Grove Circle N.; 763.447.2506
More Modern Mama Wear: One Click Away
Online shoppers rejoice! Your growing belly shouldn’t stop you from keeping up with the current fashions. Many stores offer a vast array of trendy, budget-friendly maternity clothing year-round on their websites. Here are five of our favorites: Ann Taylor LOFT , GAP, Hot Mama, JCPenney, Old Navy
Road Trip
The west Metro is full of high-end, high-fashion maternity retailers. If you don’t mind a drive, check out these shops for new and gently used clothing, accessories, and intimates.
Bellies to Babies, 6638 Penn Ave. S., Richfield; 612.869.0164
Motherhood Maternity, 12764 Riverdale Blvd., Coon Rapids; 763.323.0189
Nine Maternity Clothes Consignment, 1014 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 952.935.2944
Nu Look Consignment, 4956 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612.925.0806
