Bump It

No we aren't talking about Snookie from Jersey Shore or her horrendous hair dont's. I'm talking baby bumps.. when your jeans get a little tight and your tummy starts to peek out under your clothing. Say goodbye to the tone tummy I worked so hard on the last few months, cause' we have bumpage.

Basically I look bloated. In my bikini I look like I had a few too many beers and tacos the night before. This stage is always the hardest because you are in between your pre-pregnacy clothes and your smallest maternity size.

This has been a challenge for work because I haven't told anyone I am pregnant yet. I wanted to wait for the first trimester to be over with. I am not sure if I am going to be able to hold out much longer though. I have become a little crafty with hiding the bump. So here are some creative tips for disguising that not-so-cute first trimester bloated mummy tummy.

* forgiving tops - thank goodness they are in style now. those shirts that have a tighter band below the waist with the extra material around the stomach. they sit nicely on the body and disguise any muffin top you might be sporting underneath. loosely fit blouses with a cami underneath work beautifully as well.

* the hair band trick - okay so many girls already know this one. but I will pass it down again.. if your pants are too tight to button, use a hair band to fasten them by hooking it over the button, loop it through the hole and secure it over the button again. instantly you will have a little extra give in that waistline.

* another top tip - those awesome new "draped vest tops" are all the rage these days. they have replaced the shrug in fashion with tons of material spilling down passed your waist, they are the ultimate eye trick for the tummy.

* dresses if you must - I had to attend a wedding recently and I was so worried I wouldn't be able to disguise my bump. so I wore a baby doll dress with an empire waist, paired with some sexy heels that ballooned out just enough to make my legs look fabulous and my middle just blended right in. you could also sport a fluffy A-line skirt to bring attention off the mid section.

* speaking of heels - adding a few inches to your height can do wonders. you don't have to break your neck in stilettos, a simple wedge sandal can do just fine. I silently chuckled a few days ago when someone told me how "thin" I looked.. (thank goodness for heels)

* decoration - keep in mind that solid and neutral colors will not be as forgiving as a small pattern or floral print and accessories are a great way to keep attention up near your face (the chunkier the better).

* last resort - pregnancy has the bads but it also has the very very goods as well. like when your waistline grows, so does your bust.. yes ladies, use those girls to your advantage if you must. who is going to be checking out your belly if you are rocking some nice cleavage? disclaimer: I know this isn't necessarily work appropriate, but I thought I would throw it in there for a good "classy" laugh..

Separately these tips are fun and effective but they work fabulously if you pair any of them together!