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A Pea in the Pod 46 E. Oak St., Chicago, 312-944-3080 Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-335-1818 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-575-0211 apeainthepod.comThis celebrity favorite source for upscale maternity wear carries collections from designers such as Ella Moss, Rachel Pally, and J Brand and designer denim from Hudson and Citizens of Humanity. Selections are trendy, high-quality, and pricey. (Also available in select Macy’s stores.)
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Be By Baby1654 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 773-404-2229 bebybaby.com *Gift registry *Classes and events
Be By Baby sees mothers through pregnancy to their baby’s toddler years. Many items are organic, and the shop is dedicated to advocating breastfeeding, attachment parenting, and supporting parents who are navigating both. Maternity clothing is carried from Japanese Weekend and Maternal America, as well as organic skincare products aimed toward pregnant moms. Practical merch includes nursing bras, diaper bags, and slings (the staff will provide instruction because they can be tricky for beginners). The rest of the shop is dedicated to baby—organic clothing, wooden toys, Think Baby bottles, and a huge selection of cloth diapers. A classroom space in the back plays host to many events, including babywearing classes, attachment parenting meetings, and breastfeeding clinics.
Belle Up 3440 W. 111th St., Chicago, 773-233-2442 belleup.com
Mom-of-two Jamenda McCoy curates an excellent mix of casual and dressy options at her independently-owned maternity boutique in Beverly. The fancy side is particularly great—finding work-appropriate and fancy maternity options that aren’t dreadful tents can be impossible but Bellē Up carries trousers, blouses, and dresses that would be adorable even without the baby bump to fill them out. Casual options come from well-known brands Maternal America, Japanese Weekend, Olian, and Ripe in sizes from petite to plus that range from first trimester to nursing apparel. Prices range $45 to $300. The shop also carries hard-to-find maternity Spanx, mom-friendly skincare, and accessories like purses and jewelry that skew under $50. A small, gift-appropriate baby selection skews mostly $30 or less.
Bellybum Boutique 4347 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-868-0944 bellybumboutique.com *Gift registry *Free gift wrap *Classes and eventsBellybum caters to expectant and new moms with its mix of maternity wear, baby clothing and gear, and classes and resources for parents—all with an eco-friendly bent. Expectant moms can shop maternity wear from Ingrid & Isabel, Japanese Weekend, and Maternal America, as well as transition wear for those first months pre- and post-pregnancy. (The Yummie Mummie Tank with smoothing panels is a godsend.) Baby clothing is bright and graphic, such as Babylegs tights and Angel Dear dresses. Also shop nursing bras, Earth Mama skincare, cloth diapers, diaper bags, slings, and iCandy strollers. Take advantage of the classes and resources for pregnancy, parenting, breastfeeding, and green living.
Belly Dance Maternity 1647 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-862-1133 1849 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park, 847-926-0053 bellydancematernity.comThis homegrown maternity boutique is a must-shop among celebrities and other fashionistas who don’t want to sacrifice their pre-pregnancy style. Chic maternity wear runs the gamut from everyday staples like comfy Michael Stars tops to special occasion dresses from Olian. In addition to its own fairly reasonably priced NoM line, Belly Dance carries brands Jules & Jim, Maternal America, Ripe Maternity and designer jeans from JBrand, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity. The comprehensive selection also includes swimwear, lingerie, skincare, nursing bras, and a small selection of baby gifts and toys. The can’t-miss online outlet offers up to 80 percent off designer brands.
Burlington Coat Factory Visit burlingtoncoatfactory.com for locationsUtilitarian maternity pants, shirts, dresses and loungewear, all priced at deep discounts. Find maternity tops as low as $5, pants under $10.
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Destination Maternity Old Orchard Shopping Center Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-679-7094 Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg, 847-413-1057 Orland Park Place, 15345 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, 708-403-2384 Geneva Commons, 1440 Commons Dr., Geneva, 630-845-0407 destinationmaternity.comThe self-proclaimed maternity superstore, these stores feature both the pocket-friendly Motherhood Maternity and the trendier, boutique line A Pea in the Pod.
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Forever 21 Maternity 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-329-0485 Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-202-9103 34 S. State St., Chicago, 312-977-2121 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-673-2825 Yorktown Center Mall, Lombard, 630-495-0834 forever21.comThe maternity Love 21 line is very limited. Although there are some stylish pants, cardigans, and tops available in store, the best bets are basics and layering pieces, like tank tops, shirts, and belly panels for less than $10.
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Gap Maternity555 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-494-8580 1740 N. Sheffield, Chicago, 312-944-6792 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-571-3207 Orland Square Mall, Orland Park, 708-349-3135 gap.com
Expect similar styles and prices as Gap’s mainstream line of clothing. Camis, tees, sweaters, jeans, leggings, dresses and skirts all skew comfortable and affordable.
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H&M Mama 840 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-640-0060 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 847-559-6063 Gurnee Mills, Gurnee, 847-855-7847 Fox Valley Center, Aurora, 630-499-5730 hm.comH&M has a small but adorable selection of maternity wear, with an emphasis on basics. Cozy cardigans ($29.95 to $49.95), skinny jeans ($34.95), and girly blouses ($29.95) are stylish and easy on the pocketbook.
Hot Mama 1608 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-905-0236 The Glen Town Center, 2670 Navy Blvd., Glenview, 847-486-1060 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-572-2222 165 Van Buren, Naperville, 630-995-3530 Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park, 847-438-8310 1958 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, 847-458-8900 shopmama.comThis Minnesota-based chain carries maternity fashion for moms on the go, both while pregnant and on the way back down to pre-pregnancy size, with a mostly casual selection of sweaters, tees, jeans, and workwear. Find brands such as Ella Moss and Michael Stars, as well as designer denim from James Jeans, Hudson, and 7 for All Mankind.
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Kickin’ 2142 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 773-281-6577 2120 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-525-2120 kickinmaternity.com *Events and classesKickin’ is dedicated to the needs of active pregnant women. Owner Trudy Robinson Foley offers in-store free prenatal yoga and other workout classes for moms who don’t want to give up fitness when expecting. Workout gear from Fit 2 B Mom, Bao Bei, and Ocean Lily is made from breathable, wicking fabrics, and hard-to-find Ilant swimwear is forgiving of baby bellies. Clothing of the non-fitness variety comes from Juliet Dream, Maternal America, Olian, and Danish Brand Milker (gotta love the name), and designer maternity jeans are carried from 7 for all Mankind and Joe’s Jeans. Nursing bras, baby slings, diaper bags, infant clothing up to 24 months, and gear such as Phil & Ted’s strollers also found here.
Kohl’s Visit kohls.com for locationsCasual tees and tops (most $25 or less), cardigans, cowl-neck sweaters, and wrap dresses from Oh Baby by Motherhood Maternity, and panel jeans including the comfortable Secret Fit Belly by Motherhood.
Kustum Kribs 147 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, 847-825-5742 kustumkribs.com *Gift registry *Classes and eventsA happy baby boutique with a mix of modern gear, furniture, clothing, and gifts. Many of the products are eco-friendly, including Ergo Carriers, cloth diapers, Boon high chairs, and Safe Sippy Cups. Contemporary cribs, rocking chairs, and baby loungers from Nurseryworks and Bloom Baby are stocked alongside strollers from BOB, Uppababy, and iCandy. Also shop cloth diapers, slings, baby clothes from Tea Collection and City Threads, diaper bags, and baby shoes. Moms can also check out the stylish nursing shirts and Paige Premium Denim maternity jeans. The owner specializes in hand-painted nursery murals (inquire within), and the store hosts frequent story times and special events.
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Majamas 909 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park, 708-524-9668 majamas.comOwner and designer Germaine Caprio has created a line of maternity wear that is so comfortable, moms keep coming back long after the baby is born. Nursing tanks and yoga pants are particularly beloved for their comfort and softness, (as are the practical pajamas that hold breast pads), and pants, hoodies, tops, and dresses are cozy and easy to wear. Everything is made in the USA, including the non-maternity line of comfy clothes, Eliseo (eliseofashion.com). The Oak Park store supplements the Majamas line with baby clothing and toys.
Maternity Works Chicago Premium Outlets, Aurora, 630-499-7085Maternity Works is an outlet with bargains on maternity brands such as A Pea in the Pod, but also houses a full-priced Motherhood Maternity shop within the store.
McShane’s Exchange 815 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773-525-0282The second floor of this Lincoln Park resale shop houses a small selection of maternity apparel. Brands vary by visit, but can include Liz Lange, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, and occasionally even designer denim. The selection of maternity work wear is particularly good.
Motherhood Maternity Visit motherhood.com for locations; the line is available within Destination Maternity, Macy’s, and select Babies R Us storesThe budget friendly sister store of A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood Maternity reinterprets boutique style with cheaper fabrics. Shop flattering ruched tops, tees, blouses, trousers, affordable dresses, and the Loved by Heidi Klum line. (See also, Motherhood Maternity outlet.)
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Old Navy 35 N. State St., Chicago, 312-551-0522 1596 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, 312-397-2532 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-472-9201 Orland Park Place, Orland Park, 708-364-0555 220 S. Rte. 59, Naperville, 630-717-5909 1824 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, 847-458-6035 oldnavy.comThe extremely affordable maternity line is equivalent to the standard line of Old Navy clothes, making it great for stocking up on basics. (Jeans are a particularly good deal.) An online function allows you to shop by trimester.
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Preggers 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-943-6262 preggersmaternity.com *Gift registryTraverse City, Mich.-based Preggers, owned by a mom and two daughters, outfits both mom and baby. Maternity clothes skew high-end, from Olian, Michael Stars, Japanese Weekend, and Citizens of Humanity. Preggers also carries an excellent selection of diaper bags from Fleurville, Diaper Dude, Stork Sak, and Petunia Pickle Bottom. The shower gift-appropriate merch runs from blankets and wooden toys to colorful threads (up to 4T) from Pixie Lily and Zutano and jewelry for mom that doubles as a teething ring for baby.
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The Stork’s Cradle 210 W. Wesley, Wheaton, 630-752-1584 thestorkscradle.com *Gift registry *Monogramming availableBaby gift central, with most everything in-store aimed at babies newborn to 12 months, including books, baby hats, ruffled Mud Pie layette, bloomers, and vintage toys. The store’s favorite gift is a handmade chenille doll that can be embroidered with a baby’s name. Supplementing the gifts is a furniture selection (available for order) that ranges from the traditional to more modern nursery décor, crib bedding, quilts, and nursery art. Although many baby stores have a small supplemental maternity section, The Stork’s Cradle has a legitimate selection that stands on its own, with brands including Maternal America and Olian.
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Target Visit target.com for locationsAffordable maternity wear, with a heavy emphasis on jersey. Liz Lange for Target, the reasonably priced equivalent to Lange’s high-end line, is one of the most crowd-pleasing maternity lines around.
Top Shop 830 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-280-6834 us.topshop.comThe Chicago flagship of this British brand carries a small selection of maternity (only about three racks), but it consists of well-edited, fashion-forward pieces, such as a fur collared swing coat ($150), denim ($80), slouchy tees, sweaters, and empire-waisted dresses.