Maternity fashion gone awry

I have a big bone to pick with the fashion industry. Why is it that as a pregger you're reserved to peasant tops with big, bold flowers; khaki-type slacks that make your butt look like it's about 4 times its actual size or matching outfit sets that compare to the clothes I used to crave from Smart Set when I was 9 years old?

And, why - and I really want an answer - are these maternity clothes made not only with enough room in the front for your growing belly, but with enough room in the rear to safely store a stroller? Let me remind you I'm not a petite pea by any stretch of the imagination. I've got a healthy layering of flesh on my bones, but obviously when you're prego you're immediately expected to quadruple the size of your ass.

I have visited just about every decently priced maternity shop in Manhattan (which aren't many) and have scoured the web, trying to find clothes that are reasonably-priced and stylish enough that won't have me regretting my new shape. I haven't had any luck.

So, I decided to get creative. Since loosey-goosey seems to be the trend this summer, I decided to head back to the regular shops and try to find trendy clothes that would also fit my body. I've actually had a few hits - H&M offers cute summer dresses and tops with empire waists that have ample room for my growing belly. The only issue is that the front of the garment will slowly rise up as my girth increases. I can totally live with that!

So, to continue with my hunt, I stepped into Banana Republic, who has a great selection of loosey-goosey. As the men's wear department was near the entrance, the greeter was poised to direct me to the women's department. But, as she began her guide routine, her eyes fell onto my belly. With her hand in mid-air pointing to the back of the store, she was at a loss for words. A little more than 4 months along it no longer looks like I've eaten too many Hostess cupcakes. But, I'm not huge - not by any stretch of the imagination!

With a quizzical look, she tried to form words in her mouth. Embarrassed at her ogling, I finished off her sentence with the words she was so desperately seeking: "Women's?" She nodded her head without taking her eyes off my belly.

I got several other looks in the store, but alas no one was willing to help me. Even the three women standing by the counter talking about how the recession is affecting their sales, didn't bother to try to scoop a sale with me.

So, not only am I forced to ignore my fashion sense, but when I try to recoup at least some style into my wardrobe I'm then left to be ogled and ignored. Lovely!