Thrifty Thursday: Six Ways to Save on Maternity Clothing

Maternity clothing has become a huge business over the past few years and it's no secret these clothes which will be worn less than a year come at a big expense to your pocketbook and the environment. Fortunately, there are some excellent ways to save while also remaining stylish throughout your pregnancy!
1. Maternity Bands: Not ready to stop wearing you favorite pair of jeans now that you are pregnant? You can still wear those jeans and all of your other favorite go-to pants with maternity bands! They are an elastic band that fits over your unbuttoned pants while still effectively holding them up. I particularly like Ingrid & Isabel's Everyday Bellaband (it's available in a wide variety of colors and sizes). 
2. Don't Buy "Maternity" Clothing: My last pregnancy, I was able to save money by purchasing clothing at all of the stores where I normally shop. I just bought larger sizes as well as flowy/looser tops and layering pieces. 
3. Buy Gently Used: Ebay and Craigslist are great sites for finding the exact style of clothing you would like while also saving a bundle! Also check out your local consignment shop as most offer a special maternity section or even a neighborhood yard sale.
4. Shop Online with Coupon Codes: If you prefer purchasing new maternity clothes, shop online and be sure to check out retailmenot.com first. I have saved a large amount of money this way by finding promotion codes that were not listed directly on the retailer's website. You can often receive better deals this way than you would in-store.
5. Daily Deal Sites: Zulily and Gilt frequently offer sales on maternity clothing at a huge discount. Check them out every few days to see if there is a sale!
6. Sew Your Own: If you have some time on your hands and are looking for a little project, you can try sewing your own maternity clothing! There are several easy maternity patterns and it is a sure way to get the exact fit and style you desire!