As a self-proclaimed shoe-a-holic, I can’t help but snap up at least a pair or two of new shoes every month. Since I’m such a frequent shoe-shopper, it’s no surprise that I’ve picked up a few tips along the way to make shopping for footwear a little easier.

Size Matters

Seriously ladies, stop trying to fit into shoes that are two sizes too small for you. There’s no shame in wearing shoes that fit; but if I catch you wearing shoes that cause your feet to pop out of them, you better believe I’m going to say something snarky! Buying shoes that fit well is a necessity, NOT an option.

Comfort is Key for Frequent Wear

If you’re buying specific shoes for a special occasion (i.e., the shoes will be thrown in the back of your closet and never worn again) then you don’t have to fret over comfort. However, if you plan to wear the shoes you’re buying frequently, comfort is a lot more important than fashion. A comfortable-fitting shoe will support you a lot better than a blister-inducing pair of 4 inch stiletto heels.

Time your Shoe Shopping Well

I’ve found that if you wait until the end of the day to go shoe-shopping, your feet will probably have swollen a bit (especially if you’re prone to water retention.) This is the BEST time for you to buy shoes. Why? You want shoes that fit you even on days when your feet seem to have swelled to monstrous proportions – that’s why.

Try, Try Again

Try on several pairs of shoes while shopping to ensure you aren’t going with the first pair of shoes you pulled off the rack. With a little time, you can ensure you’ve chosen the shoes that work best for you.

If you happen to dread the thought of buying another pair of shoes, these tips should make the process a little easier. Now you can step out in style and be comfortable in your fancy footwear; work it, girl!

Forget sweats, muumuus or gaudy housecoats; today’s plus size maternity fashion is comfortable, affordable and stylish!

There are a wide variety of places that specialize in plus size maternity clothing. For example, JCPenny offers a variety of stylish plus size maternity clothing for every occasion, including jeans, comfortable sleepwear and gorgeous dresses.

This faux wrap tee from Motherhood Maternity (available in a wide variety of colors) offers plus size women a stylish alternative to baggy sweatshirts. Their extensive sale section also offers mothers-to-be numerous plus size tops, sweaters, dresses, and pants to choose from.

Woman Within also offers an even more affordable selection of plus size maternity clothing style-conscious mother’s; most items are between $10 and $30.

While these are only a few stores to find plus size maternity clothing, I’ve found that these places offer the best selection of clothing at affordable prices. Not only can you look fashionable throughout your entire pregnancy; you also won’t have to break the bank to do so.

These stores alone are proof positive that you don’t ever have to be a drab mama-to-be!

Come on, ladies – tell me you wouldn’t sport this royal blue open-back dress? With a gathered bodice and elastic waist hem, it’s completely comfortable – and completely stylish, too!

I can’t think of a dress more perfect for spring, and at $20 it’s affordable, too! I only wish it came in different colors; then I could have a variety of these super cute and comfortable dresses to wear this season.

Ah, well – at least I can have ONE awesome spring dress this year. You can too; it’s available online at Forever21.

If you’re pregnant but dread the thought of wearing baggy sweatshirts and drawstring pants, take heart – you don’t have to let the most joyous moment of your life turn you into a drab mother-to-be!

In fact, there are several places on the internet to find maternity clothes that are not only affordable, but fashionable too.

Got a fancy party to attend? No sweat – pick up a dress like this gorgeous pleated number. You’ll be comfortable and super-stylish even with the baby bump!

You’ll definitely want to plan a day at the beach when you discover you can find adorable maternity swimsuits that allow you to show off your growing tummy in style.

For lounging around the house, you can forget boring sweats. These cropped lounge pants and matching hoodie are completely comfortable, and allow you to look relaxed and stylish instead of stressed out and a mess!

You won’t have to give up jeans either when you see the trendy, affordable maternity denim you can pick up. These slightly flared light-wash denim jeans from Motherhood Maternity are so comfortable, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing them. Pair them with this adorable short sleeve satin top for a look that’s oh-so-stylish.

Pregnancy should be a momentous, joyful occasion in your life – but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the fashion you love for your growing belly! Browse a few of the stores listed above and you’ll soon discover that fashionable maternity wear isn’t as difficult to find as you might think!