Bella Band Press

Bump up jeans' lifespan
By Pamela Sitt

July 2006

Not every girl can relate to a being pregnant, but surely we all know what it's like to have a fat day. Sometimes I wish I were pregnant just so I could have the excuse.

Which is why I find myself fascinated by something that is technically maternity wear (why should pregnant girls have all the fun?).  Bella Bands are kind of like tube tops designed to hold unbuttoned clothing in place over a growing belly. The come in cute colors – seasonal spring shades will include sapphire, ballet, and grass – and you can layer them under your clothes, like C&C tank tops. 

San Francisco-based Ingrid Carney came up with the idea when, at four months pregnant, she discovered she could no longer button her pants.

"Suddenly there's this bulge there and it cannot be sucked in," she said.  "I had a meeting one morning, and I didn't want it to be obvious that my pants were unbuttoned."

Now if you're Mariah Carey, you could solve that problem by simply ripping off the waistband of your jeans.  For the rest of us, there's Village Maternity ($26-28, 206-523-5167) in Seattle, or shop online at www.ingridandisabel.com.