Shopping Trip to Destination Maternity with my Sister

My sister is my best friend.

She’s been there for me through all the small and big things in my life.

We’ve always been close, but we became even closer (if it was possible) when I first became a mother. The second I went into labor with my first son in September of 2004 (I was living in NYC), my sister hopped in the car with my parents and made their way to Lenox Hill Hospital. She did the same thing 12 months later (!!) when I went into labor with my 2nd son, Alexander. And then… my next 3 babies, all born in Rhode Island… my sister was in the waiting room downstairs anxiously awaiting the news that the “newest” McClelland baby was here! My sister, she’s just always been there for me.

When my sister became pregnant with her oldest son Brian in June of 2013, I was there for her. Jane had an easy pregnancy with Brian and I was so excited to be able to pass along advice, tips and (oh, yes!) maternity and baby clothes! I never had anyone doing that to me because I was the first to have babies, so I loved being able to do this for my sister. As soon as I saw my sister become a mother for the first time, I knew that this is what she was meant to be. She’s a true natural and has had years and years of practice with nieces and nephews. But actually seeing her as a mom, it touched my heart. She’s just extraordinary.

I always hoped that my sister would try for another baby. Brian is such a delight and since we’re so close, I was hoping that she’d give him a sibling to have a bind like we have together (we also have 2 older brothers that we’re close with, too!). Trying to get pregnant is a very personal thing, so I never wanted to hound my sister and ask her incessantly, but I just kept hoping and praying it would happen.

I got one of the best texts of my life this past September. Jane sent me a photo of a positive pregnancy test! To say I was excited is an understatement. And then I found out she was having a baby girl… and knowing that my daughter and her daughter will always have each other just was icing on the cake!!

Now there’s something about my sister that I’ve always loved and always thought was very special… she doesn’t ask for anything. Even when I would pass along maternity clothes to her and clothing and toys for Brian, she would always be so excited and so grateful. She’s just truly a very remarkable woman. Since fashion and style is an area that I’m OBSESSED with and love talking about on the blog, I was OVER THE MOON EXCITED when Destination Maternity reached out to me to see about partnering with them on a special shopping experience for Jane!

I jumped at the opportunity because I was really happy to be able to share this cool experience with my sister and mother! As every mother knows, when you’re pregnant for the second, third, forth or fifth time (or more!) you truly begin to know what you really need and what you will really use. My sister works outside of the home, so she definitely needed nice work clothing. My sister also has some special occasions coming up, so she definitely needs dresses and “fancier” options. And… the most important, she’s chasing around an active 2 year old, so she definitely needs comfortable clothing.

I was so excited to join her at Destination Maternity for an afternoon of SHOPPING! We live 20 minutes from a gorgeous Destination Maternity location in Cranston, RI… so it was an easy trip for all of us to get to!!

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I brought along Victoria and truly made it a GIRLS DAY!

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Destination Maternity has all of the latest maternity clothes styles so you can look and feel your best during your pregnancy. From hundreds of styles featured by popular maternity clothes designers to beautiful basics from Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod, you’ll find everything you need to create a maternity wardrobe that fits you and the way you want to look.

The staff at Destination Maternity in Cranston is just INCREDIBLE!

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I actually shopped there a ton when I was pregnant with my daughter and I always had the best experience there! Kim, Kelly and Rita were absolutely awesome! They chatted with Jane and really got to know her style preferences, asked her what she needed and sized her perfectly. Kim and Kelly found the perfect items for Jane, looking for colors to match her blue eyes and blonde hair! It was so wonderful seeing my sister get pampered and find items that she just fell in love with for her and (baby Eve!).

I love these tops on her…

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And these dresses are adorable…

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As her sister and a seasoned pregnant mama, I knew that she was going to need certain items to live in during and post pregnancy, too. I love that Destination Maternity has you covered for everything. I LITERALLY lived in side-ruched tops for months after my pregnancies with my children, too! My sister scooped up a couple of these, which was a great fashion decision!

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Besides fabulous fashion choices in clothing, Destination Maternity also offers other items for pregnant mamas, too. I love that they really are a one-stop destination for an expectant mom. She can get everything she needs during pregnancy and essentials she’ll use post pregnancy, too. I have to say, seeing my sister get properly fitted for a bra during pregnancy was something that I think ALL pregnant moms should do! Jane was wearing the wrong bra size and as soon as she tried one on that fit her perfectly, it made a huge difference for her in style and comfort.

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Jane really got some fabulous fashion finds at Destination Maternity and I’m excited to have her share her all her finds on the blog! Without giving too much away (because Jane’s excited to share!) she got jeans, tanks, dresses, long-sleeve tops, bras and more lovely tops. The colors and fit are perfect for her! She left with such a huge smile on her face, it was beautiful to see (and well deserved!).

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The shopping was a blast! I don’t get to spend as much time with my mom and sister doing fun things like this, so it was very special for us! Take the time to share a Destination Maternity shopping experience with the special girl in your life who is expecting.

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It was such a great day with laughs and smiles and feel good moments.

Thank you Destination Maternity for the wonderful day!

Check to see if you have everything you need on the NEW MOM CHECKLIST!!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Destination Maternity. All opinions are 100% my own.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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