Jessica Simpson Plays Up Growing Baby Bump in Clingy Maxi Dress at Mall Appearance With Sister Ashlee Simpson: Picture

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson arrive at Southpark Mall in Charlotte, NC., March 23, 2013 to promote Jessica's clothing line.Jessica and Ashlee Simpson arrive at Southpark Mall in Charlotte, NC., March 23, 2013 to promote Jessica's clothing line. Credit: bizzle/Splash News

Jessica Simpson is wearing her second pregnancy well -- despite what she told Ellen DeGeneres about feeling "exhausted" and snacking on Tums this time around. On Saturday, March 23, the beaming mom-to-be hit up a mall in Charlotte, N.C., looking radiant and happy in a clingy maxi dress that played up her growing baby bump.

PHOTOS: Jessica Simpson's maternity style

The Fashion Star mentor, 32, paired the maroon-colored frock with a stylish black blazer and red earrings that peeked out from her long blonde tresses. She was accompanied by younger sibling Ashlee, 28, who showed off her slim frame in a short, printed shift under a leather motorcycle ja! cket.

The sisters have enjoyed a lot of bonding time together in recent weeks. Earlier this month, they had lunch at L.A. eatery Don Cuco and then treated their little ones -- Jessica's daughter Maxwell Drew, 10 months, and Ashlee's son Bronx, 4 -- to some retail therapy at Toys R Us.

PHOTOS: Jessica's body evolution

Simpson and fiance Eric Johnson will welcome their second child, a baby boy, later this year. Speaking to Jay Leno about the news, the singer confessed that she hadn't planned to have kids again so soon after the May 2012 birth of Maxwell.

"I was extremely shocked," she told The Tonight Show host in January. "Because I was going through a lot of hormonal changes, trying to get back to the old, vibrant Jessica. You know, it was kind of like a one-night stand. And it happened, all over again!"

PHOTOS: Maxwell's baby album

"I really hope that it stops," she added of her accidental pregnancies in an interview with Ryan Seacrest. "I think originally I ha! d wanted ! three [kids], and now that I have one and another one on the way, I feel like I could stop here. It's a lot of work. Obviously it pays off and it's totally worth it, but it's a lot of responsibility."


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