Pregnant Child in the City: Never Underestimate Accessories!!!

Alright, fellow mamas and mama-to-be's...we've come to Rule #5 in our list of Five Basic Maternity Style Guidelines. It's seemingly simple (and even obvious), but often overlooked when you find yourself addressing the rest of your needs as a preggy. To paraphrase Johnnie Cochran, "If you're being wise, accessorize!"

That's right...Rule #5 is Never Underestimate Accessories!!!

While this rule applies to all of us (pregnant or not), accessorizing can get pushed aside when it comes to time to purchase empire-waisted knit tops and stretch-panel jeans. However, when it comes to completing a look or adding punch to a basic ensemble, accessories should not be ignored.

The following pieces would look FABULOUS on any woman, but they have extra impact when paired with a little bun in the oven :)

1) Bib Necklace
My favorite pregnancy maternity accessory. As the picture below shows, bib necklaces come in all varieties and sizes. They can be large and dramatic, simple and elegant, or even funky and show-stopping. A big necklace differs from a chunky necklace in the way it lies: while a chunky necklace stands out, a bib necklace lays flush against the body (much like a baby's bib!). They are great for drawing attention to the face and slender collarbone area. HIGHLY recommended.



2) Long Scarf
Much like the bib necklace and the way it draws attention towards the face, the long scarf creates length by drawing the eye up and down. The beauty of the long scarf is that it can become the focal point of an outfit, or it can simply complement an already-standout ensemble. The variety of finishes (knit, silk, distressed cotton) also allows for versatility in wear.



3) Link Bracelet
Any bracelet will add pop to your ensemble, but the link bracelet is notable for the way it draws the eye without "closing off" the wrist. A bit like peep-toe pumps, showing a bit of skin can actually make your wrists look more slender than a straighforward cuff. For this reason, link bracelets suit pregnant ladies to a "T."



4) Knee-High Boots
Oh, boots...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

While I could easily start a blog devoted entirely to my love of boots, I mention knee-high boots for their ability to lengthen the leg line, something we preggies should totally embrace. Any shorter and it can make the calf appear shorter. The heel high is negotiable, but a great option is a wedge heel; you still get the lengthening effect without worrying about a stiletto heel being caught in a subway grate. I adore the Enzo Angiolini boots below (available at DSW) because they offer a knee-length height, and aren't too "pirate-y." Invest in them today before they sell out!




5) Textured Hose/Tights
Are you noticing a trend yet? Highlighting the legs is a wonderful thing to do during pregnancy! I love textured tights and hose because (again) they draw attention to our lower half, but it can be done subtly or dramtically. If you're new to this trend, try a simple checked pattern like the ones from HUE pictured below: they'll look great with a skirt, but won't distract from the rest of your ensemble.



Now that you've been given Five Basic Maternity Style Guidelines, which styles will your be trying this fall? And how far will you take some of the trends? Please keep me posted (send emails to jamie@acommonthread.net)!!!

Love,
Jamie
(Mama Kendall)

Pregnant Child in the City: What to Do With the Bump

Welcome back, ladies! Are you starting to think about how to expand your wardrobe as your tummy expands as well? :) Today, we'll be looking at how to do so with what you may already own. Rule #4 of our Five Basic Maternity Style Guidelines is...

4) Consider Non-maternity Options...but be mindful of the length. One thing that's changed in the last decade is putting the bump front and center with body-con clothing that highlights your tummy. Occasionally, this means transitioning your pre-pregnancy wardrobe into maternity wear. This can be accomplished with pieces such as the one below from Forever 21, which has enough length to grow with your tummy and the right amount of stretch to boot.



While "bumping out" can be very cute and flattering, remember that letting the belly hang out below the hem of your top is NOT an attractive look. So always look for tops that allow for growth (via stretch knits), and if it's a baby-doll style top, do find one that hits at least at low hip (see below example from Old Navy).



Thoughts? Do you embrace the bump, or prefer the “I Love Lucy” tent look?

Pregnant Child in the City: DENIM TIME!!!

Welcome Back! If you are an expectant mother who loves her denim, you probably already know how crucial it is to find a pair that fits your changing shape without screaming "MATERNITY PANTS! MATERNITY PANTS!" Don't fear the "tummy panel," though: it can actually be very comforting and supportive. With this in mind, Rule #3 of our Five Basic Maternity Style Guidelines is...

3) Invest in Maternity Jeans. God Bless Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy) for only going up one pant size and being able to wear misses vs. actual maternity wear. If this is NOT you, do consider finding some great Maternity jeans amongst other maternity basics. Of the ones I've tried on so far, my favorites (at all price points) are as follows:

• Liz Lange for Target "Flex Panel" Jeans ($29.99 at Target and target.com).

For such a great price, you get a uniform wash, comfy tummy panel, and the perfect leg length for your ballet flats or lower heels. They are also available in extended sizes, a nice bonus.

• Gap Maternity "Long and Lean" Jeans ($69.50 at The Gap and gap.com).

I instantly felt taller and svelter putting on these jeans! The denim, from Gap's 1969 premium line, is of the highest quality, and the jeans truly live up to their namesake: your legs will look a mile long, especially when paired with heels or boots. Hemming might be necessary, but if it ensures the best fit, go for it!

• J Brand Maternity "Ocean" Jeans ($185 at Saks Fifth Avenue).

If you are "anti-panel" and want jeans that fit in a more standard fashion, this is the pair for you! Great stretch, an amazing fit, and perfect length for low-to-mid heels, these J Brands are an investment worth every penny.

Enjoy your adventures in denim, Mamas!

Pregnant Child in the City

After a VERY long break away from this blog, it feels great to be back. It feels even better to say that I have come to appreciate personal style on a whole new level in recent months, mostly due to the little person growing inside of me each day...

That's right; Baby Kendall will soon be upon us! We are due in January, and my husband and I are very excited to welcome our little Winter Baby.

When they say pregnancy/parenthood changes you...they were NOT kidding. It's been entirely positive changes so far, though not without its character-building moments. With pregnancy comes a lot of give and take, especially with your changing form. You realize that feeding and caring for this little life takes precedence over all, and you come to accept that (for a few months at least) you will not be able to wear your skinny jeans. And that's completely okay.

For starters, your figure changes daily. I remember when my friend Kelly was expecting, she would have "flat belly" days and "big belly" days. Depending on where the baby was at that moment, what she'd eaten the night before, even how she slept, Kelly's belly would change shape each day for several months! Imagine trying to dress yourself when your figure changed constantly...

Then there's the actual growth of everything else...mainly in the "guts and butts" area. No, you shouldn't go to extremes to keep your shape, but things do "round" themselves out when you're expecting, and it forces you to rethink your silhouette.

Pregnancy is a natural, healthy process, and it can be an absolute joy, especially when you feel beautiful in your own skin. Preferrably, there's a supportive spouse/partner/friend by your side who appreciates your new curves, too! So for the next week, I will be posting some tips and tricks of the trade to share with my fellow mamas-to-be. To start with...

1) No matter what your current size, there are three areas that will always look slimmer: your wrists, collarbone, and ankles. Drawing attention to the first two is a great way to balance out your shape, so think bracelet-length or 3/4-length sleeves (wrists) and square or scooped necklines (collarbone). Ankles and calves should be highlighted for the same reason; it helps to balance our your figure. However, the legs can sometimes be tricky, because some of us will have swollen ankles during preganancy. So with that in mind...

2) Embrace New Styles! Highlight the features you would've downplayed before. Pre-pregnancy, I liked to emphasize my shape by emphasizing my waist and hourglass shape. With my waist growing each day, I've found myself embracing longer tops and favoring skirts, jeans, and even leggings because they draw attention towards the legs. The same can be said of highlighting the arms a bit as well.

I hope this gets all you mamas out there thinking about how to embrace your changing shape and make the most of these next few months! More to come tomorrow. Happy hunting!

With love,

Jamie