Pregnant Child in the City: The Unexpected "Fluffy Spots" (Day One)

Three years ago, Victoria Beckham moved west and conquered America, one Birkin bag at a time. In that same year, she released a book entitled "That Extra Half an Inch," a style tome which gave her personal recommendations for all things fashionable. It was a fun, saucy read, with tons of pictures and a glimpse into her very British sense of humor (who knew?).


In one section, VB begins to wax on about her pregnancy woes, and how grateful she was to the fashion industry for wising up and finally making maternity wear that was somewhat cute. She makes a very good point when mentioning how women gain weight while pregnant: "You don't just gain a little tummy! Your boobs, back, bottom, arms, legs...EVERYTHING tends to grow a little bit!"

Well said, Posh, well said.

She's 100% correct. The reason so many stylists (myself included) recommend holding off on buying maternity clothes until the second trimester is simply because none of us can predict what shape our pregnant bodies will take! Once we do start to "re-mold" (like clay), we can have a better sense of what will work best on our changing forms.

This week, I'll be posting pointers every day for working with those unexpected "Fluffy Spots" (as my midwife recently put it). Let's begin with...

1) "The Girls"For a lot of pregnant women, increased cup sizes are one of the first signs we are expecting (long before belly bumps appear). Some see this as a Godsend, others as a pain (literally). "The Girls" go through a lot in nine months! With that said, it is crucial that you invest in...

A sleep bra and a small arsenal of half-cami's!

Essentially, a sleep bra is an unlined, wire-free stretch bra that you wear at night. I was honestly skeptical about the whole thing until I tried one on at Motherhood Maternity, and noticed how secure these little stretchy friends made me feel. As a bonus, they also work as a nursing bra when baby comes along...awesome!

To paraphrase Mastercard, "Sleep Bra: $15 at Motherhood. Caring for your ta-ta's: priceless."



To order a Motherhood sleep bra, simply click below:
http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=975400120&MasterCategory_Id=MC13

Half-cami's are also a great investment, both pre-pregnancy and beyond. Like the sleep bra, these are stretch garments which you wear over your normal bra, but underneath any tops with plunging necklines.

The truth is, your cleavage deepens and hits higher up on the body when you are expecting. As a point of reference; before pregnancy, I wore these maybe once a week anywhere my cleavage would be "too much" (church, teaching high school, etc.). During pregnancy, I've worn one almost every day.

A great brand to invest in is Jockey, who makes these in sporty styles as well as more feminine (see below).


More to come tomorrow, Mamas!

Pregnant Child in the City Results Poll: The Mama Glow is Good to Go

Yesterday's post asked the crucial question of "To Embrace or Not to Embrace" when it comes to showing off the belly bump. Some fantastic responses came back (including a few men!), and here's what they had to say...

Tracy: I absolutely say to EMBRACE the bump! There is absolutely no need to hide something so beautiful and natural. Stay comfortable and fashionable!

Alice P: I say EMBRACE it! It is a beautiful, natural thing and you shouldn't be afraid or shy about flaunting it. I think that, like anyone who doesn't like form fitting things themselves, don't wear them. Be yourself and be comfortable. This is a time when you are probably at your most uncomfortable and self-conscious about your body. Do what makes you feel good!

Samantha: Embrace the bump! I am certainly not recommending that pregnant women go around exposing their bare bellies under clothes that don't fit. However, the shape of a pregnant woman is one of the most beautiful shapes that God created and should not be hidden under an over sized tent of a shirt.

Meghan: Why not both? There are so many outfits to chose from for every mood. Sometimes going tent route is just as cute and comfy as the fitted look. Just don't bare belly and you can't go wrong.

Cathy: I say embrace it! There are so many cute fashion options out there to fit just right, why cover it? Besides, I think a woman who embraces the bump also gives the impression she is embracing everything that goes along with it, which is where that happy “glow” comes from.

Laura: Ditto, ladies. If you've got it, flaunt it...a pregnant woman's body is one of the most beautiful things in God's creation!

Brenda: Show it off!! Just don't take pregnancy photos like this... http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/pregnancy

Peg: How about a compromise between muu-muu and skin-tight? I always preferred looser stuff for comfort reasons, but if it was too loose I did look like a house!

Allison: I love the bump! the rounder the better!

Jessica: I think preggo women look WAY more attractive in fitted clothes rather than tents. You even feel better in them. Tents make you look bigger than you are and fitted clothes kind of show that you are not a blob, that you have a form and it is beautiful.

Jarred: If people...can let their beer gut hang out I say you just let that bump hang on out!

Elizabeth: Definitely embrace it. Why hide in a house coat for 6 months?

Patrick: I have seen lots of nice outfits out there that embrace "The Bump!" Why not? It is a natural part of life! I say go for it!

Thanks to everyone for their great responses! I am grateful that we have embraced pregnant women in our society, and the need to "hide out" for nine months has gone away. Please keep sharing your thoughts!

Pregnant Child in the City: To Embrace or Not to Embrace

This morning, I went to my "guilty pleasure" website to surf the showbiz headlines. The website--The Daily Mail--writes their features in a distinctly British voice which I find irresistible. While they have their own celebs across the pond to focus on ("Big Brother," for example, seems to be a much bigger phenomenon in England than it does here), they add their own two cents when it comes to covering American celebs.

Case in point: Heroes actress Ali Larter, who is about 7 1/2 months pregnant with her first child. The original article (link below) discusses nothing more than Ms. Larter enjoying an LA lunch with her husband, and begins as such:

"She is believed to have just a few more weeks to go until her due date. But Heroes actress Ali Larter still looked pretty glamorous as she lunched in Los Angeles yesterday. The 34-year-old actress wore a casual black outfit and tinted sunglasses as she strolled to her car with husband Hayes MacArthur."

As you can see from the pictures below (from The Daily Mail's orig. article), Ali wears black skinny jeans, black Chucks, and a fitted (though not tight) black tee.




What got me was not the article itself, but a comment made by a reader. The reader asked why late-term preggies "prefer to wear tight-fitting clothings when they are at the end stage of their pregnancies." They continued on by adding, "if the traditional maternity clothes (like what our moms used to wear) are no longer in vogue, there are many smock or a-line tops they can wear." The reader made a few disparaging remarks about pregnant women as well, though I felt like those weren't necessary to understand the gist of the argument.

In essence, this reader was asking what all we preggers ask ourselves about our growing bumps: To Embrace or Not to Embrace?

It's a question every modern pregnant lady faces, and the answer is never black-and-white. The truth is, it changes by the day. There will be times when wearing an old stretch knit dress from H & M suits us, and times when all we want is a big floaty caftan a la Mrs. Roper.


Most women's wardrobes (both pre-pregnancy and maternity) will contain pieces of both kinds. We may choose to embrace on some days, and diminish on others.

While this may be my first experience with pregnancy, I have found that not only do fitted pieces (like Ms. Larter's) actually look better, they can continue to be worn after my little pumpkin is born.

And in our current economy, wearability and longevity in clothing is top priority for most consumers.

I'm curious to know what readers think about this. Perhaps tomorrow will be a follow-up containing your responses...

Thanks for reading!

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1327862/Ali-Larter-blooming-black-lunches-Los-Angeles.html#ixzz14noueFIl

Pregnant Child in the City: Taking Matters Into My Own Hands...

As some of you may know, I used to be a school teacher. I spent nearly five years in the beautiful South teaching Drama and English. There were days when I absolutely LOVED it and days when I considered leaving and becoming a Starbucks manager (better pay/benefits, free coffee, no detention slips to hand out, etc.).



Thankfully, the good days outweighed the bad. But change can be a good thing...

Long story (sort of) short, I went back to school in 2008, studied Fashion Design at IADT Chicago, and earned a degree. It led me to form my own business (A Common Thread), and opened my eyes to a whole new world. A world where terms such as "seam allowance," "understitching," and "pin tucks" became part of my daily vocabulary.

In other words...I finally learned how to sew.


Two years have passed since my first classes began, and I am now making weekly trips to Vogue Fabrics in search of knits. The reason: I'm Taking Matters Into My Own Hands (literally). My hope: creating a functioning maternity wardrobe that is figure-flattering, cost-effective, and very personal.

So when I say Taking Matters Into My Own Hands, I mean just that; I've started using those skills I learned in design school to sew and create pieces I can actually wear, both now (at 28 weeks pregnant) and afterwards!

Yes, sewing a garment can take hours, and it might be more time-effective to just pop into A Pea in the Pod and stock up. That's certainly the case when it comes to tee shirts, jeans, etc. But if you're like me, and dressing up is a joy instead of a chore, you want looks that are flattering to your growing shape in colors/styles you love. And if you can create a look for the price of 3 yards of fabric (plus time for construction), why not try it?

Maternity wear has come a LONG way from the days of I Love Lucy and her polka-dotted circus tents. And while I do, in fact, love Lucy, I don't necessarily want to dress like she did while pregnant with Little Ricky.



Even if the last time you held a sewing needle was junior high Home Ec, there are some easy styles you can create that will flatter your burgeoning belly. Some suggestions...

Fabric Choices: stretch knits, jersey, and poly-jersey, stretch suede (!)

Patterns: I highly recommend Kwik-Sew or Burda for these styles; they both use fairly up-to-date clothing trends, and they are pretty affordable as far as patterns go ($9.99 and up).

1) Knit tunics--By adding extra room in the side panels and around the belly, you can make a chic staple work for you and baby.


2) Cowl-neck tops--often, these will be found under "Knits" in a pattern book, not necessarily maternity. However, if you chose an empire-waisted style, leave some room at the sides, and it will fall over your bump pretty naturally.


3) Asian-inspired kimono dress--my favorite so far. I really wanted a raspberry-colored dress (not beret!) for our first baby shower, and didn't find anything I really liked in the stores. I ended up finding a Kwik Sew shirt pattern (see below) and awesome stretch suede fabric, and with some sleeve modifications and extending the length, A Dress Was Born!!!





Have any of you readers had luck with making your own pieces for maternity wear? What recommendations can you make for those ready to embark on their own "ready-to-wear" line? :)

Your Fashion Influences: Raiding ___________'s Closet

This week, I've been asking folks on Facebook to tell me their greatest style influences. Be it on the big screen, real life, or somewhere in between, people have responded with some great answers so far!

Today's topic is about wardrobes as a whole. We look up to certain people because they seem to posses an innate sense of style, an ability to make even a trip to the grocery store seem like an occasion to dress up. When I asked "If you could steal anyone's wardrobe, it would be ________________________," posters responded as such:

"I would definitely steal Beyonce's wardrobe.. She always has the most fabulous designer pieces!" (Magda T.)


"Joss Stone!" (Samantha O.)


"Hands down - Victoria Beckham. Imagine all those shoes and handbags!" (Jennifer S.)


"Kat Von D. Love the hair and the rockstar outfits. She's not afraid to dress how she likes." (Holly B.)


"Dita Von Teese and Christina Hendricks. They have such ladylike glamour, and they're fair-skinned like I am, so I know what I'd be 'borrowing' would look good on me!" (Jamie, blog author)



"I would steal the wardrobe from the main character in the French film 'Amelie.' Audrey Tautou looked fabulous - somehow boho, simple, girly,and natural all at the same time with a big dose of French chic thrown in." (Julia V.)


"SJP!" (Brenda M.)


"I would steal [IADT professor] Kathleen Haines-Finley's wardrobe, but I would have to steal her body too! :)"(Monica P.)


"Jackie Kennedy." (Regina K.)


"Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Garner...they always looked pulled together and stylish, even when casual." (Cathy J.)



Great style inspirations and even greater closets to raid! Thanks for the input, ladies!

Your Fashion Influences: Day-to-Day Life

While fashion and style influence can come from nearly anywhere, a great place to begin is your day-to-day life. Who--or what--in your life inspires you to try a new look or instills confidence in you? A few sample responses from Facebook...


"My boyfriend. Whenever I'm getting ready to go somewhere he always makes suggestions about my outfit, and alot of times he's right! but mainly he inspires my fashion because he makes me feel like I can wear anything and still be beautiful." (Beth B.)


"Marilyn Monroe. She is the ultimate definition of a WOMAN. Her style was absolutely flawless. She carried herself as a strong, and beautiful woman just like any woman should. Well, her and Oprah, haha. :)" (Kayla R.)


"Nature, in all it's evolving seasons, climates, elements, nuances, it's fibers, dyes and designs:)" (Laura S.)



"In my day to day life? Well, while I still had him, my cat. :) Whatever his fur wasn't on was wearable. Or Eddie Vedder." (Dave S.)


So who influences YOUR day-to-day life and style?

Your Fashion Influences: The Movies

Alright, lovely blog readers, this week's posts will involve YOU and what you think. How you see the world of fashion and style, and how it relates to your life. Let's call the whole thing "Your Fashion Influences" and start at a point we all find inspiration from: THE MOVIES.


When I was five, my little sister and I saw "The Muppets Take Manhattan" at our hometown theatre (The Pickwick, in Park Ridge IL), and I instantly fell in love with the Porky Diva herself, Miss Piggy. How could you not? Her teased 80's hair, loads of attitude, and fabulous wardrobe were like nothing else I'd ever seen (take that, She-Ra!), and I told my mom that someday, "I was going to go to UCLA to be like Miss Piggy." The jury's still out on that one, but her influence on me was undeniable.

When I asked the question "Which movie(s) or movie character(s) style influenced you, and why?" on Facebook, I got some great responses! Some excerpts...

"Back in the early-mid 90's, I loved (& still do) the whole girly dress with black or gray opaque tights and ugly black shoes, usually Docs, look exemplified in Reality Bites, Truth About Cats & Dogs, & Singles. Usually a natural face just a little black eyeliner and red or raisin lips rounded out the look - girly but tough - the anti-Cher of Clueless. And of course, Uma in Pulp Fiction, especially the Chanel Vamp on her nails." (Anna V.)


"Flashdance, for sure! The way Jennifer Beals would cut out a huge neckline from her sweatshirts and then it would slip off one shoulder...she taught me how to take off my bra without taking off my top! Also, her men's faux tuxedo shirt front and black lace tights during the lobster eating scene left an indelible impression!" (Julia B.)



"I was fascinated by how the girls dressed in the movie Clueless. I wanted to dress like them with the knee socks, short skirts and tiny backpacks, but I did not have the self-confidence or the money to pull off that look. A movie character that I did identify with (fashion-wise) was Neve Campbell in Scream. Her style was very girl-next-door and SO 1995!" (Tracy F.)



"Any movie with Kate Hepburn or Audrey Hepburn.
[Also] I've always loved the simplicity and elegance of Jackie Kennedy...you could do an entire book about her influence." (Regina K.)

Excellent responses! Tell me, lovely readers: which movie character's style influenced YOU?