New Maternity Lines

Seraphine Maternity Goes “Luxe”

March 6, 2012

These days, fashion is all about the next mass-market designer collaboration, whether it’s Missoni for Target, Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s, or Marni for H&M. Personally, the stress of trying to get my hands on items from these overhyped collections isn’t worth the savings. I am just no match for the diehard shoppers willing to camp out in a Target parking lot overnight, and then price gouge all of us via eBay the next day.

So, it is nice to hear when one of your favorite designers is actually stepping things up a bit and introducing a new, high-end “luxe” line, rather than a bargain line. Seraphine Maternity, the UK-based maternity line loved by pregnant celebs and by yours truly, has just launched Seraphine Luxe, a luxury collection of six maternity dresses and gowns manufactured in the UK using high-quality silks and lace.
The highlight of the collection is certainly the Colorblock Silk Maxi Dress, which combines two rich shades of blue silk to create a gorgeous, floor-length gown certain to guarantee you are a standout at all of those spring and summer back tie events on your schedule. The gown reminds me of the gorgeous custom Diane von Furstenberg gown that Jessica Alba wore during the late stages of her most recent pregnancy. Jessica is a loyal devotee of Seraphine Maternity, it would not surprise me if Seraphine’s designers modeled the Colorblock Maxi after Jessica’s stunning third trimester look. Should your spring and summer social calendar involve only showers and cocktail parties, the Colorblock gown also comes in a shorter, cocktail version.

The prices for the new Seraphine Luxe Collection are, well, luxe. All six dresses are priced over USD $200, with the Colorblock Maxi priced at USD $469. Personally, I’d rather own one dress from this collection than an entire shopping cart full of Marni for H&M. And, there is no need to sleep in a parking lot in order to own these dresses, obviously a huge plus.

Tagged as: Dresses, European Maternity Lines

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Inspired Maternity Fashion? Shop Italian

February 29, 2012

Italy is one of my favorite places to shop for maternity clothing, primarily because the Italian maternity designers don’t seem to see any reason why pregnant women can’t wear clothing that looks like it came right off that season’s runways. I really wish more American maternity designers felt that way. I appreciate a nice, basic maternity wrap dress as much as the next pregnant girl, but I’ve been pregnant often enough to have developed a “been there, done that” attitude toward many of the maternity basics. Sigh…

The Italians are certainly inspired, but unfortunately, have not embraced online shopping in the way we Americans have, so over here, we are resigned to purchasing Italian maternity fashions from online specialty maternity boutiques, which only purchase a few, choice pieces from new collections. Luckily, Blossom Mother & Child has recently stocked a few spring pieces from Attesa Maternity, a luxury Italian maternity line that consistently turns out maietrnity pieces that are indulgent, but very, very hard to resist. All of the pieces are made in Italy from pure silks and pure cottons and Attesa’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection is full of nods to the runways, such as eyelet, bright pinks, and vibrant prints.

Blossom is not carrying nearly enough of this season’s superb Attesa collection, in my opinion, but there are a few pieces recently posted, including the gorgeous pink silk dress pictured above (USD $275). Choose that gorgeous dress for your spring baby shower and you can be sure no one else will be wearing it (I recently attended a baby shower at which all of the pregnant women in attendance, including the honoree, were wearing the same wrap dress–a situation to be avoided at all costs).

Tagged as: European Maternity Lines

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Finally, A Truly Pretty Fitness Line For Pregnant Women

January 12, 2012

I have been waiting so long for nice maternity gymwear, I really thought I was going to have to design it myself.

Luckily, designer Maggie Zembruski has stepped in with her new luxury maternity gymwear line, Me2Roo, and I have been happily relieved of the responsibility. With a fashion background that includes a stint at Louis Vuitton, Maggie has recently launched a brand new fitness line exclusively for pregnant women and ladies, this is really nice stuff.

First, let me tell you about the workout pants. I cannot say enough good things about the Piper Ruched Leggings. Most importantly for us third trimester ladies, these leggings stay up, despite being an under-the-bump style. I wore them to the gym twice over the weekend and I did not have to yank at myself even once. The leggings themselves are made from a very thick nylon/lycra blend and the waistband is also thick with a very strong grip around the bottom of your bump.

Now for the tops. Unlike most of my other maternity workout tops, Me2Roo’s workout tops are actually pretty, flattering tops. You will want to wear these. Designed in bright colors with a very flattering and forgiving racerback cut along the back, these tops really take a pregnant woman’s primary workout concerns into consideration, i.e. coverage and freedom of movement. I especially like the Emily Top and the Charlotte Top, because the clever pleating at the empire waist allows them to work for the first, second, and third trimesters.

My one complaint about Me2Roo’s tops is that they are not supportive enough to wear on their own. They do have an internal shelf bra, but I need to wear a bra underneath these tops, and if I do, then most others will have to as well. Due to the racerback style, you’ll need to plan to wear a racerback sports bra underneath, which is a bit inconvenient. But these tops are so very bright, pretty and well-made and for the first time in a very long time this past weekend, I looked at myself in the mirror at the gym and was not embarrassed by what I was wearing. I can put up with a little bit of inconvenience.

Me2Roo’s online botuique is currently low on stock, but you can still order the pieces I’ve detailed above. Stay tuned for the launch of Me2Roo’s Spring 2012 collection, which Maggie promises will be filled with “neon, neon, and more neon.” I can’t wait.

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Finally, Fragile Maternity’s Newest Collection Is Available Online

November 10, 2011

How to buy pieces from Fragile Maternity while living stateside–it’s a question that has plagued us here at PF for years. The Belgium-based maternity designer sells in boutiques all over Europe but until very recently, was not available anywhere in the U.S. As I wrote here a few months ago, Bump Brooklyn has started to carry a few of Fragile’s pieces, but they sell out almost immediately. And despite it being November, I had yet to see any of the pieces from Fragile’s colorful Autumn/Winter 2011 collection available at Bump or anywhere else for that matter.

Fragile's Matilda Dress

But recently, during one of my manic late-night searches for new and exciting maternity clothing, I happened upon UK-based site Pretty Pregnant, a new online maternity boutique. Pretty Pregnant’s brick-and-mortar boutiques have been a maternity fashion destination in London for years, but the new online site brings European maternity fashion right to a pregnant American’s doorstep.

Best of all, Pretty Pregnant carries an enormous selection of Fragile Maternity, including many of the most current dresses and skirts from the newest collection. The pure silk red Sarah Wrap Dress, the pure silk coffee and black-printed Matilda Dress, and the floral-themed Tina Pleated Dress or Naomi Pencil Skirt–these are all miraculously available for the buying right now at Pretty Pregnant. Fragile’s prices range from mid-level to high, depending on the fabrics used in the pieces you select. Regardless of whether you splurge for a $400 pure silk dress or opt for the $100 pencil skirt, we should all be excited to finally have access to this unique European collection. And to think of all the time we wasted lusting after Fragile’s Autumn/Winter Catalogue, when we could have been wearing it…

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This New Maternity Line Lives Up To The Hype

November 2, 2011

Hatch by two birds, the new maternity line from cutting-edge bridesmaid dress designer Ariane Goldman has already been raved about by mom bloggers, fawned over by style magazines and newsletters, feted at the W in Downtown New York, and blessed by fashion royalty like Christy Turlington Burns and Gilt founder Alexis Maybank. With such a high-profile introduction into the fashion world, I was suspicious and felt I had to try it out for myself before jumping into the fray.

All the hype was right–Hatch by two birds is a truly beautiful maternity collection. With 14 separate pieces offered in varied subtle fabrics and colors, the collection centers on loose-fitting, draped dresses, both short and long, rendered in high-end silks and cottons. The Errands Dress, the Airplane Dress, the Afternoon Dress, the Soiree Dress–I don’t happen to have this many varied occasions to attend right now, but I like the idea of it. It’s also easy to choose just one favorite dress and stick to it. Because you can choose between such a wide selection of fabrics and prints, you can select the Dinner Party Dress (pictured above) and buy it in striped jersey for casual weekend wear or in red silk for your holiday party.

Hatch by two birds’ prices range from USD $98 for the Long-Sleeved Tee to USD $348 for the Silk Soiree Dress. Yes, I know, definitely at the high end of the maternity wear spectrum. But the pieces are all made in New York and $5 from each purchase made in the online boutique is donated to EveryMotherCounts, a charity founded by Turlington Burns and devoted to global maternal health. Supporting a small, independent maternity designer while also supporting women’s health? Hard for a devoted fashionista to say no to that…and, of course, you do also get the pleaseure of wearing that beautiful dress.

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A New Luxury Maternity Line From the Co-Founder of Isabella Oliver

October 18, 2011

It’s not often that I have the opportunity to write about a new collection from a “veteran” maternity designer. Most new maternity lines are from ambitious new designers entering the market or from mainstream fashion designers who decide to dabble in maternity for a season or two.

Such is not the case with Vanessa Knox, the American-born lingerie designer who co-founded Isabella Oliver Maternity in London in 2003 and has just launched her own new maternity line out of London. This woman knows maternity clothing and she knows what sells in the maternitywear marketplace. Hence, pieces from her new maternity line, Vanessa Knox, do bear numerous similarities to many of Isabella Oliver’s classic pieces, particularly the form-fitting jersey dresses in bright jewel-tone colors. But the collection also includes new, much-needed contributions to the high-end maternity scene, like the hooded lightweight Briony Maternity Trench Coat. A dressy, work-appropriate trench coat designed specifically for maternity and also equipped with a practical, detachable hood? I’ve yet to come across a maternity coat that looks classy, but also might actually keep you dry in a thunderstorm, kudos to Vanessa for designing one. Vanessa’s pure wool Cable-Knit Maternity Cardigan is also an appealing inclusion in the new collection. While maternity cardigans are just about everywhere, maternity cardigans spun from 100% merino wool are not so easy to find. Vanessa has thankfully recognized that though maternity sweaters may not occupy prime geography in your closet for many years to come, there is no reason they all need to be made from polyester. And the most beautiful, though least practical piece in the new collection is the Ophelia Silk Print Maternity Evening Dress. I have 4.66 children and have absolutely nowhere to wear this gown, but I still really, really want it hanging in my closet.

Vanessa Knox’s prices are what you might expect from one of the maternity industry’s most successful designers–high. The online boutique is currently priced in British pounds, so once you’ve done the truly depressing conversion to American dollars, the collection’s prices start at USD $85 and peak at USD $573 (for the Ophelia gown). These are certainly investment pieces. But, the quality is superb, the tailoring expert, and your purchases show up in a beautiful, bow-adorned silver gift box–which, after ordering a good portion of my maternity clothing from sample sale sites, is a perk not to be underestimated. If nothing else, take a look through Vanessa Knox’s online boutique…and then forward this posting to whomever is buying you a Christmas gift.

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Nuka Maternity Is A Must For Effortless Maternity Chic

October 4, 2011

Being that I am always on the hunt for high-quality maternity clothing, I always look forward to new collections from Nuka Maternity, another one of my favorite independent maternity designers. Nuka is an LA-based line know for both its high-end textiles and designer Julia Noik’s unique graphic designs. Nuka is just out with its fall line and the collection is full of cozy, form-fitting dresses like the Nuka Women’s Cocoon Dress, and new versions of last fall’s popular Nuka Women’s Asymmetrical Kimono Sleeve Dress, including a new cashmere version.

But, Nuka’s collection highlights are always their soft, comfortable T-shirts and tunics. The Nuka Women’s London Long Cuffed Top is cut from a luxurious rayon, spandex blend and is a perfect, neutral layering piece for the cooler weather. The tee comes in both light heather grey and charcoal grey.

The links I’ve included here link to Amazon’s maternity department, which is currently offering a few select Nuka pieces at a discount. Nuka’s entire Fall 2011 Collection is available for view and for purchase in the store’s online boutique.

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Pour Deux Maternity Debuts For Spring 2011

March 9, 2011

I absolutely love being able to introduce all of you to new maternity lines and I garner even more joy out of making the introduction when the new line is extraordinarily tasteful and chic.

Such is the case with Pour Deux Maternity, a new maternity line from New Jersey-based designer Tara Stafford. Pour Deux’s debut collection for Spring 2011 is small, simple and elegant. Let’s be honest–being pregnant makes achieving that “right off the runway” look virtually impossible. But Pour Deux will get you just about as close as possible this spring. The new line is comprised of loose-fitting dresses, tunics and wrap sweaters in high-quality silks and cottons, all cut in subtle, neutral colors.

I met Tara very briefly this past weekend at a children’s and maternity fashion conference in New York City. Tara is a young mom, like most new designers in this industry. But unlike many of the new entrants into maternity and nursing fashion, Tara is also a seasoned fashion designer and it shows. Take a look at the entire collection here and you’ll see how very obvious her experience is.

Unfortunately, Pour Deux is not yet widely available online. You can purchase a few basic pieces from the Spring 2011 collection here at Mommy Chic Maternity and Bellydance Maternity has one piece in so far for Spring 2011. But the collection’s highlights, like the white summer dress above, are not yet available online. If you are interested in any of the pieces, email Tara directly for retailer info at info@maternityfortwo.com.

Tagged as: american, new line, spring

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Boden Launches New Spring Maternity Collection Online

February 11, 2011

If this is your first pregnancy, then you probably don’t know about Boden yet. If this is not your first pregnancy and you already have a baby or toddler, then of course you know about Boden, the British-based line best known for their absolutely adorable children’s line, Mini Boden. Boden announced last month that it was releasing its first maternity line for Spring 2011, Boden Maternity, and the line is now available exclusively online.

I am a very frequent Boden shopper and more than anything else, their clothing is incredibly durable. Made from high-quality cotton, the pieces last forever. My fourth child is still wearing every last one of the pieces I purchased for my fourth child. Boden Maternity is a small collection but it sticks with Boden’s tried and true formula–simple cotton pieces in an array of colors that work perfectly as everyday basics. How cute are these dresses? And they each come in a good range of colors and prints.

Click here to view the entire Spring 2011 Boden Maternity collection in Boden’s USA boutique. Almost all of the pieces are below $100, highlighting yet another one of the features I love about Boden–the quality is superb, but the prices remain reasonable.

And don’t forget that today is the last day to use your exclusive PF discount at Isabella Oliver here. Use promo code “PREGFASH15″ at checkout for 15% off the entire Spring 2011 collection. I am stocking up now on my spring baby shower gifts…

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Bashful Bump Debuts A Maternity Bodysuit

January 5, 2011

I am always thrilled to write about a new mom who, having survived pregnancy and its perplexing fashion dilemmas, bravely decides to take the plunge into the maternity fashion market with a new product she’s come up with on her own. Amy Naylor is one of those moms and after birthing three kids, she has recently founded Bashful Bump, a California-based company that designs maternity bodysuits.

OK, let me stop right there. I know, a maternity bodysuit sounds daunting and completely impractical. I devoted a good amount of ink to lambasting Heidi Klum and the absolutely ridiculous maternity unitard she designed. How is a pregnant woman supposed to use the bathroom when she is wearing a bodysuit?

Unlike Heidi, Amy anticipated this problem and attached five snaps to the bottom of her maternity bodysuit to allow for emergency trips to the bathroom. Again, I know–will this be the most convenient piece of clothing you will wear during your pregnancy? No. Having to unsnap and then snap your bodysuit is not at all convenient at Week 39, not to mention having to match the snaps to one another.

Nevertheless, you need to head over to the Bashful Bump website and buy yourself one of these ASAP, because you don’t want to be pregnant any longer without it. Why? Because Amy Naylor has managed to come up with a piece of clothing that solves a very pregnant woman’s daily layering conundrum, or, in the legendary words of Victoria Beckham, how to make sure “none of your bits are showing.” Even the most reliable maternity camisole or tank runs the risk of bunching up underneath your clothing or, even worse, riding up and showing skin. (I know, yuck, I cringe when I write that, it brings back numerous embarrassing memories). When your top is actually snapped shut underneath your jeans, you thereby ensure that you and your newfound “bits” are covered. An annoying hassle when you are trying to pull yourself back together in a bathroom stall? Maybe. Will it bring you peace of mind during that third trimester? Definitely.

There are other important benefits to the Bashful Bump bodysuit. I give big kudos to Amy for incorporating a shelf bra into all of the bodysuits. Every pregnant woman needs and welcomes a little extra support up top. Also, the bodysuits are made from a thick, high-quality nylon/spandex blend, so these are durable pieces. There are four different styles to chose from–camisole, tank, cap sleeve, and 3/4-sleeve. My favorite feature, however, is the full-seat/thong option. Some of us are thong girls and some of us are most definitely not. But regardless of what camp you fall into, it’s hard to make the switch and I am so pleased that Amy has recognized pregnant women need options too.

There are two other drawbacks to the bodysuit (besides the whole snap issue, of course).
1) The Bashful Bump bodysuit is an ideal layering piece, but if you are planning on wearing it on its own, please note that the Bashful Bump label is a misnomer. Do not buy this bodysuit if you are, in fact, the least bit bashful about your bump. This piece is all about flaunting what you’ve got.
2) The Bashful Bump Maternity Bodysuit is not for those of you who are just barely pregnant. I was so conflicted about the whole maternity bodysuit idea that after I had worn the bodysuit once, I sent it up to NYC to a newly pregnant friend who is actually a fashion designer herself. She wore it and pointed out that while the cut would be perfect for someone who is very obviously pregnant, the extra material tends to bunch up around the top of your waistband if you don’t have much of a bump yet. My very fashion-savvy friend did, however, compliment Amy on the fit of the bodysuit. “I can see how this item would be able to ‘grow with you’ given the stretch and the ruching detail at the side seams,” she reported.

You can shop the Bashful Bump selection here on Amy’s website.The bodysuits range from USD $48 to USD $52 and they are available in both white and black. The fit is true to size. Amy allows for a full refund if you aren’t happy with your purchase. Order one and try it out with your favorite under-the-bump skinnies. Not only will you be supporting an entrepreneurial mom, but you can rest assured no one at the restaurant will glimpse your rear end when you sit down for dinner that night.