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The Pregnant Woman In Red

March 28, 2012

If Kourtney Kardashian is doing it, you should be doing it too.

Well, not in most cases. But when it comes to maternity fashion, she is doing it much better than most celebs, and one of her recent outings in these bright red Seven Gwenevere Maternity jeans was yet another celebrity maternity fashion highlight. These red Sevens are not yet available to the non-reality-star public, but numerous maternity designers are out there this spring with red jeans or red trousers. This season is all about color, and a pop of bright red underneath your favorite black or white maternity top is a great way for you and your bump to nod to the season’s trends without going overboard.

1. Jules & Jim Red Prada Pant. The Prada Maternity Pant has been a popular basic for several years and Canadian maternity designer Jules & Jim has released it in a bright red for Spring 2012. This pant is the ultimate maternity basic–a durable, machine-washable rayon/nylon blend trouser in a flattering bootcut with a generous under-the-bump waistband, all for less than $100. If you don’t happen to own this trouser already, try out the Prada Pant in Black first and once you’re hooked, buy the red for those days you want to take your look up a few notches, Kardashian-style.
2. Jules & Jim Red Prada Cropped Pant. If you’re looking for a more casual option for brightening up your lower half this spring and summer, Jules & Jim has also released a cropped version of the Prada Maternity Pant, with the same appealing style features at a 3/4 length. I plan on buying these for the upcoming summer, during which I plan to sit poolside wearing this fun pair of capri pants and a distracting nursing top, along with my post-baby weight. It appears I’ll be staying far away from anything resembling a bathing suit for Summer 2012.
3. PAIGE Maternity Union Kylie Crop Jean I wouldn’t be surprised if these red-hot cropped jeans are hanging in Kourtney’s closet right now, as they seem right up a Kardashian’s fashion alley–tight and uncomfortable, but if you can get them on, then they look incredible. These are the categories I find most of PAIGE’s maternity denim falls into, but damn, their jeans look great on a pregnant body. Just don’t plan on sitting down for too long if you have them on, these are most definitely “standing jeans.”

4. ASOS Maternity Skinny Jean In Red #4. ASOS’s own version of the red skinny maternity jean is much more forgiving than PAIGE’s version, i.e., a pregnant woman can sit down in them at length without necessarily feeling like she’s being slowly tortured. And they cost a mere $57, one quarter of the cost of the PAIGE version. Do they look as hot as the PAIGE version? Hmmm…not really. As with all fashion choices, it’s a personal decision. Comfort v. making your posterior look smaller? Your call.

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The Ideal White Maternity T-Shirt

March 3, 2012

michaelstars.com just posted a few new spring maternity pieces in its online boutique, but Amazon actually has a better selection of Michael Stars Maternity to choose from this spring. And more importantly, Amazon is currently stocking the classic, but incredibly hard-to-find, long-sleeved Michael Stars Maternity Slub 1×1 Scoop Neck Tee in a few very coveted neutral colors, including white. Finding any of the Michael Stars “Maternitees” in white is actually a small victory. The Amazon posting claims there are only five of the white tees left (they are one size fits all), so buy yours before they disappear. I spent all of my last pregnancy trying to find a Michael Stars long-sleeved maternity T-shirt in white, only to now come across it a few weeks after I gave birth. Too bad for me, but good news for you. This is the perfect fitted maternity layering tee and unlike most of the other long-sleeved white maternity tees out there, this one is made from high-quality, durable cotton. No pilling, no weak elastic, and it pops right back into shape after you wash it. This is, quite simply, the gold standard in maternity T-shirts. It’s $62 and also currently available on Amazon in navy and brown.

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Hanna Andersson Baby Sale Ends Sunday

February 25, 2012

I somehow failed to include this sale in yesterday’s posting, but wanted to make sure to alert all of you to Hanna Andersson’s Baby Sale, which is going on this weekend and ends tomorrow (Sunday). If you buy one baby item from the Hanna Andersson Baby Collection, you receive a second item of equal or lesser value at 50% off. The discount is automatically taken at checkout. It’s a good opportunity to stock up on my absolutely favorite onesies for baby, the Hanna Andersson Jeepers Creepers Organic Onesies. I’ve written about these onesies here before and now that I am using them again, I am reminded how truly superior they are.

By the way, I can’t help but share this recent photo of Robert Downey, Jr. with all of you. Downey Jr.’s wife gave birth a few days before I did, so he is clearly in newborn baby mode, performing the obligatory morning Starbucks run. But check out his ensemble. My husband has been home with me for two weeks, and is definitely in newborn baby mode–unshaven, jeans every day, absolutely exhausted. But under no circumstances does he look this frightening. And he is not a movie star. Who let Robert leave the house dressed like this? What is up with the shoes?

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Take The Plunge, Buy Yourself At Least One Maternity Bra

January 10, 2012

Anita Soft Cup Maternity Bra

Buying a maternity bra is not really one of the more thrilling aspects of pregnancy. It is, however, a necessity. If you think your pre-pregnancy bras still fit just fine, you are very likely wrong. And if you aren’t wrong today, you will likely be wrong in a few weeks. Investing in unattractive bras you will only wear for a few months isn’t everyone’s first choice for what to do with your coveted maternity wardrobe budget, but it really doesn’t matter how gorgeous your dress or outift is if your bra doesn’t fit properly, right? And it’s hard to wear nursing bras underneath fitted jersey maternity T-shirts and dresses, as the nursing clips are easily visible.

My suggestion? Buy only two or three maternity bras and be particularly neurotic about cleaning them often. Like I said, you only need them for a few months, so you don’t need to worry about preserving the elastic. And if you find one you like that is particularly comfortable and wears well underneath your maternity wardrobe, buy three of them and be done with it. These bras are purely functional, there’s no need to waste time worrying about monotony in your lingerie drawer.

I recognize that bras are a very personal choice, especially when you are a pregnant woman dealing with new and unfamiliar assets. But my personal favorite maternity bra these days is the Anita Maternity Soft Cup Bra (style # 5162).This bra isn’t going to win any awards for aesthetics–it looks like a bad version of the bras worn by the female characters in Mad Men. But it is very comfortable, wears well under T-shirts and blouses, and it’s very supportive, despite not having any underwire (at a certain point during my pregnancies, I find wearing underwire starts to interfere with my breathing, so it becomes a necessary casualty). This is not an inxpensive bra, as it is priced at about USD $70, and it only comes in white. But I’m one of those women who prefers one very nice bra to three not-so-nice bras, especially at 33 weeks pregnant. Trust me, no one will probably notice you are wearing the same bra every day (and if you have someone who does notice, well, lucky you).

And just a heads up, shopbop.com has finally placed some of its maternity denim on the virtual sale rack today, taking 30% off select maternity pieces from J Brand and Citizens for Humanity collections. Both the black J Brand Maternity Skinny Corduroy Pants and the J Brand Lightweight Maternity 12″ Pencil Jeans are included, as are the white J Brand Straight Leg Maternity Jeans. Sizes are very limited, so I’d click over there ASAP.

Tagged as: Initimates

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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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Maternity Style At The Gym

September 30, 2011

You may have noticed that your workout wear has suffered in the style department recently. Don’t worry, you likely have a good bit of company. It doesn’t matter how much of a fashionista you are, it’s hard to look good at the gym while pregnant. There simply isn’t much out there that fits. A good number of maternity designers include “loungewear” in their collections, but loungewear isn’t what you want to be wearing if you plan on going to the gym and actually breaking a sweat or even doing some real cardio.

After one too many mornings of wearing a truly abominable ensemble to the gym, I wandered into a Lululemon store out of desperation last weekend and discovered the new Priiti Tank. First of all, this is a very pretty gym top. It comes in a lovely lavender grey color and has a feminine ruffle wrapping around the empire waist. This is also a real, honest-to-goodness sports bra. It has cups inside a mesh shelf bra (they are removeable) and adjustable straps and surprisingly offers a good deal of support. The spaghetti straps will prevent most women from running in this top, but it works just fine for 30 minutes on the Precor. The Priiti Tank’s most pregnancy-friendly feature is the pleated, blouse-like bottom with an ingenious drawstring running through the bottom seam. It’s almost as if the Lululemon designers planned for this to be a maternity top, suited specifically for women who have to actually physically restrain their clothing. With the drawstring tightened, you will feel a good bit more confident about having everything covered at the gym.

The Priiti Tank is available in lavender grey, charcoal grey, and black for USD $64. It comes in US sizes 2-12. I bought one size up from my pre-pregnancy size which fits perfectly for the second trimester. I do think I’ll have to go back for the next size for the third trimester, just to ensure the top has enough length for full bump coverage.

Tagged as: Workout Wear

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Rosie Pope’s Fall Collection Released Online

September 28, 2011

Rosie Pope is a reality show celebrity now, but there is no reason devoted pregnant fashionistas should hold that against her. And with the pickings for true luxury maternity clothing being as slim as they are, beggars can’t be choosers.

Rosie just posted her new Fall 2011 Line for sale in the store’s online boutique and there are new styles, but I am most excited about new versions of my favorite Rosie Pope pieces. Most notably, Rosie has released numerous new versions of the very popular Hampton Tunic and with this selection of new vibrant solids and prints, it’s hard to only buy one. I love the Hampton Tunic for the office, so I have already ordered mine in the new vivid purple solid. Of course, I couldn’t resist one of the new, printed Hampton Tunics, available in a trendy new cheetah print and black and white floral print.

Rosie also released her Classic Oxford again this season in white, blue, and light pink. It’s difficult to find a basic maternity blouse that fits the pregnant physique and doesn’t scream maternity blouse, with the telltale pleats, empire waist, or a sash in the back. This blouse is fitted, but with ample room in the front for your bump. Dare I say that paired with a simple pair of jeans, this is a somewhat sexy maternity blouse? And because of the slim fit, it works really well underneath sweaters and jackets if sexy isn’t what you are going for.

Rosie Pope’s prices are high, so be prepared to spend between $100 and $300 for her pieces. They are, however, likely to be the maternity pieces you reach for again and again.

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Missoni For Target Goes On Sale Today

September 13, 2011

If you happen to be pregnant and up making an early morning strawberry/banana smoothie like me, I thought I’d remind everyone that Target’s Missoni collaboration line goes on sale TODAY. There are more than 400 items included in the new collection and based on some of the crazy people stalking Target Style’s Facebook page early this morning, I’d say this stuff is going to go fast. The home and bedding collection is supposed to include children’s sets and crib sets, which is what I’ll be lusting after. The online offerings will actually be more comprehensive than what will be available in stores, so no need to battle the crazies already waiting outside your local Target. You can instead battle them from right here in front of your computer. Good luck. Shop Missoni Exclusively at Target! Women’s, Men’s, Home & More

10:50am update: So, the target website crashed early this morning just a couple of hours after the Missoni collection went up. According to Target’s tweets, it is supposed to be back up at 11am Eastern Time. If you’re frustrated, head over to Facebook to view the vitriol being spouted by the nutty Target shoppers I mentioned earlier. It will make you feel better and more sane.

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Embrace the Tunic With Jules & Jim Maternity

September 7, 2011

If you aren’t a subscriber to this site, today is the day to sign up, as PF launched its new and improved Daily Email Update today. Tech-savvy I am not, but I am savvy enough to realize that it was time to hire a tech-savvy person to help me bring this blog into 2011. So, I finally did and voila, here is the new PF Daily Update, please take a look and let me know what you think. PF subscribers will be getting their PF updates in this spiffy email format from here on out and I couldn’t be more excited. Here’s hoping I can actually master the new program.

Not only is today a milestone in the history of PF, but it is a milestone in my own maternity fashion evolution as I have finally and completely given into the need for maternity leggings. At 15 weeks pregnant, I look about 30 weeks pregnant and now have some nasty, unappealing, pregnancy-induced varicose veins that must be covered at all times. Hence, it will be leggings and compression tights throughout the fall–which is why I am fully embracing the maternity tunic with leggings look.

The tunic is a curious maternity creation–is it a dress or a top? I’ve witnessed some pregnant women who make the mistake of allowing it to be a dress, when it would have best been worn as a top. Personally, I think women should allow their size to dictate the tunic’s positon in my wardrobe. First trimester? Could be a dress. Third trimester? Definitely a top.

Canadian maternity designer Jules et Jim is out with an incredibly cute, playful Fall/Winter 2011 Collection full of tunics like the Zara 3/4 Sleeve Striped Cowl Neck Tunic. The pieces are just becoming available in U.S. maternity boutiques and Figure 8 Maternity posted the Zara Tunic yesterday. Paired with black leggings and a thin black belt around the empire waist, this piece is hopefully going to make me forget I am wearing leggings this fall. If you’re still at the point where this piece works as a dress, throw on the belt with some fitted black boots and you’ll have a cute fall weekend look. The piece is priced at USD $110, but Figure 8 Maternity always offers 15% off its New Arrivals for the first week they are posted. Use promotional code “NEWARRIVALS15″ when you check out and the Zara Tunic will cost you USD $93.50 through midnight on September 12th. Jules et Jim Maternity runs just a bit small, so size up if you are unsure of sizing.

Tagged as: fall

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J Brand Maternity Denim Sample Sale Tonight

September 6, 2011

It seems like the sample sale sites are constantly creating new reasons to send me email. Ruelala.com now has a localized “Rue Washington” site and something called “Little Rue” that I had been consistently ignoring…until tonight. I finally clicked through and fortuitously discovered a J Brand Maternity Denim Sale that launched this evening. I’ve already purchased the Mama J Santorini Bootcut Jeans I have been resisting for months, because they are normally priced at $209. I got them for USD $79.90! The last pair in my size!