Hide your tummy like Nicole

July 31, 2007

Now that Nicole Richie has confirmed her pregnancy, we can learn from her how to disguise a bloomin’ belly. Why would you want to disguise your tummy? It could be that you are not quite ready to spread the word that you are pregnant, or maybe you have just had a baby and still working on getting your body back. Either way, these tips would work.
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1. Pillow: You may look a little ridiculous walking through the office holding a pillow over your stomach, so use this tip sparingly.
2. Big bag: Hold a large bag, preferably a stylish one like Richie’s Balenciaga motorcycle tote, to hide your protruding belly.
3. Elastic waist: Wear a dress with an elastic waist, preferably with ruffles, to distract from your tummy.
4. Long scarf and a jacket: This trick works great in the wintertime, but can backfire in the summertime.
5. Baggy sweatshirt: When you run out of stylish options, wearing a big baggy shirt always does the trick.

Check out pictures of Nicole’s tummy-hiding tricks on People.com by clicking here.

Steal her look: Samantha Harris

July 31, 2007

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Dancing with the Stars host Samantha Harris was pretty in pink as she walked the red carpet during the Ratatouille movie world premiere in California.

You can steal her look by wearing the Isabella Oliver Empire Line Dress ($87) in blush pink. The neckline tastefully draws attention to your bust, while the fabric stylishly drapes over your bump.

I’m sure Samantha’s necklace is the “real deal,” but you can look just as great by accessorizing with a long Crystal quartz necklace ($48 at Banana Republic). A great pair of strappy silver shoes would be the finishing touch to your red carpet look.

What to pack for the hospital

July 31, 2007

The nursery is decorated, the baby clothes are hanging in the closet and the baby book is purchased and ready for pictures. It looks like all that is left is for you to pack your bag for the hospital. Here are some essential clothing items you will want to make yourself more comfortable during your hospital stay.
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  • Lounge wear: Bring 2-3 comfortable pairs of drawstring pants, with a matching tank top and lightweight jacket. You want clothing that is not tight around your abdomen and pelvis for comfort and for ease of doctor check-ups.
  • Layers: Your fluctuating hormones will leave you feeling hot one minute and cold the next. Bring a lightweight jacket or a long-sleeve shirt to wear over a tank top.
  • Bra: If you plan on breastfeeding, bring your nursing bra and/or a nursing tank for ease of feeding your baby.
  • Underwear: Leave the thong underwear at home and bring 4-5 pairs of full coverage underwear. You will have some bleeding for 6 weeks or longer after giving birth and you need to buy some underwear that will accommodate a feminine pad. Hint: Buy white underwear that can be bleached.
  • Pajamas: Your nurses and doctor will be checking up on you throughout the night so bring sleepwear that provides coverage but provides easy access to your abdomen and pelvis. Some good options are a modest nightgown or a sleep set. Your doctor may even want you to wear your hospital gown.
  • Bring a comfortable pair of slippers or flip-flops.

    Is your husband unsure what to pack? Not sure what you baby will need in the hospital? Click here to find out.

    Floral fun with Tori Spelling

    July 30, 2007

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    Tori Spelling, now mom to 4-month-old Liam, looked pretty as a flower at Gymboree’s Sweet Feet charity event.

    Her dress, a Lauren Kiyomi Floral Chiffon Maternity Dress ($110 at Due Maternity) would be perfect for your baby shower or any other special event.

    This flirty dress features an empire waist with an adjustable sash tie so you can easily wear it throughout your pregnancy. The sexy neckline and cap sleeves show just the right amount of skin to be sexy, yet elegant.

    Pregnancy hair help

    July 30, 2007

    Pregnancy hormones affect everything from your skin to your mood and even your hair. Many women notice that their hair becomes more full and shiny during pregnancy, while others notice their hair feeling dull and dry. Here are some tips to keep your mommy mane looking great.
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  • If your hair becomes dry during pregnancy, use a daily conditioner as well as a weekly deep conditioner. Try washing your hair every other day instead of every day. A good conditioner to try is Made all-natural Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner ($19) which moisture to your hair, yet is lightweight for daily use.
  • On the other end of the spectrum, some women feel their hair gets a major case of the greasies. Wash your hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo and apply a light conditioner to your ends only.
  • Pregnancy hormones prevent your normal amount of hair from falling out resulting in fuller hair. If your hair is already thick and it starts getting frizzy, use a smoothing shampoo followed by an anti-frizz product to tame your mane.
  • After childbirth or after you finish nursing, you may notice your hair falling out. This is the result of your hormones, and therefore your hair, returning back to normal. If you miss your thicker hair, use volumizing shampoos and a root boost product to add height. Avoid using heavy conditioners that will weigh down your hair.

    What about coloring your hair during pregnancy? Is it safe? Click here to find out.

    Style star Salma Hayek

    July 30, 2007

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    People en Espanol has a great feature showcasing pregnant actress Salma Hayek’s maternity fashion. Whether she is dressed in a casual sundress or an elegant gown, she looks elegant and beautiful.

    Take some fashion tips from Salma and wear colors that flatter your skin tone, don’t be afraid of bold prints and experiment with wearing different fabrics, like silk and velvet.

    Salma looks fresh and stylish as she is pictured here leaving the George V hotel in Paris. This red and white flirty dress looks great with her loose hair and red shoes.

    Copy her colorful look by wearing the Floral Print Tie Front Dress ($64 at Ann Taylor LOFT) and pairing it with the Andrea One Band Slide shoe in red ($49).

    Liz Lange fabulous finds

    July 30, 2007

    Vanessa Trump recently spoke about her favorite maternity designers, and (not surprisingly) Liz Lange was at the top of her list.
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    Liz Lange designs clothes that flatter a pregnant body. In fact, she was one of the first designers that designed fashionable maternity wear. She has since branched out from her pricier Liz Lange line to a less expensive (but still stylish) Liz Lange line for Target stores.

    The Tye Tie Top Blouse (pictured, $99 on sale) features feminine details like the bow at the neckline and fresh green scroll print. The silk cotton voile fabric will fill silky smooth against your skin.

    Bring out your inner goddess in this Adair Tank Dress ($89 on sale). This Grecian-inspired dress features an empire waist and a shirred bust in an easy-to-care for stretch jersey knit material.

    Check out maternity guru Liz Lange’s maternity fashion tips by clicking here.

    Look of the day: Isla Fisher

    July 30, 2007

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    Wedding Crashers actress Isla Fisher shows off her belly bump all in pink as she walks the red carpet during her Hot Rod movie premiere. What do you think of her look — is it hot or just lukewarm?

    I am all for a form-fitting dress, but in my opinion, this dress looks a little too tight. I think if the gown had some simple straps it would have been a decent look — but the flower-puff sleeves are overkill.

    I do think that her soft make-up and loose, wavy hair look fabulous, though! (And we also love that her ankles look a little swollen… just like we non-Hollywood mamas get.)

    Hey, at least she’s not wearing a Borat-style outfit, in honor of her baby-daddy Sasha Baron Cohen.

    Gretchen Mol loves her Bugaboo stroller

    July 29, 2007

    Actress Gretchen Mol and her husband, director Tod Williams, are expecting their first child in 7 weeks. She tells People magazine that although they have not decided on a name for their “New York baby,” they have decided on their favorite baby gift—a Bugaboo stroller from her parents.
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    A celebrity favorite, the Bugaboo stroller is the gold standard of strollers. The Bugaboo Cameleon ($899, pictured) is expensive, but you are paying for great features including a height-adjustable handlebar (dad will like that), adjustable suspension and a sun canopy treated with UV coating. As Gretchen knows, this is the perfect stroller for navigating the streets of Manhattan.

    Pick up a Bugaboo Cameleon in red, blue, grey or sand online at Bugaboostrollers.com.

    Vanessa Trump talks maternity fashion

    July 29, 2007

    Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr, and his wife Vanessa are enjoying being first time parents to their daughter Kai Madison.

    Vanessa recently chatted to Posh Cravings about pregnancy fashion and her maternity must-haves.

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    As a fashion-savvy first time mom, how do you feel about the maternity-wear choices out there? Any recommendations of great shops, designers or labels?

    Liz Lange is fantastic. She knows how to cut the clothing so that it doesn’t just look like oversized, reproduced maternity clothes. Julie Chaiken is another designer that I wore a lot during my pregnancy. I do think there still needs to be more designers creating maternity wear, but for most of my pregnancy, I was able to wear my favorite designers such as Luca Luca, BCBG, Reem Acra and Diane Von Furstenberg.”

    What makes Vanessa’s list as “maternity must-haves?”

    “I couldn’t live without Clarions extra firming lotion. Mustela products are also a favorite.”

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