Holiday maternity must-haves

November 30, 2007

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It’s that time of the year when your calendar is full of parties and your time is occupied with shopping for gifts and showing off your growing bump to friends and family. It is hard to look fabulous when all you feel is frazzled!

Here is a list of the 5 essential items you need to stay looking fabulous this holiday season:

1. Cocktail dress: Whether you want basic black or vibrant red; a sexy wrap-dress or an elegant empire-waist—you pick the dress that makes you feel your best. Pictured is the Wrap Column Dress from Isabella Oliver.

2. Casual lounge wear: Stay warm in a coordinating track suit pants and jacket or Cargo pants and a soft long-sleeve top.

3. Shoes: Some great cold-weather options include ballet flats or crochet boots.

4. Add some dazzle to basic black by carrying a bag in metallic silver or patent black leather.

5. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure: It feels great and you will feel more polished knowing you are nicely groomed.

Dad-to-be advice from Gabriel Aubry

November 30, 2007

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Dad-to-be/model Gabriel Aubry is trying to prove that you can have beauty and brains as he prepares for the birth of his child with girlfriend Halle Berry.

“I’ve been in preparation mode for five months…I’ve read a lot of books…There’s a good one that Dr. Phil did [called] ‘Family First.’ Great book. I recommend it,” he tells Extra.

He is referring to “Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family” by Dr. Phil McGraw. The book is available at Amazon.com for $18.

Gabriel gave one last bit of unneeded advice: “Don’t say she’s fat.”

Ouch! Did I say he has beauty and brains?

Working woman Campbell Brown

November 30, 2007

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CNN correspondent Campbell Brown poses on the cover of this month’s Pregnancy Magazine. The 39-year-old former Today Show co-anchor is expecting her first child on Christmas Day with her husband, Republican strategist Daniel Senor.

Campbell tells the magazine she is already feeling the inner struggle of being a working mom. “You worry about striking the right balance and being there enough for your child and still holding up your end of the bargain at work.”

You can copy Brown’s sophisticated work styles in this Velvet Balloon Sleeved Tee ($79.99) from A Pea in the Pod.

To get her sexy cover look, check out the Ruffle Wrap Dress ($165) from Isabella Oliver.

Hey, hard-workin’ mom-to-be, click here to check out what maternity clothes you need to get you through the next nine months.

Party mama: Sexy silk dress

November 29, 2007

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Have fun dressing up your new curves this holiday season in a dress designed just for your pregnant body. Whether you choose long sleeve, short sleeve or strapless, make sure you find a dress that makes you look and feel your best.

I love the sexy design of this Silk Chiffon Dress from A Pea in the Pod. The cross-back cut will show off your beautiful shoulders and back. The waistline will flatter your bump and the 100% silk fabric will feel fabulous next to your skin.

Throw a black shawl over your shoulders to keep warm during the chilly night. Wear your hair loose and wavy and keep your accessories simple.

Pick up the Silk Chiffon Dress at A Pea in the Pod for $99.99 (original price was $275). What a great deal!

Do you love to win free stuff? Make at least ONE COMMENT on any post to be automatically entered in Pregnancy Fashion’s Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Christmas Rock Classics CD give-away. Click here for all the details.

PP Keyword: SILK worth 50 points good through 12/2/07

Splurge vs. Save: House slippers

November 29, 2007

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Gone are the days when you are forced to lounge around the house in ugly house shoes. Today’s slippers are so soft and hip that you may be tempted to wear them outside of the house. Whether you are splurging or saving, your overworked feet deserve a little treat.

For a luxurious splurge, your feet will be padded in authentic sheepskin in the UGG Australia ‘Dakota’ Slipper (pictured, $99.95 at Nordstrom). This suede slipper has an ultra-hip look for lounging in style.

The Acorn ‘Tex’ Slipper ($39.95 at Nordstrom) skimps on price but not on style. This moccasin-style slipper will keep your feet warm with moisture-wicking fleece lining. I also love the skid-resistant treads which is a plus for pregnant moms.

PP Keyword: SPLURGING worth 50 points good through 12/2/07

Sarah Wynter baby shower details

November 29, 2007

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24 actress Sarah Wynter, who is expecting a baby boy this winter, had a West Coast baby shower thrown by actress Shiva Rose, reports People.

“This baby already has so much love—and lots of insanely generous gifts,” Wynter says of the “enormous” gift basket from her friend Steve Sadove, the Saks Fifth Avenue CEO. “It actually doesn’t fit through the door of the nursery!”

The excited mom-to-be also received a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag. You will love the print and the messenger style of thisPetunia Pickle Bottom Dogwood Shoulder bag ($175 at Due Maternity).

Clothes are always a popular shower item, and Wynter’s little tot will look stylish wearing clothes from Janie and Jack. Your little guy will look cute-as-a-button in this Grizzly Bear Appliqué Bodysuit ($22).

“We are so excited to meet our new baby. I want to meet the little person who has been throwing a party in my belly all these months.”

Christina Aguilera on Marie Claire

November 28, 2007

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Following in the footsteps of Demi Moore and Britney Spears (among others), pregnant popstar Christina Aguilera bares her pregnant belly on the cover of the January issue of Marie Claire. Aguilera, 26, is expecting her first child in January with husband Jordan Bratman.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

On getting pregnant: “We were planning on starting to try after the [Nov. 2006-May 2007 Back to Basics] tour. And so, I had gone off the Pill to prepare my body, because I didn’t know how much time it would take. You’ve heard it takes some time – except with Power Egg and Super Sperm here. I’m like, Oh, my God, can you believe it just happened?”

Christina reveals she wore a hidden heart monitor while touring: “I was paranoid. There are so many things that could go wrong – somebody could slip, somebody could fall, I could fall. There was no way in hell I was going to jeopardize my baby for my show. I didn’t want to make the audience uncomfortable, like, ‘Pregnant lady onstage! Is she going to be okay?’ But I had to announce it to my band and my dancers, because I wanted to make sure they had my back.”

On waiting to announce her pregnancy: “Because I hadn’t said anything, people thought I was trying to keep it this big, bad secret, and that’s not the case at all. I just wasn’t commenting. I’m not being like, ‘Hey, everybody, I’m pregnant!’ I’m not that girl.”

Do you love to win free stuff? Make at least ONE COMMENT on any post to be automatically entered in Pregnancy Fashion’s Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Christmas Rock Classics CD give-away. Click here for all the details.

Holiday fun with your bump

November 28, 2007

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Wearing unattractive holiday sweaters with puffy paint and a knitted reindeer (think the holiday sweater from Bridget Jones Diary) are a thing of the past! This “Let it show” tee (pictured) is cute, comfy and the perfect compliment to your holiday attire. Available at 2 Chix Maternity, pair this tee with a form-fitting long sleeve tee for a stylish layered look.

Are you Jonesin’ for a drink this holiday season? This long-sleeve hoodie (Jonesin’ Hoodie for $49) is the perfect way to stay warm while getting a few laughs from mamas who know exactly how you feel!

How to buy a scarf

November 28, 2007

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One must-have fall accessory for pregnant or non-pregnant fashionistas alike is a stylish scarf. Nicole Richie is seen here wearing her printed gray scarf knotted around her neck.

Long or short, printed or solid—-you can’t go wrong buying any type of scarf that catches your eye. How do you wear a scarf? The options are endless, but you can wear it knotted, hanging loose or loosely wrapped around your neck. The scarf is the perfect accessory for a pregnant mama because you don’t have to worry about it fitting your ever-changing body!

For a splurge, stay warm in this Sequined Circle Scarf ($158 at Nordstrom) or look just as stylish and save some money in this Rubbish Rib Striped Scarf ($14 at Nordstrom.)

PP Keyword: NECK worth 50 points good through 12/2/07

Are underwire bras safe during pregnancy?

November 27, 2007

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Many women like the support that underwire bras provide, however are worried that wearing bras with the rigid underwire can be harmful to their changing breasts. Is it safe to wear underwire bras during pregnancy? What about when breastfeeding?

When you are pregnant, you will find that your breasts get larger and your rib cage expands making your regular bra too small. An underwire bra is fine to wear during pregnancy as long as it is the proper size for you. If it is digging into your ribs it is time to get rid of it for a well-fitting bra. Maternity bras are nice because they are soft, supportive (extra wide straps and bust support) and contain several hooks to allow for your expanding rib cage. The Underwire Seamless Bra (pictured) from Medela is a good option because it is design to give great support and does not put undue stress on the breast tissue.

You will need to buy a new bra as soon as your regular bra becomes too small. To get the most out of your money, make sure your new bra can be fasted on the tightest notch so you can let it out as your pregnancy progresses.

You should stop wearing an underwire bra after you give birth and begin breastfeeding because the rigid wire can lead to plugged milk ducts and/or mastitis.

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