Pregnancy fashion begins with maternity shapewear
March 11, 2013
“Celebrities always look so fantastic because underneath their fabulous frocks is the perfect foundation of shapewear,” says Olivia Capone Myers, design director for A Pea in the Pod. “Shapewear gives them the confidence to rock the red carpet, and it will give you confidence, too.”
Check out these maternity cocktail dresses
Pregnant Kim Kardashian works hard to keep her curvalicious figure in shape, but we’re guessing she had some extra help keeping it together in the form-fitting white dress she wore to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar Viewing Party last month.
Find out how you can stay in shape with Kim’s trainer
“In order to feel comfortable, I think it’s crucial to find the right layering pieces,” says Olivia. “Camouflaging seams and panty lines creates a more seamless look.”
And there are a lot of maternity shapewear options to choose from, like these:
- Skinny Britches from Spanx by A Pea in the Pod ($42, Destination Maternity): Available in black, nude and pink, Skinny Britches firm tummy, hips, thighs and bottom without binding, pinching or bulging. A cotton gusset is built in for maximum comfort.
- Seamless Strapless Slip by A Pea in the Pod ($40, Destination Maternity): This dark nude foundation piece is strapless and seamless and features a shelf bra. Wear it under every dress and skirt.
“Having the added support that shapewear gives is especially important as your body transforms during and after your pregnancy,” says Olivia, who is currently pregnant. Try these postpartum options:
- Pea Control Nursing Cami by A Pea in the Pod ($39, Destination Maternity): This seamless black camisole features spaghetti straps, scoop neck and a mesh lining. Perfect for those weeks and months following your newborn’s arrival.
- C-panty Tummy Cut Incision Care by A Pea in the Pod ($48, Destination Maternity): The nude panty features is specifically designed for C-section recovery. Incision-area silicone and compression help diminish scarring, swelling, sensitivity and tenderness – all while providing perfect tummy support and slimming.
“As a mom-to-be, layering camisoles and shapers are my new best friend,” says Olivia. “I throw them under absolutely everything!”
Photo: FayesVision/WENN.com
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Maternity maxi dresses to the rescue!
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Maternity maxi dress to the rescue
March 8, 2013
What would we do without maxi dresses? They’re flirty and feminine yet forgiving of all figure flaws. Here, a very pregnant Busy Philipps works this maxi dress beautifully – it’s likely the most comfortable item in her maternity wardrobe.
Your maxi dress options are truly unlimited, but we’ll get you started with these fabulous options:
Trendy
The Blue Coral Zig-Zag Maternity Maxi Dress (shown below) gets our top vote. The gorgeous colors and trendy chevron print beautifully set off the white lace trim at the neckline. Pair this with strappy heels or flip flops for instant style. Size L. ($27, Pink Blush Maternity.com)
We’re in love with the trendy Geo Print pattern of the Maternal America Pleated Maxi Maternity Dress. The lightweight jersey dress boasts pleats around the bust and empire waist – perfect for any occasion! Size M. ($90, Bella Blu Maternity.com)
Formal
Maxi dresses are not just for casual outings. The Annika Chiffon Formal Maternity Maxi Dress by Mercedes Hill is perfect for elegant events. The dress black-and-white print dress falls gracefully to the ankle and flatters your bump with a bright red tie belt. Comes in sizes S, M and L. ($120, Trendy Tummy Maternity.com)
Budget
The Maternity Printed Jersey Maxi Dress from Old Navy is easy on the eyes and easy on the budget. The dress flatters with wide shoulder straps, a rounded V-neck and elasticized empire waistband. The soft jersey-knit looks fabulous in a blue/green/white floral print. Sizes XS – XXL. ($28, Old Navy.com)
Strapless
Bare your lovely shoulders with the Just Steps Away Maternity Maxi Dress from Mommylicious Maternity. The full-length maxi dress features a sexy stretchy bust and comes in basic black, making it fun and easy to accessorize. Sizes S, M, L. ($40, Mommylicious Maternity.com)
Photo: Beiny/WENN.com
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Pregnant Celebrity of the Week: Hilaria Baldwin
March 6, 2013
Pregnant Hilaria Baldwin may be befuddled about what to name her baby-to-be, but she has no trouble making good pregnancy fashion decisions. Hilaria, who’s expecting her first child with husband Alec Baldwin, is turning heads with her chic, savvy style.
At the 28th Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards in NYC, the expectant mom displayed her baby bump in a short navy-blue dress paired with sheer black hose and fantastic black pumps.
Copy Hilaria’s style on a budget with the Short-Sleeve Embellished Maternity Dress ($36, MotherhoodMaternity.com). The V-neck, knee-length jersey knit dress features stitch detail and an embellished waistline. What a steal!
Get a longer (and more expensive) version of Hilaria’s dress with the Bianca Maxi Maternity and Nursing Dress ($184, TrendyTummyMaternity.com). The navy dress features a fully lined skirt and sparkling embellishments at the empire waist. Bonus: The dress is constructed from 60% bamboo, 35% modal and 5% spandex.
Hilaria, 28, and Alec, 54, married June 2012 and announced their happy news Feb. 2013. For the record, Alec wants to name the baby Massimo, but Hilaria says no!
Photo: Rob Rich/WENN.com
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Trendy tribal-inspired maternity fashions
March 1, 2013
Tribal-inspired fashion features rich colors and bold patterns. Cuts are often long and draped or oversized and boxy – perfect for maternity wear!
Pregnant Kim Kardashian was spotted in this tribal maxi dress while filming Keeping Up with the Kardashians in LA. Follow Kim’s stylish lead with one of these tribal maternity fashions:
For a dress that works for dinner or the beach, check out the Rust Tribal Print Maternity Halter Maxi Dress ($40, PinkBlushMaternity.com). The empire waist styling features a solid black halter top and a brilliant orange, blue and white tribal print skirt. Wear a pair of canvas espadrilles for the perfect finishing touch.
You’ll turn heads in the Wide-Leg Cotton Jumpsuit by likemary ($28, Amazon.com). The 100% cotton black-and-white print jumpsuit is incredibly versatile: wear bandeau- or halter-style. Add a pair of beachy flip flops to complete the look.
In blue or red tribal print, the Tiffany Halter Maternity Top is perfect for warm weather ($30, BabiesNBellies.com). The halter features roped beads and attaches at the elasticized bodice. There is ample room for your tummy, but you’ll find this to be a piece you wear even when you’re not expecting.
The Pat Rego Yoryu Belted Poncho ($25, JCPenney.com) fits the bill, too. Oversized poncho styling makes layering easy, and the dark bold print emphasizes the tribal trend. This cute piece is available in regular and plus maternity sizes.
For a sundress with attitude, check out the Gray Smocked Tribal Print Maternity Dress ($24, Amazon.com). At a cute 34 inches in length, the Made in the USA dress is 95% Rayon and 5% Spandex for a cute fit. It also comes in a Brown Tribal Print.
Photo: JP/JFXimages/WENN.com
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The best and worst of pregnancy peplums
February 26, 2013
We are loving the peplum trend — especially with maternity fashions! But there are right ways and wrong (very wrong) ways to wear peplums, and Pregnancy Fashion brings you the best and the worst:
“I can’t get enough of the peplum trend,” A Pea in the Pod design director Olivia Capone Myers told us last week. “We see it in Hollywood, coming down the runways at Fashion Week and just about everywhere. The style is great in a top or dress for accentuating your new [pregnancy] curves.”
A peplum is a short flared, gathered or pleated “skirt” that is attached to the waist. The peplum may drape all the way around or fall toward the front, side(s) and/or back of your blouse, jacket or dress. Wearing a peplum during your first trimester is a great way to camouflage your baby bump. Once you’re ready to share your happy news, peplum maternity fashions can flatter your changing figure.
Good peplums
Wear the black Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress shown here ($39, Motherhood®Maternity.com) to a wedding reception or to the office — just change up your shoes and accessories! The machine washable dress is knee length and features a split neck and an adorable little peplum.
How cute is the print Donna Morgan Sleeveless Peplum Maternity Dress ($149, DestinationMaternity.com)? Prints — especially on dresses — will be made even more popular as pregnant Princess Kate continues to wear them.
Go feminine and casual with the Splendid Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Peplum Maternity T-Shirt in pewter ($85, DestinationMaternity.com). This heathered, jersey-knit tee is comfy yet trendy. A must-have for every maternity wardrobe.
Bad peplums
Moving on to bad maternity peplums. We admire Kim Kardashian’s fashion-forward, curve-flaunting ways, but the first-time mama-to-be made a really bad style decision with these peplum jeans. Truth be told, this particular style wouldn’t look good on any woman, no matter what her figure. This look is not something we’d expect from a woman’s whose main claim to fame is fashion… Yikes!
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Are maternity clothes really necessary?
February 25, 2013
How big you get or how much weight you gain varies dramatically from one woman to another and from one pregnancy to the next. While some expectant mamas are eager to buy fun, trendy maternity clothes, others are content to wear hubby’s larger sizes. We asked Olivia Capone Myers, design director for A Pea in the Pod, if maternity clothes are really necessary.
“Comfort and fit go hand-in-hand. When you have both, you feel your best,” explains Olivia. “When you size up, the proportions won’t be right, even if the clothing fits your belly.” Maternity clothes aren’t just bigger — they’re designed to fit your body where it’s changing.
Maternity clothing is an investment, but you can be fashion-forward without going broke. “It’s possible to retain your pre-pregnancy style with the assortment of maternity clothes that are available today at prices that accommodate everyone’s budget,” says Olivia.
So what should you buy? “I recommend making a list of clothing items that are staples for you,” advises Olivia. “That way you are only investing in what you know you’ll wear.”
“A few pairs of Secret Fit Belly® jeans” by A Pea in the Pod from Destination Maternity.
- Flattering dark boot cut: Silver Jeans Secret Fit Belly® 5-Pocket Boot Cut Maternity Jeans ($79)
- Trendy denim skinny jeans: Secret Fit Belly® 5-Pocket Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans ($95)
- Bright colored twills: SOLD Design Lab Butter Secret Fit Belly® 5-Pocket Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans in Berry ($59)
- Summery cropped jeans: Secret Fit Belly® 5-Pocket Maternity Capri Jeans in White ($59)
“Some basic tees.” Check them out now at DestinationMaternity.com — they’re Buy One Get One Free!
You’ll love the variety of flattering maternity tees from which to choose, including peplum ($85), ruched ($59), embellished ($49), striped ($49), short-sleeve ($59), elbow sleeve ($85), three-quarter sleeve ($165), long sleeve ($89), flutter sleeve ($99), draped neck ($99), henley ($59), high-low hem ($98), A-line ($130), hooded ($90), cold shoulder ($89), color block ($79) and many, many more!
“A layering piece.”
Pair your jeans and tee with a comfy cardigan, like the LNA Long-Sleeve Button Front Maternity Sweater($99) or the AG Jeans Flap Pocket Plain Weave Denim Maternity Jacket ($149), both from A Pea in the Pod Collection at Destination Maternity.
“You don’t want to stress over your wardrobe and be uncomfortable when you are preparing for your baby or enjoying time with your newborn,” says Olivia, who is expecting her first child this spring. “Having clothes that fit saves you from unnecessary stress when there are so many more important things to focus on during this exciting time.”
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Pregnant Busy Philipps’ rare fashion flub
February 22, 2013
We’ve had fun following Busy Philipps’ funky maternity style, but she’s finally stepped out in an ensemble that just doesn’t cut it. The very pregnant actress attended a party at LA’s Spago yesterday in this too-snug ensemble.
While slimming black is a good color option for the third trimester, it’s not the best hue for Busy — especially since the pale blonde opted to skip hair and makeup on this particular day. Instead, we’d love to see Busy in a gorgeous teal or turquoise — like the spectacular sheath maternity dress worn by actress Jasmin Tabatabai.
Stripes are all the rage this season, but this isn’t a great example of the trend. Stripes, like the uber-popular chevron stripes, should be used to add shape and curves. The white horizontal stripes Busy chose are not flattering. A Pea in the Pod design director Olivia Capone Myers offers great tips for using stripes to your advantage.
Busy did make a good choice with monochromatic skirt, hose and boots. Wearing all one color from the waist down makes you look taller and thinner. Tights and hose — particularly maternity compression stockings — offer a great way to keep your legs comfortable and gorgeous.
We don’t want to be too hard on Busy’s sense of style because overall she’s really impressed us with her maternity fashion choices. Would you wear her outfit?
Photo: Brian To/WENN.com
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Duchess Kate debuts tiny baby bump
February 21, 2013
After suffering a bout of debilitating morning sickness, the beloved Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton is back on the publicity circuit. The pregnant princess stepped out this week with a barely-there bump, and the paparazzi made every effort to capture it on camera…
Kate met clients and workers at London’s Hope House, a residential treatment center that provides a safe, secure and comfortable place for women to recover from addictions and compulsive disorders.
The stunning mama-to-be opted for a business-like print wrap dress and beautiful black pumps. The ensemble left just a bit of room for Kate’s tiny baby bump and showed of her perfect legs.
Get Princess Kate’s look with one of these maternity wrap (or faux wrap) dresses:
The Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Elbow-Sleeve Faux-Wrap Maternity Dress ($119, A Pea in the Pod.com) is a funky version of Kate’s dress. The knee-length dress boasts a V-neck, faux wrap and easy-to-wear poly/spandex material.
Or add gorgeous color with the Long-Sleeve Wrap Maternity Dress in Posey Pink Print ($59, A Pea in the Pod.com). This dress features a real, not faux, wrap that will expand with your changing body. The poly-blend jersey-knit fabric promises comfort and style.
The Blue Floral Printed Wrap Dress ($25, Gap.com) is ideal for the office. The fitted bodice has a wrap-style front that adjusts for your growing bump, and the roomy skirt hits at the knees to flatter your gorgeous gams.
We love, love, love this bold Wrap Dress by Rosie Pope Maternity ($98, RosiePope.com). The colorful geometric pattern if fun and trendy and complements the classic wrap tailoring. You’ll wear this before, during and after pregnancy!
If you prefer plain over print, then you’ll love the Maternity Dolman Solid Faux Wrap Dress in Navy Heather ($30, JCPenney.com). The V-neck dress has a relaxed fit but maintains a sleek look.
Wrap up a warm-weather ensemble with this vibrant Maternity Wrap Dress by Olian ($108, BabyBuzzCafe.com). The sleeveless wrap dress is available in Grass Green, Strawberry, True Blue and Charcoal. Stunning!
Photos: WENN.com
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Spring fashion tips from pregnant Olivia Capone Myers
February 20, 2013
Pregnancy Fashion is thrilled to present weekly maternity style tips from Olivia Capone Myers. Olivia is the design director of A Pea in the Pod®, the premiere maternity collection for fashion-savvy moms-to-be and celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Amy Adams and Salma Hayek.
Olivia oversees a team of nine designers who develop the concepts and colors needed to produce six fabulous collections each year. She combines her travels around the world – Europe, India and Asia – with her own style, which she describes as “clean and classic with a modern twist.”
This week, we asked Olivia: What are the biggest maternity trends we can expect to see for Spring 2013?
Color and print
“Spring is really all about color and print!” says Olivia. “Pastels and soft florals especially are on trend. Both add super ladylike touches to any outfit.”
We love the fuschia color of the Sleeveless Keyhole Detail Maternity Dress from A Pea in the Pod Collection ($195, DestinationMaternity.com)
Bright skinny jeans
“Definitely pick up a pair of skinny jeans in a bright hue or floral print,” suggests Olivia. “I love them with a basic tee or peasant top.”
Check out the red or blue Citizens of Humanity Avedon Secret Fit Belly® Plain Weave Denim Slim Fit Maternity Jeans from A Pea in the Pod collection ($198, DestinationMaternity.com). Pair these fabulous pants with the gorgeous ivory Beyond Vintage Elbow Sleeve Tie Detail Maternity Blouse ($99, DestinationMaternity.com). Buy now for a great Buy One Get One Free deal!
Stripes
“You will see a lot of clean stripes, which are actually great for pregnant women because they contour the belly,” adds Olivia.
We are seriously digging the orange and cream stripe Liquid by Nell Couture Sleeveless Halter Maternity Blouse from A Pea in the Pod Collection ($79, DestinationMaternity.com).
Peplums
“I also can’t get enough of the peplum trend,” gushes Olivia. “We see it in Hollywood, coming down the runways at Fashion Week and just about everywhere. The style is great in a top or dress for accentuating your new curves.”
You’ll love the Sleeveless Peplum Maternity Dress from A Pea in the Pod Collection ($79, DestinationMaternity.com). The brilliant red color and flattering cut of this dress will blow you away.
“Overall, you want to emphasize your bump!” says Olivia, whose first child is due this spring. “Expecting celebrity moms have the right idea – many of them are embracing more fitted maternity styles. Be proud of your new figure!”
Photo: Evan Leslie for Destination Maternity Corporation
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Tiffany Burress introduces Joiful Maternity
February 19, 2013
Tiffany Burress, wife of NFL superstar Plaxico Burress, recently introduced Joiful Maternity, a chic collection of pregnancy attire.
Tiffany’s debut collection features gorgeous pieces that are comfortable, trendy and versatile for your changing body.
Every pregnant woman can wear elegant, high-quality clothes while staying within a budget. Joiful Maternity promises designs that combine “three essentials… class, comfort and durability.”
The entire maternity collection reminds mamas-to-be: Pregnancy no longer means sacrificing your sense of style.
In addition to her beautiful designs, Tiffany offers great style tips:
- Wear clothes that fit your body. Baggy clothes tend to make pregnant women look bigger. Check out the purple Asymmetrical Maternity Dress ($112).
- Wear clothes that are stylish and comfortable. Comfort is very important.
- Don’t be afraid to show your assets. This is a great time to show some cleavage and embrace your curves. Show off your legs with this grey Short-Sleeve Maternity Dress, shown here ($70).
- Go for some color. Don’t limit yourself to black. We love the Teal 3/4-Sleeve Maternity Top ($52).
- Accessorize your maternity wardrobe. Don’t stop accessorizing just because you’re pregnant.
Joiful Maternity revolutionizes the look of the modern, classy pregnant woman. You’ll love these dresses, fashion tops, bottoms and active wear so much that you’ll continue wearing them long after baby arrives.
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