How to look great in pictures when pregnant
November 16, 2009
From baby shower pictures to the family get -togethers, you can expect to be in a lot of pictures when you are pregnant. Follow our tips for a Facebook-worthy photo every time.
Clothes
1. Stick to bump-hugging clothes that accentuate your new shape. Oversized or bulky clothes will only make you look big instead of pregnant.
2. Forgo large bold prints and stick to solids or a small print.
3. Go for a v-neckline — it helps slim your face and flatters your pregnancy cleavage.
4. In general, dark colors are slimming and light colors highlight. Use this to your advantage by wearing dark colors on those areas you want to minimize (your bottom half, for example).
Hair
1. What hair styles will flatter your face most when you are pregnant? Check out our article on face-slimming hair styles during pregnancy.
2. Don’t overuse hair product — you want a natural look, not stiff and unnatural.
3. Ask your hairstyles for face-framing highlights for a beautiful and natural look.
Makeup
1. Use powder to reduce shine on your forehead and cheeks.
2. Are you struggling with pregnancy-related skin discoloration? Go to a respected make-up counter to get a concealer that will hide the dark patches.
3. Add a pop of color to the apples of your cheeks and a flattering shade of lip gloss.
4. Did you know you can use make-up to help slenderize your face? Find out how here.
Angle:
1. According to an article on SheKnows.com, make sure the photographer is shooting slightly above your eye line to slim your face and to avoid the dreaded double chin look.
2. Usually a side angle shot is more flattering that straight-on, so tilt your head to the side.
3. Don’t forget to get profile shots of your beautiful belly!
Pictured is Heidi Klum — who I have yet to see a bad picture of.
For more pregnancy fashion:
How to look great pregnant
Pregnancy make-up tips for the hot mom-to-be
Hot fall shoe fashions for pregnant mamas
November 9, 2009
Are you looking for a hot pair of shoes this fall, but want some that are pregnancy-friendly? Check out our picks of the top comfortable and trendy shoes that will take you from “barely showing” to the “can’t reach my feet” stage.
Boots: Nothing says fall like a cool pair of boots! Your best bet is a pair of knee-high boots with a low heel or wedge heel. Slide them on with your favorite pair of skinny jeans or sweater dress for a stylish look. Booties are also a hot look this fall. Our choice: The Steve Madden Cybul boot ($99) from Piperline.com.
Flats: Spice up boring flats by looking for those with a metallic flair or embellishments. Flats are perfect with everything from jeans to dresses and skirts. I like the Steven by Steve Madden Stardon flats in Pewter metallic ($129) from Piperline.com.
Kitten heel: For those pregnant moms who want a little heel, but nothing that will throw off their balance, the kitten heel is perfect. It gives the right amount of lift and style. One choice I like: The 
Miz Mooz Millie pump ($95) from Piperline.com.
Sneakers: It is hard to beat the cool style of the Chuck Taylor All-Stars. The slip-on version is perfect once you have a hard time bending over to tie your shoe! The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-ons are available at Piperline for $42.
Read more pregnancy fashion:
Trendy maternity shoe options
Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian: “I’m tired of wearing heels!”
Fall maternity trend: Sweater dress and boots
November 4, 2009
Are you looking for a stylish, flattering look this fall? Sweater dresses are a hot look this season — and there is no better way to show off your pregnancy curves than with this cool trend.
Whether you go for a solid colored sweater dress or one with prints (pictured is the Bailey 44 3/4 Sleeve Striped Maternity Dress from A Pea in the Pod), this look is at the top of my list of fall maternity must-haves.
Pair your sweater dress with knee-high boots or booties for a hip look.
What else is hot for fall?
Skinny Jeans
Tunic tops
Leggings
Cardigan wrap
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 3rd trimester tips
November 2, 2009
You have made it — the third trimester! Find out how to stretch your maternity clothes dollar without stretching yourself thin!
If you followed our maternity clothes budgeting tips for Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, hopefully you have clothes that will fit you until the baby is born. If not, here are some suggestions:
Long layering tanks: If you have found your belly growing out of your tops, pick up a couple solid long layering tanks or camis (Old Navy has a good selection). Layer these tops under your too-short tops to extend the wear and keep your baby bump from peeking through.
Maxi dresses: Maxi dresses look great in your third trimester and — bonus! — can be worn after baby is born.
Long skirts: Pairing long skirts with a stretchy waistband and bump-hugging tops are a great way to look stylish and stay confortable on a budget.
Pictured is the Maternity Fold-Over Skirt ($16.50) from OldNavy.com.
Wrap tops and dresses: Wrap tops and/or dresses are a great choice in our third trimester because they show off you baby bump, are the perfect choice for your baby shower and can be worn in the first few months post-baby as well.
What should you wear after baby is born? Find out here: Post-baby fashion tips: What to wear
Third trimester feel-good fashions
Third trimester maternity clothes shopping do’s and don’ts
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 2nd trimester tips
November 2, 2009
As you enter your second trimester, most women find they are outgrowing some of their pre-pregnancy clothes. Find out how you can look stylish without blowing your budget during this fun “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy.
Splurge on basics: Shop for clothes that well-made and will flatter your body throughout your pregnancy. Basics worth splurging on include jeans, work pants and blazer, basic (but versatile) dress, solid tops and a wrap dress that can be worn to your baby shower or other special event.
Find out what maternity clothes designer Liz Lange recommends for maternity basics.
But save on trendy items: Love that graphic tee or leopard-print tunic top? What about that ultra-cool sweater dress? Have fun with your baby bump, but shop sales or consignment stores for those maternity clothes that are trendy are seasonal.
Buy expandable clothes: Maternity clothes that contain tie backs, adjustable buttons, wraps or shirring will grow with you to ensure a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy.
Belt your bump: A look that is hip and stylish for the pregnant and non-pregnant set is to belt a loose fitting top or dress. A loose flowing dress or long tunic top can sometimes give you the “tent” look as your belly grows, but cinch a belt under your bump to give your body form for a stylish look
Pictured is actress Maya Rudolph, who paired a leather belt above her bump with her pretty floral dress.
Read more: Celebrity maternity style on a budget
Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Halle Berry have said they often wear non-maternity clothes while pregnant. Get tips on how to wear non-maternity clothes while pregnant.
For more, read Second trimester clothes shopping Do’s and Don’ts
Stretch your maternity clothes budget: 1st trimester tips
November 2, 2009
Congratulations! If you are like most women, the moment your pregnancy test confirms the good news you are ready to run out and stock up on maternity clothes. But should you? Take our advice on how to stretch your maternity clothes budget in your 1st trimester.
Assess your current wardrobe: Do you already own drawstring pants? Maxi dress? Tunic tops or longer shirts? These pre-pregnancy items can easily take you through your 1st trimester.
Don’t buy all at once: Instead of buying your entire maternity wardrobe in your first trimester, buy items as you need them. Most women won’t know how their body will change and it is hard to guess the correct size. But the staples, such as maternity jeans, versatile dress, basic tops in your early second trimester and fill in the gaps as you need them.
Buy clothes that will grow with you: Look for maternity clothes that will grow with you. Details like tie-backs, adjustable side buttons on jeans, shirring and material with stretch and give will all accommodate your changing body.
Bella Band: This stretchy band goes around your baby bump allowing you to extend the wear of your regular jeans and shorter tops. They come in a variety of colors to blend and coordinate everything. Bonus — wear them after baby is born while you are working toward fitting back into your pre-pregnant jeans!
Budget shop: If this is your first pregnancy and you plan for more children, if might make financial sense to splurge on a fabulous pair of maternity jeans, work outfit or dress knowing you will wear it again. Otherwise, shop sales, eBay, consignment shops and your friends closets for maternity clothes that won’t break the bank.
Pictured: Victoria’s Secret model Adrina Lima shows off growing baby bump.
For more 1st trimester tips:
First trimester: Maternity fashion tips
Hide your baby bump like pregnant Gisele Bundchen
Found! Cozy maternity wrap maternity cardigan
October 13, 2009
If you are looking for an ultra-soft and flattering maternity cardigan, we have found the perfect one for hip mamas.
Made of a soft wide rib knit, the Wrap Cardigan ($175) from Isabella Oliver (www.isabellaoliver.com) drapes around your pregnancy curves to help keep you feeling warm while looking fabulous.
This versatile cardigan can be paired with jeans, dress or work attire. After baby is born, use this as a nursing cover while breastfeeding baby.
A budget-friendly option is the Maternity Wrap Gemma Striped Slub Cardigan by Momzee ($68) available at DueMaternity.com.
For more fall fashions:
Fun fall maternity style: Sweater tunic
Liz Lange maternity dresses: Our top picks!
Maternity fashion rules for newly pregnant moms
Ella Moss maternity line
October 9, 2009
Ella Moss is known for soft fabrics and a fabulous fit, and the maternity line is no exception.
Although this line is on the more expensive side, you can expect these investment pieces to wash and wear well throughout your pregnancy — and subsequent pregnancies.
The Ella Moss 3/4 Sleeve Colorblock Maternity Dress (pictured, on sale for $119 at apeainthepod.com) is perfect for work or a special occasion.The flowing fabric flows beautifully over your pregnancy curves. Details such as the v-neckline, color blocking and ruched design compliments your changing body.
A maxi dress is an essential in every pregnant mamas wardrobe. The Ella Moss Short Sleeve must-have basic maternity dress, also from apeainthepod.com, in black can be dressed up or dressed down. The cut and fabric will flatter your figure throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
For more pregnancy fashion:
Liz Lange maternity dresses: Our top picks!
Maternity fashion rules for newly pregnant moms
Fun fall maternity style: Sweater tunic
October 5, 2009
There is no better way to show off your baby bump while embracing the new fall trends than in this Cowl neck sweater tunic.
How do you wear it? Layer it over your favorite distressed jeans and black booties for a casual look, or pair it with black leggings and boots (pictured).
The cowl neckline flatters your face and balances out your body, while the long cut shows off your beautiful curves!
Want more hot fall maternity looks?
Maternity fall fashions on a budget
5 Tips for looking great at your baby shower
Heidi Klum’s favorite maternity jeans
Summer maternity trend: Roll up jeans
How to buy plus size maternity jackets
October 2, 2009
Are you looking for a stylish plus size maternity jacket to get you through the cold winter months? Follow these tips on finding a jacket that will flatter your pregnancy curves.
Length: Look for a jacket that is cut long in length (around mid-thigh) to keep you covered as your tummy grows. A longer jacket is also more flattering to plus-size women than a shorter jacket.
Color: Forgo the prints and stick to solid-colored basics for a timeless and flattering look.
Material: Buy a jacket with material that has some stretch for a better fit throughout your pregnancy. This Plus Size Long Sleeve Button Front Maternity Sweater Coat ($39.99) from MOtherhood.com is made of stretchy cable knit.
Buttons or trench coat: You can find stylish plus-size maternity jackets in both designs.
Buy non-maternity: If you don’t want to spend money on a maternity jacket, buy a non-maternity version and just be prepared to leave the front open as your belly grows.
More plus size pregnancy fashion tips:
Finding stylish plus size maternity clothes
How to buy plus size maternity jeans
