Baby Bump

Jenni Hogan is the definition of adorable baby bump (IMO)

Bestie (here’s mine, the always fabulous Lisa Jordan Helms)

My Bestie, Lisa Jordan Helms

Mani/Pedi

Well sure that is a given:

Pedi (trust me on the mani)

And next year – I vote that Audrey McClelland’s Haul finds its way in….what do you think? What words are making their way to the big book?

•                 Water – for drinking – cold, bubbles, still,  lemon, lime – just keep drinking!
•                 Water  – for swimming,  for floating, for cooling your toes – speaking of which,
•                 Pedicures – whether you  can see your toes or not, keep them pampered & pretty! 
•                 Smoothies – I am a big fan of Raspberry Banana, yum!
•                 And last, but not least – cool summer looks.

Here’s the skinny on how to keep your budget in tact while keeping it easy breezy this summer (send us a shot of your haul!) –

NYC MATERNITY SAMPLE SALES:

THIS WEEK ONLY

Belly Dance Maternity Sample Sale

New York Store

Two Days Only

Wed, June 22 11 am-7 pm & Thurs June 23 9 am- 3pm

CASH ONLY

Everything $10-$50

 Warm and cold weather styles and even designer denim on sale

Original prices $50-$350

Brands include Paige Maternity, Michael Stars Maternity, NOM, t-bags Maternity, Ella Moss, Rachel Pally, Olian Maternity, Japanese Weekend, and more

548 Hudson Street between Charles and Perry in West Village

 212-645-3640

checking out the goods at A New View

A New View Maternity

347 W. 36th Street, Suite 1602, between 8^th and 9^th Ave

NYC, NYC 10018

212-643-9547

 When: 

June 6th-30th, 2011

July 11^th– 22^nd 2011

Time:

9:30am -3:30pm Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Monday and Friday by appointment only

CASH ONLY

Maternal America, Pour Deux, Japanese Weekend, Bellyssima, Olian, Noppies, Ripe and more! Shower dresses, breezy tops, slim leg bottoms, nursing and more! 

Vince, James and Donald. My “A” team — here is the plan: Some cozy comfort from Vince in the form of yummy cardigan in the richest of browns. Then some James to show some love (and create some illusion of length) to my tush and legs. And, we can finish the whole thing off with Donald (Pliner that is) and my absolute favorite boots of the season. They are as rocking as boots can be, yet completely comfortable. All in all – the perfect trio for my Saturday hang.

Vince (drop needle wool shrug)

James Jeans in graphite

Donald J. Pliner Dalilia Boots

First, we really love food — food is necessary for all meetings, events, etc. Dinner is near ritual with some clients (you know who you are Bravado).  And with others, the art of savoring a bottle of great wine is a near art form (Pink Lining). Also, truly skinny people need to earn our trust, we dont’ start there with anyone with a size 25  jean. Next, we like making friends. We  live to meet to new people and tend to find connections wherever we go. The entire team is like this – I am the fearless leader of picking up new people and of course, connecting them with people we already  know. Finally, we have an  (how do you say?), interesting way of communicating. You will see a lot of acronyms, which are obvious but not at first. And also a few words. Here is a sampling of what is often heard in the hallowed halls of Forty Weeks-land:

The Nasties– corporations with deep pockets from whom taking funds or partnering with is a dangerous (albeit tempting) mistake.

Shooting Your Load – just like you’d think — you want to avoid that with any campaign – pacing is key

Brand BFFs – like-minded brand partners — first call in good times and bad

Eloise – what they call me at the W, Union Square

WUS – W, Union Square

CB – City Bakery – YUM!

Iced-Double Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte– my afternoon drink if you insist on Starbucks (I prefer Irving or Quartermaines see “Indy” below)

Fresh - where to call for gifts

DVF – where to call for a wardrobe pick-me-up

Jules - the best path to me – not really my alter-ego — that would be amazing actually!

Back in an Hour – yeah – more likely two

An appointment- could be a mani, blow out, therapy, trainer, or other beauty (inner or outer) necessities habits services.

A meeting- actual work, will invovle food

High-floor, Away from Elevator – hotel room request, though not at W, US they know!

IRL, BFF - Lisa Jordan Helms, publishing Goddess

Casa Loco- my house

The Inmates – my kids

The Mister – Bob, he’s dreamy!

The Bitches – you know who you are, and back off!

Dreaming out Loud- The best way to start any ideation session

Tweeting to the Converted - how most brands spend their day – wooing their existing fans, not cultivating new ones (we do it differently)

Indy- the way we go – deeply devoted to the Davids- be it mat fashion designers or coffee houses – j’adore!

So now, on your way…talk to us!

Heather Moore in Bethesda

Here’s what’s new and exciting in Bethesda’s Belly-land –Heather Moore  has come to town.

The front case at Amethyst, Bethesda Avenue

We first met Heather when she called from Ohio to say “hello” and introduce herself. Well, we liked her moxy and we really loved her design sensibility. In fact, we are fans for life. Her collection continues to grow and evolve – and much like Heather – keeps us smiling.  So now Heather has landed in Bethesda – what wonderful news!

Welcome to my hometown Heather! We wish you the best of luck at Amethyst!

 This is the fifth of a ten part series in which I will share my tricks of the trade for building a  better maternity wardrobe.

So far we’ve covered:

1. Choose Carefully

2. Infuse Trend Wisely

3.  Flatter yourself

4. Layer in Color and Texture

And now:

5. Consider your Schedule

As you add on to your wardrobe, it is key that you look ahead to what your schedule holds for you and shop around it. If special occasion wear is called for – be sure to find pieces with range. This season’s Maxi-dress is a personal favorite as it dresses up and down with ease. The LBD (little black dress) does have a place here – just be sure to accessorize with care and conviction (make it count)!  The goal is to wow the crowd and show off your bump with glowing pride. When I think of stunning Red Carpet looks (expectant or not), images of  the ever-beautiful Heidi Klum comes to mind. I decided to spend this commandment shopping through her collection at Pea in the Pod:

Lavish by Heidi Klum Strapless Empire Seam Maxi-dress $175

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Empire Seam Maxi-dress $128

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Shiring Detail $48.99

SHOPPING SPREE– we snuck into A New View for their exclusive sample sale – there Jules enjoyed a private shopping experience with some of the best in the business as her guide. Armanda had a great selection including Noppies, Duet, Ripe, NOM and Olian. Jules had her pick – and we had a blast dressing her up to take on the hot summer ahead. Not to mention, the deals were fantastic. (sample sale runs through June, call Armanda for details and use my name 212 643 9547).

Jules makes some choices (lots to look at!)

Jules' Sample Sale Victory!

SUITE LIFE – Jules and I took residence in the E –WOW suite at the W, Union Square! The room a spacious and welcoming – filled with Bliss Beauty products not to mention a plate of the most delicious pastries! We had a little snack before we headed back out and over to the west side.

The E-Wow suite at the W Hotel, Union Square

 BEAUTY AT BLOW – big, beautiful blow outs and mains were next on our agenda. The ever-fantastic Liz Gumbinner was there getting her tresses tamed as well. We all enjoyed the pampering respite at Forty Weeks’ favorite destination, Blow.

MOCKTAILS– while Liz and I enjoyed a little vino, Jules sipped on a spritzer and enjoyed our window seat the The Otherroom on Perry Street.

CRAVINGS- Jules was in the mood for Italian. And since we were in the heart of the West Village there was no better place to dine then at I Sodi. Jules and I enjoyed a n order of the crustini of the day, a peppery arugula salad, the duck tageliatelle (Jules was in love with this rich, comforting dish) and (my favorite) Branzino with spinach. We finished the meal with a few bites of a cool vanilla pana cotta with berries.

Jules has a few months to go (she is due in late August) – with luck this is just the pregnant pause she needed to make it through!

This is the fourth  of a ten part series in which I will share my tricks of the trade for building a  better maternity wardrobe.

So far we’ve covered:

1. Choose Carefully

2. Infuse Trend Wisely

3.  Flatter yourself

And Now:

4. Layer in Color and Texture

Hiding out in basic black is no way to celebrate your Forty Weeks of style.All of that great anticipation and excitement needs to show. Color and texture are not only an easy and affordable short cut to keeping your maternity look fun and true to your fashion form, they also bring out your most sunning features including that incredible pregnancy glow. In honor of  Pickles & Ice Cream opening their beautiful new Charlotte Store – I took a little virtual spree to find the color and texture to help you welcome the season(and plan for your labor day)  in style! 

Maternal America Monet Print Sheared Drape Dress $120

Michael Stars Maternity Shine Sleeveless Dress in Deap Sea $76

Nuka Claire Maxi Dress in Grape $104

Tangelo Pleated Kaftan Top $59