maternity fashion

Chill out and Save a Bit!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

There is nothing fun about being pregnant during a heat wave. I remember well the summer of 1998 – when Lila showed up at the very end of August after endless days of crazy, Washington, DC heat and humidity. One thing that might have helped would have been some equally hot fashion and some sizzling prices (both of which were few and far between back in the day).

I did a quick look around and found some outstanding savings on very easy, breezy summer essentials to get you through the hot season.  And what’s more – all of these great picks are on sale. And the best part – of this shopping can be done from the cool comfort of your couch! Some of the sales end today – so be sure to hop on line and get your goodies. And find us on FaceBook   – we’d love to see your holiday weekend haul!

 

Happy Bump Shopping!

 THIS JUST ADDED:

Nuka Maternity has got a site-wide 30% off sale in progress

Code: July 4

Our Pick:

Nuka Ava Firecracker tank (had to for the 4th!!!) $38

Nuka Ava Firecracker tank (had to for the 4th!!!) $38

 

Due Maternity  is offering 20% off all essentials this weekend.

Code: es2

Our Pick:

Michael Stars Sleeveless Ruched Tunic (avialable in  5 colors) $49

Michael Stars Sleeveless Ruched Tunic (avialable in 5 colors) $49

 

 

 

Pickles & Ice Cream has got a 30% off sale in progress

Code: Save30

Our Pick:

 

Maternal America Maternity Magenta One-Shoulder Dress $129

Maternal America Maternity Magenta One-Shoulder Dress $129

 

Belly Dance maternity has got a clearance section filled to the brim with major finds

Our Pick:

 

NOM Coal Swing Dress $30

NOM Coal Swing Dress $30

A Pea in the Pod is offering savings up to 75% off

Our Pick:

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Scoop Neck Mock Layer Tank Top $49.99

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Scoop Neck Mock Layer Tank Top $49.99

 

 

Isabella Oliver is hosting their End of the Season Sale

Savings up to 60% off

Our Pick:

Isabella Oliver Helena Dress $105

Isabella Oliver Helena Dress $105

The Ten Commandments of Pregnancy Style (3)

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

They say that I  always have bumps and baby on the brain!  Sure, I am known  for my uncanny sense ability to spot trends and make sense of what is happening in the world of pregnancy and parenthood, from Melrose and Madison Avenues to Main Street. But you are thinking, hey, what about me???   Good question!  I will answer by sharing my inside line of the best secrets for belly and beyond. As always, let me know what you think!

Welcome to the Ten Commandments of Pregnancy Style!  This is the third 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 Cafefully

2. Infuse Trend Wisely

And now:

3.  Flatter yourself!  Simply, hone in on your best features and show them off! I am a big fan of full pregnancy breasts, shapely shoulders and toned arms taking center stage. One line that  has the curves of a pregnant goddess  down to a near perfect science is Isabella Oliver. It was my great privilege to launch them in the States and introduce them to the likes of Marcia Cross, Brice Howard, Lauren Ambrose, Shon Gables and of course to all of you!  I ‘ve not worked with them in some time, but I continue to admire their design sensibility. The line is both chic and well constructed.  These pieces are part of your overall wardrobe investment. So choose the most flattering and also the ones that will go the distance for you thought out your Forty Week  style journey.  Take a look and some of these feature flattering looks from London:

Isabella Oliver Grecian Tunic $125

Isabella Oliver Grecian Tunic $125

Isabella Oliver Ruched Kiss Dress $179

Isabella Oliver Ruched Kiss Dress $179

Isabella Oliver The Audrey Dress $289

Isabella Oliver The Audrey Dress $289

Jenni et Jules, tres Belle!

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

What do KIRO TV personality and all around adorable pregnant woman Jenni Hogan and Forty Weeks go-to-gal (ok, she is in charge) and always super lovely Jules Galpin have in common?

Well for one they both speak with very cool accents (alternatively, they both think I speak with a very cool, Philly girl goes to DC and looses her accent after multiple classes in voice and diction) accent.

Next, they are fashion forward, cute as a button and have great hair especially pregnant.

Also, they are smart enough to hang out with me – which means they get the inside line on what’s new and noteworthy in pregnancy fashion

Both are craving all sorts of silly foods (Jules is quite addicted to the pasta salad from the Chevy Chase Market for example).

What’s more – both are radiant and glowing (Jules is using Basq to get her glow on Jenni got a big box in the mail from Belli)

And I believe both are having girls – Jenni’s girlie bundle of  joy  is confirmed, Jules’ TBA baby-girl is just my expert opinion

And what else? Well,  they are both are ordering the newest piece from the NOM colection at BellyDance Maternity — really this one is the perfect spring dress – I am an instant fan!

NOM Bree Beaded Dress

NOM Bree Beaded Dress

I will post pictures of both Jenni and Jules in this piece soon – stay tuned!

Baby Boobs – always the tell

Monday, March 8th, 2010

I’ve said it for years – forget the bump-watch, it is a useless exercise (and usually ends up to be bloat not baby). The trademark Forty Week prediction test is all about the breasts.   And really, I don’t go looking for it – the thing with expectant breasts - they find you. And they have.  Last night, while having my own little Oscar’s moment - I got a little dose of  “baby on board”  from  the stunning Guiliana Ranic. And this is not gossip, rather pure excitement/speculation from me for Guiliana and Bill. I would love to add her to my short list of pregnancy dream-girls (think Jenni Hogan) What do you think?

Guiliana Ranic before (left) and last night (right)

Guiliana Ranic before (left) and last night (right)

Goddess

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Jenni Hogan in Maternal Amercia from Belly Dance

Jenni Hogan in Maternal Amercia from Belly Dance

Here is Jenni Hogan in a rich chocolate brown Maternal America Dress. Thank you, thank you Belly Dance Maternity for finding this gem for our belly beauty! I think this is my favorite Fashion Friday yet! I would like to see a little more layering on the necklaces and some great textured tights – but Jenni informs me she is having accessory anxiety at the moment. We will let it slide!

Jenni you are a glowing Goddess — enough said!

Blissed Out

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

 

It has been a long day. I woke up and did the usual:  kids, workout, latte (OH, I got my mayorship back at Quartermaine’s – a big deal, you know) repeat and then jumped on  the  12 to be in NYC by 3 and am now on the 6 trying to get home before 9:30. Seriously, I did a round-trip to NYC today….and when I got there, a great intro to Bravado’s latest wonder — Bliss:

 

Introducing: Bliss by Bravado

Introducing: Bliss by Bravado

That is stunning model Jessica (due in late March) wearing Bravado’s latest introduction, Bliss in Ivory. It is an amazingly comfortable, sleek and super chic innovation – the perfect addition to the Bravado family. Look for it in March,  up to size 40 F/G (in black and Chai too). The seamless molded foam cups, feminine embellishments and flexi-fit  ™ technology make it my vote for product of the year.

 Plus I’ll throw in a nomination for Jessica  as most adorable expectant mother (ok, next to Jenni Hogan)  too – what a beautiful woman – inside and out. Good luck with your new daughter and keep us posted! As for the bra — March is just a few days away — keep an eye out for more news…

Ask Audrey

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Audrey McCelland

Audrey McCelland

Last post I shared a bit about Audrey McClelland and how she’s been such a wonderful addition to Team Jenni. Not only is Audrey a beautiful fashion fixer – she is also a mighty partner in crime! Lately, Audrey has been working with me as I style Jenni Hogan. Here is our latest:

 

Fashion_Friday_Feb_19th single

Jenni Hogan in Nom 2/19/10

 

It seems a great time to go down the maternity fashion Q & A road with Audrey. Here is a quick conversation that will certianly help you suit up for your own fashionable Forty Weeks!

Q:

It is the dead of winter – what are the best tricks for brightening up an existing wardrobe?

 

Audrey:

I’m telling you, I love the pop of color through accessories!  They are my favorite added color to play with – you can be bold, you can be bright and you can make such fabulous statements.  I have 2 scarves that I live in throughout the winter – a purple one and a red one.  I love them because they’re big, cozy and comfortable – but most of all, they had such attention to an outfit in the winter.  They actually make me feel happier when I have them on!

 Q:

I always say that glowing skin is an expectant woman’s best accessory – what do you like to highlight Jenni’s glow?

 

Audrey:

Jenni is just gorgeous on her own, I mean… look at her!  And you can see that Jenni has such an amazing glow about her already.  What I love about Jenni is that she has such great skin tone, that she can get away with wearing any color.  Not many women are as blessed as her!  I would say, to keep adding to Jenni’s glow is to keep adding some fabulous color – either through accessories or clothing.  One thing about Jenni that I love is that she’s not afraid of fashion or color… she’s willing to play and have some fun.  I really think that adds to her beauty and her sense of style.

 Q:

How can this outfit make it from work to evening and still feel professional?

 

Audrey:

I would add an open vest.  It gives that touch of “fun” – but keeps the outfit professional and doable.  I would also recommend adding a shawl.  One thing when we’re pregnant, we don’t like adding more layers… so by adding a vest or a shawl, it’s not much – but it does its job. 

 Q:

Audrey:

Jenni is wearing an Ingrid & Isabel cami solid black cami under the dress for on-air – what other options might be fun for Saturday night?

Audrey:

Maybe toss on some leggings underneath with some fabulous high black boots!  If anyone can get away with a look like that – it’s Jenni!!

Seattle’s Best Bump (in the road)!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I have been having the best time styling  KIRO traffic reporter, Jenni Hogan. Strangely void of bitchy pregnancy hormones, Jenni is a warm ray of light – and she shines on and on!

Dressing Jenni is a blast. And since I am having fun – what else to do but call in some of my besties to make it even better all around. First, I asked NOM and Belly Dance mastermind Jennifer Strom Simonte for a few looks that kept Jenni in season, showed off her phenominal form and showed some signs that flirty spring is not too far away. Jen’s selection for her signature line, NOM is a winner:

Nom Grey Ruffle Wrap Dress

Nom Grey Ruffle Wrap Dress

Next, I called in my super heavy fashion hitter, Audrey McClelland.  Audrey  is the founder of MomGenerations.com and  author of the inspiring “365 Days of Fashion Advice for Moms”.  In 2009, Audrey was named as one of The Power PackMoms. Additionally, she is the co-editor of Lifetime Moms Beauty & Style channel and co-founder of the fashion digital series, DailyDoseofStyle.com.  As is that were not enough, she also serves as a spokesperson for Totsy.com. And now, the incredible Audrey is working with me on Team Jenni.

I asked Audrey for some accessory suggestions to bring color and vibrancy to the rich grey of the dress. Her suggestions – in a word, FUN!

Audrey McClelland's picks

Audrey McClelland's picks

  And since Audrey is here — how about a little maternity fashion Q and A?  Be sure check back on Friday to hear what she has to share. And, of course, to catch a glimpse of Jenni’s look on Fashion Friday!

Rock the Red

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Last week I let you in behind the velvet ropes of my latest bit of fun with the beautiful bump-goddess that is Jenni Hogan.  I shared with you how we reached out to our friends (Song, Shannon and Jen that’s you) in maternity fashion land to  help Jenni Hogan to find  three frocks for consideration for her #GO RED Friday fun.

Jenni Hogan

Jenni Hogan

All of my super wonderful friends offered up the best bump-fashion around and then went above and beyond – they all agrees to donate back to American Heart Association for anyone who used the code AHA. Talk about heart!

Here are the contenders – prepare to drool over these maternity dresses! And, the voting is still going on – join us pick, click and help us raise money for the American Heart Association…

Wrap Dress by Due Maternity

Wrap Dress by Due Maternity

Pickles & Ice Cream Berry Red Turtleneck Dress

Pickles & Ice Cream Berry Red Turtleneck Dress

 

Olian Cranberry Wrap Dress for Belly Dance

Olian Cranberry Wrap Dress for Belly Dance

Some Great Fun for Some Serious Good…

Friday, January 29th, 2010

 You all know about my commitment to connecting consumers, causes, celebrities and corporations. It is the cornerstone of Philanthropic Moms. I live it, I breathe it – and all who work with me help me build from that essential foundation.  Here is what you don’t know:

A few months ago my friend Kara Matuszewski ,  introduced me to one of her on-air pals , the newly pregnant Jenni Hogan via twitter. Jenni and I began to follow-each other (on twitter) and over the course of the subsequent weeks cultivated a wonderful relationship built around her super sassy smarts, interest in pregnancy fashion and our mutual desire to make good things happen.

And happen they have…

Jenni and KIRO Seattle are a supporters of the American Heart Association. As part of their GO RED DAY they asked her to please wear red on Friday, February 5, 2010. Jenni asked me to style her and I agreed. But Jenni and I have a tendency to get excited by the infinite possibilities and then we, like super-cute super heroes spring into immediate action (no traffic jam here!!).  True to form,  Jenni and I got our heads together and gave birth to this:

*Rocking the Red, Fashion Frienemies Face off, with Heart!

(*this is my totally typical and unapproved title, look for a better one from Jenni and Brooke soon!)

One very adorable Jenni Hogan will model three haute maternity looks from Belly Dance, Due and Pickles & Ice Cream. Viewers can log in and vote on KIRO’s website with a dollar per donation going to AHA – donated by Macy’s. All three retailers have generously offered to donate partial proceeds from any purchase using code “AHA” to American Heart. All good, and you know, we were pretty pleased…

What happened next? Well, Jenni’s fashion frienemy Brooke Fox heard about Jenni rocking the red for AHA and wanted in. So she grabbed her gaggle of female listeners from The Ladies Room on Seattle’s MOVin 92.5  and joined in as well. And you guessed it – each vote triggers a $1 donation to AHA. Macy’s agreed to suit her up in red (and you know she will look adorable but nothing like our Jenni from the Bump) for Friday as well. It is a fashion frienemy face off with heart – LOVE IT!

As of yesterday additional sponsors were lined up to donate funds and support the AHA. On Monday, consumers (YOU!) will be invited in to start picking, clicking and donating to raise more money. How much will we raise? Well, I will keep you posted on the dollar proceeds. And beyond that,  what we raise in good-will and awareness – I would say will be priceless…