This May marked the fifth anniversary of Alisa Donner and Anna Getty’s Pregnancy Awareness Month; an organization committed to inspiring and educating women about every aspect of pregnancy. As one who celebrates maternity moxie in print, tv and my book BUMP IT UP: TRANSFORM YOUR PREGNANCY INTO THE ULTIMATE STYLE STATEMENT, I was delighted to, once again, take part in the PAM kick- off event in Los Angeles. From pre-natal exercise and nutrition to eco-chic products for the nursery, this event draws all type of organizations devoted to a healthy, happy pregnancy. I, of course, focus on style. My mission is to make women look and feel their best during one of the most fashion challenged time in their lives.

This year, I joined forces with Viacord to present the VIACORD BUMP IT UP STYLE LOUNGE, a chill out area (complete with sofa and snacks) where women could score one on one style sessions with me. Topics du jour? How to look like a long, lean baby making machine and strategically lengthen one’s silhouette with accessories. Women swarmed the lounge to learn how to “bump up” their wardrobes and transform nine months of potential frump and dump to jaw dropping fabulosity. Of course, you cannot have fabulosity without flattering fashion. On hand was the maternity brand Ingrid & Isabel, a celebrity favorite known for perfect dress-them up/dress- them- down basics. I styled our mannequins with two of my favorite dresses-the Athena and the Waterfall – to illustrate the concepts of silhouette “elongation”, “garment rotation” and “layering.”

Our lounge was a celebrity magnet. We had visits from Lisa Loeb (clad in a gorge Ingrid & Isabel dress), Ali Landry, Disney Channel’s Tiffany Thornton and Catherine McCord. Once they gleaned style tips, women headed over to Viacord to learn about a topic that I am passionate about: cord blood banking.

Fashion is fun but being educated about the health of your baby is critical. Viacord collects and stores the stem cells found in your newborn’s umbilical cord, which are used in the treatment of nearly 80 life-threatening diseases including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and blood disorders. Essentially, storing your baby’s cord blood gives new parents peace of mind. It is an awful thought. But, should there be a need, your baby will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with no risk of rejection. There is also a strong possibility that his/her siblings will be a match as well. I did it with my children and strongly recommend that moms to be do too. Viacord offered valuable information and a copy of my style bible BUMP IT UP. Book in hand, guests then plopped down in our welcoming sofa to read and nibble on Sprinkle cupcakes and Godiva chocolate.

I recently partnered with luxe mom subscription service CITRUS LANE to develop a pregnancy pampering kit featuring my book and some of my favorite products. We raffled one kit off per hour which was a massive hit with the crowd.

What else can I say? It was a bumptastic day.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Last week I had the pleasure of EMCEEING an event-A NIGHT OF FASHION: LOOK GREAT FROM BUMP TO BABY- at the glamorous Biltmore Hotel in Miami with Destination Maternity & Viacord. I was given to task of styling 10 real pregnant women with gorge fashions from A PEA IN THE POD and offering up commentary on runway and celebrity trends. Preggos turned up dressed to the nines. Guests were invited to shop Destination Maternity’s POP OUT shop, drink mocktails and get their copies of BUMP IT UP signed by yours truly.

From Runway to Bumpway: real life trends for preggos!

Here are some of the highlights from the evening and Below, some of the bump it up babes on the runway exuding high style & sexiness!

Here are my tips to look longer, leaner and more glamorous silhouette!

Beyonce. Keri Russell. Lily Allen. Jennifer Garner. Whether they are  shopping or walking the red carpet, the parade of chic pregnant celebs dazzles the mind. Here’s what I have discovered.  Bump savvy celebs are not miracles of nature. They have simply mastered the high art of mix and match fertility fashion; a combination of must-have maternity with easy civilian silhouettes that embrace and enhance their bumps. Want their secrets? Here, I have dissected their ensembles so the average preggo can get the look

.

KERI RUSSELL: HOT BUMP IN THE CITY

1. Piperlime, Michael Stars striped tunic tee $37.99

2. H&M faux leather bomber jacket $49.95

3. Gap geometric print scarf $29.95

4. Piperlime, Kenneth Cole Reaction gold flats $59

5. Destination Maternity boot cut jeans $40

.

LILY ALLEN: CLASSIQUE

1. Anthropologie solaris scarf $58

2. Spanx maternity opaque stripe tights $20

3. Asos resin bangle $13.97 each

4. QVC, Kenneth Jay Lane duchess tribal earring $39.50

5. Asos maternity tulip sleeve dress $61.11

6. Old Navy sueded oxford booties $34.94

7. Piperlime, Melie Bianco angela tote $98

.

BEYONCE: GLAMOUR A GO-GO

1. QVC, Kenneth Jay Lane pompeii hoop earring $13.09

2. Forever 21 geo stretch bracelet $8.80

3. Forever 21 v rhinestone bracelet $7.80 each

4. Gap skinny glitter belt $23.99

5. Zara dress with elastic waist $89.90

6. Old Navy sueded desert wedge $30.00

.

JENNIFER GARNER: RED CARPET READY

1. Nordstrom, Rampage metallic envelope clutch $33.90

2. Asos, French Connection antique gold ring $31. 43

3. Kara Ross double dangle tabletop skin inset earrings $175

4. Isabella Oliver wrap column dress $289

5. DSW, Via Spiga mesa pump $50

6. Footpetals killer kushionz $12.95

I hate clutter. I can’t function with piles of stuff in my office or my home. Ditto on my closets (yes, plural)!  It has taken years of meticulous closet cleansing to arrive at a place of wardrobe nirvana. But, my efficient closet, having a go-to “uniform” and understanding the high art of super-accessorizing, allows me to get dressed in a snap each morning. This hyper organization mystifies my friends and colleagues. How can a fashion type exhibit such an anti-hoarder mentality?  In my estimation, disorganization yields poor fashion decisions. So, when my friend ,stylist Dana Ravich told me about I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!, a how-to-de-clutter- your life book that she penned with TODAY show fashion gal Jill Martin, I felt vindicated. Looking through the book, I thoroughly agree with advice on how to create a uniform for your personal body type, situational dressing and how to “shop smart”. Of the utmost importance is the following advice “Look your best for you! the way you put yourself together affects your mood. Self esteem and attitude. So, make it good!”

Here, Jill and Dana share their top 5 tips on how to de-clutter and maintain a highly efficient wardrobe.

1. PARE DOWN. THE LESS YOU HAVE IN YOUR CLOSET, THE EASIER IT IS TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH. GET RID OF 75% OF WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET AND JUST KEEP THE 25% YOU ACTUALLY WEAR.

2. GROUP YOUR CLOTHING TOGETHER ACCORDING TO CATEGORY – ALL DRESSES TOGETHER, SKIRTS, BLOUSES, PANTS. THIS WAY YOU WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHERE EVERY PIECE IS WHEN YOU WANT TO WEAR IT.

3. GIVE YOUR SHOES, BAGS, AND JEWELRY A HOME. STORE YOUR SHOES IN CLEAR BOXES (PAIRED OFF, OF COURSE), BAGS LINED UP ON A SHELF, AND KEEP YOUR JEWELRY IN A HANGING ORGANIZER OR CAREFULLY ORGANIZED IN A JEWELRY BOX OR DRAWER. ACCESSORIZING IS THE KEY TO ANY OUTFIT, SO HAVE THESE PIECES VISIBLE AND AT THE READY.

Container Store Shoe Boxes $1.99-3.99

4. KNOW YOUR “UNIFORM” – THE OUTFIT THAT MOST EXPRESSES YOU, FLATTERS YOU, AND MAKES YOU LOOK AND FEEL SEXY AND CONFIDENT. THESE ARE THE ITEMS THAT YOU WILL WEAR DAILY AND SIGNIFY YOUR STYLE. ONCE YOU KNOW THIS, GETTING DRESSED IS A NO-BRAINER.

Jackie Kennedy, a fashion icon known for her signature “uniform”

5. DON’T BE SWAYED BY EVERY PASSING TREND. BUY AND KEEP ONLY THE ITEMS THAT WORK FOR YOU. TRYING TO INCORPORATE “IN” PIECES THAT DON’T FLATTER OR EXPRESS YOU WILL JUST DISTRACT AND FRUSTRATE YOU. STAY TRUE TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.

Trendy piece: Lanvin for H&M Necklace VERSUS Investment: Strappy Jimmy Choos

The baby shower is a curious event. It is often at this moment  that moms- to- be are subtly notified that they-the stars of this infant making production-take back seats to their child . Each and every gift- onesies, feeding utensils, booties and receiving blankets are for the baby. And, mamma (this bizarre put –on- the- back- burner feeling is a precursor to life as a mom) is ignored. So, if you really want to make a mom-to-be happy, offer up something that will  make her feel beautiful, sexy and pampered.

Pish Posh Mommy: Pull String Valencia Bag, $34.99

“Pish posh mommy carry alls are a must-have for Type-A women who crave organization tout le temps. Versatile and chicm these printed carryalls–complete with a pull string pouch, a diaper clutch, a fold up diaper pad, a ‘wet bag’ for bathing suits or soiled clothes–can be dropped into my pures, my beach bag ot just plopped in the car”

The Belly Bandit, $55.95

Wearing a compression garment like The Belly Bandit  for 6-8 weeks after childbirth helps reduce uterine swelling and bloating. Celebs like Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and Halle Berry rave about this modern day girdle (www.bellybandit.com) which comes in 5 sizes and three styles (I love zebra!).  

Belli Pregnancy: Complextion Perfection Duo, $34.00

 Get radiant with BELLI SKINCARE’s (free of chemicals, parabens and dyes) genius complexion duo which exfoliates, moisturizes, protects and evens out skin tone. A mama-to-be must have!

Belly Button Boutique: Mom’s First Days Kit, $70

Coming home from the hospital after giving birth is painful. Literally. Belly Button Boutique’s MOMS FIRST DAY kit has all of the essentials –cooling breast soothers, nursing pads, hipster panties, Feme pads-to keep a new mom (relatively) comfortable

MAMA MIO: Beat the Heat Bump It Up Pregnancy Style Kit, $75.00

Mama Mio’s Pregnancy specific skincare products go that extra mile to ensure that products are free from synthetic colors, parabens, sulfate detergents, petrochemicals and a host of known irritants. Developed by a triumverate of British supermamas, Mama Mio has put a playful spin on the woes of maternity with “Boob Tube” Bust Cream, “Tummy Rub” stretch Mark butter and “Lucky Legs”. And, the kit comes with a copy of my book!

You Lingerie: Azalea Orchid Bra, $ 29.99 and Panties, $14.99

Channel your inner sexpot with YOU maternity and nursing lingerie unique features include: 

-Soft cups ( no underwire) to accomodate size and aid in prevention of breast infection

-discreet one handed maternity nursing clips

-4 hook back allow added length for expanding rib cages

 Ms. and Mrs. Labor and Delivery Survival Kit, $45.00

A collection of delivery room essentials to soothe and support mom on D DAY: disposable camera, lip balm, stopwatch, back massager, etc.

My forthcoming voyage to France this summer en famille is definitely breaking the bank. Plane tickets, Paris hotel, house rental in Provence.

But, don’t cry for me, America. The massive price tag (and mega memories that it will, of course, inspire) is entirely worth it. The tradeoff?  Staving off fashion purchases to offset the cost of consuming pain au chocolat on Rue Bonaparte. This retail cease and desist, though, has been a good thing. It has forced me to shop my closet and rethink old friends that have been neglected for –gulp- years. Though I clean and organize my closet routinely, there are quality pieces that have been ignored.

So, to craft of-the-moment-looks without spending a dime, I challenged myself to take a fresh look at the silky blouses, kooky belts, wide legged jeans, cropped blazers and accessories gathering dust and recast them in an innovative manner. Anything that did not excite me would be consigned to ebay or given away. My motivation? Clothes are like lovers. Having too many exes in one place is disconcerting. When they have fulfilled their moment in time, certain items need to be discarded in order to focus on the here and now.

Here’s what I came up with:

MACRAME BAGS
This  romantic 70s flower-child style is huge this summer. Channel it on the cheap with a flea-market find like this bamboo handle bag

PRINT BUTTON DOWN BLOUSE
This 70’s style top–boxy on its own–is sportified (Inspiration: Nicole Richie) with skinny jeans, a chain belt and a wedge heel.

LAYERED NECKLACES

Combing chain necklaces with contrasting beads and pendants a la SJP creates a groovy point of view and mega style

MULTI-TASKING MAXI SKIRT

To transform a maxi skirt into a glam trapeze dress, yank it over your boobs and add a few necklaces

COLORFUL CARDIGAN

Add to a neutrals for a pop of color

BOYFRIEND JEANS

Androgyny goes au courant with the addition of a scarf, some platform wedges and a slouchy, long tank

LACE

Lace is hip & sexy. I love it de-romantified with with with a chunky platform sandal or menswear inspired blazer!

BLAH, BASIC T-SHIRT DRESS

Bump up a simple dress with oversized beads, an armful of enamel bangles and a groovy scarf

SEQUIN BELT

Vintage stretchy, sequin belts are amazing tools to empire waist a blah black dress

COLOR BLOCKING

Mix and match crazy “hot” colors a la GUCCI for a statement look

Summer is the season of body baring.  Want to shave 10 pounds from your silhouette without starving yourself? Test drive these fabulous brands which have garments strategically infused with shapewear technology to mask muffin top, flatten french fry flubber and tonify thunder thighs.

.

SHAPE (fx) by Spiegel

Offers everything from “control” blouses and slimming suit separates to “control” jumpsuits

Blouson Control Tank Dress, $89 SPACE SPACE SPACEPoplin Tunic Blouse, $34

.

.

DONNA KARAN

the “Waist Embrace” slimming Capri legging that lifts and lengthens

DK Waist Embrace black leggings, $55

.

.

YUMMIE TUMMIE

hip length slim wear camis mask muffin top flubber

Yummie Tummie Invisible Skinny Tank, $58

.

.

SPANX

Spanx’s Bod-a-Bing! skirt, cropped pant and little black dress are both equipped with a built in liner for smoother, firmer look

Bod-a-Bing! Skirt, $68 & Bod-a-Bing! Crop Pants, $72 & Bod-a-Bing! Jackie Dress, $80

.

.

MIRACLE BODY JEANS

designed to shape, conceal, lift and smooth to make you look 10 pounds thinner

Miraclebody Skinny Minnie Jeans, $128

Celebs moms–polished and sporty–may look like they stepped from a photo shoot as they breeze from Walgreens to playground in People Magazine. They have a sartorial trick up their kimono sleeve.  THE SECRET?  They approach fashion formulaically by reworking versatile basics and layering them with groovy accessories.

So how can the average woman channel the effortless je ne sais quoi of Nicole Richie, Gwen, Heidi and Rachel Zoe? By investing in quality basics and strategically layering with compelling accent pieces.

Here’s how to do it…

.

BASICS

.

THE  DRESSES

GAP denim tie back dress, $69.95 \\ VICTORIA’S SECRET jersey wrap dress, $49.50 \\ BANANA REPUBLIC maxi dress, $89.99 \\ JAMES PERSE crepe maxi dress, $225 \\ ISABELLA OLIVER jersey bandeau maxi dress, $159

.

.

THE TOPS

LA MADE knot tank, $33.99 \\ LANSTON loose knot oversized tee, $50.99 \\ SPLENDID vintage whisper boyfriend top, $58 \\ VINCE striped double layer sweater, $99

.

.

THE COMPRESSION  LEGGINGS

SPANX cotton compression leggings, $62

.

.

THE JEANS

GAP 1969 real straight jeans in dark wash, $69.50 \\ GAP 1969 curvy jeans in white wash, $59.50

.

.

ACCESSORIZE

.

STATEMENT JEWELRY

KARA ROSS gold hoops, $150 \\ SEQUIN enamel bangles, $30 each \\ HOUSE OF HARLOW knuckle duster ring, $50

.

.

KICK UP A NEUTRAL WITH A POP OF COLOR

JCREW featherweight cardigan in gauguin orange, $62 \\ MADEWELL electric scarf, $58 \\ THEODORA & CALLUM ikat scarf, $175

.

.

GLAMMIFYING ACCENTS

TOMS red stripe canvas wedges, $69 \\ COACH jazlyn wedge, $99 \\ HENRY BEGUELIN pietra sandal, $430
.
CARLOS FALCHI ombre python clutch \\ DVF printed tote, $150 \\ CHEAP MONDAY telekenisis glasses, $30

With the bevy of celeb baby bumps  flooding the airwaves, I wanted to offer my take on BUMP IT UP babes to watch.

Go ahead, steal their style!

T

TORI SPELLING

The Look: Prints Charming

Love the empire waist dress with kimono sleeves and great upbeat print



Get the look: Check out a similar kimono caftan dress at Rachel Pally and get stacked with great wedges from COACH

TINA FEY

The Look: Classique

The funny gal keeps it long and lean in graphic, black and white stripes, unstructured blazer and skinny jeans

(Note-Former SNL cast member joined other pregnant SNL alum, Maya Rudolph, for some preggo parodies on last week’s episode)

Get the look: Bump up the urban nautical  look with a sequined blazer and striped tee from Isabella Oliver then balance your bountiful belly with a Tory Burch kitten heel

JANUARY JONES

The Look: Blonde Ambition

Rocking her bump in a non-maternity Preen dress accented with a belly hugging knot

Get the Look: Invest in a Gap wrap dress or the Pouch versatile dress, which can be worn at least 5 different ways!

IVANKA TRUMP

The Look: Black Magic

Who’s afraid of some sass and a pair of bunny ears?  Not Ivanka, who poses for Bazaar looking like a sexpot avec bump.

Get the Look: Don’t want the bunny look? Get the best basics at Ingrid & Isabel

SELMA BLAIR

The Look: The Bold and the Beautiful

Selma has looked great in her colorful, drapey dresses paired with funky hats and chunky jewelry.

(Note-Selma has been seen in Isabella Oliver and Nicole Richie’s line, Winter Kate)

Get the look: Copy Selma’s color scheme with an inexpensive Old Navy sun dress 

KATE HUDSON

The Look: Boho Babe

Kate uses her bump to boost her signature urban gypsy/rocker look

(Note-Kate has been spotted wearing Elizabeth and James’ cardis, Theodora and Callum scarves and a form fitting Robert Cavalli gown)

Get the look: Kate goes boho in Elzabeth and James and get a similar maxi from T-bags

JESSICA ALBA

The Look: Flowing Fabulista

Jessica’s Versace empire dress drapes in all the right places to create a streamlined look that emphasizes her neck and decolletage with a statement necklace

Get the Look: Look just as beautiful as Jessica in an Isabella Oliver wrap column dress that was recently featured in Vogue

VICTORIA BECKHAM

The Look: Fierce Mama

The always severe looking Posh Spice struts through Heathrow airport in a leather accented mini of her own design.

Get the Look: Create drama with an ASOS sexy, classic black mini dress

CARLA BRUNI-SARKOZY

The Look: Le Parissienne

France’s First Lady c’est chic in (non-maternity) white tweed Chanel couture dress paired with black tweed Chanel couture jacket and black Louboutins kitten heels. Is she really 43?

Get the Look: Look and feel like royalty in any Chanel ensemble