Dear Kim Kardashian:

I feel badly that the media is skewering you for poor maternity choices. It’s hard to be pregnant, especially when you are short and curvy. Here’s the good news, I have some easy fashion fixes that can easily “bump up” your style. The key?  Proportion and a flattering soft silhouette. I know that you favor structured pieces. But, these form fitting pieces are far too restrictive to flatter a pregnant body. Flowy, loose fitting garments- without definition of the shoulders and waist- are a better choice. Soft does not mean sloppy.  Designers like Dries Van Noten, Issey Miyake, DKNK, Comme Des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto and Zero+Maria Cornejo have made non structured garments a hallmark of their careers. These garments skim the body and create a more slouchy/sporty elegance.

10 Ways to BECOME A BUMP IT UP BABE

1. BOOBY TRAP

A loose bra does nobody any favors in the frump department. A bra should be a perfect balance of tension and support to supply the breast with lift and stability. Look in the mirror. If you see droop, it is time for a fitting and a new bra. Head into a department or lingerie store and get measured. Flawless fit will give you the coveted pertness of celebs and models. It’s all about lift.

2. ELONGATE. ELONGATE. ELONGATE.

Add verticality with a longer, open cardigan or dangly scarf. Choose darker colors which are more slimming. Choose long necklaces to lengthen the torso.

3. SHORT & SASSY

Shorter hemlines, especially for shorter women, accent the legs and add height.

4. DECOLLETAGE DRAMA

An open neckline-V, scoop or boatneck- slims explosive bust and gives the illusion of a longer neck.

5. GO FLOWY

To camouflage bottom heavinesss, create a column effect with wider boot cut jeans and dresses/skirts that flare outward. Avoid straight skirts and tapered pants.

6. BUILD YOUR EMPIRE

Start your love affair with the empire waist. This genius silhouette gathers under the breast and falls loosely to the hip, knee or floor covering bulging bellies and butts with cascading fabric. The empire waist also put the focus on the arms and shoulders, places where pregnancy weight does not manifest itself.

7. MEET THE A LINE

Narrow on the top, and flaring at the hemline this garment is designed to graze the midsection and makes one’s gams the focal point.

8. SEISMIC SHIFT

Channel Gidget. Or, my preggo icon Gwen Stefani, with the flirty old school shift. Cut straight from the shoulders and flowing away from the hips, this above the knee dress is easy to wear and disguises thickening thighs and other forms of bottom heaviness.

9. WEAR WOW FACTOR

Bold, beautiful baubles-long necklaces, neck grazing earrings and statement cuffs- define and refine a look. They also draw your audience’s attention away from your cellulite ridden rump to your incredible eye for detail.

10.  GO TO JERSEY

Known for its breathability and ability to stretch with its wearer, jersey tops the preggo popularity charts because it is incredibly comfortable. And flattering. Somehow, jersey drapes perfectly over pregnancy bulges spotlighting the good and obscuring the nasty. Whether you work in an office, a classroom or a board room, this wrinkle free fabric is a best bet basic. Jersey comes in a variety of weights and blends so it is available year round.

And Kim, if you want a one-on-one styling session, just say the word.

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Best,

Amy

No muu muus at Clarence House!  A baby is no bump in the style road for super glam Kate Middleton. Bump it Up: Transform Your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement author Amy Tara Koch predicts that the Duchess of Cambridge will maintain her elegance throughout her pregnancy. She chatted with USA TODAY about how Kate the Great will craft maternity style that reflects her inherent poise and polish.
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• She Will A Frock Star
  Dresses are the easiest silhouette to wear during pregnancy; especially wrap, shift and trapeze shapes as they disguise bottom heaviness.  Kate, a fan of the sheath and wrap silhouettes, will probably sport a modified version of this shape in stretch jersey to accommodate her bump. Royals always pair chic duster or ¾ length coats with day dresses. Kate will continue to layer a jacket over her dresses for maximum poise and polish. But, she will probably move to swing or trapeze coats with no closures for maximum comfort and style. Expect to see her in haute Brit brand Isabella Oliver.
  Isabella Oliver Ruched Wrap Dress $199

  

• She Will Rule The Empire
  Empire waist dresses are super flattering during pregnancy. This genius silhouette gathers under the breast and falls loosely to the hip, knee or floor covering bulging bellies and butts with cascading fabric. The empire waist accentuates the ribcage giving the wearer an attenuated frame. It also puts the focus on the arms and shoulders, places where pregnancy weight does not manifest itself.
  Rosie Pope Stella Dress $253
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• She Will Be A Cut Above
  For black tie and high profile royal dutoes, Kate will most likely turn to her trusted fashion friends-Sarah Burton and Issa- for custom maternity garments.
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• She Will Remain Well Heeled
  Do not expect the Duchess to waddle about in flats. She will wear kitten heels, wedge heels and stacked heels to keep her out of the preggo dumps.
  Jimmy Choo Mara Sling Back with Bow Detail $725
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• She Will Get Waisted
  When you your stomach bulges, a strategically placed belt helps to create a semblance of a pre-pregnancy waistline. The Duchess will most likely sport a skinny belt just under her bust to streamline her look.
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• She Will Not Break A Sweat
  Don’t expect to see a Royal in sweat pants. On casual days, she will probably wear dark denim maternity jeans or sleek leggings with a long tunic top.
  

Summer pregnancies? THE BEST!

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Yes, it’s hot. Yes, heat causes swelling. But, the upshot is that you can avoid the incredible bulk of a winter pregnancy and channel some St Tropez sultriness.

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The trick: sporting beach cover ups as RTW. Pop into a trendy boutique or the swim department of a large retailer and scoop up a few printed caftans and a chic pareo (a.k.a oversized scarf used to wrap around the waist). A caftan’s generous cut is a gift from the fashion fertility gods. They are comfy and thoroughly au courant. Pair your pareo with a tight tank top. Just wrap it around your waist and knot it under the bump. The best part? Both of these summer wardrobe staples have  “before and after” appeal. They are perfect now and can be worn for dozens of family vacations to come.

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Expert tip: Dress up casual caftans and pareo looks with dramatic gold dangle earrings and a pair of elegant  wedges.

1. Zero + Maria Cornejo long cade dress $975

2. Theodora & Callum fuchsia multi cherokee caftan $195

3. Roberta Roller Rabbit sarong big cata $50

4. Missoni sophia pareo $289.99

5. Sir Alistair Rai om mantra love in fuchsia $145

6. Tory Burch print silk long caftan $210

7. Calypso St. Barth sarong silk poncho $195

8. Rachel Pally from Shopbop.com shirt gwyneth caftan dress $71.40

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Bigger boobs.  Expanded belly.  Varicose veins. Back pain.  Though it’s an exciting moment in time, pregnancy is often uncomfortable.  Happily, there are numerous products designed to lend an extra dose of support to moms-to-be.

Here, my handy-dandy list of groovy gear to help you look and feel your best during trimesters one through four.

Trimester 1

Invisibump by Invisibelt for Liz Lange, $20

A clear belt that help pants and skirts stay fastened when you are in between bloat and belly phase of pregnancy

Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband, $26

Super simple. Super chic. Bellaband holds up unbuttoned waistbands and loose maternity wear. Great for trimester 4 as well!

Trimester 2 & 3

Belevation Support Brief and Boyshort, $20 each

Smoothing support, breathable, four-way stretch undies for comfort during pregnancy

Upsie Belly by Belly Bandit, $69.95

Worn during pregnancy, helps evenly distribute pregnancy weight by taking pressure of your back, hips and legs–also increases range of motion
Will be available in October at Bellybandit.com

Belabumbum Copacabana Nursing Bra, $36

Feel sexy in a comfortable, super supportive lace nursing bra

Spanx Bra-lellujah Underwire Contour Front Closure Bra, $62

Elastic-free, all hosiery design creates smooth, supportive and comfortable fit during all stages of pregnancy.

Bella Materna Smooth Underwire Nursing T shirt Bra, $72

Full coverage and full support bra that can be worn throughout pregnancy

Wacoal Bodysuede Ultra Underwire Bra, $60

Maximum support and coverage for full bust and full figures

Bella Materna Anytime Nursing Camisole, $76

Maternity through nursing–provides bra-like support and pull aside nursing access.  Italian microfiber accommodates growing belly, moisture wicking and comfort.

Prenatal Cradle, $58

For serious back and abdomen support, ideal for carrying multiples and improves posture

A Pea in The Pod Tummy Tube, $26

Wear pre-maternity pants longer, add extra support to maternity wear and wear pos- baby pants sooner

Trimester 4

Belly Bandit Original, $45.95

The unique powerful stretch and compress technology is created for a post-pregnancy body geared to shrink your new shape

Cezara Belly Support Panty, $60

Specially designed to protect, cushion and compress Cesarean scars after delivery or when pregnant again.

A Pea in the Pod Control Nursing Cami, $35

Holds in your belly and hips after giving birth.  Great to wear alone or layer under other shirts.

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.

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!

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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

BECOME A FAN OF AMY’S STYLE EXPERT PAGE!

The Bump it Up Style Solutions Tour landed in Chicago last weekend to collaborate with Bump Club Chicago at the fabulous Peggy Notebaert Museum in Lincoln Park

Mamas, Papas, Preggos & kids waiting for the festivities to begin

Women tuning in to my styling sessions with ISABELLA OLIVER clothing and talking pregnancy beauty with BELLI SKINCARE’s major duumo Annette Rubin.

I show a woman how a form fitting ruched t-shirt + long necklace + leggings = bump it up perfection. All clothing is Isabella Oliver

Channeling a distinct Parisienne vibe with fab Isabella Oliver Breton boyfriend cardigan

A pop of color in the shape of a drapey scarf is a Bump it Up staple!

MATERNITY MOXIE: Isabella Oliver Clothing

(As worn by Natalie Portman, Selma Blair, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Sophie Dahl, Naomi Watts, Minnie Driver and Jennifer Lopez)

EYE CANDY: Awesome accessories +fabulous cupcakes supplied by MORE

Founder of Belli Skincare- Annette Rubin – offers custom skin consultations and explains how critical it is to avoid “contra-indicated” ingredients during pregnancy.

Belli Skincare is the only skincare in the world that is teratology screened–which rules out any ingredients that are remotely linked to birth defects or any other developmental problems that might occur during pregnancy.

Mommy must have? I adore  PishPosh Mommy print carry-alls, wet bags and diaper clutches to keep mom organized and chic