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.

We moms have schlepped, cooked and organized the minutia of multiple lives all year. Now it is time for the family to show their devotion. A homemade card is sweet. But, proving your love in the form of a material item will get you far more mommy mileage. Remember, no hint, no get. Simply print this gift guide out and place it in top of your husband’s pillow.

1. GROOVY GYM GEAR
Spice up your workout with Puma BodyTrain Slim Capris $55 +Gaiam CorePlus Reformer resistance bands $29.98

2. TANGERINE DREAM
An oversized clutch adds wow factor to any basic Heather Belle Co. Oversized Ella Clutch $395

3. CASE STUDY
A personalized iPhone cover is a Mom’s piece de resistance. Customize at Uncommon

4. HEAVEN SCENT
A luxe candle burning at the end of the day sucks away the stress. Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey candle $65

5. WRAP ARTIST
Elevate a look in a snap with Yarnz balloon cashmere scarf at SHOPBOP $187

6. PREGGO PAMPERING KIT
I curated a limited-edition luxury pampering kit for moms-to-be packed with my favorite things: My book, Bump it Up, Foot Petals insoles, Josie Maran argan lip gloss, Mama Mio Tummy Rub, Psi bands, Vosges chocolate, Zoe Organics face wash PLUS special offers from Spanx, Blanqi, Bashful Bump and Viacord: Citrus Lane Pampered Pregnancy Box $65

7. CUFF LOVE
A statement cuff adds insta-glam to everything from jeans to dresses.
Target Gold Cuff with Wired Agate $19.99
Kara Ross NY Middle Divide Cuff, gold with chartreuse lizard $225
Topshop Square Metal Clamp Bracelet $28

8. HAUTE STUFF
The steamy ingredients for a perfect date night, Eberjay Cleo Chemise $69 + the best-selling erotic novels,50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James trilogy, $10 per book

9. POT HEAD
Luxury + humor + ceramics = a winning (& witty) combination Jonathan Adler’s provocative pots in Uppers($98), Poppers($88) and Dolls($28)

10. RELAXED MAMA
End the day with muscle melting products from LA-based Spa Ole Henrickson 3-Step Body Indulgence Kit $49

I am headed to Paris with my daughter on Friday. A serial traveler, I pack for every conceivable in-flight situation. And, I dress in way that is at once comfortable and chic.  Just in case Robert Pattinson or Karl Lagerfeld should sit near us on the flight.

On the fashion front, it is all about super soft leggings and long sleeved tee shirt. Layered over the shirt is a DKNY cashmere “cozy” and a extra wide cashmere scarf that can double as a blanket. Flexible ballet flats are a must.The entire outfit is, of course, black. Why? The ultimate neutral, black is flattering, urbane, sleek and chic. It also does not show the accumulated dirt and grime of an international flight. Flying will suck the moisture from your face and body. Throughout the flight, I pat my face with Sonya Dakar Omega Booster oil and lubricate my eyes with Refresh eye drops. I swab AYR nasal gel (germs can enter the bloodstream through cracked nasal passages!) inside my nostrils before the flight. Cooties are a huge issue. I wipe down the whole area and tray with anti-bacterial wipes. I always bring the Bug Off Chair Cover to cover the airplane seat. This washable fabric cover is a barrier between me and the filthy seat. Wipes are also used to open and close the bathroom door. And to flush the toilet. I always bring two changes of clothes and my toiletries kit on the flight. Whether you fly first class or coach, bags get lost all of the time and you don’t want to waste your precious vacation hunting down clothes. I pack them in Flight001 Space Paks, which keeps everything super organized. Also in my carry-on are a gold pendant necklace, some gold earrings, sunglasses and lip gloss. I pop them on upon arrival to Paris to create some je ne sais quoi drama for my all-black look. My daughter, of course is in a similar kid-ified get up. She has her own chair cover, wipes and Ayr.

For medical maladies that may crop up en route, always have kids and adult  Advil, Pepto Bismol, Imodium, Band Aids and antibiotic ointment on hand. For ascending and descending, I am a huge fan of Ear Planes, which regulates air pressure naturally within the ear.

Au revoir

1. Michael Stars cotton long sleeve shirt $55

2. Flight001 Space Pak $46

3. Topshop leggings $24

4. Drift Eyewear sunglasses, prices vary

5. Boutique 9 flexible ballet flats $69

6. Sonya Dakar Omega Booster $42

7. Make Up Forever Lip Gloss $19

8. Refresh Eye Drops $15

9. DKNY Cozy sweater $195

10. Black Pashmina scarf $24.98

11. Children’s Advil $6.99 & Children’s Pepto-Bismol $5.29

12. Ayr Nasal Gel $6.99

13. Wet Ones Antibacterial $3.99

14. Bug Off Chair Cover $29.99

15. Ear planes $12.99

16. Goldfish crackers

17. Kind Bars $1.49 each

With the spate of maternity and new mom gear on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed. So, I took a swan dive through the marketplace and selected a few must have products to help you-and your new baby-look and feel your best. Believe me, the smallest details make the world of difference.

1. SMART STASH: emergency diapers at the ready
Diaper Buds $5.99 for 8ct.

2. DROOL WORTHY: four chic bibs in one, perfect for busy parents and stylish kids
Bebe Au Lair Quib Bibs $14

3. MATERNITY MOXIE: Must-have pregnancy kit with luxe pampering essentials
Citrus Lane Pregnancy Pampering Kit curated by Amy Tara Koch $65

4. NEW RULES!: Dr. Laura Jana’s comprehensive guide for new parents
Heading Home With Your Newborn by Laura A. Jana & Jennifer Shu

5. SLEEP SAVVY: Guru Dr. Marc Weissbluth shows you how to get baby to stack Zs
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth

6. HEAVEN SCENT: The safest lavender-spiked cleanser for pregnancy
Belli Skincare Pregnancy Body Wash $15

7. BOOBY TRAP: Is it a bottle? A breast? Tough to tell and that’s a good thing
Mimijumi Not So Hungry bottle $13.99

8. AU COURANT CAR SEAT: The most adorable, safe, easy to carry  infant car seat
Britax Chaperone Carseat

9. GREAT CHOICE: Cord blood banking equals parental peace of mind
Viacord Cord Blood Banking

10. NURSING NIRVANA: Where (breastfeeding) fashion meets function
Leading Lady Nursing Lace Bra $31

11. PREGGO PANTIES: Sexy. Sexy. Sexy.
Belabumbum Maternity Lace Boyshorts $29

12. STROLL IN STYLE: Super stylish, lightweight stroller
Baby Cargo Stroller $150

13. HEDGE ON THE WEDGE: Get out of the preggo dumps in these sustainably sourced kitten heel wedges that come with seven ribbons to transform your look
Mohop Shoes Mid Cherry Peep toe $164

14. MOLTO MAXI: A smooth-as-silk maternity dress that can be dressed up or down in a snap
Ingrid & Isabel Athena Maxi Dress $148

15. FLIRTY & FABULOUS: The genius “Momshell” dress is perfect for pregnancy and beyond
More of Me Maternity Momshell Dress $170

16. SWELL STYLE: Jumpers are on trend. Hatch’s version accommodates a burgeoning bump and can be worn-belted-after baby
Hatch Maternity Jumper $258

17. SLEEK & CHIC: A black stretch camisole bodysuit perfectly flatters a pregnant body
Bashful Bump Maternity Camisole Bodysuit $44

18. SPACE SAVER: Rollable bibs are great for the on-the-go mom
Tommee Tipee Easy Roll Bibs $6.99 2pk

19. PURE RELEIF: Cootie free skin cream to naturally relieve baby’s eczema and assorted skin irritations
Episencial Soothing Cream $10.99

20. THE SKINNY: Destination Maternity translates the colored denim trend seamlessly into maternity with their secret fit belly.
Joe’s Jeans for Destination Maternity Chelsea Secret Belly Fit in Lollipop $185

Every mom can attest to the magnetic urge to slip into sweats, a boxy tee and skidaddle out the door to conquer her day. It’s easy. It’s comfortable. It’s evil. Here’s why: They are voluminous making thighs resemble tree trunks. Sweats make five pounds look like 15. They make your butt balloon. They inspire waddling. The (non) fit is addictive. Once you make sweats and other baggy apparel your go-to garb, you will fall into “the comfort trap” and never want to replace them with tailored, “real” clothes Yes, comfort is important. But, wearing clothing that looks like sleepwear is the definition of dumpy. You may love feeling like you are taking on the world in your pajamas. But, the world is looking at you someone who has given up on looking and feeling like a woman. Busy lives and chaotic schedules are used as a rationale for such dowdy duds

There is a magical place where comfort and style collide; the province of proportion.  And, I will take you there to meet your new bffs: silhouette, fit  and verticality

1. Alice & Olivia Shirt Dress

2. Diane von Furstenberg Tunis Dress

3. Hue Corduroy Leggins

4. Heavy Weight Leggings

5. LOFT Ponte Dress

6. DVF Wrap Dress

7. Rory Beca Tunic

8. DKNY Tank

The holiday season is chaotic. Between running from work to events, cocktail soirees and seeing the family, unforseen style mishaps –a deodorant stain, a “third eye” of a zit, the snappage of a bra strap- can ruin all of the fun.  Here are some stylist secrets to recover from fashion fiascos in a snap.

PROBLEMS:                                                                        SOLUTIONS:

ACHING FEET………………………………..Foot Petal Triple Threat Pack $24.95

SMELLY……………………………………………..Dove Ultimate Fresh mini deo $1

YELLOW TEETH……………………………Prime Time Whitening System $29.98

MAKEUP ON CLOTHES or dirty shoes……….Huggies Baby Wipes prices vary

RUNNING TIGHTS or holes………………………..NYC Clear Nail Enamel $0.99

ALL IN ONE……………………………….Mr. and Mrs. Emergency Kit for Her $13

FLAT HAIR…………………………………..Hot Tools Self-Grip Rollers 5ct. $2.79

EMERGENCY PLUCKING……………Mini Tweezerman Harajuku Tweezers $15

ZITS……………………………………………Proactiv Acne Fighting Concealer $15

DEODORANT ON CLOTHES……The Gal Pal Garment Deodorant Remover $10

GREASY FACE……………………………….Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens $10

WARDROBE MALFUNCTIONS……..Hollywood Fashion Double-sided tape $9

MISMATCHED ROOTS…………………………………….L’oreal Root Rescue $7.99

BROKEN STRAPS OR BUTTONS…………..Singer Safety Pins, assorted sizes $5

BAD BREATH………………….Colgate Wisp, portable mini toothbrushes $7.99

OILY HAIR……………………………Bumble and Bumble hair powder to-go $19

STAINS……………………………………………………………Tide-to-Go minis $5.99

With towering spikes taking center stage this fall, how can busy women look great while avoiding a fashion casualty?

1. Naturalizer Motive Wedge Boot $149

2. J.crew MacAlister Wedge Boots $198

3. Banana Republic rouched ballet flat $89

4. Cooperative Suede Platform Wedge $58

5. Coach Lynn Stacked Heel $228

6. MICHAEL Michael Kors Bromley Flat Boot $198

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!

1. Must have info to stay out of the preggo dumps!
BUMP IT UP: Transform your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement $15

2. Combat stretch marks
MAMA MIO Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil $35

3. Relieve foot pain
BELLI Foot Relief Cream $18

4. Sweet relief for hemorrhoids
TUCK’S cooling hemorrhoid pads $7.99

5. BFF for trimesters 1 & 4: helps keep bottoms up as belly morphs
BELLABAND by Ingrid & Isabel $30

6. Footwear Fabulosity: insoles to make wearing heels a breeze
FOOT PETALS Stiletto Stylist Kit for Moms $44.95

7. A chic stretch belt is essential to create a flattering empire waist silhouette
CHIC VERSATILE BELT, Topshop $44

8.  Seamless support maternity undies
BELEVATION support panty $20

9. Get your glow on
ZOE ORGANICS glowing face and body wash (paraben free) $16

10. Stay high and mighty: all hosiery, bulge-defying bra
SPANX Bra-llelujah all hosiery comfort bra $36

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