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

I am all about precautions. My purse is always stocked with breath mints, wipes, snacks and Tide to Go. I always buy travel insurance for big trips. I always have a back-up outfit in my office in case of a last minute soiree. You get the TYPE A picture?  So, when my doctor told me about cord blood banking during my second pregnancy in 2005, I was fascinated. I was told that Viacord would collect and store the stem cells from my baby’s umbilical cord which could be used in the treatment of diseases like leukemia, immune system deficiencies, cancer and blood disorders. Cord blood preservation has saved thousands of lives. Though I hated to let my mind wander to the dark side of life threatening issues, I wanted the peace of mind that if—God forbid-something happen to my baby (or her sister), I had a genetic back-up plan that had no risk of rejection. So, I made the investment. It was absolutely painless. Luckily, my family has been healthy and I have not had to ruminate on stem cells. Until I met Tami Byrd.

Viacord, the industry leader in cord blood banking and research, approached me to host an event in Miami entitled A NIGHT OF FASHION: LOOK GREAT FROM BUMP TO BABY. Fashion? Miami? Pregnant women?  This was right up my alley! I would style and emcee a fashion show with A Pea in the Pod clothing and do one on one consults with guests. And, there would be a presentation by a woman who had-GULP-actually used her cord blood to save her son’s life. As I approached the stage to do the introduction,   I spied a cute, trim blonde decked out in a MOMS ROCK t-shirt and groovy ankle boots. She watched with interest as I dished about runway trends, statement accessories and how to maintain one’s fashion identity during pregnancy. Then, she took the stage. The Byrd’s were a model family. And, a new baby was en route! Until her son Blasé experienced unexplained ankle pain. Two days later, this picture perfect family was shattered with the news that Blasé had a rare form of Leukemia. The outlook was bleak; a 30% chance of survival. Months of chemo, spinal taps, blood transfusions and other medical maladies became routine. Luckily, at a pre-natal exam, Tami’s OBGYN discussed Viacord and the many ways that stem cell transplants (from a family member) could treat cancers. Her decision to store her new baby’s cord blood (which turned out to be an exact match for Blasé!)saved her sons life.

Tami Byrd sharing her emotional story

I was moved to tears but was thankful to have a personal human experience that put a “face” to the miracle of cord blood banking. The rest of the evening was upbeat. I transitioned the mood from cancer to celebrating life and pregnancy and started the fashion show. Life is a journey. Thankfully, we have technological options that offer hope in the most desperate situations. Like Viacord.

Watch Tami Byrd’s video here.

FACTS ABOUT CORD BLOOD BANKING

• Viacord is the #1 provider of family cord blood units used for treatment
• Viacord is a cord blood banking service that 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.
• Storing your baby’s cord blood means that should there be a need, your baby will have a source 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.
• When you bank your baby’s cord blood, you are making a choice that could potentially provide a life saving treatment for your child or a family member. Families can learn more about cord blood banking at www.viacord.com or www.parentsguidecordblood.org or by calling 1-866-668-4895

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

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.

I have become a huge fan of David Zinczenko. His EAT THIS, NOT THAT books and appearances on TODAY SHOW brilliantly showcases how to make nutritionally superior food choices and avoid excessive caloric intake without sacrificing flavor. I especially love how he unearths saturated fat and sodium content and compares say, a Bacon Deluxe Double from Wendy’s to 42 deep fried jumbo onion rings with a Crisco chive dipping sauce. Genius. Master Z inspired me to craft a little post on how to rein in pregnancy cravings and choose healthier foods inspired by the flavor that you crave. The biggest issue? Sugar intake. Agave nectar and Stevia are stellar replacements for refined white sugar to sweeten tea, coffee, baked goods and oatmeal

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

Summer =  fun in the sun.  And while tis the season of outdoor diversion, terror lurks in the form of skin cancer. With over 2 million people diagnosed annually, sun protection is imperative.  But, what many don’t know is that not all sunscreens are created equally.

A product with broad spectrum protection and without harmful chemicals is essential.   WHY? In contrast to many common sunscreens that only protect from UVB waves, “broad spectrum” blocks dangerous UVA waves as well.  The other component to safe and effective sun protection is scrutinizing the ingredients and avoiding preservatives like parabens and phthalates which can be absorbed through the skin to accumulate into the bloodstream.

Of course there are many incredible designer sunscreens, but you don’t need to spend the big bucks for an effective product.  Brands like Nature’s Gate, Alba Bontanica and Kiss My Face are inexpensive and just as effective as designer brands.

CONFUSED? Don’t be.  Here’s your crash course in sunscreenology and my best bets.

A SUNSCREEN GLOSSARY

SPF: Sun Protection Factor, rating applied to only UVB rays.  The higher the SPF does not mean you can stay out in the sun that much longer.  For example, SPF 15 means it blocks all but 1/15 of UVB meaning you are about 93% covered for those rays. The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 60 is just an extra 2% of coverage.

UVA: Makes up 95% of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, less intense than UVB but penetrates deeper in the skin to the dermis.

UVB: UV radiation that hits the top layer of skin, epidermis, responsible for sunburn and any skin reddening. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October.

Broad spectrum: Look for sunscreen boasting broad spectrum,-multi spectrum or UVA/UVB protection to ensure defense against both types of UV radiation.

Parabens: A synthetic preservative that can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste.  According the Environmental Working Group (EWG), parabens can disrupt the hormone system, and were found in the breast cancer tumors of 19 of 20 women studied.

Phthalates: A chemical compound called “plasticizers” making PVC and found in nail polish, shampoos, detergents, hair spray, toys, food packaging and much more. Like parabens, phthalates hinder the endocrine system.

BEST BETS

SUNSCREEN FOR ADULTS: all of the following products have broad spectrum coverage and are free of parabens, phthalates, fragrance, nano-technology and chemicals

SKINCEUITICALS PHYSICAL FUSION: $30, SPF 50, universal tint that evens skin tone, high UVA protection, protects against collagen damage, water and sweat resistant, does not clog pores, features plankton extract, J.Lo is a fan!

BELLI ANTI-CHLOASMA FACIAL SUNSCREEN: $24, SPF 25, Pregnancy-friendly ingredients, lightly tinted to blend with all skin types, oil free, may be worn alone or under makeup

KATE SOMERVILLE SERUM SUNSCREEN: $45, SPF 55, oil/alcohol free, can be used daily for oily or problematic skin, does not leave skin feeling chalky, sticky or greasy, celeb clients include Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry and Selma Blair

ALBA BOTANICA NATURAL SUNBLOCK: $9.95, SPF 30+, certified organic sunflower seed and jojoba seed oils, aloe vera and calendula moisturize and nourish skin, 100% vegetarian ingredients, grape seed oil and vitamin E provide antioxidant protection

NATURE’S GATE MINERAL SPORT BLOCK: $9.99, SPF 20, Seaweed extract revitalizes, milk thistle extract soothes and Mimosa bark extract repairs and protects.

KISS MY FACE, FACE FACTOR: $12.95, SPF 30, water resistant, helps reduce wrinkles with UVA/UVB protection, great for sensitive skin

SUNSCREEN FOR KIDS: products below are water resitant

EPISENCIAL SUNNY SUNSCREEN: $14.99, SPF 35, Free of Petroleum/hormones/gluten/nut oils, manufactures with solar power, organic sesame, safflower and avocado oils to moisturize and nourish the skin

DR.ROBIN: $24, SPF 30, quinoa and oat protection for soothing hydration and green tea extract to help prevent free radical damage, Used by Celeb Moms–Debra Messing and Jennifer Garner

KISS MY FACE NATURAL MINERAL SUNBLOCK LOTION: $14.99, SPF 30+, retains SPF after 30 minutes of activity in water, Gluten free, Natural ingridients include aloe, sunflower oil, green tea, shea butter, carrots, mushrooms and olive oil

In a few weeks, school will be out leaving an unstructured summer schedule for your kids to fall into. Fun, yes. But, how do you keep your budding brainiac sharp this summer?

With the iPad, TV, Gameboy DS and apps a plenty clamoring for attention, getting your child involved with a good old fashioned book can be tough.

According to the U.S Department of Education, children who do not read over the summer may lose as much as 25% of their reading skills and fall back an entire grade level. In fact, children who read just 6 books during the summer gain or maintain reading skill achieved during the proceeding school year **(Sources: Summer Learning and the Effects of Schooling, & Examiner.com)

I have partnered with the Book Of The Month Club to promote their children’s division which is committed to keeping kids enthusiastic about reading this summer with an incredible offer for parents. Here’s the deal: The CHILDREN”S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB has crafted the ideal reading list curated by age and by interest. They’ll deliver two books to your doorstep for three months for only a $49.44 price tag (a 50% savings off of publisher’s edition prices, membership)  PLUS a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate for your family to enjoy.

From Goodnight Moon to Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Shel Silverstein and numerous  young adult novels, hundreds of titles are available.

After all, inspiration is the greatest gift you can give your child.

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

For more information, click here