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.

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

Roberta Roller Rabbit Pareo $55 \\ Stella & Dot tiered escapade earrings $59 \\ Mossimo waylon harachi cork wedge $29.99

Meet Anna and Lauren, Co-Founders of Mama Lana

Q: What sparked the idea of Mama Lana Box?
A: Lauren: Over the holidays last year, we were sitting together around the breakfast table in Carpinteria, California, talking about our dreams.  Anna had been trained as doula (a birth coach) and wanted a way to share her expertise and passion for pregnancy with mamas that were too far away for her to personally visit.  I’m in business school – and at that point, I’d fallen in love with small, entrepreneurial, women-owned businesses, and hoped to learn how to support them.

Anna: As we gabbed, there must have been magic in the air along with the smells of cinnamon buns — because we came up with Mama Lana!

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Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced when developing Mama Lana?
A: Anna: One major challenge is creating a box that reflects the individual and diverse experience of each expecting mama.  Because each pregnancy is different, not all mamas-to-be need the same products.  However, there are some similarities: all mamas want to feel loved and inspired not only for the good work that they are doing (growing a whole new human life!), but also for the incredible transformation that they are undergoing, as a person.  All mamas also deserve touches of luxury and extravagance — pregnancy is not for sissies!  We have curated our boxes to reflect these shared experiences.

Lauren: A second major challenge is that pregnancy is so personal, and there are many different philosophies and beliefs about it.  Expecting mamas and their partners are very passionate about their pregnancy beliefs!  It is essential to us that our boxes respect all of the choices that the mamas and their partners have decided is best for them and their baby.

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Q: What are the guidelines you follow when choosing products to include?
A: Lauren: First, our products must be top notch. We never settle for second-best.  Our boxes are not paid advertisements or filled with teensy samples.  Our Council of Experts, led by Anna, carefully choose the highest quality, most luscious product for our mamas, formulated for that month of pregnancy.

Anna: We also want to make sure that our products are good for the world, as well as the mama.  After all, we want to make sure that the world is in great shape for the new babies coming into it!  We look for skin care products that are organic, natural, and responsible, such as Bella B.  We also love products that give back — especially to other mamas, such as Global Girlfriends. We also donate a percentage of each box to Madre, a nonprofit that advances women’s human rights internationally. We believe that when you help mothers, you help the world!

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Q: Who are your dream clients?
A: Anna: Any pregnant mama out there! We have worked hard to create a well-rounded box that we hope appeals to all tastes. Our boxes nourish and celebrate the “whole pregnant woman”, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we are not tailored to a certain “type” of mama-to-be. Pregnancy is a transformational time, and it unifies all women who go through it. Our boxes are meant to honor every journey, and honor every woman walking the path of pregnancy.

Lauren: Totally agree there. We also love the idea of others celebrating mama – and have found that all sorts of folks love gifting our boxes to pregnant women. Whether it’s the mama-to-be’s partner, sibling, mother, auntie, best friend, work acquaintance, or grandparent, we’ve seen it all. This box is designed to be a rockin’ gift from anyone to a pregnant woman/new mama.

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Q: Do you try and support fellow momprenuers? If so, what have been you favorite products and why?
A: Lauren: We love momprenuers!  Given a choice, we will choose mompreneurs over any other.  We think that mamas are the smartest, most innovative people around, and one of the great joys of building Mama Lana has been meeting all these amazing companies run by mamas.  Additionally, no one understands the needs of our pregnant mamas-to-be like mamas themselves.  For example, we love Knocked Up Nails, the brainchild of “The Funtrepreneur” Ashley Judge, because only a mama who had experienced the joys — and the less-than-joys — of pregnancy would be able to create such slyly clever names for preggo nail polish colors.  Vosges Haut-Chocolat brings a sense of style and elegance to their sweets, inspired by the founder’s creative experiences as a mama.

Anna: Lauren is spot on – mompreneurs are the best! I’d also add that mamas often have wisdom that has been passed down through generations of previous mamas, such as Raegan Moya-Jones, the founder of Aden + Anais. When Raegan shared traditions of swaddling babies in pure cotton muslin, originally from her native Australia, she gave us all beautiful cloth for our babies. And Solmate Socks was named after the founder’s mom, Sunny, who taught the founder how to knit when she was nine years old. Women’s wisdom is timeless, and mompreneurs have a beautiful way of harnessing that and sharing it with the world. At our core, we think mamas are so inspirational! (Can you tell we’re excited?)

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Q: What are a few pregnancy products you couldn’t live without?
A: Lauren: Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag! My husband, Will, and I were blessed with a new pregnancy just about the same time that Anna and I were starting off with Mama Lana.  As the business grows, so does my belly!  I’m currently in my second trimester, feeling a lot better and amazed at how my belly grows every day (it seems like)! So hmmm…products…(1) In the first trimester, I was pretty sick — so I ate a lot of Preggie Pops.  A LOT of them.  Sometimes they were the only things that got me through meetings in law school. (2) Nowadays, since my belly is stretching, I really love Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Natural Stretch Oil.  It feels amazing against my stretching skin and helps to moisturize without leaving a strong scent (my nose is still pretty vocal these days). (3) Throughout my pregnancy, I have always drawn strength from Anna’s Blissful Birth Cards, which are enclosed in every box.  I love Anna for so many reasons, but even if she weren’t my sister, I would still get so much inspiration from the coaching, support, and love written into every card.  These days, my favorite card is probably the Turtle: “Slow and Steady” is the mama mantra.  Sometimes I feel like nine months lasts forever.  Anna’s Turtle card helps me remember that I’m doing good work, even if it feels like it’s taking a long time.

Anna: Can you believe I’m going to be an auntie? Lauren is just rocking it right now…growing a business and a baby FROM SCRATCH. Love you sis! OK – I’m a doula, so I love lots and lots of pregnancy products. But from my personal experience with my two pregnancies, a few stick out for sure! (1) BellyBars. I was so, so sick. I just felt like I had a perpetual stomach flu for three months. BellyBars were seriously some of the only things I could keep down. And I felt so happy knowing that I was getting some excellent nutrients for me and baby.  (2) Zutano hats. You know the ones – those incredibly soft ones with the little bear ears? Seriously, during my pregnancy I became a swooning softy at anything baby-adorbs, and Zutano’s infant hats topped them all. Seeing the teeny size of the hat made my baby seem more real to me – picturing his/her little noggin hanging out. And also, dressing up my child like a cute little animal was one of my main reasons for making babies. (3) Mother’s Special Blend Soap. Thank GOODNESS for this stuff. My skin was so sensitive, so itchy, and so prone to breakouts. Ugh. This soap smelled divine, and calmed and smoothed my skin. Sigh of relief.  (4) Purple Leaves Red Cherries. Seriously, this book is incredible. I recommend it it all of my doula clients. Once I had my babies, this was my go-to book for reflection and inspiration.

One Mama Lana Box is $59 and the full box service for all nine months of pregnancy is $459. Please visit Mama Lana for more information.

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

Tiffany Burress, wife of NFL Super Star Plaxico Burress, is a go getter. Dissatisfied with the maternity offerings available during her two pregnancies, this mom of two (and full time lawyer) decided to take matters into her own capable hands. “During my pregnancies it was challenging to feel stylish,” she explains. “I wanted to present women with a solution; pieces that are flattering’ versatile and sporty”. Burress’ Joiful Maternity line is based on her own active lifestyle during pregnancy. The collection – dresses, tops, leggings and a pant – can easily go from office to school pick up and, with the addition of a statement necklace and heels, back out to an evening event. Fit is a huge issue in pregnancy. Burress chose modal for its softness and ability to embrace the belly in an elegant, sexy way. Happily, prices are reasonable. The stylish Assymetrical Maternity dress is $70. Maternity leggings are just $58.  Her dream clients?  On-the-go moms from every walk of life.  And, of course, celeb moms-to-be  Penelope Cruz or Kate Middleton. This accessible  line is most definitely Bump It Up Approved.

Joiful Maternity is launching this week. See http://www.joifulmaternity.com for the entire collection.

]]> http://www.bumpitupstyle.com/bumpitup/blog/2013/02/19/joiful-maternity-bumps-it-up/feed/ 0 http://www.bumpitupstyle.com/bumpitup/blog/2012/12/10/dress-your-bump-duchess-style/ http://www.bumpitupstyle.com/bumpitup/blog/2012/12/10/dress-your-bump-duchess-style/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:40:03 +0000 Amy http://www.bumpitupstyle.com/bumpitup/blog/?p=3284 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.
  

“Trying to get pregnant can be an anxiety provoking experience. We want to take some of that anxiety out of the equation by empowering women to take control of their conception journey. We are giving them the tools to be proactive and put good things in their body while they are trying to conceive. Every ingredient and product in our MTB kit can only help a women and her baby,” explains Dr. Oboler

The kit provides two major conception-boosting benefits from one single source. The PregPrep formulation contains the most optimal dosages of NAC in a multi-ingredient fertility supplement available. FertilPrep is also fortified with a select blend of natural derivatives (including Chaste Berry Extract and Evening Primrose Oil) that offer further support to the quality of cervical mucus, fight free radical damage + support hormonal health.

I caught up with Dr. Lara Oboler to get the inside scoop on this groovy new pregnancy supplement.

The kit contains a 2 month supply of 3 formulated products to increase the probability of getting pregnant and a guide of essential information to get the most of your kit. ($48)

Q: What sparked the idea of PregPrep?

A: I conceived the idea for PregPrep 9 years ago, when I was having trouble getting pregnant. I was in my mid 30s and had been trying for six months. I had an appointment booked with an infertility specialist when I read a fertility book suggesting that for the 5 days leading up to ovulation, women should take a mucolytic (which can be found in some cough syrups)..  Mucolytics are substances that thin out bodily secretions. The logic of using a mucolytic was explained: just as a mucolytic thins out the mucus in your lungs, it also thins the cervical mucus (making it less sticky,) which makes it easier for the sperm to swim to the egg.

As a physician, I thought, “ok, this makes medical sense”. So I took a mucolytic the following month for the 5 days leading up to my ovulation and found out I was pregnant while sitting in the infertility specialist’s office for my first (and only) visit.

During that embarrassing appointment, the doctor told me they prescribe mucolytics all the time. How could it be that I was a medical doctor and a woman desperately trying to get pregnant and had never heard of this?

That was my “aha” moment.

My next two children were conceived first try – with the help of a mucolytic. (I was 40 years old when I conceived my 3rd child).

It was then that I realized I wanted to develop products to help all women trying to conceive and empower them to take control of their fertility journey.

Q: What were the biggest challenged faced when developing PregPrep?

A: Our biggest challenge was finding a safe, natural mucolytic. That’s where NAC comes in. NAC (N-acetyl Cysteine), is an extremely safe, well-known mucolytic used for multiple medical problems. it is also a natural substance that is found in our bodies. In addition, NAC is not only a mucolytic but a highly effective antioxidant. In short, NAC renders cervical mucus less sticky and helps facilitate the successful transport of sperm to egg. And because it is also an antioxidant, it rids the body of free radicals (which are the body’s toxins) and supports its natural fertility functions. As a physician, I felt that the products we produced had to be safe, first and foremost. The Hippocratic oath states that doctors should do no harm so that has always been #1 in my mind.

Q: How did your background as a physician aid in the development of the brand?

A: In terms of the development of our kit, we worked with an incredible team to produce the highest quality, research-oriented products. As a physician, I am able to navigate through the medical world and select ingredients to create the most medically sound, safe, natural products.

Q: Were you surprised by any of the research you found when creating the product?

A: Actually – yes.  Little did I know that there has been several double-blind, placebo-controlled research studies performed on NAC in terms of helping women conceive. We have sited several of the studies on our website. We also have streamlined a prenatal vitamin with ”just the essentials.” Again, we have several studies cited on our website.

Q: What does Preg Prep offer that other prenatal vitamins don’t?

A: PregPrep’s Make That Baby Kit (MTB) is an amazing, natural alternative to other fertility products. It is truly revolutionary and fills a void in the marketplace by allowing women to take control of their conception. MTB puts women on a program. It’s a comprehensive kit with a 2 month supply of 3 unique, natural products, as well as a manual filled with all the information a woman needs to start her pregnancy journey.

Our FertilPrep is a physician-formulated capsule that  targets your 5 most fertile days and optimizes your fertility. It thins your cervical mucus to help transport the sperm to egg.

Our VitaMelt is also unique. Conventional prenatal vitamins are used pre, during, and post pregnancy. And because of that, typical prenatal vitamins end up being incredibly large and difficult to swallow. They also commonly cause nausea and constipation. Our VitaMelt is streamlined, with only the essentials of what you need before getting pregnant, including Folic Acid. They are small, pleasant tasting, melt on your tongue, and cause no unpleasant side effects.

Our Essential Balance OIl – to use in bath or shower — is calming, aromatherapeutic, and gets you in the mood for the best part of baby making!!

Co-founders of PregPrep
Marjorie Jaffe Goldner & Dr. Lara Oboler

For more information about PregPrep please visit www. pregprep.com

Always on the hunt for the latest and greatest maternity and mom-fabulous fashion brands. I sourced out five must -know style brands that that are comfortable, sporty and glamorous. The maternity clothing (except the leggings) are designed with a strategic drape that will look great during and after pregnancy. Stella & Dot and CeCe Toppings are not maternity specific. But, they add on-trend pizzazz to any maternity look. Go ahead, get your glam on!

1. HATCH COLLECTION
The epitome of “before” and “after” maternity clothing. These drapey duds are at once sporty and glamorous. Because they are so simple, they can easily be dressed up and down by adding or subtracting accessories.
The Cape $378 | The Gown $368 | The Slouch Dress Short $248

2. STELLA & DOT
Insta-chic! Stella & Dot’s baubles are that eye catching accent that transforms clothing into a look.
Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet $59 |  Bryant Park Scarf $59 | Serenity Stone Drops $49

3. OLIAN MATERNITY
Keep it sleek and chic: you can’t go wrong with Olian’s basic black maternity pieces.
Lucy Wrap Dress $148 |  Caroline Knit Leggings $98

4. CECE TOPPINGS
Luxe Layers! Add a snappy collar to your look and avoid hormonally induced hot flashes.
Black and White Check Peter Pan Collar $40 |  Blue and Yellow Plaid Ruffle $44

5.  FILLYBOO MATERNITY
Be a boho babe! Try Aussie brand Fillyboo’s fun, flirty frocks.
Two Hands Two Hearts Tunic in Acid Wash & Black $84.66 | We Need The Sea Kimono  $74.21

But, many women don’t necessarily have a “signature look.” If you have lived for years mystified by what happens on runways, red carpets and hyped paparazzi shots in gossip magazines, call upon your dormant SAT studying skills and study fashion divas of the twentieth century. Pregnancy is, in fact,  a golden opportunity to exit your comfort zone and bring your inner glamazon to life. Give a nod to the fashion icons of the twentieth century and use your belly as a VIP pass to the order of eternal divahood.  Go to Barnes & Noble and purchase Fashion Icons: Fashion Trends Throughout the Century, Star Style, Thje Marchesa Casati Portraits of a Museand Mistress of Modernism: The Life of Peggy Guggenheim, and start thumbing through. Eccentric? Yes. But, absolutely scintillating. Learn about silhouettes. Discover accessories. Investigate why muses perenniale- marvelous Marchesa de Casati, dynamic Diana Ross, chic socialite Babe Paley, 60s siren Edie Sedgewick, boho babe Talitha Getty and art deco diva Nancy Cunard-became style revolutionaries. These histrionic women dissed convention and used fashion to express themselves. Such bravado is evident in their outré fashion choices: gowns as daywear, turbans, shoulder sweeping earrings, extreme eye makeup, stacked-to-the-elbows bangle bracelets, cloaks fashioned of peacock feathers. Don’t feel pressured to swap your skinny jeans for an electric blue jumpsuit. Just get inspired. Then, take it down a notch to reality. In your free time, let your fingers do the walking right over to Netflix.  “Fashion moment” TV shows and films are a great way to research style and learn about silhouettes. Once the kid(s) are asleep, rent Mad Men, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Women, Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby, Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Katherine Deneuve in Belle Du Jour, Mia Farrow in Great Gatsby, Marlene Dietrich inShanghai Express, Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and Joan Collins in Dynasty.
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I am not suggesting that you go radical. Your task is to find a scintillating look which suits your personality and flatters your body type.  Upper East Side Lady Who Lunches? Downtown “it” Girl? Haute Hippie? Groovy Gal About Town? Be the girl with the Bakelite cuff bracelets and fabulous YSL scarves adorning every outfit. Wear Grandma’s lurex sweater sets to go to the supermarket. Layer vintage Betsey Johnson baby doll dresses with Byzantine beads and rhinestone crosses just because. The larger you feel, the more accessories required. Your Cinderella moment awaits!