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.
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.
The grass is always more alluring on the other side.
Many women say that a summer pregnancy is worse than a winter one. I disagree. While it’s true that you can “hide” in mountains of wool and cashmere, these layers actually add extra pounds to your already expansive frame. Factor in a coat and you’ve got bulk. While it’s true that the heat of the summer months can cause additional swelling, warm weather dresses offer an element of sultriness that is tough to pull off in tundra like conditions. Why? Well, summery, light-as-air dresses celebrate a pregnant woman’s body. They play up décolletage, bare arms, neck and the slope of the shoulders, sexy hot spots where pregnancy weight does not manifest. The drape ‘n cling of the lightweight fabrics prove that the bump (and boobs) are, in fact, showstopping accessories. The best part? Fashion longevity. Because they are inherently drapey, most of these dresses will look great during your pregnancy and afterwards.
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.
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
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.
Moms detest bathing suit season. And, for good reason! 20 something size two women have no issue wriggling into a teeny, weeny bikini. But for real women—those with lumps, bumps and other unsightly bulges– there is an inimitable sense of dread attached to swimsuit hunting. I cast real women-size 8-14 –to show how the right swimsuit and thoughtful styling can make you look thinner, taller and glamorous!
GETTING GLAM IN THE GREEN ROOM WITH KATHIE LEE & DICK VAN DYKE!
All the hot mamas getting ready to take the stage:
Karen, Maria, Serena, ATK, Divina and Grace
SWIMWEAR 101
THE THREE Cs of swimsuit shopping: Construction , contrast, compression, cover-ups
Elongate the neck and emphasize the décolletage
Use big baubles for the beach..(say it 5 times fast!) like cuffs, rings and earrings to draw attention to the body parts you like and camouflage what you don’t
A cover-up is a layering tool that masks a thousand flaws
