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

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…

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BASICS

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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

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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

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THE COMPRESSION  LEGGINGS

SPANX cotton compression leggings, $62

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THE JEANS

GAP 1969 real straight jeans in dark wash, $69.50 \\ GAP 1969 curvy jeans in white wash, $59.50

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ACCESSORIZE

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STATEMENT JEWELRY

KARA ROSS gold hoops, $150 \\ SEQUIN enamel bangles, $30 each \\ HOUSE OF HARLOW knuckle duster ring, $50

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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

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GLAMMIFYING ACCENTS

TOMS red stripe canvas wedges, $69 \\ COACH jazlyn wedge, $99 \\ HENRY BEGUELIN pietra sandal, $430
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CARLOS FALCHI ombre python clutch \\ DVF printed tote, $150 \\ CHEAP MONDAY telekenisis glasses, $30

Is you work look getting stale?

Glam up your office duds with five easy pieces

YOUR TOOL BOX:

1.  Eye catching gold earrings bring light to your face and adds a touch of drama

KARA by Kara Ross Eclipse Drop Earrings $150, Tasha Triple Hoop Drop Earrings $28, Wendy Mink Gold Teardrop Cutout Earrings, $73

2. Timelessly chic tote bag

Alexander Wang Emile Tote $650, MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Chain Tote $328, Foley + Corrina Mid City Tote $348

3. A scarf adds a pop of color

Sir Alistair Rai Love Raja Wrap $98, Theodora & Callum Pink Multi Ikat Scarf $175, Gap Bobble Stripe Scarf $29.95

4. A fabulous wedge elongates your silhouette

Coach Jazlyn Wedge $99, Vince Camuto Edon Wedge $47.50, Calvin Klein Blaire Wedge $93.50

5. A graphic print jacket brings life to your look

Marni Printed Jacket $740, Zero + Maria Cornejo Blanket Cardigan $598