Mama-to-Be Style

It's the latest Summer 2011 fashion accessory!

Cardigan: J.Crew, Top: Old Navy, Leggings: Poof, Sandals: Steve Madden, Scarf: Forever 21

I have been thinking a lot recently about maternity/pregnancy posts for the blog now that I find myself on the cusp of parenthood (yikes!), and how exactly I wanted to “break the ice” with the topic. Since I spend a fair amount of this blog writing about adventures in general and some of my favorite style pieces, I thought kicking it off with a “Mama Style” post would be a good start.

It took me a while to finally find my “Mama Style”- as those of you who have been through pregnancy know, there are a lot of physical ups and downs to go right along with all of the emotional ones. Throughout my first trimester, I was very tired and quiet honestly not all that concerned with my look. It was October through January, so comfort really reigned supreme. Once my initial bloat (ugh!) died down, I really didn’t have much of a bump to dress until around the 20 week mark- a fact that I was not pleased with. I was dying to have a cute little bump to show off, but my lovely babe did not seem interested in introducing itself to the world. Alas!

After a terrible early spring weather-wise, the sky gods seem to be smiling upon us, and true springtime weather seems to be here, hooray! With that, I have been inspired to adorn my ever-growing bump in bright outfits and comfortable layers. It’s amazing what a pop of color and a pair of open toed shoes can do for your mood! Fashion and style-wise, it is a great time to be pregnant, since tunics, flowy tops and light fabrics are quite in these days, even for the not-with-child set. Because of this, I lucked out big time and have been able to incorporate a lot of my pre-pregnancy pieces into my current wardrobe. Anything with an empire waist, some stretch or drape has been seeing a lot of miles in my attire, and I am grateful for not having to shell out crazy amount of money to maintain my comfort and style. I finally caved and picked up a couple of pairs of maternity jeans on the cheap, and I will admit they are well worth it. While I skated by for a long time with some low slung Joe’s Jeans Jeggings (yes, I know the word is evil, but they are crazy stretchy and comfy!), having that extra “give” in the waistline of my maternity jeans is a thing of beauty. I also got myself a couple of lose, comfortable maxi dresses (non-maternity) that would help me transition into summer for both pre and post baby, as my due date is smack dab in the middle of July, and they have already paid for themselves a million times over. So by purchasing these pieces and a couple other maternity friendly items (long layering tanks, t-shirts, etc), I have created what I feel is a great maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank or compromising my own style. The best advice I could give another mama-to-be is to not run out too early and stock up (you have no idea what your pregnant body will really look like, trust me), don’t bother with designer pieces (unless you are one of the lucky few who has a sweet disposable income), and have fun with it! After all, who really would have the testicular fortitude to walk up to a pregnant woman and tell them their look is a mess?

So here you go- a show and tell for some of my recent maternity looks (bonus points for spotting my fashion stylist, Ninja kitties in some pictures)….

Tank: Poof, Cowl Neck Top: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J.Crew, Skirt: Old Navy, Boots: Aerosoles

Top: Angie, Cardigan: J.Crew, Scarf: Gift from my Mama!, Jeans: Old Navy maternity, Shoes: Qupid

Oxford: Ralph Lauren, Sweater: Vineyard Vines, Jeans: Old Navy Maternity, Shoes: Banana Republic

Top: Old Navy, Necklace: Boutique out on Block Island, Jeans: Old Navy maternity (notice a trend???), Shoes: Old Navy

Dress: Lily Pulitzer, Long Sleeve T: Boden, Belt: Vintage, Boots: Steve Madden

My Mother's Day outfit!

Sunnies: Vintage Ann Klein II from Mum, Dress: Old Navy Maternity, Cardigan: Vineyard Vines, Boots: Steve Madden, Necklace: Old Navy

So there you have it- a couple of snippets of my Mama-to-be Style, now get on down and rock your bump ladies!

Spin, Spin Sugar...

As someone who works in a predominantly male (ok, all male) office, I do my best to keep my look professional and clean, without a lot of girly bells and baubles. In the past few years, I've become somewhat burned out on the standard ponytail for keeping my hair out of my face (unless exersizing), and I will openly admit to being hairstyle challenged- I can't count how many times I have stabbed myself in the scalp or lost large sections of hair before some sort of formal affair due to sad attempts at bobby pin/product use.

When I saw the first adverts for the Goody Spin Pin pop up, I was a bit wary- I've seen a fair amount of products tout ease of use for making great updos, even for those of us that are hair style challeneged. After a week or so I finally caved to my own curiosity and bought a set. Having spent most of my adult life either in the aforementioned bland ponytail, the sadly messy and sophmoric "pile it on top of your head and wrap a band around it a couple of times til it sticks" look or the "the hell with it-hand me a banana clip" surrender, I was cautiously optimistic about the potential of these little corkscrew mysteries. Following their basic bun instructions, I gingerly spun the pins into place and slowly removed my hands from the bun. Much to my surprise (and utter delight)- the bun stayed perfectly in place. I followed up with a couple of rigorous bounces in place, and when they continued to hold their ground, I went for the full head shake, bun still intact! Sheer joy took over, and I pranced into the living room to show of my new creation and sing (literally, I think I freestyled a little ditty) the praises of the Spin Pin to my less than enthused husband. After a few minutes of this performance, he finally humored me and asked for a demonstration, which I proudly obliged with yet again a perfect bun outcome. 

I've had my pins for about two weeks now, and they continue to make me beyond thrilled. They're easy to throw in a bag, reasonably priced (around $5-6 a set), painless, hold all day, can stand up to a weight training workout, and best of all, don't leave that elastic bump on your hair after you take them out. As a matter of fact, I've used them for putting my hair up when it is still a little damp after a shower and when dry and pins are removed, I get these great soft waves, something not easily achieved with my normally flyaway locks. Why and how no other company has come out with these before, I don't know, but I'm guessing they're all kicking themselves now. I have a pretty strong suspicion that I will still be a firm believer in the magic of the Goody Spin Pin far into the twilight of my life!