December 15th, 2010
It’s that time of year, when Christmas shopping is top of the to-do list for many families. It can be an especially exciting time if you are expecting but also especially stressful! Our last post covered some of the benefits of smart online shopping, so hopefully you’ve conquered gift-buying for the family that way. Now it’s time to compile your own wish-list!
At this very special time of a woman’s life, she deserves to be pampered. During pregnancy your body naturally produces more skin-softening hormones and we believe this should be matched by dressing yourself in maternity wear created in the most luxurious, soft fabrics.
Nothing beats cashmere for snuggly softness and this heavenly piece from top maternity fashion brand Isabella Oliver has that fabulous cashmere feel. The Shawl Collar Cardigan in a cashmere/wool blend is the ultimate in maternity knitwear; versatile shape, on trend wrap shape and high quality knit- this will last you years and can be worn easily after pregnancy.

Special maternity nightwear can make a wonderful gift; this gorgeous berry nightgown from JoJo Maman Bebe will be wonderful to wake up to on Christmas morning, in beautifully soft stretch cotton the clever cut will hug curves throughout your pregnancy as well as be the perfect thing to wear while breastfeeding once your baby is born because of the clever grey-trimmed button front.

Or why not try a stunning set; this pair of pretty pyjamas along with a front-tie cardigan will keep you toasty all winter. We love the clever clip down front on the vest top, which again makes it the ideal feeding garment.

Whatever you choose, draw up your wishlist now to make sure everything arrives in plenty of time for Christmas – you deserve it!
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December 10th, 2010
The Christmas party season is in full swing, be it a work do, a friend mince-pies and mulled-wine evening or a full on glamorous event most of us will have something to go to over the next couple of weeks, which always poses the question; what to wear? Let our unique and varied selection of maternity dresses be your one-stop shop for all the most in-demand maternity brands.
One of the most versatile dresses around,that really takes flexibility seriously is the 24-way Wrap Dress from Mama-la-mode. This dress is cut with beautiful waterfall skirt that ripples flatteringly over hips and two extra long ties which can be manipulated and worn in at least 24 ways! Made in luxurious silk jersey, this genius design will see you through all of the festive season’s events. Couple with striking accessories and a glamorous maternity coat and you’ll be the toast of any evening.
The first thing to bear in mind when choosing an outfit is comfort, you’ll look effortlessly elegant if you are able to forget about what you’re wearing and have fun! A simple shape with a cute detail is perfect for a party, just dress it up with a flick of eyeliner and the highest heels you can bear! The Maternity Bow Dress by DVO at very.co.uk is ideal, a simple shape that flatters curves rather than flaunting your bump, it’s perfect for channelling this seasons must-have ‘Mad Men’ style.

For ultimate impact, go full length. The maxi-dress has been this year’s statement style and Isabella Oliver, as ever, have a chic take on maternity with their Grecian Maternity Maxi Dress. At £179 it will prove good value as the high quality fabric and finishing is built to last, wear again and again. We think it’d look wonderful worn this New Year’s Eve.

Whatever your occasion, our unique range of designer maternity brands to suit every budget will have the perfect piece for you!
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December 8th, 2010
If you are considering a breastfeeding dress to make your life easier as you go about the process of nursing your new baby, what are some things to consider? First of all, you will need a dress that is comfortable but doesn’t make you look awful or like a bloated horse. Secondly you want something that is easy to remove when you have to nurse. And finally, you want a dress that looks good while still giving you the options you need for feeding your baby.
A comfortable breastfeeding dress should be loose enough to provide you with the comfort you need, but also snug enough that it fits well without appearing too baggy or unflattering. It should also be the right size to fit well without billowing out too much or making it difficult to move around because it somehow interferes with your normal movements. Finding the right breastfeeding dress might require trying on some different styles and sizes until you find the ones that works the best for your body shape.
Some things you might want to consider before purchasing a breastfeeding dress are the style and the design. Many dresses for such purposes now have adjustable options where you can actually change the dress so that it fits best based on your current weight and body shape. As you continue to nurse your new baby, you might find that your body changes from day to day, and you may need to adjust your breastfeeding dress to fit accordingly.
When you find a breastfeeding dress, you’ll also want to think about the style it accommodates. If you plan to wear this dress out for social events or gatherings, you might want it to be a bit fancier or more stylish than a normal maternity dress might be. In this case, considering a breastfeeding dress that meets that set of criteria is a consideration to think about when you go shopping for one. You can find dresses online, at maternity stores, and just about anywhere else these days. In fact, finding dresses for pregnancy and nursing is easier now than it ever was before.
In addition to the comfort factor of a breastfeeding dress, you also need to think about just how well it will let you do what it is designed to do: breastfeed. If a breastfeeding dress does not allow for easy access when it is time to nurse, you know it will not give you the things you need to make it comfortable and practical. Ideally you should try on dresses beforehand so you can ensure that the one you pick will allow you to do that one task with ease and simplicity.
Ultimately, the dress you choose will provide the basic factors of comfort and practicality in the act of nursing while still appearing attractive and stylish. Without meeting these requirements, a dress for breastfeeding might not be the best choice for you. Consider your options and do a little shopping around to find one that will best suit your needs and allow you to nurse your new baby comfortably.
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December 5th, 2010
Being pregnant is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. There will be changes her body will experience, and some of those changes will be an expansive nature. To accommodate those changes it will be necessary to buy maternity clothes. The maternity wardrobe will be temporary, so buy maternity clothes wisely.
Do not run out and starts buying maternity clothes the second you find out you are pregnant. Most of your clothes will fit for the first couple of months, except for the exceptionally tight ones. Usually around the third month, the mom to be will start to show and it will be time to begin wearing maternity clothes.
It might be wise to have a few maternity clothes on hand and ready for wear by the third month. If you are expecting multiples, you may have to start wearing maternity clothes earlier than expected. The expectant mom may experience a growth spurt where your regular clothes will fit one day but not the next. If you have a couple of pairs of maternity pants and a skirt or two on hand before you buy maternity clothes by the closetful.
An alternative to maternity pants and maybe even a skirt, at least for the first month or two, a “belly button” may do the trick. A belly button is an elastic band about 2 inches in length and with a button on one end and a buttonhole on the other. When attached to the existing button and button hole on your non maternity clothes it will allow the waist band to expand. You will not be able to use this method for very long but it will buy you some time before you buy maternity clothes.
Maternity clothes are available just about anywhere clothes are available. That includes most brick and mortar department stores and stores found on the Internet. You may want to consider a specialized maternity store if you have size considerations such as petite or plus sizes or any maternity clothing concerns. A specialty store will have knowledgeable sales people who will be able to better help with your concerns. Maternity clothes sizes are based on your pre pregnant size but keep in mind that size may vary according to brand.
A pregnant woman may develop reactions to different materials that they are otherwise fine with the rest of the time. As hormones shift, a comfortable Lycra shirt may suddenly result in dry and itchy skin or the material may feel warmer than usual. If you find yourself reacting to certain materials, it is best to avoid those materials for comfort more than anything. If you are allergic to certain materials or have reactions to certain materials, avoid those materials and look for other things.
When it is time to buy maternity clothes, choose clothes that are comfortable and fit well. Pregnancy is no time to try and look skinny or svelte. Certain types of clothes will minimize size but if clothes are to constricting, pregnancy will not be a pleasant experience.
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November 30th, 2010
Guest Post – Melanie on the benefots of having a comfy, cosy maternity jacket!
A Maternity Jacket is definitely a Fashion Plus for the Mum to Be
A maternity jacket is the fashion statements that put the finishing touch on any outfit. Jackets are a popular part of any wardrobe and they go with everything possible. They are trendy, conservative, wild, wacky and sedate and sometimes all at the same time. They are always in style no matter the color and style and are the one item that will get more compliments than any other.
A maternity jacket comes in a variety of colors and is worn for the look or functionality. Sometimes wearing a maternity jacket is the difference between being cold and keeping warm. The sleeve length is not of any importance and only serves to be fashionable or conservative. A three quarter length sleeve on a maternity jacket speaks volumes of fun while a full-length sleeve means business as usual.
A maternity jacket can be worn with slacks or skirt or even a dress. There is no real definition of when a jacket can or should be worn. They are a nondescript part of the ensemble or as a standalone garment that adds flair. A maternity jacket is cut a little different than a regular jacket. Pleats and folds in the jacket hide the additional space until it is necessary to expand as baby expands. The expansion areas allow for a tailored fit rather than a one size fits most and the look that the jacket is way too big.
Maternity jackets can be short, ¾ length or full length. They can be seasonal wear or an everyday item suitable for all kinds of weather. Most jackets are not waterproof and that can be a draw back if worn as an outside jacket. For outside use, a rain jacket is recommended. For extended stays in the great outdoors, a chance of rain might mean a wet or moist stay outdoors if the material is not waterproof.
Maternity jacket with a cuff adds an air of elegance and sophistication to the outfit, especially if the cuffs are made for cuff links rather than a sewn on button. A crisp dark color jacket cuffed with a silver or gold cufflink will be the envy of the crowd. Sometimes a maternity jacket might have just the straight arm with no cuff, just a hemmed edge at the wrist. That is the conservative look that is also elegant.
A maternity suit or sports jacket may button or have no buttons on the front of the jacket. They will not button neither to the collar nor to the waist but have 3 or 4 buttons in the middle of the jacket. They are just enough to keep the jacket closed over for the formal look or can be left unbuttoned for a casual look. A maternity jacket will have enough cut to fit whether buttoned or unbuttoned.
Maternity jackets are good looking and will compliment any outfit for any occasion. They are stylish and functional and always a welcome addition to set the tone for the occasion. Maternity jackets are sometimes just the right garment to complete an outfit.
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