Fashion Tips

High and low pregnancy fashion for every holiday occasion.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

You know what they say about the holidays: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Except when you’re pregnant and you can’t drink, you’re exhausted, and frankly, you’re not always feeling sparkly and fine. Don’t worry! Nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix! Whether you’re in the market for a splurge or a steal, we’ve got every pregnancy party look covered.

The Turtleneck
Splurge: Isabella Oliver Grayson Dress, $159
Steal: Ann Taylor Maternity Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $98

The Jumpsuit
Splurge: Loyal Hana Celia Jumper, $175
Steal: ASOS Maternity Minimal Jumpsuit, $69

The Sweater Dress
Splurge: Hatch Collection Agyness Dress, $278
Steal: Pink Blush Maternity Cable Knit Sweater Dress, $28

Boho Beautiful
Splurge: Collective Concepts Split-Neck Dress, $138
Steal: Topshop Maternity Embroidered Dress, $37.40

The Maxi (Bonus! They’re both nursing-friendly!)
Splurge: Mitera Katie Nursing Dress, $375
Steal: ASOS Maternity Nursing Maxi Dress, $60

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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6 babywearing jackets to keep you carrying all winter long.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Cold temps are about to be here, but that’s no reason to hunker down indoors. Get out there, mama, and bring baby with you! But don’t try to babywear with your regular winter jacket; trust us, that zipper will never hold. If you don’t want to spend your days McGuyver-ing a coverup to bridge the gap between coat and baby carrier (you don’t), try one of these babywearing outerwear options instead and you’ll stay cozy and warm all winter long.

B & Me Booker Coat
This sporty fleece number will be your go-to as the temps drop, and the perfect under layer on those frigid winter days. $185

M Coat
This down-filled babywearing coat is as serious as it comes. Made in Canada (so you know it’s warm!), the fabric is Teflon treated so it’s waterproof (and stain proof!). $429

Mulier Cozy Joey
This fashion-forward trench coat is as feminine as it is functional. With its chic silhouette and luxe fabrication, nobody would ever guess there’s room for baby inside. $249

Japanese Weekend Mama Coat
This water-resistent babywearing jacket is made by one of our favorite maternity brands, known for its smart design and flattering fit. $278

Suse’s Kinder
The latest and greatest from this well-known babywearing outerwear brand, this midweight puffy coat is good for babywearing front or back. $89.99

Hatch Things Cold Snap
Don’t want to buy a whole new coat for just one season of babywearing. We get it. This super-warm coat extender uses body heat and comes with an optional thermal insert. $99

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

The ladies behind heymama give us 6 reasons to shop “mom-owned” businesses while pregnant.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

We are truly amazed by how many moms and moms-to-be we meet that are simultaneously bringing up baby AND a small business (or sometimes, a big business). As entrepreneurial moms ourselves, there is nothing more motivating and inspiring than seeing other entrepreneurial moms that are hustling…and kicking ass. And now that heymama is here we know where to find them. The site’s become a regular read, and we’re slightly addicted to Hey Mama’s Instagram feed, with its heartfelt stories of enterprising moms around the world.

We recently caught up with heymama founders Katya Libin (mom to Liliana, 4) and Amri Kibbler (mom to Mari, 4, and another little girl on the way!) and found out what inspires them, how they unwind, and what 6 “mom-owned” businesses every pregnant gal should know about right now.

Why do you think it’s so important to build your mom community as a new mom?
Amri: It can be really scary and lonely to become a mom, there are so many things that you need answers to, things that only another mom can help you through. Just feeling like you’re not alone can make all the difference.

Who’s a hey mama?
Amri: Our members are entrepreneurs, businesswomen, stylists, content creators, bloggers, editors, writers and all kinds of creative women. When it comes to their style of parenting, it really runs the gamut: we have moms who are into attachment parenting, babywearing, home-schooling, breastfeeding, public schools, those that have nannies or rely on stay-at-home dads and more. We support anything that feels right to you has a mother. We are non-judgmental parents, and really want to create a support system for women that want to explore their passions and dreams outside of motherhood while being parents.

How do you divide and conquer on the day to day?
Amri: We both weigh in on pretty much everything. Katya takes the lead on the agency portion of heymama and I handle more of the editorial front.

How does being moms influence your daily work?
Amri: From a logistic perspective… it takes a lot of organizing. When you’re a mom, you have to look ahead and plan everything out. Once you get the hang of that, it’s much easier to fit everything in. From a creative perspective, my daughter inspires me all the time. I love doing crafts and cooking and have so much fun sharing these activities with Mari. Cooking is such a great way to teach skills like math as well as practice working together. They open up your creativity in away you many have forgotten. You can be silly and really explore your artistic side.

When the workday’s over and the kids are finally asleep, how do you spend your “me” time?
Amri: Uh, ok you got me! At the moment I really haven’t been making much “me time”! When Mari is asleep, it’s back to emails. I do try to squeeze in frequent manicures and some early morning Pilates once a week. That’s what happens when you start a business, get pregnant, and move all around the same time. Totally guilty, but I’m going to do some meditation tonight before bed now that you called me out. Katya has some really great positive affirmations she listens to!
Katya: I love to go to the gym after a long day–it helps me destress and gives me “me time.” When not at the gym, NYC has no shortage of incredible restaurants to catch up with old friends. I’m also obsessed with Glam & Go, a membership service for blow outs.

Give us 6 mom-owned businesses that every pregnant gal needs to know about.
1. Tubby Todd. Their products are not only all-natural, but smell delicious. I bought them for Mari but have been using them myself while pregnant. The lotion is moisturizing and not sticky. The package in super cute and my daughter loves it.

2. HATCH Collection. The best fashion-forward pieces for everyday! I’ve been living in the jumpsuits, dresses and sweaters. The pieces feel both like versatile basic but also unique, and transition from maternity to the rest of your busy life with baby.

3. Mitera Collection. This collection of chic modern dresses each contains invisible zippers that make breast-feeding a snap. It’s really hard to find office, meeting, and event appropriate breastfeeding friendly outfits. These are so beautiful you’ll wear them way past the time you and your babe have finished breastfeeding.

4. Natti Natti. The collection is designed by an artistic husband and wife duo that owned and operated an art gallery for five years in Chelsea. The modern yet whimsical Brooklyn meets Sweden line of organic baby blankets, pillows, and toddler bedding are made in small batches, are super soft, and very special.

5. Kid and Coe. This site is a must for all families who love to travel! You can rent gorgeous family centric homes all around the globe. They come stocked with essentials like high chairs, cribs, and toys. It’s so much more comfortable to have a kitchen prep meals for little ones and a separate bedroom so you can get some rest.

6. DockATot. is a multi-functional lounging, playing, resting, snuggling station for your baby. It’s a comfortable and safe place to set your new baby while you take care of mama and perfect if you practice co-sleeping.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

5 fall fashion statements that both you and baby will love.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There’s no better season than scarf season, and if you have a brand new baby, you have an extra reason to indulge. No need for a dowdy nursing cover during those fall outings, these beautiful breastfeeding scarves are made to do double duty: a fashion accessory for mama, and a cozy feeding nook for baby. Here’s our 5 favorite nursing scarves for fall.

Maternal America, $38

Nuroo, $29.99

Kinwolfe, $135

Seraphine Nursing Shawl, $75

Honest Company, $59.95

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style is empowering new moms physically and emotionally.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Being a new mom is a blessing, but it’s also challenging in so many ways. Taking care of your new baby is all-consuming–so all-consuming, in fact, that you often forget to take care of mommy. Personal style takes a back seat, because, hey, baby doesn’t care what you look like, right? But at one point, YOU did.

Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style thinks you should again. Now. Because your style is a vehicle of self-expression and empowerment. “I’m a firm believer that we are at our best when we feel our best and that begins at our core,” she says. “Mind, body and soul must be aligned.”

Easier said than done, right? Not if you’ve got this (pregnant!) sylist extraordinaire (and lucky for us, WRNY style contributor!) on your side. Below, she talks about how a little “Style Coaching”–yes, you can actually hire her!–can make you look better…and feel way better.

Why is postpartum such a tough time for women when it comes to fashion?
During a pregnancy, women’s bodies go through many changes from both a physical and emotional perspective. While most women don’t expect to recover and bounce back to their ‘old selves’ immediately, they have to contend with embracing a new lifestyle, a new postpartum body and a new busy schedule that doesn’t allow much time for self-care. Personal style is typically one of the behaviors that winds up suffering the most, as many don’t feel it is a priority to worry about “what to wear” when they have a newborn to tend to. Closets become neglected, and women rely on wearing the “same old thing” daily to be both comfortable and easy.

How is this related to self-esteem?
Unfortunately this starts a downward spiral into compromised self-esteem. Many of my clients reach out to me when their baby is 6 months to 1-year-old, recognizing they have a closet full of either maternity clothes, items that don’t fit, or a pre-pregnancy wardrobe that hasn’t been updated in 2 years. Plus, many women are still not back to their ‘old body.’

Women connect with me when they are finally ready to accept their new shape, and start paying attention to themselves again regardless. While some are still struggling to lose the ‘baby weight’ and others stuck with a stale wardrobe, I work with my postnatal clients, easing them through this transition to find empowerment again, using style as one of the vehicles to get there. My philosophy is based on the platform that mind and body must coexist in harmony and this includes how we present ourselves to the world. I help bring my clients back to life to become their best selves in order to be strong role models for their children.

How is this an issue that touches upon both the physical and the mental?
Women in our society pay lots of attention to keeping their bodies in check through diet and exercise, and once a pregnancy takes place (pre and postnatally) we wind up having to surrender since so much of the physical adjustment is out of our hands.

Even though the change is a physical shift, it affects every part of our being. Not feeling good in our bodies domino-effects into our moods, energy level and overall state of wellness. Getting dressed becomes another casualty. Personal style is a silent way of communicating who we are and what we are all about, and if things are not in balance on the inside, it will become evident in your appearance. Fortunately there are strategic ways of coping. I help my clients in getting back to the alignment of both, whether during a pregnancy and/or afterwards.

What is “style therapy”?
Similar to talk therapy, where a person becomes mindful and aware of their own behavior patterns, Style Coaching is a form of therapy. While style is an extension of an inner self, feeling unstable can offset the alignment with the outer self. How we present ourselves to the world is contingent upon our emotional state. Together we break down any barriers and explore the deeper layers, by evaluating body image, self-esteem, style preferences, and style choices so I can provide techniques on how to compliment your shape, personality and taste. Whether you’re going through a break-up, lost weight, gained weight, recently had a baby, are pregnant or just looking to discover your “Style Personality,” my goal is to help you find an authentic sensibility and provide guidance on how to use style as a vehicle of confident self-expression and empowerment.

Tell us about the style coaching services you’re providing for new moms.
Style Coaching: This 1-1.5-hour session helps to create a strong foundation by assessing individual style goals/needs. I evaluate how your appearance interrelates with the emotional states you experience on a daily basis. Through a series of questions and exercises, we identify your “Style Personality.” Some of my clients find themselves lost after a pregnancy and birth, and need help finding a way back to their core before they can understand how to present themselves through fashion choices.
Closet Cleanse: Here, we move through your closet together and detox, get organized and set-up a closet to feel good about. We go through your entire (seasonal) wardrobe and answer things like: “When is the last time you wore this? How do you feel when you wear this? Does this item really fit anymore or are you saving it for when you lose/gain weight?” After a pregnancy, women wind up with clothes that either don’t fit, or with styles they don’t love anymore since most don’t invest heavily into new clothing when pregnant. Through this exercise, I provide tips and techniques on how to efficiently style what remains in your closet after removing what’s ‘toxic.’
Shopping: We go shopping (or I shop for you) to find those essential new pieces.
(Note: These can work a la carte, or as an all-inclusive service.)

What’s the biggest frustration that your new mom clients have when they come to you?
Contending with a new body, and how to dress it. While waiting to lose those last 5-10 lbs. (or more) postpartum, women neglect purchasing anything new, putting things on hold until they reach a goal weight. This leaves my clients with an uninspired closet with clothes that don’t really fit. I work very closely with my clients to teach them styling techniques that complement their new shape using their existing detoxed wardrobe, and offer shopping strategies on how to buy items that will work for now and later to ensure longevity in investments. There is no excuse for not having a wardrobe that you love and feel good in. No matter what size or shape you are. I work with all budgets, big or small.

What does it mean to “detox” your wardrobe?
Women typically hold onto clothing for emotional reasons, whether they are waiting to get back to an ‘old body,’ they envision themselves in styles they see on others to replicate a specific image, or they feel guilty getting rid of pieces they spent money on and have rarely worn. Unfortunately, this lands us in predicaments where we have too much merchandise that doesn’t work. Either things don’t fit right, they can’t make the style they were inspired by work into their own ‘Style Personality,’ or they just don’t like the item anymore.

I help women let go in order to become their full selves. This means getting rid of things that just don’t work. They could be beautiful pieces, they could be expensive, and it may have looked amazing on that famous actress you bought it because of. The bottom line is that if you don’t feel good in it, its gotta go! Together we discover what works on an individual basis, and this is where women start to become empowered by their own choices and feel confident in them.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Barbecues, beach days, and fresh-squeezed lemonade are just a few of the many joyous things you’ll experience during the summer; however, the bun in your proverbial oven has the baking temperature permanently set on high, which is leaving you wishing for the steamy summer to end, and the crisp fall to begin.

Your rising body heat—thanks to the 40 percent increase in blood volume during pregnancy—causes you to sweat more and become more easily dehydrated, therefore it’s vital to keep cool. Here’s how:

Wellness

- Drink at least eight full glasses of water—if not more—to stay hydrated and protect the health of your growing baby.

- Eat foods with a high water content, including: watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and spinach.

- Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its highest overhead.

- Seek opportunities to cool off in a pool, lake or ocean—you’ll enjoy the weightless feeling, despite rocking a bump.

- Nap, whenever possible, in a cool, dark room.

- Crank up the air conditioner within your home, or position a fan to blast the cool breeze directly on your face/body.

- Indulge in a fruit smoothie, frozen mocktail, or homemade granita to turn down the heat from the inside out.

Fashion

- Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and silk.

- Dress your burgeoning belly in loose, breathable clothing, such as tunics, flowing skirts and dresses.

- Avoid dark colored apparel, as it absorbs the most heat.

- Protect your skin from sunburn by donning a large, floppy sun hat.

- Remove rings and tighter fitting accessories to avoid discomfort, as heat induces swelling.

Beauty

- Keep a refreshing mineral water facial spray in your bag to mist your face and décolletage when you begin to feel overheated.

- Apply an all-natural sunscreen—like Nine Naturals’ Natural Sunscreen SPF 32—before going outside, and reapply throughout the day, especially after being in water.

- Spritz yourself with one of three subtly scented, 100 percent natural Pour le Monde perfumes first thing in the morning and whenever your body needs a fragrance refresh.

- Calm and hydrate thirsty skin with 100% Pure’s Rose & Calendula Water Serum.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to safely enjoy the sun, surf and sand during the dog days of summer. As always, contact your health care provider with specific questions regarding your pregnancy.

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A chic collection of nursing dresses to ensure you have one less obstacle postpartum.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

When Yoko Shimada gave birth to her son Hugo in 2010, she was in a state of euphoria as many of us new moms are. But, “there is another side of motherhood that no words can describe,” she remembers. “Nobody really tells you how truly challenging it can be. Sleeplessness, hormone-induced sweating, post-pregnancy excess weight and saggy stomach, postpartum hair loss, lack of time for any form of self-care like showering, putting on decent clothes and exercising.” Sound familiar?

She struggled with breastfeeding, and when that got easier, she struggled with breastfeeding in public. And then she struggled with pumping when she went back to work as a global public health exec. She had to look professional, but also needed easy access to her breasts for pumping. Dresses were impossible. “I had to completely undress, or at the very least, undress from the waist up (if there was a zipper in the back) in order to pump. If someone were to walk in the door while I was pumping, I would look completely naked.”

And so she dreamed up Mitera Collection, a beautiful, functional and practical line of versatile nursing- and pumping-friendly dresses. Three years and one more baby (Emmeline) later, it came to life. The inaugural collection launched this spring and includes 6 styles that range from casual to professional to party. It reflects the sensibility of an urban mom, who Shimada says, “is not just a mom, but a woman who wears many different hats.” Mitera is also committed to newborn and maternal health; a percentage of revenue will support organizations working in that space.

Below, Shimada talks about the journey to launch Mitera, and how it’s helping solve at least one challenge we all face postpartum: what to wear.

Tell us about your own breastfeeding experience.
Society expects and everything in the media tells you that you are supposed to be HAPPY to be a mom. But having done it twice now, it is not that simple. I admit that the first three to four months into my postpartum period was both the happiest and hardest time of my life. As a global health professional who specialized in maternal and child health, I knew the benefits of breastfeeding and I spent my career educating women in different parts of the world about the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for both the baby and mom. But when it was my turn, I realized how hard it actually was. My nipples cracked and bled and they hurt for a good month and a half (with both kids!). Constant breastfeeding sessions every few hours = no sleep, no rest. Pumping sucked. Period. But after persevering through a few problems for the next two months, I was successfully breastfeeding and came to really enjoy it.

How did that experience plant the seed for Mitera?
Just when I had gotten used to the breastfeeding process, I encountered another problem – breastfeeding in public. On top of already feeling unattractive, I could not really wear clothes that made me feel somewhat normal. Instead, I was wearing ‘nursing’ friendly clothes where I could easily and ‘discreetly’ pop my breasts out for feeding my son or lift a shirt exposing my midriff, the most vulnerable part of my postpartum body to nurse. Both of my babies were extremely unhappy with the nursing cape that they constantly batted away, every time I tried to cover myself. When my son was 3 months old, we took him to Japan (my home country) to introduce him to his extended family. In addition to the stress of traveling internationally with my newborn son, it was also a struggle to feed, pump and store milk at the airport and in the economy seat of an airplane. It was messy and I felt uncomfortable, frustrated and miserable.

What about your back-to-work experience?
Four and a half months after Hugo was born, I went back to work. The lactation room in our building was located in a dark basement. After trying to pump there a couple of times, I started pumping in my office with a big sign on the door saying “DO NOT ENTER.” I pumped while checking emails. I pumped while eating lunch. I pumped while on conference calls. I pumped all the time.

This is when I ran into yet another challenge – my wardrobe. Since my days were so busy with no option to stay late, I had to be ultra efficient while accommodating my pumping schedule. My attire had to be in line with the professional look of the World Bank, but also make it easy for me to quickly access my breasts for pumping.

Out of necessity, I started sketching my ideas out for nursing dresses nice enough to wear to the office. Initially, I never really thought about making them. But, then I realized that I couldn’t find anything in the market that really worked for me. I found a patternmaker in Japan to make the prototypes and had a tiny factory in Kobe produce the first samples of my breastfeeding dresses. I wore them all myself out of necessity and also to test them. It was not long until other moms started noticing them and asking me where I got the dresses. So, I continued working on the design in the evenings after I put my son to bed, while holding down a fulltime job that required constant international travel. It took me another three years and one more baby to decide to develop my idea into a business.

Tell me about the Mitera aesthetic.
Contemporary, Sophisticated, Modern, Chic, Urban, Simple, Inspiring and Empowering. I designed all the dresses from the point of view of a woman who is a mother. Our dresses are designed to be first and foremost beautiful and then functional and practical. I want women to feel like they are done the minute they put on our dresses (as moms, we are always short on time, right?). All of our pieces are designed to be versatile – from day to night, brunch to dinner, playdate to cocktail, office to evening, and kids birthday parties to weddings.

How are they functional for breastfeeding and comfortable for postpartum?
All of our dresses have the patent-pending hidden zipper system which allows for discreet feeding and pumping. Three out of the six dresses have what we call a modesty bra, which is a thin lining or a loose sports bra offering extra protection when the zippers are open. All of our dresses are machine-washable and several come with huge pockets for essential mom items like keys, pacifiers and toy cars. I know how messy mommying can get, so I envisioned those days when I might be nursing a baby while dealing with a toddler covered in Nutella or some other sticky substance! With our timelessly chic design, completely hidden zipper access and practical luxury afforded by details like pockets and washability, our pieces are meant to be worn through pregnancy, nursing and well beyond, through the joys and challenges of motherhood. I wanted to design dresses that women would want to wear even if they are not pregnant or nursing.

What kind of fabrics do you use?
We use only high quality durable and washable fabrics made in Japan. This has practical and ethical reasons. We searched high and low for luxurious yet durable and washable materials for our dresses. While it would be nice to wear a silk dress, it is not practical when you have small children and cost of dry cleaning could be prohibitive. I personally source fabrics from Japan and we know where our fabrics are manufactured and feel confident about their quality, as well as traceability.

Why is wearing a nursing-specific item so important for a breastfeeding mom?
Most dresses do not allow easy access for discreet breastfeeding. Most of the time actually, wearing a dress as a breastfeeding mom means taking it all off or becoming half-naked if there was a zipper in the back, in order to nurse. It is just not practical. There are great designs like the classic V-neck dresses or crow-neck dresses where you can access your breasts for feeding or pumping, but the problem is that these designs are fairly limited. I wanted to wear dresses to go to the office and needed something that was professional as well as elegant and something that allowed me to easily access my breasts for frequent pumping while I was on a conference call or typing an email. I could certainly not wear a deep V-neck with my protruding lactating boobs (lol!).

What can we expect in future seasons from Mitera?
We might be adding fun colors to add to the existing line and our second collection is in the works. We are thinking a jumpsuit, maybe a top and more! We also have plans to design nursing bras and accessories all with the same Mitera aesthetic.

Tell us more about the mother-to-mother program.
Because of my background in global public health, I have always been passionate about issues surrounding maternal and child health. When I became a mother myself, these issues became even more personal. Pregnancy and childbirths should be the one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, yet the reality in the most of the developing world is different.

Each year around the world, 2.9 million newborns needlessly die within their first month and an additional 2.6 are stillborn. One million babies die the same day they are born. Furthermore, approximately 290,000 mothers die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Over 90% of the deaths occur in the developing world, and 90% of them are preventable. While great strides have been made in reducing global child mortality, newborns now account for 44 percent of all childhood deaths. That is why we decided to focus on newborn health.

With our Mother to Mother program, our intention is to help bring innovation to affect social change – in this case, to improve maternal and newborn health. Our focus is to identify innovators and market disruptors who are working to improve maternal and newborn health and partner with them in our program.

Our first partner will be D-Rev, a San Francisco based non-profit product development company dedicated to improving access to world class medical technologies for the population living on $4 a day. We chose to partner with them because 1) they focus in particular on newborn health through their device called ‘Brilliance’ to treat neonatal jaundice, 2) they are innovative in how they aim to achieve their goal of radically improving accessibility to health technologies that can save and improve people’s lives, 3) all of their products are designed to scale on the market, not through donations or subsidies, 4) they are committed to transparency which is important to us in terms of showing our customers where our donation goes.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Pregnancy is no obstacle to great style! It’s also the philosophy behind NINE IN THE MIRROR, a new online destination for expectant women and new mothers. Featuring a handpicked selection of non-maternity ready-to-wear looks from leading designers and expert editorial, it’s one to add to your bookmarks bar. Here is your guide to dressing for all nine months of expecting by the revolutionary site.

THE FIRST TRIMESTER

Every woman is different: you may not notice any visible sign of a rounded stomach until well after 12 weeks or you might start showing early, especially if this isn’t your first baby. An A-line silhouette is your answer to concealing the first hint of a bump. Look to a style that is cut for a loose fit in a structured fabric or a graphic print. For work or after-dark dressing we love Mary Katrantzou’s vibrant patterned shifts and Marni’s playfully patterned dresses. For more casual days partner relaxed boyfriend jeans with a classic striped top. Now is the time to invest in the expectant essentials that will see you through your pregnancy and beyond. Even if you haven’t made the news public knowledge, there is no reason why you can’t start shopping! Think maternity denim, nursing bras and an oversized tote that you can convert to a baby bag later on.

SHOP THE FIRST TRIMESTER EDIT: Marni Floral Printed Silk Dress / Hatch The Love Bateau Top / J Brand Boyfriend Jeans / Clare V.Perforated Leather Tote

THE SECOND TRIMESTER

Now that you are officially showing it is time to embrace the bump and have fun styling your changing shape. Take inspiration from the latest trends with fashion-forward styles that elegantly show off your feminine new curves. Match Marni’s statement floral shirt with the label’s printed trousers for a directional daytime look. Valentino’s little lace dress will make a standout impression for an evening out. With your energy returning, now is the perfect time to celebrate pre-parenthood and escape for a babymoon – don’t leave without Marysia’s vintage-inspired bikini.

SHOP THE SECOND TRIMESTER EDIT: Marni Tulip Print Cotton Poplin Shirt / Marni Printed Cropped Trousers / Valentino Lace Tunic Dress / Marysia Classic Bikini Top / MarysiaTiki High Waisted Bikini Briefs

THE THIRD TRIMESTER

Comfort is key in your third trimester. This doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of style. Make a flattering yet fashionable denim maxi dress your new expectant uniform or turn to tailoring for effortless polish. Team Joseph’s navy sleeveless blazer with Hatch’s forgiving elastic waist trousers. With your due date fast approaching it’s wise to think about what to pack in your hospital bag. On our list? Eberjey’s luxe sleep shirt and the label’s cosy fleece-lined robe. Let’s face it, while giving birth is far from glamorous, there’s no reason why you can’t wear chic PJs!

SHOP THE THIRD TRIMESTER EDIT: Joseph Heavy Cotton Linen Irving Jacket / Valentino
Oversized Cape T-Shirt / Hatch The Indochine Pants / Joseph Patchwork Dress / Eberjey
Robe With Fleece Lining

5 sustainable fashion brands that are perfect for your growing bump.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Conscious consumerism has become a fashion industry mainstay, and a practice that most of us don’t want to stop just because we have a new bump in the picture. Earth Week is an important time to pause, reflect and take note of our carbon footprint, and our socially responsible contributions in everyday environmental practices. Especially since as mamas and mamas-to-be, we want this world to last a long, long time for our babies.

While not every brand is up to speed yet, many are leading the way with the rest hopefully to follow suit. By paying close attention to the companies we purchase from, we can all make a difference–and look great while doing so. Here are a few sustainable bump-friendly brands who are ahead of the curve in keeping the future bright for our little ones.

1. REFORMATION.When it comes to sustainable fashion practices combined with current, hip and trend right apparel, there is no one that’s doing it better then Reformation. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the company was created in 2009 by Yael Aflalo whose intentions were to provide a “sustainable way to be fashionable.” Between sourcing sustainable and vintage fabrics, maintaining eco-friendly and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, the heat-reflecting roof in the factory which uses renewable energy, to the recycled hangers in stores and 100% in all packaging, Reformation is leading the way in conscious consumerism. While Reformation is not a maternity brand, there are pieces I would scoop up in a heartbeat during my prenatal or postpartum days including the peony dress and the serengeti jumpsuit (sans belt).

2. ALTERNATIVE APPAREL. Alternative Apparel produces the type of clothing you want to wear everyday, all day. It’s that comfortable. What makes the company even that much more attractive is their belief in social change and responsible business practices which always take the environmental impact into consideration. More than half of the Alternative Apparel’s collection is sourced using sustainable fabrics, the company uses non-toxic as well as natural dyes on their products (a mega bonus for new mamas and mamas-to-be) and they are using less water and no chemicals in their finishings. Since comfort is key during and after a pregnancy, Alternative Apparel is amazing for pre and post-natal days. My current faves from the brand include the linen asymmetrical midi dress and the racerback midi dress.

3. LEMLEM. In 2007, supermodel/actress and World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede founded Lemlem, as a way to inspire economic independence through the preservation of the art of weaving in her native country of Ethiopia. Through this brand, women have opportunities for not only employment with fair trade wages, but are given the ability to sustain traditions in their local communities while simultaneously providing for their families. All of Lemlem’s products are handmade from natural cottons and the collection includes apparel for both women and children. I’ve been a longtime lover of the brand, and my current favorites include the lelaga patio dress, and the amash maxi poncho, both perfect with a baby bump for the summer days which lie ahead.

4. AMOUR VERT. The literal translation of Amour Vert in French means “Green Love”, but the company believes it’s so much more including, “american manufacturing, non-toxic dyes, sustainable fibers, innovative fabrics, a zero waste design philosophy, and above all enduring style.” Additionally, the company pledges that with every purchase of an Amour Vert t-shirt, they will plant a tree in North America. By the end of 2015, the company will have planted 100,000 trees with their trusted partner, American Forests. The company is deeply committed to making sustainable fashion part of the industry standard and the styling is just as epic as the environmentally conscious practices they endure. I just newly discovered this brand, and have currently got my eyes on the pregnancy friendly zea maxi and franny dress.

5. TRIBE ALIVE. Tribe Alive was built on the philosophy that fashion should be purposeful and serve a higher function. Carly Burson, the company’s founder believes in responsible consumerism, and socially responsible practices that work towards making this earth a better place. Through artisan partnerships in Honduras, Ethiopia, Guatemala and soon to be India, Tribe Alive “employs impoverished indigenous women at fair trade wages and gives them access to safe jobs, sustainable income and a chance to determine their own future.” All of the merchandise in their collection, which includes accessories, jewelry and home goods, is made by hand, with heart and determination. Tribe Alive stands on the platform that there is “nothing more stylish than giving back.” My favorites from the current Spring 2015 assortment are the frazada pillows and throws(think nursery!) and the freeze ikat weekender, which would be a fantastic all purpose bag to pack for the bambinos during a summer weekend trip!

This article is by Jenny Greenstein, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.