Archive for the ‘Fashion Tips’ Category

Spruce Up Your Nursing Style This Fall with Emily Hsu of Au Lait!

Finding tops that make breastfeeding easy, but don’t compromise on style are almost impossible to find…until now. Enter Emily Hsu, founder and president of Au Lait, a NYC-based nursing wear line that offers fashionable tops catering to the needs of the breastfeeding mother. Emily believes that although comfort is important, it should not come at the expense of looking your best. We sat down with Emily who gave us her fall fashion tips and styled 3 inspiring looks for the busy, nursing mom on-the-go!

Emily: Fall is my favorite season of the year and if you are like me, I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible before winter strikes. When you are breastfeeding, trying to figure out what to wear is probably the last thing you want to worry about! Here is my Fall style guide for nursing mothers:

Look 1: Casual/Weekend

look1

Credit: The Tee Dress in Charcoal (Au Lait Shop), Waxed Canvas + Leather Diaper Bag (LocknKeyLeathers), Grid Pattern Scarf (J.Crew), Metallic Leather Loafers (Marni), Rings by TOMTOM Jewelry - (TOMTOM), Night Out Legging (Hatch Collection), Knitted Hat ( Zara), Baby Baggu in Magenta (Baggu), Nora Wedge Boots (L.K. Bennet), The Pullover Cardi (Au Lait Shop)

Weekends are really about being comfortable while still remaining stylish. This sounds easy but we know how hard it is to even think about looking stylish when you are nursing.

I recommend starting with the Au Lait Tee-dress, which can be worn alone or as a long top, pairing it with leather leggings, and a wine-colored knit cap that seems to be everywhere this season (you can’t drink, might as well infuse a little bit of wine somewhere~)! Wedges are red-hot and back in the game so throw away those uncomfortable heels - just a tiny bit of wedge gives you an instant lift and it actually helps you re-build your core. Throw a baby Baggu into your diaper bag just because it has saved me so many times when I needed to carry soiled baby clothes home! Punk is still very much alive so a couple pieces of punk-inspired jewelry rounds out the perfect casual look.

Look 2: Business/Work

look2

Credit: Red Coat (Weekend by Max Mara), Sunburst Stone Pin (Carolee), Cable Skirt (Tibi New York), The Blouse in White (Au Lait Shop) , Ballet Flats in Varina ( Salvatore Ferragamo), Leopard Print Pumps (Dolce & Gabbana), Super Flared Wide Leg Pants (Alice + Olivia), Transport Tote (Madewell), Rose gold-plated diamond bracelet & Fiji rose gold-plated bracelet (Monica Vinader)

If you pump at work, I recommend starting with a good nursing blouse tucked into a textured skirt or a pair of menswear-inspired trousers. Most moms stop wearing jewelry once they have a baby, but brooches are an easy (and cheap) way to make a statement and it comes right off with your coat or cardigan so you can cuddle with your little one the second you step home. Add a bit of flair with some leopard print chunky heels (stylish but comfortable!) but toss the sneakers on the walk to the subway and slip into a classic pair of ballet flats instead. Pump-at-work moms need to choose their bags carefully and this chic tote not only looks professional but is big enough to hold your pump and ice pack.

Look 3: Dressy/Formal

look3

Credit: Tank in Black (Au Lait Shop), Petite Pear Necklace (J. Crew), 3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder 31 Minute Medium Clutch (Phillip Lim), House of Holland Full Skirt in Oilslick (ASOS), Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control (Smashbox), Pinch Minimergency Kit (Pinch), Layered wool-felt skirt (Vika Gazinskaya), Ester Suede Pumps ( Giuseppe Zanotti), Vintage Diamond & Sapphire Drop Earrings (Doyle & Doyle), The Tank in Ivory (Au Lait Shop)

The last thing you want to spend money on is an evening dress that you will end up wearing only once and let’s not even talk about the logistics of trying to pump/express milk in a gown in a public place! Good thing full lady-like skirts are back in vogue and nursing moms don’t have to struggle to find a dress to look dinner party ready. I recommend you start with the Au Lait nursing tank that is versatile enough to take your look from day to night. A statement necklace will help dress up the neck line and add a pop to your lady-like outfit with a dash of blue! The chunky heels provide extra balance and ensure your enjoyment on your precious night out. Breastfeeding might throw your hormones all out of whack, so a primer with some salicylic acid (breastfeeeding compatible and Paula’s Choice approved!) will keep any flareups at bay. We picked this specific clutch because it is rare that an evening clutch can hold so much so go ahead and toss a mini emergency kit in there because you just never know.

Emily is the founder and president of Au Lait, a NYC-based nursing wear line that offers fashionable tops that cater to the needs of the breastfeeding mother. Utilizing her knowledge in fabrics and garment construction, Emily decided to solve the two biggest issues with nursing and breastfeeding tops: privacy for the nursing mother and designs that avoid the drab look that nursing tops feature today. Although comfort is important, it should not come at the expense of looking your best. Au Lait features brand new feeding systems that offer both easy access as well as privacy for the nursing mother.

Since giving birth to baby Avery in 2012, Emily has been a work-from-home mom consulting in the fashion industry and creating Au Lait.

To Buy Or Not To Buy - Renting Maternity Clothes With Krystal Stubbendeck Of Borrow For Your Bump

Group Pic

Buying maternity cloths that you are only able to wear for nine months can get pricy. We continue our look at maternity fashion (see Susan Cho’s picks for Maternity Fall Fashion Must Haves) and sat down with Krystal Stubbendeck, founder of Borrow For Your Bump, to discuss the benefits of renting maternity fashion versus buying.

NN: What inspired you to create borrow for your bump?

KS: As many of my friends became pregnant, they all had the same complaint: why spend money on maternity clothes that you will only wear for a few months. These once style conscious women were resorting to baggy, larger non-maternity sizes to get by. They all wanted to wear the same designer denim they enjoyed before becoming pregnant but just didn’t want to pay the price. They all seemed to think that the cute, stylish maternity clothes were too expensive.

NN: What would you say are the main advantages of renting vs buying maternity wear?

KS: Renting items like dresses, jeans, outerwear, blazers, skirts…it just makes sense. For the same cost of buying a pair of designer jeans at $200, you can rent the jeans, and a pea coat, and a blouse, AND a dress! The best part is you send it all back after a month and get a whole new wardrobe! Of course, there are maternity items we recommend buying, like basic tees & tanks, leggings, and more casual items that will be worn often.

NN: What feedback have you heard from pregnant women on the rental service?

KS: The feedback has been amazing. Many women who rent say they will tell all their expecting friends. That’s what we love to hear and we love getting customers via word-of-mouth. We also love when a customer emails us to let us know how many compliments they received in a dress they rented. It feels good making these women feel beautiful. They deserve it!

NN: What’s the most popular rental item you are seeing for pregnant women?

KS: Dresses!!! They are definitely our most popular item being rented, especially more formal options. Next, it’s probably denim.

Here are Krystal’s top maternity wear rental picks:

Group

1. Outerwear: As we approach winter, dressing in layers is key (to combat crazy hormones which create wacky body temperatures). We definitely recommend renting a quality piece of outerwear, whether it’s a trendy cape or a classy pea coat.

2. Jeans: A go-to pair of jeans, whether they are skinny or bootcut, are a necessity during the fall and winter months. We love the grey denim this season! Dress them up with a blazer for a casual work-day or heels and sexy blouse for a date night.

3. Dresses: Our most popular rental item! This emerald colored dress is flattering on many skin types and hair colors. Paired best with other jewel tones (like sapphire and amethyst), this dress is perfect for the office (just paired with a blazer), date night or holiday party. Dress will be available on Borrow For Your Bump soon!

Maternity Fall Fashion Must-Haves - Top Picks from Susan Cho, Founder of Fourth Love

This week we sat down with Susan Cho, the founder and designer behind maternity clothing line, Fourth Love. The line is in its second season, with a newly launched Fall collection! As the weather is getting colder, we asked Susan to give us her absolute must-have fall picks for pregnancy:

Whether you are pregnant or not, we all agree that fall is the trendiest and most fashionable time of the year. Fortunately, with the ever changing fashion and adoption of more comfortable silhouettes, pregnant women do not have to compromise fashion to look great. Also, most women will not find themselves shopping for an entire new “maternity” closet. We are able to leverage items from our existing closet and just purchase key pieces that will take us through pregnancy and hopefully, beyond.

If you could only buy 4 maternity items this fall, definitely consider these items:

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 10.15.19 PM

1. The number one item for fashion fall has to be a great pair of pants.

A high quality medium-weight pair of leggings that can last you through early winter is a must-have in a expectant woman’s closet. Now, add a twist of leather to give you just a slight edge… And for the eco-friendly mothers, there are recycled faux-leather options that are better for the environment and more price-conscious. Here is a faux leather/ponte leggings by Fourth Love, eco-friendly and alternative to leather.

2. Denim. Denim. Denim.

Of all things every woman has the right to splurge on a pair of maternity designer jeans! Citizens of Humanity has the most comfortable but so chic maternity skinny jeans. Here is a very popular style by COH

3. Open-front cardigan is also a great option for pregnant women, and can be worn throughout pregnancy and beyond during this fall.

A neutral color like charcoal grey can be mixed and matched easily over jeans, a nice blouse or even for a relaxed weekend-look. Your pick! A neutral open-cardigan like this can be worn all wear-round!

4. The last must-have item for maternity fashion is a versatile dress paired with leggings, tights, or knee-high boots to be worn at the office or at weekend brunch with friends.

There is nothing more comfortable than a loosely fit dress during pregnancy, especially if this is your second or even third time around. We love this Tinley dress in olive green, simple but chic.

Want more fashion inspiration for Fall? Visit our Fall Maternity Fashion Board on Pinterest!

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 9.31.18 PMSusan is the founder and president of Fourth Love Clothing, a NYC-based maternity line focused on delivering comfort and versatility. Fourth Love launched in 2012 and has since been featured on major media outlets like Today Show, Daily Candy, Disney Baby, American Baby and various blogger sites. Prior to fashion, Susan has spent the last 12 years in advertising where she managed media investments for Fortune 100 brands. During her time, she has also been recognized for her work with a Gold Lion at The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. However, Susan’s biggest passion is her family, husband Eugene, sons Dean and Cole.

 

Things We’ve Read - Week of September 9th

MeandAuggie2jpg-2589288_p9

10 Questions Everyone Needs to Stop Asking Pregnant Women: Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, a guest blogger on HuffPo implores readers to heed her advice and mind the boundaries of pregnant women by canning it on certain questions, like “Was it planned?” Good Grief.

The Unnatural Mom: We love this honest perspective and think it’s a true tribute to every mom’s freedom to do things her way. Krista (“kinfante”) discusses her decisions about what aspects of her pregnancy decisions she wanted to be “natural” and why the “unnatural” paths might inappropriately judged.

Hair Tips: Organic vs. Natural: From the hair community Bangstyle, Audrey Adrine discusses the important misunderstandings about organic haircare.

An Herbal Approach to the Cold & Flu Season: Mothering’s Amy Paolinelli and Melanie Mayo actually speak in the context of helping children through their colds and flus, but we think this is a great article for pregnant women who want to keep it all-natural when they’re feeling under the whether - think peppermint, elder, garlic and more …

Braids are Back!: Refinery29 tells us that we can channel Little House on the Prairie again when we’re doing our hair in the morning. Per observations at NYC’s recent Fashion Week and R29′s spot-on expertise in style, braids are popular this fall - tight, loose, high, hanging … And this link has 10 great examples.

 

 

Maternity Guide to Special Occasions

Formal Wear

It’s summertime and we’re smack in the middle of prime wedding and party season. You might find yourself with a couple of special occasion invites around the corner, but with a growing a belly, nothing in your closet to wear.

Finding the perfect gown is a challenge no matter what, but even more so if you’re expecting. We see what’s on the market! We looked around at pregnancy fashion, and the typical “pregnant dress” doesn’t quite cut it.

Finding the right dress with a bun in the oven shouldn’t be a chore. With our tips below dress shopping should be a breeze.

  • Dress for comfort. If you’re dressing up for a special occasion, you’re also surely looking forward to enjoying your time. But it’s hard to have a good time if you’re uncomfortable in your dress all night. Avoid this by planning ahead! You know your belly’s going to grow, so look for dresses that you’ll be able to wear as you move further along in pregnancy.
  • Flaunt it, don’t hide it. Too often pregnant women try to hide their burgeoning bumps in a baggy outfit. This is a great idea for women who want to look like tents. It’s a bad idea for women who want to show off their new and temporary curves!. Your pregnancy is something to be celebrated! To flaunt your belly and stay comfortable, look for dresses that are supportive and snug in the bodice (snug, not tight!) and a loose skirt that’s free around the hips and stomach, like the Serena dress by Madderson London.
  • Keep in mind the length. This applies to your dress as well as your shoes. During the later stages of pregnancy, the body releases a chemical that relaxes and loosens the joints to prepare for labor. In turn, the risk of rolling an ankle runs higher than when you’re not pregnant. So now is not the time to break out the sky-high heels!. Make sure the dress you’ll be wearing has an appropriate hemline—not short enough to show your feet, not long enough to pool around your feet and cause you to trip! If you still want a bit of height, try for wedges, which offer more support for the foot than the traditional heel. Check out Kate Spade’s Kiki Wedge and our blogpost on pregnancy footwear.
  • And materials. It’s the middle of summer. If you’re headed to an outdoor event, it’s going to be hot. Stay away from synthetic non-breathable fabrics. Head to the dress aisle and turn your attention to lighter materials. You can pull off both casual and formal with lighter, cotton materials (Jennifer Lawrence proved it at the 2013 Oscars in her minimalistic long red tank dress ensemble). Expecting women who want the same simplicity can pull it off with Madderson London’s Saturday Dress.
  • Look for versatile pieces. Find dresses you can wear more than a couple times. A dress that you can dress up for special occasions and also dress down for everyday wear. Japanese Weekend’s Colorblock Maternity Dress is a soft, jersey-knit dress that is pretty, practical and fuss-free. Wear it out on the weekends, or dress it up with some statement jewelry for a nice formal look.
  • Consider renting versus buying. There are a few online companies that will allow you to rent dresses and save you the hassle of purchasing a dress you may never wear again. Try a dress from our friends at Borrow For Your Bump. Rent The Runway, Mine For Nine and Rent Maternity Wear are a few other options.
« Previous
Next »