Tatyanna Wright's Haute Mama

Maternity Denim Trends

Many woman love to follow fashion, but are afraid to invest in a great pair of maternity jeans, here Lori Solomon of Veronique Maternity explains how a little fashion investment can take you a long way, and what denim trends to be on the lookout for this Fall/Winter.
 
HM: Designer denim can be pricey, is this really a must have item?
LS: It is absolutely worth spending the money on designer denim. With all the changes happening to your body it is reassuring to know that you don't have to give up a wardrobe staple. Designer denim keeps you feeling hip, cool and stylish while providing you with comfort. And because they are the staple of just about everyone’s closet they are an excellent investment.  You might be wearing your jeans 5 days a week from months 4 to 9. Eventually the cost becomes amortized. Invest in a versatile pair that can go from day to evening, pick a darker wash, and make sure they fit you. Stay with a straight leg, it is less obvious then wearing the same Bell Bottom all week long. If you have the option to buy a second pair, buy a more casual pair (or maybe this is wear you buy the “trendy” pair.)

HM: Are there seasonal trends in maternity denim and what can we see this Fall/Winter?
LS: The biggest “trend” item is the exaggerated Bell Bottom (this fit is for a small population). Very popular and still very much on trend right now is the Skinny; but again, it is not for everyone. The Straight Leg is replacing the Boot Cut for the everywoman. Black denim, and various shades of denim are the washes of the moment but that will be changing as we go deeper into Fall and on into Spring. In the Spring there will be more changes, the Legging jean will be the biggest. It is much more a legging then the Skinny and its fit and denim weight will reflect that. You will see this and the Straight Leg in regular denim, white and charcoal grey, and medium blue denim.

For most women, the best style (or bang for your buck) would be the Straight Leg or a smaller width Boot Cut in a medium to dark wash. These two styles flatter most body types and the color can take you from day to night. If you a re a petite girl, more then likely a 20 inch Bell Bottom is not the best look; but that is a generalization because there is someone who can do it. If you know your body really well, you will know if you can rock one of the trends.

To shop this seasons denim trends, visit VeroniqueMaternity.com

 

Haute Mama Video

Introducing Haute Mama's new Maternity Lifestyle series. Click on the image to view the first episode featuring Green Depot, and find out about eco-baby bedding, toys and more...

Dear Johnnie...

Sounds like a salutation for a love letter? It could almost be - from the thankful new mothers satisfied with an ingeniously simple design called ‘dearjohnnies’.
In case you are wondering a johnny is a short collarless gown that ties in the back, worn by hospital patients or those being examined at the doctor's office. Johnnies are generally disliked by patients and described as ugly, ill-fitting garments that leave one’s backside exposed. And in British slang, a johnny is a condom! However described, it is clearly meant to cover something up!

By definition a gown is an elegant or formal dress for special occasions and as aforementioned, hospital gowns are far, far removed from anything that resembles a simple frock, let alone an elegant one. Enter dearjohnnies, taking the traditional hospital cloak and turning it into a graceful gown. Realistically speaking, and depending on the type of delivery you’ll have you’ll probably rip off whatever you’re wearing – to push “that baby out” with all your might. Shamefulness and modesty fly right out the window during vaginal delivery. If you do keep it on this is the one to go for.
Hospital gowns - aside from being unattractive - are dysfunctional to the wearer. A wonderful feature of dearjohnnies is the snap-down sleeves at the shoulder that allow you to unsnap and fold down the front of the gown for easy nursing access, or medical attention. The back of the gown has snaps as well as ties – this means no exposure to parts of your body you’d rather no one sees. Designed totally with comfort in mind - tailored, yet loose fitting, dearjohnnies can be worn during labor, in the days following your recovery and at home during the weeks to follow. Modern and tasteful, the gowns are executed from soft cotton print fabrics with grosgrain ribbon trim neckline and nice little bows you tie right down your back. You could even bring your gown to your next OBGYN visit.
So refreshing are the gowns they've been worn and loved by celebrities like Mariska Hargitay, Brooke Shields, and Tori Spelling as well as non-celeb mothers.

The philosophy behind dearjohnnies is fairly simple. The company embodies the idea that having a baby is an extraordinary experience and mothers deserve to wear something better than an ordinary hospital gown. Another fabulous mother innovation – and a Haute Mama favourite. For you fashionistas out there: Think Liberty (of London) for labour.

To purchase online and view the collection visit: http://www.dearjohnnies.com/

Breastfeeding Vixen!

Here’s what I love: sexy lingerie. Here’s what I don’t’: boring old granny bras. Do you really want your top ripped off to reveal something that says stay away from me I’m breastfeeding? Or would you prefer, come hither, and yes, I am nursing, but I still need some action!
Well, a question I am frequently asked is: Do you know where I can get a sexy (or cute), nursing bra? The answer is always YES!!! 
My personal favourite (and Gwen Stefani), is by Agent Provocateur – while they only offer one design, ‘Cupid’ in three colours, it offers ample support, goes up to a size 36G, looks very sexy, and by that I mean, once done with the babe, you can move right onto to your partner. Agent Provocateur’s bras are not tarty, they are constructed very well, the sex appeal is in the design, a 1950’s homage to an era when breasts were naturally more plump, and a voluptuous figure considered the perfect body as appose to super skinny pancake chest.
I’m not saying we should all sport a Betty page bosom or have sex right after breastfeeding – since each woman is different and realistically speaking, one is generally exhausted after a feed, not to mention starving! I’m simply stating it’s nice to know for your own self that you’re a Haute Mama, and should the feeling arise, you’re undergarments are ready.

The ‘Cupid’ collection also offers a sexy waist-cinching corset style brief. These underclothes feature a band of super elastic applying pressure to the lower ribcage without being constricting. The brief flatters the waistline plus you can attach stockings to the suspender straps for a night of pure passion.
You might be wondering what the point of wearing something that looks like it might suffocate you is? Simple – it will help you regain your figure quite literally. Waist-cinching undergarments are nothing new. What do you think Spanx are for? Many celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Richie swear by them, for regaining their post baby bellies, and in Singapore almost every new mother sports a ‘birth girdle’ to “help shrink their stomach back”. So why not wear a specifically designed item to pull your waist back into shape. Think of it as mummy tummy time!

Now, if Agent Provocateur is not quite your style, there are several other options available by different lingerie designers that I also like. Click on ‘Fabulous Nursing Bra’s’ on the left for more pictures and links to other nursing bra designers. 

To shop online at Agent Provocateur visit: http://www.agentprovocateur.com/maternity.php

Mammary Mavens

I love that maternity can be sexy, fun, and fashionable, but what happened to post birth beauty? More and more pregnant woman are seeking to improve their pregnancy personal style as their baby bump grows, so why not extend it into post partum and nursing?
You’re breasts go through some pretty heavy duty treatment in the first couple of weeks post birth, why not consider spoiling yourself – specifically your body and those milk producing mammaries!
Now you can. Last week, I received an innovative and enjoyable nightgown from a company called Larrivo at the Boom Boom Room gifting suit event (see earlier article). I was thrilled to discover Larrivo, a company celebrating motherhood, and enjoyed by celebrity mothers, Rachel Weisz, Halle Berry and Courteney Cox. Though not limiting their designs to strictly nursing. Larrivo garments can be worn during pregnancy, while nursing and beyond. They offer fresh and fabulous nursing nighties, pajamas, loungewear and accessorizing tie front shrugs all offering superior comfort and a very supportive fit.
Larrivo’s sumptuous fabric is made from a luxurious rayon blend with 4-way stretch. A patented built-in bra called the NurtureBra Support System, gives firm reinforcement without constriction. The snaps are strong, and nicely concealed, yet easy to unsnap for quick access. The high wasted empire line is delicately trimmed with ribbon, while a grosgrain scallop trim beautifies the neckline. Extra support is supplied from sleek fully adjustable double spaghetti straps. It all adds up to one of the most comfortable nursing designs I have tried, and it washes well, which is important to me as I throw everything in my machine!
The designs are practical, beautiful and most importantly, comfortable. Now you’ll have something to wear when your friends and family visit and its time to nurse the baby. You celebrate your new babies arrival so why not celebrate yours?

Visit: http://www.larrivo.com

The Perfect Pregnancy Top

The perfect top can be tricky to find on any non-pregnant day, and that’s one of the reasons I love Isabella Oliver – the tops will take you from day into night, to the beach or to the city looking chic and stylish. Isabella Oliver also happens to be a favourite amongst Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Amanda Peet, Marcia Cross, Heidi Klum, Isla Fisher and Julianna Marguiles to name a few.
The label understands that being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t exist in style. Their S/S 08 collection showcases designs that are perfect for summer breaks be it a quick weekend away to the country or a picture perfect island getaway. 
The tops are available in a vast selection of styles, from basic tanks, v-necks and scoop necks to wrap blouses, bandeaus and halters. There is literally something for every body type. 
The reason I love this label so much is due to its versatility and creative signature wrapping and ruching that fit at every stage of pregnancy. You can seamlessly transition any of their tops, and most of the entire collection for that matter, into a post-baby wardrobe. If you’re wondering about the “signature wrapping” swathes of fabric wrap and tie your bump allowing the wearer to tie a bow, drape, or twist. What other top allows endless flexibility creating effortless summer chic for curve-enhancing style? With or without child, the search for the perfect top is over.

To view the entire collection visit: http://www.isabellaoliver.com

The Boom Boom Room

Last week the love was in full bloom at fashion guru Jayneoni Moore's Boom Boom Room where celebrities, media and stylists came out to this exclusive event to see the hottest items for babies and young children. The Boom Boom Room’s focus is the charitable goal of The Jayneoni Moore Children's Fund, which supports reading programs by providing books to low income area schools.
According to Jayneoni Moore “babies are the hottest thing in Hollywood right now." And Wednesday’s event proved Moore right with a jam-packed room. I could barely navigate through the sea of devoted subjects.
The event usually kicks off the awards season in Los Angeles, but after five years in LA, the much-anticipated Boom Boom Room kicked off TV Upfronts Week for the first time in New York City from a large bright loft in Manhattan’s Union Square.
From cutting-edge innovation to classics-in-the-making, there were items for everyone at this affair with a showcase of the latest in baby and child gear and apparel as well as a little something for the Haute Mama in us all!
The Boom Boom Room is one of the largest celebrity gifting suites in LA, with premium vendors on site showcasing their products, collections and concepts to expecting and new parents, as well as those who have slightly older children.
The charity event presented 42 elite parenting brands from luxurious to practical. Some of the innovative items I received and think are really worth considering included: Seven Smooches http://7smooches.com  beautifully made blankets, sweaters, hats and booties all from pre-used cashmere, wool and new organic cotton; Larrivo http://www.larrivo.com nursing sleepwear; Mimic Baby Sign DVD; Mama Om swim suits for mother and child; Jenerations Baby body and hair products; SmartMom Teething Bling; Bear Hands gloves; A Natural Home http://www.anaturalhome.com baby toys and furniture; Chic Tots Blanket/Bag; LAF Brand Rollable Diaper Caddy; Dear Johnnies ‘better hospital gown’; Elodie Details gorgeous footmuffs, cute baby bottles and their exclusive collection gold and silver pacifiers that come in jewellery boxes! Don't worry, they're not real precious metals.
Another hard day at the office - I think I could get used to attending gifting suits!

Belle Of The Ball

One of my all time favourite maternity designers, Isabella Oliver has just introduced a new line to their collection. It’s called the ‘365’, and as the name suggests, is a year round collection designed to be worn pre-baby, pregnant and post-birth. The pieces are elegant and super versatile featuring ruched tops and dresses made from their fabric of choice, a signature soft jersey (a blend of viscose and elastane), as well as lengthy sweaters worn as dresses before and after baby, and as a tunic during pregnancy, lets not forget their stunning wrap coats and dresses that cascade over the body creating a very flattering silhouette.
Isabella Oiliver is a British design duo, and presently only sold online. The company passionately embraces femininity by highlighting your pregnant curves, and following your form seamlessly with sleek shapes, clean cuts and solid colours.      
For those of you on the pregnant celebrity style search, this past Sunday, April 6th Jessica Alba stepped out for her baby shower in Isabella Oliver’s 'Audrey Dress' at the Ever After Tea House in California. The 'Audrey Dress' is full length, with wide gathered shoulder straps and a cleverly hidden build in bra for extra support. It is available in solid black and white. Jessica wore it in black.
To shop for Jessica’s look and view the entire collection, visit:

www.isabellaoliver.com 

A Sassy Sundress

The pregnant celebrity gives us even more of a reason to observe and admire that personal character shaped into a distinctive form of artistic expressive garb.
Nicole Richie is one person we’ve witnessed transform from ‘princess of pop’ offspring wearing Juicy Couture sweats and multi-hued tresses on “The Simple Life”, not to mention gathering attention via the breast flash on the catwalk to fabulous style icon we love to emulate.
Richie is wearing a gorgeous Roberto Cavalli dress, a perfect and very complimentary choice. To get this trend specific look pop into stores like Scoop or Barney’s for seasonal styles, and for an even greater selection of off the rack, head to Bloomingdales or H&M to find Roberto Cavalli inspirations. Cavalli actually does design a line for H&M, though not all boutiques carry his range. 
The Spring/Summer trend of long flowing sundresses is a wonderful option for an expectant mother, giving you breezy mobility and is lightweight and sleeveless, creating a perfect blend of modesty and exposure.
If you’re shopping at a non-maternity store and looking to spend a little more, think of two things: cut and fabric. An empire wasted cotton dress for example will accommodate a growing belly, while the cotton keeps you cool. If selecting something more form fitting, then go for something stretchy in sheer mercerized cotton, or tencel which has a lot of elasticity. There’s no harm in buying maternity, and this season sees a lot of fabulous runway inspired designs at chains like Mimi Maternity and Old Navy where you can find some very cute full-length sundresses. So let a love of colours, embellishment and exotic patterns and prints rock your summer!

Expectant Stars

Now that more and more designers are creating maternity looks we can continue with our star watching voyeurism from the moment a celebrity announces her pregnancy right through birth. And what fun it is! This means a door has opened to the world of maternity wear.
If you're influenced by a favourite celebrities pregnant look - do what you would usually do when taking a page from someone else's book - emulate that look.
For example, if you like Gwen Stefani consider her signature maternity style. Chose an empire waist line, or a deep V-neck? Stefani wore kaftan inspired dresses with high wastes during her first pregnancy. The key features of the dress or outfit are what you should look for, then style accordingly by pulling your hair back into a chignon and donning Gwen's signature red lipstick!