Tatyanna Wright's Haute Mama

Creative Carrier

Functioning essentials for the modern mother are often hard to come by, particularly if you are looking for a product to suit a specific need and your personal style.
Here’s a clever little mother inspired innovation – part blanket, part bag. It’s called the “Chic&Cozy Blanket Bag”, and it’s part of a line designed by Chic Tots to make your life as a mother easier.

Simply pack up your baby's toys inside the bag and off you go. When you arrive at your destination, just pull the bag open and voila! An instant blanket with babies favourite toys ready to play.
It literally takes two seconds to open up your bag on the floor or ground and place your baby in the centre. The smooth plush fabric is sumptuous and soft perfect for tummy time. Its also great for older children to carry books in, or a picnic for the park.
When you’re done playing, simply ruche the fabric down from the straps and away you go. The straps of the bag can be twisted transforming your bag into a completely functioning tote, or simply leave them long. There is a small pocket on the inside of the bag, but I think it’s worth purchasing the “Chic&Carry Wristlet” – a mini rectangular diaper bag that can be worn on the wrist - to hold your cell phone, wallet, keys, and of course diapers and wipes. It’s a convenient matching accessory to when you have your bag open as a blanket in the park.
A celebrity favourite and highly recommended as a “Mummy Must Have” by Pregnancy and Newborn magazine, this diaper bag-tote-play-mat-blanket-changing-mat all in one easy to throw over your shoulder innovation is even completely machine washable!
So for your next outing sans stroller, or road trip - try this very practical creative carrier.

To purchase online, visit:http://www.chictots.com

Philip Lim Berko for Birkos

New Yorkers are going berserk for Birkenstocks. Why this sudden craze? Could it be the warmer weather, could it be eco is so in that the German tourist look is so utterly fabulous this season, or could it be another possibility…?
Possibilities are exactly what Philip Lim likes to offer. He also happens to love Birkenstocks, so it makes total sense that Lim would team up with Birkenstock’s Tatami label to design a collection. Philip Lim has taken the lead at Tatami where Heidi Klum left off at Birkenstock, designing a range of elegant strappy sandals at very affordabel prices.
3.1 Philip Lim Tatami’s are flat, fabulous and full of support. They are the ultimate fusion of comfort and style. If you’re wondering what the difference between Tatami and Birkenstocks is, well – its fairly simple: A couple of Birkenstock family members license the original Birkenstock sole and market other brands of footwear such as Tatami, Papillio, Birki's, Betula and Footprints. It’s essentially the same shoe with a hot young designer attached.
Not only are they fashion forward, but an excellent choice for pregnancy since Birkenstock footbeds are made from cork, natural latex and jute, and are contoured in the shape of the foot. These contours ensure proper weight distribution with raised arches to help support the foot’s natural shape and structure, while a toe bar allows the toes to grip and flex stimulating circulation, exercising the leg, and helping to maintain balance. A deep heel cup provides stability as well as shock absorbing support for your added pregnancy weight. It’s like walking on a buoyant supportive sponge, contracting and retracting with every step.

The shoes are flying of the shelves. They’ve sold out in Lim’s Soho store. I chanced upon mine in Dumbo, Brooklyn at Zoe where they were receiving calls from a buyer desperate for a pair in leopard print ponyskin!
To buy your 3.1 Philip Lim Tatami’s online head to:
http://www.net-a-porter.com 

A Wrap Or Cozy?

Call it a cozy, call it a wrap, but whatever you name this cardigan meets shawl it’s a cleverly versatile item of clothing and comes in a range of styles, lengths and fabrics.
There’s nothing new about shawls or cardigans, but what Donna Karan did was take the wrap concept and give it a fresh spin, hence introducing the ‘cozy’ - now a seasonal staple at DKNY. Cozy’s are available in wool, cashmere, angora, alpaca, cotton and a blend of the aforementioned. The spring/summer collection features cozies made from linen, rayon and cotton. DKNY also give you a little booklet demonstrating the 12 ways to wear a cozy.    
There are so many combinations of twists, ties and drapery to make yourself casually chic – a simple way to dress up any outfit – even work out gear – I wear my black wool DKNY ‘cozy’ to yoga or pilates, its so comfy and warm I feel like snuggling up on the couch – which is another thing I do when wearing my angora cozy. And then I’ll wear my sleeveless cozy beneath a blazer hanging long, yet fitted with a nice wide belt, elegantly draping over a pair of trousers. During pregnancy my wraps and cozy’s became a mainstay and a means of quickly accessorizing when I wasn’t feeling my best. Once in my cozy, I felt ‘styled’, often receiving comments from passersby on how nice I looked pregnant. Which always makes you feel good.   
While DKNY is more earthy another designer with a passion for wrapping, Sonya Madden showcases luxurious details like tiny mother of pearl buttons on three-quarter length sleeves with a bright and colourful palette. Her motto “wears like a cardigan, wraps like a pashmina” speaks for itself when you take those lengthy front panels and delicately swathe yourself. 
Either way you’ve just got to have one whether you’re pregnant or not!
Shop online for DKNY at: http://www.dkny.com/womens/index.php/
And for Sonya Madden at: http://www.citibabes.com

American Vintage

Whilst out in LA last week I discovered the perfect synergy in a boutique named Ethel, showcasing a wonderful label called American Vintage.
Ethel’s earthy vibe welcomed me in with warmth and a pleasantly surprising selection of well-priced t-shirts, tops and dresses for this part of town that neighbours Beverly Hills. It is also wide enough to push my stroller around as well as fit my sleeping son into the dressing room – these two things are always a plus when one discovers a new shopping treat.   
Ethel carries a good selection of eco-apparel, lines like Stewart+Brown and Park Vogel, as well as James Perse, C&C California and my new find, American Vintage. While Ethel doesn’t have a website a simple web search will give you contact details and plenty of good online reviews. 
American Vintage (“AV”) is actually a relatively new French label based in the South of France.
The line is a combination of simple, feminine easy flowing pieces with a layering motto leaving the wearer to create their own look.  And with styles named after the American states, you could be in a new state everyday.
AV is perfect for those steamy summer months when pregnancy can be at its most uncomfortable. A little web research revealed AV isn’t widely available in the US, though the collection feels like it could be found at Calypso boutiques. Though e-retail isn’t a functionality of AV’s website yet, you can still view the complete collection at www.am-vintage.com 
So plan a last minute pre-baby trip to France or LA to pick up some summer essentials or - Thank goodness for the Internet! - shop online at:
http://www.monshowroom.com   

Spring Has Sprung!

And with it comes resort style - showcased in tropical prints, bright colours and flower buds all setting the tone for vacation must haves.
One of the prettiest maternity collections this spring/summer is showcased at Old Navy, featuring petal-like shades of green and pink in the form of little sundresses, sweet faux kimono tops and the seasons must-have: the swimsuit cover-up.
Though sarongs have long been the classic swimsuit cover-up, tunics are fast becoming a pregnancy fashion favourite for their longer sleeves (to conceal that pregnancy arm flab!), high elasticized waist, cute tie front and versatility as a sassy summer dress. Just make sure you layer with a little tank and some leggings since most cover-ups are super-sheer. 
Perfect for the pool or beach, be sure you wrap you hair in a head scarf, wear a pair of large black framed sunglass, and don a wide rimmed raw silk hat to top of your beach glam Grace Kelly “To Catch a Thief” look.

http://www.oldnavy.com

An Unexpected Find

What a cute look for Spring. I have to say I was completely surprised with this sweet little jacket.
And you’ll never guess where it’s from…JC Penny online.
They carry a collection called a.n.a Maternity – You really can’t go wrong with something this cute and so inexpensive – priced between $33 - $44. Who can resist the temptation whether you need it or not!
The entire look is great. It’s fresh, fun, and flirty with oh so practical details like its simple rounded neckline, soft pleats and ¾ length sleeves make this a maternity wardrobe mainstay. You can pair it with denim, trousers or over a simple dress.
I’m seriously thinking of becoming pregnant again just to shop there! Watch out Mimi Maternity and Motherhood, JC Penny is hot on your trails as a destination in affordable pregnancy apparel!

http://www2.jcpenney.com

Full Figured Goddess

This very sweet dress is flattering, comfortable and stylish. What more could you want from a frock?
Delicate details like a favourable crossover neckline complemented by elegant cap sleeves offering its wearer a classic pregnancy look.
So who’s behind this fine design? Lane Bryant – the name synonymous with forward fashion for full figured woman – has a maternity line. Lane Bryant’s impressive complementary collection of everyday looks makes it the perfect stop for pregnancy.
Destined to become a fashion favorite, this subtle, yet sultry maternity dress is made of woven cotton poplin, making it soft and smooth, while the short sleeves allow for cooling comfort. Simply put, its relaxed elegance.

http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lb_maternity_landingpage?PAGEID=1617

A Modern Take On An Old Technique

If you’re having a day where you feel less than swanky, then consider a simple outfit in muted solid colours, drawing attention away from your beautiful belly. Instead try accessorizing with pieces you wouldn’t normally pick like an oversized bangle, several stacked bracelets, or even an elegant bejewelled headband. 
The right accessories can add so much to an outfit, and since pregnancy can be a time when your fashion moods sway more than the tide why not ponder the revitalized art form of scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw is a traditional technique of painstakingly etching onto ivory or bone with ink rubbed into the scratches illuminating text or an image. It was essentially a leisure activity for whalers that began on whaling ships and survived until the ban on commercial whaling. While scrimshaw is rarely done on whale bone today, the art is still practiced by a few artists, and jewellry designer Jessica Cushman is one of them. Cushman originally learned scrimshaw from her father, who took up the craft in the 1960's – and is taking the art form to another level: “Creating scrimshawed antique ivory bracelets that lie somewhere between a tattoo and a bumper sticker”.
Cushman’s pre-ban, antique ivory bracelets and resin reproductions are all hand inked and hand finished with quotes and phrases, from movies, literature and in some cases, New York graffiti, taking a traditional craft and adding wry, modern wit.
http://www.jessicacushman.com/

Temperley’s Tatyana

I have to say, I was thrilled when I discovered this beautiful Temperley dress (shown below), and it’s named after me - Tatyanna!
It’s not really named after me, but it is called The Tatyana (with one ‘n’), and in sumptuous soft silk, with shell knit details around the sleeves & hem I simply couldn’t resist sharing this vintage-inspired wonderful transitional dress.
Alice Temperley’s collection is classic yet versatile with details and craftsmanship showcased in beaded and bejeweled dresses delightfully suitable for day or night. Her collection of loose flowing silhouettes and body conscious knits are made from a variety of fine fibers ranging from chiffon and velvety crepe to beautifully lined knits of cashmere and silk.  Since the knits are lined they won’t cling to your lumpy bits and ever growing bump but rather, fall elegantly off your body.
Temperley London is one of the most perfect transitional labels with styles that seamlessly take you from pre-pregnancy to maternity and back. Temperley’s expanding collection also includes more tailored pieces for when you’ve got your waist line back!
View a selection at:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Temperley-London 

The Perfect Coat

Though its late in the winter season you've found you have outgrown your coat. Thanks to your prominent bundle of love your coat won't fasten and there's still a couple more months of cold weather, and if that isn't enough, finding a perfectly fitting winter coat or jacket whist 8 months pregnant adds to the challenge.
One of the good things about shopping for a coat late winter is sale time. Though you may not have a vast selection available, you won't be paying full price. At this late stage in the season, a good place to start is online or at a major retailer where you'll have more to chose from if your favourite boutique already has its spring/summer collection in the store.
If your belly is quite large, consider shopping at a maternity boutique - one that stocks a good selection of hip brands, that way you'll have a better chance of finding a design that suits your groovy style.
But don't dismiss stores like the Gap - they usually have stock online - and with their new European collection, you can find something cute that won't strench your wallet.
And what could be more sensational than a coat you can potentially wear post maternity, and in gold brocade wool - like the one pictured? This classic cut, might be the best maternity coat I've seen.
Visit: www.blossommotherandchild.com 
Take a look in the side bar and click on the 'Perfect Coat' tab to view more looks and links to stylish maternity websites.