Posts Tagged ‘ Fashion ’

Rosie to the Rescue: Stylish Summer Dresses for Mom-to-Be

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Rosie PopeCheck out blog posts by multitalented mompreneur Rosie Pope every week at Parents.com!

Tis’ the season for celebrations! Be it bridal to baby showers, weddings or garden parties, they all have one thing in common: You will almost certainly need to wear a dress, unless you plan to be ultra chic in a pantsuit—which isn’t the easiest look to pull off while pregnant if you ask me.

So many of my pregnant clients have a love-hate relationship with these events. On the one hand, these social outings can be exciting and a great opportunity to show off your bump, but on the other, it’s a little more work to ditch the leggings, tunic and flats for something a little more sassy and a lot more dressed up.

The key to selecting the perfect dress for this summer’s occasions is to make sure it’s either fabulous enough, and versatile enough, to wear to multiple events. (That’s right: When you’re pregnant, you’re allowed to repeat.) Also, make sure it shows off your current favorite asset. I know it can be tough, but pick the one thing you still like: legs, arms, boobs, tush, neck, and, if all else fails, then love thy bump! Most importantly, remember the mantra “look good, feel good,” and invest in a dress that is going to make you feel great about yourself all season long.

These are my summer style tips intended to enhance your favorite feature:

Sexy shoulders and back Show them off in a summery cut. Go bare in a strapless gown, or opt for slightly more coverage in a halter or tank style.

Great-looking legs Select a dress that allows you to show a lot of leg, but still features elements that draw the attention up towards your face. A great option is a flowy mini with a jeweled neckline, the Stella Dress in Black.

Sublime neckline It’s okay if you are still learning to love your growing body, but you can always feature a stunning neckline. Choose a dress that is flowing and bohemian to cover any problem areas, but keep it feminine with a few lacy details or accents.

Flattering bustline Choose a dress that has some extra fabric around the bust so your blossoming bosom can fill it out, yet you won’t feel self-conscious about clingy fabric. One of my favorites is the Charlotte Dress in Emerald.

Superior posterior If you are loving your derriere, then highlight it in a tight style made in a thicker fabric that incorporates spandex. Be sure to pick a dress that generally covers up elsewhere to keep it tasteful.

Beautiful baby bump Show off your growing belly in an empire-waist dress or a look that belts just above the bump.

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7 Maternity Style Tips from Liz Lange

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

Putting together a fashionable wardrobe during pregnancy can be a tricky business, and things only get more complicated as hot summer weather approaches. Luckily, designer Liz Lange is here to help!

Liz started her clothing line during her own pregnancy, when she discovered it was impossible to find flattering and sophisticated maternity clothes. “My idea was to design pieces with more fitted silhouettes that looked chic and complemented the body,” she says. “I built my brand around this idea of celebrating the bump—not hiding it.”

Now, she gives us her top fashion tips for moms-to-be:

1. Embrace the bump. “Trust me, it’s more flattering to flaunt it than hide it,” she says. “I incorporate lots of stretchy fabrics and side-ruching into my Target line to flatter the figure and really highlight the bump.”

2. Stay true to your own style. “Maternity wear has evolved so much over the years. There’s no need to wear oversized, shapeless dresses or your husband’s sweats, because women can now find cute, stylish maternity apparel that suits their unique fashion sense,” she says. Many of Liz’s designs incorporate cut-outs, lace paneling and color-blocking to let women express themselves.

3. Be daring. “I love bright colors and bold prints on a pregnant woman—in the right proportions, they’re surprisingly flattering,” Liz says. But if you’re going for a more subtle look, she recommends sticking with neutrals and incorporating trendy, punchy accessories into your outfit instead.

4. Don’t be afraid to show some skin. “Highlight the thinnest parts of your figure—your arms and toned legs—with tanks, mini-dresses and shorts. If you’re uncomfortable baring your belly at the beach, try a tankini. They provide the security of extra coverage while still drawing attention to the right places. I especially love versions with convertible straps so you can go halter or strapless.” Her favorite summertime item is a simple dress, perfect for the office or a day by the pool.

5. Wear sensible (but cute!) shoes. “No teetering around on high heels! Opt for wedges or a low kitten heel if you need a little lift.”

6. Invest in a few classic essentials. Liz recommends a great-fitting pair of maternity jeans (ideally in a darker wash so they’re easier to dress up) and a versatile black dress. “These two pieces will take you everywhere you need to go, day or night,” she says.

7. Above all, enjoy yourself. “This is an exciting, celebratory time so have fun with maternity fashion!”

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5 Celebrity Moms Share Back-to-School Advice

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

This post was written by our friends at Celebrity Baby Scoop.

For many families, the back-to-school rush can be overwhelming and chaotic. Some of our favorite celebrity moms are helping to alleviate some of that stress and anxiety by sharing their best advice. From Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s G-Free snacks, to Bethenny Frankel’s best bargains, to Brooke Burke-Charvet’s must-haves, read some great back-to-school tips from Hollywood’s moms.

Brooke Burke-Charvet
Dancing With the Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet and husband David Charvet are parents to four kids: Neriah, 12, Sierra, 10, Rain, 5, and Shaya, 4. The mom-of-four wrote on her blog about preparing for the new school year:

“Back to school starts now in my house even though all four of my kids are returning at different times. This year will be my most challenging school year yet. Four kids in three different schools with four different drop-off and pick-up times.

Thankfully my youngest, Shaya, will still enjoy our beloved homeschool for two days a week. We decided to put him in a “regular” program three days a week so he’ll be with more kids as his sister is moving up to kindergarten.

I hate online paperwork and envy the parents with only one child. I literally have folders, separate file cabinets for each kid, their rosters, forms, sports and miscellaneous important documents. It’s a LOT to organize. Does anyone else feel that there are way too many orientations, meet-and-greets, pot lucks and social activities this month? Multiply it by four and you can imagine my schedule. Plus during BTS nights, I am divided in numerous classrooms and for SURE missing something.

I spent the day labeling backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles and clothes.

Here are some of my BTS MUST-HAVES. My kids love them all and it truly helps to have some go-to items to help you keep it together.”

Continue reading at Burke-Charvet’s blog ModernMom.

Alison Sweeney
Days of our Lives star Alison Sweeney is mom to son Ben, 7, and daughter Megan, 3. The Biggest Loser host is also a blogger and shared some of her best back-to-school fashion tips for the “stylin’ mom” on AlisonSweeney.com:

“School is starting again, and that means meeting lots of new people, for your kids and you. I love attending back-to-school nights and open houses and other evening events at Ben’s school and Megan’s preschool because it’s a chance to learn more about their teachers and interact with their classmates’ parents.

When I get ready for something like that, I keep my outfit simple and comfortable, but I definitely get more dressed up than I would for school pickup or running around at the playground.”

Continue reading Alison Sweeney’s back-to-school fashion tips at AlisonSweeney.com.

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The 10 Best-Dressed Celebrity Moms

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

This post was written by our friends at Celebrity Baby Scoop.

We love seeing our favorite celebrity moms in their everyday funky fashions. Whether it’s Jessica Alba’s newest scarf, or Victoria Beckham’s sky-high stilettos, we can’t get enough of Tinseltown’s latest trends.

According to CelebrityBabyScoop’s recent Readers’ Choice Awards, these are the 10 best-dressed, high-profile mamas in Hollywood:

1. Victoria Beckham

Mom-of-four Victoria Beckham never ceases to amaze us with her signature Louboutins, sleek designs and overall flair for fashion. Does she ever wear yoga pants and jeans like most moms? Probably not, and that’s why we love Vicki’s mom style the most.

2. Jessica Alba

Often seen in scarves, fedoras, and carrying oversized bags, actress Jessica Alba is dressed to impress while out and about with her two daughters. While her daughters sometimes steal the show in their own fashion statements, Jessica keeps the trends current with layers, patterns, and bright splashes of color.

3. Jennifer Garner

Mom-of-three Jennifer Garner is our favorite celebrity mom year after year. And it’s her carefree, casual fashions that make us love her even more! Often spotted in jeans, tees, and cardigans, Jen usually keeps it low-key in little to no makeup and sneakers. While some criticize the actress for her casual attire, most of us are happy to see a Hollywood star dress like us everyday moms!

4. Gwen Stefani

From street chic to Hollywood glam, Gwen Stefani knows how to rock the trends! A successful fashion designer in her own right, Gwen often talks about the importance of fashion and maintaining her image in Hollywood. And not to mention her sons’ funky duds! We always love seeing what Gwen and her boys are wearing.

5. Angelina Jolie

It’s rare to see Angelina Jolie in casual clothes and colors. The mom-of-six is often sporting black skirts and dresses, paired with heels and shades. Although she has such a busy household, Angie always looks polished and stylish, giving her the No. 5 spot on our best dressed list.

And rounding out the top 10 best dressed celebrity moms are Nicole Richie, Selma Blair, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and Pink.

Who’s your favorite fashionista?

More Celebrity Mom & Baby Stories from CelebrityBabyScoop:

Pics: Favorite Celebs & Their Adorable Families

Alison Sweeney: “I Stay Healthy For My Kids, My Husband & For Me”

5 Celebrity Moms Explain Their Colorful Past To Their Kids

Celebrity Moms On Losing the Baby Weight

Kendra Wilkinson On Playboy Past, Motherhood, Baby No. 2

Celebrity Baby Scoop is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

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American Baby’s Baby Booty: Win $100 of Mini Boden

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

Babies don’t go back to school, but that doesn’t mean your tiny person couldn’t use some new fall clothes. Since I’m clothes-shopping for my biggies this month, I have the itch to blog about brands I’ve loved since they were small, starting with Mini Boden. It’s a Web site and a catalog out of England, run by Johnnie Boden, a dad.

Their stuff isn’t the cheapest, but it is very well-made. I’d compare it to Gap quality. It’s got a British design flair, with a lot of sweet plaids, darling appliques, and pretty trims. A pack of five different, thick, long-sleeved bodysuits like the ones shown here is $46. If you sign up for their emails, you’ll get a free-shipping offer what seems like every few weeks, which saves you a $10 charge.

PS although it’s much more fun to buy baby clothes, you should know that Boden also makes maternity clothes. We use their $34 leggings in a lot of our maternity fashion shoots. They’re soft and silky and I’m not too ashamed to say that maybe, just maybe, some of us wear them when we aren’t pregnant too.

Whether you need baby clothes, maternity clothes, big-kid clothes or something for your guy, I think you’d be happy with anything from Boden. To make it easier, I’ve begged the Boden folks to give one fortunate poster a $100 giftcard. (You’re welcome!) Leave a comment, up to one a day, anytime from now until the end of the day on Wednesday, August 15th. We’ll randomly pick one post for the $100 giftcard. You can read the full rules here. Goody luck! 

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10 Fashion Forward Celebrity Kids

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

Suri CruiseThis post was written by our friends at Celebrity Baby Scoop.

Move over young Hollywood — these mini fashionistas are taking over as the new trendsetters in Tinseltown!

With fashion designers as moms, it’s no wonder that celeb kids such as Kingston Rossdale, Skyler Berman, Suri Cruise and Harper Beckham are seen in today’s top fashions.

“It is too much fun. It is like dressing a live doll,” Rachel Zoe said of dressing her 1-year-old son Skyler with husband Rodger Berman. “He has no opinion. Every minute I have to buy things for my son,” she confessed.

And not to mention Suri Cruise‘s fashion statements!

Her mom Katie Holmes came clean about Suri’s lack of weather-appropriate attire, admitting it can be “embarrassing.”

“Recently, Suri and I were taking a walk and a fight got started because it was cold outside and she didn’t want to wear her coat,” Katie said. “My philosophy is, well, fine, because after a block of walking you’re going to ask me for your coat. So the pictures of her [without a coat in cold weather] are sort of embarrassing.”

Suri’s Top Gun papa, Tom Cruise, has also weighed in on Suri’s much-talked-about fashion choices — such as her heels and lipstick.

“Listen, I believe that she (should wear) whatever she wants to wear,” Tom said. “She dresses herself. I want to encourage her creativity and her own self-expression. I think that’s important for the child’s own identity.”

The doting daddy went on to say that Suri is “so sweet” that it’s hard to say “no” to her.

With Harper Beckham‘s mom making a name for herself in the fashion industry, it’s no stretch to hear that her wardrobe is full of fancy duds!

“She has so many little dresses!” dad David Beckham said of his 11-month-old daughter with Victoria Beckham. “I didn’t realize how excited I would get over buying hair bows.”

Harper looked cute as a button when we spotted the mini-fashionista with her posh mama at LAX, sporting a Little Marc Jacobs Isis Even Stripe Dress ($119) and a pair of Chloe tights ($50).

The always stylish Gwen Stefani said she lets her stylish 6-year-old son Kingston pick out his own clothes.

“At that age they like to be in control of everything, so I let him choose,” the L.A.M.B. designer said. “Luckily, everything in his closet is cute so no matter what he picks, he’s gonna look good. For a while he was into costumes. Now he doesn’t even want to wear shoes.”

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‘Out of Print’ Clothing Releases Kids’ T-Shirts Featuring Children’s Books

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

I’m a big fan of clever and unique t-shirts, especially literary-themed ones from the company Out of Print, which puts familiar and unique covers of famous classic and modern classic books on super soft tees.  (For the record, I own a gray Pride and Prejudice tee  and a white The Great Gatsby tee with an art deco design.)

As the Toddlers/Preschoolers editor at Parents.com and a fan of childen’s books, I’m excited that Out of Print launched a collection of kids’ t-shirts showcasing covers of classic and popular children’s books such as The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte’s Web,  The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harold and the Purple Crayon, In the Night Kitchen, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, and more. 

The tees are unisex for ages 2 to 6 and cost between $22-24.  As with all Out of Print t-shirts, for each one sold, one book is donated to a community in need through Books of Africa.

Now, I’m counting down the days until these children’s books make their way onto adult-sized tees…

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American Baby’s Baby Booty: Get a $100 Wish Card for Chasing Fireflies

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

I looooove dressing my kids up for the holidays. They look so precious in special clothes. Especially Grace. There’s no denying that it’s more fun to dress up a girl than a boy. Though my son Joe had some cute outfits as a baby.

Check him out in a tie at his very first Christmas, back in 2005.

My kids are 6 and 9 now, and it gets harder and harder to use them as my own living dolls. Grace is hot and cold on dresses. She did don a brown one for two days straight over Thanksgiving because she got it in her head that she wanted to be a Native American maiden. But she never once wore a dress to third grade last year. Now that we’re a few months into fourth grade, she just told me last night that she wants to start wearing dresses “that aren’t too dressy.” So I’ve got to decode that request. My girl was in nothing but gowns when she was ages 2, 3, 4, and 5—those prime princess years. Sigh! Here she is looking like an angel at Christmas 2007.

So pretty!

So how do I satisfy my urge to play with tiny, adorable outfits now that my kids are school-age? Fortunately I work at American Baby, and even more fortunately I have an assistant, Hallie, who loves clothes the way most people love food. Hallie and I look for any excuse to call in outfits. Even if we can’t get the space in the magazine to do a whole fashion spread, we can put up an online slideshow. You can see our latest here, it’s a bunch of comfy Christmas outfits for infants.

Hallie and I have a lot of favorite baby-clothes companies that we call on. But when it comes to just mooning over special dresses, it’s hard to top the Chasing Fireflies catalog. They showcase gorgeous photography, well-made clothes, and happy kids. Their Web site doesn’t do them justice, but it’s still fun to look at: Chasing-Fireflies.com. And sign up for the catalog if you want a real treat to arrive by mail. Maybe the upcoming holidays give you an excuse to buy the $44 Santa baby romper, or the $68 angel romper, or their amazing “fireworks dress” that comes as small as 12 months. Go ahead and do it. I’ll try not to cry with jealousy as I wrestle my kids into some reindeer-themed T-shirt and call that fancy.

Their Winter catalog

And now the exciting part: I reached out to our Chasing Fireflies contact, and they’ll give one lucky reader a $100 gift card, which they call a wish card. Enjoy the dress-up years while you have them! Just leave a comment here on this post by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 7th, to be eligible for the wish card. You can post once a day. For full rules, click here. Goody luck!

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