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Maternity Style: Layer Things Up for Fall

The change of the seasons means it will soon be time to don those sweaters and cardigans, pick out some stylish boots and sport jackets and full-sleeve tops. When you’re pregnant over the fall season, it can be hard to figure out how to put together a stylish but functional ensemble that will keep you comfortable as the temperature changes. The secret to looking great this season? It’s all about the layers.

Layering your look is a simple way to wear your favorite pieces all year long and create a fresh new look each day. When you’re pregnant, you also need to think about staying cool and comfortable when those hormones start to get the best of you. Fall is a great time to layer clothes such as tank tops, short-sleeve tees and button-down blouses with some fresh new pieces such as vests, cable-knit sweaters and long cardigans.

Just make sure you’re picking up each piece from the maternity department so you are accommodating for your growing figure. Some of the best layered combinations for the mom-to-be this fall include:

Long chunky-knit cardigans with maternity leggings and a short-sleeve top
Wide-leg corduroy pants with a wraparound top and a long sweater
Dark brown khaki pants with a smock tank top and a long, full-sleeve cardigan
Bootcut jeans with a long v-neck tunic top and contrasting tank underneath
Knit trapeze top with twill pants and topped with a chunky sweater

When you’re just lounging at home and need to wear something comfortable during those especially painful or bloated days, stick with the ¾ sleeve baby doll tops, short sleeve faux wrap tops and sleeveless baby doll tops paired with some yoga-style capris or wide-leg pants, and wear a long sweater or cardigan over it if you get cold.

Just remember: even though it’s the fall season, your body may not be responding to the actual temperatures outdoors on any given day. If you’re feeling especially hot in the middle of October, or feeling chills in early September, adjust your ensemble for the day by layering light and heavy clothing so you can be comfortable all day long.

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Maternity Style: Makeup 411 for Fall Season

Pregnancy can leave you with uncontrollable breakouts, oily skin and a slew of skin problems day in and day out. As the seasons change and temperatures start to drop, you might also start to notice your skin becoming more dry. The Fall months call for a change in your skincare routine and an update to your makeup bag. Here are some important makeup tips to keep in mind when you’re pregnant during the Fall season:

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even if you have oily skin, the cool and dry months ahead mean you need to protect your skin from the harsher weather. Make sure you’re wearing a high-quality moisturizer under makeup, and apply it right after you cleanse and tone so that your skin stays soft and smooth. Keep in mind that dehydrated skin may be prone to breakouts, so you’ll need to keep your skin as moisturized as possible.

2. Stick with warm tones. From your lip color to your eye shadow, Fall shades call for rich golden browns, deep purples and berry reds. Use these colors to freshen up your look for Fall, and try a mineral makeup brand to keep your skin looking flawless when hormones are raging. Avoid cream-based makeup that can make your skin appear oilier than it really is. When you’re breaking out regularly during pregnancy, you’ll need a mattifying, soothing makeup line that will keep your skin looking healthy.

3. Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day. Pregnancy can make your skin produce more oil than usual, but you don’t have to load up on face powder just to maintain your flawless look. Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day so you can keep your skin clear and free of oil buildup.

As always, don’t forget to wash your makeup off before you go to bed at night. Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that breaks down dirt and oils, and then follow up with a light exfoliant at least twice per week to keep skin as clean as possible. Finish your nighttime routine with an emollient-rich moisturizer to pamper those skin cells and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Weekly Comfort Item: Maternity Clothing

Pregnancy can make a woman feel uncomfortable all over. The weekly comfort items this week will help pregnant women stay comfortable throughout those nine months.

Maternal America is a great brand that features products made right here in the USA. With the economy the way it is, a weekly comfort item made in the USA is a great way to stay comfortable and support your fellow Americans. Maternal America’s Whitney Leggings are available in black and white. These leggings are the perfect compliment to your favorite dresses, skirts and tunics. The stretchy fabric is very forgiving on even the most swollen belly. Pair these leggings with Olian Maternity’s Animal Print dress for a wild office or evening look. Black Whitney Leggings with Maternal America’s Maternal Flutter Sleeve Tunic is also another fabulous look.

Another thing that makes pregnant women uncomfortable is their feet. Naot Footwear Mover is a great black clog that is the perfect comfort shoe for pregnant women. Dressy enough for the office, they are perfect for casual or dressier days. The open heel allows you to slip off your shoes so that you can rub your aching feet. In addition, the natural latex and cork footbed molds to your feet and helps wick away moisture.

Naot Footwear is quality footwear. According to the product description, “Naot shoes feature a unique anatomical footbed that replicates the contours of the foot, just like the footprint left when walking in the sand. The production process includes an innovative technology designed to maintain foot health. Naot uses the finest and highest quality raw materials combined with superior standards of advanced design.” Naot only uses the best, just like you expect only the best for you and your little bundle of joy and the Naot Footwear Mover will take you through your pregnancy and beyond.

It’s no secret that pregnant women can be very uncomfortable, but there are plenty of comfort items available that will make your transition into becoming a mommy fashionable, fun and comfortable.

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Maternity Style: Best Picks for the Weekend Wardrobe

By month #4 of your pregnancy, that baby bump is going to be the center of attention as you go about your day. During this trimester, you’ll need some comfortable clothes that expands with your growing baby, and this is especially important for your weekend wardrobe that typically includes jeans, khakis, crop pants and loose-fitting tees. Some moms-to-be can’t wait for the weekend when they can throw on their super-comfortable jeans and tees, but you’ll need to buy some maternity versions of your favorites for pregnancy. Here’s what you’ll need for the weekend/super-casual wardrobe during your term:

1. Maternity jeans. As you start to get bigger around the middle, you’ll need a flattering cut of denim jeans to wear with your casual tees and tops. Maternity jeans with an adjustable waistband are important, but you’ll also need to pay attention to the cut of the leg. Stick with jeans in the flare or bootleg style because these will elongate your figure and balance out your shape better than ‘skinny jeans’ and tapered legs.

2. Stretchy tees. Forget the super-fitted tees that you used to wear on weekends after your gym routine. When you’re pregnant, you’ll need t-shirts that have Lycra and other stretchy fibers mixed into the cotton. Look for tees made with Lycra and double layers, because these will provide the extra support that you need.

3. Drawstring pants. If you prefer to lounge in pants and baggy tees instead of jeans on the weekends, invest in a quality pair of drawstring pants. These naturally adjust to your waistline, and you can relax with ease with the wide-leg fit and loose cuts. Just avoid buying these types of pants that are a few sizes too large, or you risk looking like you’re wearing pajama bottoms.

In addition to the clothing essentials, you’ll need a comfy pair of shoes for your weekend errands and activities. Make sure you get fitted for some soft-soled or rubber shoes so that you get plenty of support all day long. Swollen ankles and feet will feel much better in a pair of shoes made with breathable, stretchable material.

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Maternity Style: Tips for Choosing the Right Maternity Jeans

Maternity jeans are designed with an adjustable waistband and stretch material to accommodate for your growing baby bump and steady weight gain. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with the ‘mommy jeans’ style (unless that’s your preferred style) throughout your term.

When you’re selecting maternity jeans , the first thing you need to decide is what type of wash is fit for the season. Keep in mind that you will probably only be wearing a new pair of maternity jeans for about three to four months, so you won’t be able to wear the same color through every season. Stick with the lighter blue wash jeans during the late Spring and summer, and the darker blue or grey washes in the Fall and winter months.

Another important factor in finding the perfect maternity jean is hem length. For the most flattering fit, the cuffs of the jeans should rest at the top of your foot when wearing shoes; your feet should almost disappear without shoes on. This length creates the effect of longer, slimmer legs, and will elongate your figure from head to toe no matter how much weight you’ve put on during pregnancy.

Make sure that the waistband size you select truly fits you. Many moms-to-be make the mistake of purchasing one size too small to avoid worrying about jeans that keep sliding down, but you will need to pick a size that leaves you with about an inch of space in front. You can always wear a light belt if you fear slippage, but you’re likely to grow into these jeans in a few short weeks.

Finally, make sure you select a style that complements the tops you will be wearing through your term. If you plan on wearing lots of tunic tops, you’ll need a slimmer-fitting style so you don’t disappear under your clothes. If you plan on wearing fitted, wrap-style tops, your best bet is a flare leg or bootleg style that enhances your curves.

Today’s maternity fashion designers are incorporating many standard styles such as bootleg cuts, wide leg and even skinny jeans into the denim lineup for pregnant moms, so you can show off your stylish and fashionable self even when you’re pregnant!

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Maternity Style: Pulling Off Polished and Professional During Pregnancy

When you’re in your second or third trimester, finding comfortable clothes can be one of the biggest challenges of being pregnant. Your growing baby bump and a few additional pounds can make it hard to find flattering clothes, and if you need to dress in business-casual or business-professional clothing during your pregnancy days, your choices may seem limited. Still, there are several ways to pull off a polished and professional look during pregnancy. All you need to do is focus on finding comfortable basic pieces, and then accessorizing with some of the latest trends.

The first must have for any office-going mom-to-be is a versatile pair of black pants. Black maternity pants can be matched with almost any type of top and will exude that professional and chic touch you need for the office. Stick with the black pants or trousers with an expandable waist so you don’t have to worry about having your clothing tailored every month.

Another essential for the office is a cardigan or vest that fits you properly. Make sure your cover-up is designed for the pregnant mom so there’s plenty of room for your baby bump. Avoid materials that are too clingy or ¾ sleeve cuts, because these can make you look much larger than you are. Stick with loose-fitting cardigans and tops that tend to drape rather than cinch at the waist.

A great way to look more pulled-together with any outfit is to accessorize properly. You can draw attention to your neck and face by wearing attractive, eye-catching jewelry with a square-neckline top and your hair pulled up so that the baby bump isn’t the center of attention. A bright-colored scarf tied around your neck can also have the same effect. Just make sure that you’re complying with the company dress code.

Finally, the right pair of shoes will finish up your polished ensemble for the office. When you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to wear shoes that fit you properly and select a pair that is made with expandable, breathable materials. Look for super-soft leathers and stick with the kitten heel so you’re not putting too much pressure on your calves and legs during the day. A kitten heel is great for the office and will help you create that chic and stylish look you need.

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Maternity Style: Tips for Looking Elegant During Pregnancy

Whether you’re heading out for a special celebration or hosting a dinner party at home, there will be a time during pregnancy that requires you to dress elegantly for the occasion. Unfortunately, the days of pregnancy can make you feel less-than glamorous, and it might be hard to find the right dresses, skirts and other fancy pieces of clothing to pull off an elegant look. Need some help for that special event? Here’s how to look elegant with very little effort during pregnancy:

1. Stick with the all-black ensemble. Monochrome outfits are every pregnant woman’s best pick, especially on days when that bloated feeling just won’t go away. A black dress, an all-black pantsuit or a black skirt with a black top can be plenty glamorous (and not funeral-worthy) when you accessorize with some bold and bright jewelry or a scarf. Look for maternity dresses and skirts in black to create an effortlessly elegant look.

2. Wear layers. You don’t have to wear a sleeveless cocktail dress or a Hollywood-inspired jumpsuit for that special occasion when you’re pregnant. One of the essential keys to looking elegant is wearing something that you feel comfortable in. For many women who are expecting, this means wearing layers. Layering maternity tank tops with a cardigan and fuller skirt is a great way to look pulled-together without compromising your comfort zone.

3. Try a wrap top or a wrap dress . Wrap tops and dresses are great for pregnant women because they accentuate your figure in all the right places, without being too figure-hugging and causing you discomfort. Wrap tops and dresses are also very elegant, so you won’t be breaking the dress code for that special occasion. Consider wearing a wrap top with some wide-leg pants or a straight-cut skirt for a chic and stylish look. If you’re wearing a wrap dress, complement the outfit with some patent leather Mary Janes and a stylish clutch.

Looking elegant during pregnancy is possible, but you need to focus on finding clothes that make you feel comfortable and flatter your figure. Try layering, wearing a wrap top and stick with neutral, one-color outfits so you can enjoy your evening in style!

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Maternity Style: Shoe Support During Pregnancy

Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes during your pregnancy months is essential for your health and well-being, but many women don’t realize they are wearing the wrong types of shoes until they start experiencing excessive back, shoulder and neck pain. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons encourages pregnant women to wear square-toed shoes and not round toes or pointed toes because these offer the most room and provide the extra comfort you need when your feet start to swell. Here are some do’s and don’ts for shoes during pregnancy:

Do wear shoes with a low heel. Kitten heels or very low platforms will provide some extra ankle support you need during your pregnancy. Ballet flats and those oh-so-comfortable UGG clogs aren’t so great at supporting your ankles, so it’s best to steer clear of these styles, especially during your second and third trimester.

Don’t wear thick socks. Adding thick socks to your shoe repertoire will only make your shoes extra tight and uncomfortable, especially if you start to carry extra water weight. Wear thin socks with a supportive shoe so that your feet have plenty of breathing space.

Do wear real leather or canvas shoes. These are the most flexible and soft materials for all types of shoes, and will help your feet breathe better. If you choose to wear athletic shoes, make sure they’re made with a soft and flexible fabric so that you’re not putting extra pressure on your feet.

Don’t wear the same size shoes you wore before you were pregnant. Many women go up at least half or a full shoe size during pregnancy, so don’t feel like you have to force your feet into your old shoe lineup. Your feet will return to ‘normal’ after you deliver the baby, but for now, you will need to invest in a few pairs of high-quality, maternity shoes.

Do find out what your shoe size is from a professional. Head to your local shoe boutique anytime during your second trimester to find out what your new shoe size is. The professionals will also be able to help you find the right style and fit, so you won’t have to play the guessing game.