Due Maternity Blog | Designer Maternity Clothes Blog

Hi!

I read the celebrity weeklies when I’m waiting in line at the grocery check-out. Ok, Ok, I subscribe to one or two. But they clue me in to all of the secrets of the celebrities that we want/need to know. One that always amazes me is the remarkable ability of a famous new mom to get right back into her pre-pregnancy jeans within weeks. It seemed unattainable until a little birdie told me about the Belly Bandit.

Celeb moms Minnie Driver, Poppy Montgomery and Julie Bowen are all fans of this abdominal compression binder. Sound scary? Don’t be! It’s designed to help you get your body back to its pre-baby fabulousness. Their website spills the beans on how: The Belly Bandit helps reduce uncomfortable uterine swelling, aids in decreasing bloating caused by water retention and gives additional support for a new Mommy’s weary legs & back. Plus it can help with back-pain from nursing baby.  Available in 5 sizes and 2 colors. it’s designed not to gouge you or roll when you wear it under your clothes. Remember though girls: this is a post-pregnancy product only.

Should we all worry about looking like Heidi Klum a few weeks after giving birth? No way – I’m not wearing angel wings on any nationally televised runways. But if you want a little help like the celebs get, check out the Belly Bandit and maybe a tabloid (or two).

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!

We talked yesterday about the endless options when breaking up suiting separates to augment your work wardrobe. Now let me introduce you to the wonders of a frock when it comes to getting dressed and out the door in the morning. I have about 5 dresses that are my go-tos for times when I cannot quite manage matching tops to bottoms to shoes. They are sartorial life-savers for me and I know they will be for your maternity closet as well.

I love what Olian does when it comes to flattering designs for pregos! Check out this great dress. It’s better-than-basic black with the cool creamy stripes. Here’s where the magic comes in… The stripes draw attention to your shoulders, neck and face: away from any other parts you don’t love these days. The three-quarter length sleeves end at the same level as your waist creating some attention to a narrower part of your body. The knee-length gives you along leg line. Basically, it’s your miracle dress.

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!

One of the toughest parts of developing your maternity wardrobe has to be finding work wear that is office and belly-friendly.  My friend Audrey is a high-powered attorney and keeping up with the dress code for court and her firm hasn’t been easy. So we hunted high and low for dresses that would go well with jackets and some suiting separates that she could switch up with lots of items.

A favorite of hers (and mine) are these black crepe trousers. They do really seem to go with just about everything and look great when paired with the matching jacket or just a pretty blouse and cardigan for in the office.  Cheer up the black with a pretty teal, turquoise or sky blue blouse and simple non-jingly accessories.

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!

Still in the market for a cute diaper bag to go with your post-maternity clothes? Check out celebrity fave (moms Cate Blanchette and Rachel Griffiths are fans) OiOi.

The name might tip you off that this is an Aussie brand and one that likes to have a little fun. With charming patterns and prints on utilitarian bags (all the necessary pockets, changing pad and room you’ll need for the little one’s gear), you’ll find one you love, I’m sure! My personal pick is the Hobo Diaper Bag in black and white print.  It goes with everything and with a wipeable nylon canvas fabric, you’ll find it’s the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!

I became a fan of Maternal America and their fashion-conscious line when I first started covering maternity clothing for Pregnancy magazine in 2006. Designer and Co-Founder Nataline Ngo-Ahmadi seems to totally get that women don’t want to give up their style for nine months while cooking that bun in the oven. She stays on top of trends in the traditional fashion world and interprets them into belly-friendly styles. I particularly love what they do for dresses – very versatile and great for post-baby too!

With details like embroidery, ruching and interesting sleeve styles like those of this Button Dolman Sleeve dress, Maternal American creates cool clothes you’ll covet even when not pregnant. 

This dress is something you could absolutely wear now to work (especially in creative field) and into the fall to stretch your investment. I like it paired with suede ballet flats or shiny boots as shown here. With such cool details you can keep your jewelry simple and let your smile shine. 

Happy shopping, 

Erin

Hi! 

I’ve had days where the mere thought of washing my face before falling into bed seems impossible. I’m just too tired and frankly unwilling to pry myself from the soft, cool bed. That’s why I think I like the concept behind Rosy Glow Baby Your Face wipes so much. They offer me the option to remove my makeup without removing myself from the bed and still be gentle to my sensitive skin. I’m also betting they’d be a great addition to any diaper bag for those days when you need to wipe the day away a little bedtime. 

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!

Ladies, let’s get personal for a moment. Are the contents of your lingerie drawer a little different than they were pre-pregnancy?  Have your panties gone from pretty and lacey to boring and big? I say “no more granny panties!” You can still wear the sexiest lingerie you want while awaiting the delivery of that bun in your oven. 

My new fave has to be these Nearly Nude Perfect Pants. Not only do they give you great coverage (I’m not a huge fan of thongs professionally or personally so to avoid the dreaded VPL go for full coverage boy shorts) but the smooth fabric will skim over your skin in a most flattering way. Just remember that you’re supposed to wear nude lingerie (not white) under white clothing. Wearing white is like putting a spotlight on your backside. Wearing nude means nobody can tell where your drawers stop and your leg begins. 

Enjoy!

Erin

Hi!

I’ve bee wanting to talk about the wonders of the maxi dress for a while now but was waiting for just the right one. That wait is over because I’ve fallen hard for the Ava dress from Momzee. I’ve been a fan of LA’s Momzee for a long time. With their attention to drape and fabric as well as pattern and color, they get what looks good on the pregnant body. 

A maxi dress is great because you basically feel like you’re wearing a nightgown but you’re dressed to go just about anywhere. It’s flowing, flattering and must-have for pregnancy as far as I’m concerned. 

With the Ava dress there are so many great things to talk about. Let’s start with that stunning emerald green color. It’s perfect for dressing up to wear to a summer wedding. Paired with golden gladiator sandals and a pretty clutch you’re good to go. 

The gorgeous keyhole detail brings the eye up to focus on your lovely face. That’s why I like it for a brunch setting too. When you’re seated you want the prettiest details of your clothing to be visible above the table and this fits that bill beautifully. Paired with a denim jacket (for AC-chilled restaurants) and chocolate leather sandals you’ll have all eyes on you. 

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!
Taking good care of your skin while pregnant and once baby arrives is essential. You may even find that it has changed significantly to become drier or oilier than it was before you were expecting. I’m all about a good face wash and moisturizer but sometimes you also need a little extra help. Check out the combo pack of Baby Bump’s 2 in 1 Face Mask & Scrub. It’s got tiny microbeads meant to gently exfoliate away the dead skin cells and reveal that hidden inner glow.
Happy pampering!
Erin

Hi!

I’m a huge fan of anything that makes my life easier from pre-chopped veggies in the produce section to 1-click shopping. When it comes to maternity clothes I also want it easy. Shopping a brand you already know (and love) is truly effortless.

And that’s part of the reason that I love the maternity line from Michael Stars. I know I adore their everyday tees so it’s practically child’s play when it comes to the belly-friendly versions. What makes them great? The shapes are flattering (see the gorgeous surplice neckline on this pretty green tee), the knit is stretchy without being too clingy and the the sheen makes them Michael Stars special. The only hard part about them is choosing which one!

Happy shopping!

Erin