The Family Groove | The Belly Files | Jessica Franz-Christensen gives you her tips to spring forward into fashion minus the big footprint

THE BELLY FILES
MATERNITY FASHION’S HOTTEST HOUSES TALK SHOP-PING

Looking and feeling pretty, oh so pretty, isn’t always easy when your belly is a-swelling. A lot of times
mamas-to-be resort to oversized (read: frumpy) clothes (read: their husband’s), feeling as out of touch
with the latest styles and how to wear them as they do with their growing bodies.

THE FAMILY GROOVE is here to say that you don’t have to sacrifice style for the next nine-plus months
—and you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay stylish, either. Each month, we’ll give you the skinny
on the hippest bump styles à la mode straight from the fashion experts who created them.

Jessica Franz-Christensen, designer and co-founder of Jessica Scott maternity wear and baby bedding, is so nice, so kind and so cool that you’d want to buy her clothes even if you weren’t pregnant. Lucky for you, you are! Together with her husband, Scott, Jessica has created an in-demand line of stylish and eco-smart maternity wear for moms-to-be. Jessica was driven to launch her company when, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002, she realized how much of an impact environmental toxins were having on her health and wondered what kind of an impact they must be having on in utero babies and newborns. And hence, Jessica Scott was born. With pure intentions, dedication and gusto, Jessica soldiers on for her cause: to deliver high-quality, stylish and sustainable products to moms and their babies. The company walks its talk in more ways than one: It even donates 2.5 percent of its net profit to the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition.

Here, Jessica gives you her tips to spring forward into fashion minus the big footprint or tug on your purse strings.

GO GREEN TO SAVE GREEN

“Two things spring to mind when thinking of April: taxes and Earth Day. Taxes may affect American families more than ever this year due to the economic slump. Many Americans have already tightened their belts, and tax day may mean even further cinching. At the same time, it is also becoming increasingly important to make smarter, greener choices. Unfortunately, these environmentally friendly options are often more costly, putting eco-conscious mommies in a tough spot.

Luckily, there are ways for a fashion-conscious mommy-to-be to go green and save green at the same time.

Check labels and select eco-fabrics. Modal, organically grown cotton, linen, hemp, soy and bamboo will continue to be a trend this season because these fabrics are not only better for the environment, softer to the touch and more breathable, but they are also more durable and pill less than their chemically treated counterparts. We are proud to use only sustainable fibers in our garments. It is healthier for mommies-to-be and for Mother Earth.”

Buy Less

"Choose quality over quantity. Invest in a few well-made pieces and wear them into the ground. A great pair of trousers that can be paired with almost anything is essential."

"Buy multipurpose items. Pieces like our Strapless in Seattle Top are great because one garment can be worn three different ways—as a top, skirt or capelet. Think about wardrobe versatility. Choose items that you can dress up or down. For example, I wore the Strapless in Seattle Dress over jeans during the day for an arty boho chic look and then paired it with strappy sandals for a sexy night-on-the-town look."

"Buy transitional pieces. Select pieces that you can wear through pregnancy and beyond so that you don’t have to have one wardrobe for the first trimester, one for the second, one for the third and then one until you get back in shape. Our Empire Strikes Back Tee is great all the way through pregnancy, and the crossover front lends itself nicely to breast-feeding as well."

Transcend Trends

"Moderation is key. When the latest fashions hit the market, buy only a few of them—this will make you feel in tune with the latest trends without breaking the bank."

"Fresh, bright colors like lime, watermelon and ocean are hot this season and convey a sense of new beginnings, happiness and hope."

"It’s all about depression chic. As the economy plummets, fashion is hearkening back to times of even greater economic strife. Our My Flair Lady skirt is reminiscent of the pencil skirts of the ’30s."

"Geometric dressing shapes up the season. Spring’s unexpected angle, twist, gather or fold is the embellishment of choice. Our Touched by an Angle skirt has an asymmetrical hem that adds interest without being too over the top."

"Graphic prints make a statement. Large graphic prints are hot this season and incredibly affordable. Our Tulip Camisole Built for Two retails for $50."

"Pops of color are springing up everywhere. Bright piping, colorful underlays and dramatic embroidery are some of the ways that color is popping up on otherwise conservative pieces. Our Under the Sea skirt has both a brightly colored underlay and dramatic embellishments."

"It should be Greek to you. Grecian evening wear has long been a standby on the red carpet and now is making its way into the bedroom. Our Nightie to Remember is not only sexy, but comfy, too—eat your heart out, Helen of Troy!"

"Blazers are serious business. This season, affordable blazers are replacing cardigans as business casual gets down to business. Jessica Scott offers a fun arty blazer at a price point that even a starving artist would love. Our Blazer Sharp jacket retails for $95."

“Accessorize! Buy basic pieces and change them up with the statement jewelry of the season, such as a chunky belt, vintage costume brooch, chunky necklace, strappy shoes, etc. These are all things that you may already have in your wardrobe or that you can buy in good conscience because they can be worn until Junior goes off to college and beyond.”

For more from Jessica and her smart, stylish and sustainable company, go to www.jessicascottltd.com.