The Family Groove "Belly Filesl (December 08)"

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.

This month, Isabella Oliver founders Baukjen de Swaan Arons and Vanessa Knox-Brien are here to help you dress up your baby bump for every occasion. Their clothes are so chic that you will want to stay pregnant just to wear them. Seriously. We live for their designs—so elegant, so high fashion. It almost makes the nausea and the swelling worth it.

“Pregnancy dressing in the colder climate does not have to be a difficult task, and we are here to help with our suggestions of what pieces to wear, whatever the occasion. Whether you are attending a winter party or require easy separates for every day, we have some fabulous ideas that will carry you through the season. We hope you love them.”

At Home: Hooded Sweater Dress
“This is a special time, and you deserve to put your feet up, feel pampered and unwind at home. Luxurious woolen pieces are a style essential when you desire warmth, and cozy knits are comfortable yet stylish, too. Take, for example, the gorgeous gray Hooded Sweater Dress—we adore its slouchy versatility and sporty-luxe style. Ideal with cozy tights and boots for everyday chic, we also love it with Easy Leggings and soft cashmere socks when curling up with a good book.”

Layering: Knitted Duo
“Trends come and go; however, layering remains popular for its easy and effortless style. Nearly anything goes—layering is ideal for stress-free dressing or when you just don’t know what to wear. Begin with a base layer. This is a maternity must-have and it will carry you through the seasons. Your enviable curves should be wrapped in comfort, and we love figure-hugging fabrics that work well with oversized pieces and a voluminous silhouette. Throw on a Cowl Sweater Dress over your base layer and Easy Leggings for an effortless everyday look, adding the Maxi Cardi and knitted accessories to complete the style.”

Berry Colors: The Wrap Dress
“We adore berry tones for the season. Perfect for day and evening, warm red hues add zest to a wardrobe in need of color and liven up your reliable monotone separates. Our iconic Wrap Dress is an Isabella Oliver favorite and flatters curves at every stage. Team the dress in crimson red with classic accessories or patent accents and add luxurious woolen tights for winter warmth. When evening arrives, swap your favorite ballets for statement wedges and an oversized clutch.”

Outerwear: Grace Coat
“It’s cold outside, so a chic warm coat or jacket is essential. Your maternity pieces should complement your silhouette, and this rule applies to outerwear, too. See a timeless coat as a winter investment, and opt for a seasonless shape that will last you throughout pregnancy and that you can wear for years after. Ideal for everyday life or over an evening ensemble, The Grace Coat is our wardrobe staple. Its cinched body and clean neckline exude vintage glamour, and we love to balance the graceful flare with simple black tights and comfortable flats. Try long leather gloves and a knitted beret when shopping in the city, or chunky patent ankle boots and a large cocktail ring after 6.”

Party: Wrap Column or Satin Bow
“The style of the silver screen is one of our favorite yet most dramatic looks. High-voltage glamour is ideal for the party season and a style you should not avoid because you are pregnant. We recommend floor-skimming sophistication that will flatter your curves and bring in the compliments. Our Wrap Column Dress is ideal for those seeking versatile sophistication, and its long, luxe tie allows you to wrap three to four different looks. No one ever has to know it’s the same dress, unless you want to tell them. Remember that this is the party season, and although your pregnancy glow is the perfect accompaniment, a simple dress can be worn over and over again with different accessories. Complement the dress’s screen siren feel with vintage-inspired pieces, and experiment with loose curls and berry lips for even more va-va-voom.”

For more from these high-design ladies, go to www.isabellaoliver.com