The Family Groove | The Belly Files | Ingrid Carney reports to us on the de rigueur of spring maternity wear

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.

When we featured Ingrid Carney, founder of Ingrid & Isabel, in 2007, we flipped for her. Really—what a cool woman she is! And her genius, industry-changing product, the BellaBand, saved our sanity—and our wardrobes—throughout our pregnancies. Her recently launched fashion-meets-function line of staple maternity musts helms our mom-drobe of late—even though our babies have long since left the building.

Here, Ingrid reports to us on the de rigueur of spring maternity wear from the front lines of her constant bump watching.

“When I moved to San Francisco as a younger, career-minded singleton, I remember being so happy about my new city that I often smiled when I walked down the street. I made amazing friends very quickly who say they recall my positive energy.

“I remember several surges of happiness, like when I met my spouse, our trips together, our wedding, and when we became pregnant. And I remember that in my pregnancies, I loved to show it off. Sure, emphasizing my belly was a part of it, but I mean show it off in a whole body, mind and spirit sort of way.

“My clothes definitely played a role. Dressing each day as my body changed required thought. In early pregnancy, it was, “How can I get longer wear out of my favorite pre-pregnancy fashions and still look fashionable?” Mid-pregnancy, it was, “What snug tops can I wear to show off my second-trimester belly that’s in perfect balance with my body?” And later, a sure question was, “How can I not look pregnant from my neck down to my ankles?” While every day didn’t render a perfect outfit to accompany my mood, most days were from fine to perfect. And on those days, my satisfaction and happiness soared.

“While my company doesn’t make lovely pre-pregnancy and maternity fashions, we make the BellaBand and The Essentials Collection that were designed to accompany them; designed to help women hold things up and smooth things out, whether it’s the BellaBand at the waistline to keep up pants and cover anything unbuttoned, an Everyday Cami layered under a blouse to smooth things out, or Belly Leggings to accompany a tunic or dress. Because of that and because I love clothes, I like to peruse our retailers’ stores and websites to see what they, the experts in maternity fashion, are showing for the season. And with two pregnant employees to boot, my eyes are wide open.

“In brief, I’m excited about spring. Here’s what I love.”

Pants (in Our Office, That Means Denim)

“You can prolong the life of your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans by wearing them unbuttoned with the BellaBand, but you’ll get to a point where you’re ready to purchase maternity jeans, and there are some fabulous maternity jeans available.

“Paige Maternity Jeans are a favorite. They fit a variety of body types, and any woman can find a cut that will flatter the figure. After all, that’s what Paige Premium Denim is known for.

“Another great option for casual denim is Maternal America’s Trouser Jean, recommended by Bump Maternity & More in Naples, Fla. I think Maternal America is a great company with a talented founder and designer, so it’s no surprise that her Trouser Jean is a favorite among retailers.

“Olian, based in Florida, understands heat, never mind a mom-to-be’s own body heat from pregnancy. So, for warmer climates, the Olian Dark Denim Capri, a favorite at The Stork Boutique in Rome, Ga., gives a chic, casual look without as much coverage.

“Remember, throughout pregnancy, your BellaBand works with all these styles. Whether they’re too tight, too loose or falling down around the hips, the BellaBand will hold them up!”

Tanks, Tops & Tunics

“There are so many to love.

“If you need something for work or more formal occasions, I think the Jules & Jim Poplin Maternity Top is lovely. Its open collar shows more neckline to de-emphasize any weight gain in the face, and the arm sleeves are loose and feminine, yet the cut is tailored and sophisticated.

“The Nuka Puff Sleeve Maternity Top is clever. It hugs the belly and three-quarters of your arms, but adds a puff just below the shoulder where you may have more weight gain. A skinny long sleeve starting at the bicep shows off what’s still small on your body.

“Due Maternity’s (www.duematernity.com) Dani Maternity Wrap Top is cute. Lightweight cotton jersey drapes well over a pregnant belly, and the wrap design is convenient and flattering on almost anyone.

“Another great non-maternity look is the cotton-silk Tunic from Syla by Sylvie Cachay. I love the large, bold print; the light cotton-silk blend fabric; and the flutter sleeve, which flatters the arms.

“With all of these above and more, our Everyday Cami and Ruched Tank will hug your body, smooth things out and flatter your belly. You can also consider our Belly Leggings with tunics or long tops, or our Everywear Pant, honored with a Fit Pregnancy Editor’s Choice Award.

“Our Everyday Cami gently hugs the body, which feels good, while giving a smooth silhouette under all sorts of tops. It’s made of a super-soft, seamless knit fabric that’s cut extra long to fit in early pregnancy and cover a later-stage pregnant belly. The knit goes right back to its original shape, so you can wear it postpartum as well.

“Our seamless Ruched Tank has body-friendly pleating around the torso throughout all stages of pregnancy. It’s great for after delivery, as it helps to disguise a soft belly. Women love this tank.

“Our Belly Leggings are so soft and comfortable—I am actually wearing them today, and no, I am not pregnant! They’re great with boots for cooler climates or sandals for warmer weather.”

Fashion Footnotes

“With a lot of the body-friendly styles available in non-maternity wear, many of our stores have started carrying non-maternity styles. Non-maternity pieces you wear during pregnancy are also great for transition wear postpartum.

“For versatility, the Lilla P Origami Wrap Top, available at www.momsthewordmaternity.com, can be worn several ways. No, it’s not a maternity top, but its convertible functionality gives you several flattering fits at any stage in your pregnancy.

“I recommend the Rachel Pally line for comfortable, body-friendly fabric that drapes amazingly well on the body. The pieces are great to wear throughout pregnancy and after. Here at our office, Kristin loves her Deep V Dress, and Sarah loves her Long Full Skirt in black as a great basic.

“I also have to mention a sure place where fashion makes me want to be pregnant again—that’s the fashion pages of Fit Pregnancy magazine. In their February issue, they had a lovely chiffon Tunic by Lauren Kiyomi on page 73. Check out Maternal America’s cropped white jean with an exposed zipper on the calf. So cute.

Maternal America's Jasmine Maternity Swimsuit

“Lastly, anything bright pink will exude body confidence and that surge of happiness. A few standouts for me are Maternal America’s Jasmine Maternity Swimsuit, Due’s Essential Short Sleeve Wrap Dress in magenta, and C&C California’s tees in these great colors—fuchsia, lust, blossom and amethyst.

“Whatever your style, this spring you should be able to find pieces that keep you feeling comfortable, confident and stylish. And no matter what, enjoy your pregnancy and the look of you while pregnant. Regardless of your weight, belly size and body shape, it’s your shape…your pregnancy…your body. So own it and be proud in it.

“Now, go out and play.”

For more from Ingrid, go to www.ingridandisabel.com.

Check out Ingrid’s Mother Nature profile here.