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.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Every Day
Portland, Oregon, has been named the best city in America in which to have a baby (Fit Pregnancy, February/March 2008) and the most eco-friendly big city in America (SustainLane.com, September 2008). So it’s no wonder that Maternitique, the leading retail destination for upscale natural and organic maternity products, calls Portland its home.
Maternitique founder Tara Bloom shares her picks for Mother’s Day gifts that celebrate the natural beauty of motherhood.
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For the First-Time Expecting Mom
“The woman who’s pregnant for the first time is often overwhelmed with how many things she suddenly has to learn: what to eat; what vitamins to take; how to care for her suddenly itchy, dry skin; how to cope with that ineptly named “morning sickness” (that we experienced moms know can last all day). Help show her the ropes with the beautiful and practical Pregnancy Pampering Kit by Earth Mama Angel Baby—a bundle of joyful certified-organic products developed by an obstetric nurse that will help her feel nurtured and prepared for what lies ahead.” |
For the I’m-Finally-Pregnant Expecting Mom
“More than 12 percent of women today have difficulty getting pregnant. For the woman who’s experienced a miscarriage, fertility treatments or another challenge with conceiving, her hard-won achievement deserves to be celebrated every step of the way. Help her preserve the memory of her long-awaited pregnancy with a Belly Imprint. The Belly Imprint Kit by Belly Vita offers a more-elegant version of the popular belly cast. There are no messy, drippy strips or goopy jellies in this process. Instead, the expectant mom receives a luxurious massage with moisturizing aromatherapy oil, and then is draped with one sheet of fabric that takes only five minutes to mold her body. The result is a poignant sculpture that captures the beauty of her body with child—and bears no resemblance to a medical cast.” |
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For the Experienced Mom-to-Be
“When she already has one or more children and she’s expecting again, she needs a little extra TLC. The Novena Maternal Skin Care Collection is just the thing. With spa-quality products formulated by a medical aesthetician, this collection includes everything she needs to glow through her next pregnancy as if it were her first. The pure, organic products deliver pregnancy-safe, effective skincare specially formulated for the unique concerns of this special time. Items include everything from a luscious fruit face wash to a silky moisturizer that prevents chloasma (the mask of pregnancy).” |
For the Sophisticated Mom-to-Be
“Wow the woman with discerning style and high expectations with a Maternity Nightgown by Jessica Scott Ltd. Made with sustainable, soft, eco-friendly lyocell fabric, this nightgown stretches and drapes beautifully all throughout pregnancy. She’ll love how smooth and gentle the material is on her sensitive skin and how feminine she feels with the flattering empire waist and the side slit. And the bodice ensures that she can continue to love this nightgown after Baby arrives; the open style makes it perfect for nursing her newborn.” |
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For the Brand-New Mom
“With a newborn at home, a trip to the spa is out of the question for most moms. But with a newborn at home, a day at the spa is just what she needs! Bring the spa to her with the Mommy Comfort Pack by Mambino Organics. The exotic citrus oils help restore skin tone as they moisturize and refresh her after the hard work of pregnancy and labor, and the “Summer in Tuscany” soy candle will transport her to relaxation. Each product is certified organic and specially formulated with sensitivity to the pregnant and new mom’s needs.” |
For Your Wife
“Because babies love to grab, yank and gum all the shiny, glittering things on moms’ bodies, women often put away jewelry after Baby arrives. Keep her adorned and Baby entertained with the Silver Teething Necklace by SoRa Charms. This pure sterling silver charm necklace is designed for Baby to safely play with and teethe on as Mom is wearing it. It’s a beautiful heirloom piece that she’ll enjoy every day.” |
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From Her Group of Girlfriends
“Women have always stepped forward to care for other women during the final days of pregnancy. As her body gets heavier in the last weeks before the baby arrives, her feet and ankles swell, and her anxiety mounts in anticipation of the birth, women friends circle to keep her spirits up and share the journey with her. With a soothing foot soak, silk flowers for her hair, a pomegranate candle, a locket, African bead bracelets and note cards to share wishes and words of encouragement, the Birth Blessing Kit by Two Plums Paper helps to make any day a memorable, meaningful Mother’s Day—just add girlfriends.” |
For Your Daughter
“Whether she’s newly pregnant, nearing her due date or just settling into new motherhood, the Maternity Mini Wrap by Jessica Scott Ltd. is a perfect gift. This versatile piece transitions from one month of maternity to the next, going from skirt to top to nursing cover-up. Made with silky-smooth, eco-friendly lyocell in an assortment of vibrant colors, the Maternity Mini Wrap is easy to wear, fun to accessorize, and delightful to give—and receive.” |
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For Your Sister
“What every new mom desperately wants is to get her old body back. Yes, the new mom is enraptured with her baby, but secretly, she’s longing for her pre-motherhood suppleness, firmness and unblemished beauty. With Body Firming Serum, Eye Brightening Cream and more, the Motherhood Essentials Kit by Belli is the gift that helps restore, repair and nourish the new mother.” |
From Baby to Mommy
“The new or expecting mom is hard at work taking care of her baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby’s “I Love My Mama Gift Set” is a sweet gesture that helps take care of her. Each item—from the body butter and foot soak to the aromatherapy mist and nursing cream—surrounds her with certified-organic, heaven-sent goodness.”
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To shop for these gifts and more, including gifts for Baby, go to www.maternitique.com.
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