5 Must-Have Maternity Styles With Fashion Guru, Kelly Nishimoto

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What: Maxi Skirt - $25-$95

Where to Buy: Pretty much everywhere

The Deets: When you don’t feel like wearing pants, the maxi skirt offers a nice breeze when you are hot & pregnant…& hot! Lol!

Why they are great: Most maxi skirts have NO elastic in the waistband which is perfect for a growing belly because you don’t feel constricted. Need extra coverage? Try a belly band or tank (#10 on my list)

Bonus Points: If you stay away from maternity maxi skirts…you can wear them post pregnancy! They are the perfect transitional piece while you transform back to your original self…

What: Swing Tank - $18-$60

Where to Buy: Asos | H&M | Forever21 | Nordstroms | TJ MAXX | Ross | Marshalls

The Deets: The swing tank is an a-line tank usually cut on the bias of fabric so it literally “swings” when you move.

Why they are great: They are great for keeping your growing belly comfortable. And since they fit and then flare, you still maintain some shape.

Bonus Points: You can find them anywhere and they are reletively inexpensive. They can also be worn post baby!

 

 

 

 

What: Soft Slip-ons in Fun Colors

Where to Buy: JustFab www.justfab.com | Zappos www.zappos.com

The Deets: Soft sole flats or slip-ons with woven edges will have you skipping around town…

Why they are great: When you are pregnant, your feet swell which forces you to wear a larger size. These soft sole shoes are made with fabric which gives your feet room to do whatever they decide to do!

Bonus Points: They are adorable and just generally make you feel good…

What: Statement Necklace - $20-$60

Where to Buy: Target | H&M | Queen P. Jewelry

The Deets: Most people wouldn’t consider this a basic, but indeed, jewelry is an important part of any wardrobe.

Why they are great: When you are pregnant and feeling drab, statement neclaces are a way to add a pop of color and distract from your monotone outfit and baby blues.

Bonus Points: They are super trendy right now, so it’s a way to have fun with your wardrobe!

What: Support Garments - $28-$38

 Where to Buy: A Pea in the Pod

The Deets: These support garments are made for growing bellies. I couldn’t live without mine…and I think you’ll agree!

Why they are great: This is a great way to let it all hang out without letting it all hang out…

Bonus Points: No matter how much you wash and wear them…they stay in great shape!

4 Steps To Glowing Skin

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I was one of those; Six months deep into my pregnancy still waiting for some miraculous burst of collagen to plump my skin, that drop of dew to glisten my cheekbones, a kiss from the Maternity Gawds that so many refer to as "pregnancy glow".   Ummmm did someone forget this girl over here??  Hello?!!!  Still waiting...Certainly I wasn't skipped over when it came to that dreadful morning sickness...endless trips to the toilet hurling up breakfast.  But my complexion, the one thing they promised would transform beautifully, leaving me young and dewy like Brooke Shields in "The Blue Lagoon" was definitely reminiscent of my younger skin BUT at the height of puberty...bumpy, zitty, discolored, just overall nastayyyyyy.  I mean, it's not like I was some Noxema girl to begin with, but this was an all new low.  I tried facials, masks, microderm...the list goes on.  Good news is, we now have the answers we've been looking for!  We hit up Dr. Aaron Kosins aaronkosinsmd.com board certified Plastic Surgeon and co-partner ZO Skin Centre, Fashion Island Newport Beach to help us in 4 Steps understand our pregnancy skin better ultimately leading to that glow every Haute Mommy hopes for...Here goes, ladies (you can thank me later :)

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AC: We notice major changes in our skin during pregnancy -- what is that from?

Doctor K: In 1 word: Hormones. Hormones play a huge factor in a number of things during pregnancy, one of which is the skin. The blood vessels in our face dilate and constrict, and patients can go through cycles being both oily and dry as testosterone and estrogen levels fluctuate. Can we control the hormones? No. But we can control their effect on the skin.

AC:  In your professional opinion, what's the best way to get rid of those the dark spots and other blemishes that seem to pop up?

Dr. K: Melasma is a chronic disease that usually pops up with hormonal fluctuations…specifically, pregnancy, menopause, and use of birth control pills. The melanocytes, cells in your skin that make pigment, go crazy and start making “color” in an uneven and unregulated fashion. The best way to control these outbreaks is prevention, by having strong skin with cells that are regulated. Once the disease process begins, pigment settles throughout the layers skin. Treatment includes control of oil (which both potentiates pigment and causes acne), exfoliation, bleaching, and most importantly retinol, which works at a cellular level to strengthen skin and to regulate melanocytes and the distribution of melanin (pigment). Unfortunately, we do not recommend that pregnant mothers use retinol or hydroquinone (bleaching) during pregnancy. Therefore, ZO Skin Health has created products such as C Bright and Brightalive, which are safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding and help to stabilize pigment and brighten skin. These can be used as a bridge until after pregnancy/breastfeeding when other treatments can be used.

AC: Are there other products you swear by to help even out skin tone?

Dr. K: Even skin tone comes from an even distribution of melanin (pigment) in the skin. My favorite products include Melamin and Melamix to get rid of brown spots and Brightenex, which works to prevent pigmentation and even skin tone. Depending on the pigmentation, whether it is from sun damage or a disease of skin, ZO Skin Health or ZO Medical products can be used at different strengths to brighten skin and to even tone.

AC: Sleepless nights as a new parent can also majorly throw your skin off balance. Anything your recommend?

Dr. K: The cornerstones of a good skin care program include getting skin ready (cleansing, exfoliation and oil control), anti-oxidants in combination, and sun protection. These products work to protect and to strengthen the skin by enhancing natural exfoliation and repairing the barrier function of the skin. Once breastfeeding is discontinued, retinol should be added in to work at the cellular level to repair and to strengthen skin. Retinol does this by stimulating skin, enhancing exfoliation, repairing DNA damage, and rebuilding collagen and elastin.

For more on how to get your hands on some of the goodies Dr. Kosins refers to, check out http://zoskincentre.com

I Can't Live Without...

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Ladies ladies ladies!!!  There are certain things in life if we didn't have access to, we'd be F$%*ed!  Here are today's Top 5!

Belly Bandit Bandita Nursing Bra - Comfortable, convenient and shockingly (I hesitate to say) cute?!! $46 www.bellybandit.com 

Table Toppers - Stick on/disposable placemats to protect our little ones from germy tables Bio-degradable  60 for $16 www.amazon.com

Aden and Anais Sleeping Bags - To ward of sleepless nights - these will become your child's best friend/security blanket and a great transition from swaddling  http://www.adenandanais.com $45

Core Power Yoga - To uncover your zen in a world of chaos and let's face it, an incredible to lose that baby boat. Locations around the Country corepoweryoga.com 

Mr. Cheese O's - Healthy, all-natural, on-the-go snack for you and your little ones to share.  Plus, I use them as salad toppers. Multi-purpose perfection. Need I say more www.mrcheeseos.com

 

 

I Am...

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I Am...Dispassionate.  There's a common misconception about the meaning of that word.  I guess I just figured "dispassionate" meant the exact opposite of passionate, essentially, not giving a crap, being lazy.  Not true.  In fact, being dispassionate is something I totally strive for in life these days

In the dictionary, Dispassionate is an adjective meaning, not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial.

There have been so many times that I  grip so tightly to the result of my effort or practice but sadly the result hasn't turned out as I would hope.  As you know, that can lead down a destructive path.  So, I offer you this...Become dispassionate, meaning let go --- of the results, the conclusion, disconnect from the outcome. I suggest taking a more rational, impartial approach.  It is the most liberating thing, swears.  Let me point out, by no means am I suggesting that you give up or stop caring but rather just the opposite.  Give whatever it is you're doing 150% -- wholehearted passion but leave it there...and become dispassionate about the outcome.

I practice this in yoga- if there's a pose I desperately want to perfect, I give it my all, but then let go with how it turns out.  The same applies off the mat.  If I go in for a meeting, plan a birthday party, cook for friends, etc., I do the absolute BEST I can do giving all my passion, then I disconnect with the outcome, becoming dispassionate.  So simple, and so damn effective.  Anywhoo...I suggest you give it a shot...Life becomes so much more peaceful x

All My Love, Haute Mommies