Thursday, May 20, 2010

Six Tips to Take Away the Fear of Maternity Bathing Suits

We set out to write some pointers on buying a maternity swimsuit and came across an existing article that was nearly perfect by Amy Jarman, owner of an online maternity shop. Here are her tips. For those of you in North Carolina, at Cravings, we offer a wide selection of styles from both designers mentioned below, PregO Swimwear and Maternal America.

"If you are going to be swimming or to the beach when you are pregnant, the one piece of clothing you will want is the maternity swimsuit. You may be able to wear your pre-pregnancy swimsuit for a while but after some months. It’s just not going to fit right and you may look like some Hollywood movie start wearing a regular bikini because they are in denial that they are pregnant.

Here are five suggestions when buying a maternity swimwear.

1) Look for something that is extra stretchy especially in the stomach, chest and hips. Your chest size will increase so you will need the extra room. Make sure that you have enough support in the bust though. PregOMaternity Swimwear has suits with a high Lycra content which is what you need. Make sure you hand wash and never through in the dryer high Lycra clothes. It will destroy the Lycra and make the items look like they belong to your husband.

2) Look for suits with adequate bust support if you are larger up top. Suits with wide shoulders straps and are adjustable are particularly helpful. The higher the swimsuit back or even with an added bra-like clip support in the back will help to support you more in the bust. Even if you are already big up top, your bust size is also likely to increase up a full cup size when you are pregnant. Maternity swimwear with a bit of padding in the cup will smooth out your shape and hide unwanted sights when it gets wet.

3) If you are a bit hippier, look for a bikini that ties on the side. This works well if you are different sizes on the top and the bottom.

4) One-piece maternity swimwear is great if you are doing regular swimmer. By far, the most supportive and a great option for the pool, whether it is lap swimming or water exercise, is the Empire Tank by PregO Maternity. Remember that regular halter or tank style swimwear won’t provide the necessary support for active motion.

5) Remember to get some swimsuit accessories. Cover-ups are a great fashion item and something you will like to throw on when you get out of the pool or return from the beach. After you have your baby, you can even use the cover-up for a great piece of loungewear. Look for cover-ups by Maternal America or the up and coming ones by PregO Maternity. They often double as great maternity tunics. Also, think about board shorts that can be worn over bikini bottoms.

6) Buy your maternity bathing suit early in your pregnancy. Make sure you order a little bigger than you need. It doesn’t need to be so big that it falls off or sags in the water. You also need to make sure it has enough bust support so it should be a tight fit up top. You are most likely going to start filling in the extra space as your pregnancy progresses.

Try not to let the idea of wearing a maternity swimsuit prevent you from going to the beach or the pool. Be confident in your new body and find a suit that will flatter your figure and style. In the end, you will definitely enjoy it!"

Monday, May 10, 2010

Top Ten Sexiest Moms of 2010

We thought the day after Mother's Day might be just right for posting this list from Cafe Mom of the Sexiest Moms of 2010 (never mind it's only May...which, hey, maybe there's still time to add YOU to that list??)...and we think they made some great picks!

But don't just drool over how these moms look so great while doing "the mom thing". Feeling gorgeous and sexy isn't just for the celebs -- it's for you, too! Finding clothes that flatter your figure and keep you feeling comfortable are the first key steps to projecting a confident and sexy pregnant -- or post-baby/new mommy -- image. A good sales associate can help you find styles that maximize your new curves and minimize any new figure flaws. Likewise, a quality maternity boutique will carry lines that are designed to take you throughout your pregnancy and through the "fourth trimester" with ease and flattery.

For a sample of great lines to take you from blah to wow, visit the Cravings website at www.cravingsmaternity.com.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Mother's Day Ideas

Hopefully, this week, someone you love is putting his/her mind to work on how to best indulge YOU -- his/her favorite mommy or mommy-to-be -- for Mother's Day. Or, as it works in our world here, more than likely, the someones in your life are going to find Mother's Day "snuck up" on them when the weekend rolls around.

To help nudge the process forward, we've put together a list of helpful hints for treating a favorite pregger or new mommy -- some not so obvious gift ideas! Now, all you need to do is forward it to your family and friends. We'll be happy take it from there.
  • BEBE AU LAIT & HOOTER HIDERS Nursing Covers & Gift Sets: in beautiful & fun prints, these make the perfect small gift for anyone nursing or planning to do so. Also, for the eco-friendly approach, check out BAMBOO FOR TWO nursing covers, too!
  • STORKSAK Diaper Bags: Who says your diaper bag has to look like a diaper bag? It should be just as stylish as you are. Storksak makes it easy.
  • JEANS! What pregnant woman doesn't crave a pair of fabulous and comfortable jeans? The options these days are so numerous. Try skinny or "jeggings" (jean leggings) under all of summer's flowy tops & tunics. Or, a great pair of bootcut or straight leg under a favorite tee or tank. Look for white ones, too -- a summer staple in our books! Great fitting lines: PAIGE PREMIUM, MATERNAL AMERICA, JAMES JEANS, LILAC, and OLIAN/ELLY B.
  • SASSY TOPS: In a season bursting with color, selecting a fabulous top is easy. Let your sales associate help you find a versatile piece to brighten up any closet. Great lines: MATERNAL AMERICA, OLIAN, JULES + JIM, LILAC, and MICHAEL STARS.
  • SUMMER DRESSES: Such an easy and cool "go to": the simple summer dress. The options are plentiful these days and there's something perfect for any figure. Ask your sales associate to point you in the direction you need most; from pool cover-up to boardroom to showers and weddings...there's a dress for it! Great lines: MATERNAL AMERICA, TBAGS, NOTICE, OLIAN, LILAC, and JULES + JIM.
  • GIFT CERTIFICATES: Always the right size, always the right color! We've never known a girl to send one back unused! Cravings Gift Certificates are available by phone or email and, of course, in store. The week of Mother's Day: take 20% off all gift certificates*!
Perhaps one of our favorite gift guidelines is time. The thought and time someone takes to treat his/her favorite preggo and time spent together are priceless in their value. Whatever you do, show Mama some love this Mother's Day! She'll be so touched.

*Gift certificates sold at discount are good for use after Sunday, May 9, 2010.