Pregnancy is one of the happiest times in a woman's life, but also one of the most frustrating to dress.
Many women, myself included, are a bit overwhelmed when it comes to remain stylish during the maternity period. It's not easy to see the body go through a big change (in a small amount of time) and is frustrating to figure out how to dress a whole new body (especially on a budget). It is, however, a wonderful time in a woman's life and it should be embraced, so to help with the frustration, here are a few suggestions to maternity fashion that will leave you looking stylish and won't break the bank.
First of all, try to wear your regular clothes as long as possible. I know it's hard, given the excitement, but 40 weeks is a long time to mix and match the few maternity items you will purchase. The body will swell a bit during the first trimester, however, most women don't need pregnancy wear until the second trimester; also the third trimester might need larger and longer maternity clothing, so don't spend all your cash on your first shopping trip.
Second, it is very important to remain stylish! Pregnancy causes many changes to the mood (from all the surging hormones) as well, and the best thing to lift the spirit is to dress up, and look gorgeous.
Buy pregnancy clothes that reflect your style and try to find some fun interesting pieces.
Look for fabrics that are comfortable and allow the skin to stretch with ease. The skin is more sensitive during pregnancy and hot flashes might be common, so avoid bulky clothes and itchy fabrics. Invest in cotton, silk and Lycra blends.
Nobody does maternity fashion clothes like the Gap!
The most important word to remember is: comfort. That doesn't mean wear PJs all day, but to shop for comfortable fabrics and fits.
Gap maternity clothes are not only super comfortable and stylish but they are also economical. Do not follow into the trap of shopping for plus sizes clothes...you are pregnant, not a plus size!
Maternity clothes should fit like regular clothes, and you will often shop for your regular size in maternity wear. The maternity shirts are built to hug the new curves and are built longer to cover the new belly curve. Start by buying fashionable maternity basics first: Jeans, pants, skirt, T-shirt, dressy top and a dress.
Make sure the colors of the maternity clothes mix and match, stay neutral on bottom pieces. Monochromatic is the most slimming; dress in one color to achieve this look but have fun with colorful jewelry and scarves. After the basic clothes are taken care of, then add more tops or outerwear to your likes. If shopping for the winter fashion, should invest in a good coat, to cover all the stages of maternity. To keep the maternity clothes from getting boring and repetitive, invest in some stylish accessories, like a cute metallic belt, hats, scarves, sunglasses, and jewelry. Just changing the accessories can make clothes seem new and fresh. Get stylish comfortable shoes...it's a must!
Have fun buying maternity jeans, do a flare, to keep the figure balanced, or the very popular boot-cut; I loved my Donovan maternity jeans, they were so chic and comfortable, I didn't want to put them away...actually, I wore them for a while after the baby was born.
Dress up a plain maternity T-shirt with a metallic belt over the hips, a cuff bracelet and some hoop earrings, just have fun and let the happiness of the inside shine on the outside.
The maternity T-shirts from the Gap are just great (even when you are truly showing) with a high quality stretch jersey, which will stay true to its fit and color wash after wash.
Get a V neck, which is flattering on every body type. Dress the T-shirt up adding a small maternity cropped 
cardigan, which is stylish and will keep you warm.
Bring all the attention to the belly, a pretty top, a belt or a wrap shirt closing in the front will look fabulous. Remember to keep prints in scale to the size of the body, and watch out for horizontal vertical and diagonal lines, make sure they work well: a big stripe across the chest or shoulder might flatter by giving the illusion of a bigger chest or shoulders. Sometimes widely spaced horizontal lines can add lenght to the figure, but most of the time horizontal lines only add width. Don't do tight garments with any lines, or you will wear squiggles! Just like regular fashion wear, maternity clothes should be chosen keeping in mind your best features.
Beautiful legs: buy skirts, shorts, and nice wedge shoes to bring attention to the legs.
Nice arms: buy short sleeves shirts with details, to bring the attention up to the upper body. Nice face: put the color on the upper part of the body to bring all the attention to the face and do pretty details on the neck line, like scarves, necklaces or chandelier earrings.
Make sure to buy new maternity intimates as well, clothes fit best with the proper support. Panties need to be comfortable and able to stretch with the growing curves; bras will also change a few sizes, try on different shapes and fits, to make sure it is comfortable and supportive (they are not all alike). You will need at least a new bra for the first trimester and one in the third (it is not uncommon for the breast to grow 2 or more sizes, in cup and band size). Buy a comfortable fit for the after-birth, when breasts might be sore, enlarged and extremely sensitive, avoid underwire if you can but keep good hold to avoid stretching.
Be ready to have transition clothes for those days following the birth; wear comfortable and breathable fabrics which won't irritate the baby skin, can't go wrong with cotton (wash all the new clothes to get rid of its original starches). Remember, it takes about 10 months to put on the weight and about the same amount of time (if not more) to get rid of it, do it slowly and in a healthy manner (need the energy to look after the new bundle of joy).
Congratulations, I wish you all the best in this wonderful adventure!
Find the fashionable Maternity clothes in the pictures at Gap (follow the link below).
Be fabulous,
Ella
Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities- Style during maternity, best comfortable maternity clothes and fashion.
http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Maternity Clothes and Style
Monday, February 25, 2008
Oscar's 2008: Red Carpet Best and Worst Dressed
The 80th annual Oscar Award Ceremony wrapped up last night, February 24 2008, leaving us with some exceptional movies and memorable Red Carpet fashion.
The predominant colors among the ladies gowns were red and black, while the guys were classy and glamorous in their black and blue tuxedos.
Red was definitely a preference this year, among the ladies, who still maintain the old Hollywood mivie star glamour, with their soft hair and makeup, long trains and diamond jewelry.
Heidi Klum is wearing a gorgeous custom made John Galliano Haute Couture red silk taffeta bustier gown, pink earrings and bag. Lots of drama around the neck and accented by a high bun hairdo. Anne Hathaway is sweet and simple in an elegant red Marchesa gown and lots of rose details on the one-shoulder strap and Harry Winston earrings. Katherine Heigl also opted for red in a fabulous silk georgette Escada column, one-shoulder strap and pleated bodice gown , which she wore with a red lip and retro hairstyle.
Myley Cyrus looks so beautiful and age-appropriate in a red chiffon Valentino gown and small bow detail (at the back), chandelier earrings and a bronze lizard clutch with Swarovski crystals by Mary Norton and Sergio Rossi shoes; her hair is soft and her makeup delicate. Helen Mirren is beautiful in a garnet red satin gown by Georges Chaakra, love the Swarovski crystal drop sleeves and back detail. Julie Christie is also classy in a shorter custom designed red dress by her stylist Tanya Gill; I'm not too crazy about the pink organza gloves though.
Ruby Dee looked stunning and so vibrant and youthful in her bright red Kevan Hall long satin gown, belt and short jacket. Perfect for her short hairstyle and natural makeup. Love the silver bag as an accent, which recalls the buckle on her belt.
Here are the pregnant beauties of Hollywood: Angelina Jolie who did not show up on the Oscar's Red Carpet is surely showing something else (photo from the Indipendent Spirit Awards)! Radiant Nicole Kidman is not showing much of a baby bump and wore a shapeless black Balenciaga gown and a big L'Wren Scott 3 strands necklace; not my favourite of the movie star's looks, loved her Chanel Beaute makeup and beautiful soft hairdo. Cate Blanchett is gorgeous in a purple Dries Van Noten gown, jeweled necklace (a big oversized) and the jewels by Lorraine Schwartz; admire her courage to show up in 4 inches heels. Another beautiful and radiant Oscar's Red Carpet beauty is Jessica Alba who wore a plum strapless Marchesa gown with feather details on the bodice and empire waistline, accented by Cartier jewelry and Jimmy Choo shoes and purse, absolutely exquisite!
The Best dressed ladies of the Oscar's Red Carpet, were these beautiful leading ladies: Hilary Swank wore a black one shoulder strap Versace gown and Chopard hair clips, earrings and bracelet. Jennifer Garner trusted her talented stylist Rachel Zoe to dress her in a stunning ruffled strapless Oscar de la Renta gown and beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels vintage jewels. Penelope Cruz also chose a strapless gown with feathers and drape detail by Chanel Haute Couture and Chopard ruby and diamond drop earrings.
Not so glamorous in black: Kirstin Chenoweth who wore an Armani Prive' strapless gown, jewels by Tiffany & Co. and shoes by C. Louboutin; the wrapped organza makes her middle area seem bigger and bulging. Oscar winner Tilda Swinton is wearing a shapeless black-washed silk draped gown by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, her lack of shape, makeup and hairstyle makes her the worst dressed on the Oscar's Red Carpet. Ellen Page is once again plain boring in a shapeless Jean Louis Scherrer from Decades gown; I like her vintage bag by Judith Leiber and long necklace by Fred Leighton. I realize that she has simple taste, however, this is the biggest movie award ceremony worldwide...it deserves a bit more reverence from the movie star!
Renee Zellweger shows her gorgeous gams in this high slit silver strapless (hand embroidered) lace gown by Carolina Herrera and Cartier Jewelry, this gown is a bit "last season", nevertheless she looks beautiful. Cameron Diaz is "pretty in blush-pink" taffeta custom made Dior gown by John Galliano, and small Bulgari jewelry. Keri Russell is beautiful in the champagne organza strapless gown by Nina Ricci and long necklace by H.Stern and Sergio Rossi shoes.
These gowns were not among my favourites: beautiful Amy Adams looks washed out in a dark green strapless gown by Proenza Schuler, and very dated by the gold fringed art deco purse accent; the H. Stern jewelry and Chopard cuff are beautiful though. Amy Ryan is also washed out by the navy blue one-shoulder gown by Calvin Klein, she could have benefitted by some colored accessories or a red lip; beautiful H. Stern diamonds and Chopard cuff. French movie star Marion Cotillard opted for a daring Jean Paul Gautier 'scaly' gown, Chopard jewelry and Sergio Rossi shoes; this mermaid inspired look, completed by the long side hairdo, makes the french actress look like "a fish out of water" in the sea of old Hollywood glamour.
The oddest couple on the red carpet is two times Oscar winner/super talented Daniel Day-Lewis and his lovely wife Rebecca Miller. His one button tuxedo and brown detail on the collar is dressed down by his brown suede boots, and his wife very adorned lace dress is also over the top, especially paired with the zebra striped heels.
The most stylish couples on the Oscar's Red Carpet were: Johnny Depp and companion Vanessa Paradis, George Clooney and Sarah Larson and Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. Talented and stylish Johnny Depp is wearing a black custom tuxedo by Giorgio Armani and custom shirt by Anto Beverly Hills, while Vanessa Paradis is super chic in a black silk crepe Chanel Haute Couture gown, Chanel Fine jewelry "Camelia" necklace in 18K white gold and diamonds, and Chanel makeup. Heart-throb George Clooney wears a black one button, shawl collar tuxedo, while girlfriend Sarah Larson is in a beautiful Valentino Couture strapless gown. Harrison Ford is in an Arnold Brant one button tuxedo and girlfriend Calista Flockhart is wearing a delicate babyblue vintage Valentino and Sergio Rossi shoes.
Also very stylish pairs on the Oscar's Red Carpet were Colin Farrell in Dunhill midnight blue double breasted suit and the best accessory of the night: his gorgeous mother Rita!
Both Patrick Dempsey and his wife Jillian Fink Dempsey were very elegant in Versace at this year's Oscar's.
John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston were not less stylish in black tuxedo and orange Roberto Cavalli gown and Schwartz jewelry.
John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston were not less stylish in black tuxedo and orange Roberto Cavalli gown and Schwartz jewelry.
Very stylish men on the red carpet: Spanish movie star and oscar winner Javier Bardem wore a stylish 4 button navy tuxedo, and navy silk tie both by Prada. Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs wore a black vested tuxedo which was a mix of his label Sean Jean and Dolce & Gabbana. And finally, the very talented Viggo Mortensen was so elegant in a long jacket black custom made tuxedo by David Robinson and striped black and grey tie, and a touch of color: the red rose! One of the fashion-statement men at the Oscar's this year! So nice to see celebrities take a leap of Faith sometimes when it comes to fashion, Viggo Mortensen sure stands out in the sea of fitted black and white tuxedos.
To get some of the gorgeous Oscar's gowns at affordable prices visit e-dressMe online store (follow the link at the bottom), the amazing store was recently featured on Extra (video clip: http://site.edressme.net/extra0208.html ) for their affordable version of the designers' gowns.
Check out more pictures of the 2008 Oscar's Red Carpet in the Fashion Community Gallery/Fashion Events.
Be Fabulous,
Ella
Be Fabulous,
Ella
Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities -the best and worst fashion of the 80th annual Oscar's Red Carpet, Celebrities Red Carpet fashion Academy awards 2008, glamour and disasters
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Guide to Celebrities Casual Style for Men 2
As a part Two of the guide on men dressing Casual by taking inspiration from Celebrities, I will cover a guide to a polished Men's Casual look: British Style.
This men's casual look is more appropriate for a lean body type (it's also a great look for the shorter man). The two celebrities who embody this style are Orlando Bloom and Jude Law.
These dark and blond hair celebrities show that both blonds and brunets can take advantage of the stylish men 's casual look.
The "British" casual style is a very modern European look, which as the men looking very sleek and polished.
The shirts and sweaters Orlando Bloom and Jude Law choose are thin (in fabric weight) and close to the body, and usually layered under a jacket. The colors are usually somber (blacks, greys, dark brown), with few accents.
Orlando Bloom and Jude Law's necks are usually covered, either by a raised collar or a scarf.
The skinny scarf is a "must" accessory for this look, and needs to be worn wrapped or tied around the neck with both ends in the front.
The shoes show a bit of distress at times but they are not as grungy looking as the "Urban Cowboy" look.
This stylish men casual look can also be carried onto a special occasion (like the Red Carpet) by substituting a skinny tie for the scarf, and a pair of dressy straight leg pants to the jeans. Dressy vests are also chic and a great layer to the look.
Hats are not always necessary, but if chosen they too need to be fitting (head hugging). The "Casual British" man is also neatly groomed, with either a short goatee or no facial hair, and the hair is short at the back of the head and longer on top and is always sculpted up with gel and sleeked by pomade. To finish the casual look, Aviator (or Ray Ban's) sunglasses are a must!
Be Fabulous,
Ella
Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities- men's casual style: the British look; celebrities Orlando Bloom and Jude Law wear the British men's casual look.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Guide to Celebrities Casual Style for Men
Beside looking sharp and elegant at the office, men also want to be young looking, hip and up-to-date in their casual style. Most admired male celebrities have a certain signature grungy casual look, which is so fresh and effortless; so how do you get the perfect celebrity inspired men's casual look?
Easy, draw tips from their style!
I make it my job to study what styles make celebrities look so good and imitated. Celebrities have to be up to date with the latest fashion all the time, because they are constantly under a Paparazzo lens and public scrutiny. Remember, it's not about transforming into a celebrity look-alike, it's about studying the concepts beyond the style and adapting them to the individual and his everyday lifestyle.
I will recommend a couple of men's casual styles: one directed to guys with darker hair and medium to large build (in muscles and height) and one for the blonder counterpart. For the leaner or shorter body type check Part 2 of the guide.
For the dark hair casual men's look I have studied two celebrities who are adored by the ladies, are also fashion icons, and share the same fashion sense. Both Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell in their casual style are the Modern Urban Cowboys and they rock the ladies world!! Here is the guide to their casual styles:
The basic item of their look and the hottest piecein their wardrobe is the Jeans: look for a pair of not-too-large, relaxed-fit jeans in a darker wash; they need to be worn-looking, distressed (Sandblasted) and at times even a bit frayed. Careful: the jeans are not dirty, but dirty-looking -they sell them that way- so they are new and clean jeans; try not to wear a "homemade" version, as it makes the 
difference between looking hip or sloppy!
difference between looking hip or sloppy! Both Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell wear button up fitted shirts with interesting details and embroidery (for long sleeves, roll them up 3 times max); Johnny Depp prefers his button up shirts over a T-shirt (usually a white cotton shirt or undershirt), while Colin Farrell tends to leave them 3/4 open on a bare chest (careful: no chest hair for this look). Both men, occasionally, wear a vest and long sleeves 
shirts tied around the waist.
shirts tied around the waist. The base concept of this men's casual style is Layering, from shirts to jewelry; most men look great and well put together by layering their clothes (caution: keep fabric light, not to add to much bulk). To layer jewelry, remember to go with an odd number of pieces (either one or three, or five) as odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye. Keep the pieces interesting with different lengths and texture; leather and pewter/matte silver jewelry is sophisticated and well fitted for a casual modern man, while big gold chains scream more "Soprano's" style!
Big cuff leather bracelets are also very hip now, and give the image of a tough bad boy (which most women love!). The cuff could be balanced with a softer look on the other arm, which is left either bare or with a few smaller leather bracelets with a couple of beads.
Let's not forget the hats, from woolen caps to fedora hats, both Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell love to complete their casual look by covering their lustrous hair with a hat (avoid Baseball caps for the grungy casual style). Scuffed shoes and short boots are also in these Hollywood Stars casual wardrobe, which add style to the grungy look. Both actors sport a well groomed 5 O'clock shadow on their jaws, leaving the hair darker and longer around their mouths (Goatee style), so invest in a trimmer. I would suggest this casual look to a darker hair guy because of the beard (on a blond guy, it would have to be longer to be seen and could end up looking disheveled), also other items of the Rocker Edge Style would suits a darker 
haired guy better (generally speaking): the layered leather and beads might end up having the opposite results on a lighter hair guy (looking more"surfer dude-ish" like). For the Lighter Hair man (with also medium to large built), follow the more tamed stylish men's casual/grungy look of celebrities: Brad Pitt and David Beckham (who are also great fashion icons in Hollywood and adored by women all over the world).
Both Brad Pitt and David Beckham love their hats, Brad wears mostly the Sicilian "coppola" and David woolen and military caps.
They too wear relaxed fit distressed jeans, with a looser fit, and are often seen with their stylish big brown sunglasses (a must for blond dudes). Both celebrities also love their fitted T-shirts, sweaters and the layered look. Neither Brad Pitt nor David Beckham, wear a lot of jewelry or embellishments, but love their wide scarves and fitted jackets for the winter look. The accessories these stylish men indulge in are leather belts, messenger bags and scuffed dark shoes.
For both Dark and Light hair men: keep hair well groomed: shorter at the back and longer on the top of the head, use some pomade or styling gel to hold it in place and neat looking. If you are looking for a change in your casual style, but are not sure if you can sport a similar look, change one item at a time, like the jewelry, or the layering, and learn to get good at it (caution: you might not love the change right away if you go for something big, like the shoes, start with something smaller and easier on the eye). These celebrities also add to the 'bad boy' image with their charm, loud motorbikes, fast sports cars and many times, even Tatoos (in Johnny Depp and David Beckham case), but at the same time they are not afraid to show thier softer side (especially around their children).
Check more looks for Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, David Beckham and Brad Pitt on the Fashion Community (Gallery).
Be fabulous,
Ella
Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities- celebrities inspired men's casual styles accessories and trendy fashion, Johnny Depp style, Colin Farrell style, Brad Pitt style, David Beckham men's casual style.
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