Pregnant Style Muse - Nicole Richie

Pregnancy Style Muse - Nicole Richie by baybaymama featuring leather shoes

Zara / Topshop / Madewell leather shoes / The Row alligator bag / Niza Huang two finger ring

Top Five Things I Didn’t Know About Being Pregnant

1. Eventually, even your maternity shirts will no longer fit you. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I didn’t purchase a lot of maternity wear because I knew that I would be able to incorporate some of my oversized clothes I had pre-pregnancy into my pregnancy wardrobe. However, I did buy a couple of long sleeved maternity shirts and they have served as my trusty go-to staples.  What I didn’t realize when I bought them is that they would eventually be too small for my big belly.  I’m a couple weeks before my due date and I find the skin above my waist line exposed when I wear them. I’ve pretty much given up being modest about showing a bit of belly in public.

2. You will not be one of those model/actress types that barely looks pregnant. Before I was pregnant I thought I would look like Giselle or Claire Danes who were perfectly toned with exception of their baby bump. However, I learned that everyone’s body reacts to pregnancy differently. I’m small boned and was a runner before my pregnancy and now my body has grown in ways that I didn’t expect. One of the positive aspects of my pregnancy is the visit from the boob fairy.  Hello, new boobs!  If you freak out about being too big during your pregnancy, just reassure yourself that the baby weight is important for a healthy baby and you will be able to work out and eat healthier once the little one is born.

3.  Everything will make you cry. I can’t watch anything now without tearing up a bit especially if it has to do with childbirth, animals or babies.  I find myself starting to watch shows and immediately turning them off because it becomes like an emotional rollercoaster.  For example, I tried watching Call The Midwife on PBS which is about childbirth in East London during the 50’s and although it was beautifully shot and really interesting, I just couldn’t get through an episode without crying hysterically. Forget looking any YouTube clips about baby’s first bath, dog rescues or doing something mundane like folding my baby’s clothes, it all leads to Niagara Falls.

4. Sciatica sucks. This has been the bane of my pregnancy. The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. When you’re pregnant, this nerve becomes irritated from pressure from the uterus or baby and the pain is almost debilitating. My husband has been my hero throughout this process in more ways than one. I am forever grateful for him helping me walk at times and massaging my lower back and hips because it has been so painful. I find that doing stretches like pigeon or butterfly after you workout and before you go to bed helps relieve some of the tension.

5. Strangers will want to talk to you about being pregnant. Being from New York, I am still getting used to the idea of talking to strangers here in California when they greet me with a “hello” or “how are you?” I have to resist the urge to give them hesitant side eye scowls and instead try to be more welcoming. Now that I am pregnant people want to know the details asking questions like, “How far along?”, “boy or girl?” or simply say “congratulations!” or my favorite “blessings!” I think these remarks are really endearing and it’s nice to share your excitement about your baby!

Quenotte

I am constantly looking at French fashion magazines and blogs for style inspiration and ideas. There's something 'je ne sais quoi' about their ability to throw together pieces effortlessly while looking incredibly dapper. Now I can give our son that French pizazz with clothes from the children's label Quenotte.  Created by two childhood friends in 2010, the duo design garments that feel vintage with a modern twist. I love anything with bold prints so some of my favorite pieces are the Cassandra Jacquard Dress and the Madeline Landscape Skirt.  I just wish they made the clothes in adult sizes.

The Ultimate Simple Smoothie Recipe For Summer

I am a smoothie advocate and with summer right around the corner, what better way to celebrate warm weather with a delicious thick fruity smoothie? They are super cheap to make (once you have the ingredients) and have all the nutrients you need for a nutritious snack.  I probably make around four smoothies a week.  Below is my easy to follow recipe for a simple smoothie that will leave you refreshed and feeling healthy.

1/2 cup of fresh strawberries
1 banana
1 teaspoon of flax seeds
1 handful of fresh blueberries
1/2 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup of ice

Blend strawberries, banana, flax seeds, blueberries, orange juice,  yogurt and ice together until smooth. Pout into a glass and if you are feeling sassy, add a strawberry for a garnish.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld in i-D Magazine May 2012 Issue

Photographs by Mario Sorrenti

Styled by her mama Carine Roitfeld

Kid Style - Kingston Rossdale

Kid Style - Kingston Rossdale by baybaymama on Polyvore

Vilebrequin Little Boy's Reversible Camo Puffer Vest / Fendi Kids Boys' Denim Pant (Toddler) / J.Crew Kids' Vans® authentic chambray sneakers / BOBO CHOSES T.shirt short sleeves - 3 veg, $41

I Love tinycottons In A BIG Way

I'm all about cozy stylish clothing for my baby and so I became when I came across the Barcelona-based baby clothing designer tinycottons' website.  Their clothes are made from 100% pima cotton, which has a higher thread count and super soft.  Although their garments are simple, the prints are super cute - think stars and stripes.  We must be patient for their online store, however, because they start taking orders in July.

HATCH-to Hospital Box

With a couple weeks before my due date, I am getting into super organization mode and that includes making a list for what I will need for my hospital stay.  I've spent quite a bit of time browsing online at nursing pijamas, robes and other things to bring with me when I go into labor. I even ordered what was advertised as an "ultra soft organic nightgown" from a online maternity store and was completely disappointed when I received it in the mail. The material felt cheap, the fabric faded and the whole thing looked less than spectacular. It was then I discovered the HATCH-to-Hospital line.  I've written about HATCH before here. They specialize in chic maternity clothing that can be worn during and after pregnancy. The new HATCH-to-Hospital package includes a beautiful super soft knee- length modal nursing nightgown, matching robe, cashmere socks and lace trimmed panties. It beats wearing a hospital gown! It is perfect present for a baby shower or if you are like me, you will just purchase it for yourself.

Must Listen - Sea of Love by The National

The National's new album Trouble Will Find Me will be released May 21st.  "Sea of Love" is the first single from the new album.  How adorable is the kid playing air guitar?

Also, the brother of the lead singer of the band has released a documentary this year about the band called "Mistaken For Strangers."  I can't wait to see it!

Festival Style For Mommy To Be

Festival Style For Mommy To Be by baybaymama featuring j brand maternity

J Brand maternity / Johnny Was , $295 / Madewell / Free People knapsack bag / House of Harlow 1960 aztec jewelry

QT's Designer Baby Package

Photo Courtesy of the QT Sydney

My husband and I are currently trying to plan a vacation that is both baby and parent friendly.  My friend Mandana from the Nancy Girl blog, recently suggested the BabyQ Package at the QT Hotel located in Sydney, Australia. The 3 day/ 2 night stay includes breakfast (with freshly made baby food), a bottle of Champagne and spa treatments for mommy and daddy. The hotel room has everything you need for you and your pampered baby including a Leander crib, a self-heating iiamo go bottle and a changing mat. Located blocks away from Sydney's beaches, gardens and art galleries, The QT Hotel is the perfect retreat. What more could you want out of a vacation?

Kate Quinn Organics' Long-Sleeved Kimonos

I'm a little obsessed with Kate Quinn's Organics' kimonos.  Based out of Seattle, WA each onesie is made from 100% fair trade organic cotton and perfect for an eco-conscious fashionable baby.  When designing Kate Quinn, "wanted to create a line that encompassed all wishes and dreams of new parents: the softest most natural materials to surround your baby, the highlight of quality and design and construction and, most importantly, the hope of a cleaner kinder earth."  The snaps on the bottom of the kimono provide easy access for changing and each one is designed to wear perfect as is or can be used as a base for layering.  

Jeremy Scott Collaborates With Cybex To Make The Coolest Baby Gear

I love Jeremy Scott's approach to fashion.  He has this happy go lucky, expressive, tongue in cheek attitude that produces garments make a statement.  Although he is primarily known for his Fashion Week Ready To Wear collections, he is no stranger to designing for kids. Remember the Jeremy Scott x Adidas teddy bear sneakers or the white winged baby shoes that Jay-Z purchased for Blue Ivy?  His current collaboration is with the innovative European brand CYBEX and together they have introduced a new set of stylish baby gear.  Jeremy's design entitled food fight, which debuted in his Fall 2006 collection, has animated versions pizzas, hotdogs, ice cream cones, etc printed across strollers, bags, infant carriers and car seats. It is perfect for parents that want quirky one-of-a-kind products for their little one.  See more here.  

Mommy To Be Noir Look

Mommy To Be Noir Look by baybaymama featuring leather jackets

Proenza Schouler leather jacket / Topshop / J.Crew j crew shoes / Coach crossbody handbag / Black diamond jewelry / Victoria Beckham eyewear

Kurt, Courtney and Frances Bean

Photos by Stephen Sweet

Kurt talks fatherhood with MTV News.

Stephen Sweet is a photographer who has shot for magazines like NME and Melody Maker. You can check out more of his Nirvana photographs in his book Nirvana.  

Isaac Mizrahi's Girl's Line Coming This Fall

As a teenager of the 90's, Isaac Mizrahi was one of my first fashion loves. Do anyone remember those fantastic Natalie Portman commercial or his captivating fashion documentary Unzipped?  On a side note my favorite parts of Unzipped is when Linda Evangelista is screaming at Isaac during the fashion show, "Why do you always give me flat shoes and you always give Naomi Campbell high heels?" It cracks me up. Anyway, this Fall Isaac is releasing his girl's line via Kitson Kids.  I'm swooning over his animal print sweaters, pink sequined leggings, oh so adorable dresses and capri pants.  This makes me wish I had a little girl to dress up!  You will be able to purchase these items in August.

Unzipped Trailer

Isaac's Commercial Featuring Natalie Portman

HATCH Collection

One thing I realized during my pregnancy is that it is difficult to look stylish yet feel comfortable when getting dressed in the morning.  Leave it to the NYC-based label HATCH to make you feel fashionable on even your most fatigued days.  The best thing about the clothes is you don't have to store them in the closet post-pregnancy because they are designed to be worn during your pregnancy and after so that's money well spent!  They have so many great staple items like The Perfect Vee, The Longsleeve Tee, The Boyfriend Dress and The Button Down.  I'm usually not a fan of women wearing overalls but HATCH's blue and white polka dot overall shorts are too cute for words.  Click here to shop.  

A Monday Treat - David Bowie Pushing A Stroller

Courtesy of Dangerous Minds

Here's a photo of David Bowie and his wife Angie taking their baby Zowie out for a little stroll in 1971. How great is that name - Zowie Bowie?  I'm so in love with David Bowie so this photo basically made my morning. 

Lullaby Editorial by Carine Roitfeld

"When something is consuming your thoughts, you suddenly notice it everywhere. When I learned that my daughter, Julia, was expecting  I immediately began seeing babies and new mothers on planes, at fashion shows, in New York and in Paris. Birth and rebirth all around. I became obsessed."  - Carine Roitfeld

Photos of Lullaby editorial and quote courtesy of Carine's first issue of CRFashionBook.com from September 2012

How Not To Feel Overwhelmed By Baby Gear

Photograph by Terry Richardson for French Vogue

The first week after our baby shower it felt like Babies"R"Us threw up all over our apartment. It was so overwhelming. I told my husband it felt like a phantom roommate moved in when we were gone and then took off to South America. Living in a one bedroom apartment, we have limited space so we just shoved all the boxes and bags of clothes in the corner of the living room and it sat there for a couple weeks. I figured out an organization plan that worked for us and brought the stress level down to a minimum. Here are some tips.

1. Buy a dresser/ changing station for the baby. There are so many affordable options out there for baby furniture these days. We found our dream changing table/ dresser at Pottery Barn Kids.  It is affordable and made of solid wood, which is important for us. We placed all the blankets, clothing and plush toys in the drawers so that they would have a home until the baby arrived.

2. Wash all of the infant clothes now! It's important to throw all the blankets and clothing in the wash before the baby comes in contact with them. I am the type of person who likes to prepare for everything so there is no better time than now to do this than now. Your newborn will have sensitive skin, so you need to prepare for that. According to studies some baby clothes, "Are sprayed with formaldehyde before being shipped so that they get that fresh look" and also who knows what was crawling around the warehouse where the clothing was stored. We use Seventh Generation Unscented Laundry detergent, which is biodegradable, free of dyes and synthetic fragrances. After washing everything, you can store them in your dresser for your baby. To read more about it, click here.

3. If borrowing baby gear, wait until two weeks before your due date to pick it up. We have friends and family members that are loaning us various things for our baby. Stuff like a car seat is just going to sit in the corner of our apartment so why not leave it at their place until we really need it?

4. Take inventory and make lists of things you still need. I am a total list person. I make lists everyday of things I need to do.  I realized after everything we received from the shower, I still needed various nursing stuff so I went out and purchased them and stored them in our adult dresser until needed.

5. If the item in the box is larger when put together than the box, leave it in the box. We received a swing and a pac and play crib and both items are a lot larger when put together than the storage box and travel case that they arrived in. There's no point in having a swing or crib set up in our apartment when there's no baby to put them in.

6. Have the will power to tell people "no thank you." One of the best part about being pregnant is realizing how much love and support you have around you. People want to give you things they have or buy you things they think you need. We've had so many generous people say, "Here, take this baby blah blah blah." At first, thought we needed it but then I realized it would just take up space in our apartment and then it would make me feel overwhelmed. I really can't pin point what our baby will need other than clothing, breast milk, a crib and other odds and ends but that doesn't mean I am going to load up on everything that people offer. Instead of flat out rejecting things from friends and family, I've told them that I would wait until the baby arrives and if I still needed it, I would take them up on their offer.

On a side note, I've been listening to 10,000 Maniac's 'Eat For Two.' I think my sister had this album and Our Time in Eden. If you are pregnant, have a baby or want to revisit late 80's nostalgia click the video below.

Grocery Shopping Style For Mommy To Be

Grocery Store Style For Mommy To Be by baybaymama featuring the row

Chaser tee / Topshop maternity / House of Harlow 1960 mocassin shoes / PeleCheCoco photo backpack / Rocket Dog print tote bag, $7.73 / FAUXTALE drop earrings / The Row