What Do I Wear Now?

First line of defense for beautiful skin..Sunscreen

Skin care is vital to our overall looks and health. Today we are bombarded with millions of products all promising to reverse the aging process, no matter our age.

Let’s start with the most important aspect of skin care…sunscreen.
If you have ever been to the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, you know how overwhelming it can be: SPF this, UVA that and then throw in UVBs in the mix and the sunscreen confusion begins!

Choosing the Right SPF in Sunscreen

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun’s harmful UVB rays. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out in the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.

UVA and UVB Protection

The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection.

UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun; however, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer.

Choose a product that states, “UVA/UVB,” protection or has “broad spectrum” protectant.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in levels from 2 to 60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily, an SPF of 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30.

If you are still undecided, check with your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations.

Don’t think that just because the day is cloudy you are safe from these rays they are still there so make sunscreen your daily top priority.

Over the next few weeks we will be discussing more skin care for our beautiful moms!

What Do I Wear Now…That It’s Spring?

With spring upon us and summer following close behind, here at Beautiful You Maternity we find ourselves thinking of what our best summer investment could be and we are thinking White. White is one of the most timeless colors you can add to your maternity wardrobe. It’s fresh. It’s classic. It’s versatile making white a smart wardrobe investment and wardrobe essential.

When we think of spring our mind goes to warmer days spent in more causal settings. We all are familiar with the term “those long lazy days of summer” and our minds just seem to gravitate toward all that those words imply. Nothing says spring and summer like a great pair of white maternity pants, white maternity capris, a fabulous white maternity shirt or maternity tee.

We love white for so many reasons.
* Pair ANY color with white and never go wrong!
* White can be as simple and casual as a day at the beach or glammed up for a dressy summer event
* White shouts SUMMER like no other color
* We love white with heels or going barefoot

We love that you can take a basic pair of white maternity pants add sandals and a soft tee and run to the grocery store looking chic. Keep that same pair of white maternity pants and tee on, just replace the sandals with a pair of open-toed heels and drape a great necklace over the tee then head out for dinner at your favorite restaurant. We love being a quick change artist, don’t you?

White maternity capris will give you the same kind of versatile service. A smart pair of white maternity capris will give you same endless options for summer. They will be your “go to maternity pant”. They can be a sassy look for around town or on vacation, just add your favorite top and sexy sandals.

We can’t forget the classic white maternity top or maternity tee that will go with anything. There is nothing like the crisp feel of a white shirt or the softness of a white tee.

We love the “Jackie O look”. A perfect pair of jeans paired with a soft, white tee. Remember her on the cover of magazines with just that look? She upgraded casual to chic. We need to take our queue from her and remember that no matter how casual white is always chic.

Spring Maternity Fashions

Spring is almost here so you ask yourself, what do I wear now until my baby comes? A common question for the mom-to-be who has weathered the fall / winter season with her changing curves or for the woman who just found out she is expecting. Spring is a time when we all need transitional, versatile clothing. In many climates, spring can bring sunshine one day, wind and rain the next. With that kind of temperamental weather we need to be ready for anything. We have a few tips to achieve versatility by choosing smart, basic maternity clothes that can transition with the seasons.

From the very beginning, Beautiful You Maternity has focused on transitional and versatile maternity clothing that will move from season to season and then beyond baby for both the nursing and non-nursing mom. Consider purchasing soft cotton tee’s that can be worn alone or layered for extra warmth giving you a fashionable, chic look. Maternity camis are a year around basic for your maternity wardrobe that can be worn alone or layered depending on the weather and your preference. Maternity belly bands give a layered look without the bulk and provide a little extra support for your back and tummy. Try the Blush lace topless tee (can be worn high like a cami or lower like a belly band-very versatile!) that adds a little feminine touch with the lace edging. What a great time to look and feel feminine than in these exciting months ahead? You can’t forget about the versatile maternity sweater or maternity jacket that can be paired with your tops and bottoms for many different looks! We love Fine 4 Nine’s ¾ sleeve sweater. The bolero style allows you to wear it throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond. Spring moves into summer so get a jump start on great tops designed to grow with you while flattering your changing curves as the months go by. We have some wonderful rouched tops designed to flatter and shape your body that will have you feeling comfortable and beautiful.

Remember you can add a sweater or shawl to any short sleeve or sleeveless maternity dress for the cooler spring days and nights. Also, ¾ sleeve dresses are a perfect option for spring and carry you into the summer months.

Will spring have you moving beyond baby? Check out our great selection of nursing clothes including nursing tops and nursing dresses with such discreet access that no one will ever guess they were designed for the nursing mom. Several of our pieces serve dual functions, maternity and nursing, so they are a great value!

We feel like our maternity jeans are the best single investment for moving into spring or any season for that matter! Maternity jeans and maternity denim capris give style to your wardrobe no matter the season. Dress them up with heels or boots and a fabulous top; add a great scarf or jacket and you are ready to hit the town. How about lazy weekends at cook-outs or a ballgame, add your casual flats, sandals or tennis shoes and a soft tee and you are ready for any casual event. Choose maternity pants that can be worn in several different seasons so you aren’t repurchasing. A black maternity pencil skirt or denim skirt can be worn no matter the temperature just by adding tights and boots for cooler weather or sandals during the warmer months.

One of our year around favorites is the Maternal America nursing scarf. This great scarf would never be guessed as a nursing accessory. It is lightweight and incredibly soft. You can never run out of optional ways to wear it, even in the warmest climate it is a great piece to throw on for an evening out when the temperatures drop just enough for a cool breeze. Think resort wear when you view this scarf and just imagine packing such a versatile, lightweight accessory.

As always, the key to a versatile maternity wardrobe is accessorizing. You can change the look of your outfits with jewelry, clutches and bags, shoes and so much more. Don’t get frustrated when looking for your spring look, be creative and let your inner beauty shine!

Thinking of spring has us looking forward to summer. We know you will find a versatile selection of spring maternity clothes at Beautiful You Maternity that will follow you into those lazy days of summer in comfort and style.