What Do I Wear Now?

Key to Beautiful Skin…..Cleansers

2010-08-03T20:45:18Z

Using the right cleanser for your skin type makes all the difference in how your skin will react to the other products used on your face.

A gentle water-soluble cleanser is the best product for most skin types. This type of cleanser is gentle and efficient and should easily remove eye makeup too. With a water-soluble cleanser, using tepid water massage the cleanser over your face and neck and rinse with more water. Your face should feel clean and refreshed, not greasy or dry.

Over cleaning your face can dry it out so that no moisturizer will help. Also, using heavy cold creams can clog pores and leave a film on your skin.

Do read the label before you buy face cleanser and stay away from products that include AHA’s, BHA’s, or disinfectants, as these can cause irritation to the eye area. Also, we suggest you stay away from bar soaps from the neck up.

Healthy, glowing skin is a mood maker. When you feel good about your appearance, you feel good about yourself! Stay on top on your game these nine months by keeping your skin cared for and looking radiant. Feeling good on the outside keeps us feeling good on the inside.

Remember, keep your skin clean and wear sunscreen daily!

First line of defense for beautiful skin..Sunscreen

2010-07-23T19:01:40Z

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!

Quick Tips to Just for You!

2010-07-20T21:52:19Z

While it is important to take care of our families, it is also very important that we take care of ourselves. Here are a few tips from TopHealth that we found useful:

1. Give yourself a massage:
* Scalp – Place thumbs behind your ears and spread your fingers on top of your head. Move your fingers in circular motions.
* Eyes – Close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your eyebrows, near the bridge of your nose. Increase pressure slowly for 5 seconds then gently release. Repeat 2-3 times.
* Shoulders – Place your left hand on the right side of your neck near your shoulder. Press fingers firmly into the muscle while tucking your chin in towards your chest. Hold this position for 10 seconds, release and repeat to your left side.
* Palms – Lace your fingers together, leaving your thumbs free. Slowly knead your left thumb into the palm of your right hand for 20-30 seconds. Repeat to your left hand.

2. Get a good night’s sleep:
* Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning (yes, including weekends). This helps regulate your internal clock to get the 7-8 hours sleep most adults need.
* Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. We suggest a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to pleasant music.
* Avoid stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine from late afternoon on.
* Exercise during the day
3. How to get that needed second wind:
* Refuel with a high-fiber snack such as celery sticks, an apple, or pistachio nuts. High-fiber snacks help control the release of glucose into your bloodstream and may help prevent dips in your energy level.
* Breathe deeply. Every 1-2 hours, spend 5 minutes inhaling and exhaling deeply. This helps you feel calmer and more mentally focused, with renewed energy.
* Take a visual vacation. Close your eyes and mentally escape to a calming place for you.
* Splash cold water on your face or pop a breath mint – mint flavors are stimulating.
* At the end of the day, write down all the good things that happened. You’ll be surprised at how much went right. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a good night’s sleep and energize yourself for tomorrow.

It is so important that we all take time out of our busy schedules for ourselves. We hope these tips will help you relax yet give you renewed energy to make your days and nights more enjoyable.

What’s Hot in Maternity Clothes for Summer!

2010-04-30T16:53:28Z

We feel that today’s expectant mom has the freedom to continue to dress with style and flair throughout her nine months and beyond. Maternity clothing for today’s modern mom is glamorous and versatile. As each season approaches, moms-to-be want to know what’s hot in maternity clothing in the days ahead and how to pull their own unique look off with maternity clothes that keep them looking smart and ready for anything.
Beautiful You Maternity has always suggested a good basic wardrobe built around neutrals that you can dress up or down with accessories and pops of color that brighten and add freshness, thus giving you an instant mood booster. This is still our first recommendation to building a maternity wardrobe for any season.
However, here are our suggestions for what’s hot now and how to wear it when you are pregnant:
First, a maternity cami is so very versatile and a “must have” for warm weather. Not only will a maternity camisole serve you well in the upcoming season but will carry you through any season and beyond baby as well. Pair your maternity cami with a great pair of maternity jeans, add sandals or even comfy flip-flops for a casual day at the park, or flatter your décolletage by adding a funky necklace, great earrings and change into summer heels for an “uptown” look. Use a maternity camisole as a wardrobe essential by pairing it under a maternity suit or maternity jacket, under a workout outfit or even a sheer, dressy maternity top for an evening out.
Spring and summer are the best time to show off a sexy maternity dress and your fabulous curves. Choose a style you love! Look for a maternity dress that is figure flattering and will allow you to change the look to meet the occasion. Check out our Fertile Mind 6-Way Maternity Dress and our Pouch Versatile Maternity Dress (Pouch’s Kicky dress is perfect for our moms-to-be looking for a petite maternity dress) for endless looks from just one great maternity dress. These maternity dresses offer different necklines and body hugging lines, all sexy and flattering, which give these maternity dresses a totally different look each time you wear it a different way. The ever loved maternity wrap dress is another versatile, hot look for summer. Invest in a solid color that will look professional at the office as well as relaxed enough for other occasions. Once again you have a maternity wardrobe piece that will continue to grow with you throughout your pregnancy.
Rouching is hot this season and we have some fabulous maternity tops that offer you both style and comfort. The great thing about a rouched maternity top is that it will literally grow with you, continuously flattering and playing up your curves throughout your pregnancy. Our rouched maternity tops look great with any maternity bottom and can be dressy or casual. Don’t wait until night to wear the flashy tops (sparkles, silver gold), wear them during the day toned down with a great cardigan or jacket!
This is the season for maternity skirts and maternity crop pants, so show off a little leg, add a sexy pair of sandals and keep those toes painted a bright color that brings a smile to your face. Remember a short hemline is the most versatile, allowing you to pair it with flats during the day and heels at night so you can go from office to dinner in the same maternity outfit (Smart Dressing Tip!) .
It is warm weather and we can’t forget poolside or beachside style. Choose a maternity swimsuit style that makes you feel beautiful. A maternity tankini or a maternity swimsuit with soft drapes in Caribbean colors are hot this season. If you are just lying around the pool, add a great pair of earrings for a little pizzazz. Don’t forget sunscreen and for a chic, Hollywood look try a big brimmed hat to complete the look and protect your face.
When will maternity jeans ever not be essential and a hot wardrobe item? This season you can pick your maternity jeans with a choice of leg widths. You won’t go wrong whether you select the rational boot cut or go for the slim leg or anything in between. Try rolling up the jean leg, making a cuff and adding your favorite heels for an “uptown” look that says “chic, fun, and sassy.”
Bows are in this spring. They can add softness or structure to maternity tops and maternity dresses. Check out our Maternal America white bow top which is perfect for any occasion or Japanese Weekend’s jewel toned bubble top. If you don’t want bows on your maternity clothing, add shoes with bows or a strappy bag with a bow to give a fresh look to your outfit.
This season’s accessories that add instant style are great strappy shoes, eye popping jewelry, sweet flats, a comfy carry-all purse or doctor bag, cuff bracelets, animal prints, platform heels (but be careful!), polka dots (smaller is better), clothes that drape, sunglasses in two tone frames, lace-up heels, stacked bangles, layered chains, and the ever classic pearls.
The upcoming months are a great time for the mom-to-be to feel beautiful and have fun showing off your beauty. Maternity clothing is all about how you see yourself, so be unique, confident and daring during this special time in your life and have fun!

What Do I Wear Now…That It’s Spring?

2010-03-19T20:17:33Z

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

2010-02-12T22:06:17Z

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.

How can I look sexy for Valentine’s Day when I’m pregnant or nursing?

2010-01-19T16:22:47Z

With the holidays behind us and a new year ahead, Beautiful You Maternity has some great ideas for “what to wear now” when expecting or nursing. Just around the corner is Valentine’s Day, a favorite for most girls. We have some beautiful and sexy lingerie guaranteed to make you feel glamorous and romantic. The great thing about all our lingerie is you can wear it, not only while you are pregnant, but beyond as well. All our nursing lingerie has discreet breastfeeding access, so no one will know you are wearing nursing lingerie!

One of our favorites for Valentine’s Day is Melinda G’s, deep cherry maternity and nursing gown. This shimmering, sexy gown shows a little leg with a wrap skirt that really adds style and pizzazz. If you want to WOW him on Valentine’s night, walk out in this gorgeous gown and have some flickering candles filling the room. You won’t need any other accessories!
www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/melinda-g-maternity-nursing-gown.html

If you follow what the Hollywood stars love and are wearing, then you know Sweet Dreams Maternity Wear has a huge following in LA including Tori Spelling, Melissa Joan-Hart, Naomi Priestley, Ning-Na, and Joley Fisher. You will fall head-over-heels for this entire line. Each piece promises sweet dreams. No matter what stage your curves are at you will look and feel sexy on Valentine’s night in lingerie from Sweet Dreams Maternity. Browse the entire collection at www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/sweet-dreams-maternity.html.

Looking to take a little walk on the wild side this valentine’s night? We have a great two piece, zebra maternity/nursing gown with robe by Majamas. Perfect during and beyond your pregnancy with nursing access so discreet no will ever guess this gown serves a dual purpose. Soft and fabulous is how we describe this sexy duo www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/majamas-maternity-nursing-gown-robe.html.

If you are looking for glamour and style on your special night take a look at our Olian 5 piece nursing pajama set. Just the fabric will have you feeling sumptuously soft and you will love how the fabric divinely drapes your body. These pajamas with matching robe give the look of old world style and luxury. You’ll look and feel like a goddess in these elegant maternity and nursing pajamas www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/olian-nursing-pajamas.html.

Wanna have some fun? Try out our newly added capri nursing pajama’s by Anne Matthew
They are our shortcut to chic, sexy, and fun. You will look glamorous without even trying. We think a cute low heel slipper would add a little spice to your look on that special night. Set the mood for romance by adding his favorite scent www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/anne-mtthew-nursing-capri-pajamas.html.

Don’t forget there is nothing that makes us feel sexy and beautiful like a beautiful bra. We love the Belabumbum Lotus nursing bra (www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/belabumbum-lotus-nursing-bra.html) that is designed to fit and flatter our changing curves. The soft cup and touch of lace adds a feminine flare that combines comfort and sexy. You’ll want to wear it every day so consider more than one!

Once you have your wardrobe selected, focus on all the other things that make Valentine’s Day and night romantic with the one you love. Here are some of our suggestions to make the evening memorable for you both:

If you are up to cooking dinner for two, great! But carry out works just as well, simply transfer it to your best china and trash the boxes. Trust us; he won’t care that he’s eating take-out as long as you are happy and stress-free! A glass of Champagne is always a great way to start the evening. However, for you expecting moms-to-be and nursing moms, try a sparkling cider or a mock champagne cocktail. Just add club soda to your favorite fruit drink and you’ll never miss the real stuff. Also, consider adding a plate of strawberries and a little chocolate for a romantic snack. How about a little Kenny G playing in the background and candlelight instead of lamps? Is it cold where you live? Have a fire going and a soft comfy rug in front of it for relaxing.

How ever you celebrate the holiday of love, make it special and romantic! Remember, it shouldn’t be just one day a year that you make romance a special effort. Make it a lifestyle and have fun doing it!! We would love for you to share your suggestions on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Please let us hear from you 877-556-4040 or sales@beautifulyoumaternity.com.

What do I wear for the holidays?

2010-01-19T16:23:21Z

Here are some tips from Beautiful You Maternity on how to dress for the holidays:

1. My #1 tip for shopping for holiday maternity wear, is keep an open-mind. Don’t view shopping as a chore! You will find that you can be more creative when you are having fun. Take someone with you that will give you an honest opinion and can laugh with you when you have truly made a style mistake. If you follow this tip, the rest will come easy.

2. The versatile “little black maternity dress” (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/fertile-mind-six-way-maternity-dress.html) is always a good option for the holidays. If you want a more festive color for the holidays, Pouch’s versatile dress in red is an extremely popular item (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/pouch-versatile-maternity-dress.html). Dress up your look with pearl or rhinestone jewelry, strappy shoes and a great clutch and you have created a show-stopping look for the holidays. Tip: Don’t write off wearing a great strapless dress just because it’s cold out, throw a sweater or wrap over it with a beautiful brooch.

3. Palazzo pants (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/cotton-glam-modal-palazzo-maternity-pants.html) can be worn dressed up for the holidays with a sequined tube top (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/olian-maternity-tube-top.html) and a sweater to create a sleek holiday look.

4. Need a more casual “party look” for the holidays, try your favorite denim trousers and a sparkly tube top (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/fine-4-nine-strapless-maternity-top.html) paired with some strappy shoes or boots. Once again, layer with a sweater and/or scarf for those chilly days and nights.

5. As always, the key to any outfit is how you accessorize it. Be creative and have fun trying different accessories until you find the right look for you!

We at Beautiful You Maternity have chosen some of our favorite pieces for the holiday collection (http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/holiday-maternity-wear.html) that will take you through the holidays beautifully and into everyday wear with style and comfort. Don’t just buy an outfit that you can only wear once, make it a versatile outfit with endless style possibilities!

Have a question about size or a particular style? We would love to hear from you, call 1-877-556-4040 or email sales@beautifulyoumaternity.com.

Beautiful You Maternity Smart Buying Strategies

2010-01-19T16:24:15Z

Multipurpose maternity clothes expand your seasonal fashion throughout a pregnancy

When choosing a maternity wardrobe use the following Beautiful You buying tips:

Look for a quality pair of jeans in a Dark Wash that can be dressed up or down http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/olian-boot-cut-maternity-jeans.html.
Khaki pants and/or skirt provide many mix and match options for any season.
Consider a Dark Wash denim skirt http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/mame-maternity-denim-skirt.html. You will look great for fall/winter yet it will still be a good fashion statement in spring/summer when paired with a summer shirt and flip flops or sandals. Also, Dark Wash denim is often considered as “dressier”.
A main staple to consider is a three or four piece suit http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/olian-vertigo-maternity-pants.html.
1. Skirt, jacket, trousers and/or Capri pants can all can be mixed and matched with different tops and accessories. A few Capris can take your suit thru fall/winter when paired with boots.
2. When deciding on a color, understand that solid black or brown color is more versatile solution than a print suit.
3. Dresses http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/maternity-dresses.html
  1. Choosing a “little black dress” is always a good option no matter the season
  2. Dresses with ¾ length sleeves are good for all seasons especially a solid color. If you choose a print, make sure the pattern and colors are not too seasonal.
  3. Short sleeve dresses look cute layered for cold days with turtle necks, crewnecks, jackets, sweaters and more.
  4. Dresses are very adaptable when paired with leggings & boots for fall/winter. Shed the leggings and add some great “light” jewelry for spring/summer.
  5. Shirts http://www.beautifulyoumaternity.com/separates-maternity-tops.html
    1. Short sleeve shirts can be layered for fall/winter with a jacket, sweater, or a turtleneck.
    2. ¾ length sleeve shirts are good for fall/winter yet cool enough for early spring.
    3. Solid shirts are always a good option because they can be accessorized with jewelry, shoes, purses, a great scarf, printed “belly band”, and so much more.
    4. Celebrate your pregnancy with a maternity wardrobe which is exciting. Along with solid colors, choose some colorful prints that can be mixed and matched with different bottoms.
    5. A great way to adapt a beautiful maternity wardrobe to more than a single season is to accessorize it with jewelry, shoes, purses, and/or a scarf.
    6. Stop buying maternity clothes you’ll only wear once or by itself. Visualize outfits before you buy on how it can be accessorized and combined with new purchases as well as what you already own.

Japanese Weekend Maternity Halter Dress or Skirt

MaMe Maternity Denim Slim Fit Skirt