We have moved our Maternity Fashion Blog!

This maternity fashion blog has moved!  Check out the new and improved Stella Maternity Clothes Blog!

Our new blog is updated frequently and highlights maternity fashion, sales, giveaways and more!  We hope to see you there!

Christine by Van Thomas Hair Care Review!

I recently had the privilege to review the Christine by Van Thomas "Complete Package" set.  The "Complete Package" set includes Christine Shampoo, Reconstructive Conditioner, Protective Glaze and Body Wash.

During pregnancy (or any other time in a mom's life), taking a few moments for yourself can be extremely rejuvenating.  These hair and body products are luxurious and will make your shower feel like a spa.  My favorite thing about this line is that it is sulfate and paraben free (which is really important for expecting moms.)  Also, the light citrusy floral scent is pretty without being overpowering to a pregnant woman's sensitive sense of smell. 

The Christine shampoo provided excellent lather.  The manufacturer states that is was created with "micro-lather technology to provide a rich luxurious lather made up of extremely tiny bubbles" to provide a thorough cleaning of the hair and scalp. I found this to be true and my hair felt very clean without feeling stripped.

My favorite product was the Reconstructive Conditioner.  It left my hair soft and shiny, which isn't easy considering my hair is much coarser and frizzier since my two pregnancies!  The manufacturer states that the reconstructive conditioner helps prevent split ends and breakage by passing through the protective cuticle tiles and delivering essential proteins and nutrients deep inside the hair (where other products can't reach.)   It definitely made my hair look much healthier.

The Protective Hair Glaze was also an awesome product.  I usually flat iron my normally wavy/frizzy hair and this glaze helped to protect it from heat damage.  My hair looked much shinier and I was able to go 3 whole days between shampooing!  I found the glaze to really help lock-in my hair style.  Yeah!  With two young boys, anything that saves me a few minutes is great!

I also really enjoyed the Christine Body Wash.  The light pleasing scent and the luxurious lather made showering a more relaxing experience.  The manufacturer also states that the body wash is gentle enough to use as a face cleanser.  I didn't use it on my face, but I think that it probably would work well.

All in all I was very pleased with the results these products provided.  They cost more than the usual products I buy, but if you can afford it, they really do work well!

For our readers, they are generously offering a 30% discount.  Use code "haircare15" at checkout,  http://www.vanthomasconcepts.com/.

The "Complete Package" retails for $70.  The "Shampoo and Conditioner Duo" retails for $45.  The "Body Wash" and "Hair Glaze" are $15 each.  All of these products can be found on their website: Christine by Van Thomas Concepts.  Also, check out their About Van Thomas page, which gives some background into the man who created this line.  The FAQs page, includes interesting question and answers with Van Thomas.

Note:  Press sample.  All of the reviews and opinions are my own.

Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross expecting a baby!

Ashlee Simpson and her husband, Evan Ross are expecting their first child together.  The cute couple were married in August in Connecticut.  Ashlee also has a 6 year old son, Bronx Mowgli, with her ex-husband Pete Wentz.

Congratulations Ashlee and Evan!

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian reveals baby number 3's due date!

 

Kourtney Kardsashian on the cover of "Fit Pregnancy's" latest issue.  

In the interview, Kourtney stated that her and Scott Disick are expecting their 3rd baby next month.  The couple also have a 4 year old son, Mason, and a 2 year old daughter, Penelope. Kourt, 35, says she loves being pregnant, but did have to deal with morning (or all day) sickness during all of her pregnancies.  She also states "I feel comfortable with how I look and feel. I find a pregnant body to be beautiful and an incredible reminder of what a woman's body is made to do."  We totally agree!

Read the rest of the article in the December/January issue of Fit Pregnancy—on newsstands now!

To be or not to be...a stay at home parent.

It is a hard decision for some and an easy one for others.  There are many factors that come in to play when deciding whether you will become a stay at home parent.  For some it all comes down to finances.  For others, it is about maintaining and furthering their career.  And still for some, they just couldn't imagine going back to work after the baby is born.  There is no right or wrong choice.  We found some great articles about this very personal decision.

- Being a Stay-at-Home Parent Is a Luxury … for Your Spouse

- 10 Things You Should Never Say to a Stay-At-Home Parent

-  Hard Choice for Moms: Work or Stay Home?

-  What Moms Choose: Stay at Home or Work?

-  Mom Vs. Mom

Let us know your thoughts and know that whatever you decide is the right thing for you!

Nursing in Style and Comfort!

Nursing covers don't have to be ugly or frumpy stiff pieces of fabric.  Consider wearing a simple nursing wrap or a nursing scarf.  These look just like your regular clothes but are big enough to help you breastfeed discreetly.   The nursing wrap shown features a cool "One Lucky Mother" tattoo inspired design on the back.  See...not frumpy at all!

Liv Tyler's Halloween Costume Confirms There is a "Bun in the Oven!"

Liv Tyler was photographed wearing a "Bun in the Oven" Halloween costume, which appears to confirm her latest pregnancy.  Liv has been rumored to be expecting a baby with her boyfriend Dave Gardner, a soccer agent.  This will be the second child for Tyler, who also has a nine-year-old son with ex-husband Royston Langdon.  

Happy Halloween!

Cute and Clever ways to announce your pregnancy!

There are so many adorable ways to announce you are expecting.  I recently came across an article highlighting a few really creative options to let others know a new baby is on the way.  Here is a picture of a pumpkin themed announcement that is perfect for this time of year!  Check out all of them here, http://www.business2community.com/social-buzz/5-cute-ways-announce-pregnancy-01047938.

Newly Designed BG Birthing Gowns have Arrived!

Our most popular hospital delivery gowns are back in stock and have been redesigned with even more thoughtful features.  The BG Birthingown has been updated to include deep side pockets with slits for easy fetal monitoring by healthcare professionals.  Now wires can easily be threaded through the gown, so no more tripping over tangled wires.  The soft birthing gowns wrap around the body and tie in the front to allow for a one size fits most gown.  Velcro tabs at the shoulders allow for easy nursing access.  These gorgeous delivery gowns come in 3 different colors, blush, blueberry pie and black, as well as a sassy leopard print.  Not only will these labor and delivery gowns help you to feel more comfortable during the birth process, but they can be worn after delivery for nursing and lounging.  Make sure to have one on hand before your due date!

Gorgeous Underwater Maternity Photography!

I stumbled across these incredible underwater maternity photographs today. These beautiful pictures were taken by Florida-based wedding photographer Adam Opris.   Take a look at more of  his stunning photos here http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/photos/stunning-underwater-maternity-photos-26341585/image-underwater-maternity-photos-turn-moms-mermaids-26343922. 

Are you planning a professional maternity photography session?  It can be pricey, but the results can be fantastic and a great memento of a really special time.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Expecting a New Baby in April!

The royal family announced a due date of April for Prince William and Kate Middleton's second child.  The couples first child, Prince George, celebrated his 1st birthday in July. Kate continues to suffer with an acute form of morning sickness that she also experienced during her first pregnancy.  The palace issued a statement that "her condition is steadily improving,"

William and Kate have said that if the baby is a girl, they are planning on naming her Elizabeth Diana Windsor, in honor of William's mother.  

Pregnant Blake Lively Glowing in a Lilac Gown on the Red Carpet!

This is Blake Lively's first appearance on the red carpet since she announced her pregnancy with husband Ryan Reynolds.  On October 16th, Lively showed her growing bump at the God’s Love We Deliver, Golden Heart Awards in New York City.  I think she looks absolutely amazing in this gorgeous stretch tulle shimmering gown from Michael Kors.  Blake told US Weekly, “I’m going to amp up my style by wearing things that are stretchier, cause that’s all that fits!”   Simply Stunning!

15 Funny Maternity Halloween Costumes!

I love Halloween!  Here is our list of 15 awesomely funny maternity Halloween Costumes that we found online and on Pinterest.  You can check out even more on our Pinterest Maternity Halloween Costumes Board!

Happy Haunting Mamas!

1. Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball.  This is just too clever!

2. Pregnant Housewife and the Milkman.  Retro and so funny!

3.  Beer Belly pregnancy Halloween Costume.  I just love this one!

4.  Basketball player.  Love the pose!

5. I eat small children.  This maternity costume is sure to scare the little ones!

6.  Prego spaghetti sauce costume.  Deliciously funny!

7.  Pregnant Snooki!  This one is fairly easy to put together.

8.  Let me out!  Creepy...but cool!

9.  Miss Conception.  Very clever!

10.  Juno and Bleeker.  Perfect maternity costume for couples.

11.  Double D's.  Also great for couples, but you have to stay real close all night!

12.  Mama Bird protecting her egg!

13.  Pot of Gold and Leprechaun.  Love her rainbow hair!

14.  Mike the Monster from Disney's Monster Inc.

15.  Magic 8 Ball.  This one is easy to make and easy to wear!

These were just 15 of our favorites we found so far.  We will be adding more to our Pinterest Board as we find them.  Let us know if you have a clever pregnancy Halloween costume and we may add it to our board!

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes chose a name for their new baby girl!

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes named their new baby girl Esmeralda Amada Gosling. Amada is also the name of a Mendes' character in 2007's "We Own the Night."

Ryan and Eva were secretive about their pregnancy and quietly welcomed a baby girl in September. 

Congratulations!  

Looking for maternity fashion inspiration?  Follow out our Pinterest boards, http://www.pinterest.com/stellamaternity/.  We love Pinterest and can't stop pinning maternity fashion, pregnancy tips, baby shower ideas, maternity photography and more.  Come join us!


Visit Stella Maternity's profile on Pinterest.

Save 15% off of our entire stock of Annee Matthew Nursing and Maternity Wear! 

Now is the time to stock up on maternity clothes that do double duty as breastfeeding clothes!  Choose from our large selection of tops and dresses that will last your entire pregnancy and after. 

Have fun in the sun in our 3-way maternity bikini from Prego!

Adorable polka-dot bikini can be worn low and short, skirted or as a retro high-waist maternity bikini.  Just add SPF and you are ready to go!  Get yours here:  high waist maternity bikini.

Fall Maternity Clothing Trends

 

Fall is in the air! The top trends in maternity clothing this fall are fun and easy to wear. We are loving classic fall colors, such as plum in this maternity wrap top, bright orange like this trendy maternity top, and bright sunny yellow in this ruffle front maternity top. Bohemian prints are also trending this fall. Try pairing this bohemian maternity top with jeans and cowboy boots for a totally chic look! Another trend for fall are jeans with a slight boot cut. While skinny jeans are still hot, a slight boot cut pair of maternity jeans will help to flatter and balance out a pregnant figure. Try these Mama Black Celebrity stylish maternity jeans in a flattering and versatile dark wash. 

Enjoy the cooler weather in style!

Get rid of "Pregnancy Mask" with Ageless Derma's Skin Brightener

After having my two sons, I ended up with light brown marks on the top of my cheeks.  These brown patches are caused by changes in skin pigmentation during pregnancy (also known as pregnancy mask, melasma or chloasma).  They aren't too dark, but definitely can be seen.  I had been looking for something to fade these patches and recently got the chance to try out Ageless Derma's Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Brightener.  

I used the Skin Brightener until the jar was empty.  I did find the product to be effective.  While it didn't completely erase my brown spots, it did fade them significantly.  I loved the pump on the jar.  You just press down on the flat top and the perfect amount of cream comes out!  It also was very effective at moisturizing my skin.  After using the Skin Brightener and achieving results, you do have to be diligent about protecting your skin from the sun or the spots will return.  Ageless Derma's Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Brightener also works on freckles, age spots, liver spots or spots caused by using oral contraceptives. 

According to Ageless Derma's website, the ingredients in the Skin Brightener are:

- NET-DG-Licorice Root, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that is extracted from the licorice root. 

- BV-OCS, a form of natural Vitamin C that is a skin whitener, anti-oxidant and collagen protector.
- Biowhite – Mulberry Grape Juice, a plant complex, a stable, all natural substance, that is made up of mulberry, grape extract, saxifrage,  and Scutellaria.  It inhibits tyrosinase activity, the body’s producer of melanin which makes up the skin’s pigmentation. 

- Belides, taken from the Daisy Flower, a skin-whitening agent found in nature that is an inhibitor of tyrosinase, much as Biowhite is.  Belides contains no chemical preservatives; it is naturally stable as a cosmetic ingredient.
- Alpha Arbutin.  This tyrosinase inhibitor can also reduce excess tanning accidents and lighten skin, thus minimizing the dangerous effects of excess UV exposure.  

 

All in all, I felt that the Ageless Derma Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Brightener worked well and my brown patches required less makeup coverage after a few weeks.  Visit their website, http://www.agelessderma.com/, to find more information and to check out their other skin care products.

 

*Disclaimer: As with all our product reviews, we were not paid by the company to review/promote their products.  All the opinions expressed in this article are our own.  This product was sent to us for consideration.

Kate Middleton's Maternity Style!

We love Kate Middleton’s maternity style! She is dressing her royal bump in timeless styles and classic wrap dresses. Check out our Pinterest board showing maternity clothes inspired by the Duchess!