Our Interview with OpMom

We were excited to receive a visit from Carrie Pacini, creator of OpMom.  This savvy, social networking site is perfect for moms who want to stay in touch with the world today, swap favorites or get a little mommy therapy.

Check out the video interview and see what’s hot for the winter and holiday season!

The LBD – A Girl’s Best Friend!

Aaahh, the little black dress.  We all have one or several.  Different styles for different functions and we know just the one to pull out when the invitation comes, until the baby bump arrived.  So how do you decide on the perfect LBD without breaking the bank? Get your hands on the incredibly versatile Pouch dress.  Yes girls, one little dress that can be worn at least 6 different ways.  Go from strapless or a long skirt paired with your favorite top to one of the versatile halter styles (Grecian, traditional or crossover) and onto a single shoulder or shrug dress.  This dress can do it all and keep you looking great.  Purchased separately, each of these little numbers would add up to a total bill of around $900 but this wardrobe must-have can get you through 9 months and beyond for about $150!  The matte jersey fabric is versatile enough to be dressed up or down.   Pile on your jewelry and with a simple change of shoes, you have a brand new look.  So kick up your heels, you’ve found the perfect dress!  Available in Caviar Black, Real Red or Chocolate. 

This baby never sleeps, shop 24/7 at www.ninematernity.com

Breaking the Rules this Fall

Flipping the pages of the August issue of InStyle magazine, we came across an article that might make some of your grandmother’s gasp.  Now, being good Southern girls, we aren’t telling you to wear white after Labor Day, but there are a few rules that fashionistas may want to check out:

•  Mix metals – silver and gold, you heard it correctly, mix your metals in jewelry and accessories.  You’ll give off a radiant hue.
• Belt anything but your pants – Add a belt over an evening jacket, top or dress.  Even our moms-to-be get into the game with one of our hottest sellers:  the “boobie tube” by Notice in a b&w zebra print.  The wide, black leather belt adds another dimension between bust and belly for a totally sassy look.
• Don’t put away your pastels – they work a little magic with this Fall’s dark hues and can be perfectly paired with charcoal gray, chocolates and any shade of black.
• Grab your fine tooth comb – big hair is back.  Okay, so maybe it never left some parts of Texas but you can give your flat iron a little break and add some lift at the top and back.  Can’t break the flat-iron habit?  Use it to smooth out spots for a perfectly coiffed mane.  Just make sure you don’t resemble your high school yearbook pic.

NINE maternity at The Women’s Hospital of Texas 5th Annual Labor of Love Luncheon & Style Show

Yes, it’s that time of year again!  The edge of fashion meets the heart of Houston at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas Labor of Love Luncheon & Style Show benefiting The March of Dimes.

Sure to sellout once again, this soiree is a fun, fashionable and feminine celebration of women.  With Lucy Noland, KHOU’s Channel 11 news anchor, as emcee, guests will enjoy Houston image consultant Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary’s famous style seminar, Todd Ramos’ runway fashion show and light fare prepared by Chef Steve Caruana.  Guests can also shop dozens of the city’s hippest stores at the Boutique Bazaar. 

NINE will return with maternity fashions on the catwalk and a fabulous mini-boutique at the bazaar.  Check out our hottest gifts, accessories and Fall fashions including our best kept secret, non-maternity transition lines that will demand a spot in your closet!

Details:  Saturday, September 6, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Main Ballroom of the Westin Galleria at 5060 W. Alabama

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.labordayluncheon.com

Purple Passion

Add a splash of purple to your Fall wardrobe with this top by Olian.

2008 has been a year for purple and it doesn’t slow down with Fall fashion.  The color has long signified royalty and nobility.  As a child, my sister worshipped Donnie Osmond and his purple socks and she has long favored the intoxicating color.  The opposites of hot red and cool blue come together to create this striking color so it is no wonder that Pantone, the world renown authority on color, has declared Blue Iris, a combination of the calming aspects of blue and the mystical qualities of purple, the 2008 Color of the Year.  And fashion designers have jumped on this, ensuring that shades of purple blanketed the runways from Resort to Spring and Fall collections.

Lucky you, maternity designers haven’t missed their cue either!  Core pieces to add to your collection:  a fashionable wrap by Olian that goes from day to night in a rich shade of deep purple will add a splash of color to your closet and extends beyond the baby bump period into a wardrobe staple; a draped halter top in deep eggplant purple that slips easily under a jacket and then goes solo for a date night before and after the little bambino arrives; a dolman sleeve ribbed knit top from Ripe maternity in a great shade of grape that will mix well with denim, chocolate, black, charcoal and winter white! 

For those of you wanting more of a jolt, consider a gorgeous lavender and green floral print top from Olian that features velvet trim detail or a show-stopping column pleat dress from Notice that swirls with shades of plum and lavender and is offset with striking black details. 

Just can’t push yourself to “do” purple? It was the Donnie Osmond sock memory, wasn’t it?  Add a splash of color with a quilted handbag or clutch in lavender or plum.  Each works well with monochromatic outfitting, adding a playful note to your tailored look.  No matter your style, purple adds a touch of elegance, romance or edginess and the wide-range of shades offer something for everyone.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

NINE must-haves for Fall

Maternal America's take on the classic white shirt is a must-have for Fall.

 

 

 

Wondering what fashions our haute mamas will be wearing this Fall?  Here are our NINE must-haves for the season:

 

• The Great White Shirt – Classic button up, stylish wraps, peplum sleeves or ruched details are all the rage
• The Perfect Trouser  – Wide-leg, tailored, satin, boot-cut, herringbone or whatever tickles your fancy
• Rich Colors – Indulge in shades of plum, magenta, mustard gold and Persian blue.  Mix it with your basic black, chocolate brown and winter white!                  
•  Irresistible Textures and Fabrics –  The softest cashmere, wide wale rib knits, velvet burnouts and luxurious embroidery steal the show.
• Detailed Dresses & Draping Tops –  Flatter your figure with shrug necklines, large cowl tunics and draping tops that accentuate your best curves.
• Leggings & Footless Tights – With this little addition, you can turn your favorite dress into a tunic.
• Wrap Dresses – The classic style goes the distance in animal prints, floral patterns and houndstooth.
• Menswear Redefined – Feminine details like ruffles and rosettes add playful touches to the male inspired herringbone and houndstooth fabrics.
• Denim Trousers – Vintage washes, dark linen and contrast stitching take these pants to the height of fashion.

Pregnancy Fashion Files – The Final Phase

Phase Three:  Okay, so when is this little bundle going to make its appearance??  Once the excitement of pregnancy has worn off and you are sleep deprived from heartburn or having to go to the bathroom ten times per night, you will ask yourself the aforementioned question. 

 

The final hurrah before your trip to the hospital is your baby shower!  It’s your party, so you should be glowing as you make your entrance in a fabulous outfit.  A show-stopping dress is always in style for such a special event.  And there are many fashionable cuts for top and pant outfits that ensure you’ll be the center of attention.  We help many honorees shop for their outfit the very week of the party and that’s perfectly okay.  You want to make sure you’re buying something that you look and feel good in and at this stage of the game that can change every hour.

 

Now it’s time to make sure you’re ready for the hospital.  You should purchase one or two good nursing bras if you plan to nurse.  It’s best to have a professional fitting to make sure that you are purchasing the right size to accommodate your changing shape.  Yes, if you can believe it they will get even bigger!  Bravado and Melinda G are two of the lines that offer a good fit and a good price.    Grab your Lansinoh and Lily Pads, must-haves for the nursing mom, and your bag is almost packed.

 

You will also want a cute set of pajamas for the hospital and a nursing top or two.  Nursing styles have come a long way and are also actually flattering if you can believe that!   No more pulling up your shirt and flashing the world.  Designers have created fabulous “lift up/pull-down” styles that give you plenty of coverage over the top while still being able to feed baby easily.  Look for styles that can take you through the end of your pregnancy into nursing.  The list of nursing lines has increased dramatically over the past few years and the styles have become much more “of the moment”.  Some lines to look for include Majamas (check out their funky line called Nixilu), Japanese Weekend and Glamour Mom, that great little tank with the built-in nursing bra.  And some of your favorite designers, like Olian and Maternal America, have added nursing pieces to their collections too.

 

Phase Four:  The Joy of Motherhood.  This, I must say, is the best phase of all.  The past forty weeks have built up to this amazing event.  It is the most incredible and breath-taking moment that a person can ever experience.  You are so lucky that you get to take this ride, for your life will never again be the same! 

 

Have fun and cherish every moment!

 

 

Pregnancy Fashion Files – Phase Two

Pregnancy Fashion Files – Phase Two: 

 

Poof!  Where did this belly come from?  Fashionistas rejoice….for this is when the real shopping can begin!    This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some fun prints and styles to vary up the basic wardrobe that you have assembled.  Fall 2008 is a year of rich colors, eye-catching prints and fabulous texture which will add a little spice to your wardrobe.  Blues, purples, grays, reds, oranges and browns are essential for this season.  Take a walk on the wild side with the animal print of your choice.  Whether it is cheetah, zebra or giraffe, you’ll be at the height of fashion.  More little hot numbers in maternity include: novelty tees with fun sayings, classic pieces with feminine details, dolman sleeve tunics, wrap dresses, denim trousers and the essential boot-cut pants.  Truly great pieces will help you go from day-to-night and can be mixed with denim or trousers.  Wear it two ways:  think leggings – turn that dress into a fab tunic just by adding them to the mix!

 

These fun items can be sprinkled into a dull wardrobe to bring a little magic to your closet.  This phase is the perfect time to indulge in some much needed retail therapy.  Stop by your favorite maternity boutique every couple of weeks and get a couple of new tops.  You will want to stop in often as many boutiques receive new shipments every week.  The appeal of boutique shopping is the inventory of fashion-forward selections and an influx of ever-changing styles. The bonus is that you are less likely to pass yourself on the street.  If you see something you love at your favorite boutique, grab it!  I have personally missed out on some great pieces because I waited and then my size was gone.  Especially if you’re shopping for a special event, your baby shower or other notable moment in your life!

 

Fall collections that you MUST SEE include: Olian, Maternal America, Noppies, Juliet Dream, Ripe, Notice and Chiarakruza.  Many styles are arriving in boutiques as I type!

Pregnancy Fashion Files – Phase I

There is so much excitement in finding out the life-altering news that you will be a mom someday very soon.  Everything is so joyous and new…that is, until you realize that your pants are getting a wee bit snug and your chest might just cause a button or two to pop off your shirt.   Maternity shopping can be really confusing for anyone, especially a first time mom.   Here are some tips for the first phase of this journey:

 

So, where does a girl begin?   Before the news of your impending motherhood has time to sink in, no doubt your waist will have already started to expand.   In between lying on the bathroom floor in despair and eating cookie dough straight out of the tube, this is the perfect time to invest in several great pairs of pants to be the staples of your wardrobe throughout your pregnancy. 

 

The hip maternity boutiques and designers have banished the outdated maternity pants with the unsightly panel, and have traded them in for more fashionable styles that accentuate and celebrate your tummy.  Must have pieces include black pants, brown pants and a great jean with a narrow thigh and boot flare.   Many current jean designers such as Paige Premium Denim now make maternity versions of their denim styles.  This can make shopping for jeans a much more enjoyable experience.   And Noppies pants are a must-have for every mom-to-be.  In four different colors and three different styles, there is something for you.  Their Summer Capri is a true cropped pant that goes from playdates to zoo trips and lunch with the girls.  The Long Capri will work as a trouser pant for petite mamas under 5’4”.  And the bootcut trouser has a 32” inseam and the most fashionable cut.  Wear them over or under the belly, whichever gives you the most comfort and then transition back down post-baby by using the adjustable insets in the waistband.  With their comfort and style, many very chic mamas still covet these pants well after the little bambino has arrived…..but don’t worry, we won’t tell. 

 

You should also invest in a few tops that are not too blousy just to get you by until your tummy becomes more pronounced.   Ready to tell the world that you haven’t just let yourself go?  Share your wonderful news with a little humor by sporting a 2 Chix tee that says “does this baby make my butt look big?” or “with bump, not plump.”  And you can skip borrowing your mate’s t-shirt!  Michael Stars created the perfect tee and he does the same for his materni-tees.  You’ll fall in love with the banded sleeve henleys, deep scoop necks and classic tanks.  There are so many options: from ruching, to sleeve lengths, and neck styles, and colors to cotton and shine fabrics.  They are so perfect that you’ll want to have one in every color.  Keep these tops basic and dress them up with accessories.  Did I tell you that accessories are a pregnant woman’s best friend?!