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This site is for those who wear pajamas outdoors.
Christian Siriano Does Maternity
From Forbes:
A rising number of pregnant women are showing off their fashion sense and their figures, thanks to a slew of A-list celebrities and mostly female maternity designers. The modern mom-to-be’s closet matches the stylish and spirited maternity fashions that are huge hits on the red carpet, the tabloids and the playgrounds of Beverly Hills.
Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, who has a ready-to-wear line that was just picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue, launched a capsule collection of maternity wear called Fierce Mamas this spring, and suggests that women stay within a budget by buying just a few staple maternity items that can then be styled with accessories. “Don’t lose your entire fashion sense,” says Siriano. “And if you didn’t have one to begin with, it’s the perfect time to create one for yourself.”
I was wondering what sort of spiky-shouldered dark plaid madness with belly room Christian might come up with, but the line is looking surprisingly low-key and reasonably priced, and definitely a nice alternative to some of the maternity dreck floating around.
Photo credit: Moody Mamas
When Target debuted its lower cost designer lines some years ago, it seemed like a delightful novelty: now the general public could own a small piece of Alexander McQueen, Erickson Beamon, Thakoon, Botkier. Nowadays it’s pretty much de rigueur for chain establishments to have some form of featured designers for less.
It’s not all discounted sunshine and rainbows, though. A customer concerned about ethically produced items needs to be aware that a cheaper price tag generally has a higher cost elsewhere: garment workers not being paid a living wage, environmentally unfriendly production, etc. As many an H&M shopper has learned, it also might mean that your favorite new dress is kaput after two rounds in the washer.
Now, I’m not saying that someone living below the poverty line should, you know, forgo dinner for an organic cotton tee, and the current economic situation certainly makes dropping serious change on frivolities a non-option for a greater number of people.
It’s also safe to say that these days any retail indulgence, no matter how modest, is putting a little more money back into the general economy. The ability to offer lower price points will also ensure the survival of designers who are the foundation of an industry that is currently struggling mightily.
Besides, we all need to look good en route to the poorhouse, no? Here are some of our favorite mass-produced picks.
JC Penney
This cotton I Heart Ronson by Samantha Ronson cardigan features an elasticized belt and stripes on one arm to keep things funky fresh. Marked down to $24.99 from $36.
This tiered Allen B. by ABS top is a great basic piece (though sadly only available in fuchsia as shown). On sale at $29.99 (originally $44).
These Nicole by Nicole Miller pants, with their stretch cotton blend and wide leg silhouette, are supposed to be extra flattering on curvy shapes. Were $50; now $34.99.
Call me (baby) crazy, but the cutest piece amongst Bisou Bisou’s current offerings is this maternity inverted pleat skirt. I like that it takes a sort of sexy secretary pencil shape and then slaps a nice big comfortable elastic waistband on it. Priced at $30-$36, depending on the size of your belly.
Kohl’s
This Vera Wang top is one of those simple pieces with a literal twist that you’ll get a ton of use out of. On sale at $37.80 from $54.
Liven up a work appropriate ensemble with Vera Wang’s Ruffled Blazer. Was $98; now $68.60.
A good headband is always in style (especially on a bad hair day), and the shiny faux tortoiseshell finish and split detail mean that this Vera Wang one can add a bit of understated flair to a wide variety of outfits. On sale at $4 (originally $10).
Hourglass pleating details make this Dana Buchman tunic extra form flattering. Marked down to $32.20 from $46.
Target
This Hayden-Harnett for Target clutch features rock n’ roll inspired chain and stud details, as well as a Marc Jacobs’ Duffy-esque coin purse on the exterior. Available for $19.99.
This side ruffle top from the latest Target Go International collection is downright dreamy. Available at $16.99.
Black bandage details add instant sophistication to this white Go International tube top. Currently priced at $22.99.
Channel your inner Edwardian fop in this Go International ruffle tie top. Available for $13.49.
Kill two birds with one stone with these colorful earrings: you’ll have a piece of the often financially unattainable EB and be on point with the current multi-stone jewelery trend. Available for $19.99.
Topshop
Rising fashion star Richard Nicoll’s sailor dress shows how beautiful simplicity can be with its square bib neckline and slim baby blue belt. Priced at $160.
While it may present certain, ahem, logistical issues, there is no denying the cool factor of this Marios Schwab slashed dress. Available for $110.
Bebe
Legendary Biba designer Barbara Hulanicki brings her Art Nouveau-inspired style to Bebe with this Teatime Striped Scarf. Currently available at $39.
Who knew that refined and Bebe could exist in the same sentence? This DesignLab top features a fab one-shoulder draped silhouette. Available for $79.
