Fashion Friday: A Dash of Flash

When it comes to dressing with a ‘baby on board’ it can be tempting to stick to the safe, trusted confines of black. Famed for its slimming properties and all-round powers of flattery, black is a staple colour in many an expectant or new mom’s wardrobe, but why fade to shades of grey just because you’re with child?

Colour can be daunting, we know. Who doesn’t remember their own Mom going to the groundbreaking style phenomenon of the 80‘s that was a Colour-Me-Beautiful event? Overnight, mothers everywhere abandoned half their clothing collection on the basis that it was the wrong ‘season’. Fortunately, fashion has moved forward, but clearly some of us are scarred by that experience, and remain anxious about experimenting with colour. So sidestep the issue (in fabulous shoes, naturally) and create a little silver lining to your look with a touch of bling.

A dash of flash – in the form of a subtle touches of gold or silver – can instantly update a black ensemble without breaking the bank or putting you in danger of looking like a walking rainbow. Go for a sparkly belt, worn empire-style above your bump or slung low to show off your gorgeous blooming curves. Or how about this gold plated butterfly cuff bangle with aqua coloured Swarovski crystals and stones for a touch of class? Gorgeous.

And if shoes are your thing, feast your eyes on these lovely gold heels, from our fab new range by Rockin’ Reptile. We reckon even Dorothy would happily leave home for a pair!

PS: Welcome to the first Haute Mama Fashion Friday! Look out for posts every other Friday about style and fashion for Moms and Moms-to-Be, interspersed with Focus Fridays when we’ll post something intended to provoke some thought and maybe even some debate…

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New Friday Feature

Just a very quick update to let you know that ‘The Tuesday Tip’ has morphed into a weekly Friday feature covering all of your fashion and maternity news needs. Starting this Friday!

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The Tuesday Tip

The first installment of a weekly item that we are going to call ‘The Tuesday Tip’…yes, the innovative brains at Haute Mama HQ are working over-time (!). Each Tuesday we will post a cute & fun tip of the week –  recession friendly & easy to remember –  so that you don’t have to put that pregnancy/new mom brain under too much strain!

Pregnancy is about super-accessorizing. This is the time to discover accessories and have fun with dramatic pieces. Ever think about wearing that redundant chain belt as a necklace?

Per Una Enamel Chain Belt

 

Stefanel Chain Necklace & Belt

 

Chain belts can look super cute worn under or over the bump with a simple shirt or tee. Bump too big? Double up and wear it as a statement (or simple) neckpiece. Two of our favourites that span the splurge versus steal spectrum are Stefanel at House of Fraser & Per Una at Marks & Spencer. Do keep us posted if you have seen other belts worthy of mention, and worthy of wearing as jewellery!

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Dishwasher as Cleaner-Upper!

Stumbled across this idea by accident this week when my four year-old wanted to help with the cooking. She’s kind of a wild stirrer and flour has a tendency to end up all over so I was feeling resistant to having her help.

The Baking Enthusiast

 

The dishwasher happened to be open and I got the idea to just set to bowl on top of the open dishwasher door. It was just the right height for her to help add ingredients and stir, and the pile of flour and sugar that usually ends up on the counter ended up on the dishwasher instead, making clean up as easy as closing the door. It was definitely one of those “how did it take me so long to think of this?!” sort of moments.

Don’t you love those moments? After you stop slapping your forehead?

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Oh Baby!

A great glossy, cleverly written maternity & infant magazine and best of all – it’s FREE! Oh Baby! is fast becoming one of the most talked about publications amongst the new mom and baby brigade in the South. From articles addressing maternity and parenting concerns, to fashion spreads worthy of Vogue accreditation, Oh Baby’s quarterly appearance is a new mom essential. 

Check out the Oh Baby facebook page – a great resource for all of your maternity and baby needs. 

Available at: CUMH shop, CUMH Private Consultants Clinic, Mothercare stores, Douglas Village S.C. and lots more!

See Haute Mama‘s Swimwear featured in the Summer edition on page 32! 

Oh Baby - Maternity Wear Summer 2010

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Win a Designer Diaper Bag worth €300!

Become a fan of our Facebook page and indulge us with a story of how you told the ‘I’m pregnant’ news to your significant other! Most entertaining & original anecdote wins a fabulous Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag worth €300!

The Delicious Chocolate Society Satchel

 

Winner will be announced on May 31.

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Footwear to Lengthen your Look!

From food blog postings to feet….

Most fashion editors will agree that heels visually lengthen the legs, elongate the silhouette and offer a lateral lift from that dowdy bloated feeling that many experience throughout the 9 months. So, which footwear is a best bet to lengthen your look? 

On the Edge with the Wedge: The wedge heel gives great height and support and is much easier to wear than a wobbly stiletto. Wedges balance thicker ankles and calves and are a fantastic option at this time of year. Super-cute with capris and skirts alike.

Steve Madden Retro

 

Here Kitty, Kitty: Brought to our attention by Audrey Hepburn, this slender micro heel (approx 1 1/4 to 2 inches) looks great with everything. A mule is a backless kitten heel – another very cute & comfy pregnancy option. 

Get the Boot: Although not currently ‘in season’ (but who knows with an Irish summer), boots are a feet essential. Ankle boots with a chunky heel and slightly pointed toe add height to jeans and trousers. When wearing a dress, a fitted to the knee boot is slimming and lengthening. Calf-length or ankle boots are good with a dress if your legs are thin. Avoid them if you have thicker legs because this height makes legs look heavier. If you’re tall, a slouchy to the knee flat boot looks great with jeans.

True to an LA-look tradition, cowboy boots are the ultimate pregnancy footwear. They have major support and enough of a heel to elongate your legs.

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Cupcakes by Katie

 

Maybe Cork really is the capital of comfort food. In fact I would go so far to say that Cork is the newly crowned the Capital of Cupcakes. 

Pink Pram

 

And we have Cupcakes by Katie in Blarney to thank for indulging us the most delicious butter cream icing I have ever tasted. Cupcakes always stir such lovely memories. I met my husband in New York 9 years ago and we had a couple early dates in Buttercups, a much-welcomed cupcake eatery to the midtown drudgery of bagel & juice bars. Although I don’t think that Blarney suffers from too many bagel and juice bars, Cupcakes by Katie has had a similar effect on the local community. Sample these delectable delights at their Tea Room location in Blarney or order your own special creation for your own special creation! Cupcakes by Katie offer an incredibly innovative range of congratulatory baby shower, new mom, new baby and christening cakes. Who doesn’t love cake?

Contact Sinead at cupcakesbykatie@eircom.net or tel 087 235 9046.

Cupcakes by Katie – delectable, nostalgic treats that spell comfort and love.

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The Perfect Pre-Baby Dinner Date in Cork!

 

For Cork moms-to-be, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Cork’s best kept secret – The Silk Purse. This little gem is a perfect pre-baby date night treat – fantastic food, great atmosphere, with an impressive wine & beer menu which will keep daddy-to-be happy!  Located upstairs at One Union Quay in The Lobby, The Silk Purse, self described as “where debauchery and elegance
go hand in hand” is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm
till late. Booking is highly recommended.

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Floral Nursing Cover

 

We are thrilled to introduce  a gorgeous new nursing range of breast-feeding covers and ponchos! Baby BuBu nursing covers and ponchos is the brainchild of the lovely Ella from London, mom of two little girls. With a keen eye for colour and  detail  Ella’s designs have captivated new moms all over the UK with the beautiful range of prints and solid colours
She  launched Baby BuBu two years ago after a spending a rather awkward holiday trying to breastfeed her 12 week old on the plane, the beach, in restaurants etc. Based on her experience she designed the Baby Bubu breastfeeding cover and the British breastfeeding public welcomed the concept with open arms!  We are certain that Irish moms will follow suit!The Bubu breastfeeding covers are made from  superior quality luxurious 100% cotton.  The rigid neckline ensures that eye contact can be maintained with baby and you will be able to nurse discreetly at all times.

The BuBu breastfeeding ponchos offer maximum coverage keeping baby covered along with your post baby tummy and back, and are a perfect alternative to a breastfeeding cover. A new mama-must have which also makes a great new mom gift!

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