How to look cool in all this heat

Whether you are a pregnant mother-to-be or a mother already (or both!), this summer heat can put a huge damper on your personal style.  Well, unless your personal style includes 80's style sweatbands :)

Especially now that I am pregnant and running after a toddler, I find it hard to spend a ton of time on my personal style.  And the heat really makes me want to just put on a bathing suit and lay in a pool and forget going anywhere looking nice anyway!

Here are a few tips to keep your style fresh during those hot summer months:

- Purchase a few light, summery dresses.  I find the Adelina dress from MM on the left to be a great option for a pregnant mama because it is easy to be dressed up or down.  Summer dresses are perfect for mothers additionally because it is one piece.  Grab it from your closet, throw it on, and go.  No messing with finding something to match it to a top or a bottom!

- Choose simple, basic pieces that are wardrobe staples.  Solid color shirts, khaki shorts, and lightweight everything.  Having the basics of your wardrobe covered can really take you far.

- Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!  Adding a brightly colored necklace, pair of earrings, or fun pair of printed flats or sandals can really make those basic wardrobe staples stand out, and save you a lot of time in putting together an outfit!

- Experiment with your hair.  Braiding has been pretty popular the past few seasons, as well as the new trend of ballerina buns.  Both of these styles can lend to being very functional in this heat!  And, as a mama of one already, I can personally attest to the fact that a braid can be done the night before and only needs light tweaking in the morning before heading out the door.  Such a time saver!

Hope these tips help and you're dealing well with the heat!

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Baby Friendly Jewelry

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine was visiting and she was wearing a super cute bead looking bracelet. Turns out, it was a teething bracelet. Since my daughter has been and still is (at almost 19 months) a child that likes to chew on EVERYTHING I couldn't believe it took me this long to realize how cute teething jewelry was....and how obviously handy it could be! My daughter got a hold of her bracelet and loved not only chewing on it, but wearing it, too.

So I've been looking all around the internet trying to figure out all of the teething jewelry I want to buy!

Here's my list so far:

The Oh Plah! teething cuff ($14.99) gets mixed reviews, but I can't help but want it. It comes in 6 different colors, and I love the chunkiness of it.

The Hudson necklace in black ($36.50), from Chewbeads. It also comes in lots of other colors, and would go great with almost anything.

The Cornelia bracelet in emerald ($12.50), also from Chewbeads (and also happens to be the bracelet my friend was wearing). I LOVE this color of green and it's the perfect pop of color for lots of outfits.

I love turquoise, and I really love this turquoise bangle from Teething Bling ($12.99). Another perfect pop of color.

I love these chunky looking Rock*ease necklaces by Teethease ($34.95). The three different colors are all good choices to go with so many different outfits.

And, if I was feeling like really dropping some money on some teething jewelry there is one necklace that I'd LOVE to get. (My birthday is a month away, so maybe I can work on my husband)

I'm a huge fan of silver, and I love the simple elegant look of this 2 ring sterling silver teething necklace, from Momma's Jewels ($259).

One of my favorite things about all of these items is I'd never look at someone wearing any of these things and think that they were sporting jewelry made specifically for their baby to chew on. And since wearing jewelry has become almost impossible since having kids, this is the perfect solution! Time to get shopping!

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Spring/Summer Collection Review and GIVEAWAY!!

When I saw the pictures of the new Spring/Summer collection, I was so excited to get my hands on them (and body into them).

I fell in love with the Luciana (pictured here in Watermelon Dot) from the moment I saw it. I'm a polka-dot kind of girl, and I loved the color combos (it's also available in White Dot). It's a very cute, very flattering maternity top. And the fact that it doubles as a nursing top for after the baby is born makes it that much better.

The next top I was excited about getting was the Viviana (pictured here in pink rose, also available in Marina Blue). I chose to get it in pink, but it probably would have been more appropriate for me to get it in blue, since it turns out I'm having a boy! This is a top that is great now when I'm not showing very much, and I know it will transition well into those last few months when I'm as huge as a house.

The Adelina was a perfect change from my normal maternity dresses. It fits great, feels comfortable, and is different from all the other dresses I have.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new stuff yet, make sure you do! There is also the cute Feliciana dress (in Plum and Cerise Red) and the Marcella top (in Tangerine and Lime).

And here's your chance to win one of the new Spring/Summer items! There are lots of ways to enter, and here's how:

1) Go to the Milan Maternity website and tell us which new item you would like if you win.

2) Share this giveaway with one of the "share buttons" at the bottom of this post. It's super easy to share on Facebook, twitter, your blog, or e-mail! (One entry for each way shared, and for each day shared, leave a separate comment for each)

3)Follow Milan Maternity on Facebook , follow this blog, follow Milan Maternity on Twitter , post one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (leave a separate comment for each )

Giveaway ends June 22nd, 11:59 PM.

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Mother's Day Sale and.....that awkward phase

I'm at that stage in pregnancy when my regular clothes don't fit right, but maternity clothes are too big. This phase of pregnancy seems to be occurring earlier and earlier with each pregnancy. I am only 13 weeks, after all, and I'm already hitting the awkward clothes phase.

Luckily, Milan Maternity has some clothing options that are PERFECT for this phase. These options are ones that are good because most people probably wouldn't even notice that they are in fact maternity clothes. And they aren't huge on you during the early stages of pregnancy when your stomach is just starting to grow.

The Gisella is perfect. It fits well even in the early stages. It comes in two colors: coral and emerald. (And they happen to be on sale for $23. It's a win-win!)

I LOVE the Vittoria dress. And one of the most awesome things about it is that when I wore it, no one had the slightest idea it was a maternity/nursing dress. Which means when you are trying to cover up that teeny tiny baby bump, no one will know you are actually covering it with a maternity/nursing dress.

Another top perfect for those early stages of pregnancy that is also a favorite of mine is the Gabriella. It comes in both royal fuschia and vintage blue. And another one of my favorite things about it is that it can be worn with the detail in the front or the back.

The Carissa is yet another perfect option. The ruched sides are perfect for your growing belly, making it look good even when you're in the early months. It also comes in two colors: honeysuckle pink and nautical blue.

And last, but certainly not least is another favorite of mine. The Nicola is yet another top that doesn't look like a maternity top. In the early months it fits a little loosely, and no one would even know that it's a maternity top. I also LOVE both colors it comes in, berry and seafoam green.

See, Milan Maternity has you covered in every single stage of pregnancy and after. Even that fun phase when other maternity clothes are just too big.

And in case you're needing an additional incentive, our Mother's Day sale is going on through Monday!  Get 15% off everything with code "15FORMOM" and free shipping on all orders over $50. 

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A trick of the trade #4

I do believe that as long as I birth babies, I will be birthing bald babies. Which is totally fine. Bald babies are just as cute as follicly unchallenged babies. But, when it comes to bald baby girls, that means no hair to clip cute little hair clips in. Which is also ok. Because, of course, there are ways around such "problems".

Luckily, other moms shared their trick with attaching bows to bald baby girls. You see, all you need is a little bit of corn syrup or glue. (Yes...glue.)

See this here bow attached on my sweet baby girls head when she was 4 months old? It was attached with one of the two.

I started out with corn syrup. But, long story short, it was messy....and it didn't come off very easily. So then I moved on to glue. Now, before you possibly judge me, know that it is just regular old non-toxic, washable, Elmer's glue. And only a tiny little dab does the trick. With a tiny little bit of water, it comes right off. (Or sometimes, it comes off quite naturally)

So with a little bit of ribbon, and a tiny dab of glue (or corn syrup if you like sticky messes), your sweet bald baby girl can be properly adorned, too.

**It should be noted that I have heard of other components to use to attach the bows, but these were the two that I felt most comfortable with.

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It's sandal time!

Today is the last day to enter the Lillybit Uptown Diaper clutch giveaway HERE! Don't forget to enter before tonight at 11:59 PST!!

Spring is officially here! I love spring. And I love that it really does feel like spring (at least where I am). And I love that spring means sandals!! My toes love the fresh air just as much as my face does!

When it comes to sandals and pregnancy/constantly carrying around a little one, comfort and support are key. Usually when I think of "comfortable and supportive sandals" I think of something a grandma would wear. But there are lots of great non-granny ones, too!

The first two comfortable/supportive brands I thought of were Aerosoles and Crocs. Now...Crocs are something I have never owned. I just never could jump on that bandwagon. But for the sake of you guys, I looked up what they had, and I have to say these two caught my eye.

The first pair I noticed were the "sexi sandal" (their name, not mine!). And they come in different colors. Black, oyster, espresso, nautical navy, and scarlet (pictured).

The "Adrina Strappy sandal" comes in aqua/celery (pictured), black, espresso/bronze, ultraviolet/berry, and scarlet/oyster color combinations.

I have to say, even though I have had a Croc aversion for years, I'd love both of these...in all colors.

I also found a couple of pairs of Aerosoles. I actually own these "Plush Around" sandals. And I love them! They come in black, brown (pictured), beige , natural, demin, gold metallic, leopard, and silver metallic. Truly, You can't go wrong with these!

And these "At First Plush" are super cute. They come in bone (pictured), black, and red.

And there's tons of other comfortable/supportive sandal options out there. (But I have 2 kids and not enough time in the day, so I can't find them all for you.) The point is, there are options! And it is sandal season, so for Pete sake, get yourself some cute (comfortable) sandals!

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Spring is almost here!

I don't know if it snuck up on you like it did me, but spring is practically here. Which means it's time to get some cute maternity clothes in some pretty spring colors. And lucky for you, Milan Maternity's got you covered!

Here are some of my favorite spring color tops from Milan Maternity.

One of my favorite tops is the Gisella. It comes in both coral and emerald. Both perfect for spring! And not only is it a great top for pregnancy, but it's also great for after, too.

The Aubriella in French Lilac is the perfect shade for spring. And it's another top that isn't just for pregnancy, but also has a half-wrap top with openings on each side of the inner tank for easy and discreet nursing access while maintaining full coverage in front and back.

My favorite color is yellow, which is great, because in my opinion nothing says spring like the color yellow. So the Lucia in bright lemon is another perfect top for spring! It's also another perfect nursing top.

I love the style of the Carissa, and in honeysuckle pink, it's another great color option for spring. As with the previous two, it makes a perfect nursing top.

And last but not least is the Gabriella in royal fuschia. It's so pretty and definitely is great for a perfect spring outfit!

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Picture perfect hospital gowns

Who says you can't be cute while you're at the hospital giving birth? Yes, the hospital gowns are hideous, but guess what?? There are maternity hospital gown options! Look how cute these are!

This flower print one is super cute, for $34.99.

I'm sucker for polka dots, so I love this one for $29.99.

I absolutely adore paisley prints, so this is a definite favorite, for $49.99

This damask print gown looks way too pretty to be a maternity hospital gown. (For $54.)

Or perhaps you want to feel like an animal when you give birth. In which case, this zebra print would be perfect. On sale for $44.

But basically, what I'm saying is...You CAN look cute in those childbirth photos, and there are TONS of options of hospital gowns to choose from!

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The perfect pair?

I have a little secret. My ears aren't pierced. I know, I'm probably one of the last females on this earth to not have pierced ears. I could be the president of the "My Ears Aren't Pierced Club". But I have another secret. I love earrings. In fact, I find myself looking at them often. I just don't think I'll be getting over my fear of needles anytime soon, so I don't think I can convince myself to take the plunge. But that doesn't stop me from helping you find the perfect earrings for some Milan Maternity clothes!

As I've said before, accessorizing is one of the best and simplest things to do to spice of any outfit.

How perfect are these earrings for the Vittoria dress?

One of my favorite things to do is wear black, and have a little pop of color elsewhere. I think these sunflower earrings would go perfectly with the Julianna dress.

And I think that these pretty red dahlia earrings would be a great color addition for the Elisabetta top.

I love these leaf earrings, and I think they would be perfectly paired with the Lauretta top.

And last, but not least, one of my favorite tops, the Niccola in seafoam green goes perfectly with these cute matching linen ruffle earrings.

So when you're trying to pull together the perfect outfit but can't seem to fit into your perfectly paired shoes anymore, just go for the perfectly paired earrings. (I'm pretty sure your ears are safe from swelling.)

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It's that time!

It's boots season. I LOVE boots. Like, LOVE love. (As a side note, that means my husband HATE hates boots)

Need the perfect pair of boots to go with your maternity outfits? Or need the perfect pair of boots to make you feel like a million bucks after having a baby? My favorite place to look is

Zappos and shoes.com.

Here are some of my favorites:

Madden Girl $69

Fergie $179.99

Unlisted $59

Steven $229

Nine West $129

Luichiny $149.95

Happy Boot Season!

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Vittoria Dress Giveaway!

I am a nursing mother. I am also a mother that dresses up at least once a week. And I am a mother that likes to wear dresses. Dresses and nursing aren't always a good mix, which is why I love the Vittoria dress.



It's a super cute dress made specifically for pregnancy AND nursing. I always get compliments when I wear it, and people are none the wiser that it's a maternity/nursing dress. And lucky for me, the dress transitions perfectly from summer (matched with flip flops or sandals) to cooler weather, matched with....

This cute little cropped jean jacket from Old Navy.

And these comfy, cute ballet flats from Dr. Scholl's. (Because we all know that if we are pregnant, we want comfy shoes. And if we have a new little baby, we want comfy shoes because we always end up spending most of our time standing with said baby)


Or perhaps you want to spice it up a bit but still stay comfy and go with these cute ballet flats from Rebel.

Or perhaps you are more of a boot girl, and want to pair the Vittoria dress with these awesome boots by Libby Edelman

As you see, the transition possibilities to fall/winter with the Vittoria dress are endless!

We would like to give away a Vittoria dress to one lucky winner, so you can transition it into fall for yourself!

To enter (post a separate comment for each entry):

-Leave a comment telling us what you would do to transition the Vittoria dress from summer to fall/winter.

-Share this giveaway with one of the "share buttons" at the bottom of this post. It's super easy to share on Facebook, twitter, your blog, or e-mail! (One entry for each way shared, and for each day shared)

-Follow Milan Maternity on Facebook -Follow this blog -Follow Milan Maternity on Twitter -Post one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (one entry for each)

Giveaway open until Monday October 23, 11:59

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