Giraffe decal from Wall Nutz

Stickers

Add instant fun with wall stickers, like these Flocked Butterflies ($19.99 from WallNutz).

Wallpaper

Old-fashioned fine wallpapers are making a comeback, says iVillage, and they’re not as pricey as you might think. Check out The Land of Nod designs which come in a variety of designs such as damask designs ($60 per roll) and classic plaids ($75 per roll). For something really fun (and to protect mom’s sanity) you can purchase paintable wallpaper– like the Frames pattern ($40 per roll)– in a variety of designs, which actually encourages your kids to draw, color and paint on the wall!

If you don’t want to paper the whole room, try doing just one wall or even lining the inside of a bookcase. It’s less expensive and a great way to add instant décor.

Murals

You could buy a pre-cut or paint-by-number wall mural, but why not try your hand at painting your own? It can be as simple or intricate as you like. If you’re artistic, you can draw and paint it freehand. If all you know how to draw are stick figures, don’t despair!  All you need is an overhead projector, along with the pattern or picture transposed onto a transparency. Beam it onto the wall, trace, and paint!  This one is called “A Bug’s Life” by Bi0star (via Flickr)

And I love this “white on white” nursery design from A List Baby!

Stripes

So what should you be looking for?  Here are some Spring 2010 fashion trends for the mom-to-be that won’t have you shuddering in horror!

Sugar Candy Shades: Silky, floating fabrics in soft, feminine colors will definitely breath a sense of spring-time into your wardrobe. Bring on the frills, ruffles, and pastels!

Candy Floss style via Made for Mums

Be Knotty! Knots, drapes, pleats, and other fun shapes reigned on the catwalks, says Made for Mums.

Drop-Waist Peasant Top by Old Navy; Tie Knot dress by Isabella Oliver

Cool T’s: When the weather starts to heat up, you’ll want some fun, comfy T-shirts to brighten up your outfit. The bright colors, draping, and graphics on these T’s keeps them from being boring!

T-shirts from the Gap

Eye-popping Prints: Dress your bump in flashy florals and bright geometric designs.  Let your wardrobe energize you this spring season!

James Jeans Maternity Bootcut Stretch Jeans at Nordstrom; Maternity Jeans by Gap

Sleek Silhouette: When dressing up, wear bottoms that rise over your belly for the smoothest lines under tops.

Splurge on basics; skim on trendy items: Forget about blowing your budget on that one funky printed tunic top like Gwen Stefani. Spend your money wisely on a great-fitting pair of jeans, some well-tailored work pants, and empire-waist tops.
Add color with fun, funky accessories: When wearing basics, make a statement with jewelry like bold necklaces or cocktail rings, which can be worn post-pregnancy.
Keep it balanced: Wear dark-wash maternity jeans with long, thin legs to balance out big tops.

Shop eBay: You can find designer maternity items at a fraction of the price through consignment shops and eBay. And, when you are no longer pregnant, you can resell them!

Budget shopping secrets: Comparison shop online for those must-have designer items to get the best price. When shopping at pricey maternity boutiques, walk past the high-dollar items at the front of the store and peruse the sale items at the back of the store. You may get lucky and find a real steal.

Top maternity fashion trends of 2008:

Maxi Dresses: With celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Richie dressing their baby bumps in long, flowing dresses, the maxi dress trend is one that caught on with both the pregnant and non-pregnant set. Pictured is actor Matthew McConaughey and his pregnant girlfriend Camila Alves wearing a long espresso-colored maxi dress.

Long skirts: Gwen Stefani was often seen wearing a long printed skirt with a bump-hugging top. This trend is both stylish and comfortable.

Maternity jeans: Jennifer Garner has been seen looking casual and stylish by pairing maternity jeans, such as 7 for all Mankind, with a cute maternity top.

Scarves: Celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Naomi Watts were often seen accessorizing their look with a colorful scarf tied around their neck.

Belt your bump: To prevent the dreaded “tent look,” celebrities such as Camila Alves and Naomi Watts were seen pairing a dress or long tunic top with a belt under their bellies.

Japanese Weekend Sublimation dress from Blossom Maternity. The rosy foliage and square neck make this a stunning choice for any party! Or how about this sleek Olian dress, also from Blossom Maternity, in a rich cocoa:

Old Navy is always a good stop for stylish, affordable maternity clothes. This season’s dresses are simply gorgeous! My two favorites are this red knit front-tie dress and this luxurious satin paisley dress. You’ll be the belle of the ball!

If you want to mix ‘n’ match, Due Maternity has some fabulous dressy tops, like the Cobalt Floral Strapless top, silver, sequined silk cami, or pink Twig top.

Another pretty option, also from Old Navy, is this elegant voile tank with cut-out bodice that can be paired with your favorite skirt or pants. You might also like the satin puff sleeve top. Best part: They are only $12.50 each!

But what to wear with these fabulous tops? The Over Bump Skirt is a fabulous option, with kick pleats and belt. If you prefer pants, try these comfy velveteen pants or shiny straight leg trousers.

If you want something super sassy to show off your blooming figure, the Boob Shiny Maternity dress is a real attention-stealer. (Just don’t ask me why the designer is named Boob… must be a British thing. They do ship to the US, though!). For something more conservative and elegant, the Satin Bow Dress is stylish and and classy.

Of course, when in doubt, there’s always a little black dress. Strapless and V-neck wrap dress from Due Maternity. The Japanese Weekend wrap dress is lovely for something more modest. Also check out Liz Lange for Target, which has over 30 styles of black dresses at affordable prices!

If you need something for a black-tie event, you can’t go wrong with a floor-length, black stretch-lace dress. I also think this green lace gown with scalloped lace detail is beautiful… and LOVE the white ribbon gown!  I reccomend that you check out Maternity Clothing Fashion for lots more super gorgeous, glamorous dresses.

It’s chilly outside, so you’ll need something pretty and cozy to keep out the cold! This cardigan from Mimi Maternity ties in the front with a gorgeous satin bow. For full coverage, try their wool front button maternity coat.

And… just for fun (since not many of us can afford a$1,540 Amethyst maternity gown or $1,340 Gold fish gown):

Ooh la la!! Now THAT would make a statement at your office holiday party!

Did you find the perfect party dress online? Let us know where to find it!

Double Breasted Sailor Top: My first thought was more like “marching band,” but truth is that I really like this top. I don’t know if I would actually wear it myself, but on the right woman, with the right accessories, it would be tremendously chic. I like the way the model wears it:

Romantic Polka Top: This is SO pretty! Yes, it is sheer, but if you wear a cami or fitted T-shirt underneath, it would be quite feminine and elegant.

Classic Cashmere Sweater: Just what it sounds like. You don’t get any more “classic” than this!

The Tiered Dress comes in a few colors and is nice for a more formal or professional setting.

The Self Tie Jacket can be paired with a coordinating skirt or trousers. This sophisticated suit is great for the office or any other dressy occasion.

The Pleated Mini Dress puts you in something sophisticated and sexy for a dinner party or a night on the town. Pretty pleating and off-the-shoulder style proves that pregnancy and glamor are not mutually exclusive!

Classic Poncho: The nights are getting cooler and you’ll be needing something to keep cozy! This poncho buttons up the side, and looks and feels totally delicious!

Those are just some of my favorites. For more maternity options, check out Rosie Pope Maternity for yourself! Happy shopping!

What’s a girl to do? Thanks to Modern Moms I discovered a product that I wish I’d known about two pregnancies ago!! (But it’s never too late!  Hopefully I’ll be in a position to need one in the near future…) It’s one item that can help solve all of the above-mentioned problems! Sounds too good to be true…?

Introducing Ingrid & Isabel Women’s Maternity Lace BellaBand!

If pregnancy is the “new black,” that’s because it makes everyone look good. Even those celebrities you can’t stand become a bit more lovable when they’re with child.

But even lovable has its limits! It’s not enough for celebrities to flaunt their designer-clad bellies, oh no! Nicole Kidman is following a hallowed celebrity tradition and will be hiring a photographer to pose for naked pregnancy photos… but wants to wait a bit so that she’ll look “really pregnant.”  I don’t know about you, but the last thing I need to see is another retouched, airbrushed photo of another “glowing” celebrity mom-to-be.

For centuries, women have been getting pregnant and getting through it, but now pregnancy is not just a means to an end, it’s a destination all of its own.

“Pregnancy used to be something camouflaged and endured, nine months of achy backs and euphemisms and elastic waistbands with a 7-pound, 9-ounce reward at the end.” The Washington Post has caught on to the fact that “after centuries, somebody has figured out how to fully monetize this process.” For a certain kind of mom with a certain kind of priority, pregnancy is a heady blur of spa visits and personal pregnancy chefs, of baby planners and “babymoons.” At pregnancy spas you can slather yourself with Mama Mio Tummy Rub butter as you enjoy a “Yummy Tummy” belly facial. Women who have never had a proffessional massage before treat themselves to the “Perfect Pregnancy” massage and a manicure using “pregnancy-appropriate” essential oils and polishes, of course.

Apparently, the pampered pregnancy is not just a rite of the rich. Dawn Bierschwal, who owns Becoming Mom near Cincinnati, estimates that 50 percent of her prenatal massage clients had never had a rubdown before their pregnancies. Why has pregnancy suddenly become part of a luxury experience? The Washington Post‘s answer is age and money:

Between 1990 and 2006, the birthrate for women 40 to 44 increased 65 percent, and doubled for women 45 to 49, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. As women have babies later, the pregnancy-as-movie scenario starts to look more like “Baby Mama” than “Juno,” with more fertility treatments and high-powered moms who may have waited too long.

When those women do conceive, it is cause for planning and celebration and rapid disposal of disposable income. Consulting plans at the Baby Planners begin at $500. Delivered meals from Fresh Mommy are $65 a day. Spa treatments for the pregnant are upward of $100 apiece.

It’s a new phenomena that developed over the last 20 years, says Clare Hanson, author of “A Cultural History of Pregnancy.” It’s become very fashionable to be pregnant.  Pregnant women are expected to have the right kind of body, eat the right kind of food and do the right kind of exercise. And because carrying a child is such important work, pregnant women want to be nurtured and they’re willing to pay for it.

Of course if you ask them, they’ll tell you it’s not about them, it’s about the baby. “The Hot Mom to Be Handbook” assures expecting women that the best way to ensure their baby’s happiness is “to cultivate your own spirit and enjoyment of life. It is never too early to start.” This trend continues on after baby is born. While Jami Pennings was breast-feeding she watched her husband eat cold cereal for dinner while she ate gourmet, home-delivered meals. “I knew the baby had to get good nutrition, and whether I did was pretty secondary. I was consuming it, but it was really for her.” She had no choice. She had to do it for her baby.

Hmm, I thought, can it really be so? I did a little browsing and so it is! Maternity tops reign this season. This is great if you’ve got a tummy to accomodate. But not everyone is pleased with today’s fashions, including Germaine Cabe of the Arizona Republic.

“The Business section on Wednesday had an article entitled “Retailers struggle as apparel sales slow,” she reports. “Yes, we are in a recession. But we still need clothes to wear. Our fashion gods, however, have been designing the ugliest clothing for the past three years so that there’s nothing appealing to buy. The “maternity top” look is in… empire waists… prevail… They’re all slinky, slimy and in dizzying geometric patterns that could trigger an epileptic attack. Colors are about as muddy as the economy. Please bring back simple, classic styles in flattering colors that we might want to buy, even if our bank accounts are dwindling.”

Do you think she’s exaggerating? Take a look at these two tops and tell me, if you can, which one is made for the pregnant woman and which is not?

These lovely smocks can both be found at The Gap.  In case you were unsure, the top on the left is a maternity top, the one on the right is not.

Here are a few more stylish options from BananaRepublic (again, none of these are actually maternity items!)

Pregnancy is a wonderful thing… but as someone who gave birth 2 months ago, and is just starting to fit into my old clothes, I have to wonder… Why, oh why, would anyone want to wear clothes that make them look pregnant when they’re not?

But it sure is nice for all you pregnant gals!!

A friend of mine has a new maternity website featuring stylish, comfortable clothes that won’t have you feeling like your new figure is on display. It’s called Pretty Me Maternity, and in their own words: “It took too many hours at too many stores to find something we felt comfortable wearing to a PTA meeting. So we decided to cull the best that all your favorite brands have to offer and bring it to you here!”

Cozy sweaters, pretty skirts, and jackets and dresses for special occasions!