The Red Wellies Collection From Gap

This one goes out to all you pregnant women who are right now staring at the computer screen, struggling to stay awake, or gasping up subway steps like a 90-year old man, or glaring at rude people on the subway who won't give up their seat. 

This goes out to all you pregnant women who are suffering through nausea on public transportation, barely making it to the bathroom in time to puke up breakfast/lunch/snack, and are right now thinking you'd give a right arm and five toes for McDonald's soft serve.

Just go to this page, and enjoy. 

Gap has done it yet again: created a ridiculously adorable line of baby clothes. This one's called The Red Wellies Collection, and it is as darling as its name.

Hey Mama: go ahead, indulge. You've earned the right to shop for silly cute baby clothes.


Gap Herald Square
60 West 34th Street at Sixth Avenue

Old Navy: Adorable Maternity

Here's a weird thing I still do more than three years after being pregnant: visit maternity departments. I like to see if my old favorites are still up to par. Old Navy's maternity on 34th Street? Adorable.

Those blue jeggings are on sale for $25. Yes, bright blue Rockstar jeggings will make you feel stylish while pregnant. The maternity workout gear, too, is all cuteness. When one is pregnant and visiting the gym, a bright, pretty tank top can make a world of difference.

Spread the word to the pregnant gals: Old Navy is there for them.


Old Navy150 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue

Old Navy Maternity: Out of the Dark on 34th Street

I did kind of bash 34th Street's Old Navy maternity section while pregnant, and it wasn't just because of hormones. I had high expectations but was disappointed when I visited. Not only were style options rather thin, but the department was tucked away on a top floor in a dark corner. And when I was visiting a young couple was making out along the back wall next to the maternity tank tops. I'm not joking. I wanted to say hey, look around and go take a cold shower.


But now, Old Navy Maternity on 34th Street is very well and good. It's come out on the second floor, is well-lit and sits right by the escalator, and it even has a basics section (Baby Bump Basics, above). It is all that I was hoping for about a year ago. There are mannequins with colorful dresses and tops, maternity thongs, and even bathing suits, which last year were available only online. I'm not too crazy about the skirted bathing suits (below, black and white and purple), but they give a pregnant woman an option as yes, it may be the only time in her life she wants a skirt on her swimsuit. It's also a big plus to have the opportunity to try that suit on before buying. Well done, Old Navy.

P.S. Nope, no groping kids this time.
P.P.S. While grocery shopping after the gym on Sunday I finally realized my husband was, again, wearing my Old Navy Maternity tank! Cracks me up, he loves the fit.


Old Navy, 150 W. 34th St between Broadway & 7th

Studs and Mamas

Jeff picked up this shirt ($29.95) last week at H&M, and I love it. If red plaid doesn't say "studly" I'll eat his shirt. Well, I won't eat it but I may at least pick one up for myself. I'm a big fan of plaid, especially as my husband's plaid shirts were my go-to comfort shirts during pregnancy. FH readers know my favorite maternity wear was H&M Mama, so it's not surprising that I still visit the Mama section at the Herald Square store on occasion. For old (huge belly) time's sake.


Get it at H&M Mama Herald Square (H&M Mama is now on the 3rd floor next to the baby & kid's section)

If you've got a pregger pal, this is a brilliant starter gift ($29.95). I'll admit that I still now, yes six months post-delivery, pull out the H&M Mama leggings. And to have the long tank and the band to cover the belly is key. H&M Mama prices also make it possible to buy several maternity pieces, trendy and classic, without worrying about the cost for what is, essentially, temporary clothing. Unless, of course, you can't retire the leggings.

Trendy Mama, classic Mama.
















H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & 7th Avenue

Back in the Saddle

I'm back from maternity leave and ready to hit 34th Street in time for some last minute holiday shopping. It's time, too, to rejoin the adult world, as guess who forgot her husband's birthday while on leave?! Yes, shameful! So first thing I did was visit Daffy's Herald Square for a little boy shopping. More on that next week, but don't forget Daffy's this weekend for his Christmas gift. I always check out what's displayed by the registers at men's on 7. There I've seen great sunglasses, gloves, ice scrapers with gloves attached (love), and dopp kits (an old, guy-gift standby). Daffy's is having a rare sale this weekend, so you couldn't ask for better timing. Go here for more Daffy's gift ideas.

But back to me. What's tops on most new mom's personal agendas? Getting back in shape. Because this:

Baby Herald's first office visit.

comes with some major belly growth. Enter belly-saving, postpartum accessories.

A Pea in the Pod boutique in Macy's Herald Square carries the Loving Comfort Postpartum Support belt (left). I used the Belly Bandit. And trust me, these things work. I was huge, and skeptical, but bought one because my doctor recommended it. The results really surprised me as I saw a difference after a few days (nope, not paid or given a Belly Bandit to write this). JCPenney sells the Medela version online here.

Women have traditionally, in different cultures around the world, wrapped their stomachs after delivery. Not only does it keep things in place, but it helps that belly to shrink back in the proper inward direction. It also provides welcome support after a c-section. And it's so much less daunting hitting the gym if your belly isn't totally out-of-control. Annnd, the Bandit constantly reminds me to suck in the gut.

Finally, I vow to try and not obsess too much on baby clothes in the future, and post for us big girls too. But have you seen the baby leggings at H&M?! Uh-oh...


Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway
Macy's Herald Square, A Pea in the Pod Maternity boutique, 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
JCPenney, Manhattan Mall, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Maternity Wrap-Up, Part II: Do's & Don'ts

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Below is a post she prepared before leave.

Don't buy maternity clothes in the early months that fit you perfectly.


I did this with my H&M Mama denim leggings (left), and the last couple months they were borderline uncomfortable. I really wish I had gotten the large for a little more breathing room.


Do treat yourself to stylish maternity.

Nothing is going to make you happier than having some trendy pieces in your maternity repertoire, and it doesn't have to cost much! H&M Mama (dresses, right), JCPenney, Gap, and Liz Lange Target clearance online have all proven to me over and over that you can maintain stylish standards while pregnant.



Do look at non-maternity empire cuts and flowing dresses.

Forever 21 will be a great resource for those of you who don't carry big, and to get us big girls through a good 6-7 months. I wore the orange maxi dress (below left) through the summer, and I wore the long black (below right) to a summer wedding. I wish I'd gotten the blue print, too, for hot summer weekends.

Don't go cheap on underpinnings.

You're going to need a good maternity bra with solid support, and great underwear. I bought one maternity and one comfortable nursing/sleep bra. Opt for generous on size. Maternity sizes are supposed to be comparable to your non-maternity size, but this was not always the case with me. Also, if you've got a tight budget, keep in mind you'll need more nursing bras later and may go up again in size once nursing begins.

Underwear gave me the most trouble. I had a difficult time finding the right size, as I carried large and grew significantly bigger every month. Don't spend a lot of money early on: most likely you're going to grow out of those bits fast, and it's the final months that you're really going to need to invest in some huge, comfortable, quality underpinnings. Yes, prepare yourself for the granny panty. And go to JCPenney, they've always got good deals and a big selection. You'll definitely find the style you need (I had great success with Bali's Skimp Skamp briefs, which look nothing like they sound).

Don't forget maternity support hosiery.

Sounds awful, but your circulation is going to be compromised, and this can help prevent veins if your body is so physiologically inclined.


Don't spend $$ on shoes.

I know, the idea of a shoe buying moratorium for 9+ months is like torture. But the chances of your shoe size changing are big. Ok, don't freak yet, your feet may go back to pre-pregnancy size. But I wouldn't gamble, because at 8+ months my feet went from 9 to 10.5, and I couldn't get my foot into that alice+olivia boot for Payless (left). Instead, save your shoe allowance for a fabulous, post-delivery shoe splurge.


Do spend $ on shoes.

You'll need something with support that ideally slips on so you don't have to bend over and lace or buckle. Bending over is extremely challenging in later months. Buy practical and get a neutral color. Be prepared to compromise your shoe standards. Someone once commented "I don't know how pregnant celebrities wear heels all the time," but remember, celebrities have limos, drivers, and personal assistants who carry bags. If you don't have a car at your beck and call, buy one pair of shoes that you can walk everywhere in.


Do get a great pair of jeans.

This may sound crazy, but I had a stubborn mental block with maternity jeans. I refused to spend money on jeans that I'd wear for a limited time. But now I wish I'd gotten a pair months ago, because it's getting colder, I'm going to need them post-delivery, and I love jeans. I think I was convinced I needed to spend a lot of $ for designer jeans to get the right look, but I learned on 34th Street that H&M Mama, JCPenney, and Gap (very comfortable 1969 maternity jeans, left) all had modern styles for under $80.


Don't be scared of form-fitting clothes.

You're going to be amazed at how much better you'll look in tighter clothing. I don't mean tight as in uncomfortably tight; I mean clothes that hug your body. If I wore leggings and a t-shirt that was fitted, co-workers would always say "You don't look so big today." And this brings me to...


Do come over to the pro-leggings side.

I don't care if you're passionately anti-leggings, they will be your best friend. I had two pairs of Liz Lange 3/4 length leggings in black and grey for the summer and I wore them almost daily under dresses and skirts. Late summer I bought my long H&M Mama black leggings (right) that I'm a little embarrassed to say I wear almost daily. You'll feel comfortable and covered in leggings, and you can pair them with long shirts and tunics. Also, if you grow a lot, your upper thighs might be doing horrid things like touching where they formerly never met before. To be frank, leggings (and hosiery) under skirts and dresses will prevent chafing.


Don't be scared of looking too pregnant.

I have this big Liz Lange tent dress in which I look huge. I wear it on days I need to swim in something. This enormous waddling-woman look can get you good things: priority seating on subways and buses, the ability to cut lines at fashion week, and random congratulations from guys on the street and girls at your local Jamba Juice. Don't underestimate the advantages of looking really pregnant.


Do invest in trendy seasonal items.

Splurge a little on these if you can. Although my black Old Navy one-piece suit was fine for the pool, I wish I'd invested in a more hip, mood-lifting two-piece for the beach. I feel even more strongly about the winter coat, as you'll wear it a lot more than a swimsuit.


Do allow yourself to freak out, call a girlfriend, and go eat lots of ice cream.

This may happen: one day you're going to look in the mirror, your body is suddenly no longer your own, nothing in your closet fits, and you'll call into work late, hormonal, and outfit-challenged (and you may, ahem, have a little cry while trying to catch the bus). Now is the time to speed dial a girlfriend/sister who will immediately recommend maternity shopping therapy and lots of high-fat dairy products.


H&M Mama located in H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Ave.
JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1 & 2, 33rd & Broadway
Gap Herald Square, 60 W. 34th at Broadway
Forever 21, 50 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Maternity Outtakes #I

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is on maternity leave. Below is a post she prepared before leave.


I thought I'd show a couple of the H&M Mama pieces that didn't make the cut during one of my maternity trips.

The bandage skirt. Yes, ouch, poor bambino! I so appreciate the spirit of this, but IRL it was too binding. And no, it's not zipped up all the way. I recommend this only if you are carrying small. $24.95.




















The cropped jacket. $49.95. Again, in fashionable spirit very impressive. IRL, not so great on me. Hello, bump, and the jacket appears so shrunken I should be laughing in that photo instead of looking so depressed!




















H&M Mama, available on 34th Street in the Herald Square store @ 34th & 6th

Maternity Wrap-Up, Part I: 34th Street Picks

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Below is a post she prepared before leave.

Here's a list of my must-hit spots on 34th Street for maternity:

1. H&M Mama. Located on the second floor of H&M on 34th & 6th at Herald Square, this was my go-to maternity pick-me-up. It doesn't look like much at first, but stick around and browse seriously. Nothing is going to make you happier than finding trendy, stylish maternity items like skinny jeans, long leggings (must-have), and yes, even harem pants (left)! I was so ecstatic to find maternity on-trend that I found myself dropping by the store weekly. My maternity addiction. $
2. JCPenney. Located on the two lower levels of Manhattan Mall, this department store's maternity section is tiny (look for it next to the plus size section), but is your resource for, yes, great maternity jeans at very easy-on-wallet prices ($40 right). The cut and comfort will be a pleasant surprise, especially if you've experienced some poorly designed and too-tight, belly-panel jeans. Also be sure to pick up their inexpensive and soft T-shirts. $
3. A Pea in the Pod Maternity in Macy's Herald Square. If you can afford it, go. And if you can't, go anyway to browse their quality underpinnings and maternity accessories: belly bands, books, belly pillows - you must get a wedge - and even Belly Bars. This in-store boutique has a big selection of designer maternity wear, with brands like Seven for All Mankind, Joe's Jeans, ABS by Allen Schwartz, Splendid, Velvet, and Hanky Panky thongs. If it' s too pricey, I'd at least look into getting your quality underpinnings here. You're going to need the good stuff underneath. $$$
4. GapMaternity. The 1969 maternity jeans are great, although I'd compare with JCPenney before spending $60+ at Gap. But for work dresses under $100, Gap can't be beat. You'll find plenty of office-appropriate styles. And I always spotted a good black dress on the sale rack that could usually work for an evening occasion. Be sure to also check the sales racks for t-shirts, pants, sweaters, and cute tunics (right). Gap consistently has maternity on sale, which is difficult to find elsewhere. $$
5. Old Navy Maternity. I didn't shop here as much as I thought I would, as the maternity section was always a bit of a let-down. But I don't fit Old Navy well due to my height. If you're not tall, go here for workout clothes (I bought my sweats at H&M, plenty long). I did get some tanks on sale (left), and would pick up a t-shirt on occasion. And the midwife who did our hospital tour recommended filling the hospital bag with Old Navy. As she wisely pointed out, giving birth is messy, and these are good throw-away clothes for the hospital. $

H&M Mama @ H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
JCPenney, Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1& 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue
A Pea in the Pod Maternity in Macy's Herald Square, 34th between Broadway & 7th
Gap Herald Square, 60 W. 34th Street @ 6th Avenue
Old Navy, 150 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th

Maternity Wrap Up: The Shower

I'm in and out this week, and really so colossally slow-moving I'm not sure I should be allowed in Midtown. You just don't fit in Midtown if you're walking as slow as I am. Even tourists are glaring at me.

So as you can imagine, my 34th Street visits have been knocked down to zero-ish scale. As much as I love the block, the idea of going into labor at, say, Old Navy, is a little daunting. Thus, today, I'm posting some pictures of my fabulous surprise office baby shower, starting with the world's greatest onesie:

The Fashion Herald onesie! Now I can immediately put the kid to work promoting the blog. And here's how babies roll in Bryant Park (the other company I work for):

Irresistible, right? Not available in stores near you, yet, but perhaps in the near future...also from Bryant Park:

This kid-sized chair can be found in the children's reading room area right next to Le Carrousel, our pretty little carousel whose animals have just been lovingly restored and repainted. An inspired gift, yes?!

Here's me, totally, completely surprised:Annnd, my 34th Street tie-in: the tunic top is from Strawberry, bought two summers ago down on 34th Street. Yes, it's totally pilled on the back now, but the cut is perfect for maternity. Honestly, not only do I wear this to work, but I've also been known to wear it on weekends and perhaps maybe to sleep in once...don't forget Strawberry for throw-away maternity looks!

To end, the coup de grace, the cake:

"Happy Baby Sower, Thris!" Which really should read "Happy Baby Shower, Trish," or, if my husband was in attendance "Steve, Happy Baby Sower." But I far prefer the lost in translation version. And Thris is kind of a cool name, right?

Many thanks to my wonderful colleagues for the great baby shower!

Strawberry, 14 W. 34th St. between 5th & 6th