Fashion Fix: Tunics While Pregnant, Under $100

Style always matters. You know my motto: looking good makes you feel good. And, I love feeling good and confident about my appearance because it makes me a better leading for my team and a more pleasant  (not to mention sexy) wife for my hubby.

While pregnant, I've come to adore tunics. They accomplish three points every pregnant  woman seeks in her wardrobe: style, comfort and ease.  That last point "ease" is crucial. We have enough on our plates, so we like when our fashion isn't fussy. Pop a tunic over leggings or jeans and off you go. Best of all, you can wear them after you're pregnant. Maximize that CPW - cost per wear.  

Yesterday, I wore a gorgeous tunic from Ted Baker, which I purchased at Bloomingdale's. The scalloped details sold me.

Here are some tunics you and your belly will adore. All styles are under $100.

Forever 21, $22 - The loose belt easily places above belly, and off to work you go.

Three Dots, $57 -This would look phenomenal with metallic jeans!

Riller & Fount, $42 - Draped anything is my pregnancy secret.

 

Forever 21, $22 - Nix the belt, until after birth.

 

ASOS, $66 - Hello, third trimester.

 

 resort ready

 ASOS, $66 - This i sthe color for holiday dress-up.

 

 

Jennifer Garner, Mom Style For Less

Do you love heels? I do! But, I also want to look like I belong when I’m strutting through the park with my baby girl. In an effort to prepare for a fashion-award worthy motherhood, and not surrender my sense of style and sanity, (Note to all: burn ugly sweatpants!) I’ll be sharing some of my favorite ensembles from celebrity moms and moms on the street.
 

First up, the adorable Jennifer Garner, mom to Violet, Samuel and Seraphina. Her casual, LA look is perfect for a stroll in the park, picking up the kids from school, or running errands. Swap in a clutch and peep-toe pumps and you’re ready for the night.

Jennifer Garner, Stylish Mother of Three

Blazer, SheInsider $47 / Tank, The Row $90 / Shorts, Delia's $15

Necklace, Brooks Brothers $34 / Rollable Flat, Yosi Samara $66

Mom to Be GIFT GUIDE, What Every Pregnant Woman Needs

What should you get for the girl who will be the mother of your child, the producer of your grandchild, the carrier of your family tree? ANYTHING she wants ;). To narrow down the list, here are some suggestions of what us belly-barring ladies will like for the holidays (or any day, for that matter).

Spa Day or Massage - In case you haven't noticed our tossing and turning at night, pregnancy is kicking our butts. Help us destress with a pampering spa day or individual massage. We'll come back happy, stress free and probably frisky!
Hint for men: Ask other women in your area about good maternity-specific spas, or spas that have pre-natal services. It's important that this place has a team that is well trained in dealing with moms to be. **Always consult with your OB-GYN to make sure massages, or other services, are safe.
Hint for my husband: I've heard Edamame Spa in NYC is a dream.



 

Lingerie - She wants to feel sexy and she wants to know that you still think of her as a sex bomb.
Hint for men: Look for items that are loose, but see through. Also, pick a color that compliments her skin tone. Likely, it's a color she wears all the time. Try Embroidered Eyelet Babydoll from Victoria's Secret or the Lacey Babydoll from Frederick's of Hollywood.
Hint for my husband: Not going to lie, he needs no hints in this department :).


Colors Jeans - Jeans are really the only clothing item that pregnant gals need to buy from a maternity collection. In addition to having a classic wash, get a fun colored options in Pantone's 2013 go-to shades of aquatic greens and blues, like these 7 For All Mankind Slimm Illusion Colored Skinny Jeans in Lagoon. 
Hint for men: Most denim brands now have a maternity offering, so sneak into her closet and see what brands she loves. While you're there, check the size. Most of us can still wear the same size or a size up. When in doubt, ask her mother or best friend.  
Hint for my husband: I'm a 26.



 

Personal Trainer - We want to feel sexy and be our best, but hitting the gym on our own is hard on a normal day, let alone when we're carrying extra weight. A personal trainer can help show your gal what she can safely do during her pregnancy. If you can't splurge on a trainer for the duration of the pregnancy, gifting four or five sessions is still a nice treat. An even more affordable option is getting her a membership to FitOrbit.com. For $2/day, a trainer will work around her schedule and needs, while providing valuable support and feedback 24/7.  **Always consult with your OB-GYN to make sure exercising is safe.

Shoes - With shoes, you don't have to worry about size and she doesn't have to worry about fit.  If you're going for a high heel, look for ankle support and/or a thicker heel to help with balance. 
Hint for men: Some gals retain excess water, making feet swell. If this is the case with your wife, get her a handbag.

Babymoon - Especially if you are expecting your first child, now is the time to take a vacation. It's never going to be just about the two of you, once the baby comes. However, now is the time to set a pattern of committing to each other. Your baby is important, but your intimacy should never suffer. Enjoy some R&R and don't forget to keep is spicy and sexy, even after the baby arrives ... it may just get you another babymoon.
**Always consult with your OB-GYN to make sure traveling is safe.
PS I'm off to Viceroy Sugar Beach in St. Lucia, come January. I'll be sharing videos of this amazing resort, in between  enjoying some tea and doing NOTHING.

Maternity Photo Session - We love taking photos, and now is no exception. Preserve this beautiful moment in time with a maternity photo session. If  you live in NYC, I love the work of Michael Kormos.  
Hint for men: Dad-to-be can get into a few of the images, but of course it's all about us.

 

Pregnancy Tales: Shopping for Herve Leger, Be the Sex Bomb with a Belly

What can I say? I'm addicted to Herve Leger, as you may know from the amount of times I've worn various skirts and dresses in the last month, alone. (psss Follow me on Instagram for daily style pics.) 

With month five right around the corner, size xxs isn't going to cut it - its going to cut my circulation! So, I popped into BCBG on 40th and 5th Avenue, which has their Herve Leger brand upstairs. Fortunately, there was a 40% off sale going on. I never pay full price; even with wacky pregnancy hormones and the desire to stay sexy, I'm not about to pay retail. Eek - retail.
 
Watch the video and remember, pregnant or not, you need to always be your best you. Right now, that means MILF in Training ;). What, yes, I went there! Can someone get me a "MILF in Training" t-shirt?  



If you believe, as I do, that maintaining your sexuality during pregnancy is essential because the alternative is a loss of intimacy, sanity and self-esteem, leave me a comment and tell me how you did it/are doing it. 

 

Baby Decor Nursery Trends 2013

As a style reporter on behalf of BETTER TV, I had a chance to be on the other side of the microphone to get a first-hand scoop on the hottest nursery trends from the founders of ProjectNursery.com. My mommy mojo was in full force, as I believe my role goes beyond instilling good manners, a value in education, etc. It's also my job to lead by example and show my children that personal style and decor is imperative to leading a happy, "Be Your Best You" life. What better place to start teaching style than a nursery room?

For 2013, it's all about chevron prints, global influences and gray. I'm thrilled about that last bit, as I'm planning to have a gray/yellow/white theme for my baby girl.

PS Check out Pintrest for my Baby Decor board.

Pam Tube: Pregnancy Tales in Video ... Here We Go

I'm about to do something scary and beyond my comfort zone. You've seem me on TV, perhaps you follow me on Twitter or have seen me quoted in your favorite magazine. I love being in/working in the media, but here goes something new and epic ... sharing unedited videos about the trials of being a full time entrepreneur and a full time lab experiment (aka mom to be). The first two videos were taken last week, which was jam packed with TV shoots, new segment bookings, sample pulls, meetings, and 2013 planning.

I welcome your comments, as always.  

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back to Charity

If you're up at 6am, tomorrow, tune into FOX5 Good Day Street Talk. I'll be shaing wonderful Gifts that Give Back. There's something for everyone on your list.  
 
Jill Zarin Jewelry
Jill Zarin Facets Ring -- $58
During the month of December, 35% price of purchase goes to the Ilya Peckerman Fund Vasculitis Foundation, my personal charity in honor of my late father. We raise funds for important research projects in hopes of finding a cure for these rare, autoimmune diseases. To support this cause you can also Shop4Vasculitis all year long!

Kohl’s
Kohl's Cares The Velveteen Rabbit Collection - $5  Kohl's Cares Good Housekeeping Chocolate! Recipe Book - $5 
100% net profit goes to children’s health and education initiatives.
To date, Kohl’s Care has raised over $208M for programs in local communities across the country.

GODIVA

GODIVA partnered with FEED for a limited edition FEED 8 GODIVA Origins Collection - $25
Proceeds from each box provides eight school meals for children in cocoa producing regions.

CHOOZE

CHOOZE Shoes make fun kids shoes and sneakers - $40-$60
Is a Good Return Company, so they invest their profits anti-poverty programs providing training, education, &loans to women so they break free of the poverty cycle. 

HSN
heART HSN 2012 Designer Ornament Collection - $14 - $19
100% of net profits goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Ravishing Jewelry
Sunshine Stack of five bracelets including yellow jade and grey chalcedony with peace sign - $84
40% goes to The Farley Project which is dedicated to combating the culture of bullying. As someone who was bullied in school, I can attest that most kids don't speak up. Let's give them the support they need to break the cycle of emotional abuse.

Krotchet Kids
Krotchet Kids makes knit hats m scarves and other accessories for the whole family - mostly $25 - $35
100% goes back to teaching women in developing countries how to crochet to rise above poverty and provide for their families. Today, over 150 people in Uganda and Peru are working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a brighter future thanks to this wonderful company.

BodyRock Sport
BodyRock Sport mastectomy sports bra from the Empower Em’ Collection - $90-$100
When you buy one of these bras,a similar one will be given to a post-cancer surgery patient via the American Cancer Society.

Mark
M.Powerment Initiative lipstick & compact - $24
100% of net profit goes to help stop the cycle of dating abuse via the Avon Foundation.