P2 Fashion: Rent the Runway Helps Busy Moms Stay Stylish, Plus What Should I Wear?

Owning is better than borrowing. However, when your closet is overflowing, your job demands constant style freshness and your family obligations have drastically cut into your shopping schedule, it’s time to call the specialists - Rent the Runway.

+Rent the Runway always has an amazing selection of dresses to suite all my personal and professional needs, plus their “bump friendly” assortment is much appreciated. It's a handy resource that, once again, proves there are no obstacles that can't be solved and help you maintain your style routine and Always Be Your Best You.

Tonight, I’m co-hosting the Accessories Council’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide event with council president Karen Giberson. Here are three looks I’m debating between for tonight. Thoughts? 

Matthew Williamson dress via Rent The Runway

Option 1 Matthew Williamson, Knit It In Neon -- I love the color combinations and the strategically placed color blocking that instantly slims my figure.

Pink Tartan dress via Rent the Runway

Option 2 Pink Tartan, Lucy - Once again, it's all about the voodoo color blocking. Plus, this dress has a hint of color, but the central panel is black allowing my accessories to shine. 

Tracy Reese dress via Rent the Runway

Option 3 Tracy Reese, Rouge Trumpet - The vibrant redish coral is eye catching, which is what you want when you're hosting an event. I'm also mad for the trumpet bottom. 

P2 Fashion: Shopping Ted Baker Spring 2014 Florals

Trying on a Ted Baker Spring 2014 dress for my daughter's 1st b-day 

 Dear Ted Baker,

You had me at yellow, retro 50s dress in 2012. Since then, we've become unseperatble. I can't imagine my closet without you. The rose gold, blush pinks and florals of spring 2014 are making me very happy. And while my baby bump prevents me from buying the ENTIRE collection, I had a fabulous time shopping for a preggers-friendly dress to wear to my daughter's first birthday party. Can't wait to see you again.

Trying on Ted Baker Spring 2014 dress with five-month baby bump

Other bump-friendly options I tried from Ted Baker's Spring 2014 collection 

Love,
Pamela 

PS I love you more than Fortum & Mason's Rose Biscuits dipped in clotted cream. And, that's saying a lot! 

Shopping Ted Baker Spring 2014 collection 

I hate buying items I can't wear, so I passed on all of the fashion items below. Ah, the sacrifices we make for our children. I hope my son (arriving in late June) understands what mama goes through in order to carry him into this world. Fortunatly, I always find stylish, bump-friendly options when I'm pregnant because there are ALWAYS pretty options. Being pregnant doesn't equal massive layers/covering up. Be pretty. Be fabulous. Always Be Your Best You! Oh, and DON'T wear clothing that makes you feel uncomfortable because that is not good for your baby! 

Ted Baker, Spring 2014

Ted Baker, Spring 2014

Celeb Pregnancy Style for Less, LIVE from The Couch WLNY

Pregnant celebrities look amazing on the Red Carpet, and even when they run their errands. Don’t think of them as the exception, when their “never surrender” attitude can be the norm. Watch my LIVE from The Couch segment (originally aired January 25, 2013) for tips on how to look sexy, spend less and feel fabulous while carrying precious cargo.

Kate Middleton – Kate has a regal, lady-like style. As her pregnancy progresses, she will likely opt for shift dresses that hint at the belly, flowy blouses and draping. 

Kate’s Day Look

TIP: before you go shopping for maternity wear, shop your closet for blouses, flowy cardigans, a form fitting cotton or nylon skirt with stretch

White tie-front blouse, ideeli.com $24.99

Tank top, Century 21 $8

Pencil skirt, Century 21 $15

Formal Affair

TIP: look like someone who knows she deserves to be loved on!

Red dress, ideeli.com $149.99

Jessica Simpson – She’s the casual, more bohemian in the bunch. Her first purchase was likely a kaftan and maternity jeans.

Jessica’s day look

TIP: At home, don’t be slouchy in oversized sweats. Comfy and sexy can unite in one outfit.

Paisley charmeuse, N Natori $54

Jessica’s going out look

TIP: there are items that are worth jumping into the maternity section for, especially great jeans. 

Always Skinny Jeans, GAP $79

Striped sweater, Liz Lange for TARGET Maternity $29

Kim Kardashina – Kim is known for her sultry style and it’s a good thing for baby daddy Kanye West that she’s likely not going to adjust her sizzle factor just because she’s expecting.

Kim’s day look  

TIP: You deserve to be sexy while you’re pregnant, it will make you feel good AND keep your man aroused.  Look for fabrics that hug comfortably like cotton or polyester blend.

Leopard Print Top, Karen Kane $54

Faux Fur Vest, Century 21 $40

Pleather Jeggings, HATCH Collection $148

Kim’s evening look

TIP: many of us get pimples on chest, belly or the back… look for dresses that flaunt your new lady friends while also helping you hide those pesky pimples.

Long-sleeve hunter green dress, ideeli.com $149.99

Kim Kardashian Sexy Style from Before to Baby Bump

Kim Kardashian is pregnant. I hope Max and Lubov Azria over at Herve Leger are finally going to figure out the perfect cut for pregnant gals who want to rock the famous body-con, bandage dresses for nine months. (From personal experience, I can vouch for the scoop neck, simple horizontal bandage style as the best option for belly comfort.) 

Being the bombshell that she is, I wouldn't want Kim,to give up your sizzling style -- neither will Kanye West. Like Kim, I have found amazing ways to showcase my figure while being comfortable and not hurting my precious cargo. As I always say, pregnancy is NOT the time to become lazy in the fashion or beauty department unless you WANT to slowly kill the chemistry in your relationship. 

Kim, here are some looks to keep in mind for the next few months. 

 

 

Motel, $44 ; Max and Cleo, $94

 

Show off that body in figure-hugging cotton or silk jersey. You may even get away with wearing the exact same size you're used to, or just one size up. I prefer buying pieces that I can wear after the baby comes to maximize CPW (Cost Per Wear).

Avoid zippers and leather piping, which will prevent stretch and cause discomfort.

Catherine Malandrino, $171 ; Diane von Furstenberg, $221 

Ruched fabric is a sexy pregnancy essential. I purchased the purple Catherine Malandrino dress, last week. It's amazing. (Side bar: it was on wicked sale - $45!)

 

Helmut Lang, $275, $ ; GAP, $79

 

Helmut Lang, $185 ; J Brand,$176

Work it during the day in draped tops paired with skinny jeans. The GAP skinny jeans are my personal favorite in terms of fit, quality and price. For draped anything, Helmut Lang is king.

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.