One size fits most is a really safe bet (are you listening husbands?) because if you buy your wife, who wears a size medium, a size large you will be sleeping on the couch.  Important to note I said one size fits “most” not “all” as the first two gift ideas work great for 2-10 pre-pregnancy sizes. 

The Due In tanks and tees are awesome for two completely irrelevant reasons.  One, they offer pervy men a total excuse to stare at, I mean read, the fine print across Pregnant Girl’s new knockers .  Two, they save those “foot in mouth” types from asking the 6 month Pregnant Girl if she is due next week thus provoking hysteria.  $36 – $52

Michael Stars maternity tops –  AKA magic shirts that cover every bump from beginning to end and turn out perfect even after 200 washes.  Somehow a man (I am so pissed it was him and not me) figured out a way to make one size fashionable tees and then expand them to the maternity market.  $50-$68

For more of a splurge gift choose a fabulous Storksak diaper bag, if she is a handbag kind of girl she will love a diaper bag that looks (almost) as stylish as the Prada bag she will surely need when she is done with the diaper stage of life.  This is total function meets fashion.  $176 – $245

Husbands, gifts that are as much for you as for her include BelaBumBum nursing bras, panties and pjs.  Your wife will feel feminine and you get to enjoy the view, wink.  $24 – $80

If you’re looking for a gift for both mom and dad to enjoy (and you don’t want to conjure up the images from aforementioned lingerie) a more appropriate choice is the Beco baby carrier.  The Beco promotes bonding, is adjustable for kids from 7-45 lbs. and adjusts to fit a petite mama and tall daddy (or vice versa) in a matter of seconds.  They come in many fun prints or organic solids. $139 – $189

Happy Holidays!

xo, S

Now that I am back in the swing of things over here it is time to continue with so many people’s favorite posts…fashion tips for moms to be.  All of these tips are things I would use and buy and as many of you know I am a huge lover of the Uppa Baby Vista stroller.  This is a system that does it all from birth to the time that your child would just look silly accepting a ride in even the coolest of strollers.

If you wonder why this is a fashion tip I suggest you to think accessories ladies.  Your stroller must be functional, but like a great bag, if you are going to be pushing it around daily for the next 3+ years it might as well look as good as it handles.  Plus, Uppa is a green company and saving the environment for our next generation is one trend that canoot be overdone.

The Vista comes with an organic lined bassinet that has a flat bottom and is as functional in your home as it is on the slick alloy frame.  Sold seperately is an easy to use carseat adapter and a MUST for any modern mom.  The baby/toddler seat rides high and provides a comfy place for your little one to watch the world go by or to recline for an afternoon snooze.  Right now Uppa is phasing out of their 2009 model and coming out with the Vista 2010.  The changes are minor and include; a new zero position allowing for a more upright seat on the baby/toddler seat, a toddler seat that has more cushion and is longer for taller children, a better sunshade extension on the bassinet, a foot break that is now push on and off (instead of lifting up with your toes to release),  and a smoother wheel.

The changes are great, but are they $100 worth of great?  If not, you can take advantage of discounted 2009 Vistas marked down to $579.99 (2010 will premier in February with a price point of $679.99).  As one hopeful mom to be I know how the spending can add up fast, so why not have the very best stroller at the very best price… after all, true fashionistas know when to spot a good deal.

“We could not pick a name, cause all the comments were great, so we did a random drawing of 17 numbers in a box and picked number 5 who happens to be Julie.”

I have to agree, with so many wonderful readers taking the time to comment how can we choose one winner.  That is why in addition to Julie (lucky you!) winning, every person who posted a comment can purchase this  sweatsuit for 30% off.  All you need to do is call Nuka direct at 310.828.4141 and they will process your order (they apologize, but their website does not allow them to offer this discount online).  And for Julie, just call them up or email us at info@myhormonesmademe.com and claim your sassy new sweats!

All this talk about cozy sweats and you are probably wondering how I can spin this into a fashion tip, but you have to know that even sweats are important.  You cannot go running around in some ratty old things circa 1990 or worse yet, you Pregnant Girls know who you are, wearing your husband’s sweats as yours get a little tighter in places you would prefer to deny.

Not to worry, I have a solution for my fashionable pregnant friends.  Nuka maternity’s Julie Noik is the new it designerfor comfortable and cozy maternity essentials.  She designed a v-neck short sleeve hoodie (pictured) that is a complete life saver.  You can layer it over a long sleeve tee for extra warmth or wear alone and pair with your favorite maternity denim.  The options are endless and every piece in her collection is this fabulous and versatile.  Best of all, the extra soft fabrics will hug your belly for a most flattering fit.  Her pieces are all hand dyed so each item looks special and brings that much more style to her comfortable and easy to wear designs.  So much multi-tasking from one amazing designer.  Of course she is a woman, who else could pull all that off and still have time to be mom.

This week we are giving away a NukaPullover Hoodie and Loop Terry Pants.  That way you can have your own set of stylish sweats to wear day and night.  The giveaway includes the look pictured in the first image and seen on Nuka’s website.  Each piece is made from super soft modal and can be machine washed.

I know you are just itching to win and it is so easy, we just want to get to know our readers.  Are you pregnant, trying, how did you find us and what can we do on Hormones to keep you coming back?  Please leave a comment and forward our blog to just one friend who might enjoy it as much as you do (that one is on the honor system).  Winner announced next Thursday, November 19.

I’m always surrounded by pregos, that is pretty much the point of owning a maternity store, but for the first time ever I can actually help my girls out in the wardrobe department.  This got me thinking about you, my online friends.  Why shouldn’t you be able to enjoy a few perks (can we say discounts) and get more of the same advice I offer my real world friends.

The basics:

First things first, buy a bra that fits.  Do this for you and everyone else who has to gets to looks at those boobies.  We love Bella Materna; also nursing friendly, but if you aren’t ready to go that route choose your favorite bra in a size or two up.  Don’t forget to size up in the rib cage, since lucky Pregnant Girl that you are, this area will also grow.  Consider one of everything from Ingrid & Isabel, I have said it before and will say it over and over on this site, these camis and bottoms will save you from many wardrobe malfunctions and allow you to wear some non-maternity clothes a little longer saving you money in the long run.

For work (business casual attire):

Olian basic panel pants in black, brown or charcoal & the Juliet Dream jersey skirt in black or charcoal are easy and understated so they can be worn frequently.  Once you have two to three basic bottoms accessorize with scarves and jewelry and any/every top that works to cover your bump.  If you are newly pregnant you can most likely get away with non-maternity tops for a little longer.  We all know that buying work clothes is the least fun so choose items that can mix and match, which brings us to fun/weekend wear.  Grab that Juliet Dream skirt because it works as great for running errands on Saturday as it does at the office!

For fun:

Pair that JD skirt we talked about above or your favorite denim (you NEED one good pair of jeans ladies, this is as important as food and water as far as I am concerned) with basic cotton LA Made or 2 Chix tees.  If you stay at home or work in a super casual environment you are extra lucky because you can spend more on your fun wardrobe since you got to skip the work wardrobe.  Comfort is key so grab Maternal America’s knit pant, they are a true lounge pant, but the dark colors mean you can fudge them a little and pair with cute flats, a basic tee and scarf or necklace for a dinner date.

Since I am so adamant about denim I will tell you that all of my best pregnant friends have LOVED the Paige Westbourne jean because it does not have a panel.  This meant nobody knew they were wearing maternity jeans making them perfect from day one of pregnancy until long after the baby arrives, genius right.  You, my online friends, can order them for 15% off, just enter coupon code: hormones.

Visit every Friday for more fashion tips and fashion giveaways (there is a really great giveaway coming next week, we are talking an entire outfit from Nuka maternity!).

p.s. Autumn, you are our Michael Stars give away winner; please email us at info@myhormonesmademe.com with your shipping information.

The maternity version of these tees are simply a little longer and a bit wider to allow coverage for growing bumps.  And let me tell you they will cover your bump until the bitter end.   As a bonus they look just as cute on your new post baby bod (you know that one you want to trade in for your pre baby bod) as they do on your 8 month bump.  We have no idea how they fit so well, wash so well and wear so well, but then again that is what makes them a must have.

The only drawback we have found so far…it is impossible to buy just one. 

This week we are giving one away!  All you have to do is vote for us by clicking on the Top Baby blogs link and then leave a comment telling us what you want to see more of on our blog.  Winner will be announced next Friday, November 6!

For the bad, I have to say the one piece jumpsuit is an all around horrible idea.  It is not great on most non-pregnant women and I certainly wonder who thinks a Pregnant Girl who has to pee every 5 seconds has time for a jumpsuit.  Also, unless you are Heidi Klum, and you aren’t, it is not likely to flatter your growing bumps and lumps.  Unfortunately I saw this fashion don’t from many maternity designers.  At Xpecting we say no thanks.

I would love to pair with flats.

For the good, a little 80’s has inspired me to embrace the decade I was born (1980 thank you very much).  I found amazing black denim designer jeans by Serfontaine that have gold zippers down the side from below the knee to the ankle.  I had wine with a good friend the other night who cringed at the thought, but I am jumping in and we will have them mid-January ‘10.  Colors this spring are easy to wear with purples and our all time favorite, royal blue, sticking around for another season.  This is good because it took about a year for me to embrace purple and now that I enjoy it I a want it to stay.  If you love purple you should check out my fav purple purchase made yesterday from Tory Burch.  (Okay that was way off subject, but I know some  of you are thanking me while your bank accounts are cursing me.)

Last, were you one of those women who sneered at leggings and skinny jeans two years ago?  I was, but now I adore both styles, go figure.  What has me singing the same tune you ask?  Jeggings.  Yep, jean leggings.  Will you wear them?  What if you are Pregnant Girl, will you still wear them?  Please help us decide if we should embrace or replace?

Oh yeah, and did we mention these babies stretch, but never stretch out and lose their shape, so they are sure to fit and flatter you from beginning of pregnancy to the dreadful end.  With that said, hurry out for a pair and indulge yourself with a cupcake while you’re at it, these stretchy, comfy, miracle thing called leggings will still fit.

Mark your calendars Mommas because Sunday, October 18 is a one day baby event that celebrates new and expectant moms.  It is called Plan A BABY, but that is just code for super cool, chic event for only the hippest moms at the coolest of places, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.  Oh, if ever I wished I was one of you, this is the day.  They have promised to shower and indulge you lovely ladies while you mingle and discover products for today’s modern mom (HELLO, that is so you, that is why we are friends!).

Wait, it gets better, they are giving away tickets, you read that right and I know FREE stuff is the best.  All you have to do is visit them at www.planababyevent.com and upon checkout enter “giveaway”.  Hurry up because they are only giving out a limited number of tickets, then you have to part with your hard earned money and fashionable ladies never pass up a deal.

What I do love are all the amazing clothes.  Maternity is no exception to great new styles and it’s even more important that you are dressing in comfort.  Here is a preview of some of my favs from Juicy Maternity Jeans to LA Made maternity sweats and great thermals and sweaters to keep your bump covered.  Happy Fall!