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Ten hot Isabella Oliver Maternity Pieces to Buy NOW

Posted on March 5, 2014

Spring is around the corner but the temperatures are still chilly. If you are still building out your maternity wardrobe this pregnancy, Bellyitch Blog invites you to consider making a purchase from our partner and affiliate, Isabella Oliver which is having a 15% off sale going on now thru March 14 for Bellyitch Blog readers! Enter code SAVE125 at checkout and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $89.

Here are 10 of some of our favorite pieces from the British designer label that has been seen on many of the UK and US’s hottest celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Ivanka Trump, Myleene Klass, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Laila Ali, Ali Larter, Tia Mowry and more.

Take a look! Happy Shopping!

Isabella Oliver Pianna Maternity Shirt Dress

New this season, the Pianna Shirt Dress is a modern classic for easy yet smart springtime styling. Complete with collar and rolled-up sleeves that have a chic button tab detail, it has all the appeal of a structured shirt while remaining feminine thanks to its empire waist and belt ties. The dress is designed in an unlined viscose for optimum comfort. Team with trainers for an off duty vibe or add ballet flats for an easy yet stylish workwear option.

Isabella Oliver Scala Maternity Stripe Dress

Such a great style for spring, the Scala Stripe Dress offers your wardrobe a fresh look with all the benefits of its knee skimming length, and long sleeves. In our iconic soft signature jersey, its washing and wearability is of the very highest standard. Boasting ruched detailing throughout the silhouette for stretch and design interest, it’s a perfect piece for elegant off-duty styling. Looks great teamed with loafers or trainers.

Isabella Oliver Eva Knit Waistcoat

Easy, stylish and so versatile, this sleeveless knit is destined to become a wardrobe essential. With its relaxed fit and draped front, it looks effortless thrown over a maternity T-shirt or tank. This piece has a self-tie belt and has been designed in a merino wool blend for a luxuriously soft feel. This style works particularly well during pregnancy, nursing and post pregnancy.

Isabella Oliver Seville Tunic Maternity Dress

New this season the Seville Tunic in the exotic palette of Bali Blue and Citrus is a gorgeous everyday style with a bright new season feel. Designed in thicker Ponte jersey for a more tailored look, it boasts an exposed zip running from its neckline to an empire waist with pleats falling simply over the bump. Sitting just above the elbow, the sleeves are a lovely summer length. Team with ballet flats, a satchel and a great pair of sunglasses for effortless city dressing.

Isabella Oliver Carla Maternity Dress

As a mid-length style designed in our silky luxe jersey, the Carla Dress offers the best in occasionwear styling with the appeal of everyday wearability. Benefitting from a self-lined back to help hide lingerie lines, it features a cross over front detail at the bust and a twisted knot allowing the fabric to fall over the bump. A great piece for day-to-night styling, wear with pumps and a blazer.

Isabella Oliver Allegra Maternity Dress

The flattering Allegra Dress is unlined and airy which makes it perfect for summer parties. Featuring a collar band to which the jersey is gathered and a button closure at the centre back, the dress then fastens with an obi belt above the bump. The belt is a removable feature so styling is up to you creating optimum versatility. Team with flat strappy sandals and sunglasses for an effortless elegance.

Isabella Oliver Ruched One Shoulder Maternity Dress

Wow! This Ruched One-Shoulder Dress is such a stunning piece, you’re guaranteed to make a style splash. Offering the ultimate in asymmetric elegance, it combines our signature ruche detail with a sexy one shoulder that’s perfect for special occasions and parties. This season, choose from classic Black Caviar and Dahlia Pink. Team with a killer heel and a beautiful clutch and make that entrance.

Isabella Oliver Serafina Maternity Dress

Every pregnancy wardrobe needs a simple go-anywhere dress and our Serafina Dress with its soft v neck dress, beautiful empire waist and closure that ties at the side seams is just that. A flattering style for any stage of your pregnancy, choose from Dark Grey Melange and Iris Blue. Team with a simple court shoe for a clean and minimal look.

Isabella Oliver Maternity Pencil Skirt

Our Classic Maternity Pencil Skirt in thick Ponte jersey has a deep waistband for optimum comfort. Finishing just below the knee it follows your curves beautifully while allowing for ease of movement. Wear with our crisp white maternity shirt for a polished look or choose one of our tees for a less formal appeal.

Oliver Sophie Zip Coat

The only coat you’ll need this season, the Sophie Zip Coat offers minimal styling and an oversize fold-down zip collar

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Before Lupita Nyong’o, Viola Davis was the colorful Award season “It” Girl

Posted on March 4, 2014

Remember back in 2011 after the wildly popular movie The Help was all the buzz and its lead actress Viola Davis was the It girl of award season? Um…yeah.

Our past feature on her reminded me of the recent photo exposes that People Style Watch:

and

BET released.

Fashion and Hollywood is so cyclical isn’t it?

And how about something about deep chocolate skin, a svelte body and striking and stunning beautiful facial features allow certain women the flexibility of pulling off so many colorful looks and styles.

Thoughts?

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Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Biel debunk pregnancy rumors at Oscar events

Posted on March 4, 2014

Last night, was also about debunking false reporting about pregnancy.

A tiny bump in a photo with Jared Lareto at a pre-Oscar party had a few people speculating that Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was preggers with her second kid with husband Jim Toth.

But the actress, who is mom to 14-year old Ava and 10-year old Deacon with ex-hubby Ryan Phillipe and 1-year old Tennessee with Toth, showed up at the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party in West Hollywood wearing a mid-length sequinned asymmetrical BOSS number with a plunging neckline revealing plenty cleavage, side boob and bare tummy. The Walk the Line actress toted a Roger Vivier clutch and wore Irene Neuwirth jewels.

Jessica Biel also shut down pregnancy rumors as well in a Chanel Couture dress at the Academy Awards, worn with Tiffany jewels last night, and revealing a pretty small tiny waistline. This confirmed what her grandmom-in-law had said in the press about how Biel and new hubby Justin Timberlake are too busy for children.

“They are married but they are so busy, both of them, it’s hard going,” Timberlake’s grandmom Sadie Bomar told The Sun. “I’m sure when it’s right to have children they will, but not now. They do love each other dearly but they are apart so much it’s going to be hard going for them . . . I think Jessica finds that really tough. She’s on her own a good deal.”

Awww. Bellytich and other outlets had reported back this January that the super cute power couple were expecting. Oh well. False alarm!

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How to dress the kids for cooler temperatures

Posted on March 3, 2014

As cooler weather starts to roll around, new parents or those that have recently relocated to a more wintry climate often find themselves struggling to determine the best methods for dressing their youngsters in weather-appropriate attire. While opinions on the subject can be quite varied on the topic, there are a few truths that parents forced with their first real winter weather should consider before the chill sets in.

Layering is Key

Frigid weather can send even the most laid-back parent into overdrive, but it’s important to remember that kids are usually only outside for brief stretches throughout the day. As such, it’s best to dress them in layers that are easily shed in warm classrooms and stores, rather than one or two very bulky items that leave them sweating. For younger kids that attend daycare or elementary school, it’s also wise to attach labels to coats, gloves and hats. It’s easy for cold-weather items to get misplaced, sent home with the wrong child or left behind when little ones are in a rush at the end of the day, but replacing them can also become quite expensive very quickly.

Skip Traditional Scarves

Scarves are a winter-weather staple, but they may also be less than safe for younger children, as they can easily be snagged, slammed in a door or stepped on to present a strangulation hazard. Rather than protecting your little one’s face and neck from icy winds with a standard scarf, it may be better to opt for cowl styles or neck warmers, which have no trailing ends to put him in danger when he’s out of your sight.

Dress for the Occasion

There’s a difference between cold, snowy weather and just plain cold. During periods of snowfall, your child will need to be protected from the dampness of melting snow as well as frosty temperatures, while the drier cold of a day with no winter precipitation may require stronger wind protection to prevent chapping and windburn. Familiarizing yourself with the various articles of winter clothing and their best uses while keeping an eye on the weather forecast is the best way to ensure that your little one is dressed appropriately for every winter occasion.

Opt for Water-Resistant Materials

When the thermometer mercury edges just slightly past 32º, all of the accumulated ice and snow becomes a series of very cold puddles along walkways and across parking lots. Protecting your child from the dampness that can accompany walking across those puddles and dripping from overhanging surfaces is important, but it’s also very difficult if his winter gear isn’t waterproof or, at the very lease, water-resistant. It may be cheaper at the outside to spring for a lower-priced jacket that doesn’t have waterproof construction, well-made products that repel water will keep him warm and dry throughout the winter season.

Know Your Boots

At first glance, most boots are created equal. Upon closer examination, you’ll learn that some boots are more suited to cold temperatures that others. While galoshes seem to be a good choice, due to their waterproof exteriors, they offer absolutely no insulation from cold and can be easily filled with snow if it’s high enough to fall over the wide openings at your child’s calf. Honest-to-goodness snow boots, on the other hand, will have both inner insulation and a top that prevents snow from falling inside.

Hats and Hoods are Your Friend

Though the old adage about your body heat escaping through your head is little more than an old wive’s tale, it is still important to keep your child’s head warm and protected from chapping winds, falling sleet or snow, and simple low temperatures. Look for those without drawstrings that can present a strangulation hazard, with waterproof liners and a snug enough fit to block most of the wind’s chilling power.

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2014 Academy Awards Red Carpet: Celebrity Mom Nominees take over (PHOTOS)

Posted on March 3, 2014

Last night, all the A-List stars came out to shine at the 86th annual Academy Awards show at the Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday, March 2.

It was a night of firsts as Lupita Nyong’o, Best Supporting Actress winner, became the first African to win an Oscar and the film that made her a star 12 Years A Slave became the first movie directed by a black person, Steve McQueen, to win Best Picture in the award show’s history.

It’s awesome because the story is based on an autobiography written by Solomon Northup about his real life experience being born a free man but kidnapped by sinister smugglers and forced to live as a slave for 12 years of his life. The screenplay adaptation was a black guy too, John Ridley, making it the first time a story of slavery told from those whose ancestors endured it was recognized by the institution. In other words, this wasn’t the romanticized Gone With the Wind version of that sordid past but a song of truth from those who lived it and endured under it. The acknowledgment last night is being characterized as a win for history.

But enough heavy stuff. Now to fashion!

A couple of our bumpwatch moms, Kerry Washington and Olivia Wilde looked absolutely amazing on the red carpet. Washington went with a lovely lavender Jason Wu Goddess dress set to loose cascading curls and dark magenta lips. Her hands dripped in Jennifer Meyer Jewels and she went with jeweled silver Christian Louboutin pumps and a Judith Leiber bag.

Meanwhile, Wilde looked gorgeous in a black Valentino dress as well as she appeared on the carpet with her fiance Jason Sudeikis. The couple are expecting their first child together this year.

Another baby bump that stole the red carpet was that of gorgeous Spanish model and actress Elsa Pataky who is expecting twins with her super hot hubby Chris Hemsworth. This will be the second and third children for the couple that are already parents to a one year old.

Other past Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms and other moms and parents to hit the carpet who caught our eye included:

Lincoln’s mama Kristen Bell looked super fab with her super cinched in waist in that embellished jeweled Roberto Cavalli corset and fishtail skirt. She did the light blue box clutch and accented with Piaget Jewels and Brian Atwood heels. Love it!

Julia Roberts looked a bit awkward with her pose in a black Givency peplum dress with black lace underlay. The Best Supporting Actress nominee for her role in August Osage accented her look with Bvlagari jewels. Roberts won a Best Actress Oscar when she portrayed Erin Brockovich in 2000.

Camila Alves wore a satin draped Gabriela Cadena gown with a matching clutch while accompanying her husband who later won the Best Actor in a Motion Picture award for his role in Dallas Buyer’s Club, Matthew McCongaughey who looked dapper in a Dolce & Gabbana tux.

Sandra Bullock was old Hollywood glam in a stunning Alexander McQueen dark blue gown featuring sweetheart cut neckline and draping. The look worked for the actress who won in year’s past for her 2009 role in The Blind Side.

Charlize Theron gave us life in her custom Christian Dior Couture gown and what looks like a super sheer skirt revealing a svelte silhouette. Theron won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal in the 2003 movie Monster.

Kate Hudson was va va Glam in a silver satin long sleeved Atelier Versace. Hudson was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Penny Lane in Almost Famous.

Angelina Jolie accompanied her husband Brad Pitt who executive produced the movie that walked away with the Best Film award 12 Years A Slave. Jolie, who looked gorgeous in a jeweled Elie Saab gown with sheer sleeve last night, got an Academy Best Supporting nod in 2009 for a role in Changeling.

Penélope Cruz was all pinked out in Giambattista Valli looking like a Roman goddess. Interesting look. Cruz was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in the 2009 film Nine, for 2008’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona and 2006’s Volver.

Well we guess we were wrong about Jessica Biel being on the bump watch list. Clearly, her tiny waste in a strapless Chanel Couture 2014 gown shot down that rumor.

But Jennifer Garner is still mom to three and looked amazing in an Oscar de la Renta dress with matching purse and silver Brian Atwood platform peek-a-boo pumps. Garner starred in Dallas Buyer’s Club.

Before announcing the Best Film winner on stage last night, Will Smith wowed in Berluti and his wife, one of our Mom Style icons Jada Pinkett Smith looked stunning in Atelier Versace. Fabu!

Giuliana Rancic looked breathless in Paolo Sebastian Couture. The reality TV star and hostess has been on point for a steady while now since she quit with the quirky selections or earlier years.

Finally, Pink looked amaze in her shimmery Elie Saab red floor-length gown with the plunging neckline and belted waist. She performed a dedication to the 75th anniversary of the movie The Wizard of Oz.

photos: Zimbio, Starcast, Getty, Style

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10 Apps to help you manage your medication

Posted on March 3, 2014

It’s cold and flu season and at any given moment, several people in your household may be battling a virus and on medication. Thank goodness for NannyJobs assembly of 10 iPhone apps to help you manage medications. Here they are:

These 10 apps can help you manage your medications or those of a child more efficiently, ensuring that you never miss a dose or inadvertently administer a double dose.

Medication Tracker (iMedications) – This $3.99 app will send reminder alerts to your iPhone, allow you to add a photo of each pill for identification purposes, manage your dosage information and history, as well as email and share your list of medications with medical professionals. All of your iMedications information is stored right on your device, so you won’t need an Internet connection in order to use the majority of the features.
iPharmacy – Pill ID & Rx Reminder – Compare the prices of your medication at various pharmacies, set up a medication schedule, access Food and Drug Administration alerts and recalls, find drug coupons and identify your medications quickly and easily with this $0.99 app.
MedCoach Medication Reminder – MedCoach is a free application that will not only remind you to take your medication at the right time each day, it will also connect you with your chosen pharmacy in order to allow for quick and easy refills. Log the pills you’ve already taken to ensure no accidental double doses and create detailed lists for healthcare providers quickly and easily.
Pill Reminder by Drugs.com – This $0.99 app will not only help you remember your medications and record each dosage for management purposes, it also allows support for multiple family members, offers reminders for refills and grants users access to medical information and contraindications for specific medications that includes side effects, possible interactions and pregnancy safety.
RxmindMe Prescription / Medicine Reminder and Pill Tracker – Simple and easy to manage, this free app is a great choice for less tech-savvy users. The easy-to-navigate interface allows users to set up daily, hourly and monthly reminders, as well as record medications taken on an irregular or “as needed” basis.
Dosecast – Designed simply to provide no-frills reminders for medications and supplements, the free Dosecast app will send reminders to take your medication even when you have no Internet connection. The app also tracks your current time zone and adjusts accordingly.
Drugs & Medications – As the number one paid medical app in several countries for 2009, 2010 and 2011, Drugs and Medications is a simple but powerful $0.99 app that offers comprehensive information for an impressive variety of medications, including contraindications, descriptions, manufacturer information and generic names for more than 6,000 different drugs.
Pill Monitor – Medication Reminders and Logs – This $0.99 app will help you remember to take your medications each day by allowing an unlimited number of reminders for each pill. You can also access side effects, recommended dosage and interaction information to stay informed about what you’re taking and the effects it has.
PocketPharmacist – Drug Information and Medication Organizer – Created by a pharmacist, this $1.99 app provides absolutely unbiased drug information that is not sponsored in any way by pharmaceutical companies or medication brands. iPhone Life Magazine calls PocketPharmacist the number one Pharmacy App, as features include not only a medication organizer but also the Med Check tool, which automatically searches for medication incompatibilities.
Pillboxie – Simple and clean with a graphic interface that allows you to manage your medication visually, Pillboxie’s reminder system is set up by dropping virtual pills into a pillbox. No network connection is required to run this $0.99 app, which can be fully customized to suit your individual needs.

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Moms rocking the “red carpet” at the Film Independent Spirit Awards

Posted on March 2, 2014

Celeb moms rocked the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards yesterday, March 1 at Santa Monica Beach, California. The show is the first to recognize the best among the best in independent films produced, created and distributed without major studio backing.

Relatively new Bellytich Bumpwatch mom Kristen Bell looks to have totally bounced back to pre-pregnancy shape as she showed off a very svelte figure in a cobalt blue strapless Reem Acra dress from fall 2014 with black embroidered lace trim detailed on the side. She polished the look in Christian Louboutin sandals and her wrist blinged with a Piaget watch. Lovely!

Paula Patton looks happy and radiant without her husband Robin Thicke who has professed plans to try to win her back despite her plans to separate from him after over a decade of a relationship and marriage. The Mission Impossible actress showed off some legs in a bright yellow Lorena Sarbu lace mini dress accented with Anito Ko jewels and Christian Louboutin heels.

So my goal for 2014 is to look as gawgeous as Camila Alves McConaughey did in that white Juan Carlos Obando jumpsuit, David Webb earrings and nude Loubotin pumps. Gotta make it happen. Her husband is up for Best Actor tonight at the Academy Awards for his amazing work in Dallas Buyers’ Club.

We loved her candid autobiography about pregnancy in Hollywood and we really really love this bright tangerine Maria Lucia Hohan chiffon dress with the deep plunging neckline and exposed sides that American Hustler actress Elisabetth Rohm wore. The Antonini jewels made it extra special but um tone down on the tanning spray.

Also doing bright orange was Hollywood veteran and American Horror Story actress Angela Bassett who looked amazing in this figure hugging pencil length number. Hawtness for Dayzzzzzz!

Reese Witherspoon went brave in super short mini ensemble with lace overlay but overdid the matching with the shoes and handbag and then lost points too with a shapeless bodice. oh. next time.

Finally, Sarah Michelle Gellar breezed past red carpet in a flow yellow and black top over black tights and pumps. Her body was banging and the short haircut gorgeous! Looking good mama!

Conclusion: Our moms know how to be MILFs. They really do!

photos: Zimbio, Starcast, Getty

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Pi Day Activity: 14 Kid-Friendly Pie Recipes to Make

Posted on March 2, 2014

Tick Tock. The clock winds down towards another Pi day. March 14 is generally recognized as a day worldwide, we geeks recognize and celebrate the mathematical phenomenon that is the unique irrational number: Pi!

Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter and is approximately equal to 3.14159…… The numbers after the decimal never repeat and go on forever!

Pi has been represented by the Greek letter “π” since the mid-18th century,

Pi day is also a great day to celebrate, make, eat and be all about PIES!

And just in time, I’ve joined Foodie by Glam‘s campaign and have curated a collection of 14 kid-friendly pie recipes. Get ready, pore through this collection and pick one or two of these recipes that are super easy to make and are designed for the pallet of tiny tummys. It includes some mini versions of traditional pie recipes for teenie hands!

Baking is a wonderful family activity to do as an alternative to playing video games or watching TV. It also has educational aspects because children learn about units of measurements too!

Fun and instructional! You cannot beat it!

If you make a pie recipe with your children soon or anytime this month, please send us a photo and let us know! We’d love to showcase it on the blog later! Thanks!

Do note for full disclosure, this collection of yummy recipes were curated as part of a paid opportunity but that doesn’t mean I didn’t assemble it with you lovely readers in mind and heart. Have fun baking moms and dads and grandmoms and nannies too! ha!

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Sore Breasts Explained: Is it PMS or Are you Pregnant?

Posted on March 2, 2014

Breast tenderness is a painful symptom of both pregnancy and PMS. While some women do not experience painful breasts, many find that the tenderness that occurs during pregnancy is much worse than in PMS. Breast tenderness is primarily caused by hormonal changes that take place in the body, and during pregnancy there are heightened levels in hormones.

The breast tenderness that is experienced during pregnancy and PMS are very similar. The tenderness resulting from pregnancy is usually more intense than the tenderness resulting from PMS, and it is combined with visible changes to the breast. Typically, if breast tenderness does not go away after two weeks, it is likely the result of pregnancy or a serious condition.

Now you know. Take care.

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Gwen Stefani welcomes third son, Apollo Bowie Flynn

Posted on March 1, 2014

Congratulations to No Doubt lead Gwen Stefani on the birth of her third child, another son, with husband Gavin Rossdale, US Weekly reports.

The magazine reports that the L.A.M.B. designer and her Bush guitarist husband have decided to name him

Apollo Bowie Flynn. The last two names are each of their mother’s maiden name.

Sweet. Nice to honor family names and keep it traditional. Apollo is a great name too and pairs well with the strong names his big brothers have: Zuma, 5, and Kingston, 7.

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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt