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Kerry Washington & celeb moms rock the 7th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon (PHOTOS)

Posted on March 1, 2014

Mom-to-be Kerry Washington and some of our past Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms and other mothers looked absolutely radiant gracing the red carpet and ballroom of the Beverly Hilton for the Essence magazine 7th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards luncheon.

The event honored Lupita Nyong’o, filmmaker and first African American woman to win the Sundance Best Director award Ava DuVernay and film marketing exec Cheryl Boone Isaacs.

This is my absolute FAVORITE look of all time on Washington this award-season and pregnancy. That cobalt blue Calvin Klein off the shoulder asymmetrical sheath dress matched perfectly with her complexion. The loose ringlets fell perfectly along her face with the matte look and soft nude lips. I loved the simple black Jimmy Choo pumps. And the Emm Kuo clutch set off the look perfectly. She accented the ensemble with an EF Collection ring and House of Lavande earrings. Lovely!

Other red carpet moms bringing the bright reds, roses and oranges included:

Brandy, Tamar Mowry-Housley, Salli Richardson and Garcelle Beauvais

Looking fab in White, Black, Grey and Neutrals was …

Holly Robinson-Peete, Laila Ali, Chaka Khan and Regina King

Essence had a photo booth on site where guests did cute and fun poses…

Garcelle Beauvais, Salli Richardson, Regina King and Vanessa Bell Calloway; Niecy Nash, Tichina Arnold does over the top diva; Laila Ali frames the picture and Holly Robinson-Pete gives pretty face time.

Behind the Scenes

Kim Whitfield, Angela Bassett and Holly Robinson-Peete take a selfie

It’s Uhuru! Well really actress Nichelle Nichols looking fab

Awww Oprah hugs TV host Tanika Ray‘s pregnant belly. Cute

Tischina Arnold instagrammed fun pics

photo: Instagram, Zimbio, Michael Rowe for Essence, Starcast, Essence.com

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Ethnic African Fabrics Fashion Trend: 5 Fair Trade Labels made by REAL African mothers

Posted on February 28, 2014

African and ethnic prints have cycled their way back into fashion again.

We saw some of it again on the runways of some of the Mercedes New York Fashion week shows this year. It is wonderful to see the continent celebrated and the colorful and geometric patterns, designs and textiles admired and adored by many globally.

But alas some who are conscientious may wonder whether the original fesigners and creators of these magnificent fabrics would also reap the benefits of their hard work. We know that the textile, fashion and clothing industry doesn’t always do best by the poorest and lowest members in the chain of command.

There is a high probability that by the time the designs go from the runway to main street, they would’ve been copied and mass produced in a Bangladesh plant, far from where the inspiration for them originated.

If you are so inclined to purchase an ethnic African printed or inspired piece today, here are some great resources and places for you to consider getting your African ethnic print fix from for the Spring and Summer season. You would be rest -assured in knowing that real African mothers will benefit from your purchase of their craftsmanship.

Here are a few sources of Fair-Trade products to consider:

JANEY APPLESEED

Janey Appleseed sells handmade, one of a kind dresses for little girls, produced in small quantities by skilled artisans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each and every Janey Appleseed purchase directly provides employment, independence, education, and hope, for women and their children in the Congo

AMANI Y JUU

Amani ya Juu means “higher peace” in Swahili. Amani is a fair trade sewing and economic development program for marginalized women in Africa, in particular from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, and Uganda, and two US cities (Washington, DC and Chattanooga, TN).

MAMA AFRICA DESIGNS

MamaAfrica Designs sells handmade limited quantity items created by female artisans in Democratic Republic of Congo. Each sale goes to help the women the organization works with “build hope in their community with the ultimate goal of empowering them to stand proud and independent.”

MAMA AFRICA APRON

Help send one child to school with the purchase of one Mama Africa apron.

Finally, for the heck of it, enjoy this wonderful display of a gorgeous maternity dress that Swedish designer Anna Ekre created for the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) campaign “Stand up for African Mothers”.

GORGEOUS!

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45th Annual NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Kerry Washington & others who wowed (PHOTOS)

Posted on February 23, 2014

Last night, some of our current and past Bellyitch Bumpwatch and other moms hit the red carpet to the 45th NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on February 22, 2014.

Scandal actress and first time mom-to-be Kerry Washington stunned in a custom Thakoon NY dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, a brada clutch and Suzanne Kalan ring.

The and her cast took home the award for the Outstanding Drama Series award. She looked stunning pictured with actors Tony Goldwyn, Scott Foley, Columbus Short, Katie Lowes, Darby Stanchfield, Joe Morton, Bellamy Young, and Guillermo Diaz,

Idris Elba, Best Actor nominee for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Dad-to-be and with girlfriend Naya Garth, looked dapper in a fitted tux and Louboutin “Dada” flats while posing with 2014 Award season “It” girl actress Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years A Slave. Elba won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for his role in Luther.

Nyong’o took home the Best Actress award for her role in that movie award and looked amazing in a plunging neckline burnt orange Givenchy pre-Fall 2014 gown with matching sandals and box clutch from the designer with her hair in a parted afro-puff. She acceneted the look with an H. Stern gold cuff and dangling earrings.

A more recent Bellyitch bumpwatch mom Nia Long was nominated for her role in House of Lies and wowed in a jade green Nicole Miller halter gown Brian Atwood heels, a Salvatore Ferragamo nude basket-weave clutch and Danielle Queller earrings.

Our winner for best body winner actress Regina King, who was nominated for outstanding actress in a drama series, turned heads in Michael Costello, who seems to be the go-to designer for Black Hollywood but seemed to miss in this ill fitting black mermaid dress that looked to constrain the SouthLAnd star’s toned torso too much.

We have covered mom and soon-to-be surrogate TV personality Sherri Shepherd of The View in the past and last night she worked magic in an off the shoulder shimmery Carmen Marc Valvo gown. The unexpected blue nails were a plus, with the statement accent pieces.

One of the very first moms we featured for being the first to have a reality TV special following her pregnancy, singer and actress Brandy Norwood, won the Image award for “Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series” for her role on BET’s The Game. She looked darling and sexy in a black cut out dress during the non-televised dinner show and again the next day during the televised portion of the show in a Jean Fares Couture black lace embellished gown with nude lining.

Even though she didn’t win for her wonderful and talented work in The Butler, advice mom to the world, Ms. Oprah Winfrey looked dazzling in her burnt orange dress while paying tribute to the late Nelson Mandela who we lost earlier this year.

photos: Zimbio, Getty, PopSugar, RCFA

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Kristin Cavallari announces plans to host new style show on E!

Posted on February 21, 2014

After a few hosting gigs, running her own shoe line under the Chinese Laundry imprint and starring in MTV‘s reality TV shows The Hills and Laguna Beach, mom-to-be Kristin Cavallari announced that she will be co-hosting a half-hour design show on E! called The Fabulist.

“THRILLED to finally announce I’ll be hosting a new half hour show called The Fabulist on E! with the beautiful @orlyshani.,” she wrote on her Instagram post about the gig. “We will discuss the top trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Premieres March 17th at 830pm ET!!! Don’t miss it!”

Fellow style maven and designer Orly Shani will also host the show along with the Cav, who is expecting her second child with hubby Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. The couple are parents to one-year old Camden.

Congrats!

I love how our Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms STAY on their GRIND whilst preggers! Werk, mamas!

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How to Get that Signature Gwen Stefani Maternity Look

Posted on February 21, 2014

While you were sleeping Gwen Stefani was killing the maternity style game. We can now see a pattern and have dissected this No Doubt front woman’s preginista’s fashion palette. Stefani and her husband Bush frontman and lead guitarist Gavin Rossdale are expecting their third son. The couple are parents to 5-year old Zuma and 7-year old Kingston.

To get that signature Gwen maternity style…

Start with a pair of wicked leather maternity jeans…

Dover Leather Maternity Leggings

Top it with a bump hugging top…

Via Prive ‘Tulip’ Maternity Tank

Layer a righteous coat, or a leopard skin print pashmina or other eclectic patterned covering over that…

Plaid Cacoon Wool Coat

Slip on a pair of booties or ankle shoes…preferably one made by l.a.m.b., Stefani’s shoe and clothing line.

L.A.M.B. Women’s Sloan Boot

Add a pair of cool shades…

Tom Ford Ali Oversized Round Sunglasses

Polish off the look with Fire Engine RED lipstick…

Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick – Red Door Red

Voila!

Signature Gwen!!

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Make Up Tutorial: Get Lupita Nyong’o’s red carpet look

Posted on February 20, 2014

Our Bellyitch mom-to-be actress Thandie Newton‘s make up artist hooked up the make up of the “it girl” of the 2014 Award season: Lupita Nyong’o, British Academy of Film Association and Academy-Award nominated Kenyan actress who stars in the movie 12 Years a Slave.

In a blog post on the ThandieKay website of the Mission Impossible actress who currently stars on The Movie Channel crime drama Rogue and is expecting her third child any day now, Newton’s business partner Kay Monsato lets readers know how she created Nyong’o’s flawless look at the BAFTA ‘s awards this week.

She used tools and make up from Lancome UK:

Lancôme Makeup · Lancôme Face Blush · Lancôme Eye Shadow

See the blog post HERE for details.

The post caught our eye because Newton, who will welcome her baby with husband of Ol Parker, shared on her Twitter account all the various shades of BROWN that Lancome makes!

Clever @LancomeUK look at these shades! #brownbeauty pic.twitter.com/FKcOQ1NdOf

— ThandieKay (@Thandie_Kay) February 7, 2014

Brilliant!

As women of color know, most make-up counters are filled with 50 shades of TAN and thus to discover a brand that caters to the spectrum of complexions is a plus!

Go Lancome!

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Your solitary MUST HAVE postpartum wardrobe item

Posted on February 20, 2014

Right after you have a baby, you may be anxious about getting back to the gym and working on getting rid of the pregnancy weight gain. I know I couldn’t wait until after my six week postpartum visit to hit the gym. When you are breastfeeding, you can’t pop diet pills or take any diet aid supplements to help your weight loss effort. There is a risk they may negatively impact your baby’s development and nourishment as well. So true because while I was taking pain killers from the c-section, my first child was extremely lethargic because he was drugged up too. I had to make a conscious effort to ween myself off of the meds despite the fact I was still in a lot of pain.

Anyway, I digress.

The only way to do it is slow and steadily, monitor your eating, exercise sensibly and stay active. Breastfeeding is said to help you burn 500 calories a day from the act itself so there is an added benefit to nursing.

But in the meantime, you have to stay stylish and comfortable. My advice is get yourself some uber cute sweats in figure forgiving styles and scrumptious yummy colors.

The sweats will be comfy under your still swollen belly and recovering scars and tender areas. Jeans and other pants can be confining.

And get them in a mix of colors, styles and materials for cooler and warmer temps, indoors and outdoor wear. It’s all about comfort post-partum.

You can mix up colors for casual out and about. And if you want to go fancy sweats, try doing same color matching sets too. This is the equivalent of dressing up for your post-partum, “I plan to wear track suits for two months” self. People are forgiving when they heard you just squeezed a watermelon out of something the size of a lemon. Trust us. (wink)

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Mini-Me Versions of 2014 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

Posted on February 20, 2014

Little and Real Lupita Nyong’o

Albeit belated, we wanted to share New York photographer Tricia Messeroux‘s recreations of the red carpet looks from this year’s Grammy Awards for those of you who might not have seen them already!

Messeroux and her team do an excellent job to quickly put out a casting call for children who resemble the stars who walked the red carpet at high profile celebrity events and awards shows just days before. Afterwards, she outfights the tiny child-sized versions of the stars in miniature versions of the gowns, tuxes and clothing as the celebs. She gets the looks right, down to the accessories and their rock star antics!

Sometimes, the mini-me versions look even more fab than the star they are dressed up to resemble! Yeah. We said it.

Enjoy!

Miniature and real Jennifer Lawrence

Miniature and Real Robin Thicke and Paula Patton

Miniature and Real Taylor Swift

Miniature and real John Legend and Christine Teigen

Miniature and Real Cyndi Lauper

miniature and real Miguel

Miniature and Real Katy Perry

Miniature and real Pharell Williams

Miniature and Real Madonna and son David

Miniature and Real Guliana Rancic

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NYFW Recap: Remixing Spring 2014 Trends Maternity Style

Posted on February 17, 2014

Costello Tagliapietra, Prabel Gurung, BCBG Max Azria, Rachel Zoe

During this past week’s Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, fashionistas who are preggers might have peeped some pretty cool trends they’d love to wear this Spring. Those stylish divas who are first to sport the latest trends may be wondering how they could pull it off while incubating a bun in the oven.

We usually recommend moms-to-be avoid trends and execute them in accessories, scarves, jewelry, belts, hats and other non clothing items, but this season, we saw some trends that are maternity friendly.

The collared shirt, pastels, wide leg pants and collarless coats and jackets, for example, are some of the trends we peeped on runway shows that could actually be converted into a maternity version.

Here are some pieces we curated for you to check out for inspiration, powered by Shopstyle!

Which would you do?

More Asos…

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Bellyitch Spring 2014 Look Book

Posted on February 16, 2014

We didn’t have a runway show during the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week but blogs usually dont. But, we did assemble some of our models to create some unique everyday looks that moms-to-be can consider as they put together their spring maternity closets. Check out some of these modern streetwear fashions we assembled styled with pieces from Isabella Oliver, Tiffany Rose, Seraphine Maternity, Leading Lady, Prelegant and UC Jaden.