BellyitchBlog

I just realized that one of my fave maternity wear designers Isabella Oliver has a women’s line named for Baukjen, its Dutch-born founder. The pieces include the signature jersey dresses, classic linear styling and clothing with ruching (gathered material) which is perfect for comfort and styling in that there is tons of give yet i’ts still clingy and feminine.

I like that this line also sticks with the classic colors: red, tan, black, white, blue. I dress pretty conservatively so I like maintaining staples that I can mix and match. The options are like a jigsaw puzzle and have tons of versatility.

We are partners with IO and I am aware of their offerings but I got a chance to spend some time earlier this week going through the best sellers and other items in this line for the first time. I discovered that I like a lot of the pieces. Here are my faves:

The Freja Ripped Stretch Skinny jeans in caviar black looks hella comfy yet chic and can be worn with a blazer for a weekender or with sweats for a movie night out with the girls, or while shopping at the mall. At $159,that’s is a decent price point for quality jeans.

As I mentioned, the ruched pieces in this line are great for accentuating your silhouette and figure but the jersey material will not leave you vulnerable to looking too encased like a sausage.

I absolutely love love the leather obi-inspired wrap belt which can add definition to every look: from longline shirts beneath knits, to simple pencil dresses. A clever keyhole side opening means both ties wrap to center front. It’s a pretty steep $115 but is unique and stands out and looks worth the price.

I hear the Curved clutch bag which is handmade form soft, supple leather and the unique shape makes it a conversation starter or at least a piece that will keep eyes on you. It retails for $175.

Finally, I also love the Charwood Dress with its angular asymetric neckline and clingy bell sleeve. I enjoy pencil length skirts because I am a bit on the short side at only 5’2″ and those length skirts and dresses elongate my torso and give me a longer leaner look. This dress appears to be perfect for creating that effect. It’s a modest $195. Cool price!

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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