LilSugar

Growing Bellies Haven't Been Hit by Budget Cuts

LilSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:39 -0700

Even the wealthy seem to be watching their wallets in this time of recession. For expectant mamas, the economic fallout may be a bit harder since their growing bellies require larger clothing to cover them.

Once a mama has extended the wear of her pre-pregnancy clothes, she’ll likely head to the stores for a few new maternity frocks. Despite many Americans pinching their pennies, major maternity retailers told us that they have not seen any evidence in clients reducing their spending this year in comparison to last. While bump baring women may not be running out to buy $1000 skirts, both Destination Maternity, which includes higher-end A Pea in the Pod and more budget conscience Motherhood, and Isabella Oliver said their sales are consistent and their most popular items still are selling well.

Have you reduced your maternity wardrobe budget?

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Steal Super Smart Maternity Styles For Summer Soirees

babysugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:27:58 -0700

Nobody loves a sale more than a savvy mama-to-be! Women who crave Jessica Alba's sassy expectant style, but can't afford to dish out the dough are in luck. The celebrity's go-to fashion designer, Isabella Oliver, is having a sale! Starting today, online shoppers can take advantage of 25 percent off regularly priced items from the current collection. The sale runs from June 3 through June 8. Enter code "SUMMER" at checkout for the discount!

babysugar Diaries: Isabella Oliver Maxi Cardi

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Known for outfitting some of Hollywood's "A-list" celebmamas like Minnie Driver, Gillian Anderson, and Jessica Alba, Isabella Oliver is one maternity line that keeps mommies-to-be dressed to the nines even through month nine.

The folks at Isabella Oliver graciously sent me the Maxi Cardi to test drive. Knitted with 90 percent lambswool and 10 percent cashmere, the fluffy sweater is a luxury for chilly days. After a long day at the office or running errands on my cankles, I look forward to coming home and putting on the cuddly sweater that looks a bit more like a robe than outerwear. Long and boxy, it's not so divine on my 5'4" stature complete with bursting belly, but I can imagine it would be more flattering on taller ladies. Perfect for plane rides or lounging around, the comfort is unbeatable.

However, for $230, I think Isabella Oliver has more to offer a stylish expecting lady. Below, check out some of my favorite pieces from their collection.

Isabella Oliver New Summer Styles

babysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:00:14 -0700

Here in San Francisco, sun dresses and sandals are scarce. But, today just happens to be one of the hottest on record and it's making me dream of strappy, sleeveless frocks intended for sultry days. Mothers–to–be, Isabella Oliver has got you covered with a slew of fresh summertime designs.

To get a peek at the flirtatious threads, read more.

The warmest months also tend to be the hottest months to travel - leaving expectant mothers in a pickle on the packing front. Isabella Oliver offers a solution to the maternity dilemma by making many of their items reversible. For $220, the duo sleeveless wrap dress can take a mama from day to night, day after day.

For a crisp and clean look, check out the Monaco dress that has a large tie at the empire waist. Paired with bright shoes, a patent tote and some chic sunglasses, you'll be one hot mama.

Check out all of the other swanky trends made just for those with babes.

Isabella Oliver: Ruffle Wrap Dress ($175)	Isabella Oliver: The Monaco Dress ($185)
Isabella Oliver: Duo Swing Dress ($220)	Isabella Oliver: Ruched Tank Dress ($175)
Isabella Oliver: Swing Denim Skirt ($120)	Isabella Oliver: Peekaboo Wrap Top ($120)
Isabella Oliver: Wrap Linen Trousers ($145)	Isabella Oliver: Cap Wrap Dress ($155)	Isabella Oliver: Duo Sleeveless Wrap Dress ($240)

Get Jessica Alba's Maternity Look

babysugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:00:39 -0700

Jessica Alba was all dolled up for her baby shower at Ever After Teahouse in LA. And, it seems pregnancy agrees with the mama–to–be since she was glowing. To find out how you can steal her pregolicious look, read more.

The actress wore the Isabella Oliver Audrey dress ($275) to her festive event. The winsome frock is ultra feminine offering a slit up the front so mamas can show some leg. The fab dress also comes in Oyster – perfect for expectant brides who plan on walking down the aisle bump and all.

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Baby Bump: Maternity Wedding Gowns

babysugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:00:01 -0800

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage." Since that's not always the case and shotgun weddings are a bit dated, expectant couples can share the news and get hitched without hiding the bride's burgeoning belly thanks to the folks at Isabella and Oliver.

The designers have a special treat for blushing pregolicious brides - the fashionable maternity line is introducing wedding gowns that will flatter engaged mothers–to–be at more than reasonable prices.

Brides can choose from spaghetti strap, halter style and crossover necklines. As each frock has an ethereal glow, it's hard to believe the prices are so down to earth. The least expensive wedding gown runs a mere $240. At that amount, brides who aren't pregnant may want to order it!

Simple or Swank: Maternity Dress

babysugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:00:29 -0800

Maternity shopping can be downright depressing. but it can be made a heck of a lot better when you find something fabulous on sale. Both of these smokin' hot red dresses will have you and your bump sizzling with style. And, since both prices have been knocked down, we'll consider them both a steal!

Simple: The cherry red hot Gap ($30) rayon dress has a nice v-neck and plenty of room for your growing belly.
Swank: The Isabella Oliver ($124) scarlet red dress also has an attractive neckline. The three-quarter sleeves and empire waist tie are sure to flatter the bump through all stages of pregnancy. The darling frock is also available in pewter, chocolate and black.

Mommy Alert! Isabella Oliver Sale

babysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:30:33 -0800

Shop before the ball drops! If you're pregnant and in need of new frocks, hit up the Isabella Oliver sale. Grab some swank tops, comfortable bottoms, and beautiful dresses for up to forty percent off. We were already fans of the chic maternity line, but we love it even more when prices are reduced.

Brilliantly designed, you can wear the clothes from the first trimester all the way through your "fourth". And, know that you're in good company with celebs like Jeri Ryan, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Julianna Marguiles, Courtney Thorne–Smith, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, and Samantha Harris donning the haute mama garb.

The sale goes through January 24 so order up!

A Few of Lil's Favorite Things: December

babysugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:04:26 -0800

Tis' the season to be shopping. Sure you'll get some great gifts later this month, but these are must haves for right now.

The Grinch turned 50-years-old on Saturday, National Grinch Day! Make sure to get your special 50th edition of Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas ($25) and cozy up with the family for story time. While the pages might get tattered and torn, the story remains relevant and entertaining year after year.
Flaunt your pregnancy curves in an Isabella Oliver outfit. She makes sleek and affordable designs for expectant mothers. So treat yourself to a fab new dress ($155 – $265) and feel divine at all of those holiday festivities.
Lots of families makes it a tradition to buy new pajamas for Christmas Eve. We don't encourage family dressing, but we do love the elfin striped organic cotton pajama ($28) from Hanna Andersson complete with the slipper socks ($18). Your lil munchkins will look delectable in the candy cane stripes.
We've seen the cute socks that Trumpette makes for lil ones, but now they have delved into making track shoes ($28) for baby, too. Your tot's sure to be the most fashion forward in her gang when she's rockin' the silver sneakers.
Who doesn't enjoy a snugly, warm blanket during winter? Baby deserves one, too. Made in Northern California, Robbie Adrian blankets are entirely organic and plush to the touch. The elegant blankets ($44-$116) are available in organic cotton fleece or velour with organic silk trimming in a variety of delicate hues.

Baby Bump: Dresses for Stylish Bumps

babysugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 06:30:08 -0800

Being pregnant does not give you an excuse to be frumpy. Just look at Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez. Oh, alright - we know they have designer maternity dresses made especially for them. We may not have Armani or Cavalli begging to design our holiday frocks, but we've got Isabella Oliver. Celebs Julianna Margulies and Dancing with the Stars Samantha Harris are both fans of the line.

Isabella Oliver was started in London by two moms, Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan Arons. And, lucky for us the mompreneurs have brought their pregolicious threads to the states The sleek and stylish designs look expensive, but are reasonably priced. So dress up and strut that beautiful belly.

Isabella Oliver Twist Dress ($155)	Isabella Oliver Wrap Column Dress ($265)
Isabella Oliver Empire Wrap Dress ($175)	Isabella Oliver Ruffle Wrap ($165)
Isabella Oliver Grace Coat ($420)	Isabella Oliver Cut-Away ($135)	Isabella Oliver Hipster A-Line Skirt ($85)

Midi Kimono Wrap Dress - $249.00	Tie Knot Dress - $179.00
Ruched Tank Dress - $175.00	IO Jeans - $179.00
The Audrey Dress - $289.00	Belle Epoque Dress - $679.00
Bandeau Wrap Top - $115.00	Peekaboo Wrap Top - $115.00
Shawl Wrap Cardi - $189.00	Duo Geisha Wrap Top - $165.00
Striped Babydoll - $115.00	Midi Empire Dress - $225.00
Halter Cross Top - $85.00	The Trapeze Trench - $319.00
The Wrap Column Dress - $289.00	Hipster Trousers - $115.00
Pencil Skirt - $125.00	Hipster A-Line Skirt - $99.00
Grecian Wrap Top - $149.00	Ruched Shrug Top - $125.00
Twist Swimsuit - $115.00

Duo Geisha Wrap Top - $160.00	The Monaco Dress - $185.00
Easy Leggings - $60.00	Funnel Neck Jacket - $330.00
Satin Bow Dress - $185.00	Cowl Sweater Dress - $225.00
The Wrap Column Dress - $290.00	Wrap Nursing Top - $115.00
Sophia Top - $130.00	The Grace Coat - $420.00
IO Jeans - $160.00	The Wrap Dress - $165.00
The Scoop Top - $75.00