It’s that time of year again! Red hearts and roses are peeking out of store windows everywhere you look and magazines are showcasing their favorite picks for the most romantic holiday of the year. Although this is fine and dandy there is something that bothers me slightly because year after year, something is always missing – romantic and sexy gifts for the pregnant ladies!

Pregnancy is one of the most amazing times in any woman’s life and one which should be celebrated in every aspect. Those new found curves that keep getting rounder? Embrace them! Believe it or not, most men find their wives even more attractive when they are pregnant. Yes, it’s true!

Several companies have picked up on this and created maternity lingerie that is just gorgeous!

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Confession of the day: I have been stalking TOMS daily, ever since they announced that they were coming out with Ballet Flats for 2012. And this morning, I was greeted to oh what a fabulous surprise – the shoes we’ve been waiting for have officially arrived!

If you love TOMS adorable kids styles and beautiful wedges, but weren’t so fussy about their regular styled shoes – these are most definitely for you! TOMS new Ballet Flats are incredibly feminine and come in various styles including burlap, linen, leopard, suede and leather. The shoes are fitted with hidden wedge inside each one for added height and support, a padded heel cushion, two-layer insert with EVA foam and latex and a flexible and durable one-piece outsole.

As with all TOMS shoes, with every pair of ballet flats purchased, the company will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. “One for One”. A pretty sweet deal if you ask me!

The new flats retail from $74-484 and can be purchased right now through http://www.toms.com or http://www.toms.ca.

I’m obsessed with key necklaces and have always loved those beautiful key charms from Tiffany’s! If you are looking for something a little more affordable, I’ve found a company that offers a real interesting twist on the key charm.
Not Just Any Old Day is a company that has taken personalized necklaces one step further by commemorating your special day (anniversary, birthday, etc) in a unique way. Each metal key charm is stamped with an actual calendar of the month you choose. The date is then ‘marked’ with a colored crystal that coincides with that date (aquamarine, emerald, opal, etc).

Although these would make an ideal Valentine’s gift, they are also great for graduation or for any special date you want to hold close to your heart. These calendar key charms can be purchased in gun metal, brass, gold plated or silver and you have the option of upgrading the chain to a ball, flat or oval link.

For those of you looking for a unique Valentine’s gift, this is a great choice! Because of the gender neutral design, and wide range of chain options, this would be a great gift for a guy or gal!

Necklaces range from $60 for a single key to $110 for a double and you can purchase directly through Not Just Any Old Day.

*Company sent sample for review.

When it comes to colours and designs, workout and yoga clothes definitely lean more towards the basic/subtle variety. Recently, I was introduced to a company that adds everything from embroidery and huge punches of colour to their activewear.

Margarita Activewear is a company based out of Israel that manufactures workout clothing for the adventurous woman. Inspired by the Latin culture, this compnay wanted to provide clothing that performed well, but provided a new vision and esthetic style that was different from other brands. They first launched ten years ago and have doubled their production year after year due to the popularity of Margarita’s bright colours, batik, cutouts and embroidered apparel.

Now, to make it clear I am far from an adventurous dresser. Let’s put it this way – I like colour and embellishments but in moderation. Although I wear activewear on a daily basis, I wasn’t expecting to find anything that I truly loved from this company until I stumbled across this gorgeous embroidered Yogini top and matching capris. The black is right up my alley and the embroidery is just stunning in person!

As you know I am a stickler when it comes to quality in yoga and workout clothes, but I was very surprised by how well these pieces are made. Several years ago, Lululemon used a thicker fabric with their Groove Pant and have since modified and changed it to a thinner one. Margarita Activewear seems to use something along the lines of what Lululemon used to be as the Yogini top feels like it’s made from that same fabulous fabric.

I put the top to the test last week and was happy on all counts. These pieces are perfect for Yoga, Zumba, Dance Aerobics or any other form of exercise where you would require a good amount of movement. The only thing I will mention is to watch out for sizing. Margarita is a little on the smaller size, so if you are between sizes, go up one! Sizes range from 1, 2, 3 and 4 (small, medium, large and extra large).

Prices are high, but in-line with those of the same quality. I don’t think they are overpriced for the quality you receive. If you live in the USA or Canada, you can buy this line directly through ActivewearUSA.

Disclosure: Thanks to Activewear USA for sending us a sample for review!

Regardless of whether you are heading to the tropics, or just your local swimming pool, Stella Cove is sure to add a punch of color and class to your and your children’s beachwear wardrobe.

My daughter was recently sent one of Stella Cove’s swimsuits from their brand new Spring 2012 line and I fell in love immediately with the simple style suits and stunning prints. My favorite prints for spring?

Definitely Aishwarya and Sergia! So beautiful. Personally, I prefer the classic swimsuit which is why I am a huge fan of the tank style and halter tank bathing suits. For those of you who love the bikini look, Stella Cove has several new styles that are sure to please.

The boys’ fitted shorts are adorable and come in a wide range of prints, some of which match up with the little girl and women styles.  One of the things I love so much about Stella Cove, is that you can go matchy match with the entire family.  I have put together 2 collages to demonstrate how you can coordinate various swimsuits and cover-ups to match for the entire family.

In regards to pricing Stella Cove isn’t in the budget price-range in regards to children’s swimwear ($50-$100), but pretty affordable for their women’s beachwear as most of the good bathing suits I’ve seen on the market are over the $100 mark. Regardless, if you are looking for quality, fashion beachwear – Stella Cove is my ultimate go-to choice!

You can find Stella Cove at Barney’s New York, Lil Swanky’s online shop, or you can purchase directly through Stella Cove.

*Rachel Florio PR sent samples for review purposes.

Celebrity mom and award-winning actress Kate Hudson, was announced as the new face of Ann Taylor for Spring 2012. Ann Taylor announces award-winning actress Kate Hudson as the new face of the brand for Spring 2012.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Ann Taylor this Spring,” said Hudson. “I love fashion, and their new Spring collection is so stylish and hip and colorful! As a young girl I looked up to the sophisticated style of Ann Taylor so it’s been very cool to see how the brand has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern women. The new Ann Taylor is not afraid to be sexy and real – because they design for every generation. The clothes are stylish and comfortable, easy and wearable. They really help you look and feel perfectly put together for any occasion.”

The Spring campaign pictured in the below gallery, was shot by the famed fashion photographer Tom Munro at a Pasadena, California estate.

This recent partnership reflects on Ann Taylor’s continued focus on celebrating modern women of substance, style and success across every generation. The brand has become a favorite style destination for modern American women, and continues to attract some of the world’s most celebrated style icons as its biggest fans, including Angelina Jolie, Katie Holmes, Heidi Klum, Naomi Watts, Cameron Diaz, Milla Jovovich, Rachel Bilson, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Tina Fey, Olivia Wilde, Sofia Vergara and more.

All items featured in the Spring 2012 campaign are available as of late February in Ann Taylor stores nationwide and on www.anntaylor.com.

Well now these are interesting!

Lotty Dotty is a company founded in 2009 by two American women living in Paris, France. They ladies were inspired by their childhood memories of playing with paper dolls and decided to create a line of high-fashion tees featuring screen printed doll figures that can be dressed interchangeably with velcro-backed mini outfits.

These unique tees are available in sizes from a child’s 4-10 and teen and adult sizes. Each one of Lotty Dotty’s tees are made from organic cotton and bamboo along with recycled materials.

So, what do you think of these new paper doll dress-up tees? Would you or your daughter be game to wearing something like this? It reminds me a little bit of Old Navy’s new tech line of clothing. Seems as though many companies are trying to integrate ‘something more’ in their designs.

During my pregnancy with my 3rd child, Isabella Oliver’s Wrap Dress was one of my ultimate favourites. Although I enjoy reporting on the trends, I’m not one to follow or copy a celebrity trend just because it has been worn by an A-lister. Of course, that could also be due to the fact that I’m familiar with the brand or have used the brand before even spotting it on a celeb.

Isabella Oliver’s Wrap Dress is the one exception to that rule.

Selma Blair was one of the best-dressed pregnant celebrity moms of 2011 in my opinion, and she was always spotted wearing Isabella Oliver’s dresses. I was interested to see what all the fuss is about and… well now I most certainly do!

Isabella Oliver has a knack for cutting their fabrics in such a way that they not only flatter women during their pregnancy but pre and post pregnancy figures. The Wrap Dress is made from their signature jersey material and is quite fitted, yet as mentioned above – very flattering. Because of the adjustable wrap design, the dress is extremely versatile and can be worn as is or over a turtleneck or tee during the colder months.

If you are looking for an affordable dress you can wear in countless ways (dressed up or down) throughout the season, this is it!

Price: $145 (on sale now for $100 through Isabella Oliver)

*Company sent sample for review purposes.

Wouldn’t it be cool if real moms would walk the runway during New York Fashion Week? Well, guess what? It’s about to happen!

The Moms, a multi platform lifestyle brand has partnered with Mom-entum, a women’s focused marketing channel, Audrey  McClelland and Vera Sweeney, the founders of Getting Gorgeous, a company dedicated to building relationships between fashion / beauty brands and top online influencers and a social media agency called Big Fuel. This power team will be hosting the first annual “Strut: The Fashionable Mom Show,” as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

This morning WWD reported that the show will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. Real moms will walk the runway, rocking looks from designers such as Ramy Brook, Pea in the Pod and Shoshanna. At the end of the show, all of the clothing worn by the models will be auctioned off to charity.

It is expected that around 200 people will attend in person, although moms at home will also have the opportunity to attend from the comfort of their own home!

Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein, the founders of The Moms said that the event will feature a digital live stream featuring a live Twitter feed and real time blogging. Look for quick fashion tips, outfit transformation ideas and inspiration for various every day looks.

“Audrey and I started Getting Gorgeous because we wanted to bring attainable fashion tips to online moms. Strut is a wonderful extension to our brand. We are thrilled with this new partnership!“, said Vera Sweeney, one of the founders of Getting Gorgeous.

According to Holly Pavlika, the managing director of Big Fuel: “There are 84 million moms in the U.S., 32 million of which are online. Motherhood triggers social activity. Moms are often a household’s ‘chief purchasing officer,’ making or influencing about 85 percent of all purchases from retail to health care, automobiles, finances and more.”

“I have spent nearly two decades immersed in the fashion industry and have been a mother for about half that time. For me, the worlds of fashion and motherhood are inextricably connected, but navigating a balance between the two is never easy. The Moms make personal style effortless and functional, without sacrificing on-trend glamour,” said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, director of fashion at Lincoln Center and a fashion consultant to IMG.

It’s about time! I’m looking forward to saying goodbye to the whole stereotype of “Moms” as the ones wearing “Mom Jeans” and frumpy sweats. It’s time for a change ladies, and who better to bring it then the mamas?

{Source: WWD}

Images courtesy of Vera Sweeney for use on Child Mode