Fitting Room Friday: Post Pregnancy Fashion in The 4th Trimester

Emily Childers, talented dancer, intellectual writer, dedicated mother, stunning model, tender hearted friend that laughs at my jokes. Her ensemble repertoire follows.



Mooreland Eve Blouse, Gathered Tote

Wolf Moon Wide Legs



Tiered Scoopneck, Magic Birdseed Hoodie



Joe's Muse Perry




Uncharted Oceans Top, Barbershop Harmony Vest

Fraktur Wide Legs



Detour Dress, Las Cruces Belt, Stargaze Tights

Remember, you are a queen my mothers.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Postpartum fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

Post Pregnancy Fashion, Weeks 45+: Magic in the Middle

Pregnancy can amplify your body type. Obviously, you've acquired some middle to your figure, but your upper figure has most likely been elaborated on too. And if you tend to grow inches in your lower region, well they've probably found their way there as well.

Over all, you probably have a higher percentage of curves than normal. Well then my pretties, what can we do with this newly acquired silhouette for the short time we have to enjoy it?

I propose an origin for efforts: genuninely enjoy the round contours of your nymph-like figure. You, Ms. De-Milo, now possess rotund curves that unadorned, inspired masters of aesthetics. Your undulating outline can dramatize clothing in a way that svelte lines can not attempt.

Next, go to your closet and put away anything that contains the word "maternity" on the tag. No exceptions, I have been amply generous. You had 40 days, and now you must button and zipper your pants.

Next you can proceed to inventory your closet identifying early pregnancy items, ready for fashion reunion. As you evaluate keep a list of wardrobe items to acquire. You should have enough coverings for 10 days at minimum.

Delaying confidence until your measurements retreat is simply ridiculous. Build a minimum wardrobe that fits now. If it's only constructed to last a season, so be it, were not planning to extend it's usefulness beyond that point anyways.

When you seek blouses, hunt before an imminent meal when your milk storage will be most abundant. And ensure that the new top will comfortably accommodate nursing.

Finally, wear the entire useful life out of a minimalist wardrobe. These items can be archived or donated when you're ready to reclaim your original wardrobe.

The Side by Side Tunic indulges nursing, while the length of the tunic and Sidelong Cardigan slide over an upper figure. Finally the Double Vision Belt, cinches any excess cotton in over your newly revealed waist.

Level 99 Camilla Ankle

If you didn’t accrue bountiful curves in your legs during pregnancy, these chic trousers in robin egg blue are quite comely. They’re a mid rise to corset in, but not too high. An overzealous attempt to cloak creates an uninterupted sillouhette of whatever you are attempting to hide.

If your body does not fall within the dimensions of an upper figure, follow the body type prescription for your particular shape.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own post postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

Phi Kappa Fashion

The Mesa Community College is now offering a certificate in Image Consulting. Perfect for those who dream of being a celebrity entourage member or those who strive to make the world a bit prettier. And whether your pursuing the certificate or aimlessly class hopping in search of your future, might I highly recommend the Wardrobe Strategy class, scheduled to be taught by yours truly. Spread the word to your collegiate fashion smarties. Registration closes, and classes start, Friday, February 6th.

Post Pregnancy Fashion, Weeks 40-43, or maybe 45: The Spa Weeks

After approximately 36-39 weeks of creating a life cell by cell and carrying this developing pearl within your very womb, you have bequeathed a miniature human independent life through your own toil and labor.

You are a mother, and unequivocally a queen. Every scar on your body is an imprint of the life you have born.

This life you have created and will continue to shape for the next several decades has dramatically shaped your body for the time being. There's a 90% chance that you're not going to slip right back into those pre-pregnancy jeans as you exit the hospital. And that's really okay. Postpartum like pregnancy is a process, and one that can be relished, if given fair opportunity.

Immediately after giving birth, I declare that all mothers have the the right to a spa like retreat with their newly born. Islam tradition recommends a full 40 days post birth for private repose. This span of sanctuary not only keeps you and your petite safe from infection and excess labor, but it provides you two time to bond: breastfeeding, nap time, full viewings of A&E's Pride & Prejudice. Hopefully someone is there to substitute you for a few weeks: a mother, a spouse, or a sister. Don't try to remove their opportunity to serve, drink it in while offering ample gratitude.

But here's the deal, even during the spa weeks, you have to get dressed everyday. Take a shower, put on a minimal amount of makeup (mascara & lip gloss). Sanitize yourself, to remember that you do maintain independent life, and are indeed more than a milk machine. And also for your baby's benefit, for goodness sake you keep cleaning the pacifier every time it falls on the ground.

So start with a clean pair of clothes every day. They can be lounge clothes, but people are going to come to visit mother and infant, and you want to look presentable. Presentable, does include a nursing bra, highly recommended that nursing bra.

Below are a few other recommended items:



This Surfside Coverup is perfect for cloaking much more than a swimsuit. And the Well Though Out Tank, is indeed that. It's conducive to nursing and supportive of your mother's inheritance. Both pieces have an empire waist, and a peplum long enough to skim over your retreating signs of pregnancy.

These elegantly cozy Obi Loungers will be gentle friends as you transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

One of the easiest items to fit into post-pregnancy is a cotton dress. There's a reason that the dress is the universal symbol for femininity. At your most feminine, post-pregnancy, this Panoramic View Chemise will serve you well. The accompanying Dove Robe will follow on, keeping your mother's figure modest.

Now my queen, enjoy your kingdom, for in 40 days or less, the sun will rise on new responsibilities.

PS: Congratulations to Becky who introduced Charlie to the world, the 27th day of January, Two Thousand and Nine.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own postpartum fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own post postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

Charm School this Saturday

Place: Blissful Living Studio 166 W Main Street (have you tried the cookies at Sweet Cakes yet?) Mesa, Arizona
Date: Saturday, January Thirty-First, (Add it to your monthly goals and check it off with a flourish)
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm (you'd probably be taking an unnecessary nap right about this time)
Register: by phone 480.733.5558 or by web

Class Description: Signature Style
Is your wardrobe a unique expression of your personality? If your closet feels boring to the point of invisible or contains so many different trends you're afraid it might be schizophrenic, it's time for intervention. Learn how to brand your wardrobe and push your fashion quotient without being overwhelmed by what you're wearing. We'll be identifying your own unique formula for style, personal fashion goals and adding to our own fashion look book.

Sign up for this class, publish a comment on this post, and you will receive a complimentary unassembled fashion look book upon arrival.

Maternity Fashion: The Culmination

Lyndsay Johnson's maternal glamor collection is showcased below:

Willow's Weep Dress, Reversible Seamless Tank, & Reflections Necklace

Raqs Sharqi Pants, Bend & Crimp Top, & Early Hawthorne Necklace

AG Willow Ankle, Savica Waterfall Blouse, Deep Sea Vent Sweater, & Candied Citrus Earrings

Next week we'll move on to dressing in the 4th Trimester, post partum, with the fierce & fabulous Emily Childers. Au Revoir

1 hundred 98 cents = your own maternity fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own pregnant styling rules of conduct and much more.

Blessed Becky Bagley

My lovely sister Becky. Smart, stunning, and scheduled for a birthday and the birth of her sixth child. Above we've caught her, hobs knobbed with Stephenie Meyer, mother of Twilight, at the film's premier. Her stylist ensured that she and the baby currently known as Charlie, were smoldering in a little red cocktail dress.

Being woven from stretchy cashmere meant the tag didn't need to say maternity. This standard retail answer to semi-formal met all its obligations. The ruffle at the collar brings attention back to her glowing countenance. The abbreviated sleeves and length show off her shapely appendages. And the empire skirt slides without a cling over the arch of her baby brewing belly. She is hot, and having 7 months of tentatively named Charlie with her, makes her 177% hot.

Today she's like 199% hot, and I salute her with unadulterated adoration.

Maternity Fashion: The Beginning

So now you are dressing for two. Your mind is frolicking with the perfume of fresh baby swaddled in Ralph Lauren layettes. But let us not prematurely initiate resentment between you and your incubating fetus by dressing yourselves solely in patterned pavilions and overstretched sweats. Below is a concise little guide to get you started:

At 15 - 20 Weeks your belly is finally starting to bump. While fashion architecture is traditionally executed to draw attention away from a broad area, this is not the case in pregnancy. Your expanding arched abdomen is a glorious line. And it is unmistakable physical evidence that you are very desirable to the opposite sex.

But it does require care. First, you and your seed will need to analyze your entire closet. Perhaps you already have a few empire waist tops, long fitted tees, or stretchy lounge pants that continue to serve you and your growing empire. As you evaluate, remember you are not a packaged sausage. If you can see your belly button or any excessive details of your figure metamorphosis, it is not serving you. And your child should never fall below the line of blouse. Baby will be angry if he finds you left him exposed to the public.

Next identify items that might work with slight modifications. If you have pants and skirts that still fit nicely around your thighs and seat, try purchasing a Bella Band, Belly Belt Button Up, Belly Band to keep your southern garments in their station.

Your goal is to acquire at least this minimum wardrobe: 3 bras (yes you do need to go in for a fresh fitting), 10 panties, 3 neutral camisoles or other underpinnings (look for the long ones), 10 shirts, 5 trousers (including 1 pair of jeans), 1 skirt, 1 dress. All of them should be good servants, faithful servants. Servants who flatter you .

And actually, that's all we want in your wardrobe. Clothes that fit you now. Only put in front of yourself items that you could wear in the next week. Put everything else in storage or at least push it to the darkest side of the closet.

Next, make a list of the essentials you still require. But hasty one, proceed with wisdom. Buy slowly. Re-wear each garment in as many combinations as possible. Glutton yourself on the intoxication of well fitting pretties because as it turns out you two may only have fleeting weeks to enjoy each other.

Finally, make a point of re-evaluating your closet every couple of weeks, and pushing to the side what no longer accommodates you and baby, then replace as needed.

Tomorrow we move into advanced pregnancy with Fitting Room Friday footage. See you soon my fertile friends.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own maternity fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own pregnant styling rules of conduct and much more.

Inaugural Flipbook

Jan 18: Mrs. Michelle Obama in Mr. Narciso Rodriguez at the the Obama Inaugural Celebration

Jan 20: Malia Ann & Sasha Obama wore J. Crew at the Swearing In Ceremony. (Someday I will order two fully trimmed children from the Crew Cuts catalog.)

Jan 20: Michelle Obama in Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo's gold brocade shift with matching overcoat at the swearing-in ceremony (yes her shoes do match her pistachio gloves)


Jan 20: Originally from Taipei, Jason Wu at the fresh age of 26, is rising American Fashion Ingenue.

So what does all this silk chiffon and lamé brocade translate into politically?

First, while each of Michelle's inauguration designers was American, two were immigrants, and one was a first generation son of immigrants. All of the designers were small, independent shops. Whatever they lacked in common notoriety; they made up for in uncommon vision. Obamamerica is still an opportunistic melting pot, ready to bless internationally grown talent and industry.

Second, Lady Obama's choice of a 26 year old fashion prodigy for her inaugural ball gown, the zenith of political fashion, speaks to the first couple's faith in American youth. The 18-30 year old demographic not only hosted the hottest of the ten inaugural balls, but had shown up in droves to elect her husband.

Third, inaugural fashion is always hopeful, but the modern elegance of Michelle's sunny yellow brocade prophesied of brighter days to come. The innocent romance of her floor length, ivory gown nodded to the blank slate the Obamas hope to lead American into over the next four years.

Real life starts tomorrow, but for now, see if you can scroll this post fast enough to see Barack & Michelle waltzing to Beyonce's "At Last."

Live Styling Pedagogy

Place: Blissful Living Studio 166 W Main Street in Mesa, Arizona, United States of America, Milky Way Galaxy
Date: Tuesday, January Twentieth, Two Thousand & Nine
Time: 7 O'clock to Half Past 8 O'clock Post Meridem
Register: via sound transmitted telecommunications device (480.733.5558) or via electronic transmission of binary data packets

Class Description: New Year, New Wardrobe
Nothing should exist in your closet if it doesn't deliver a 10 in the fashion formula. Learn when it's time to fire clothing from your wardrobe. Get straight forward advice on how to purge and simplify our closet. Then learn to calculate whether or not to buy an item. Hint – the cheapest option, doesn't always offer the best value. Take the guesswork out of how to shop, what to shop for, where to shop (stores and online), and how much money to spend.

Walk away with tactical strategies and notes for your fashion look book.

Happy Day LBJ

A self-celebrating anniversary statistically proven to lengthen your life. You can join the festivus at Lyndsay and the Johnsons. But come back lickety-split, for we will be featuring her gestation stylings on a maternal week at Cardigan Empire.

Nie Nie Returns

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Fitting Room Friday with an important announcement. Stephanie Nielson is returning to her blog today. If you want to learn something about fashion, life, and miracles, click on over. Then come back here and post a link to your favorite Nie fashion in the comments.

First Ladies of Fashion

The inaugural gown is not designed to clothe the first lady, pretty as she is. This frock belongs to Lady Liberty. It is an ornamental flag signaling to these fifty United States (and beyond) the grand vision of incoming leadership. Far from being haute couture, majority rules in inaugural styles. The garment should gain the vote of the preponderance of Americans. This rite-of-passage dress is basically the wedding gown of a presidency, and it's image is fixed in amber. Or at least Richard Martin, curator of the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, said something smart like that. But if you don't trust him or his fancy title, follow me down below.

Okay, so Americans have liked fashion from US Genesis. George W. the First was a fastidious dresser. He didn't dress himself, because that's just incongruous, but he did pick out his own fabrics, trim, and silhouette. He believed a gentleman of integrity should take great pride and care in his dress. Do you hear that fine Americans? President Washington said "It's unconstitutional to wear yoga pants and flip flops to the grocery store."

But back to the dress, Caroline Harrison, wife of 23rd President Benjamin Harrison, was the first little catwalker of her time. Following the rallying call of her husband to "buy American," she found an Indiana artist to design the silk and a New York City dressmaker to sew up her gown. In the end it was fashion candy, fancy enough to make the Whigs, Fedarlists, and the Union Party proud, if only the memory of them remained. Then there was Teddy Roosevelt's wife, Edith. She practically invented green fashion. To make a statement about preservation and conservation she reused the skirt from an existing dress and topped it with a new bodice. I bet Eleanor, wife of depression defeatist Franklin Roosevelt, learned a lot from Aunt Edith.

Now, once those WWII soldiers came home, got married, and started having babies, we got Mamie Eisenhower's pink Dior beauties. They were fresh, innocent, hopeful. This little fashion plate led post-war America into the fifties with her signature narrow fringe of bangs and a love of what came to be called "Mamie Pink."

When the Kennedys moved into the White House, the Capitol became Camelot. The fantastical New Vision that included shooting man to the moon required inconceivable American fashion, possible only through the likes of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy. She wore a white satin number with a cape of her own design to the inauguration gala. But more about her ladyship later.

Movie Stars Ronald & Nancy Reagan brought glamor and the white tie back to the White House. And then everyone complained that they were too extravagant for a democratic nation. Well sillies, the Reagans were Republicans, but they did scale back to a black tie affair in the second term with not as chichi china and not so lavish linens.



So what will Michelle Obama wear? Many have compared Michelle O to Jackie O. True they did both stand almost 6 feet tall, and leaned toward clean, sophisticated shapes. But the message behind Michelle and Jackie's wardrobe couldn't be more different. While Jackie lived in a castle in Camelot, Michelle is moving into Sherwood Forest. Michelle buys what she wears, commonly off the rack from retail establishments that everyday Americans can afford. Jackie was gifted gowns from the likes of Valentino and Givenchy that some cities couldn't afford.

The 2009 inauguration is expected to have over 1 million attendees with neighborhood balls and donated gowns for guests you aren't accustomed to gala life. While each of these preparations speaks volumes, the closing statement about the Obama administrations plans will be summed up in the frock Lady M.R.O. chooses to wear.

Now go put something pretty on and change the world!

Defining a First Lady: Michelle Obama [mih-SHELL O-bah-mah]

Pear Shaped /ˈpɛərˌʃeɪpt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [pair-sheypt] adjective : having the shape of a pear; tapering near the top and swelling seductively toward the base or bottom.


An aware pear, Michelle Obama is most commonly found in a sheath dress [sheeth dress] noun: a close fitting, figure hugging, mid calf or shorter silhouette with a defined waist but no waistband. Like the closely fitting case of a dagger from which the sheath dress derives it's name, it's perfectly perilous when filled with the dangerous blade of a lower figure. Given Michelle's 5 feet 10 and three-quarter inches she executes of a long, strong profile.


When not in her uniform sheeth, Michelle Obama is often draped in elegant, billowy sleeve. These puffy sleeves [puhf-ee slēvs] noun are suited to counteract the strong line of a full hip. Their diaphanous refinement is not in any way appropriate for pirates or Renaissance Fair freaks. These are fully sophisticated signatures, Michelle's pill box hat.



Tra⋅di⋅tion⋅al [truh-dish-uh-nl] adjective: of, pertaining to, characteristic or being a style or mode of classic American dress, clean, established, preppy. Michelle takes iconic classics like the white dress shirt and infuses it with hope and change. Far more than a row of neat buttons and a pointed collar, this crisp rendition is far from the cliche, fresh and ready for action.


Sig⋅na⋅ture [sig-nuh-cher, -choor] noun: serving to identify or distinguish a person. Some of her Dorothy Quincey Hancocks include simple strands of pearls, colorful statement brooches, and figure accentuating waist belts.



Shop⋅ping /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [shop-ing] noun: of, for, or pertaining to examining and buying merchandise at available facilities or merchandise locations. Democratic enough to buy off the rack, this woman buys what she wears from establishments such as H&M, Black House White Market, J.Crew, Maria Pinto, Narciso Rodriguez

Return promptly for some comparative historical perspectives with antecedent political fashionistas.

Michelle Obama is such a pear

A tall voluptuous riviera pear that you could eat with a spoon. And with the inauguration ceremony, ball, parade, etc. coming up in 8 little days, Cardigan Empire will be highlighting the incoming first lady of fashion: her body type, signature style, shopping strategies, and more.

So fine Americans click on back here soon.

Fitting Room Friday - Closet Analysis

The 5 Piles

1. Keep: When you walk by the mirror in these items, it should compel a brief pause, during which a smile flutters across your face. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to flatter.

2. Archive: Are your winter boots currently residing in company with your flip flops? For shame, keeping seasonally distinct items in a single closet (even in Arizona) not only makes for fashion overwhelm, but it also makes your clothes very sad. It's like serving tuna with peanut butter, it just isn't right. Now for those items that you loved upon purchased, proceeded to wear for a straight fortnight, and in consequence is now prematurely jaded, I suggest archival. Archive all that is tired, seasonally inappropriate, or just inconclusive. Then reassess in 3-6 months, and ditch anything you're still not ready to wear immediately. Don't underestimate the thrill of fashion reunion.

This is not however a dumping ground for fashion memorabilia. If you don't plan to wear it within the calendar year, take a picture of it and donate it.

3. Repair: You have exactly five days to go to the dry cleaner, cobbler, or tailor with these items. If it's not urgent, it's not important enough to fix.

4. Give-Away: Donate items that don't fit your body or style but are in good condition. If you are having a difficult time parting with an item that no longer flatters your figure, find a specific friend to give it to. Or better yet, organize a clothing exchange, in which friends can bring all their items that are in good condition, but no longer employed by their closets.

5. Throw-Away: Items that are stained, torn, or otherwise beyond repair. Enough said.


Still overwhelmed? Reserve a 90 minute one-on-one session to review your entire closet. Items will be evaluated based on color compatibility, fit, flattery, and condition. By the end of the session you will have a wearable wardrobe plus a shopping list for key items to purchase. During this session suggestions will also be made on how to mix and match existing pieces to break away from clothing “uniforms” and get more wear through creative ensemble pairings.