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Dear Johnnies is another hospital gown meant for a slightly different purpose during labor and delivery.

This one you wouldn’t want to get dirty- it’s so pretty with its patterns and colors. It is designed exactly like your standard hospital gown so few hospitals should have a problem with it. But instead of dingy hospital colors and twisted old ties, you’ve got bright happy patterns AND ribbons (love it).

Every gown comes in a cute little matching pouch. The gown has arm and back snaps along with ties all the way down the backside for easy medical access, but without revealing all of your goods.
As soon as I was transferred into my postpartum recovery room, I couldn’t wait to change into my cute pink gown. It wasn’t even a matter of not being comfortable in anything else. I just wanted to look and feel pretty after going through a beautiful but, let’s admit it, dirty experience.

And then of course it allows for much more pleasant hospital photos. Try to imagine these same shots with a green patterned standard hospital issue gown. Yuck!
Not the same! Not the same!

HOW TO GET IT:

BUY IT: You can purchase any of the styles on Dear Johnnies website  with 20% OFF until 4/15/12 by using the promo code PREBABY2012

WIN IT: You can enter below to win a gown from Wellesley collection! You can also like their FB page and follow their Twitter for news and discounts.

BELOW ARE THE GIVEAWAY RULES
and Mandatory Entries: {read carefully}

There are two mandatory entries, after which you will have additional entries available,
and 1 daily entry for which you can come back to enter daily.
The winning entry will be verified and the winner disqualified if the action is not found or if the mandatory items are not fullfilled.
Make sure to notate how you’re following the blog in the extra info field (entry #1). The entry won’t count if that information is missing.
Please make sure to visit Dear Johnnies’ Facebook Page and write on their wall which design you’d choose if you won.
The giveaway is open to US residents only. See the rafflecopter widget for additional terms and conditions.

If you have a blog, there’re 2 entries each worth 10 points ( post our button on your blog’s sidebar and blog about the giveaway)

{If you’re not sure how to use to enter, feel free to watch this video tutorial or email me at contact {at} prebabyblog {dot} com
Otherwise, make sure to read everything carefully. Click the DO IT link first, then ENTER once the action is completed}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated by Dear Johnnies. I received this gown in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions represented here are 100% my own

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Welcome to Week 10 of Pregnant with Style feature, a weekly low down on the cutest and little known maternity brands.

{Discover other weeks and maternity brands here}

JULES et JIM Maternity

“Jules likes seeing his pregnant wife sexy. Jim prefers the classic, refined look.
Together Jules & Jim make up a line of maternity clothing in tune with new trends, at once comfortable and urbane”

BELOW ARE THE GIVEAWAY RULES
and Mandatory Entries: {read carefully}

There are two mandatory entries, after which you will have additional entries available,
and 1 daily entry for which you can come back to enter daily.
The winning entry will be verified and the winner disqualified if the action is not found or if the mandatory items are not fullfilled.
Make sure to notate how you’re following the blog in the extra info field (entry #1). The entry won’t count if that information is missing.
Please make sure to visit Jules & Jim facebook page and post on their wall what you’d like to win (entry #2). 
The giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. See the rafflecopter widget for additional terms and conditions.

UPDATE: You can now log into the Rafflecopter through Facebook or just by using your name/email.

If you have a blog, there’re 2 entries each worth 10 points ( post our button on your blog’s sidebar and blog about the giveaway)

{If you’re not sure how to use to enter, feel free to watch this video tutorial or email me at contact {at} prebabyblog {dot} com
Otherwise, make sure to read everything carefully. Click the DO IT link first, then I’VE DONE IT once the action is completed}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this item from Jules&Jim in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Welcome to Week 9 of Pregnant with Style feature, a weekly low down on the cutest and little known maternity brands.

{Discover other weeks and maternity brands here}

Check out BOBA {Baby on Board Apparel}

I first heard about Baby On Board Apparel through a Zulily sale, I think.  They are a small Canadian maternity company that specializes in maternity clothes that is comfortable, lasting and able to be worn during and beyond pregnancy.

Not too long ago BOBA partnered up with the talented Matthew Langille, the guy behind funky designs of many kid’s clothing and gear companies and together they created a fun line of maternity Tshirts you’re going to want to have. It’s called Monster Mania and it comes in 4 different colors with adorable monsters on each.  I just had to go to a fun place to photograph the shirt- and what’s more fun than a colorful playground.

You might  think: “It’s just a T-shirt! Big deal! I can wear my pre-pregnancy Tshirts just fine.” That’s what I thought starting out and continued thinking till about 7th month when all my long pre-pregnancy tees started getting tight and uncomfortable around my boobs and waist. But it wasn’t until I was in my mid third trimester that I realized why exactly you need a good quality maternity T-shirt: the length, the fabric and the cut.

If you follow me on Instagram, you should have seen me wear this one pretty much every single day. Going for a walk? Get my Monster Mania tee! Out to my doctor’s appointment? Where’s my Monster Mania tee? Wherever I went – I reached for it.
Aside from being incredibly comfortable and soft and stretchy, which is what maternity wear is all about, it is THE ONLY t-shirt that I have that is LONG ENOUGH! Buying long tees and tanks from a non-maternity brand worked for a bit, but now that I have to wear maternity jeans with bands and shorts that don’t zip up all the way, no other Tshirt is long enough to cover up the jean band or the zipper.

Most of you preggos probably hit that point way earlier in your pregnancy, but because of my height, Alexis has a lot of room, so my belly has only started REALLY growing recently – and now I finally get it.

Once again, it CAN easily  be worn post-partum, which is always been my goal in picking maternity brands, so you’re not wasting money by buying it, since it’ll still be your favorite tee to wear once you’re no longer pregnant. Certain fabrics rub my belly in a wrong way making it itchy, others are too tight- this one is perfectly soft, curve hugging and comfortable.

We have 2 Monster Mania T-shirts to give away to two lucky winners. It’s super easy to enter!

BELOW ARE THE GIVEAWAY RULES
and Mandatory Entries: {read carefully}

There are two mandatory entries, after which you will have additional entries available,
and 1 daily entry for which you can come back to enter daily.
The winning entry will be verified and the winner disqualified if the action is not found or if the mandatory items are not fullfilled.
Make sure to notate how you’re following the blog in the extra info field (entry #1). The entry won’t count if that information is missing.
Please make sure to visit Baby On Board Apparel and comment on what your favorite dress is to be eligible to win (entry #2). The comment is to be posted to this blog post.
The giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. See the rafflecopter widget for additional terms and conditions.
All comments will be moderated and will appear once approved.

If you have a blog, there’re 2 entries each worth 10 points ( post our button on your blog’s sidebar and blog about the giveaway)

{If you’re not sure how to use to enter, feel free to watch this video tutorial or email me at contact {at} prebabyblog {dot} com
Otherwise, make sure to read everything carefully. Click the DO IT link first, then I’VE DONE IT once the action is completed}

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Welcome to Week 8 of Pregnant with Style feature, a weekly low down on the cutest and little known maternity brands.

{Discover other weeks and maternity brands here}

ISABELLA OLIVER MATERNITY

is today’s brand.

Some of you might have heard of Isabella Oliver or seen ads on the Internet. It is a British company started in 2003 when the creators saw the need for beautiful stylish and comfortable maternity wear. They’ve even been awarded the Queen’s Award (How cool is that?)

I can’t think of another company that makes such elegant feminine maternity clothes. Most of their styles are form fitting which is perfect during pregnancy when you want to show off your bump ( because let’s admit it- that’s the only way to look pregnant and not fat).

Here’s some of my favorite items from Isabella Oliver:

1. Ruched Breton Button Top  2. Midi Ruched Skirt  3. The Everyday Blazer  4. Tuck Detail Tunic  5. Ruched T Shirt Dress 

It was very hard for me to pick 1 item to go with, and after a lot of deliberation I choose the Ruched Tank Dress in red.

Remember my obsession with red dresses? Well, it’s alive and kicking.  To date, this is my favorite dress to wear out. I feel like the red color dresses it up a lot, so if that’s not for you, this dress comes in a shade of black that is perfect for everyday wear.

What I love about this particular dress:

• I love what it  does to my bump – in this dress I don’t feel thick or wide or big- it accentuates the bump in a way that makes the rest of me look thin (-ner).
• Because of the stretchy material and the ruched style you can wear it any time during your life, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum or just like to look amazing.
• The simple neckline that goes low enough to show off my cleavage {the only time in my life that I get to have one}, but not too low to feel overly exposed.

I just can imagine myself wearing this dress going on stroller walks with Alexis and  hubby around town and looking fabulous. Oh and did I forget to mention that Angelina Jolie wore the same dress in black when she was pregnant?

Right now Isabella Oliver is running a 25% off maternity dresses promotion with a code THANKS. Also they carry a non-maternity line that is equally amazing! And you can win this dress by entering below {you don’t have to be pregnant to wear it, btw}

And it just so happens that Isabella Oliver is on Zulily right now at 70% off. FUN!

Oh and can we please give a round of applause to my friend’s adorable baby who is the best model ever!?

Here’s how to win this dress in a color of your choice:

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Week 6 of Pregnant With Style

{see previous weeks here and come back each Sunday for more}

Discovering and introducing new and interesting maternity brands…

This week it’s Everly Grey Maternity.

USE CODE EVG20 to get a 20% discount off your Everly Grey purchase for the month of November as a special promotion for my readers.

Everly Grey is your total everyday affordable maternity wear, from dresses, to soft tops, to blouses to comfy pants and shorts.

I got to try out an Emmy top and Owen twill cargo pants and I have one word for you: COMFORT! I remember when I first received my package and put the Emmy top on, I spent the rest of the day lounging in it.

The top feels more like a tunic – long, lean and comfortable, perfect for fall weather. The navy inspired stripes add a touch of elegance to any casual outfit, so you can still look classy if you pair it up with skinny jeans and a pair of stilettos. The 4″ side slits will accommodate your ever-growing front and rear without accentuating it. All together I thought the Emmy Top was a perfect item to have in your wardrobe, both during pregnancy and after.

So when I first tried it on, I walked around in my undies and this top for a few hours until my husband looked at me strangely and asked “Why don’t you have pants on?”

That’s when I remembered I forgot to try out the pants lol

I’d say the biggest complaint I’ve heard from pregnant women about maternity clothes are pants/jeans that just don’t fit/don’t fit right. And I have to agree: the band pressing on your stomach is just too tight and too uncomfortable after a certain point in pregnancy.

Say hello to the Owen Pants! I love twill pants in general. I had a ton of skinny twill pants before pregnancy and hope to buy many more after. I love how they hug your body but don’t look exactly like good old jeans. The band of these pants is below the belly, just like you’d wear normal pants, except for it’s a slightly thicker and sort of like a soft scrunchy. It doesn’t press on your tummy but doesn’t stick out from under your shirt. In other words, the pants band fits perfectly under your belly without causing any discomfort or bunching up. I love the zipper on the ankle that gives it a more rough look, as well as big pockets on the back and the sides that take the pants from leggings category to cargo pants field.

Below are a few other things I own and/or like from Everly Grey Maternity:

{blue top no longer carried} {Blue Beth Dress}

{Rowan Tuxedo Top} {Robyn Top} {Poppy Dress} {Beth Dress}

All the Everly Grey items I have are extremely soft and comfortable, but most importantly affordable. And now you get an opportunity to win your own Emmy Top or Owen Cargo Pants in your size! All you have to do is ENTER the giveaway below. Please read the rules carefully, but otherwise it’s super easy with Rafflecopter (no more multiple comments for entries- one click each and you’re done (almost)).

You can also USE CODE EVG20 to get a 20% discount off your Everly Grey purchase for the month of November as a special promotion for my readers. They are having a really good sale right now, so don’t miss out.

BELOW ARE THE GIVEAWAY RULES
and Mandatory Entries: {read carefully}

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Week 5 of Pregnant With Style

This week is all about having fun with your pregnancy.

We can pretend we’re all sophisticated and fancy, but sometimes we just want to put on jeans and a cool tee and feel like we’re still hot stuff even with the belly. That’s when humor helps (Because who are we kidding?)!

Who hasn’t seen these awesome maternity tees around? The ones that say funny things about your belly or your pregnancy or the man who knocked you up?

Well, 2Chix Maternity is the company that makes them (or at least makes the cute and funny ones).

Andrew and I received 2 tees: What’s kickin’ (for me) and Changing the World One Diaper at a Time (for hubby). It was actually a lot of fun wearing them around town. I liked that the writing isn’t too huge, tacky and in your face, but people close to you definitely notice it and chuckle every time.

The T-shirts are made from 100% cotton which is always good during pregnancy since we tend to be hot or for those who have picky husbands who refuse to wear anything but 100% cotton.
I love that the Tshirt was tight fitting to show off my belly (but of course one could always get a size up if they prefer baggier styles) and the men’s styles are definitely long enough ( that sometimes is a problem for my 6’3 husband)

Ok, now the best part: The lines! My favorites are:

DOES THIS BABY MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG?
WAISTLINES ARE OVERRATED
WE’RE HUNGRY 

and for your favorite man:

HE SHOOTS HE SCORES
I’M THE MILKMAN
THE MAN BEHIND THE BELLY 

There are also funny hoodies, tanks, baby onsies and other maternity clothes. And if celebrities love this brand ( Selma Blair, Tia Mowry, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Garner, Melissa Joan Hart, Julia Roberts, Constance Zimmer, Jaime Presley and Angelina Jolie), then you will too.

So here’s how you can win a  free novelty T-shirt in your size ( for you, for daddy or your baby).

BELOW  ARE THE GIVEAWAY RULES
and Mandatory Entries: {read carefully}

There are two mandatory entries, after which you will have additional entries available,
and 1 daily entry for which you can come back to enter daily.
The winning entry will be verified and  the winner disqualified if the action is not found or if the mandatory items are not fullfilled.
Make sure to notate how you’re following the blog in the extra info field (entry #1). The entry won’t count if that information is missing.
Please make sure to comment on which tee from 2Chix you’d like to win to be eligible (entry #2). The comment is to be posted to this blog post.
The giveaway is open to US residents only.
All comments will be moderated and will appear once approved.

If you have a blog, there’s an entry worth 10 points ( post our button on your blog’s sidebar)

{If you’re not sure how to use to enter, feel free to watch this video tutorial or email me at contact {at} prebabyblog {dot} com
Otherwise, make sure to read everything carefully. Click the DO IT link first, then I’VE DONE IT once the action is completed}

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Week 3 of the project I secretly dubbed “Best Little Known Maternity Brands”.

As I mentioned before, I am going to introduce 1 relatively unknown awesome maternity company each  week and give you guys an opportunity to win something. As I find maternity brands, other than the typical Gap, Old Navy, Pea in the Pod, etc, I will be writing about them here every Sunday. So far I have posts lined up till the end of the year, so come back every Sunday for a new discovery. Often enough the maternity items I will be reviewing are suitable for wear before pregnancy, as well as post-partum and during nursing, so even if you’re not currently pregnant or looking to get pregnant, don’t miss these.

SHABBY APPLE

I have always been a HUGE fan of Shabby Apple. I’ve known about their terrific dresses for quite a while, however only recently did I discover that Shabby Apple also carries a small but “oh-so-wonderful” maternity line. And their maternity dresses are just as glamorous and detailed as their women’s dresses.

I’ve been eyeing the Two’s Company (Da Vinci in non-maternity style) dress for a while, so I was completely stoked when I finally received it. I loved the idea of a simple yet detailed dress that feels and looks comfy, like something you’d wear instead of sweats and a tee to hang out with your friends and still look cozy, but not dumpy. The kangaroo pouch just made it an “inside joke” for the maternity version of the dress.

A simple dress at a first glance, Two’s Company is far from that. The puff sleeves add a sophisticated touch to the casualty of a  grey jersey dress, the drop waist adds to the laid back look, the pouch up front reminds me of the comfort of a sweatshirt.

I felt and looked comfy and cute in the dress the second I put it on. This is what maternity should be about: adapting non-maternity styles to look fabulous whether you have a baby on the way or not.

Some of my favorites are women’s dresses that look like a two piece outfit: a skirt and a blouse. How can you not love that?  And have you seen Shabby Apple’s version of a little black dress? Yum!

There’s really no need for me to go on and on, because I think the dress selection speaks for itself- just look at it.

If you’re sold on Shabby Apple already, you can use this coupon to get 10% OFF in the next 30 days: ”theartofmakingababy10off”. They often run cool promotions, so feel free to check out and like Shabby Apple Facebook page to get those discounts.

Now here’s how you can score a FREE DRESS!

Shabby Apple would like to give away one dress to a lucky winner! The winner gets to pick the maternity version of the dress seen in my photos (Two’s Company dress) or the non-maternity version (Da Vinci dress). The giveaway is open to US residents only ( sorry my Canadian, European and international friends! )