Pass the mustard !

Inject freshness into your wardrobe with a a pop of mustard colour. Feel re-energized in our Madison maternity & nursing dress in Dijon.

Loving the Colourblock

Whats that?

Colour Blocking in fashion is matching a few totally different solid colours together in a outfit.  When done correctly, it gives a unique and interesting effect.

 Some of the techniques of colourblocking:

1. Monochromatic Colours : One colour in different tones , such as different tones of blue). 
   
Our example below is the Issa Maternity & Nursing Dress has different berry tones.

2. Complementary Colours: Using colours from opposite sides of the wheel. These have a contrasting effect. For example: green-red, or orange-blue combinations.

             

                                                         THE COLOUR WHEEL


3. Analogous Colours : Using colours next to each other on the wheel. There are hues that quite similar to each other. They are pleasing to the eye and are one of the popular albeit 'safe' choices people make.


Tips and Techniques:

1. Keep the tones in the same family ( For eg pastels with pastels, neons with neons).

2. Mix and Match : Colour block by using different colours for separate clothing articles.

3. Stand-Alone: The dress or accessory is already colour blocked by the designer. The Issa Maternity & Nursing Dress in blue tones with a contrast waistband below is an example.
                                                              

4. Colour block with accessories. For example wearing a statement piece choker in a contrasting colour to your dress. 

Studio Maternity & Nursing dress 

5. The possibilities and permutations are endless. But as a general rule, use 2 or 3 colours to achieve the best effect. Anymore than that, you could be drawing the wrong attention!

Have fun and experiment with colours! 

The Perfect Drape

The artfully draped Aura Dress ~ hides imperfections and so wonderfully soft. In a sophisticated slate grey, you'd glow in this flattering dress. Created with a cross-over draped front, it flatters the figure for instant confidence.

To Nurse: Push aside the drape fold to access the nursing openings in the inner layer.

 

Pregnancy & Hair Loss

First of all congratulations on your pregnancy!

One of the major changes is change with the hair like other parts of the body. It could thin or fall out, or it could also thicken. Understanding why this happens during pregnancy and what you can do to help the problem will help you in fighting the thinning and loss of your hair or with extra hair growth.

Hormones have lot of effects on your hair. The main reason your hair will change during pregnancy is the change in hormones. Estrogen plays a large part in the way that your hair is shaped. If your hair begins to grow faster and becomes thicker, it is most likely because there is an increased amount of estrogen that is moving through your body. 

Estrogen moves to the hair follicles in your body to increase the growth rate. There will also be extra nutrients that are provided from the estrogen increase, which will also increase hair growth. This is usually a result of the estrogen allowing the metabolism to move faster, which then supplies extra nutrients throughout the body.

Another change that you may notice from pregnancy is a change in the style. Your hair may not only be fuller or thinner, but may also change from straight to curly, or have the opposite effect. This is usually attributed to the hormone changes as well. The hormone increase that you experience will automatically move into the cortex, where hair begins to grow and add the texture to it. Usually, this will not change back until the hormones return to normal after pregnancy.

These same changes also occur after your baby is born. You may realize that your hair is thinning or falling out. Usually, the first three to six months after pregnancy will cause a change in your hair. This should be expected and is normal after a pregnancy. This usually occurs because the estrogen levels are able to move back to normal and slow down the nutrients that are moving through your body.

One of the things to be aware of is if your hair falls out during your pregnancy, it is most likely a result of not receiving enough nutrients for your body to produce the right amounts of estrogen. Without those essential nutrients, your body is unable to produce the amount of estrogen it needs.  This is especially a problem within the first trimester because of morning sickness and nausea. It is important to make sure that you are getting the right amounts of nutrients during this time to allow your body to stay balanced.

Knowing what changes your body goes through during pregnancy will help you adjust your hair routine to keep it healthy. Additional vitamins and other supplements will help your hair and scalp healthy and your hair beautiful.

Some suggestions to avoid/prevent hair loss:

1. Avoid tying your hair too tightly.

2. As hair is more fragile when it is wet, avoid tying your hair while it is still damp.

3. Use a wide tooth comb to slowly untangle your hair, starting from the ends up.

4. Supplement your diet with the following vitamins and supplements:
- Vitamin B Complex
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Zinc

5. Avoid Stress!  Avoid potentially stressful situations. If you have a stressful job, take short breaks in-between for a breather.

Never thought of wearing green colour?

Never thought of wearing green? You'd change your mind with the Madison maternity and nursing dress in a gorgeous shade of Kelly Green.

Coming Soon ~ New Range of Maternity Nighties

Good Exercises to Do When Pregnant

Most women can and should exercise when pregnant. Unless your pregnancy is high risk or your doctor has ordered you to stay in bed, there is no reason in fact you can’t exercise while pregnant.

Studies show that there are numerous benefits to exercising while pregnant. You can improve your energy levels, get your blood pumping to your legs and improve your circulation, and improve your chances for a speedy recovery.

Another reason to exercise? Moms who worked out while pregnant generally had shorter and easier labors.

So what kinds of exercises are good to do when pregnant?

Well let’s start with those you should avoid. You should avoid embarking on any stringent exercise program you are unfamiliar with. Avoid running and other jarring activities unless you are a very experienced runner. Even then you should consult with your physician.

Here are some generally good and safe exercises that are recommended during pregnancy:

Walking – This is the best overall exercise for pregnant mothers anywhere. It is low impact but still gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Walking is usually safe throughout the entire pregnancy.

Slow Jogging – Jogging can be done safely if you are an experienced jogger. You should reduce your jogging regimen however the further along you are in your pregnancy. If you are not able to have a conversation when jogging, then you are working out too hard.

Swimming – This is the number one exercise and the safest exercise when it comes to pregnancy. Swimming alleviates the heaviness you feel from weight gain associated with pregnancy. It also provides you with optimal cardiovascular benefits and helps you feel light and refreshed.

Stretching – Stretching can help you maintain your muscle tone and stretch out tight ligaments during pregnancy. 

Light Weight Training – Light Weight training is a great way to maintain and build muscle during your pregnancy. Just keep in mind you should avoid heavy weights and weight bearing exercises that require you to lie on your back.

To be safe you should always consult with your doctor or physician before beginning any exercise program. Most pregnant women are fine to work out particularly if they’ve been active before.

If you are just starting a program be sure to take it easy initially. You should also commit to exercising regularly. Generally 30 minutes of exercise 4-7 days per week is

recommended.

One last point… be sure to keep hydrated and avoid over-heating which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Avoid getting your heart rate much over 140 and stop any exercise if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Also don’t forget the importance of warming up before any and all activity. You’ll reduce the likelihood of injury. Warm up after activities will also help your heart rate return to normal.