1. Choose stretchy fabric. Buy clothing with a lot of stretch but that fits snuggly around the belly and your curves. Wearing bigger clothes may sound comfortable and practical, but clothes that do not hug your figure will actually make you look bigger than you are and you may be mistaken for overweight rather than pregnant. Choose clothing that emphasizes the parts of your that are not expanding - such as ruched sleeves to show off your arms, cropped pants or skinny jeans if you have trim legs.

2. Buy tops with ruching designs. Ruching is when the fabric is gathered on the sides with elastic in a stylish way to fit snuggly and stretch with your body as it expands. This type of styling is perfect for maternity because it actually trims down your silhouette and allows you to look pregnant and sexy at the same time. Ruching at the sides allows a snug fit over the belly and ruching at the bust also allows for an attractive fitted look with room for expansion.

3. Try leggings. Leggings which used to be so taboo after the 80s are back in style and so much better than they ever were. Today’s leggings come in all colors, lengths and fabrics for any season- there are cropped leggings with lace, leggings with ruching detail below the knee and leggings that hit ankle length for the colder months. Today’s leggings come in all different colors and styles, so choose a good weight legging for the weather with a lot of stretch and pair with a tunic, longer maternity top or sweater. Best of all leggings are super comfortable for maternity and can fit either below, across or over the belly depending on the style you choose.

4. Show some skin. By showing a little skin, you can show you are still sexy when you are pregnant. Pregnancy is not a time to hide behind your clothes and cover up your whole body in shame. Be proud and show off your new curves. For many women this is the first time they can experience some cleavage, so take advantage of this life changing event and try out some new necklines. Scoop necks, cross over style V necks and sexy maternity tanks and tubes are all popular styles in maternity today, so now is the time to try out some new looks with your new enhancements!

5. Dress with color. Although everyone likes black and denim, don’t get stuck in rut with all neutrals for 9 months or you will tire of your maternity clothes very quickly. Instead, mix it up a bit with some pastels and bright tees and tanks for summer and a colorful sweater or two for Fall and Winter. After all, if you already have a lot of neutrals, chances are your colorful items will mix and match very well with your existing wardrobe.

6. Be Decorative. Every wardrobe needs a few decorative accents to keep it interesting. It’s important to invest in a few fashion items with color so you can keep your maternity wardrobe interesting. Try some ruffled trims or embroidered tops and tunics to mix up the fabric a bit. Beaded accents on a halter top can make an otherwise ordinary looking top take on new life. Pick some items with some decorative detail you really like and you will find yourself reaching for them in your closet when you want jazz it up a bit. Small details such as fashion pieces with a styling detail can make pregnancy an even more enjoyable time.

Amy Jarman is owner of TummyStyle.com, a leading online retailer of maternity clothes and nursing clothes. TummyStyle.com sells major maternity brands such as Japanese Weekend, Majamas, Maternal America, Olian, Bravado, 1 in the Oven and more!

What is it with today’s fashions? I know it makes me sound old and I don’t care. Proud to turn forty this week, I like to think I know a bit about life, about the times when it’s good to follow the crowd and the times when it’s best to be an individual. You don’t get to forty without knowing your own body either, without knowing just what you can wear and what to steer clear of.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to all women, only the ones with more than two brain cells and a sense of maturity that reaches beyond a teenagers. Some women panic at the thought of getting older. I don’t know, I’m not there yet! But I know that when I do, I won’t be panicking. I will be embracing it, altering my style to suit, steering well clear of becoming mutton dressed as lamb.

There is a strong ‘emo’ feel to today’s fashions, even for those who don’t necessarily want to wear alternative clothing. Skinny jeans are an emos uniform but they are also the trend for most dedicated followers of fashion. Lucky if you have the legs for it but not for the general population, particularly if they come in lurid shades of tartan!

Also coming from the emo followers we have skinny tee’s. The popular name for what, in my book, looks like a funny baby t-shirt. If I washed my husband’s t-shirts and they came out looking like a funny baby t-shirt I just know he would not be happy. Of course, I could try telling him he was at the height of fashion but I doubt he would wear that, so to speak.

So, the idea is to wear a pair of jeans that look like they have been sprayed on by a blind artist and team it up with a funny baby t-shirt, topping it off with some dangerous looking accessories such as a spikey belt (could have someone’s eye out with those things!) This might be great for those that resemble stick insects and who are under the age of 19, after that you start to look a bit silly. Actually, you look a bit silly while you’re doing it but you can’t tell young people these days.

Then we have the teenager wannabes. Those horribly sad women who find themselves fast approaching forty when their husband enters the mid-life crisis and dumps them. Feeling washed up and alone, they shed loads of weight, visit sun beds until they are orange and start to entertain the trend for wearing what resembles a funny baby t-shirt with the skinny jeans.

This is a sad attempt to recapture their youth in order to make themselves feel attractive again. The women that know this applies to them need to understand that what will make them feel good again is working on their self esteem, not reducing their bodies to what essentially looks like a sun dried prune that would blow away in the wind. The man that left has the problem. He did not leave because you were carrying a few extra pounds or wore clothes befitting a grown up woman instead of a teenager.

The teenagers that follow these trends will, no doubt, grow out of it by the time they are twenty. The women that think they need to go this way, don’t do it, you don’t need it and it will make you look silly, not young or attractive!

Fashion expert Catherine Harvey looks at the fashion for skinny jeans and funny baby t-shirts for emos.

Think straw hats are for those who cannot afford real hats? Guess again. Several Hollywood celebrities have been spotted recently wearing a wide array of straw hats. From Panama hats to straw cowboy hats, straw is all the rage!

With many straw hats priced at $50 or less, they have become one of the trendiest fashion statements on the market. Not only do straw hats look cool, but they also help protect the delicate skin on your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays, the main component in skin cancer. As awareness of skin cancer continues to grow, you should definitely be seeing a hat to shade your facial skin from the harsh UVA and UVB rays that the sun emits. Not only does this prevent wrinkles, but it also helps prevent sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends wearing a hat on sunny days in addition to sunscreen.

Straw hats are comfortable to wear, contain completely natural materials and allow your head to breath so that overheating is not an issue. On top of the protective nature these hats provide, a straw hat is also completely fashionable and trendy. If you get caught in a rainstorm, it really doesn’t matter because straw repels water. Don’t worry about looking uncool! Even the celebrities are wearing straw!

Britney Spears and Jon Bon Jovi have both been out and about in straw cowboy hats. Lightweight and durable, straw cowboy hats are more popular than the real thing because they allow air to circulate ending that sweaty head feel that cowboy hats have been known for.

Leonardo Dicaprio and Hugh Jackman have both been spotted in trendy straw hats. Two very sexy men take what looks like a standard straw hat and turn it into a must-have accessory!

Paris Hilton has been seen around town in a huge straw hat. It definitely provides ample shade from the sun, something those with pale skin need!

With durability and price being the two main factors for many men and women, straw is the answer. Straw is water resistant in most cases. It is definitely lightweight and breaths better than felt or cotton

Straw is totally an organic product. It is made from a plant and is great for the environment! There are a few different types of plants straw products are made of. Buntal is the best known raw material that is used in fashion accessories and apparel. The straw material used for a fashion item is very different than the one that is used in the ropes and mats manufacturing process. Buntal material is high quality, beautifully golden colored and durable. It is widely used in various fashion items - fashionable designer handbags and purses.

Straw hats are fashionable and fun. This is a winning combination for those who want to start wearing a hat to protect them from the sun but worry about how a hat will look. Celebrities are wearing straw, so why shouldn’t you?

Laura Somers is a fashion designer and consultant, specializing in summer and beach fashion. She offers wide selection of straw handbags and hats.

DSquared Women’s Shoes

This years shoe trends from DSquared are perfect, and it’s a perfect time to make sure you have every basic type of shoe you need. Do you know that according to DSquared and other fashion experts you need ten pairs of shoes. So head over to your closet and if your missing a few of those ten pair then this is the perfect time to get them.

The Right DSquared Womens Shoes

The following is a list of ten basic shoes you need:

1. Classic black sophisticated low heel pumps -Every woman needs to have at least one pair of low heel pumps to go with that classic black outfit. Dsquared has the perfect traditional shoes and has some very elegant low-heeled black shoes.

2. Need something a bit dressier and a little more elegant? Then you need a higher black shoe, maybe with a little shine. Some of the new trendier Dsquared open toed heels are great for this.

3. Metallic finish - metallics are all the rage this year, and the perfect metallic finish goes with that perfect evening dress.

4. Boots - Gladiator boots are all the rage this year, and will add a great sense of style to your wardrobe.

5. Flats - Designers have brought back the ballet flats, with great floral designs, try a pair in the bright summer colors, orange, pink and even white.

6. A comfortable walking shoe - another important addition is a comfortable walking shoe, but add a little hint of fashion with the new combination of materials from Dsquared.

Who is Dsquared?

Dsquared, the fashion label was created by two brothers. These Canadians moved to Milan in the early 90’s to be closer to the real fashion houses. In 1995 they started their first men’s collection, but in the early 2000’s they expanded into women’s fashions.

These two Canadians really have it cooking, because in 2001 they designed a lot of Madonna’s fashion outfits and were also featured on Americas next top model.

The two Canadian brothers Dean and Dan Catenacci were born in the early 60’s and were the youngest of nine children. Their father was a welder and their mother of English birth abandoned them when they were just 6 months old. After high school they got into Parsons School of Design for a summer program, and that’s when they decided to become designers. After finishing school they returned to Canada and worked for 6 years for Ports International. Afterwards they moved to Milan but couldn’t get hired as designers, so they became party hosts, and got to know a lot of influential people. Again in the mid nineties they started their own collection.

Celebrities Who Wear Squared Shoes

Arguably the most famous celebrity that loves Dsquared is Madonna. In fact she loved them so much that thanks to her they acquired their fame. In fact they created most of her wardrobe for the 2001 Drowned World tour, and one of her music videos from the album. Other celebs that are fascinated by DSquared Womens Shoes are hip-hop singer Eve.

DSquared is known for their unique fashion sense and for their extravagant runway shows. All of their shows are themed based and have included the “homelessness”, “the men’s locker room” and “the equestrian show” among others.

Luckily there are places on the web where discount DSquared2 women’s shoes & Boots can be found. If, however, DSquared is not your designer of choice for womens shoes there are discount prices to be found on Chloe womens shoes, Roberto Cavalli, Prada and many more.

The media makes a lot of its money in people’s obsessive interest in the lives of their favorite celebrities. Everyone wants to know what the celebs are wearing so that they can get the same, or at least something approaching the same. Many businesses cash in on this desire by offering replica or knock off designer shoes - the last category is actually illegal because the design houses lose money from knock offs.

There is no doubt that the ever growing cult of celebrity in both the US and here in the UK has led to more people wanting to own designer shoes. Hardly a week goes by without some women’s magazine calling for its readers to get shoes like Kylie or like Kate Moss. Nowadays more people are spending their money on Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin women’s shoes than ever before, and a growing market has led to a growth in the number of websites offering discount designer shoes.

The wives and girlfriends of world class footballers, or wags as they are known have increased the popularity of designer brands such as Christian Louboutin women’s shoes. If you buy discount designer shoes then it is possible to get Christian Louboutin peep toe, Mary Jane heels for around a hundred and thirty pounds - and other Louboutin shoes at an even lower price.

Some dealers are cashing in on the fact that celebrities have brought designer shoes to the attention of the general public and they are selling look alike shoes. Most women however, would prefer to save their money until they can afford a real pair of Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo shoes rather than a pair that just looks like them. If you really want genuine Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo shoes, just like Kylie wears then you should be looking for discount designer shoes.

When you buy women’s designer shoes, not only are you getting to wear the same shoes as your favourite celebrity, you are also getting a pair of shoes that will last longer and look better than almost any other shoes you have ever bought. Jimmy Choo shoes are a particular favorite with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, and they can both be seen sporting the latest designs to come from that particular design house - but even with a discount you would need to save for quite a while for Jimmy Choo shoes.

Designers justify the prices they charge for a pair of shoes, which can literally run into thousands of dollars, by pointing to the quality of their goods - as well as the feel good factor that owning a pair of designer shoes can give to a woman. Discount designer shoes, such as those from Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, can be found if you look in the right places. Such discounts often come from a retailer overstocking on some designs, or the fact that the shoes may not be the current season’s favourite. Many women are less concerned with having the latest designer shoes as they are with the fact that can actually afford to wear the designer name tag.

Discount Christian Louboutin womens shoes can now be found online. All the hard work of trailing the internet for the best prices is a thing of the past with Christian Louboutin womens shoes brought together in one easy to find place.

Chanel Footwear

A woman’s first love are her shoes! They mold to fit her, and don’t talk back. What more could you ask for? They are better than your guy! Shoes show off your style, your personality, and are your visible signature, they are you! Among some of the most loved women’s shoes are Chanel. This designer collection is the epitome of style, elegance, and class.

Chanel Shoes

The Chanel line is beautiful, traditional and elegant. The Chanel shoe collection is comfortable, elegant, chic and one of the highest status symbols around. Although this year’s popular colors tend to be yellow, orange, and pink, Chanel has not gone all out on the trend, but kept their classic style with neutral colors. They have managed to keep up with this years new shoe trends by going white (another “IN” color this year).

Another new trend on the Chanel runway, just as on other runways is the use of “DUAL.” By dual we mean mixing of fabrics, materials, colors and patterns. Although Chanel has followed this new trend, they always, always remain classic in style and use all leather materials. The Chanel shoe usually comes with black leather insole. Chanel believes that the black interior gives the shoe a better silhouette.

A great look, which hasn’t been around for some time, is a woven look with an organic earthy look, which is very attractive for the summer months.

Metallics are also in style and are an excellent choice when you need that just right touch for that cute evening look. You can find evening heels in metallic colors, as well as the well-loved loafer.

You might want to try some of the new florals. Many of this years dress shoes will have some type of floral embellishment.

Celebrities Who Wear Chanel

Chanel has always been a favorite of the celebrities. Chanel knows how to design shoes and the style fits most celebrity’s look. Among some of the most ardent admirers are Hilary Swank, and Cameron Diaz.

Chanel has always been a hit with celebrities. There’s just something about Chanel’s incredible shoe designs that scream celebrity style and continue to impress celebrities season after season. Some of the most famous celebrities seen wearing Chanel’s renowned designs include Hilary Swank, Lindsay Lohan and Cameron Diaz.

Chanel the Way to Go?

Every woman knows that when you want an elegant classy look then Chanel is the way to go when you need that extra touch of chic, but don’t want to be too crass or too trendy.

The Chanel Story

Today Chanel is among the top fashion designer houses in the world, but in truth Chanel had very humble beginnings. She was born Gabrielle Chanel, way back in 1883. When she was very young her mother passed away, and because her father could not care for her, he gave her up. Chanel grew up in an orphanage in Correze. But much later in 1921 she became well known for her perfume CHANEL #5. Throughout her life she developed women’s clothing, fragrances and accessories including their now famous shoe line.

Chanel became famous and her designs have remained that way ever since. Before she died in 1971, Coco Chanel, had her line well established with just the right Chanel look. And the footwear she also designed was and still is designed with that classic and sophisticated look

There are places on the web where Discount Chanel Womens Shoes and heels can be found. There isn’t a better place to find the best Women’s designer shoes in one place.

If you want something breathtaking to wear that is unusual and unique, look to the stars. The celebrities that grace the red carpet at major events are always wearing interesting and bold outfits but that’s because they have to. They are always the object of the public gaze and it’s their job to tryand look good and satisfy public expectations. More often than not this can be a great source of inspiration for fashion trends, but sometimes you get a fashion no-no like Bjork’s disastrous swan dress that you need to keep an eye open for!

Kiera Knightly is the epitome of ‘beautiful’; from her mysterious eyes to her perfect features, fashion hounds have been watching her whenever she makes an entrance on the red carpet. Her latest getup leaves nothing to be desired as she addresses every aspect of formal beauty. Her graceful elegance is accentuated by the eye-catching silk goddess dress and her fashion yes is echoed in the combination wool and cashmere plaid dress, both of which were worn on the red carpet. Her fashion accessories have been carefully chosen too, with Jimmy Choo black pumps and satin open-toed sandals for each outfit respectively. Kiera’s style is elegant and sophisticated, and provides a clear role model for fashion aficionados.

Kelly Osbourne, on the other hand, is something else altogether. Her style is somewhat less glamorous and certainly less feminine than the movie megastar Miss Knightly, but she addresses another niche fashion market nonetheless. Her Marilyn Manson meets feminine star look is hardly popular, but she does have remarkable taste in fashion accessories! Her glam rock belts and bags are making a big impact on the fashion trend market as they fit in nicely with the glam rock style that is currently taking hold of the nation’s female fashion market.

Orlando Bloom (the man that every woman wants and every man wants to be) is another fashion icon that we can look towards for up and coming fashion trends. His casual yet stylish look consists of open neck shirts, suit jackets with smart denims, and even casual cardigans. Orlando has also learned the value of accentuating his casual appearance with fashion accessories, like the popular leather wrist bands and his pirate-like medallions on the end of leather thong necklaces. This popular movie mogul is the perfect role model for male fashion trends!

There are a number of other fashion conscious men out there who are turning heads wherever they go, but perhaps the single name that has consistently been associated with superior style (sans the occasional hairstyle mishap!) is the legendary David Beckham. It seems that being married to one of the Worst Dressed Women in the world hasn’t phased his dedication to simple style and elegance! Classic Beckham style is a crisp open neck shirt with a suit jacket (often in a subtle design or pattern) paired with smart denims and patent leather shoes that has survived the test of time to provide men across the globe with a simple guide on how to always look great.

Alain Picard LinkYourShirt.com Cufflinks Specialists in Graduation Cufflinks and Womens Cufflinks