Maternity Wear Getting Stylish Makeover

(NAPSA)-Hip, sexy and belly baring. While these words could describe the latest runway fashions or the New York styles on "Sex and the City," they're also being used to describe the hottest trends in maternity fashion.

More than ever before, expectant moms are opting for fashionable, form-fitting clothes throughout their pregnancies, according to Peg Moline, editor in chief of Fit Pregnancy magazine.

"Pregnancy is a time for celebration," says Moline, "and today's maternity fashions are all about letting women feel great about their bodies while maintaining their personal sense of style. In Hollywood, pregnant celebrities are walking the red carpet at awards shows, showing their bellies-they're not hiding anything. The mood now is all about having a sexy pregnancy."

Like many trends, the evolution toward sexy maternity wear originated in Tinseltown. A host of superstars-including Geena Davis, Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, Tea Leoni and Elizabeth Hurley-contributed to the baby boom, along with "Friends" showcasing Jennifer Aniston's (well, at least, her character's) pregnancy this season, to explosive ratings.

In short, pregnancy is hot, and so are its fashions. Moline, who has featured such stars as Cindy Crawford, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jenny McCarthy on recent Fit Pregnancy covers, suggests the following options for building a maternity wardrobe that will keep you feeling-and looking-fabulous:

• A Pea in the Pod: This line has several boutiques offering cutting-edge, designer maternity clothing. Visit www.apeainthepod.com.
• Mimi Maternity: Includes all the hottest trends of the season, as well as lingerie and basics, all at affordable prices. Visit www.mimimaternity.com or call 1-877-MIMIMOM.
• Liz Lange: Lange's designs are known for career wear as well as great feminine styling. Visit www.lizlange.com or call 1-888-616-5777.
• Japanese Weekend: Trendy styles at affordable prices, including luxurious fabrics, their signature below-the-belly waistband and the wrap dress. Visit www.japaneseweekend.com.
• The Gap and Old Navy: Affordable prices and wonderful swimsuits. Visit www.gap.com and www.oldnavy.com.
• Babystyle: Easy-to-wear, stylish maternity clothes. Visit www.babystyle.com.
• Lauren Sara: Sara's designer "M" collection offers exquisite styling and choice of fabrics, available in a dress-length cardigan, tank dress, tank top, cardigan and slim boot-leg pants. Visit www.laurensara.com or call 1-888-233-7226.

For the latest in maternity fashion, health, nutrition, fitness and baby products, visit www.fitpregnancy.com.

Archives:

• 2-3-03 Maternity Wear Getting Stylish Makeover
• 3-20-03 Young-Looking Skin Requires A Basic Approach

More Fashion and Beauty Archives

Sponsor