Beauty

I took my six year old son to MoMA yesterday.  He is growing up in New York and I often forget the amazing cultural resources that are on my door step.  He was initially skeptical but soon he found himself lured in by the dream like jungles of Henri Rousseau, Jasper John's American Flag and Dali's melting clocks.

Lady Rosa of Luxembourg by Sanja Ivekovic 

While we were there, I happened to look down onto one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sculptures I have ever seen.  It is hard to tell if it was the setting, the lighting, or the sheer majesty of golden vision towering up through the atrium in front of me, but I was transfixed.  Then I looked at the sculpture by Sanja Ivekovic more carefully and I realized that it was of a pregnant woman. 

It's not that I needed to be reminded of how beautiful a woman is when she's pregnant, I see it every day, but I think I have started to take it for granted a little.  A life within a life is nothing short of miraculous.  I have experienced it twice before and for every reason under the sun my life will never be the same again because of it.

When I was pregnant, I noticed that people swore less around me, strangers would smile at me (even if they didn't give me their seat on the subway) and strangest of all, my friends would stop discussing their sex lives with me.  It was like I had become almost virginal, even when my pregnancy clearly suggested quite the opposite!

It reminded me when I first moved to New York and I went to see a production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline at the Delacorte theatre in Central Park.  What made the production so memorable to me was that the actress who played Imogene was pregnant, even though the character wasn't. It made everything seem ethereal and I was absolutely transported by her maternal beauty.  

Cymbeline, Public Theater

Even as a bright eyed and bushy tailed twenty three year old who was very far removed from pregnancy, I was captured by it's beauty, just as I was yesterday.

So if you are pregnant and even if you don't feel particularly beautiful or ethereal, trust me - you are.

The Sex Shop Next Door

Before last weekends incredibly successful Bergen Street Lot Party (from which I am still exhausted), the most action we normally see on Bergen Street comes courtesy of our illustrious neighbors at Babeland.  I came to work recently and was excited to see what appeared to be a line of women waiting to get into Bump.  On closer inspection I realized that they were waiting to get into Babeland who was having their annual vibrator sale.  My hopes were dashed.

When Babeland first opened just over 2 years ago there was a media frenzy.  We had to alternate who was going to be interviewed when yet another TV crew came to Bump to ask us what we thought.  I for one was surprised that it was such big news that women wanted to have orgasms.  

I first met Claire, one of the owners of Babeland, at a mummy & baby yoga class in 2006.  Our sons are about the same age.  We exchanged homemade pureed baby food and tales of the trials of motherhood.  I liked and admired her instantly, especially when I discovered what she did and what an incredible female pioneer she was.  She was one of the women who inspired me to pursue my Bump dream.  

I would bump into Claire on and off for the next 2 years when our sons were having haircuts at Lulu's, at the Botanic Gardens, and then one day fortuitously on the sidewalk when she mentioned that she was looking for a location for a Brooklyn store.  I immediately suggested she talked to our landlord who had been incredibly supportive of our business when we first opened.

The rest I suppose is history.  I feel enormously fortunate to have Babeland as my  neighbor.  There are often times when we accept delivery for a package for Babeland and we're more than a little tempted to keep it and deny all knowledge of receiving it.  I often pop in there, for professional reasons only, and am happy to report that I am cured completely of my blushing thanks to the wonderful women who work there.

We are really happy to be hosting a wonderful workshop with Babeland this Saturday, September 18th from 10-11am. The workshop is about Sex During Pregnancy and it's completely free.  Their sex educators will lead a discussion about tips and techniques for how to enjoy your sexuality during pregnancy. They'll cover ways to communicate with your partner about your changing desires, positions that accommodate your changing body, and toys that can help create even more intimacy and pleasure.  Everyone who attends will receive a 10% at Babeland & Bump following the workshop.  Need further incentive? Well we'll be serving Blue Sky Bakery mini muffins!

If you can't make the workshop I highly recommend checking out their great site Moms in Babeland.

Bump Brooklyn

The Case of the Missing Waist

The first thing to go when you're pregnant is your waist.  Unlike your tonsils or appendix, when you're waist goes you actually miss it.  It is the natural dividing point of your body.  It's where separates separate.  

During the first trimester you may feel, well...lumpy and downright undefined.  I know I longed for the days when I would actually look pregnant so I wouldn't have to endure those questioning looks wondering if I'd just been putting on weight in unusual places.

Here are some tips to stay ahead of the curve at every stage.

FIND SHAPE ELSEWHERE 

Just because your waist has developed a mind of its own, it doesn't mean that you can't find shape elsewhere and create a waist alternative.

  

Empire waisted blouses and dresses are a great option.  Cut just under the bust it elongates the body and draws attention away from your actual waist. 

If you find that your blousy loose fitting clothes are leaving you feeling like a tent rather than enveloping your body, you can create an empire waist with a scarf or belt.  Go for muted or blocks of color if you are wearing prints, or enliven a simple dress with a splash of color.

T Bags V-neck Blouse

Bec & Em Brush Print Dress

Japanese Weekend Retro Print Dress

Woo Mable Blouse

If you're wary of your bust and drawing attention to it try styles that tie under your bump or on your hip like this beautiful style from Woo.
 

GO WITH THE CURVES

Olian Dania Dress

Once you feel sufficiently comfortable with your new curvy form it is well worth investing in at least one piece that highlights your pregnancy. This beautiful dress from Olian is a great example of using a print to accentuate your bump.  They have incorporated a gorgeous print to a simple black dress that wraps itself around your body highlighting your pregnant curves.  

DISTRACT

Show off your pregnancy glow with a dusting of bronzer and a vibrant lip color and always leave room for accessories!  Raid your jewelry boxes, explore a local flea market and throw on chunky bangles, layer chains, add bold beads, tie a fabulous scarf, pull your hair back and put on your favorite earrings.  They never go out of style, shouldn't add any costs to your wardrobe, and will delight your inquisitive child after you've given birth - the earrings especially!

Bump Brooklyn

What to bring when giving birth.

 St. Vincents (big sigh)

With the benefit of hindsight, there are 2 things I wished I had brought to the hospital with me when I gave birth to my first child 4 years ago - make-up and an open mind.

 Name tag (just in-case I forgot who I was)

I left the first behind because for some reason I thought that make-up  wasn't maternal or necessary when you are basking the glow of new motherhood.  That is probably because my maternal role model, my incredible mum, never wore a scrap of it.  She gave birth to 4 children in an 8 year span, ran our family farm, breastfed effortlessly and parented exceptionally, all without facial enhancements.   I'm sure her reality wasn't as simple or easy as it was in my mind, but she is still worthy of the pedestal I have put her on.

 My little bundle.

But as I left the hospital feeling unbelievably fragile when absolutely everything in my life seemed to have changed overnight, I wish I had put on a little lip gloss or blush as it would have made me feel more like, well...me.   

 Me and my little bundle.

When my second child was born during a cold December I knew I needed a warm robe.  It was my mission and when I found the perfect one, I felt so much more prepared to give birth.  Honestly I think I might have worn it twice, but it more than served it's purpose putting my mind at ease on the eve of her birth.  In addition to my robe I brought with me menus for local restaurants (honestly, there really is no need to eat hospital food), warms socks, the phone numbers of several lactation consultants and a well stocked make-up bag.

 Me and my new bundle and my now big first bundle.

The second I left behind because I never considered that I could have a c-section and certainly never read that chapter in my assorted pregnancy and birthing books.  If I had read about them I would have understood why they are necessary and accepted that as the method of my son's arrival.

Going home to Brooklyn.

 

So in closing I am not necessarily advocating make-up or chapter reading, but I am encouraging that you give yourself what you need to take care of yourself when you meet your baby for the first time.  Bring with you what brings you comfort and makes you feel like you. I lost sight of who I was as I searched for the new mother in me.  When I reclaimed myself, motherhood felt so much more natural. 

Bump Brooklyn

Shoes

I love shoes. It hasn't always been the case. Growing up on a farm it was function above fashion, although I will say I was wearing Hunter wellies 20 years before they were chic. I was once caught hacking away at the toes of very practical pair of laces ups with a handsaw having been told that I could get a new pair when the current ones 'wore out'. I improvised.

My affection for footwear began when I moved to New York 12 years ago and I would find myself foot gazing on the subway longing for the confidence and budget to wear some of the exquisite styles I saw. My confidence and budget have come and gone in waves over the years, but I rest well at night knowing that I have some divine pairs waiting safe and sound in their dust bags for the right moment to make an appearance.

My footwear needs have changed with motherhood and I'm always looking for a comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes. A lot of customers have asked us about great shoes for pregnancy, so when a line of shoes by Sue London was suggested to us we were hopeful that we might have found the perfect match for Bump.

When we visited their Meatpacking store on Wednesday we went in wearing ballet flats and left wishing we were wearing Sue London ballet flats! They are quite simply the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever put on - definitely no need to break them in. Made from the softest leather, with a wonderfully cushioned sole and just the perfect amount of toe-cleavage. We were sold as soon as we put them on.

So starting tomorrow, we're really excited to be Brooklyn's only destination to buy these wonderful ballet flats. We'll be carrying them initially black, silver, gold and a really rich mauve. While they are definitely not inexpensive at $168, we really hope that the comfort, style and longevity of the shoes will win everyone over the same way they did us. I for one will certainly have a much more stylish spring in my step as I walk to work (or the playground) this spring!

Spring Fever

If I was the athletic type, I probably would have done cartwheels down the sidewalk yesterday in what felt like the first real day of spring.

New York winters can feel long, especially with 2 young children at home who seem to have inherited my dislike for the cold weather. Now I have to show some restraint and not start packing up my winter clothes, sprucing up my toes with a pedicure for open toed shoes, and leaving the house without a coat. I know I'll regret it (except maybe the pedicure). I do however plan to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but I know that weather can be flighty and can dampen my enthusiasm quicker than I reach for a cup of coffee each morning.

Spring also brings with it the challenge of transitional season dressing. We recently photographed some of our favorite styles for our website and this outfit is a great option. The jeans are a straight leg option from J Brand ($187). The denim is super soft and light weight, so you wont feel restricted when the temperatures really start to soar. The blouse is by Yumi Kim, a contemporary designer we adore whose vintage inspired silk prints drape beautifully while pregnant or not.

So here's to keeping the windows open, playing with my children outside and planning a pedicure in the not so distant future!

Stretch mark creams - are they worth it?

We sell 3 kinds of stretch mark creams at Bump. The million dollar question is do they work?

This is purely unscientific, but I've used all brands we carry and I never got stretch marks during both my pregnancies. The cream? Genetics? Poor eye sight? I can't say, but what I do know is that moisture can never be bad for your body, pregnant or not.

Our first stretch mark cream is by Barmon. I used this during my first pregnancy, and in the spirit of full disclosure, it's my brother-in-laws company so I'm a little partial. His father bought the company when his wife was pregnant with their first child. It has a mild kiwi scent and it is wonderfully rich.

Our second stretch mark cream is the oh baby! belly butter by Mambino organics. This is a super rich, lush body butter. I love the mango scent - delicious. The Mambino line was created LA's top Aesthetician, Maki Maodus, who used to work with Ole Henricksen. All ingredients are organically grown.

The last stretch mark cream we carry is from Basq, a wonderful skin care company founded by 2 New York mothers who felt there was a need for a truly great skin care line specifically for pregnant women. The cream is very luxurious and has a really delicate aroma.

All the creams are priced around $30 so it really comes down to what scent works best for you and how much your hormones are reeking havoc on your senses!

In Good Company

I've always found incredible comrade with women - never more so than as a mother. I've heard it said that there is a great divide between mothers who work and mothers who stay at home. I have never found that. What I have found is that what unites us is much more important than what separates us.

Pregnancy, child birth and motherhood is beyond transformative. There may be subtle differences in dreams, fears, anxieties, joy, exhaustion, triumphs, challenges and laughter but the love is universal. At Bump we really feel incredibly fortunate to be a small part in a woman's journey into motherhood.

As mothers and small business owners, we face a lot similar retail and entrepreneurial challenges as our small business comrades do. We have almost been in business for 3 years and are at another point when we need to make another professional leap of faith - that of growth.

We sat down yesterday with Amy and Adelaide who are the founders of In Good Company a truly wonderful resource for women business owners. They have the most beautiful space on 23rd Street that is a physical space for women to meet, work, share ideas and grow.

For an hour and a half they encouraged and inspired us, provided valuable insight and acumen, and provided not only a valuable third party point of view but gave us the confidence to move forward.

So after 1 unfortunate false start and a lot of reflection, yesterday we got our call to action and will be launching phase one of our e-commerce site soon. Stay tuned!

Bump Brooklyn