My beauty routine, diet (if you can even call it that) and wardrobe were ill-prepared for the onslaught. I spent the next couple of weeks just soaking up the reality of it all (while attempting to squeeze in as much work as possible before the nausea wreaked havoc on my rigid sched). But in that short time, my spankin’ new Blue Cult jeans "shrank" before my very eyes (and that’s no laughing matter, let me tell you), mini skirts seemed to get mini-er by the day as they had to ride up higher on my waist, my tees began looking, well, more like A’s – with my widening torso. The only real attraction was the magical appearance of a cleavage (I had forgotten how gratifying it can be to move up a cup size without surgery or wonder pills). My body was evolving at such a rapid pace that my inner style machinery could not keep up for the life of me. Suddenly, I had nothing left to wear but two pairs of pants, three pairs of shorts, a handful of tops, and a mini here and there. It was DRESS DISTRESS at its purest. I felt like a rookie, a fluke, a has-been…ugly, fat and, worst of all, boring…boo-hoo!
Not to mention, zapping zits became de rigeur and how totally unflattering and low-self-esteem-inducing is that? What was once a monthly visit to the derma became an every-other-day chore. Neither did it help that within the past month, all the fab parties decided to come to town – Vuitton, the terno ball, Gucci, Annam’s hat party launch. Not only did I miss out on all the festivities and freebies, I was condemned to seeing all the knockout outfits and fashion blunders only on print. Ah! That’s like watching a torturously bad DVD copy of your fave flick. It was the deepest of style and beauty ruts. And I couldn’t bear to be in it for long. So much of the fun of fashion had gone so quickly and I was not about to take it sitting down. So I got to work, grabbed the doldrums by the reins and hee-hawed my way into preggy style.
First, I set my goals: look like either one of the preggy Kates (Hudson or Moss, take your pick) and then post-partum, jump back into shape like Natalia Vodianova or Liya Kebede. Crazy and unattainable, you say? Well, yes, of course, I will not deny that. I certainly do not possess any supermodel or Hollywood genes but hey, I figure, you should aim for the stars! Next, I knew I had to apply the following overriding preggy principles that would affect all my choices henceforth.
1) BUDGET – I was not willing or able to splurge on a closetful of brand new maternity duds. I simply cannot bear the thought of spending my hard-earned cash on something I am going to stash or trash after a few moons. This is the very same reason I hardly fall prey to the purchase of a certain season’s must-have bag. I only end up feeling like the biggest dunce for buying into the scene when almost suddenly, after one season, I refuse to touch the very same bag with a 10-foot pole.
2) BELLY-PRIDE – I was not about to downplay, conceal or camouflage my condition. I believe a "blooming" figure is something to be proud of. I mean, it is not every day I get to be the medium for a miracle. So while it is there, I choose to relish and flaunt it. Therefore, all my clothing choices had to reflect this sentiment.
From here, I compiled my own personal Must-Have List for the next seven or so months, then tapped the Who’s Who in preglandia for their own beauty and clothing essentials, general advice and tidbits on how to not only survive, but to look and feel your best during the grueling changes. Hope you find it to be a useful guide in your own mommy adventure – one that will help you with all the frills and keep you focused on what is most important…your most precious, priceless little gift this year.
• Low-impact exercise. Depending on how you feel and what your doctor advises, try to remain active. I find swimming to be a great activity. Nina Herrera-Huang could not do without her treadmill. But if you find any physical workout too exhausting, try stretching exercises to help you unwind and deal with the back pains.
• A good diet. Yeah, right! I know how this is almost impossible to achieve. What I mean is, do not starve yourself but do not wolf down everything unhealthy either. It will only reflect on your skin, hair and energy level. Try the book What To Eat When You’re Expecting for helpful tips.
• Good skin care. See a derma immediately so you can replace all tretinoin-based products as well as to keep your hormone-ravaged skin in check.
• A lot of water. Ingrid Chua-Go swears by H20 to stay refreshed and keep her skin supple. My ob-gyn says it also eases constipation – not that I need it or anything. Ha ha!
• Massages, especially for the feet and head – Ingrid Chua-Go points out that good foot reflexologists should know the pressure points to avoid for pregnant women. Ask a trained professional.
• Unscented products. Now you have the perfect excuse to change all your husband’s hair gunk and deodorant to Unscented. I simply cannot deal with overpowering scents during pregnancy. And lately, I only go for soaps and oils that smell like sweet desserts. Don’t ask me why but citrus scents are a no-no for me, so it’s been a horrendous challenge to find good body oils that won’t make me want to hurl. If you can’t deal with minty flavors either, try natural, fluoride-free cherry or anise-flavored toothpaste at your local health store.
• Cocoa butter. Agoo Bengzon swears by this. I also used it during my first pregnancy and I have no stretch marks (unless it’s true only genetics can be credited or blamed). Try Palmer’s Cocoa Butter available in Essenses.
• A good concealer to camouflage less-than-perfect skin is a must, says Lucy Torres-Gomez.
• A manicure, pedicure and blowdry keeps you feeling pretty and happy when you feel otherwise, says Lucy Torres-Gomez.
• L’Occitane Shea Butter is another Lucy Torres-Gomez favorite.
• Clarins Huile Tonic. Apply on belly, breasts and thighs while skin is damp, to lock in moisture. A tip from Nina Herrera Huang and Daphne Oseña-Paez
• Lancome Sunscreen SPF45. Your skin is more sensitive to breakouts and pigmentation caused by the sun, reminds Daphne Oseña-Paez
• Body Shop Olive Oil is recommended by Daphne Oseña-Paez. Or, if you can tolerate smelling like a salad, you can go for the real deal and lather on some Extra Virgin from your cupboard.
• Good undies (One size bigger). I prefer them simple, stretchy, seamless and with no elastic piping.
• Mini skirts. They keep you looking youthful and fun and are more comfy than most pants.
• Long tees. Personally, I don’t mind showing my bulge but it’s not exactly appropriate at work, so invest in a few basic colors or do like Lucy Torres-Gomez and raid your husband’s closet.
• Smocked-waist blouses. It expands with you and still hugs you the right way.
• Wrap dresses and wrap blouses. These are indispensable! And very chic.
• Good shoes. Flip-flops like Havaianas and funky Pumas or Nikes are my faves; low-heeled mules, kitten heels are musts for Ingrid Chua-Go, while Lucy Torres-Gomez must have her share of fabulous flats.
• Tie-back shirts. You know those knit or woven tops with tie-back bows? They’re great for your growing belly. You can also customize your fave loose tops with a cute bow which you can pull back when you need that sexier look.
• Customized jeans or your husband’s pair of blues. Sometimes, a few sizes larger will do but when you want to keep the legs trim, it’s best to stick to one of your old pairs, cut off the top and sew a stretch jersey waistband (4 — 8" wide).
• A good bikini. Something that will keep you looking hot while still keeping all the goods in place. Try tie-side bottoms for adjustability or boy-leg bottoms for more coverage.
• Summer caftan dresses. The perfect mix of practicality and boho style. Try Itsie Bitsie and Culte Femme in Rustan’s for their summer collections.
• A good support bra. Lucy Torres-Gomez practically wore hers 24 hours-a-day.
• Work basics. Pinstripe pants, polos and V-neck sweater tops in one or two or three sizes bigger will keep you looking polished for the rest of your pregnancy. Daphne Oseña-Paez loved her skinny black pants from Great Expectations and drawstring knit pants from Lulu Tan Gan.
• Shawls. Lucy Torres-Gomez used these toppers to dress up any outfit and keep her cozy, too.
• Black stretch pants. These seem to be a staple in every preggy woman’s wardrobe. Nina Herrera-Huang got hers from Marks & Spencer.
• Empire tops. A whimsical yet practical blouse that is great for work or weekends. I saw a cute tube top version in Gingersnaps. Pauline Suaco-Juan lives for them, too. She also loves "non-maternity" type clothing that can be worn post pregnancy. Her fave shops were M)phosis and Viva. Last time I saw her, she looked chic in a black jersey wrap dress with a lace camisole peeking through her décolletage.
Quotable quotes: "Life is the childhood of our immortality." – Johann von Goethe