#ladiwithababy

[theladipage]

Mom Style has a Fashion Moment - LaDi and the Bump-friendly Movement

Bump-friendly fashion is here friends.

Recently, we had a fabulous fashion show event in NYC featuring some of my beautiful mom-friends in new styles from our LaDi collection.  Our models were a gorgeous mix of moms and moms-to-be in different stages of motherhood including a recent preggo and one mom that was just 2 weeks away from giving birth!  Some of these ladies have 1 or more kids and they are entrepreneurs, executives, students and all are beautiful in their own way.  They are all superstars in their own right and they strut the runway that night like the supermodels they are.  Moms are the real supermodels.

Bump-friendly fashion is what I like to say are stylish clothes you can wear during or after pregnancy.  They are on-trend, sexy and made to enhance the woman that wears them whether she is pregnant or not.

Moms are under-represented in the world of Fashion

Ever since I discovered that cool clothes were simply not available for my growing bump, I’ve made a point to change that.  It was during my 3rd pregnancy almost 5 years ago that I finally started making my own “maternity” clothes.  Yes, you read that right.  I got tired of shopping in the regular department stores and in the maternity stores to create looks.  I was having to get super creative and going nuts piecing some of my old pieces with new pieces every day and especially when I had an outing!  Going-out clothes were definitely not made for the preggos (not any good ones at least).  And I love to get dressed up even with my baby bump.  I kept wondering why there was no FASHION for pregnant people?  Women get pregnant.  There should be more than rouched t-shirts and cardigans to wear out.  So why?

Well, it turns out maternity is not the best market in the business of fashion.  People tend not to buy maternity clothes, considering it’s a temporary solution to a temporary condition.  So, major manufacturers focus more on offering basics (lots of basics), rather than innovative or trendy styles.  (Think t-shirts, t-shirt dresses, more t-shirts and cardigans.) This keeps inventory safer to have and design and aesthetics very low maintenance from season to season.  The offerings barely change from season to season.  They also make the fit baggier because, though it is less flattering on most, it makes it easier to accommodate a large segment of the population with very little tailoring involved.  The final result: a bunch of basic, casual clothes that never really fit quite right.  Clothes  that you would never have bought in the first place and that you finally caved to when you really couldn’t fit into anything else anymore.  It happened to me the first 2 times around.  But, by the 3rd pregnancy, I was done.

Creating what I wished already existed.

So, I started designing pieces that I could wear out to dinner, on date-nights and  to parties that made me feel good about myself!  Most importantly, I made them to be fun and easy to wear.  It’s so good when you don’t have to muster up a lot of energy to look fancy.  Just put it on and go!  They are designed to flatter so that you don’t have to sacrifice style while your body adjusts.

Here’s my Why

Inclusivity.  The industry standard has been shaken up for years because it doesn’t represent the majority of the population.  Unlike the ideals for beauty represented by traditional runway models, we are not all 5′10, size 0 or eternally 16.  We change, we grow, we get pregnant and we change again.  But we rarely see a reflection of ourselves on the runway at NYFW.

I wanted to put motherhood on the runway.  We don’t all look the same, but we are all capable of looking incredibly gorgeous.  I know that.  I do that.  I wanted to make that a possibility for every woman.

The Collection

This collection includes new styles that push even a bit further.  I encourage women to really dress up, to wear color and to have fun with it.  Every style has a simple detail, a particular point of interest that makes it memorable.  And I love that so much because many times we turn away from cameras when we are pregnant because we don’t feel like ourselves or we don’t think we look good.  And we miss out on creating memories of this special time in our lives that will never come again.

I personally love fashion and I know the positive impact that our clothes can have on our everyday lives.  It is true that if you look good you feel good.  And I’m here to create beautiful things to wear during the most beautiful times in our lives, one piece at a time.

Follow along with us as we grow and bring a new vision for motherhood come to life on Instagram.

Here’s a video recap of the show.  The new pieces will be dropping into the shop starting 9/29 and we’re really excited!  All paper flower decorations are also available at the shop for your delight.  Go check out our online boutique where everything is exclusively designed and lovingly hand-made for you.

BTW, the little guys taking a bow with me at the end are my 3 babies and my greatest inspirations and supporters.  Enjoy the show!

Before you go... thank you!

I have to say a big thank you to all of the amazing talents that collaborated with me to make this event so fabulous.

Models: Ariana Bello, Ana Martinez, Shaquita Garcia, Jules Cruz, Jenny,  Lory Linette Diaz-Valentin + Isabela Valentin (baby) 

Collaborators: 

Carlina Zacarias, Samara Vega, MizzLula - Makeup Artists

Nikki Vazquez -  Pretty Nikki Jewelry

Zayda Rivera - PR

Karen Soriano - Karen Decor Balloon arrangement

Darleny - Cake Pops and More Branded Goodies

Dahiana Perez - MC

Michael Alberto - Venue including AV and Set Up

Miguel Pichardo - Videographer

Daniel Valez - Photographer

Sponsors:

Maybelline

Spa O on the Go

Reaching Heights Wellness & Coaching

Silvia’s House Cleaning

The Birth Deck

Luimy Pure Romance

Special thanks to Alicia Diaz-David for all the love and support! And to all my family and friends for always being there!

[theladipage]

February goodies.💕❤️ It's the month of love, el mes del amor! Check out all the pretty pink and red at the shop and celebrate romance. As always, all items are handmade for you. #itsfebruary #love #handmade #designer #maker #shopsmall for #Valentinesday #sanvalentin #redandpink #romanticdetails #lovenotes #pinkroses #redaccessories #ladiwithababy

[theladipage]

It’s a mood... Fun little video for you all 😊 This is one of my favorite tops from the collection. It’s sexy but it’s so easy to wear. Seen here with the velvet waist tie. Enjoy and happy Friday friends! Boots are @stevemadden 🎥 by @mikealbe1 . . . . . . . . . . #itsamood #falllooks #fallfashion2018 #friyayvibes #styleyourlife #bumpfriendly #momstyle #offshouldertop #sexymaternity #maternityfriendly #maternitystyle #maternityfashion #njmom #madeinnj #fallishere #stylishmom #momtobe #momtrepreneur #abumpinstyle #ladiwithababy (at Paramus, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-euUEH5pK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1sz54tgo1eprr

[theladipage]

Celebrating women everywhere today 'cause there's a little bit of magic in every single one of us.✨ SMILE and SHINE girl! You are a precious flower. Celebrando a las mujeres del mundo hoy porque en cada una existe un toque de magia✨ SONRÍE y BRILLA chica! Eres una flor hermosa. . . . #everydayiswomensday #womensday #internationalwomensday #diadelamujer #diainternacionaldelamujer #mujer #women #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #ladies #beautifulflower #celebrandoalamujer #mujeres #madre #mother #motherhood #daughter #hija #maternity #maternidad #ladiwithababy

[theladipage]

❤️💕 So honored to be a part of the @latinamadenotmaid community and to have gotten the opportunity to write a little bit of my story, my passion for fashion and why I love what I do. I hope that it touches the hearts of girls everywhere and inspires them to arm themselves with an education with which they can pursue their wildest dreams. Thank you so much for this feature. Go visit latinamadenotmaid.com, read the stories and become a part of the movement. #latina #latinamade #latinamadenotmaid #womensupportingwomen #womensupportingwomen #designer #maker #creator #fashion #style #gotthetshirt #wearitwithascarf #silkscarf #dominicana #inspiration #motivation #mondaymotivation #ladiwithababy

[theladipage]

Big thanks to the beautiful Mercedes of @bechicmag for featuring our handmade, paper rose napkin rings as well as our glitter mini notecards on her Valentine's Day segment. As seen on @univisionny Al Despertar. So, incredibly grateful for people like Mercedes who give small businesses like mine a chance to shine.✨ Check out the shop to see these Valentine's Day goodies and more. All handmade for you!😘 #valentinesday #lovenotes #love #loveisintheair #valentinegift #paperroses #platesettings #romanticdetails #romance #redandpink #pinkroses #notecards #lovenotes #glittercards #handmade #ladiwithababy

[theladipage]

There are so many things to be grateful for on this and every day. Today I’m grateful for AWARENESS. Over the past few years I have been slowly going through a transformation. For as far as I can remember, I have always felt or known that there is more to life and to this human experience than meets the eye. There is more than the every day routine, there is more than what I can see, that being real goes far beyond just living. The mission is to live on purpose and let me tell you... the road to that self awareness is NOT easy. But man, it is SO worth it! I hope that each one of you can feel that you are here for a reason greater than getting up and going to work everyday. There is more! There is more to you! Your job in life is to find out what that is, and thrive! Happy day everyone! Top, Headband and Paperflowers here are straight from the shop. This velvet headband will be live on the site this week! Great for the holidays! Link in bio. . . . . . #liveonpurpose #moretolife #theresmore #livinglifetothefullest #tuesdaythoughts #fullpotential #selfawareness #personaldevelopment #riseup #gratefuleveryday #liveyourpurpose #findyourpurpose #imadesigner #fashiondesigner #maker #designyourlife #lifeandstyle #styleyourlife #holidaylook #velvet #handmadefashion #paperflowers #paperflowerbackdrop #workingonadream #selfmotivated #fashionismypassion #followalong #abumpinstyle #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/BqH5EX5n29G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=c61z3jqxof3z

[theladipage]

Something about living in the city gives you a little edge. That little edge is what gets you down a crowded street faster. On your way to where you want to go, don’t lose your pretty though. 🤍 Model @themhwmagazine Dress @theladipage Paper flowers @theladipage Photographer @mikaela.pabon . . . . . . . . . . #dontloseyourself #dontloseher #nycmoms #nycmom #nycmoments #prettyinthecity #citygirlgonemom #citygirl #citymom #motherhoodinstyle #stylishmotherhood #momstyles #momstylelife #stylishmom #whitedresses #prettyinwhite #alldressedinwhite #blackmommagic #goddessmom #goddessvibes #youareagoddess #beyourownstar #maternityfriendly #momtrepreneurs #designermom #supermodelmomma #maternitygown #abumpinstyle #ladiwithababy (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIV6mX-jr8f/?igshid=1m735uew2941b

[theladipage]

Been working day and night ya’ll! I know you were wondering where I was 😁 This month has been an incredible rollercoaster of non-stop work here. I feel... blissfully exhausted 😅. Our masks were featured on Etsy and it’s been ON ever since. Swipe left for a short recap of all the craziness! Thank you @etsy for the support and for shining a light on small shops like mine. Thank you (yes you too!) for all your support! You have no idea how much it means to me. 🙏🏽💕 Now, for a much needed tiny break before getting back into it. Happy Friday! . . . . . . . . . . @etsysuccess #workingonadream #etsysellerofinstagram #makersgonnamake #doingourbest #workingthroughit #workinprogress #wellgetthroughthis #wellgetthroughthistogether #wahmmade #wahmstyle #shopsmallbusinesses #womanownedbiz #designerlifestyle #njmom #njmompreneur #luxuryfacemask #imadethisforyou #bigthingscoming #getyouone #handmadefacemask #handmadefashion #stylishmom #beagoddess #goddessmom #momstylelife #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4EW7_D2ak/?igshid=5m35quf2fi50

[theladipage]

In the making: both the flowers and me! It’s interesting how the desire to start a creative business against the odds is about more than just starting a business. For me it’s has been more of a means to finding myself. Every challenge, every fail and every win have all been life lessons about me personally. I confess, I’ve been afraid of a lot of things along the way. It hasn’t been easy to recognize those fears and do things anyway. Many times I felt like I totally sucked the whole time. Sometimes, I still get that feeling of “what’s the point of putting myself through this?”. And then I remember there is a lesson in all this. There is growth in this. And I want to grow and become more. If you want to learn something about yourself? Start something. All of your fears will come to the surface, right where you can see them and right where you can beat them. You just need to have the courage to face the things that scare you most. Here’s to being works in progress! . . . . . . . . . #inthemaking #workinprogress #behindthescenes #makerslife #faceyourfears #growingabusiness #creatorsofinstagram #etsysellers #handcraftedflowers #becoming #becomingme #dosomething #makesomething #blackownedbusiness #momtrepreneur #paperflowerart #handmaker #designyourlife #paperroses #flowermaking #bloomingflowers #pinkroses #madebyhand #growthroughwhatyougothrough #momtrepreneurlife #designermoms #fashionandflowers #creativeprocess #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/CBlI5dgj_Ws/?igshid=k2169hxgysn

[theladipage]

Read my Lips: You are MORE than enough.💗 It is said that one of the fears that affect almost everyone at one point or another is the fear of not being enough. The most interesting thing about this is that most of us can not pin point the exact cause of our anxiety. It’s not so obvious when your stress levels hold you back from doing the things you really want to do. It’s not clear why something inside you just doesn’t feel like you belong. I know all about that feeling because I lived in it for most of my self-conscious life. It’s the feeling of not being enough. Not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not smart enough. Not perfect enough. You get the drill. In part, I attribute that to watching my mother be the most AMAZING woman in the world! Being raised to be like her: super friendly, attentive, with her extra clean home and excellent cooking, caring for my dad’s every need while also caring for my sisters and I. By the time us kids woke up she had already mopped the entire house, cleaned the bathrooms and was cooking up something yummy. HOW did she do it??? Can’t tell ya! Alls I know is that watching her be perfect (in my eyes) made me feel less than, to an extent. And that’s how it happens. I’m sure my mom had her struggles and doubts just like all of us, but all I saw was her greatness. And deep down inside, I feared I could never be like her. What I know now, is that I was never meant to be like her. I was meant to be ME. I was made to carve my own path and find my own way. Who better to do the job than me, then? I am more than good enough! Watch your imposter syndrome, your self doubt, your motives for holding back. Is it a fear of not being enough? Counter that fear with this simple sentence. Remember this sticker and let it tell you the truth when you need it.💕 Sending love to you all and especially to my mom! 💗 . . . . #youareenoughmovement #impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #imnotperfect #motherhood #momproblems #momlife #beingamom #beingamommy #selfdoubtsucks #youareimportant #fearnot #whosaid #momtobe2020 #mommyproblems #ｑｏｔｄ #pinklipstick #letmetellyousomething #popartstyle #youareenough #youneedtoknow #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ikDfZjz0W/?igshid=b02e1pep8w9d

[theladipage]

Important: Wear a Mask 😷 Today my self care tip is a little different: It’s about your life and the life of those you love💗 With a prolonged quarantine, it is inevitable to have to go out at some point. Wearing a mask when you go run your errands, to your doctor’s appointments, or to do your household shopping is of the essence and really does protect you. If you are making your own mask, here’s a pro tip: Make sure you add layers to filter particles in the air that can make it through regular cotton fabric. ➡️➡️➡️➡️ Swipe to see the inner layers of this mask I made with a backing fabric fused to the outer fabric plus a layer of a lightweight fleece interfacing in between. Stay safe beautiful people! Masks are not the most comfortable things to wear but they will protect you on your quick trips out. Don’t forget to take them off before entering your home and washing your hands thoroughly after. Whenever possible just #stayhome #quédateencasa . . . . . #wearamask #diyfacemask #diyfacemasks #facemasktime #quarantined #quarantineshopping #quarantined2020 #makeamask #instamasks #quarantineselfcare #coronaviruspandemic #staysafeoutthere #healthfirst #protectyourself #covıd19 #nycmoms #njmoms #njmom #nystrong #njstrong #thistooshallpass #everythingwillbeokay #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X8R5FjwIL/?igshid=rbd48jfjlomd

[theladipage]

Self care Sunday: Quaranteen Mani Edition 💅🏽 Normally, I only have time to paint my nails 10 mins before I head out the door! But it’s one of those things I’ve loved to do ever since I was a little girl. 💕 Fun fact: I hardly ever get manis at the salon! I’m a dyi kinda girl. Swipe left for a quick vid of my at-home nail painting process, which usually happens at our kitchen table, plus the final result! P.S These probably won’t last with all the hand washing but that’s ok 😊 (I make sure to wear gloves for washing dishes though 😉) OPI color: Lima tell you about this color. . . . . . #athomemani #selfcaresunday #selfcaresundays #pinknails💕 #howtopaintyournails #paintyourown #pinkmanicure #stayinghome #stayingsafe #selfcaretime #pinkismyfavoritecolor #opinails #springishere🌸 #diynails #diymani #latinasbelike #pijamatime #pajamasallday #polkadotpajamas #quarantinelife #quarantineandchill #momtimeout #prettyinpink #lookgoodfeelgooddogood #ladiwithababy https://www.instagram.com/p/B-VHOupDLPP/?igshid=1nvf3gtw2pgte

[theladipage]

Yesterday was a wonderful day! The @njbabyexpo at the W in Hoboken was truly special. I got to meet so many amazing women and their li’l baby bumps. I got to show them my designs and share with them the work I do every day! Thanks to all of you who stopped by and were a part of this incredible expo with me. Thanks to @njmom for organizing it. And... extra special thanks to my wonderful hubby @mikealbe1 for doing all the heavy lifting and for just being a wonderful support to me. If you got a chance to meet him, you know he’s got my back ya’ll. 😂. He’s the best!!!! Swipe through to see more pics and videos>>> . . . . . . . . . . #babyexpo #babyshow #hobokennj #njbabyexpo #njmom #njbabyshow #madeinnj #babymama #momtobe #mommytobe #newmom #newborn #babybump #maternityfashion #bumpstyle #stylethebump #handmadefashion #exclusivedesigns #fashiondesigner #maker #pregnancystyle #paperflowers #abumpinstyle #ladiwithababy (at W Hoboken) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzLVbansK9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=clvepgj1zu8l

[theladipage]

The behind the scenes of handmade fashion. This is what it looks like guys. Every order is proudly cut and sewn by hand and then carefully packaged to be sent out with love 💕 by me! And every order is a good reason to have a #twirl moment 😁 We’re getting ready to show part of our collection at @njbabyexpo this weekend. Can’t wait to meet all the fabulous #njmom and moms-to-be there! If you’d like to attend, we’re giving away VIP tickets on our previous post! Go sign up for a chance to win amazing prizes! . . . . . . . . . . #bts #fashiondesigner #maker #slowfashion #shopsmall #handmadefashion #fashionandstyle #stylishmom #momstyle #sewingroom #workroom #etsyseller #shophandmade #workinprogress #makingfashion #maternitystyle #styleformoms #pregnancyfashion #bumpfriendly #workroomchronicles #babyexpo #abumpinstyle #ladiwithababy (at Saddle Brook, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bppv3dihjPU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14w5rrhafv8b6