Mom Style

Gift Roundup for the Mama Who's Heading Back to Work

Around this time of year many mamas are heading back to work after a maternity leave, especially teachers. Looking for some great gifts for a mama who’s heading back to work? We’ve rounded up some practical, and stylish, gifts for a working mama – these gifts are sure to make her feel confident and put-together, even when she’s working on very little sleep. These would make wonderful baby shower gifts, or add them to your registry.

Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra from Bravado: If you’re looking for the ultimate nursing bra which is functional, but also stylish, soft, and feminine, look no further – the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra from Bravado is your perfect back to work under garment. The Body Silk Seamless nursing bra is super comfortable, putting you at ease and helping you feel confident when you head back to work. It is the perfect everyday, at home, on-the-go, anytime nursing bra. The luxuriously soft fabric molds to your changing shape, so that you can wear it throughout pregnancy, post-partum, nursing and beyond. Plus, it includes a bra conversion kit so you can convert your nursing bra to a ‘regular bra’ once your nursing journey is complete – no need to spend money on a bra you’ll only wear a few years, the Bravado Nursing Bra will last many years helping you feel put-together and beautiful inside and out.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57ef85032505ed1c625cd72e

The Multitasking Cardigan from goodbodygoodmommy: When the Gugu Guru team came across this multitasking cardigan, we knew we had to share it with you all – especially mamas heading back to work. This made in the USA cardigan is a blend of 90% modal and 10% spandex with 2 on-seam pockets, perfect for storing pacifiers, or nursing pads. The cardigan is the perfect addition to you wardrobe at the start of pregnancy and after you meet you baby, it can continue to be a wardrobe staple as it transitions to both a nursing cover and baby wearing cover (seriously cool!). Dress it up or dress it down, the multitasking cardigan can go with you to the gym, back to work, to a night out, or anywhere your mom-life takes you.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57ef87f8428ba01c11c3f633

Wiley Black Sweater from Loyal Hana: Looking for a wardrobe staple to head back to work? We can’t say enough good things about the Wiley Sweater from Loyal Hana. Made from 100% cotton, this sweater features a waffle texture front and discrete side zipper for breastfeeding or pumping. This sweater is the perfect Fall clothing staple for transitioning from dropping baby off at daycare, to working mama, to out to dinner with a client. You’ll feel modern, stylish, and able to easily pump and feed in the Wiley.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57ef843f0452727ba81b0d42

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 579f24b9af09b16d386ff715

Trend Report: Velvet

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Velvet reminds us of Autumn – it’s both cozy and glam – for mama, baby, and home!

Sari Velvet Romper, Little Moon Clothing ($49): This sweet little romper is perfect for fall and winter with leggings or tights. Each romper will be unique and different. The top bib is made using a gorgeous wedding Sari fabric with gold/silver woven threading. Has adjustable tie back straps. Two buttons in saddle make for an easy diaper change.
Shelly Round Velvet Pillow, Urban Outfitters ($39): Soft and luxurious round pillow topped with radial stitch detailing we love. Perfect for a vintage-inspired touch to any couch, chair or bed.
Velvet Baby Bow, Mane Message ($7 each): The Velvet Baby Bow Headbands are the perfect simple hair accessory for any little one’s wardrobe. The delicate bow and soft materials were designed to be worn comfortably on baby’s head.
Heirloom Baby Velvet Pouch, Nuraxi ($145): This 100% handmade velvet pouch is hand-dyed and gorgeous – perfect for babies 0-6 months to swathe them in luxurious coziness.
Tall Velvet Pleated Midi Skirt, Top Shop ($100): Velvet look details add a pretty touch to this midi skirt. Sitting high on the waist, the full skirt comes in a pleated texture. Pair with an oversized sweatshirt and trainers for edgy chic.
Wool Felt Hat, Janie and Jack ($24): Adorable crimson colored velvet hat with velvet bow – perfect for the holidays.
Baby Girls Burgundy Velvet Dress, Children’s Salon ($152): Baby girls adorable burgundy dress by Christian Lacroix. Made with soft cotton velvet with a smooth cotton lining for added comfort. It has pretty short puffed sleeves and fastens with a concealed back zip. It has a pleat and pink bow detail to one side and a sparkling pink logo on the hem.
Velvet Bomber Jacket Pink, Misguided ($51): Velvet is a classic throwback wardrobe staple and it’s back! This novelty bomber jacket is the one you need to dress up or down this Fall. Featuring a dusky pink hue, velvet material and a relaxed fit, you’ll be effortlessly chic and casual; style with denim and flats for girl crush vibes.

How to Dress While Wearing a Ring Sling (+ giveaway!)

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Today’s guest post is from Keila of Mommy in Milwaukee – she’s sharing her tips for styling up while babywearing using a Wildbird Ring Sling.

As someone who has been a huge fan of babywearing since my first son’s birth, I’ve had to learn to be creative when it comes to styling this helpful baby gear. If you babywear, then you probably already know that it’s much more than keeping your baby close; it becomes a way of life. In the beginning, it was really difficult for me to find ways to stay true to my style while babywearing. I loved trying out different ways to wear my babies using wraps, carriers and slings. Among these options, I’ve found that slings tend to be the most outfit-friendly. They’re easy to put on and have various ways to be worn. I love the side-carry because it feels like I’m holding my babe on my hip and I don’t have as much strain on my back.

Throughout the years I’ve found a few key pieces that I gravitate towards more often. These pieces are comfortable, stylish and look great with your Wildbird sling! I have to say, though, that the cutest accessory is always my little babe 😉 All of these items are also nursing-friendly and great as layered pieces now with the cooler fall weather!

The shirt dress: A shirt dress is such a versatile piece in every mama’s closet. They work well with leggings, booties and layered with a thin sweater or jacket on cooler days. (Dress on the left; dress on the right)

The open cardigan: This one comes in burgundy and tan! Cardigans are great for layering over a sling especially when it’s cooler outside. What’s great about an open-cardigan is that they usually have a bit more material and you can comfortably wrap it around your baby when worn. It’s also a great way to add a bit of cozy and cute to any outfit.

The go-to legging: If you don’t already own a good pair of leggings, then now is the time to make that happen! Leggings can be layered & are comfy. These also cover your tummy, and that provides extra coverage if you’re nursing. That’s always a plus for me!

The button-down: With the cooler temps, I love wearing warmer button-downs. They’re perfect for the season and layer really well under a sling. An added bonus is that they’re forgiving when it comes to wrinkles!

The jumpsuit: As a mama of 3 under 3, I tend to gravitate towards easy pieces that aren’t a hassle to put together. Enter the jumpsuit. With this piece, you have a chic ensemble that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.

I hope this little list is helpful. Leave a comment for your go-to and must-have pieces. Happy babywearing!

Like what you see? Enter to win a Wildbird ring sling here:

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Mompreneur Spotlight: Shelley Suh of Loyal Hana

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It’s no surprise that Gugu Guru is a huge fan of Loyal Hana, so we are thrilled that today’s Mompreneur spotlight is on Loyal Hana’s founder, Shelley Suh.

GG: How and why did you start Loyal Hana?

SS: Having worked in the fashion industry for over 18 years, I understand how having pieces in your wardrobe that look good and fit well can have the power to make women feel confident, capable and beautiful. It wasn’t until the birth of my children that I realized that this could be readily applied to solve an unmet need for tailored designs that flatter the bump and the boob.

When I had my daughter Cybelle in 2009, I returned to work and discovered a missing market in pregnancy and postpartum friendly clothing for women returning to their daily lives. About four or five months after my son Mason was born, I knew that I was not feeling like myself. I started getting the baby blues and on top of this, my father was diagnosed with his second cancer. I decided I needed to put all of my energy into something creative and with purpose.

I had the opportunity to introduce women to my collection in 2014 when Loyal Hana was born. More than just a collection of maternity and nursing garments, Loyal Hana is a reliable friend during a crucial time when the pressure is on to provide it all. The label represents a helping hand when circumstances make it difficult to be discreet; it’s a universal “thank you” and a way for new moms to feel confident and beautiful every day.

For me, Loyal Hana has been a success because it pulled me through a very hard time in my life and brought me back to serve a purpose by making things easier for other women out there.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

SS: Balancing work and life is a constant evolution each year. I am lucky to be the mother of two amazing children, Cybelle, who is seven and Mason, who is three.

I am fortunate to have support from my husband to create this line and co-parent the way we do, where we do. I think that when I started my family, I was challenged to redefine how to juggle my time between becoming a mother, being the best wife I can be, and maintaining my identity to have a career. With all this said, when you create something with purpose and passion you find balance and time to make it all exist. One precedes the next and without the birth of my kids, I would have never found my passion or personal challenge to start this collection. With every piece we make at Loyal Hana, I hope that it helps make the process easier for other women and makes them feel beautiful and confident.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

SS: Every mompreneur has a voice or platform to create something with purpose. Loyal Hana is my platform to share something, inspire someone, facilitate a process and simply to express who I am. This company has so much meaning to me because it pulled me through a very dark time in my life. This creative outlet inspired me to give back to the other moms that are having a similar struggle and want to return to their lives. The best part of starting this business is when I hear from another mom who loves my clothing and I hear it has helped her feel “beautiful.“

Endless Summer Registry Picks

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Today’s the official last day of summer and first day of autumn. Is it just us or does summer seem to have just flown by? Whether it’s colors or materials or scents, we like to surround ourselves with products that give us all the feels of summer, sans the humidity. Here we feature some of our summer inspired baby registry picks.

Gathre

We highly recommend getting outside as much as possible when you’re newly postpartum to give your energy and attitude a boost – and you’ll need a mat for that. We’ve been slightly obsessed with the chic simplicity of Gathre‘s bonded leather mats since we discovered them a few months back. Inspired by a tradition of dining al fresco with her family, the co-founder of Gathre came up with the concept of stylish leather blanket that wipes clean and you don’t have to wash.

Solly Baby Wraps

There are so many things that make us feel summery with Solly Baby, which is no surprise since the brand is based in Southern California and likely gets much of its inspiration from the colors and patterns of the coastal state. We are drawn in to colors from its collection like the Baltic, presumably inspired by the eponymous sea. The product itself also lends itself to summer, with its incredibly lightweight and breathable Lenzing Modal fabric.

Birchrose + Co.

What attracted us to this mom-founded skincare line initially is the fact that it uses 100% natural ingredients in its formulations, and all of them are safe for pregnancy and new / nursing moms. From wildcrafted Botanicals to Plant Based Cold Pressed Carrier Oils to high grade clays, Birchrose + Co. products are top of the line and luxurious for mamas. With scents like Coconut + Hibiscus, this Portsmouth, NH based brand transports us.

Bumbleride

We just love brands that make us want to get outside and Bumbleride is one of them. Though we’re not entirely sure, there is a rumor going around that this brand is founded and run by avid surfers – hence even more reason that the line makes our Endless Summer registry. Bumbleride’s strollers with its air-filled tires are made to handle any outdoor terrain. Plus the UPF/SPF 45+ canopies to protect baby from sun year-round (since we know those harmful rays are not season-specific).

Lorena Canals

Sometimes just simple décor can bring warmth to a home and give us those yummy, beach vibes. This (machine washable!) eco-friendly and non-toxic Pineapple Rug from Lorena Canals is the perfect touch to your baby’s nursery, kid’s room or play room and is sure to extend those summer days as they drift away.

BabbleBoxx’s Mom+Baby Box Review!

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BabbleBoxx, a new subscription box service which specializes in getting amazing brands into your hands, has recently launched a mom+baby box – the Gugu Guru staff was lucky enough to try it out! Here’s what we got in our box – and read on through for amazing discounts JUST for our readers!

FUJIFILM’s INSTAX Mini 70: As a new mom, taking pictures of the new baby pretty much consumes most of your day – but you need a camera which is quick and easy to use! FUJIFILM’s INSTAX Mini 70 is the perfect camera for a new mama! Want to snap a picture of you and your baby? The INSTAX Mini 70 camera has a selfie mode that automatically adjusts settings for perfect selfies using the front-facing selfie mirror. The INSTAX Mini 70 is available in Canary Yellow, Moon White, Island Blue, Passion Red, Midnight Black and Stardust Gold – wouldn’t this be an original and adorable baby shower gift? Love it!

Gerber Essentials: Moms are often hyper vigilant when it comes to the material which touches their baby’s skin – which is why we are such a big fan of Gerber’s onesies. These all cotton, super soft white onesies, are the ultimate baby clothing essential! The expandable, lap shoulder neckline easily slides over baby’s head to make dressing a cinch. Pair these onesies with pajama bottoms, because the snap closure is positioned higher in front for quick access to make diaper changing easier. The ribbed leg openings are designed to perfectly fit baby’s legs and provide freedom of movement all day long. Your little one can wear these year round because they are available in short sleeve and long sleeve lengths. Many moms use these onesies for their monthly photos, since these are sturdy, white (perfect for colorful backgrounds), and come in all sizes! (Order online now through 10/8 and receive FREE $6 STANDARD SHIPPING on your order. Use code BBOXX16FS at checkout. Offer expires 10/8/16.)

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – Original Formula & Maximum Strength Formula: Babies have super sensitive skin – and often, diapers can make their soft little tushes hurt! We’re big fans of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste (we always give some with baby shower gifts!) for soothing your baby’s backside from diaper rash. Pediatricians recommend a diaper rash cream/ointment that leaves a thick barrier between the diaper and the skin. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is specially formulated to provide the thickest barrier of protection for your baby.

TempTraq® wearable Bluetooth® temperature monitor: Ugh, don’t you hate those nights when your little one is sick and can’t stay awake long enough to take their temperature over and over? Luckily, there is now an amazing solution with TempTraq! TempTraq is the only wearable Bluetooth temperature monitor that continuously monitors body temperature. The soft, comfortable patch continuously senses, records and transmits temperature data for up to 24 hours to either an Apple or Android compatible mobile device through the free TempTraq app. It can even send temperature alerts to give caregivers peace of mind and children the rest they need to get better – what a wonderful gift for a working parent! They can monitor their little one’s temperature all day from work! (Gugu Guru Readers get 10% off when you use code BABBLEBOXX10; offer Expires 10/31/16).

Rainbow Light Multivitamins – 35+ Mom & Baby: One of the most important things a pregnant mom can do is remember to take her vitamins! But, what happens after the baby is born? Mama, you still need to take care of yourself and take those vitamins. We’re a fan of Rainbow Light’s Multivitamin for mom and baby; this is the only Pre & Postnatal Multivitamin formulated for the unique nutritional needs of 35+ mamas in just one tablet per day. They are made with natural, purity-tested ingredients and NO artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners; they’re vegetarian and contains NO gluten, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, eggs, fish, and shellfish – healthy for all moms! (Use discount Code ‘HappyBaby’ for 20% savings on Rainbow Light Prenatals and ‘HappyFamily’ for 20% off multivitamins).

illumai Biome Care System for Hair: Very excitedly, Gugu Guru got a special sample of illumai’s hair care system to try – many new moms are watchful over the products they use on their skin and hair, but illumai’s hair care is perfect and safe for all moms! The illumai Biome Care System for Hair uses a revolutionary new approach, ideal for the natural changes in new mother’s hair. The illumai system was developed by a former pediatrician and globally recognized immunology scientist to gently clean, nurture, rebalance and protect hair and scalp, using only 7 ingredients. There are so many changes which happen to your hair during and after pregnancy, so you want hair care products you can trust! illumai has you covered! (VERY special offer just for our readers: Use promocode 44GUGUGURU at checkout for 40% off the illumai Biome Care System. Expires 10/31/2016).

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.

A Princess Bride Baby Registry

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

A Princess Bride Baby Registry?
Inconceivable!
(You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.)

Raise your hand if you’re a Princess Bride fan like the team at Gugu Guru is. Bet you didn’t know that you could design a Princess Bride-themed baby registry. Well, now you know and we’ve done a lot of the legwork for you with these awesome picks featuring some of the most memorable movie characters of all time.

For Mom

You don’t even have to wait until you’ve had your baby to get your Buttercup on. The designers at Fillyboo maternity have you covered with their line of boho chic maternity clothes fit for a queen. Shown here from the collection: Wonder Years in ‘Baby Baby’ blue and I Believe In Unicorns maxi dress in off white.

For Nursery

We found our “true love” when we discovered is this beautiful, whimsical hand made Princess Bride crib mobile from PinkCheeksStudios on Etsy.

This “As You Wish” (secret code for “I love you”) print is a simple, beautiful touch for the nursery. Available in different colors.

For Baby

From our favorite revenge-seeking swash buckler, Inigo Montoya to the inconceivable Vizzini, there’s no shortage of awesome onesies for your little one on Etsy. Shown here: “Hello. My Name Is…” toddler t-shirt and Inconceivable onesie.

If you happen to be expecting a Princess Buttercup of your own, might we suggest checking out an eponymous floral crown from MaeMillerCrowns on Etsy.

Back To Sleep Day 9: Solly Baby

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

One of the most popular carriers on Gugu Guru’s registry is featured in today’s Back To Sleep – Solly Baby. Solly Baby offers some of the most beautiful and functional wrap style baby carriers in the market today. Solly Baby wraps reflect your personal aesthetic; seamlessly & luxuriously integrating all of the benefits of babywearing and the beauty of still being YOU! Read on to see if this product is a fit for your lifestyle and baby registry, then enter today for a chance to win a wrap from the new FW16 collection. Can’t wait to see if you win one? Solly Baby wraps are made of 100% Certified Lenzing Modal, sourced from the pulp of Austrian Beechwood trees. Lenzing Modal, a modal fiber from Lenzing, is naturally soft on the skin and exceptionally ecological. The fiber is produced using Edelweiss technology. Edelweiss stands for a “symbiotic” production process – pulp, the raw material, is produced at the same site as the Modal fiber itself. Thus production can be done while going easy on energy and other resources.

Moms love traveling with their Solly Baby wrap because it’s a lifesaver! It gives you your hands back while keeping your baby close. A Solly Baby wrap helps to calm even the fussiest babies, especially babies with reflux or gas. (A Pediatric study found that wearing your infant 3 hours a day reduces infant crying by 43% – that’s something everyone on your flight will cheer about with you!) Solly Baby Wraps provide a womb-like environment for baby when you’re on the go that makes them feel secure, safe, and comfortable.

Because they are constructed with Certified Lenzing Modal, Solly Baby wraps are incredibly lightweight, cool to the touch and get softer with each wash all while being strong enough to be dried in a conventional dryer on low heat without wearing down.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 55ca5f076336361f60610900

Note: all sleep tips are independent to all the products featured in Back to Sleep and Kim West is not endorsing these products unless otherwise indicated.

Cause-Driven Registry: UPPAbaby

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Next up on our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, we feature UPPAbaby. UPPAbaby makes high-quality baby products that fit the needs of your new life as a parent, while appealing to the sense of style you’ve always had. UPPAbaby is committed to giving back and supporting worthy causes and organizations that align with the company’s mission and core ethos.

Nicole chose an UPPAbaby Vista stroller and Mesa car seat for her cause-driven registry. The UPPAbaby Vista truly grows with your family and includes a full size front and rear facing toddler seat with a one-handed multi-position recline plus bassinet. It also offers a new, easy one-step fold-with or without seat attached – key for when you have your hands full. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. This performance travel system is totally compatible with the Mesa infant car seat – meaning it’s a direct attachment and no adapters are necessary.

From easy installation to innovative safety features to one-button stroller release, the Mesa infant car seat has taken the guess work and hassle out of infant car seats.

Here’s how UPPA Gives Back:

Committed to giving back to families in need and providing safe transport for families. This includes monetary donations, product donations, and volunteerism
Created the UPPA Gives Back program to lift spirits by partnering with non-profit organizations that share the same mission of providing funds, services, and high quality and essential products to families in need.
Going in to the brand’s 5th year partnering with the TODAY Show Holiday Toy Drive – as of 2015, UPPAbaby will have donated more than a million dollars in strollers and car seats to families nationally. (The 5-year total is $1,000,000!)

Charitable partners include:

Good+ (Formerly Baby Buggy) providing education, essential items and resources to families in need
Safe Kids – dedicated to worldwide children’s safety, child passenger safety focus
National MS Society, Boston Climb to the Top- volunteerism, sponsorship and participation to
raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis

Rockabilly Mama: Risky Rae

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We’re so excited to introduce Risky Rae – she’s a Rockabilly Mama with awesome Pin-Up Girl style! Risky Rae is a member of the wonderfully fabulous Bay Area Luscious Ladies, a Pin-Up style group based out of California – so, she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to being both a mama and a Pin-Up style icon! She’s here today to share her favorite looks for mama and baby gear!

For Mama – get the ultimate mom pin-up look with these picks from Risky Rae!

1. Pinup Girl Clothing Corset Skirt – This is the skirt I am wearing in my shoot, it is so flattering due to the high cut of the waistband and also good for c-section mamas, as it sits high on the waist and won’t irritate an incision…plus it also has pockets (!) perfect for stashing that phone and pacifier. 2. Hell Bunny Vintage Style Black & White Dotted Tie Knit Cilla Top – This is the top I am wearing in my photos; the tie feature on the bust is so convenient and handy for nursing mamas to quickly expose a breast for feeding. 3. Pinup Couture Jenny Skirt in Mary Blair Grey Cat Print – This is the skirt I am wearing in my photos. It comes in a variety of colors/prints (some are SO adorable) and sits high on the waist, making it perfect for new moms and those who have had c-sections as the band will not irritate the incision. 4. Preggers Maternity Sleeveless Dress in Leopard Print – This ultra comfortable sleeveless maternity dress features a v-neck cross-over bust with gathers at the base and tops of the shoulders, as well a swing skirt with matching gathers. Risky Rae’s hair accessories care of Stardust Dames, and jewelry from Summer Blue Jewelry.

Risky Rae is a huge fan of babywearing and picked her top choices of carriers – both for comfort and staying true to Rockabilly/Pin-Up style!

1. Ergo Original Baby Carrier in Indigo Mint Dots; 2. Ergo Original Baby Carrier, Sailor; 3. Tula Baby Carrier, Slow Ride; 4. Tula Baby Carrier, Betty

When it comes to diaper bags, Risky Rae picked out bags which were able to hold all of baby’s gear, mama’s gear, and could double as an adorable Rockabilly bag for mom on her nights out without baby, too!

1. Trophy Queen Diaper Bag; 2. Femme Fatale, Lady Luck Mama Set; 3. Sourpuss Smile Now Diaper Bag

You can follow Risky Rae on Instagram and Facebook.

PS. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Rockabilly Baby Style!

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