Style the Bump: Smitten Studio's Sarah Sherman Samuel
This designer and blogger makes impending motherhood look effortlessly cool.
You've probably come across Sarah Sherman Samuel's work before, even if you didn't realize it at the time. That insane kitchen reno that's trending on Pinterest? That's hers. This envy-inducing vacation cabin? Yep, hers too. The California-based designer and blogger behind Smitten Studio has an assured, West Coast style that translates into I-want-to-live-there rooms and I-want-to-own-that outfits. So when it came to dressing the baby bump that would eventually become son Archer, it's no surprise Sherman Samuels was the picture of street-chic ease.
Here, we check in with the new mama to hear how she pulled off what has to be one of the most stylish pregnancies ever.
You're one of those rare women who looked cool and effortless her entire pregnancy. How did you pull this off?
"When buying maternity items, I didn't stray to far from where I usually shop. ASOS was a big hit for me –they have maternity pieces that are fashion forward and affordable, which made it really fun to dress that growing baby bump."
There is so much maternity wear on the market these days. What's worth investing in?
"A good pair of jeans are definitely worth the splurge. I really loved a pair by Genetic that I picked up from A Pea in the Pod. They were extremely comfortable and a lot of people thought they weren't even maternity jeans, which was a double win."
How did you incorporate existing pieces into your maternity wardrobe? "For quite a while, I was able to wear non maternity tops like button-down blouses and flowy crop tops. Loose dresses and structured jackets (unzipped or unbuttoned) from my existing closet also worked well throughout the pregnancy."
What was your daily maternity uniform? "I had two fitted black dresses from ASOS –one midi-length and one mini-length –that I wore at least a few times a week, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. They worked great on their own and were easily transformed by accessories or a jacket."
Were there any special beauty products you feel in love with during your pregnancy? "I really like the Nine Naturals product line. I used their shampoo ($20), conditioner ($20), body wash ($20), which smells amazing, and the belly butter ($35), which also smells delicious."
What was your prenatal fitness routine like? "I didn't have much of a fitness routine to begin with, so I didn't want to start anything too crazy, but I did want to try and strengthen and ready my body for labor –so I turned to yoga. My doula was also a yoga instructor so we met once or twice a week for some stretching sessions."
Any great maternity active-wear or exercise brands you can recommend? "I actually had no luck in this department. The pieces I did find I ended up having to cut the waist bands to make room for my big belly! If I tried to go a size up the waist line would fit okay but then the butt and legs would be baggy. I'd say next time around I would have to look a bit harder or possibly invest in a better brand."
