National Commercial Campaign

As many of you know, a portion of the proceeds from The Swanky Stork goes to The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation. This foundation was set up in memory of our mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer almost 15 years ago, and supports children who have lost a parent to cancer. We are those children, those silent victims of cancer, and it is our goal to give them a voice and to help them in any way possible. This foundation is our passion and is why we do what we do!

Recently, Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moment Campaign contacted us and asked us to share the foundation story. They came to Birmingham and filmed our story. We just found out that we have been chosen out of thousands to possibly have our story featured as one of Mutual of Omaha's national commercials for 2010. They have narrowed it down to 75 Aha Moments and have now opened voting to the public. The first round of voting goes from Oct. 1- 15 and the 75 will be narrowed down to 25. The second round of voting is Oct. 16 -30 and narrows it down to 10, which will be the stories featured for their national commercials for 2010. We would love for you to help by voting for us and sharing this with your friends. It is our desire to see this foundation grow beyond our wildest dreams and to be able to help as many families as are nominated for help! We know that the national exposure will not only honor our mother's legacy, but also open the door to help countless "silent victims" all over the U.S. and hopefully the world one day! You can vote here.

And if you know of children who have lost a parent to cancer and could use our help, we want to know about them! Tell us their story and ways you think we could help at info@firefliesandfairytales.com

We appreciate your help! Happy fall!!! Check out the latest new fall arrivals - TONS of GREAT things arriving daily from Michael Stars, Notice, Olian, Japanese Weekend, Fierce Mamas, Maternal America and more!!

Pregnancy & Swine Flu

I think all of us are worried about flu season coming up - especially with the recent outbreak of the Swine Flu. And for all moms-to-be, there are many unanswered questions about The Swine Flu in general, but especially about the impact it can have on pregnancy. Here is a great article that answers many of those questions!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/16/pregnancy.h1n1.flu/index.html

And be sure to stop in The Swanky Stork for all the latest in preggo style! Tons and tons of new fall fashions arriving daily!! We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

Fall 09 Trend Report

OK soon - to - be- mommies - we have your Fall 09 Trend Report ready to go. Check out the latest trends and tips for wearing them!

Keep that baby bump looking fabulous and perfectly in style by keeping an eye out for the following trends - all available at The Swanky Stork.

Color!
Bright, fun colors were hot for spring and are still hot for fall. Forget dull colors - fall is all about bright (almost neon) colors that make a statement! The best way to follow this trend is to not put yourself in bright color from head to toe. Rather find a great color jacket that you might put on over a camel dress or black top with jeans. Or find a bright colored shirt and pair it with dark denim. And as always, you can never go wrong by adding a pop of color with a handbag or scarf or other accessory.

Prints
Printed pieces are another carry over trend into fall. Look for great printed dresses or tops and wear them proud. Look for a little less over the top prints to be hot this season - still with great color. One word of caution with this trend: Not all prints are flattering on all body types, so be sure to try on printed styles and be sure it compliments your body type. If you aren't sure, ask the sales people in the store - they are trained on the latest trends and know how to help you pick clothing that flatters your body type perfectly.

Also, as always, plaids, houndstooth, tweeds, etc. are still very hot for fall in coats, tops, skirts, scarves etc. This season look for these prints in fun colors!


Layering
The layered look was all over the runways for fall fashion week and is a GREAT trend for moms-to-be! There are so many ways to make this trend work. From a sleeveless dress over a long sleeve t-shirt with a scarf to a cozy shirt with a wrap over denim or leggings, the layered look is easy to pull off and great for transition from hot summer days to cold winter days. Look for some staple pieces for your wardrobe such as a fabulous scarf, great wrap, leggings, etc. to pull this trend off again and again!

Strong Shoulders
The newest trend to hit the runways this season is the strong shoulder trend. Think big boxy shoulders (remember shoulder pads in the 80s???). This one is probably hard for some of us to wrap our minds around, but it is EVERYWHERE! And it doesn't have to be the shoulder pad look. This trend is more about calling attention to a very delicate and sexy part of a woman's body that is often overlooked or covered up and not highlighted. This trend can be pulled off in a number of ways. It can be through a beautiful one shoulder Grecian look that really highlights the bare shoulders or through a top or dress that has more defined shoulders in the cut and style. Look for this trend to be one of the biggest of Fall 09.

Accessories
Accessorizing never goes out of style. Constantly be on the lookout for a great jewelry, handbags, scarves, etc. that can add a punch of style to any outfit! The great news is you do not have to spend a fortune to follow this trend!

Fall 09 promises to be a great season! Check out The Swanky Stork today for all of these latest trends and more!

Maternity Chic

We recently did an interview with Birmingham Magazine about maternity fashion! See below for a basic Q&A on maternity style!!

From Birmingham Magazine
By Mary Ellen Stancill

Overalls and muumuus are a thing of the past for today’s moms-to-be. From high end lines like Juicy Couture to affordable fashions from H&M, it seems everyone finally gets it— there’s no reason for women to have to endure a nine month fashion disaster while they’re expecting.

Recently, we checked with the owners of The Swanky Stork—sisters Beth Montgomery, Mary Ann Hudson and Bryson Wilson—in Homewood for their advice on maternity chic.

Birmingham magazine: When should you start buying and wearing maternity clothes?
The Swanky Stork: Different people show at different times during pregnancy. Some people may not show until five or six months (especially if it is a first pregnancy). Other people show much sooner than that. The right time to buy and wear maternity clothes is when your regular clothing begins to feel uncomfortable or tight.

BM: What are current trends in maternity styles?
SS: Maternity fashion is the best it’s ever been and continues to get even better. Maternity styles and trends follow regular styles and trends. The Maxi Dress (floor length dress), made popular by Angelina Jolie, is definitely a must have right now. They are hot in both prints and solids and are available in almost every style imaginable—strapless, halter, Vneck, etc. Maxi dresses are comfortable, flattering on all body types and great for after the baby as well!
Floral prints are huge this season. We are seeing them on everything— dresses, skirts, tops, bathing suits, etc.

Color, color, color! Spring/summer fashion is all about color. Everything from solid colors to prints filled with amazing color, to accessories that add color to an outfit.

White is “white hot” and is now an all year round color. The old “no white after Labor Day” rules are gone! We have a huge selection of white designer denim, white Capri pants, white skirts, etc. White bottoms are a great buy and an excellent way to easily incorporate color into your wardrobe with a bright solid color top or colorful print top. Also, look for fun, flirty white dresses and use accessories to add pops of color to it.

Embellishments on clothing are another great trend right now. You will see everything from ruffles to bows to flowers on tops and dresses adding that extra bit of pizzazz that makes the outfit right on target stylewise.

BM: What would you recommend as essentials for your maternity wardrobe?
SS:The Bella Band is our recommended “first buy” for all moms-tobe. It is designed to fit around your regular pants, allowing you to leave your pants unbuttoned and wear them a little longer. It is an excellent buy and also works in reverse after the baby when your body is shrinking back to its original size.

Designer denim is definitely a “must have” of all maternity wardrobes. One of the biggest mistakes we hear people say they make is that they waited too long to buy designer denim or waited until a second pregnancy to buy them, only to realize how great they are and how much they wear them. … Not all designer denim is the same, so we suggest taking some time to try on different brands to get the perfect fit for your body. Denim can be worn with most any top and can be dressed up or down.

A good pair of black pants is also a great buy for a maternity wardrobe. They are another staple in your wardrobe that works with several tops and can be worn casually or dressed up for work or evenings out.

Dresses are definitely an essential for any maternity wardrobe. Most women will have a few baby showers and other special events to attend during her pregnancy, so finding a few dresses is necessary for those occasions. Dresses are also the most comfortable styles to wear during pregnancy and are available in styles that are sure to be flattering on all body types.

Leggings are a maternity essential because they are stylish and trendy, but also help to stretch maternity budget dollars. Tunics/dresses purchased early in pregnancy sometimes get a little short as the baby bump grows. Those tunics/dresses look just as cute with a great pair of leggings underneath, allowing you to continue wearing them throughout your entire pregnancy.

The Belly Bandit is our recommended “last buy” during pregnancy. Recommended by doctors and endorsed by people like Oprah and Rachel Ray, the Belly Bandit is proven to help you get your body back much quicker after pregnancy. It is a band that Velcros around the waist and uses compression methods to shrink the belly, allowing you to get back to that pre-baby body quickly!

BM: What are some chic shoe options for pregnant women?
SS: We do not carry shoes, however we highly recommend Shoe Fly boutique which is two doors down from The Swanky Stork. One of our most favorite shoe lines is Volatile. They have an excellent assortment of wedge flip flops in all different colors and styles. They are super comfy for pregnant women but still provide height and style!

BM: Are there fashion mistakes you should watch out for while pregnant?
SS: The biggest fashion mistake we see moms-to-be make is not embracing her pregnant body and working more to hide it. Pregnancy is an amazing miracle and a pregnant woman’s body is beautiful!
Maternity styles are fabulous today and we guarantee we have clothes for all body types that will enhance pregnancy and show the beauty of it. By trying to disguise and cover up her pregnant body, often times, a woman ends up looking like she’s wearing clothes that are too big or simply just don’t fit at all.

Visit The Swanky Stork at 2827 18th St. S. in Homewood, 803-2133 or theswankystork.com.

The sisters also own Fireflies & Fairytales, a children’s boutique. A portion of proceeds from both stores goes to the Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation, benefitting children who have lost a parent to cancer, in memory of their mother, Kathy Montgomery.

Nursing Bra 411

Probably one of the most confusing purchases a mom-to-be has to make is a nursing bra. Nursing bras are a must for all moms who are breast feeding. However, purchasing a nursing bra can often be a very challenging process. Below are a few tips to guide you in your purchase of the right nursing bra for you.

Fit
Fit is perhaps the most important part of purchasing a nursing bra. Nursing bras come in many shapes and sizes. They either come with underwire or without underwire. It is highly recommended that a new mom not wear a nursing bra with underwire until breast feeding has been established. This is because most women do not wear bras that fit them correctly and the underwire ends up pushing on the milk ducts and clogging them, which is a very painful process. There are many nursing bras that do not have underwire but still offer great support. Your nursing bra should support from the band of the bra (from the back) not from the shoulder straps (pulling down on your shoulders).

Nursing bras should fit well and be comfortable, but not so tight that the breast is being smashed too much. This again can interfere with nursing and cause problems.

It is very important to let the sales staff measure you to ensure you buy the right bra size when purchasing a nursing bra. Ideally, you would be measured around 38 weeks for your nursing bra and then purchase a bra with the same band size one cup size larger to accommodate your breasts enlarging when your milk comes in after the baby is born. You may also choose to just purchase one bra at 38 weeks to use in the hospital and then return to the store around 2 weeks after giving birth when your milk comes in to get re-measured. At that point, you should purchase one more nursing bra that should be a very accurate fit based on those current measurements.

Nursing bras are sized in different ways. Some come in band/cup sizing, others come in S,M,L sizing. The sales staff will know how to direct you to the bra size that is best for you.

Ease of Use
All nursing bras feature an access point to the breast for breast feeding without having to remove the bra or lift the bra up. Most bras unsnap at the cup. Be sure you feel comfortable opening and closing the bra you purchase. This should be an easy process. Also be sure the closures are not uncomfortable on your body in any way and that they are strong and durable as you will be using them repeatedly.

Be sure your bra is also adjustable. As your body regulates during the nursing process, you will need to adjust your bra to accommodate the changes in your breast.

Types of Nursing Bras
There are different types of nursing bras. Ideally, a women would purchase at least two regular nursing bras for every day wear ensuring a fresh nursing bra is always available.

Sleep nursing bras are designed to give you support overnight, yet be extremely comfortable to sleep in. When your milk first comes in, until your body regulates your milk supply, the breasts are often very engorged and heavy and require support at all times. Sleep bras almost resemble sports bras. They are soft, usually do not feature a closure in the back and usually do not feature a closure at the cup. They are designed to just slide off the breast for breast feeding at night, while still supporting the breasts throughout the night. Ideally a woman would purchase at least one sleep bra that will most likely be used at least in the first two weeks of breast feeding, if not longer.

Fashion nursing bras are also available. These are bras that feature different fabrics or prints such as lace, leopard print, bold colors, etc. These are designed for women who may have evenings out, functions to attend, etc. while breast feeding. Nursing bras are not dull and boring - they are fashion forward as well!

Ask questions!
Finally - be sure to allow the sales staff to assist you. They are trained in nursing bras and can help you find the exact size and style for your body and preferences. Nursing bras are usually not cheap and you want to be sure you get the most for your money. Ask questions and utilize the training of the sales staff.

Decoding Designer Denim

One of the best investments you can make during your pregnancy is designer denim. Designer denim is top of the line denim that will last throughout your entire pregnancy and the weeks following your pregnancy as your body is returning to normal. Designer denim also never goes out of style so investing in them during your first pregnancy pays off well for subsequent pregnancies - even if they are years apart. Very well worth the money!!

That being said, before you invest in them - it is important to know some basic facts about designer denim so that you are an educated buyer and get the perfect pair for your body type.

1. Not all designer denim is created equal. Some denim stretches more than others. Some denim is softer than others. They have different panels (as in some have over the belly panels, some have under belly panels and some have no panels). Be sure you try on all different styles to see what is most comfortable to you and offers the options you prefer.

2. Different brands fit in different ways. For example, Citizens of Humanity and Paige jeans are usually most flattering on a curvy body type. Also the bootcut fit tends to be more flattering for a curvy figure. Chip & Pepper Jeans are typically most flattering on straighter body types. A bootcut fit is also flattering on a straight figure, as is a slim leg fit.
We are finally seeing designer denim available in petite sizing. It has taken a long time, but they are beginning to produce petite sized maternity denim and that is a great thing for those of us not blessed in the height department! Again, try on all different styles to see which fit is perfect for your body type.

3. Sizing is everything! Designer denim is sized by waist size. But - again, not all denim is created equal, so you might be different sizes in different styles of jeans. It is important for your denim to fit snugly in the dressing room. This is because all denim stretches and if it is not snug in the dressing room, by the time you wear them a while and stretch them out naturally, your jeans will be loose and sagging and unflattering.

That being said, because you are pregnant, your body is growing, so it is important to buy with the idea that you are growing and want to be able to wear these jeans the entire length of your pregnancy. The basic rule of thumb is to buy up one size from your regular size for maternity denim.

Another thing to consider is where you would naturally gain weight. If you naturally gain weight in your hips and thighs, you definitely want to buy up one size to get the most wear out of your denim. If you normally do not gain in hips and thighs and tend to gain more in chest and upper body area, you may be safe to stick to your regular size. I gain in chest and stomach area and was able to stay in the same size denim for both pregnancies.

Trying on is, again, key to making the best decision. Allow The Swanky Stork staff to assist you. They are trained in helping you pick out the best denim, with the best fit for your body type.

4. Pick a wash that is most suitable to your style. Denim comes in "washes" which is another word for the color of the denim. Washes range from very light to very dark. A lighter wash is very trendy this season and works great for casual wear. A darker wash is classic and stylish and also works great for casual wear, but is also able to be dressed up for dressier evenings out, etc.

Know that designer denim is worth the investment and there is a perfect pair of designer denim out there for you no matter what your size or body type. We are happy to assist you in the process of selecting what is best for you and are trained on each denim style available at The Swanky Stork and will work to get that perfect fit for you. We have the largest selection of designer denim in the state!! Come in check it out!

Accessorize Yourself!

One of the basic keys to a great wardrobe is perfect accessories! Did you know that The Swanky Stork is loaded with great accessories to add the perfect touch to any outfit? We are loaded with fabulous jewelry, handbags, scarves, diaper bags (yes, even diaper bags make a perfect fashionable and functional accessory) and more! In addition to the fact that accessories are the perfect addition to any wardrobe, the greatest thing about accessories is that they go on parts of your body that are actually not changing or growing!

Check out just a few of the great accessories available at The Swanky Stork.

Initial Pendants - SUPER hot right now! We absolutely LOVE these necklaces. The charm look is all the rage. And this is a perfect example of the modern "mom necklace". Great gift for a mommy-to-be!! These will be arriving this week at The Swanky Stork!

Earrings to add a pop of color to any outfit!

(here's the best thing...almost all of our jewelry is in the $8-12 range!!)

Jewelry that captures the latest trends perfectly!

(By the way - peacock is the latest fad sweeping the nation right now - it is EVERYWHERE!!)

Back to the basics: Timeless jewelry updated for the modern fashionista!

Every mom needs a diaper bag! Diaper bags these days are as sleek and stylish as ever - yet super functional. Who needs designer handbags when you have diaper bags that look like these and can double as both!

Check out a few samples of these fabulous diaper bags from Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville!

(available in a variety of styles and colors/prints)

That's just a small taste of the large variety of accessories available at The Swanky Stork. Watch for more must have affordable jewelry arriving soon at The Swanky Stork! And as always, you will find us well stocked on the latest and greatest in maternity styles like Michael Stars, Notice, Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Maternal America, Olian and more!

Stop by and see us. We are in Homewood next to Mama Goldbergs and across the street from Smith's Variety Store.

Pick Us!!

We are so pleased to announce that Fireflies & Fairytales (the sister store of The Swanky Stork) is a nominee for the Nickelodeon's 2009 Parents' Pick Award for Best Children's Clothing Store.
And you can help us win!!

Go to: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/birmingham-al-usa/best-birmingham-kids-clothing-store

VOTE for us DAILY!!!

As Seen On...

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama. As many of you know, Nicole Allshouse, one of the hosts of the show, recently announced her pregnancy. We are excited for Nicole and are thrilled to be "dressing" her each day for Talk of Alabama throughout her pregnancy.

Nicole will be wearing something from The Swanky Stork each day, which is a great way to see maternity styles and fashions on an actual person, as well as, keep up with the new styles and trends as they arrive each week.

In addition to Nicole modeling maternity styles each day, over the next several months, Talk of Alabama will feature segments on maternity style, nursery "must haves", the latest trends and styles in kids clothing and more - all available at The Swanky Stork and our baby store, Fireflies & Fairytales. Tune in this Friday for "finding the perfect diaper bag" featuring Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville Diaper Bags available at The Swanky Stork.

And in celebration of Memorial Day and a fun weekend at the pool, on the lake, at the beach, etc, watch the link below to see some fabulous maternity swimwear for all shapes and sizes available at The Swanky Stork.

http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=40825&category=toa

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful time with Nicole and also encourage all other mommies-to-be to stop by The Swanky Stork. We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

Star Maternity Style for Less

We all know the celebrities look perfectly fashionable and stylish all the time - especially when pregnant. Now more than ever, we are seeing more celebrities who are preggers and amazing maternity style as a result. We also know most of the celebrities spend thousands of dollars to maintain that style and most of us are not able to do that. So, is it possible to have celebrity style and taste for much, much less? Absolutely! Check out some examples below....

Angelina Jolie Maternity Style

Known for making the maxi dress famous, Angelina Jolie is pictured here pregnant with her twins and wearing a beautiful maxi maternity dress. An almost identical style by Olian Maternity is available at The Swanky Stork.

Or go for the shorter version - also available at The Swanky Stork in a fabulous Persian blue color.

White Hot Maternity Style

as seen on Ashley Simpson, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry

Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Ashley Simpson and Halle Berry keep their baby bumps fun, flirty and comfortable in summer chic white dresses, similar to a style by Olian Maternity available at The Swanky Stork.

Grecian Goddess Maternity Style

as seen on Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba

Get a similar look with the Grecian Gown by Hatch Maternity below, available at The Swanky Stork.

Nicole Richie Maternity Style

Known for her street chic style, Nicole Richie is expecting her second child and looks great in her casual strapless, printed maxi dress. Similar to the strapless, floral maxi dress below from Mercedes Hill available at The Swanky Stork

For an evening out Nicole Richie traded her casual style for a more sophisticated style similar to the Cowl Neck Dress by Fierce Mamas below, available at The Swanky Stork.

V-Neck Maxi Style

as seen on Angelina Jolie & Ashley Simpson

The V-Neck maxi boho chic maxi dress worn by Angelina Jolie and Ashley Simpson creates a flattering, comfortable styles for all mommies-to-be. Get a similar printed V-Neck maxi dress by Olian Maternity at The Swanky Stork.

Gwen Stefani Style

Gwen Stefani is known for her edgy, trendy style and is seen out in a great printed sundress similar to the Sunflower Strapless sundress by Lauren Kiyomi available at The Swanky Stork.

Evening Attire

For a stroll down the red carpet, Nicole Kidman looks fabulous in a black silk V-neck evening gown, almost identical to the style below by Ripe available at The Swanky Stork.

Check out The Swanky Stork for the latest in maternity fashion! We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

To keep your baby looking fabulous - check out Fireflies & Fairytales. Also check out the new Fireflies & Fairytales Blog!

Great Finds Under $100

These days, we all are trying to stretch our dollars a little further and we know that mommies-to-be are no exception! However, you can still keep your baby bump looking fabulous without breaking the bank. Here are some great finds for under $100 available now at The Swanky Stork.

Dresses Under $100
Dresses are great for casual wear, showers, events, evenings out, etc. Dresses are a great buy and flattering fit for all women who are preggo.

Cute Cowlneck Dress by Fierce Mamas - $79


Vee Neck Cotton Dress by Cotton Glam - $69. Perfect for this season's trend of bright fun colors!

Black Pintuck Tunic/Dress by Ripe - $79


Black Shine Vee Neck Dress by Michael Stars - $80. Love this!!




Tops under $100.
These tops are great because they are basic tops that are trendy and can be mixed and matched with many bottoms, making them not only a great find for under $100, but another great way to get more for you money!


Black Shine Henley Top by Michael Stars - $54. These are a must have in every mommie-to-be's wardrobe! Available in other colors. Looks great layered!



Black bow top by Maternal America -$89. This is a perfect top for casual wear with jeans, capris, shorts, etc. Also looks amazing dressed up with pants and skirts! Also available in navy/white stripe.



Plum Ashbury Top by Juliet Dream - $89. Trend Alert - accessories on clothing is hot this season!


White ruffle tube top by Maternal America - $79. This top screams summer fun. It's comfy, cool and super cute! Also available in black!


Nathalie Tunic by Ripe - $99. Looks fabulous with leggings!


Seashell Ring top by Maternal America - $89. Available in black or espresso.

Black off shoulder top by Maternal America - $69. Love, love this one!!

Blissful Boxpleat Shirt by Fierce Mamas - $59


Bottoms under $100.
Having a few great basic bottoms in your maternity wardrobe is essential. Here are some great basics for under $100. These all work perfectly with most of the tops under $100.

Oatmeal Linen Pants by Mercedes Hill - $69. Fabulous find!!!!

Pink/White stripe seersucker shorts by Maternal America - $99

Black/White stripe seersucker shorts by Maternal America - $99

Denim Pencil Skirt by Maternal America - $99

These are just a few examples of some great finds available at The Swanky Stork! Even if your baby bump is growing but your budget is not - we promise to always keep you looking fabulous no matter what!